Another hit from Jennifer Weiner! This was a compelling story about Abby, a seriously confused young woman. She is underemployed, low in self esteem, overly focused on her physical appearance, with a complicated relationship with her mother, and a confused romantic relationship. She has had a single night with a handsome man, Sebastian, who she feels is out of her league. She then reconnects with her childhood crush from summer camp who she is now planning to marry. She gets guilted into leading a bicycle trip on the Empire State Trail and when her hookup, Sebastian was one of the riders, will they reconnect? Or will it end in disaster?
This is a romance story but more than that. This is a story about self esteem, female empowerment, choices in life that are actually right for you instead of how those choices will be judged.
Typical for this author to create a highly readable and relatable story. Highly recommend!
#TheBreakaway #Netgalley #AtriaBooks

Abby is at a happy place in her life, she has a boyfriend who loves her, great friends, and is part of a cycling club in Philadelphia where she feels complete at ease in her body. Despite all this she feels a disconnect. So, when her friend Lizzie who runs a company that puts together travel packages for cyclist calls Abby and tells her that their ride leader for a trip from Manhattan to Niagara Falls bails, Abby agrees to take over despite her trepidation. Things take an interesting turn when one of the men on the trip turns out to be Abby's one night stand from a few years prior that despite her best efforts she hasn't stopped thinking about. To make things even more uncomfortable, Abby's mother becomes a last minute addition to the trip. The mother who Abby blames for a lifetime of body shaming she still struggles to deal with everyday. The next 2 weeks make Abby question everything about herself, her relationships, and love,

Abby Stern is 33 and doesn’t have much direction. She has an apartment filled with stacks of books and piles of laundry. She works gig jobs. She feels lost and insecure, in part because of her weight. Abby grew up with a weight problem and spent years getting stared at, talked about, and told is both subtle and obvious ways that she wouldn’t be beautiful unless she lost weight.

But Abby does have a boyfriend who adores her, a doctor named Mark who she had first met as a teenager at summer camp. They reconnected as adults, and it’s been almost two years since they have been together. And as Mark pointed out, Abby’s lease is almost up. He suggests they move in together. It should be an easy question to answer. But Abby isn’t certain. And fortunately, her phone dings.

It’s her friend Lizzie with a problem. Lizzie works at a company called Breakaway, where they put together travel packages for bicyclists. And there is a two-week trip that begins in Manhattan and goes all the way to Niagara Falls, and the ride leader had to drop out at the last minute. Lizzie knew that Abby loved to ride and had lead some single-day trips, and everyone else she’d asked had turned her down. Abby was nervous about the idea of leading a ride that long on her own. But two weeks of riding, where she could think about what she wanted, where she could make a decision about her relationship with Mark, sounded like a dream. And the paycheck was significantly more than what she usually made. Abby took the job.

It’s not until Abby showed up and met her riders in person that she realizes what she’s in for. They include two older couples, a family of four, a mother and daughter, and a couple of single guys, one of whom Abby knew from a drunken bachelorette night in New York. Sebastian had been a one-night stand, but he’d made her feel like she was genuinely special. She had never forgotten that night and was stunned to find herself standing in front of him as the ride leader. And then Abby finds out about the last-minute addition to the trip, her mother.

As the two weeks go by, mile by mile, day by day, secrets are revealed as the riders get closer. Abby finds herself attracted to Sebastian, even after all that time, and knowing he’s a serial dater who probably doesn’t want to settle down. She finds herself struggling to find common ground with her mother, who had always encouraged Abby to be healthier, even sending her to fat camp when she was a teenager. But mostly, Abby finds a strength within herself, to be brave, to be true to herself, and to follow her passion as she helps those around her on their own journeys.

The Breakaway is the latest novel by beloved and best-selling author Jennifer Weiner. It’s the story of one woman’s search to find her true value in a world that emphasizes skinniness over health, marriage over autonomy, and appearances over honesty. Honestly, I don’t know a woman, or maybe even a human, who hasn’t struggled with these issues in their own lives.

