Guess whose back? Back again? #jenniferweiner is back tell a friend 😂🤷‍♀️ I tried. #thatsummer is a MUST read for ALL of us. Good lord can this woman write a story ❤️💔 intertwined in the lives of Diane and Daisy. Two women. A brother. A husband. What happened? Why are their lives crossing? You want to know. Pick. This. Up. Now. #netgalley #bookstagram #netgalleyreview #readersofinstagram #booksofinstagram #readingcommunity #bookrecommendations #readacrossinstagram #atriabooks

Daisy Shoemaker runs a part-time business teaching people how to cook, she is a mom to to a teenage daughter, and wife to a busy lawyer, who sorely under-appreciates all she does for the family and belittes her side hustle. One day emails start popping into her inbox by mistake, meant for someone named Diana S. Daisy gets in touch with Diana to let her know and the two establish a rapport, which in turn leads to meeting in person, and before long they have become close friends. The problem is, this is no chance encounter, and Diana knows something that will turn Daisy's world upside down.
First let me say that I am a huge fan of this author. I have loved every book she has written and this may be my new favorite. It is a very timely novel ( I don't want to say in what respect because I don't want to spill Diana's secret and spoil the book for you). I could not put it down, though. It was so good. I just wanted to give Daisy and Diana both big hugs, and some of the other people......well, not so much. This is the perfect beach read, if you can stand to wait that long. Frankly, I say grab a copy the day it comes out and and start reading. It is too good to wait!

Jennifer Weiner does it again! Though the subject matter was heavy at times, this book wonderfully wove the stories of different women.

Diana lives on the Main Line in Philadelphia, and has been getting emails meant for another Diana S. She replies to one, ends up meeting the other Diana, and the plot takes off from there. I don’t want to spoil anything, but how the Dianas are connected becomes clearer as the plot thickens.

Overall, I highly recommend this book. It is very similar in style to lash year’s Big Summer by the same author (and the characters are from the same universe which was a fun Easter egg!) This boon I s not a quick beachy read, as the cover might suggest, but it is absolutely worth picking up this summer!

Many thanks to Atria and NetGalley for the advance release copy in exchange for an honest review!

I’m fairly certain that I will read anything Jennifer Weiner writes and love it. Her characters just feel so real and relatable. She weaves timely and import messages into her stories. She doesn’t shy away from the difficult or the heartbreaking.

That Summer was no exception. Daisy and Diana were complex and strong women who chose when and how they were ready to face their truths.

The cover of Jennifer Weiner’s latest novel, That Summer, drew me in, and the synopsis sounded intriguing. However, in the end, I feel both are deceptive. Some of the book is set at a beach on Cape Cod, but That Summer is not a light beach read.
It is the tale of two Dianas. One Diana goes by Daisy. She dropped out of college for a sure thing—a wealthy lawyer who promised she’d never have to worry about money again. The other Diana has a good life despite what she endured one summer on Cape Cod. When the two happen to meet, the story takes off.
That Summer is told by both Dianas in multiple timelines. The set up is a bit slow and too obvious. I highly enjoyed both Dianas, and I would have liked more scenes that showed the development of their friendship. The large cast of secondary characters is developed just enough to show their influence on the Dianas. I feel that Ms. Weiner has fallen into a rut of following headlines and turning them into her fiction. For me, the story could have had a bigger impact without the heavy-handed use of the #MeToo hashtag or the throw-away comments about skin color as neither had a direct impact on the plot or character development. To some degree, both took away from the important topic of date rape.

3.25 stars

That Summer is the fifth book I have read by Jennifer Weiner and it's the most ambitious story by far. While I appreciate the author tackling a tough subject, I had a few problems along the way. To be fair though, I don't think it was an easy task to pull off this type of story.

On the surface it seems like Daisy Shoemaker has it all. She lives in a beautiful house with her husband and teenage daughter, Beatrice. But Daisy just isn't all that happy. She quickly develops a friendship with a woman named Diana Starling. Perhaps there is a reason Diana just suddenly popped up in Daisy's life out of nowhere. The story alternates between Daisy, Diana, and Beatrice.

My personal rule for writing reviews is to not include anything that isn't mentioned in the publisher synopsis. I highly suggest checking out other reviews that go more in depth about the plot as the subject matter in this book might be triggering for some readers. Despite a pretty book cover, this novel isn't exactly a light and easy beach read and I do believe that's worth mentioning so readers aren't caught off guard.

