I always adore Jennifer Weiner's books and look forward to them each year - rife with relatable characters and Jewish representation, I can always find pieces of myself in Weiner's characters and Abby Stern was no exception. Abby's romantic relationships and relationship with her mother both really resonated with me.

3.5 stars

I love Jennifer Weiner and her characters! In The Breakaway is a realistic fiction/ romance novel set on a two-week bike trip through New York State. Abby is leading this trip as a favor to a friend, but she is self-conscious about the fact that her plus-sizes body does not show how adept she is at riding. Since she was young, she struggled with how the world (and her mother) views her body, and it has seeped into her confidence and the way she handles her relationships. As the book starts, we have a flashback to a one-night-stand with a man Abby is sure she could never be with since he is conventionally gorgeous. Flash to the present and the bike trip, and Abby is in a serious relationship with her first love from fat camp. However, she struggling to understand why she isn’t excited to move in together. Cut to the bike trip and who is one of the cyclists?? Of course, her one-night-stand. Oh, and her mother is there too.

Weiner give us amazing characters with deep thoughts and realistic interactions with their world. I will always read what she puts out! Recommend for fans of Kristan Higgins, One to Watch, and Emily Giffin.

The Breakaway starts steamy and just gets better from there. It is the story of Abby, who is at a crossroads with her boyfriend, when she is asked to lead a 2 week bike trip. During this trip, she runs into the man who was responsible for the chapter 1 steaminess, and she starts to question everything. Is she happy with her perfect, albeit boring, boyfriend? Is he really happy with her?
The book has a few side stories as well and covers important topics such as body image, women's rights, and abortion.
I have loved everything I've read by Jennifer Weiner and this was no exception. This one was so relatable and I loved it so much!
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I've been a big fan of Jennifer Weiner's books for years now and I always love the themes the incorporates in her novels. For instance in this book, body positivity plays a huge role in the novel which many people will resonate with. I also love how Weiner writes her characters. They aren't perfect, they make mistakes and readers can resonate with them wholeheartedly. While I personally don't agree with all the characters choices in this novel, I can respect that its fiction. So I'll be giving this novel a solid 4 stars!

I fell in love with this book from the first chapter! The characters are so wonderful and will live in my heart for a long time. As someone who lives in the Buffalo/Niagara Falls area I can attest that Jennifer Weiner did an excellent job capturing the area. I have already recommended this book to so many friends! Such a great uplit book

3.25 stars

I have mixed feelings about The Breakaway. While there were many things I liked about the novel, in some ways it missed the mark. Most of my issues can be traced back to the main character. The story does follow a few other characters along the way but it's a tough read when you find yourself increasingly irritated by basically the star of the show.

Thirty three year old Abby Stern is in her element when she hops on her bicycle and hits the wide open road. She agrees to lead a multi day cycling trip thru New York. Abby is in for quite the surprise as her overly critical mother has joined the trip. As if that wasn't bad enough, Abby learns a one night stand from a few years back, Sebastian, will also be a part of her group. Well, I'm sure this will be totally fun and not at all awkward for Abby.

One of the better aspects of the book is Abby feeling comfortable in her own skin. She's plus size but recognizes health is what matters and the amount of exercise she gets from bicycling means her fitness level is better than most. It was nice having a self-confident character who doesn't let others dictate how she should feel about her body.

With that being said, Abby is self-involved. Yes, she has her kind moments doing stuff for others but there are instances where it's like she doesn't grasp other people have feelings too. Or if she does she more brushes it off without much self-reflection. The second half of the book I really started losing interest in her. Oddly enough it's the mother's backstory that ticked me off the most as it really showcased that apparently Abby has never had any desire to get to know her mother better and who she is as a person. I'm trying to tiptoe around spoilers but what kid isn't at least somewhat curious about their parents and how they grew up? The whole thing was just weird to me and I guess I will leave it at that.

Not my favorite Jennifer Weiner novel but still an okay read.

Something isn't right in Thirty-three-year-old Abby Stern's life. She can feel it. But what? She has an apartment, works gig jobs, is in a bicycling club, has a boyfriend (Mark) that she met while they were kids at a weight-loss camp, and is happy in her own skin. So why does she feel that something isn't right. For starters, she can't stop thinking about Sebastian, a man she had a one-night stand with before she reconnected with Mark. When she is talked into leading a bicycle trip from NYC to Niagara Falls, she is shocked when her mother as well as Sebastian, her one-night stand who she can't stop thinking about, are in her group.

