3.5 stars 🌟
Abby Stern was fat all her life, and her mom did not let her forget it. She even made her spend her summer at a fat camp where they ate 1200 calories and did tons of exercise. When her parents divorced, Abby started riding her bicycle back and forth between her mom and dad's, and it made her feel free.
Sébastien is a womanizer, man whore, sex fiend etc He goes through women on his dating app like underwear but he is completely upfront with them so there is that. One day, he meets a woman in a bar that feels different to him, but sadly, she leaves before he wakes up the next morning 🌄
Sébastien and his friend Lincoln decide to go on a bike trip with a tour company called Breakaway that goes from Manhattan to the border of Canada. Who do you think is leading the group? None other than the woman Sébastien can't stop thinking about.
This book was really good. It had a good curvy girl rep, a Jewish rep, and good pacing. I found the back story for both protagonists enduring. I loved the idea of the bicycle tour. It was really fun to read about how many miles they rode a day, the different locations they stopped, and the bikers' individual stories. Jennifer Weiner always writes great stories that grab me immediately, and this was no different.

I LOVED THIS BOOK. I don't really know why but I think following the author's socials and seeing how much of the author is in the book - just made it more personal. The main character is dealing with lack of direction in her life (maybe a crisis) when she is given the opportunity to lead a bike ride on the #empiretrail in New York. While leading the group you learn about growing being told she was needed to look better for pictures (ie, lose weight). This book is so strong for women/girls who deal with others thinking they are overweight and cannot do something. (this might another reason I liked it as I fall in that category). I highly recommend the story of character growth, empathy, social media crisis, relationships and so much more. Just put your earbud in and go for a ride.

aw man, jennifer weiner will always have a special place in my heart, good in bed is one of my old school faves, like when i was first 'allowing' myself to read books with romantic plots in them without feeling shame. i really enjoyed this one - had a few heavier topics with some light funny moments, thought provoking, inspiring, realistic (i know nothing about cycling, but now i feel like i do). sure, some of it resolved a little easier and simpler than in real life, but i'm ok with that. i ended this book with a smile on my face, overall it made me quite happy.

A fun, entertaining book. It was a fast , and easy read. If you are looking for something just to sit back and read for enjoyment, this is a good choice.

"The Breakaway" by Jennifer Weiner is a pleasant and light-hearted read that offers a mix of entertainment and thought-provoking moments. While it didn't quite reach the level of excellence I had hoped for, it certainly had its merits.

The storyline was engaging, offering a blend of humor and emotional depth. It touches on important themes like family dynamics and self-acceptance, which I appreciated. However, I found that the plot lacked some originality and at times felt somewhat predictable.

Weiner's writing style is easy to follow, making this a great choice for a casual read. However, the pacing was a bit uneven, with certain sections feeling slow and others rushed. The book also delves into multiple subplots, and while they added depth to the story, they occasionally distracted from the main narrative.

In conclusion, "The Breakaway" is a charming, well-written novel that strikes a balance between entertainment and introspection. It might not be a groundbreaking masterpiece, but it certainly offers an enjoyable reading experience. If you're looking for a light-hearted contemporary fiction with relatable characters, this book is worth a read.

This was between 3 and 4 stars for me. I went with 3 because I couldn't get over (spoiler in original review regarding Mark)

Spoiler issue aside, I enjoyed getting to know these characters. I loved Abby and Lizzie. I tolerated Eileen (she wasn't all that bad, but annoying at times) and applauded her mini-transformation. I liked the cycling aspect. I'm not a biker and I wanted to sign up for a Breakaway tour. I wish every tour group could be as kind and fun as the fictional characters on this trip.

All in all, it was worth the read.

Perfect for anyone who loves a heartwarming story and a journey of self discovery.
Many thanks to Atria and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

As always, Jennifer Weiner writes a compelling story facing difficult, relevant, and controversial topics of our modern day- in this case, abortion and women's rights to choose. This story hit me very personally, not only for that topic, but also the tricky relationship Abby and Sebastian have with their parents. I found their struggles super relatable, and that made me really care about these characters and rooting for them throughout the book even though they both made some pretty bad decisions. The cheating trope gives me the ick, but ya know, people cheat. It's not right, it's horrible, but it's reality and an author like Jen doesn't shy away from those tough realities. Overall, I did enjoy the characters and the plot, but much like a lot of her books, she also tends to be a bit preachy, maybe even judgmental, and definitely not for a reader who doesn't share the same political, religious, or moral ideals of the author. For that reason, it's getting 3.5 stars for me, however I will round up to 4 stars.

This book make me want to buy a bike! I love stories where there is a physical struggle along with everything else going on. The vulnerabilities of the characters was appreciated and as always, Weiner did an exceptional job.

