I received a complimentary copy of this book from Simon & Schuster through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book is a modern-day sleuth story utilizing today’s social media, internet and relevant lingo. The protagonist, Daphne, struggles to cope with issues on social media. A common issue today. A quote from the book does a good job depicting the issue: “In space, nobody could hear you scream; on the Internet, nobody can tell if you were lying…” This is a good “who dunnit” book!

The book raises a common theme for many, especially women, who are battling with weight. Throughout the book, Daphne struggled with self-esteem but was surrounded with love. The impact of how adults may handle an overweight child feels authentic. It also did a good job showing wealthy, attractive women do not necessarily have the ideal life. This is depicted with Drue: “All her life, all she wanted was for her father to love her. He was busy. Distracted…”

I actually gave this book 4.5 out of 5 stars but rounded up. I downgraded it slightly because it got a bit cheesy when Daphne and friends decide to solve the murder themselves. That scenario didn’t feel realistic to me. Friendship and love throughout the book brings a smile to the reader. This pretty much sums up the book: “Hurt people hurt people.” I highly recommend this book. Written in true Jennifer Weiner form!

I've been a Jennifer Weiner fan for years and was thrilled to have a chance to read an arc of this new story. I absolutely loved it! You know when you pick up one of her books you will find good relationship, family, emotional stories and this didn't disappoint. The story of Daphne, a social media influencer and her former BFF, socialite Drue, grabbed me from the start. I was interested to see how Weiner would develop things after the characters were introduced and I enjoyed that I didn't really know what was going to happen. This was a romance and story of friendship and betrayal, BUT also quite a mystery, which was unexpected and worked for me. I was reminded a little bit of Meg Cabot's Heather Wells novels as I read this one. Overall, I devoured this book and was so happy I did. I don't want to give away any spoilers so I will say that if you have enjoyed her books in the past you will love this one too! Weiner makes a pretty strong statement about social media, real relationships, how well we know each other and forgiveness as she explores the world in which Daphne finds herself. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

I loved receiving a copy of Big Summer, Jennifer Weiner’s newest novel. What a fun read! Taking on social media, friendships, and relationships, and a murder, Big Summer is the perfect addition to your beach bag. It’s the quintessential beach read, especially because most of it takes place in lovely Cape Cod. Jennifer Weiner has a way of drawing you right in, and Big Summer is no exception. I read this is two days!

SO very excited when I received an email with an offer to read this advanced copy. Love Jennifer Weiner and once again, she did not disappoint. My recommendation is to not read the synopsis and just read it. Has a different feel than most of her books and it was done very well. Loved this book!
Thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I was very excited to get an email from the publisher offering me an advanced copy without requesting it as I am a huge Jennifer Weiner fan going back to her Good in Bed days. BIG SUMMER has been my favorite of her more recent books.

While I don't really relate to influencer Daphine, I found her fascinating and like that she talked about the challenges of being a lower level influencer and how she is trying to make a name for herself. I think a lot of women can relate to a former slightly toxic friend trying to come back into your life and wanting to try again with a friendship as an more confident adult.

I didn't expect the murder mystery plot and it was fun and different. I loved the NYC & Cape setting and descriptions of the lavish wedding. For Jennifer Weiner fans, put this at the top of your TBR pile and if you aren't a Jennifer Weiner fan yet, this book will make you be one!

Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

This was a different Jennifer Weiner book in my opinion. The first half seemed a little fluffy and then it took a turn that I did not see coming. I highly recommend you read this one without reading the synopsis as I did. It was jarring actually but not in a bad way.

An interesting take on the online lives we lead and how we make our lives "insta-perfect". It was a good, quick read. My only criticism is maybe some of the plot twist were a tad far fetched. Overall I enjoyed it!

Jennifer Weiner has outdone herself with Big Summer! Daphne has reunited with her high school "friend" for a special occasion when their shared event turns out badly. Now, it's up to Daphne, Darshi, and Daphne's new buddy to solve the mystery. This story takes the reader through lots of high school flashbacks, social media business, and personal self-image challenges. There are lots of twists and turns, and numerous moments where "I didn't see that coming!". The ending is wonderful and satisfying.

I would highly recommend Big Summer to all Jennifer Weiner fans. The chapters are manageable, and there was a comfortable number of characters to keep up with without having to reread. It's a perfect beach read - I literally enjoyed the book while soaking in the rays!

Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy!

Thank you to Jennifer Weiner, Atria Books and NetGalley for this wonderful ARC.

I've loved all of Jennifer Weiner's books, and this one was no exception. When I read the synopsis, I thought this was going to be a fun, chick lit beach read. It starts off that way, but then it takes a turn and becomes a mystery. I loved it!