The strength of the novel is the three perspectives as it made the story unique with a subject that has been covered frequently in fiction over the past couple of years. Whether or not you like the characters doesn't really matter all that much as you can at least feel for them and their situations.
You really don't want to be in anyone's shoes is a good way to put it.

There are two things in the story that really stood out in a bad way. I felt uncomfortable to a point in which it was beyond what I normally would feel reading about this topic. One plot point seemed to be inserted for dramatic purposes but inadvertently sends the message that speaking up can have horrible consequences. It just left a bad taste in my mouth. However, I was more offended by a blink and you'll miss it moment towards the end with Diana and another character. Given everything you know about Diana and her background, that moment was so beyond unrealistic. It's a shame because the author certainly had the best intentions with this story but some poor choices really muddied things up.

A very different Jennifer Weiner book. Not a perfect read, but it was a thought-provoking novel.

I've read every Jennifer Weiner book since "Good in Bed" came out in 2001. She's an auto-buy author for me and I recommend her books constantly so it pains me to say that I was really disappointed by "That Summer."

Based on the cover and the description, I expected one book and got something totally different. And it's not that I thought this would be a light frothy read - part of what I love about Weiner's work is that she manages to cover heavier topics in a compelling and realistic way. What I did expect was to root for the main character. Her heroines are often complicated and flawed but they're relatable and people you want to see come out on top. In this case, I was confused by both of the main characters' motivations. It seemed like choices were made to create more twists rather than because they made sense and the ending which might have redeemed the story for me actually did the opposite. I was relieved when this one was over and I've never felt that way reading one of this author's books before.

I've seen a lot of raves reviews for "That Summer" so you may feel differently. Despite not loving it, I'm still looking forward to whatever Weiner writes next.

Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for a copy to review.

I always love Jennifer's books and That Summer did not disappoint. Settings in the Cape are always a bonus too. I have never been there, but the way Jennifer describes it, it is high on my list. This was a story of two Diana's and how their lives intertwined, in a sad and dark way. As always though, there were many heartwarming and hopeful moments to the story as well. I really enjoyed it. Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC.

"Life with the knowledge that Daisy knew what he'd done and who he was...that would be close to intolerable for a man as proud as Hal Shoemaker."

This was the perfect summer read, with the fabulous backdrop of Cape Cod at the forefront. I was hooked on what I initially thought was a beach read, then became more of a plight of reckoning for past traumas and mistakes.

The novel starts out with Diana, and an unforgettable summer that she wishes she could forget. Fast forward 30+ years, and Diana meets Daisy, a likeable cooking teacher who is struggling to connect with her teenage daughter and drifting from her picture-perfect husband. Daisy and Diana become friends after connecting through misdelivered emails, yet it appears that Diana is hiding something...

Weiner's writing style is one that always captivates me, and I really looked forward to That Summer. It didn't disappoint - though I have read my share of #MeToo novels lately, this one had a bit of a different spin and a satisfying build up.

*POSSIBLE SPOILER*

The ending had me wanting a bit more, and I thought there was a lost opportunity by not sharing the details with Beatrice. On the other hand, it was likely a realistic portrayal of how parents might handle such an event and try to protect their children from emotional distress.

Book Review: That Summer, Jennifer Weiner, Publication date May 4, 2021

Jennifer Weiner has a unique ability to delve into the psyche of the women she is writing about in her books.
In this book there are two Dianas – one sets out to meet the other because of a traumatic event that happened to her during her teens. I found myself a little confused at the beginning of the book because it is told somewhat in flashback style and then flips back and forth between the stories of the two women. Once I got into the rhythm of the book – it became easier to know where I was and I was so compelled by the stories of the two women and how it would turn out.

You can’t help but be sympathetic to Diana’s story – and the main plotline is about Diana and the event that happened to her at 15 and how it shapes her life. She is a brave character and so very well drawn out.
Daisy (also Diana – but nicknamed Daisy by her husband) is living a seemingly wonderful life with her husband and daughter – but she’s not truly happy. When she starts “accidentally” receiving Diana’s emails she is compelled to meet the woman. The two women ultimately become friends – but Diana does not reveal to Daisy the real reason she wanted to meet her.

I found the book compelling because I believe many people have had experiences in their life that they could link to “that summer” or “that ______.” Events that change you and can impact the rest of your life and the decisions you make. It was very realistic in its telling and you felt very sympathetic to both characters issues.

Highly recommend this insightful read.

