Wow this is a beautiful story of love, friends, family, and finding yourself!!!!!!!!!!! I loved these characters & was rooting so hard for them.

They were four freshman at the University of Virginia, and they couldn't be more different, but somehow they became best friends. Lainey was a California party girl with a flair for drama; Tyson was from Washington, D.C, and had plans to become a lawyer, Summer was a recruited athlete from the Midwest who hoped to go into medicine; and Hannah was a sweet girl from Georgia who was content to quietly round out the circle of big personalities. They stay best friends all four years, and then just before graduation something tragic happens, that brings their group of four down to a group of three. Those three make a pact that they will always be there for each other, no matter what. A decade later, Hannah is about to get married when her world implodes. She calls upon her two best friends from college, who drop everything and rush to her side. When you make a pact...you keep it. Because each of them is at a crossroads in their life, they decide to take a trip together, each person getting to choose a destination they would like to travel to.

I always enjoy this author's novels. This one seemed a little darker, maybe, than her usual ones, but it was still really good. It does deal with suicide, and drinking issues, so if either of those are a trigger for you, this may not be the book you should read. I loved all four of the main characters in the book, and the friendship they had. The payback scenes after they rushed to Hannah's side were priceless. I definitely recommend this one!

This was a really great read. You get a little bit of everything from the strong bonds of love and friendship, heartbreak, relational issues, travel and fun. This book covers it all. Emily really did a great job of creating character arcs I didn’t really see coming. I love how she intertwined every storyline. I would actually love to read a sequel to do a deeper dive into more on Tyson, Lainey and Hannah’s stories!

I received an ARC from NetGalley but all opinions expressed are my own.

plot was very engaging and interesting as a twenty something year old going through a lot of shit. being accompanied by my friends on a VACATION while we attempt to get our shit together feels almost magical. the end seemed a bit rushed to me though and i did not totally feel connected to all the characters but i would recommend and i enjoyed it nonetheless

Overall, I enjoyed the journey but not the destination of this one.

Plot Thoughts: Three best friends working through their sh*t while traveling around the world was a perfect setting to keep some lighthearted, optimistic elements in an overall deeper exploration of grief, change, disappointment, and fear.

Character Thoughts: The characters, though messy and not particularly lovable, mirrored the struggles of young adults grappling with self-discovery. Each had their flaws: Mr. Morals with his constant moralizing, the damsel in distress masking her insecurities with destructive habits, and the initially prominent character who faded into the background. While I enjoyed the the multiple POVs, the voices lacked distinctiveness, occasionally resulting in forgetting who’s POV I was actually reading.

TLDR; A stronger focus on individual resolutions, without the last-minute romantic subplot and abrupt ending, could have elevated the book significantly, however, I would still recommend overall! Definitely check trigger warnings first.

Thank you to NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review!

3.5 stars

I will always read an Emily Giffin novel! This cover is perfect for summer and the beachy locations described within it, but there were also more somber plotlines that I wasn't expecting. This was not my favorite novel of hers, but the focus on friendship between 4 best friends really drew me in. After reeling from a tragedy, 3 college friends make a pact to always be there for each other. This pact is realized when Hannah is betrayed by her fiance, and her BFFs Lainey and Tyson drop everything to help her recover.

+: This was a quick read with amazing settings! I've always wanted to go to Capri and loved how much of the novel took place there. There was a lot of drama throughout, so it kept me entertained. I could imagine flying through this novel while sitting on a beach chair or next to the pool with an Aperol spritz!

-: Lainey's character bugged me - she seemed very selfish and brazen, and her friends forgave her immediately for her wrongdoings. I wanted a little more tension when her actions negatively affected her friends, career, and even her personal safety. Hannah seemed one-dimensional, and relied upon others' opinions to guide her decisions. I did like Tyson, and he kept surprising me in a good way. The romances in the second half seemed to come out of nowhere and I didn't find them all that believable.

Thank you to Random House and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review! This book hits shelves on July 9, 2024.

