This was well-written with a great cast of characters. The body-positive element was present and affirming without being overbearing. Overall, however, there were several plot points that I didn't particularly enjoy, making this book not really for me. I think it would be great for those looking for body-positive women's fiction, with strong women's rights elements, and light romance.

This highly anticipated book was quite a let down for me. First of all, infidelity as a plot device is a hard pass for me. It makes any character instantly unlikable for me, and in the case of this book, the cheating was completely deliberate and irredeemable. This is also a huge reason why I disliked Weiner’s previous release The Summer Place. I found Abby’s character to be lacking personality, and the attraction between Sebastian and Abby felt forced and a little instalove-y. I did love how comfortable Abby is with her body, while still allowing us to see her lingering vulnerabilities. While it was well written, nothing really stood out to me. I wish Jennifer Weiner would go back to the types of books she wrote in the mid to late aughts, but I’m sure this book will resonate with folks who enjoy romance books.

The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5

There’s something so comforting about reading a new release from a favorite and familiar author. Abby is an incredible main character written with such amazing development, and we really get to see her grow into herself from childhood through her adult life. I loved the multitude of complex relationships entwined in this story too, whether it's her iffy relationship with Mark, her undeniable chemistry with Sebastian and her incredibly twisted stance on her mother. But even outside of the main characters, even the sub-characters had their own storylines which made this "trip" with them even more fun. Weiner definitely carries a few themes throughout her books so some of this will feel familiar to you; i.e. weight acceptance, romance, relationships, family drama, etc. However the cycling aspect added so much to this plot and I found myself so intrigued by the lifestyle of it. If you're looking for an easy read with complex character relationships with a touch of rom-com, this is it!

There were parts of the book I really enjoyed. I thought it was paced and I enjoyed the overall premise. However, I missed an emotional connection with some of the characters and I think that tamped down my enjoyment.

I have read every Jennifer Weiner book and continue to fall in love with her writing. While this wasn’t my favorite book of hers, I loved the story line and how she wove in characters that we could all relate to and feel like we knew. The only reason it wasn’t my favorite was just there are so many amazing Jennifer Weiner books! I truly enjoyed this book. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced read!

I love the fact that the FMC Abby is overweight, most of us can relate to her. Most authors don't use this and I love the fact that she did. I adore the story line of this book. It is one that will keep you reading long into the night. I loved this!!!!
I just reviewed The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner. #NetGalley
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I LOVED THIS BOOK! I loved the plot and that it involved cycling. I also loved that the MC was a woman with curves. 10/10!!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review!

Thanks so much for the arc. This is inspiring me to get a bike again to have so I can go for rides whenever I want. This book had just the right amount about Covid in it without focusing the whole book on it.

Actually a 3.5. This is not my favorite book or story by thus author, but I was entertained. Good light reading material.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/85175319

As a fan of this author, I was definitely looking forward to reading this novel which is very much of the times we're in after a woman discovers a man she spent the night with has 'gone viral' over his voracious dating appetite. She felt very loved and accepted by him but after she learns that she's not sure. She also did not think she would every meet him again and she does, of course.

Using a multi-day cycling trip as the setting, we get to know the people on the trip along with the former lovers who reunite in this very strained circumstance. As a cyclist, I really liked that part of the story but even if you've never done a long bike ride, it's an interesting story filled with characters of all ages.

The main piece of the story focuses on how we present ourselves to the outside world and what weight is acceptable so that we can accept ourselves.
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This is such a great read. It incorporates important topics such as abortion, body shaming and body image, promiscuity, women’s rights, but in a logical and engaging way. The characters are fully developed and likable. The plot moves at a good pace and holds attention.
Would definitely recommend.

I have loved Jennifer Weiner's books in the past, but this one didn't do it for me. I felt like I had predicted the entire book's trajectory from about 5% in. Plus the descriptions of the feet pictures were foul.

I'm a long-time fan of Jennifer Weiner and this is one of my favorites of hers. I enjoyed the adventure of the bike trip, the family dynamics, the romance, and especially how she incorporated realistic actions and conversations around current issues. As Jennifer herself has talked about, it's too bad a book like this is called "women's fiction" because it is a good fiction book and all genders would benefit from reading these stories.

