This was an intense book, something I strangely was not expecting -- maybe it was the cover art? I did enjoy the book and really felt for the main character. The whole thing broke my heart. I thought the author did a good job with really difficult subject matter, how a terrible incident can change a life, and how men and women have such different realities

This was a really nice, light summer read. The story made me wish I was reading the book at a cute little cottage beside the water, similar to the main character.

2 ½ ⭐️, rounded up.

I don’t read chick lit very often, but whenever I decide to pick up a book in the genre, I’m hoping for a lighthearted, fun “beach read”.

This was not that.

This is not my first book by this author, so I am familiar with the types of books previously written: fun, usually well-written stories, with fairly well-developed characters, despite the sometimes misguided stereotype that chick lit can be less intellectually stimulating. That was what I was expecting.

Instead, I got a heavy read aiming to teach some kind of lesson with poorly developed characters that were neither likeable nor dislikeable just lacking, a personal vendetta by a weak character who didn’t even know if she could see her plan through (she didn’t even fully know what it was), and a plot with many holes resulting in characters often doing and saying things that seemed to come from nowhere.

It was as though the author had one goal in writing this book (getting a specific message across) and instead of writing the story in a way that it could be delivered through the building story and the characters’ personal development, thereby naturally arriving at said goal and having successfully delivered said message, the reverse was done: Here is the message, arrive there by any means possible even if the story suffers and the characters are awkward. It was more like a poorly executed play than a fluid story.

I’m all for books that have an underlying message, however this was not at all well-delivered and came across as preachy and even condescending and vitriolic at times. I’m disappointed because I do like this author’s previous works but I am apprehensive that they have started going in a different direction that is just not what I am looking for in this genre. I am not surprised to see many others in here had the same thoughts.

I did end up reading this in two days because the story actually started out quite engaging and interesting and I wanted to know where it was going. But, unfortunately it was a downhill slide the more I read and while I did somewhat enjoy it to a certain degree, it ended up annoying me more than anything.

Guess that’s what I get for straying away from my usual genre.

Plot: ⭐️⭐️ ½
Characters: ⭐️⭐️
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall: ⭐️⭐️ ½, rounded up

Jennifer Weiner is easily one of my favorite authors, and although ultimately I did love this one as well, I feel like the way it was marketed didn't do it justice. The cover gives "amazing summer" vibes, but the subject matter is so much more serious. That being said, as always, Weiner offers an amazing story with some incredibly poignant moments, starring characters that will stay with readers long after they put the book down. The various insights into personal tragedy, trauma, and the power of friendship give the reader the opportunity to gain insights that will serve them well.

In the midst of her busy life, Daisy (Diana) Shoemaker receives misdirected emails from the other Diana. Diana Starling appears to live a glamorous life; once the two connect via an email apology, it leads to an invite for the two to meet. Soon, the two become great friends, as they grow closer and closer, it’s revealed that the meeting was not a coincidence but a plan.

 
That Summer is a great summer read, beautiful scenery, the beach, deceit, and revenge. This story was so much more than I thought it would be, if you read it thinking it’s going to be a light summer read, you are mistaken, it’s so much more. I liked that the multiple POVs went outside of the normal, it wasn’t just narrated via the two Diana’s but, other people which was pretty interesting. I really liked the two Dianas, both characters had tremendous character growth. Overall, the book flowed together at a great pace, the plot was deep and still entertaining, and the characters were interesting.

I absolutely adore Jennifer Weiner and the books that she writes. They are a great escape and I’m never left disappointed. I really enjoyed the writing style in this book. The twists and turns kept my attention throughout. I will definitely be checking out other books by this author and I would recommend this book to friends and family.

This one goes a little deeper that your average Jennifer Weiner. I think some readers will be surprised if they were only expecting a "beach read".

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers fo providing me with a complimentary e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

After reading mixed reviews on this one, I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into but this one lived up to exceed my expectations. Jennifer Webber’s summer books are often promoted as beach reads but this one certainly wasn’t.

I really enjoyed the Cape Cod setting and the stories of 2 women, which comes together near the end. Is your life really what you wanted it to be? How do your values come into play? If you accept actions of the past, what values does it teach your 15 year old? How do you move forward?

It is hard to give a review justice without revealing the content of the book but I feel the mystery is needed to better enjoy the revelations. Let’s just say it is more a contemporary drama where individuals need to learn how to cope with actions of their past and how they want it to shape their future and beliefs.

Thanks Simon & Schuster Canada and Netgalley for this e-galley!

I've read Weiner's last three releases and this one was probably the least satisfying of the bunch. Certainly not as bright and bubbly as her last summer hit (Big Summer), and I've certainly learned to not judge any of Weiner's books by it's cover, or think just because she last write a chick lit/thriller that this one would be anything like it.

I liked the 'Outer Cape' summery vacation setting, and Weiner is great at crafting characters to care about. Not sure what it was about this one, just didn't love it as much as her others.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
Review of this novel will be posted soon.

From the beginning, I was very interested in their story and how their past connects. This was a novel that kept me invested, BUT the middle felt like it was dragging a little bit. Sure, her past is interesting, but I felt like there was more information than necessary for me. This was definitely more of a slow-burn than a thriller. Although it was predictable, it still made me want to read on. I also loved seeing Beatrice's perspective here and there and seeing what her role in the story was.
If you don't like slow-burn, multi-perspective books, then this is not for you. The pacing could be better, but this is a very interesting novel that is worth reading.