“The Summer Pact” by Emily Griffin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Release Date: 7/9/24
Genre: Literary fiction

I really enjoyed this book! I honestly feel like Goodreads rating is too low. I read this super quick.
Four college students become fast friends even though they were an unlikely group. Lainey from California loved to party and was an aspiring actress. Tyson from DC is smart and even tempered whom becomes a lawyer. Summer an award winning athlete from the Midwest is a perfectionist and spends her time studying and practicing. Hannah the leveled headed friend from Georgia wants to get married and have children. After a tragedy their lives are forever changed. Hannah, Tyson, and Lainey make a pact that any time one is in crisis they will call each other and go to their friend in need.
Ten years later, Hannah is happy and excited to be getting married. Suddenly her life gets twisted and she calls Lainey devastated. Lainey calls Tyson and they both drop what they are doing for their friend. Once together they decide to take the trip they always planned. They are going to Texas, Capri, Italy, and Paris. They are in for lots of twists and turns on their trip. Can they put the pieces of their lives back together?

I really wanted to like this book because I have not been a fan of her previous two. And overall, I was not disappointed.
I wish she had spent more time developing the relationships of the four friends in college but there was enough to explain the depth of their bond.
Some of the plot lines were totally foreseeable but nothing that ruined the book.
Tyson was definitely my favorite character.

I was gifted an uncorrected proof by NetGalley so I am not mentioning typos, editing errors, etc. in my review.

This was a quick read. I enjoyed the relationship that the characters had. I liked how they stuck with the summer pact and were there for each other no matter what. Wasn’t my favorite book by this author but was a quick fun read.

I just finished The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin. I read the book over several weeks, in between a ton of parenting obligations. So before I sat down to write this review, I quickly re-read/skimmed the book again. I also visited Emily’s instagram and was pumped up by the beautiful pictures taken with the beautiful, yet to be released book cover.

I am glad I took the time to re-read the book, as I definitely forgot some of the info from the first half of the book.

This is a story of friendship. Four young college students who met at the beginning of Freshman year. Tyson, Hannah, Lainey and Summer.

The Summer Pact explores friendship and touches on alcohol abuse and mental health.

This is a story of friends coming together to support each other during tough times, while exploring beautiful Capri (yes, please sign me up for a European trip, stat).

I enjoyed this book, however I felt like it needed maybe a little more. But I don’t know what. I am excited to listen to it on Audible, as I LOVE Karissa Vacker. 😍

The characters all had their own complex issues and their friendship got them through tough times, time and again. I appreciate that Emily Giffin does not make her books super spicy. I am having a hard time with this review however that’s not to say I didn’t like the book. I think it’s because I am in a very busy season of life and don’t have any words besides “brush your teeth” and “shut the toilet set” in my vocabulary today. I am sure to update my review after listening to the audio copy.

Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Giffin, and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

DNF. The Summer Pact wasn't for me. I struggled with the pacing of the book...it read very slowly. I wish there were more scenes with the four friends before the tragedy at the end of the prologue. I didn't feel connected to any of the characters. The POV's didn't feel fully distinct. Thank you to Ballantine Books for the ARC.

Thank you to Ballantine and PRH audio for the review copies of The Summer Pact.

This is one read that I wanted to like more than I did. I felt the plot and themes were worthwhile, I love a study in friendship and themes on the complexity of young adult roles but I felt the book and writing, as well as character portrayals, held back enjoyment and engagement.

1. I am 100% here for diverse and inclusive reads but here the inclusion of diverse characters felt less than authentic and written from a place where there was limited effort to really explore these identities and how these aspects of identity really shape experiences in college and in post college roles. I note this in particular for the connection to UVA as that is a complex space to live as a Black person or other marginalized identities (not UVA alone but many college campuses and within the surrounding areas and communities around UVA and other area campuses).

2. The writing felt at times clipped? less than developed? a little too on the surface and light when topics and characters deserved some stronger more nuanced and fleshed out writing.

3. The pacing felt off to me as did relationships. I never felt really invested in the stories or characters even though I normally love books about friendships over time.

The Summer Pact was not a book for me. It was heavy and full of a lot of subjects that are ones I don’t want to read when I am looking for an easy smooth book. I was hoping to read and relax but it was hard to keep my mind on the book while I was reading. I could not connect with any character in the story.
Thank you NetGalley, Emily Giffin and Random House Publishing Group for the copy of The Summer Pact. This is my personal review.