If you follow Weiner on social media, you can see how passionate she is about cycling. Sometimes she will even plan cycling trips alongside her book signings and appearances, sharing her joy in riding with her readers. When I saw what this book was about, I was so happy to see that she had combined her love of biking with her skill at storytelling, sharing her own stories of riding folded into the lives of her characters. To me, this book felt pretty personal, like she was once again bravely putting herself on the page so that we could all share some of her joys and her sorrows.

I think any woman who has had to deal with labels like plus-sized, queen-sized, full-figured, chubby, chunky, curvy, Rubenesque, or who has been told how pretty we would be if we just lost weight could find themselves in the voice and experience of Abby. It can be a cold world if you’re not a size 4, and we can all use some of Abby’s understanding and her courage. I recommend this book to anyone who needs some encouragement to love themselves, find their voice, or chase after their passion. It’s got that heart-warming good vibe to it, offering comfort and clarity for individuals or for reading groups.

Egalleys for The Breakaway were provided by Atria Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.

This bighearted story from Jennifer Weiner is the perfect book to end summer with. It tackles serious issues- Abby is a fat cyclist who has spent her life feeling demeaned by her thin mother regarding her weight, and there is a major subplot regarding abortion (that I felt was handled with honesty and gentleness while still highlighting the injustice of the current status of reproductive rights). I loved the cycling tour story as Abby leads a varied group- including a former one night stand- on this trip, and the issues and pitfalls and self-discovery along the way. The romantic subplot didn't hurt, either. This one won't disappoint other Jennifer Weiner fans!

Just like always, Jennifer Weiner hits it out of the park! The main character, Abby, is an overweight adult with a lot of insecurities and an uncertain future. Sebastian is her one night stand come back to make her question many, if not all, of her life choices. And they are together with a host of others on a 2 week bike trip. I loved the book. The characters are relatable and the book just gels. Two thumbs up!

A huge thanks to Atria for a copy of The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner.

I've been a fan of her books since high school and The Breakaway really reminded me of some of her older books books that made me fall in love with her writing!

Abby's in a happy place with her life but something still doesn't feel right. She's happily dating her childhood summer sweetheart who she reconnected with so when she gets the chance to lead a cycling trip from NYC to Niagara Falls she accepts. Of course, things get complicated when her mom joins the trip and a guy she had a one-night stand a few years ago...

I really liked this book! I loved the cycling aspect and reminded me of the I took a group of teenage girls on a multi-day biking trip in Michigan at camp! Told with Weiner's wonderful writing and humor I love this look at ourselves, dieting, relationships and life through this book.

The Breakaway comes out today and I recommend picking it up! I haven't riden my bike in forever and this book made me want to!

The Breakaway
Author Jennifer Weiner
Available now!

Thank you, @bookclubfavorites, @atriabooks, and @netgalley, for my #gifted copy!

If you follow Jennifer Weiner's Instagram account, you will know that everything she cares passionately about is wrapped up in a bow in her latest novel, The Breakaway! Family, mother daughter relationships, love, body image, body autonomy, reproductive rights, feminism, and cycling!

Written with empathy and insight, Abby Stern welcomes an opportunity to lead a cycling trip from NYC to Niagra Falls, which allows for reflection, growth, and so many relationships to form and grow. From a past one night stand, her mother showing up unexpectedly, a teenager with a secret, two married couples and their antics - this seven hundred plus mile bike trip is packed with challenges, humor, emotion, a little steam, and many life lessons.

The Breakaway is a life- changing and empowering journey the Weiner's fans will love!

I love the diverse cast of characters, all of which are fleshed out and relevant to the story.

Abby Stern has finally made it to a point in her life that she can accept her plus-sized body and be happy with herself. Sure, her career is still a question and her relationship with her childhood fat camp boyfriend is getting more serious than she's ready for, but she still has her bike and the freedom it provides. Even though they grew up in similar fat shaming situations, Abby can't help but feel judged by Mark, who's now half his former size and his diet strictly regimented. When he starts pressuring her to move in with him, she's happy to get a reprieve and time away in the form of a two week bike trip through New York to Niagara Falls. But then who should show up but her mother, who's always pressured her about her weight, and a Sebastian, a one night stand from two years ago that she can't seem to forget.

(As an upstate NYer, I loved the bike trip!!)

