Weiner explores issues of body image, young adulthood and social media while weaving a surprise mystery and love story together. Great escapism mixed with a bit of substance and youth.

The last Weiner book I read, I wasn't as big of a fan of as the rest of them. This one brought me back to why I enjoy her books so much. The characters were engaging, authentic and original. I enjoyed following and seeing what happened/following the mystery. I didn't see the twist coming which is always a nice surprise. I always enjoy how Weiner creates plus size characters that are real and authentic and not simply a stereotype.

Another great story by Jennifer Weiner! I loved all the unique characters, especially the main character Daphne Berg. This is an entertaining story about frenemies set amongst the crazy world of social media with a mystery to boot!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. I felt this book was a little slow moving at the beginning. A lot of it was focused on beauty and self image and how people are treated. I did find this interesting and it kept me motivated to finish.

Daphne & Drue are besties and then Drue flips the script and sets Daphne up in a situation that is humiliating and goes viral. Luckily Daphne uses this to change her life, own her self, and her body. They go their separate ways and Daphne becomes a successful big girl influencer on the socials. Drue comes back into her life practically begging for her to be a part of her wedding. She has no friends (no kidding!) and is desperate for bridesmaids. Should Daphne trust her again?

I started this one and immediately dropped into the lighter, fluffier pile mentally and then there's something that happens in the middle that completely changed the genre of this one. I really enjoyed the second half and trying to figure out how this would end. Felt a little (maybe more than a little) predictable, but certainly one that doesn't require a lot of mental gymnastics.

During this pandemic and quarantine, though I am typically an avid reader, I have not had the attention, patience or desire to open a book. My days have been occupied by a house full of offspring, cooking, cleaning and trying to breathe. When I picked up Weiner’s Big Summer, I was unsure whether or not I would be able to concentrate. But I was relieved to discover that this book was just what I needed during this trying time.

The story manages to be chick-lit, a mystery and a commentary on social media, and it hooked me from the start. The main character, Daphne, is smart, creative, and working to come to terms with her plus-size, and in many ways she reminded me of some of the other characters from Weiner’s previous novels. Her relationship with Drue felt authentic, and as I was begging her to not allow Drue back in her life, I also understood how that relationship was beneficial to both women. What did not feel realistic was the fact that Drue had very few women in her life to invite into her wedding party. Even fake women have fake friends to include in the fake social media posts!

I was surprised by the mystery twist, and I love a book with a surprise! The story kept me on my toes, reading well into the wee hours of the night. The ending was unexpected, confirming for me that this was one of Weiner’s best novels and a perfect distraction and escape during a complex time. This book will be on many lists for beach reading!

My thanks to NetGalley for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in any way.

This was an excellent read! I have read all of Jennifer Weiner’s novels, and I continue to return to her as an author because of her adept skill at characterization. Weiner definitely draws readers in from the first lines and pages. Big Summer did not disappoint. This book, while definitely one that can be devoured as a beach read, definitely had a few twists that I did not see coming, which make me keep turning the pages. I appreciated the multiple storylines of Daphne’s life, although I wish we had learned more about Drue’s father, or at least gained some of his perspective. Nevertheless, it didn’t weaken the storyline, but it did make me curious. Big Summer was also an unexpected treat with a view into the best of both worlds of an East Coast life. I loved the descriptions of NYC and the city life, but the snapshots of the Outer Cape were just as delicious. I would definitely recommend this book, and the author announced just this week that the publisher has agreed to publish the book in early May as opposed to its original June release date. During this time we are all going through together, I know readers new and old, will find Big Summer a delightful escape to the quarantine and social distancing life we are all experiencing. This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Whenever Jennifer Weiner releases a new book, I am always interested. So far she has not disappointed me with her writing style. Big summer is all about those often horrible years of junior high and high school. Daphne Berg is a plus’s size child who adores the very popular rich girl Drue Cavanaugh. Drue can be a sweet and loving friend to Daphne and then turn around the next day and humiliate and body shame Daphne in a very cruel way. This cycle of abuse continues on for years until one day Daphne stands up for herself and cuts the ties with Drue.
Years later Daphne is a mature and successful woman and she has moved on from the hurt and heartache that Drue inflicted on her as a child. When Drue suddenly re-enters Daphne’s life, and asked her to be a brides maid in her wedding Daphne is shocked. After much pleading and apologizing Daphne then becomes drawn back into Drue’s charming ways. It was at this point that I was thoroughly disgusted with Daphne for caving in and agreeing to be in the wedding. What happens next at the wedding festivities is shocking and and riveting. It was at this point that the story becomes very exciting and not at all what I expected.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from Netgalley and the publisher. This is my honest and unbiased review.

This book was all my favorite genres in one. What I thought to be a fun romcom/romance turned into something far beyond with an intense dramatic plot twist that I won’t spoil you with here! I flew threw parts 2 and 3 of the book within one sitting. I love all aspects of this book where Weiner makes you relate & feel for each character, insane unpredictable twists, & humor. A fabulous recommended beach or quarantine read! I’m always excited for a Jennifer Weiner book and this one did not disappoint!!
**I requested and received a temporary digital ARC copy of this book from #NetGalley in an exchange for an honest review**

I LOVED Mrs. Everything and while this book isn't quite as good as that one, it's definitely a keeper. I was a bit confused about the beginning and how it tied into the rest of the plot, but there is a HUGE twist (not really hinted at in the book jacket) at the 50% mark that got me hooked. I couldn't put it down after that! I didn't *completely* buy the ending, but I loved getting to know the main character Daphne, and I thought the author did a great job building out the character of Drue and her crazy backstory. I definitely recommend this book for an entertaining read on the beach (or, more likely, on your couch during quarantine)!