It's been awhile since I read one of Jennifer Weiner's books. I just couldn't get into them but this book made me a fan again. I loved the flawed but strong main female character. All the other characters around her made for a complicated but yet rewarding storyline. Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy. #NetGalley #TheBreakaway

There are some controversial issues in this book that some may struggle with. Abby is a strong person who feels good about herself even though she feels others may not think she is. The biking storyline was great fun but would like to have heard more of the storyline of those on the bike trip. Looking forward to more from this author. 3.5 stars

I adored this latest from Jennifer Weiner. She’s so great at writing realistic women who aren’t perfect that I can identify with. This is a favorite!

Jennifer Weiner is a veteran in the publishing industry she knows how to craft a story, especially when it comes to weaving characters' storylines together. I thought it was a well-plotted novel with a satisfying ending, but it didn't thrill me, or change my life in anyway.

Weiner does a great job as usual of weaving topical conversations into her novels. This book is a must-read for women all alike to whether women are drawn to it for the character dynamics, or the struggles of mental health for women. This book is a narrative and self-help into self-love.

I am such a long-time fan of Jennifer Weiner that I will read anything she writes. I think this might be one of my favorite books of hers in a while. I have enjoyed her last few but this one felt relatable and fun and while it touches on sensitive topics it was all timely. Her characters are always so beautifully flushed out that you feel like you really know these people. Jennifer never disappoints and this one is a must-read for her fans or those looking for a fun romantic adventure (with some side drama). Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I absolutely flew through this book! This was my first book by Jennifer Weiner and I have made sure to add the rest of her books to my TBR list.

I loved the dynamic between Sebastian and Abby, right from the very beginning. I understand (being a plus size woman) the thought process and how Mark felt safe and how could someone like Sebastian really be interested in her. But, the way that the author described Mark and Abby's relationship you could tell it was out of habit and not love. They didn't really have any common interests and the fact that Mark couldn't really have a relationship with food due to his past obesity problems.

And, not having been on a bike in many years, this book made me want to start biking. I love how the author made it a sense of empowerment for women, that no matter what you always have a way to escape. And what a great way. I know that I need more exercise for sure, lol!

I thought the plot and characters were both well thought out, and even though I didn't like that it took so long for Sebastian and Abby to reconnect at the end I'm just glad they did.

I wish I'd done a bit more research before taking on this book. I do not particularly like romance books, and although this is not as much so as the ones with chest-heaving covers, a relationship was the focus of the book. I could not believe for one moment that the two most problematic people in Abby's life, her mother and a one-night stand (Sebastian) who is etched in her mind are BOTH signed up for a bike tour of upper New York State that Abby is committed to lead. Abby's current boyfriend, Mark, who wants them to move in together, is overshadowed by memories of Sebastian and Abby takes on the bike tour largely as a way to avoid committing to Mark. I also did not like the space given to the perspectives of secondary characters...that could have been left out. Various issues are central, such as being overweight, not having found a career/place in the world yet at age thirty-three, cheating on a partner, etc. This book may do well partly due to Jennifer Weiner's popularity as an author, but it didn't appeal to me.

I’m gonna jump right in on this review—The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner is a good book. It’s a solid 3 stars. It’s the type of story solidly in my wheelhouse—an adventure story, this one a long bike trip from NYC to Niagara Falls. This book could have been amazing for me but it was just alright.

Abby Stern is leading a 2 week bike tour from NYC to Niagara Falls along the Empire Trail. On this tour is a foursome-two couples- The Spoke’n Four; a family of 4; mother/daughter duo, Lily and Morgan; a couple that really has no storyline and aren’t necessary at all, The Landons; friend duo Sebastian and Lincoln; and oh yeah, Abby’s surprise—her mother, Eileen. There were just way too many people on this bike tour to keep up with and that were not needed (they should have stayed home!)

And oh yeah, Sebastian and Abby had a one-night stand two years ago after which she ghosted Sebastian and is now seeing, and maybe moving in with Mark, her childhood “weight loss camp” boyfriend.

There was so much going on in this book! Too many sideline storylines that completely blurred the “romance” between Abby and Sebastian.

I would have liked more bike riding and conversation between characters on the trail.

There were also 2 major plot points that I don’t like at all in my books. One of them was not handled well at all, in my opinion, and could have been done better. I do appreciate that Ms. Weiner attempts to bring current women’s issues into her stories but it was a little heavy handed and awkward.

Now, maybe my view of this book is colored because I have experienced some of the same types of scenarios depicted in this book. Maybe that’s why I didn’t love it so much because I’ve lived it. I prefer my fiction to be more of a window maybe than a mirror.

Overall, this is a good book from one of my favorite authors. It’s not the best one I’ve ever read of hers but you can’t win them all, right?? But I’ll definitely be reading the next book by Ms. Weiner.

Thank you to #netgalley and @atriabooks hit the advanced e-copy of #thebreakaway . This book published Aug 29, 2023 and is available wherever books are sold.

I enjoyed this book so much! this book has romance, family issues, tension about a girl in crisis, and a bicycle trip! I am now eager to sign up for a bicycle trip after reading this book! Enjoyed this book so much! A slump buster!

I was so happy to get this approval, but to be honest it took me like 5 or 6 times to finally get into this one. This was my first Jennifer Weiner book, but I definitely plan on giving her another chance!