Abby is in her early 30s and a plus size, and so is amazed to find herself in a torrid one night stand, Sebastian, whom she left the morning after without leaving a parting note. She meets Sebastian again when he signed up for the biking tour she is leading two years later.

I enjoyed the idea of a romance between a plus sized woman and a handsome, fit man, who pursues her in spite of her misgivings abut herself. This is a slow burn romance as the time spans run from two years after a first meeting, to two years after a second time meeting.

I also liked the descriptions of the bike ride through New York from Manhattan to Niagara Falls, its scenery, near accidents, pitfalls, and the interesting and varied types of people who might go on these long distance rides.

Each of the riders on the trip has their own story to tell, especially the mother-daughter pairs. Their stories add a lot to the novel. An enjoyable read that made me want to go on a bike trip of my own.

I really enjoyed this story. It’s about a curvy women named Abby who at 33 finally feels ok with her body. Abbey is set to marry Mark her childhood sweetheart but just has that funny feeling things are not what she wants so when a cycling trip invite comes up she goes for it hoping it will give her the chance to think. But soon after accepting she realizes she knows some of the people which leads to an interesting cycle trip. This author writes eloquently about some issues abbey and others have had to deal will.

This is the perfect book for a heartfelt exploration of identity, forgiveness, and the transformative power of self-discovery. It beautifully captures the essence of personal growth, painting a vivid picture of Abby's emotional journey as she comes to grips with her own insecurities and learns to embrace her true self. With its compelling characters and poignant storylines, "The Breakaway" is a captivating novel that will leave readers reflecting on their own perceptions of love, acceptance, and the power of breaking away from societal expectations.

Jennifer Weiner delivers another completely delightful and fun read! Abby Stern spent every summer growing up, going to weight-loss camp, thanks to her perpetually dieting mother. One of the campers she met was Mark Medoff, who was the largest boy at the camp. As an adult, Abby is nearly engaged to Mark (who is now half the size than when Abby originally got to know him). When Mark wants Abby to move in with him, she panics. When her best friend Lizzie calls and begs her to lead a cycling trip from NYC to Niagara Falls, she’s happy to have time away from Mark, a chance to reflect and make up her mind. When she arrives at the meet-up point, Abby spots a familiar face in the group—Sebastian, the one-night stand she thought she’d never see again.


A wonderful journey that is filled with romance and issues surrounding family, body image, etc, I found this read a total escape, particularly with the bike riding trip! The characters were charming and engaging.

Another 5 star read from Jennifer Weiner!!


Thank you, Simon and Schuster, for the ARC via NetGalley.

I throughly loved reading the engaging and engrossing story. When Abby, an overweight curvy woman, is asked to lead a bicycling group, she jumps at the chance to breakaway from her perfect thin boyfriend, Mark, who wants her to move in with him. Abby loves the freedom of riding her bicycle, but, unexpectedly, one of the people in the group is her passionate and unforgettable one-night stand, Sebastian. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full humor and captivating characters, and a must read riveting story.

Abby Stern is newly engaged to a doctor, had a one-night stand that she never thought she’d see again, has a complicated relationship with her mother, and is not super skinny. While leading a group bike trip from NYC to Niagara Falls, Abby has to deal with her mother who signed up for the trip and the guy who was her one-night stand. Sounds like a fun time, right?

I enjoyed this book because I could relate to some of the issues that Abby was dealing with. In addition to the main plot, there was a subplot dealing with a young woman on the bike trip and how she was dealing with it. One way I determine if I like a book is whether I’d want to hang out with the story's characters. I can wholeheartedly say that I would like to hang out with Abby Stern. She is down to earth person who seems genuine and sincere.

I have read quite a few of Jennifer Weiner’s books and this is one of my favorites by her. Add this book to your list and go for a bike ride when you’re done reading it.

My main problem with this book was the author trying to tackle too many *important* issues in one book. Weight/body image issues, settling, dissatisfaction with career/life, love life problems, mother/daughter problems, viral social media issues, too much. The issue that pops up at the middle of the book in particular felt like an unnecessary after-school special.

I loved the idea of a fit, plus-sized woman leading this cycling adventure. But the author lost me by trying to tackle so many issues that none of them were done really well. Cute premise and potential.

