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

The Breakaway is my favorite Jennifer Weiner book, hands down. It addresses a wide range of topics, all relevant, from relationships (romantic and not), to abortion to self image. The flashbacks Abby Stern has to her sleepaway camp days are perfect for a summer/early September read. The hint of nostalgia is certainly present.

Abby, who has struggled with weight her whole life, is debating whether or not to move in with her boyfriend Mark. You get the feeling that she feels he is just, “fine.” Her internal struggles might come off as self-absorbed, but are not atypical of someone in their 30s, making it relatable.

The first bike trip Abby is asked to lead comes at fortuitous timing and as a reader, we travel with her through New York to reach the final destination. The only aspect I didn’t love was all of the secondary character POV chapters - they didn’t detract from the story, but not all of them were pertinent.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for my advanced copy.

The Breakaway is an intriguing story filled with many current issues that many readers may have experienced themselves or know someone who has. I enjoyed the characters and the unfolding of this story. Jennifer Weiner always delivers a heartwarming story.

The Breakaway was such a unique story of a life changing bike trip that has a group of riders coming together to help a girl with a secret. Along the way we have a meddling mom, an old flame, an internet scandal, a snarky group of seniors, body positivity, reproductive rights and everything in between!⁣
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I enjoyed this one so much - the friendships that form is the most fun part of the journey, but the drama and steam is quite the bonus!

Weiner always has an eye for what is current in culture. She uses this story of Abby Stern to address a lot of cultural issues including women’s health rights, cyber bullying, slut shaming, fat acceptance, and ageism. Abby holds the three week biking trip through New York together with strength and grace that she doesn’t realize has been there all along. As always there is a mother/daughter sub plot, but this time it flows through several of the participants on the trip. This novel is a great beach read.

When I need a break from my normal thrillers and horror novels, there's no better author to reach for than Jennifer Weiner. I've been reading her books for decades, and The Breakaway is a new favorite.

Abby Stern spent her childhood trying to make herself smaller to fit her mother's expectations. As a 33 year old, she has mostly made peace with her plus size body, but she doesn't have that same peace with her mom. What she does have is a gorgeous doctor boyfriend who she reconnected with after they first met at fat camp, as teens; a bunch of side hustle jobs; and her beloved bicycle. Abby is pretty content. Still, she can't help feeling that something is missing, and she can't stop thinking about Sebastian, a one night stand from a few years ago, who absolutely rocked her world. So imagine Abby's horror when she's asked to lead a nearly 800 mile bike trip and Sebastian is one of the riders. Just when Abby thought it couldn't get any more awkward, her mom rolls up at the last minute, intending on riding alongside Abby for the entire trip! Shenanigans ensue, of course, and Abby learns more about life, love, and herself than she ever bargained for.



One of the things I like best about Weiner's work is the relatability of her characters. I can genuinely empathize with Abby, because I'm a plus size woman who also felt aimless and without direction. Representation does matter! Weiner has a gift, always making me feel seen and deserving of love. I enjoyed this book so much and laughed out loud every few pages. I also may have gotten misty-eyed a time or two. A book that gives me all the feels and some seriously steamy love scenes is a unicorn, indeed. Bravo to Jennifer Weiner! Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the chance to review this advance copy. The Breakaway is available for purchase everywhere you buy books now.

Thank you so much to Atria Books and Netgalley for the eARC of Jennifer Weiner’s newest novel, The Breakaway–which publishes today 8/29! Happy Publication Day to this wonderful women’s novel. I love Jennifer Weiner’s writing style so much and have read all of her novels.

I loved main character 33 year old Abby Stern and all the other women who are part of this empowering story. While the story centers on Abby and on the momentous 2 week bike ride she leads for the Breakaway cycling company, we also hear the stories of the other women on the trip. I believe this was my favorite part–I loved that the women were all ages and at different stages of life. There are definitely hard parts in this story (reader know thyself and look up trigger warnings, please), but I loved it even when it was hard. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.

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.
This book is full of a diverse cast of characters, from the group of elderly bicyclists to a troubled teen with a secret. I thought the bike trip setting of this story was unique and interesting, the alternating chapters between characters kept the story fresh and gave a different perspective, and the scenery descriptions were beautiful. The only thing I didn't like was how often weight and fat shaming were mentioned. Even though Abby claims to have accepted her body size, her perceptions of herself and how she thought other puerile judged her were very negative. Overall, however, I did enjoy the book and will recommend it to others.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you have ever read a Jennifer Weiner novel, you know what to expect....excellence! And....The Breakaway does not disappoint. Weiner combines her knack for masterful storytelling with her love of cycling to bring her audience a five-star read.

I loved this book. It might have been right subjects, right time, but I thought it was wonderful. I always like this author's books, I love the setting of Philadelphia, and her stories are always engaging, but this one? Chef's kiss.

This is the story of Abby, she grew up in Philadelphia, daughter of divorced and remarried parents, jewish, in a relationship with her overnight camp boyfriend, and not really sure where her life is going.

She gets the opportunity to lead a bike trip on the Empire Trail. (GOALS!) And wouldn't you know it, her one and only one night stand shows up and is a biker bro. Oh, and let's not forget that her overbearing mom, Eileen, also decides to join at the last minute.

If you like riding a bike, a bit of a second chance possibility, family drama, or you know, just reading, I highly recommend picking this book up, you will not be disappointed.

Thank you to Atria Books and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book.

It took a while for me to get into Abby’s world but once I did, I was hooked. This story touches on important topics such as abortion, weight and how women’s bodies are viewed and talked about. I really connect with Abby’s weight and self love struggles.

An important read that was eye opening for me.

When Abby gets a last-minute invitation to lead a cycling trip from NYC to Niagara Falls, she's happy to have time away from Mark, her childhood summer sweetheart from fat camp, and get a chance to reflect and make up her mind about things. But things get complicated when Abby spots a familiar face -Sebastian, the one-night stand she thought she'd never see again.

Some positives:
Great writing: Jennifer Weiner is an author I’ve enjoyed many times before
Likable FMC: Abby is mostly good in my book
Body positivity: we love a fit, plus-sized woman leading a cycling adventure for others

Negatives:
I think there was one too many hot topic issues in this one book- Weight loss, body image issues, settling with a partner, uncertainty about career, making decisions about life, relationship issues, mother/daughter strained relationship, among others.. it was just too much.

I liked it, but didn’t love it.