As a longtime fan of Emily Giffin's works, I approached The Summer Pact with high expectations, but unfortunately, this novel fell short in many areas. Despite Giffin's usual knack for crafting relatable and heartwarming stories, this book was marred by several problematic elements and a lackluster plot that ultimately detracted from the reading experience.
Plot Summary: The story revolves around three college friends who make a pact after one of the best friends commits suicide. The pact requires them to show up when one of them is at their lowest point. To help one of the characters, they go on a series of trips of places they always wanted to travel. However, as they navigate their personal challenges, and long-buried secrets unresolved tensions emerge.
Cultural Elements and Character Issues: One of the most troubling aspects of The Summer Pact is the inclusion of cultural elements that feel forced and out of place. These elements not only disrupt the flow of the story but also make it likely that future readers will find parts of the novel unrelatable. Additionally, the portrayal of a black character with stereotypical racist ideations is deeply problematic and offensive, detracting from the narrative and perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Forced Relationships: The inclusion of a lesbian couple feels unnatural and forced, as if added merely to tick a box rather than to contribute meaningfully to the story. This lack of authenticity undermines the development of the characters and their relationships, making it difficult for readers to engage with their journeys.
Pacing and Plot: The storyline is painfully slow, with numerous introspective passages that drag on without adding substantial value to the plot. When the narrative finally picks up, the ending feels rushed and unsatisfying, leaving many threads unresolved and questions unanswered.
Trigger Warnings: Readers should be aware that the book contains triggers for suicide, alcoholism, and a skimmed-over sexual assault. These serious issues are not handled with the sensitivity or depth they deserve, which may be distressing for some readers.
Conclusion: The Summer Pact was a disappointing read, especially given Emily Giffin's reputation for delivering emotionally resonant and well-crafted stories. This book lacks the depth, nuance, and authenticity that characterize her best works. The problematic cultural elements, offensive character portrayals, and forced relationships only add to the novel's shortcomings. While Giffin is usually an author I love, this book does not showcase her true talent or writing style.
Unfortunately, The Summer Pact fails to live up to expectations and is not a testament to Giffin's otherwise impressive literary career.

The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin seemed like a light beach/summer read from the title, but the prologue was heavy right off. I didn't mind that because I enjoyed the premise, writing, the different POVs and the initial drama. Unfortunately, towards the end, the book began to unravel and the ending didn't do it for me. The two relationships formed at the end didn't seem believable. Thank you, Negalley and Ballantine books for sending me the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Hannah, Tyson, Lainey and Summer have found each other in college and are the very best of friends. When Summer commits suicide the remaining three are left in turmoil. They eventually make a Summer Pact in which they promise to always be there for one another no matter what. When Hannah faces a crisis, Lainey and Tyson drop everything to go be with her. It is now that they all take the time to really examine their lives, loves, career choices and each other.

Giffin has such a sweet, wonderful way of telling stories, even when the story is difficult to tell. I adored all of these characters and by the end felt like I was part of their friend group.

Always an Emily fan but this book felt different. Minus a couple pages this felt slow and I struggled to stay interested.

I love Emily’s writing voice. It’s engaging and easy. I started reading and didn’t want to stop.
I liked the premise of the book, but it fell a little short. I just didn’t connect with any of the characters the way I usually do with Emily’s characters. The point of view switched before I could really get into their story, and then it would switch again. I also felt there were a lot of heavier issues and topics that needed more development.
But I couldn’t quit reading.
3.5

I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.

This book really makes you reflect on friendships and the people around you. It is heartwarming, heartbreaking, and thought provoking all at the same time. The way these friends are there for each other no matter what is beautiful.

Let me just start by saying.. I think the book’s title and cover led me to believe the story was going to be a lighthearted and fun summer read. This book started off heavy, and has several trigger warnings throughout. However, I felt the topics for the most part were well written and found myself enjoying each of the main characters in their journey’s to healing and discovering themselves. I do wish that we would’ve learned more about Summer as a person and been given more concrete reasoning for her tragedy, but that’s just me!