A thought-provoking, heart warming, and timely story about two very different women whose lives intersect. A story with twists and turns, suspense and self-discovery. Another great novel by Jennifer Weiner. Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

Jennifer Weiner has written a very topical book; an assault on a beach, many years ago, comes to light. What begins as a manipulated meeting between Diana and Daisy, becomes a friendship built on the grains of sand from many years ago. The reckoning Diana deserves has far-reaching effects, both for her and her new friend Daisy. An excellent addition to the #metoo movement.

I don’t know what it was about the story, but I just didn’t connect with it on a whole. I liked the style of writing, the multiple POV narrative, the jumping timeline. I liked the characters, Diana, Beatrice and Daisy, and the way they developed throughout the story. I liked the themes, as hard as they were. It is a very important topic to be discussed. I just didn’t feel like anything broke the surface, if that makes any sense. Like a cover on a pool, it felt like the depth was far below where we were standing.

First and foremost, if rape and sexual assault are difficult subjects for you, please look into caution warnings before picking this one up.

I loved this story. It had a much more important and powerful message than I was expecting from the synopsis. Without giving anything away, the message had to do with consent. I loved the characters and was shocked at first when I learned how the two main characters were connected, but then the pieces came together and it made sense. I definitely recommend picking this one up, but just know going into it that it's not a light read. I also would have liked more steam, but I can see why Jennifer Weiner would choose not to include it in the plot.

‘That Summer’ is a story about two women, Daisy and Diana. They are both living very different lives but are brought together when Daisy starts receiving emails meant for Diana. They soon connect and decide to meet. As they grow close, it seems their connection was not as much of a coincidence as it first seemed.

This is my first book by Jennifer Weiner. It took a bit for me to get into it, maybe because it is not my usual genre, but it was an good read. As the connection between Daisy and Diana strengthened I found so did my connection with the characters. I particularly liked the chapters about Diana building a life in the Cape and how through her work, friendships and love she was able to grow stronger. It was this strength and the link between the two women that helped Daisy when she was faced with a life-changing realization.

The book covers trauma and difficulties in a careful and timely way. I did not like some of the back in forth between character chapters as the reading of it was not always seamless. Especially when a character’s voice and perspective was added in later in the story.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. Although it wasn’t a ‘light’ summer read, I think it would still be enjoyable pool or beach side given the main setting descriptions. 3.5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for a copy of this book.

I wouldn’t categorize this book as a beach read necessarily, as the main plot lines revolve around heavy content throughout the book (rape, sexual assault). That being said, once the story started to pick up I couldn’t put it down. I really enjoyed the friendship of Daisy and Diana, and watching both women evolve throughout the story. The ending was predictable but also what I hoped for- I really enjoyed reading this!

Thank you @atriabooks @netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. This book is available now!

3.5/ 5 stars

That Summer is my second book by this author. I would categorize it as Women's Fiction.

Since the title is so similar to the author's last book, Big Summer I was unclear if these books were related. You can 100% read That Summer without having read Big Summer. However there is one small part that connects the two books. And much of Big Summer is spoiled. So if you are ever planning to read Big Summer then just skip over that part (when Beatrice refers to Drue in chapter two).

This book is the story of two women: Daisy and Diana. The book goes back and forth in time between the present and when Diana was in her 20s.

The book is divided into 5 parts. There is a prologue that ends with a bit of a mystery. And then we have Daisy and Diana's stories (3rd person POVs). We also get Beatrice's 3rd person POV (Daisy's daughter).

There is some romance in this book. And some suspense. But the story also deals with a very important (and not light) topic. So while the cover is beautiful and colorful. The story does have some heavier elements.

The story was really interesting. And I did enjoy it. But it wasn't really what I was expecting. I was pretty surprised to get Beatrice's POV. And OMG her hobbies were so unusual! I really liked younger Diana. But could not really connect to her in the present. I liked everything about Daisy cooking. But other than that she wasn't overly exciting. I guess her marriage and family was the main thing of interest.

The back and forth in time was okay. But it was a bit confusing at times. The end was pretty good. And the story was important and timely. Overall, not really a beach read. But still an enjoyable book.

In this story, we meet Daisy, a mom of a teenage daughter whose testing her boundaries and a husband who is a workaholic. While Daisy is happy, she doesn’t seem fulfilled. In comes Diane, whose emails are for some reason being sent to Daisy. The two strike up a conversation and Daisy soon learns that Diane is everything she wants to be. Independent, glamorous, someone who goes after what she wants. Has Daisy found the one person who can help her find herself again?

I was very excited to get an advance digital copy but I have to admit, it wasn’t one of my favourites. It took be until about 50% before I was truly hooked. I do enjoy reading the characters Weiner creates and they are often relatable and she reminds us how trauma can affect someone for years and years after an incident.

Jennifer Weiner has always been and will always be one of my go to authors. Thank you for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.

Like an onion

I really loved "That Summer". Like an onion, it slowly reveals the layers of the story of a summer event and its aftermath with all affected. The book is at once a 'beach read', a 'woman's read' and much deeper. Surprisingly, it is not all 'men bad, women good', even though that view is tempting, given the subject matter. Other reviewers have synopsised the story and characters, read their reviews, too. I merely want to add my voice to say, "READ THIS BOOK".

Thank you to the publisher who gave me a time-constrained e-arc via netgalley with no obligations. This review is optional and my own opinion.