I have been a big fan of Jennifer Weiner and loved her last book Big Summer so I was excited to read this one. I feel like the cover/title don't match the story too well as its more of a revenge storyline than a summer beach read. The story starts with Diana as a 15 year old when she goes to nanny on the cape for the summer and then attends an end of summer party. It's hard to describe this book too much without giving away a spoiler because the spoiler ends up being the major theme of the book. What happens has lots of repercussions and affects many people's lives. Daisy is the other main character of the book and she crosses paths with Diana when their emails get misdirected because of how similar their email addresses are. Daisy leads a seemingly great life but doesn't feel content. Her daughter Beatrice also just got kicked out of a prominent private school so her and her husband are dealing with that.

I thought the author did such a good job of handling the multiple points of view and I enjoyed the way the characters came together. I always enjoy her writing style and like Big Summer, this book ends up being a completely different book than I anticipated when I started. I admit the first half of the book was a little slow but it really picked up by the last 1/3. This book handles a difficult topic and it does make me optimistic that the world might be changing for the better, no more "boys will be boys" mentality.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. Opinions are my own.

A new JW book is always cause for celebration for me, I so enjoy getting invested in the wonderful characters she creates and it doesn’t hurt when her books are set somewhere pretty. I do want to warn that this goes a little darker and heavier than I was expecting it to, don’t let the cute cover fool you.

Female friendships always seem to be at the heart of a JW book and this is no exception. But this time there’s a new, budding friendship blossoming between Diana and Daisy. You know going in that these two are connected someway and that it’s only a surprise to one of them as to how they’re connected, but I saw the connection pretty early on. It didn’t matter though because it was more about the way the two women handle things than the actual connection itself and the author did a beautiful job of exploring some heavy and timely issues. Besides hearing from Daisy and Diana you get Daisy’s daughter, Beatrice’s point of view as well and I adored this feisty, unique perspective. This is a beach read with depth, think #MeToo movement for an idea of what I mean. It is still infused with the authors trademark wit and warmth, just know that it’s not super light but it’s such an amazing read!

Thank you Atria for the gifted copy.

I have been reading Jennifer Weiner since the early 2000's when Good in Bed came out. I have enjoyed watching her growth as a writer, and I think this is one of her best books to date.

The multiple POVs that tell the story of the two Dianas (and the addition of Beatrice's chapters) drew me in to this book. I like how Diana's story was interspersed with flashbacks so we slowly learn her story, and how Daisy and Diana are connected.

This book had a bit of everything that makes it the perfect summer read - friendship, relationships, drama.

TW - Sexual assault

This is such a wonderful book! The story follows two women, and I loved them both. We follow their heartbreaks and romances, and the disappointments in their lives. Ultimately, this is the story of the lasting affects of rape on a young woman. I enjoyed reading about Daisy and Diana's lives and how they begin to intertwine. I did not really enjoy the name changing that happens throughout the story. I found it to be a bit confusing, and I would have liked to see this be a bit shorter, Other than those things, I truly enjoyed this book!

I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Based on the cover of Jennifer Weiner’s latest book, That Summer, I was expecting a light and fun read, perfect for the beach. What I got instead was a powerful story about the long-lasting psychological impact of rape on its victims and a heartfelt story about the healing qualities of friendship. That Summer was darker at times than I had anticipated, but with the incredible Cape Cod setting as a backdrop and the focus on a wonderful female friendship, it was still a very compelling and satisfying read.

The story focuses on two women named Diana. We meet the first one, Diana Starling, when she is a teen spending her summer in Cape Cod. She is having the time of her life, meeting new friends, attending parties on the beach, etc. until one night changes her life in the worst imaginable way. Fast forward a couple of decades and we meet the second Diana, who goes by the nickname Daisy. Daisy Shoemaker is a busy but bored housewife. She dropped out of college years ago to marry and start a family, and now, with her husband frequently occupied with his own career, Daisy feels like she’s all on her own to run their household and to deal with their teen daughter who has been kicked out of private school for behavioral issues and is a real handful. Daisy is also receiving emails intended for someone else named Diana S. (coincidentally our first Diana now all grown up) and Daisy finds herself envious of what appears to be a much more exciting life than her own. After exchanging a few emails, the two Dianas decide it would be fun to meet up. Neither of them has any idea just how life changing this meeting will be.

I really loved how Jennifer Weiner has crafted this story. Both of these women are very likeable and I enjoyed the bond of friendship that immediately sprung up between them. But what I loved most was how Weiner then starts building suspense by making it clear that it’s no accident these two women have met and by making it just as clear that Diana Starling is preparing to do something that will turn Daisy’s life upside down. She hates the thought of doing it because she really likes Daisy, but in her mind, it still has to be done. I loved how ominous this aspect of the story was and the tension and suspense that built as it became more and more apparent that their lives were bound together by secrets and lies from the past and that Diana Starling was on a mission to take down someone who hurt her.