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review posted on Goodreads on April 16, 2020.

Free from Atria Books | This was a pleasant surprise! This combination of beach read meets women’s fiction meets mystery really worked- this would be great to bring with you on a summer vacation. Daphne Berg has really come into her own as an Instagram influencer. Growing up, she was never the type to put herself out there, but after a falling out with her rich, alluring, and often cruel best friend, Drue Cavanaugh, Daphne takes it as an opportunity to learn to be more comfortable in her skin. So when Drue walks back into Daphne’s life with a big favor to ask after radio silence for 6 years, she’s rightfully taken aback. Daphne finds herself succumbing to her old friend’s charms and agrees to be in her wedding party at her lavish wedding that’s set to take place this summer. Some of the finer points were out there, but Daphne’s struggles with body confidence, living life on social media, and complicated friendships were worth the read for me. 4 stars.

I got an advanced copy of this book through Netgalley and absolutely loved it! It had a lot of what I enjoy in a book—drama, romance, and plot twists! This is the story of Daphne and her best friend Drue, two private school girls living very different lives. The book takes on the subjects of self-confidence and self-worth while also entertaining the reader throughout. A must read!

I'm a Jennifer Weiner fan, and this book was just the light read I needed for a heavy time in our world. Highly recommend!

This book and I had a complicated relationship.

I loved it in the beginning. It had all of the intrigue needed to keep me hooked. Larger than life frienemy with a troubled past, a girl you’ll love to hate. Like able protagonist that you’re really rooting for. Love, mystery, summer on the Cape. Stuff dreams are made of.

However, about halfway through part one, I started to feel like , “is this it?” It felt repetitive, dull, predictable, and kind of angsty in a not-very-likeable way.

When the plot thickens midway through, I was excited and filled with renewed vigor to finish the book. BUT it still lacked any real excitement. It felt tedious, which is not what I want in a summer beach read. A twist that is supposed to shock you seemed incredibly predictable to me. And the ending did not seem rational, which really bothered me.

However, for all of my complaints, I am glad I read it. It was an easy read. An engaging enough story. I just felt as if it could have been told quite a bit better.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria books for emailing me with a personal invite to read this book!

I'm a HUGE Jennifer Weiner fan, and like all of her books I really enjoyed this.

This book was like reading two different books, had the regular likeable female protagonist with a beach read feel for the first half. Unexpectedly the ending was more of a mystery with twists and turns.

Personally I could have done without the mystery twist as I felt it got confusing. I rounded up to 4 stars because of my love for the author

A very enjoyable story that turns into a mystery about halfway through! I love the contemporary themes! Descriptions and settings are spot on. This was a super quick and wonderful read for me. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Wow! I have read many Jennifer Weiner books and have adored them all. This one was no exception. A lot of twists that I did not see coming but kept me pulled in until the very end! A great summer read! Definitely put on your TBR when it comes out in May! #bigsummer

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy

Awesome book! The story was intriguing and so different than what I thought it would be which made the book difficult to set down. The unexpected plot twist to a murder mystery added so much to the story. I enjoyed seeing Daphne’s character evolve throughout the book and found her extremely relatable. Jennifer did a great job with portraying the complexity of female friendship not only between Daphne and Drue, but also Daphne and Dashni. Jennifer also did a great job discussing both the pros and cons of social media and the impact it has on people. The only reason I chose to give this book 4 stars instead of 5 is because I thought the end of the book wrapped up too quickly compared to the rest of the story. I would definitely recommend this to others - it would be a great beach read!

Thank you Atria Books and Netgalley for a copy of Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner for an honest review.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Daphne and Drue were frenimies in school. Drue was rich spoiled brat that roped Daphne into being her sidekick. One day a fight ended their connection.

Fast forward 6 years and Daphne is a successful Insta Influence, and Drue wants her back in her life not only as a friend but her maid-of-honor. Daphne reluctantly agrees.

What Daphne doesn't realize is that tragedy will take place and she will not only be put in the middle of it, but will be the one to solve the case.

I always enjoy books from Jennifer Weiner, and this is another one that did not disappoint! Recommend!

Daphne Berg is a successful social media influencer with a bit of baggage. He struggled her entire life with self image regarding her weight and how people have treated her. She endured many years of miss treatment by a best friend that eventually led to a big falling out. Daphne’s friend, Drue, crosses the line and humiliates Daphne on a night out on the town and unfortunately the outburst was videoed and posted to the Internet. Years later Drew resurfaces in Daphne‘s life. Daphne has to decide whether not she’s going to welcome her old best friend with open arms, meanwhile this book centers around the shocking, suspicious death of Drue in the night before her wedding. With some twists and turns, this book is a reminder that not everything is the way it seems. It also brings light to the power of social media and the impact it has on people. It also examines the challenges of friendships as well as how people can easily hide behind power, poise, prestige and even fame.