Abby has been fighting weight her entire life. Her mother has never let up since Abby's early teen days at "fat camp". Today, Abby is usually happy with herself and her life - or so she convinces herself. She has her fiancee Mark, himself a former camper with Abby, her bicycle club and her friends.
A perfectly fine life.
Until it isn't.
She takes over a bike tour group as leader for a friend, and meets up with Sebastian; Abby's one night stand that has never quite completely faded into the past. All.of a sudden her " good enough" life seems maybe, not really so good enough after all.
A good story that dragged a bit for me. Too much " is this real is is it not".
I was cheering heartily for Abby but it got a teeny bit tedious for me along the way.
Not a favorite Weiner story.

I was one of the lucky recipients to receive this book from NetGalley. I am a big fan of Jennifer Weiner's stories, and this book did not disappoint. The story was engaging, and compelling to read. The author touched on several hard topics such as abortion, religion, social media, family difficulties, weight gain/loss, the bonds and hardships between mothers and their children, the difficulties of growing up, along with other topics. I especially like that the ending of the story came away with a realistic theme, not just a happy and sappy ending. I highly recommend any reader who enjoys a good story that involves some drama, love, romance and family dynamics to entertain them.

**Provided by Net Galley**

When reading this book, I realized that Jennifer Weiner has been creating amazing overweight characters since way before it was trendy. I actually found this article online when I was thinking about it: https://www.vogue.com/article/jennifer-weiner-body-positive-books. She is a professional and says it better than I could, I am just an appreciative reader. It resonated on this book especially since it was such a large component of the book. It is hopeful to see attitudes changing along with doctors responses to being heavy AND healthy.

It helped when reading that my husband is an avid cyclist. I have a basic understanding of bike components and the needs associated with long rides. That being said, I don’t think you need to have that background to enjoy this book. I think it does help to ride a bike because the first chapter that covers her learning to ride, and why it was so important to her, made me remember how exhilarating it is. I actually grew up less than a mile from the Erie Canal and was allowed the independence of riding that into our village with friends. Her independence and love of riding really resonated with me because of that.

The second chapter was just HOT!

As the book jumped ahead, the Breakaway bike ride starts and introduces a couple new important characters. My favorites were Lily and Morgan. They were portrayed realistically, especially for such a complex issue. Then the Spoke’n Four just made me laugh, providing some levity along the way.

After the hotness of the second chapter, you knew (or hoped) Sebastian would reappear. His storyline resonated less with me but gave him the impetus for change.

Couple quick points:
- I understand the history with her mother and how a mother can say the same thing to you as someone else but somehow be perceived as an insult from her. But the fact that her mom came on the ride and wanted to spend time with her made her very sympathetic to me.
- I really admire the character of Abby for getting involved. My favorite example is the librarians. I remember reading about them a couple years ago. I loved that Abby read about them and actually followed up and did something about it.
- Thank you for revealing the “secret” of the Spoke’n Four at the end, I was definitely curious!

Always a fan of Jennifer Weiner, this was especially well done. Enmeshed in a wonderful, personal feeling story about one woman’s love of bicycling and fitting it into her personal life are the current issues of body positivity, reproductive rights, and mother/daughter relationships. Incorporating these issues made the story fresh and current, not preachy. I don’t think I’m spoiling anything by saying I loved the ending.

A full four stars, plus a little.

This was a great love story that I read on the beach. It was a great summer read and I have been searching for good summer books. I liked the different romance story because it did not follow the traditional structure. It was an easy read and fulfilled the summer fantasy.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC, all reviews are my own.

A whirlwind romcom that sweeps you off your feet, following the life of Abby while she maneuvers through life's disappointments. These disappointments include her family, men, career and also her size. Navigating life as a plus size woman has never been easy, and Abby has worked her whole life to accept who she is. One of her friends introduces her to an opportunity she can't resist, to lead a 2 week cycling trip. This turns out to be quite a pivotal trip for her and I enjoyed every moment!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC, all reviews are my own.

Abby has reconnected with the man she met at weight loss camp in her teens. He is half the size he was and still adores her and her plus-size body but not her eating habits. When Mark pushes her to move in with him she instead agrees to lead a bike tour across New York State. She feels lucky so why is she hesitating? As the bike tour starts she realizes Sebastian, a man she had an encounter with that she can not forget, is part of the group. What is he doing there and why is she still drawn to him? Plus Abby's mother shows up just to spend time with her which she has never wanted to do before. How will Abby make this trip work? And what will she decide about Mark?