Weiner handles a difficult topic with care and in such a way that does not demean rape victims, but also in a way that takes direct aim at the old “boys will be boys” mentality that has pervaded our society for so long.

That Summer is a powerful story about revenge and holding people accountable for their actions, but it’s also an emotional and hopeful story about survival, moving forward, and the healing power of friendship.

This was really enjoyable! A stylistic follow-up to the author's previous book, Big Summer, this book has a similar structure, though a totally new story with different characters. It follows the life of Daisy Shoemaker who, by all outward appearances, has the perfect marriage, family, and life, in suburban Philadelphia. But she nevertheless feels an intense set of dissatisfaction and isolation. When she meets a woman as a result of a mistaken email and quickly befriends her, she thinks things may be looking up until it becomes clear that their meeting was not quite the accident that the other woman made it seem -- with consequences for Daisy and her entire family.

The story, including the mystery, was fully engaging and quite enjoyable. Highly recommend!

“That Summer” tells the story of two women on two different paths, who are connected by a couple of men and their actions at Cape Cod one summer. It’s fiction, but deals with heavier topics than a typical beach read which is what one may assume this book is when looking at the cover. While I appreciated the societal commentary, I found the book to be a tad on the boring side. I’ve read quite a few of Jennifer Weiner’s books and this one just doesn’t stand out to me like some of her others. Sutton Foster from “Younger” narrates the audiobook and I enjoyed her calming narration. Overall, it was a solid read, but not one that I loved. 3 stars ⭐️. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy.

Daisy seems to have it all, but without any friends, she isn’t fully content with her life. When she keeps getting misdirected emails from a women named Diana who has a very similar email address, she quickly opens up to her and they become friends. But as the story goes one, we learn that these two women are connected by the past in ways you would never imagine.

I loved Big Summer last year so I was so pumped for Jennifer Weiner’s newest book to come out! Thanks to NetGalley and Atria books I was able to snag an advanced copy. When I picked this one up, I wasn’t expecting such a heavy read. Although it does not mention it in the description, the plot of this one centers very heavily on a rape and the #MeToo movement. I appreciated the strong women characters and how they all grew and came into their own in this one, but overall I was not in the right mindset to fully appreciate this one when I read it. It was a slower read for me, and it took me until the 2nd half to really get invested in it.

I loved the author’s previous book Big Summer so was eager to read this one. The first 60% of the book is setting the scene. It is not until then we understand what the real plot is. This made it very difficult to read. I do not blame the author but the editor. Maybe we needed a Big Bang at the beginning. The prologue while relevant does not draw one in enough.. Towards the end the book tackles relevant themes. Can we ever atone fully for past mistakes or are we scarred with them and the repercussions forever? If you can stick with it, the story becomes interesting.

That Summer
By Jennifer Weiner


A DRAMATIC AND DESCRIPTIVE STORY OF REVENGE THAT WILL SPEAK TO MANY WOMEN.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


SUMMARY
Daisy Shoemaker has a full schedule, with a flourishing cooking business, volunteer work, and a beautiful home in the Philadelphia suburbs. But she is not happy. Her daughter, Beatrice is troublesome, her husband, Hal is distant and she has just lost her best and only true friend.

When Daisy, whose real name is Diana, starts receiving misdirected emails meant for a woman named Diana Starling she’s envious. Diana Starling seems to be living a glamorous and sophisticated single life, just like the life Daisy had hoped for. The two women correspond over the misdirected emails, which leads to an invitation for drinks and a friendship. But was that email connection really accidental? Who is Diana Starling, and how is her life so perfect? What does she want from Daisy? What is she really up to?

REVIEW
That Summer is a story of two Diana’s, their friendship, their past, and their future. The story is both heartbreaking and hopeful.

Author Jennifer Weiner”s writing hooks readers with an idyllic summer story that turns into something dark. She meticulously builds drama, while effortlessly juggling two main characters. The immersing dialog and the detailed descriptions make the story come alive. The food and cooking descriptions and the vintage clothing ensembles concocted by Beatrice are particularly intriguing. It's a perfect done-in-a-day, beach read.

Weiner has captured a realistic story that will speak to many women. It’s a story of the effect of an assault kept secret, and the power and impact of revenge. Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Publisher Atria
Published May 11, 2021
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com