This was a fun read about Abby, a girl who has struggled with her weight and self-worth her entire life. She ends up leading a two week bike tour and the group of riders is filled with interesting characters with plenty of their own drama. Also on the ride is Sebastian, a man Abby met once and had a connection with. This opens up a whole other can of worms! This story didn’t have the depth some of Weiner’s other books have, but it was an enjoyable story.

I credit Jennifer Weiner for getting me back into reading in my early twenties. Many moons ago, I picked up her debut, Good in Bed at my local library, and found it absolutely refreshing. I’d just graduated from university, and hadn’t read anything for pleasure in YEARS. It was exactly what I needed, and I’ve been hooked on her novels ever since. It’s (a little over) twenty years later, and I still get excited for her new releases. So you can only imagine my excitement when her brand new novel, The Breakaway arrived at my door. I love how reliable Weiner is. Every single time I pick up one of her novels, I just know to expect a solid piece of women’s fiction. I appreciate her ability to tackle tough subject matter, and excel at it. I adored the MC, Abby Stern and the dynamic group of supporting characters. I wasn’t sure how a bunch of strangers cycling around the country together would pan out, but once again, Jennifer Weiner nailed it!

READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:

- Cycling, bike tours, and fitness
- Multiple perspectives and storylines
- Mother/Daughter relationships
- Family drama
- Full cast audiobooks
- Body image, positivity, and acceptance
- Friendship fiction
- Staying true to yourself
- Love, romance, and a bit of steam

I gotta say, this novel has piqued my interest regarding bike tours. I kinda want to do one now! But man, just thinking about all those miles makes my butt sore! I’d have to invest in some padded shorts and a super comfy seat! LOL! Oh, and I highly recommend the audio version—it was so much fun to listen to! If you enjoyed Weiner’s past novels, I guarantee that you’ll dig this one too.

This is a really lovely story full of lots of found family. The relationships formed between the people in the group and the way they grow to care about each other and be there for each other is really beautiful. The way Abby's relationships with Sebastian and her mother grow and change is very touching as well.

As a plus-size woman who is fairly comfortable with her size, Abby is a very admirable character. Her moments of doubt only make her that much more relatable. At first, Sebastian seems like a typical cad. When he becomes the one who gets shamed and becomes the subject of harsh public scrutiny, it is a unique and exciting twist. However, his character does grow and change a lot over the course of the book which is also nice to see. All in all, it's another winner from Weiner.

When Abby gets the opportunity to lead a cycling trip from NYC to Niagara Falls, she takes it and is excited for the opportunity to reflect on her life and what she wants. Although she seems to have everything together, she can’t shake the feeling that something is missing.

These characters had my heart from the beginning. It was a beautiful story of self-reflection and self-discovery from so many different angles. I loved all the different POVs and getting to know all of the characters and the challenges they were facing. Seeing this group of mostly strangers come together by the end of the trip was heart-warming. It’s hard to truly capture this book because there were so many themes and topics addressed, but it was beautifully written and a great read.

Some content warnings: body-shaming (weight loss camp), abortion, cheating, challenging mother-daughter relationships

Thanks to Atria Books for the gifted copy.

I enjoy all of Jennifer Weiner’s books and The Breakaway is no exception. The Breakaway has a younger main character, Abby Stern is 33. Some of Ms. Weiner’s more recent books had a bit old character focus which I enjoyed being in my 50’s. However, this book does have quite a few older supporting characters. I follow Ms. Weiner on socials so I love how she writes in her passion for biking into her books.

The bike journey through New York is very inviting and descriptive. I would enjoy a bike trip lead by Abby Stern. The mix of family drama, friendship, romance, and secrets keeps the book moving forward at a fast pace. There is a bit of political commentary in the book but in this case it is necessary to the story not just the authors personal opinion. Any author that includes digs about the past four presidents, loses at least one star in my ratings. Of course, there are exceptions for non fiction or if it adds value to the story.

I would recommend reading The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner. Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy. #NetGalley #TheBreakaway #JenniferWeiner

The book does have something’s that some might consider triggers: body shaming and abortion rights