Jennifer Weiner... noooooo! You've gone and done what I thought you could never do to my poor, ever loving Jennifer Weiner heart, you wrote a book that I simply just didn't love.
The first half of Big Summer I was SMITTEN with. It was classic Jennifer Weiner; flirty and fun with a great NYC backdrop in a contemporary writing style that we've all come to know and love. Then- BAM- there's a twist and it really, really just didn't work (for me, anyway). Because this is an advanced readers copy, I'm REALLY hoping some of the mix-matched plot gets shored up and edited, but MAN, Mrs. Weiner should really not try to do a mystery/thriller. I mean, the end of the novel literally had me rolling my eyes at how absolutely cheesy the writing was (the dialogue toward the end of the "twist" is just unbearable!). However, I did LOVE the main character, Daphne, and I think she will resonate with a lot of readers
I can't say I wouldn't recommend this book, because it was a fun, quick read. BUT, if you've been a lover of Jennifer like I have been for years, then I want you to know it's probably my least favorite book of hers. I just don't think she's the right author to do the whole thriller/mystery thing (I'm VERY, very hard on thrillers, I realize this, but I just think every author out there thinks it's the big buzz way to write a book. If you're good-- amazing at that-- at writing contemporary chic lit like my girl Jennifer is, then a foray into a mystery/thriller halfway through a book feels wrong and abrupt). Special thank you to Net Galley for randomly selecting me to read and review this book! I can't WAIT for more Jennifer Wiener. This was a solid 3 star read for me.

Jennifer Weiner does it again in Big Summer, the captivating novel of friends and the things they do to each other. Daphne Berg and Drue Cavanaugh were best friends until a viral video broke them apart. Six years later Drue waltzes back into Daphne's life with a huge request...will she be a bridesmaid in her wedding, even after all that has gone between them? Daphne is shocked, but Drue convinces her to do it and she does...mostly for the boost it will give her "brand" on Instagram where she has become an "influencer", mostly due to that fateful viral video.

When Drue winds up dead on her wedding day, Daphne looks like a prime suspect...but is she capable of doing something so heinous? Who really did this to Drue? It's up to Daphne to find out!

Jennifer Weiner hits it out of the park with this one, and as usual I had a hard time not reading it straight through to the end. Thank you to the author, Atria Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Jennifer Weiner's Big Summer seemed a bit of a departure from her past books. But still every bit as good as we have all grown to expect from this brilliant author. Not being one who "gets" the whole world of on-line influencers, this was a bit of an education for me. One I thoroughly enjoyed.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I have read every book Jennifer Werner has written and her last one, Mrs. Everything is one of my favorite of her novels.
Now comes Big Summer. This is definitely a book for the 21st. Century, as the main character Daphne lives her life on line as an “influencer”. She has thousands of followers and she gets paid by advertisers for the “ clicks” she generates. Daphne has a serious body image issue, she is overweight and struggled with that all her life. Her high school best friend Drue played a dirty trick on her relating to her weight and that ended their friendship. Now years later, Drue asks Daphne to be in her wedding. Can Daphne forgive her or does she just agree out of curiosity to be in Drue’s wedding? What starts out as a wedding celebration turns into a murder mystery. Maybe because I don’t like murder mysteries, I just didn’t like this book. I found it boring and only finished it so I can write an honest review. I found the investigation of the murder far fetched, unrealistic and just not plausible. The point of the book is that everyone needs to be loved and that’s true for all of us. I am generous giving this novel three stars.
Thanks NetGalley, Atria books and Jennifer Werner for the advanced copy.

I can't stop thinking of this book. I was shocked at the end of part 2 and couldn't read the rest of the book fast enough. Amazing character development and a compelling storyline. I am so looking forward to handing this book to patrons.

Fans of Jennifer Weiner will not be disappointed with her latest effort, “Big Summer.”

You read a Jennifer Weiner book with certain expectations. The main character is usually a plucky girl with a sense of humor, though perhaps a less than desirable figure. But even if she does not meet society’s expectations of beautiful (which, thank goodness, is changing) she still comes out as the winner.

Daphne Berg is no different. She’s a plus-sized girl and a social media influencer whose online presence took off after a video of her calling someone out on his fat prejudices went viral. Her former best friend, Drue Cavanaugh, is everything Daphne is not—slim, wealthy and very spoiled. The two met in sixth grade and became close, though Drue would often look to Daphne when she needed something, which was one of the reasons why the friendship ended.

Drue is now engaged to a former contestant on a “Bachelor” like show and reaches out to Daphne to be her bridesmaid for their lavish Cape-cod wedding. Drue asks Daphne for forgiveness, but is she reverting to past behavior by simply needing Daphne just as she had in their teens?

This novel might not have worked if it weren’t for Weiner’s strong writing. She handles the multiple (and unexpected) twists to the plot without losing her reader. Daphne is self-depreciating in a way where the reader can easily identify with her, but at the same time, want to knock her on the head for being so hard on herself. Weiner also uses the setting to her advantage. Though there was a lot going on in this book, it was an easy, enjoyable read.

While the novel does have a mystery component, the true focus of this book is on friendship, self-love, and finding oneself in a world where every breath and step one takes is immediately shared online.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. My thanks also to the publisher, Atria, and the author, Jennifer Weiner.

Thank you #NetGalley for the advance reader copy! I have enjoyed everything Jennifer Weiner has published, and this is no exception! Although I felt it was a departure from her typical story, it had some familiar elements - "big girl" feels bullied but tries to maintain a positive body image, elaborate descriptions of peoples appearances, etc.. I was surprised by the plot twist in the middle of the book though! I was not expecting a mystery to unfold. Weiner depicts a friendship between Drue, the popular rich girl, and Daphne, the heavier self-conscious sidekick. Inevitably, Daphne gets hurt, but she never really walks away from the friendship for good, always trying to prove herself. When these frienemies reconnect, Daphne lets Drue back into her life, but this time is suspicious. Unfortunately, not suspicious enough to see what's coming. Such a fun read! I highly recommend Big Summer to anyone who has felt second-best because life isn't always what people show you online or in person. The Cape Cod setting makes this the perfect beach or poolside read! Can't wait to see what Jennifer Weiner comes up with next!

Jennifer Weiner is one of my favorite authors for her amazing way to weave women's issues into fun, heartfelt literature, and the novel is no different.

Coming off the stunning Mrs. Everything, this book is a little less ambitious, but still a great read. The book features the tale of plus size influencer Daphne who is reunited with her queen of the mean girls best friend Drue as an adult and when Drue asks Daphne to be wedding participant in a lavish Cape Cod affair.

The book is a mystery, but more than that it is the examination of friendships between women and girls and how those relationships, plus familial relationships, inform our choices throughout our life.

Both characters are enthralling, but I loved Daphne's story of building body acceptance through "Insta-fame."
The book has several plot points that are up to the minute such as social media, reality television, and today's instant fame. Former and new readers of Weiner will love this book.

I was really taken with the descriptions of New York as well. In the same way Weiner brought Philly to life previously, New York became it's own character in this novel.

Don't miss this novel, and run to read Mrs. Everything too!

The first half of this novel is written in the style I’ve come to know and love from Ms. Weiner. Daphne Berg was a scholarship student at a private school. She was friends with the nerdy misfits, but she was honored to bask in glow of Drue Lathrop Cavanaugh, the wealthy, beautiful girl, who sometimes made Daphne feel like the queen of the world and sometimes made her feel insecure because of her bigger size in a world of skinny, cosmetic-surgery-enhanced rich people.

Daphne has done her best to stop body shaming herself and become a social media influencer—a starter one, but with potential for growth. When Drue reenters her life after six years begging her to be her maid-of-honor (Daphne wasn’t the only friend she lost because of her penchant for cruelty), Daphne reluctantly agrees.

The second half becomes a mystery. I enjoyed it, it’s just not Weiner’s usual style. Which is fine—she’s such a talented writer I’ll follow her anywhere; it was just unexpected.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which will be RELEASED MAY 19, 2020.

Another great book by Jennifer Weiner! Beyond the expected themes of fat shaming, slut shaming, and mean girl and internet bullying, is a wonderful story of redemption, forgiveness and empathy. The characters are rich, flawed, believable! The story has some fun, unexpected twists and turns and a satisfying ending!

I will say that this was a good but slightly depressing book for the first 2/3 of the book (fat-shaming, bullying, stuff that when I went to school 45 years ago we didn't have to put up with on this level.) with a lot of terrible behavior on the females part. Surprisingly it turns into a very good mystery for about the last 1/3 that I didn't see coming.

This book also gives those who aren't familiar with all types of social media (like me) a look into what they are missing -in my opinion, we aren't missing all that much! There is some deep talk about how the constant use of phones, apps, Instagram, and whatnot are making us less able for us to behave one-on-one with an actual person! I know, I know -it's a new world!

I did enjoy this book enough to add this to my comfort read shelf and that means it will be a go-to read when I need something I know I'm going to like.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.

This is an excellent story that feels incredibly relevant to today's social media "influencer" world. I was reading along, very engaged and entertained in the storyline, and then BAM - I did not see the twist coming. From that point on I couldn't stop reading until I found out what happened. While the ending seemed a little bit contrived, I'm not going to quibble, because it thoroughly explained everything that happened and was quite satisfying!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3214977430?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1