Jennifer Weiner writes books that deal with many issues and this book was no exception. In this book she has included body positivity, being healthy, mother/daughter relationships, romantic relationships, one night stands, choice, and exercise. A highlight of the book for me was that although Abby was overweight, she was athletic and physically active. She also used an activity that she loved (bicycling) to encourage young girls to be active as well.

This book is told through several POV chapters with the most POV being from Abby and Sebastian. Both characters are flawed and have things they individually need to work on. This book is a romance and I always say romance books are a journey. Many of the characters go on journeys in this book. From making choices, to revealing secrets, to biking, to reflection.


As with her other books, I thought this was well written and enjoyable. I enjoyed how Abby was confident and poised even if she didn't feel it on the inside. The issues she experienced were realistic and felt authentic, but I wished they would have been fleshed out even more. I enjoyed the discussion she had with her mother. I thought Weiner nicely showed how perceptions can shape how we feel and act. That what we think and see, might not be the full story.

For me, this would make a nice beach read. It does deal with important issues but not at any deep level. There are a nice number of bikers in the group and readers get to know some of the things a few bikers are dealing with in their lives. But was this necessary in terms of the story. I get what Weiner was trying to do but sometimes less is more. That way, other themes could be fleshed out more, in my opinion.

Well written and enjoyable. For me the biggest plus of this book is the focus on body positivity and self reflection.

I am glad to see that Jennifer Weiner is back to her chick lit roots with this female empowerment story about a plus-sized woman who finds confidence through leading a multi-day bike trip up the Hudson River and into upstate New York. There's a lot of feminism in this one.

On the less positive side, I didn't love the romance side of this at all, specifically the insta-love, the cheating or the love interest.

I'm glad I picked this book up. At first, I saw it didn't have the highest rating on Goodreads so I was a tad hesitant. This story deals with sensitive and polarizing issues which I think could be one reason that the ratings aren't as high because I thought this book was very good.

Thirty-three year old Abby has been dating Mark for two years. She first met Mark when they were 13 at fat camp. Abby has struggled with her weight and her mother's idea of a healthy weight for years. Mark has just asked Abby to move in with him and something is holding her back. When she gets offered to lead a cycling trip for two weeks, she jumps at the chance! When she gets there she realizes a one- night stand is along for the ride and so is her mother.

I enjoyed the way this all unfolded. Abby wasn't my favorite character but I liked that she was flawed because her issues felt more relatable. This was definitely a character driven plot but I enjoyed all the cycling references and storyline. A slight spoiler but this deals with abortion, which I thought was handled very well and I think we need more books that talk about this subject. Overall, this felt like a somewhat politically charged book that I enjoyed it and how it was all handled. She even touches on Covid some but not in the "we are in a pandemic" way but in the we just went through this big thing and are on the other side now. This book made me want to go pick up my bike now!

Thank you to Simon and Schuester for the free copy for review.

I absolutely loved this book. Not only was it full of interesting characters, but it made me want to get a bike and sign up for an absurdly long bike trip. The heavier topics were dealt with with such care, and while yes, maybe some plot points wrapped up a little too easily, frankly that's what I need in my life right now! This book makes you laugh, makes you swoon, and makes you hope that life can really be like this. And the romance was delicious, too!

Caveat before I get into the meat of this review - I really liked this book. I found the concept/setting unique and fun to read about. I really liked the MCs and the chemistry between them. And I liked the exploration of family dynamics and how tricky they can be.

But this book was trying to do way too much, to the point where it almost felt like two books in one. And I think that did a disservice to one of the stories. The parts about Abby, Mark, Sebastian, Eileen, etc were well developed and intriguing. But the ones involving Lily and Morgan weren’t delved into enough, which is a shame because it was an important and interesting story. I enjoyed their scenes and was truly sad when their plot line abruptly drops off. It wasn’t balanced enough with the other half of the story, so it didn’t feel like it fit.

Again I really liked this book and would actually recommend it, I just think Weiner had two great ideas for books and decided to write both, and really should have picked just one to focus on. I think both would be stronger novels separated from each other.

Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for the ARC. The Breakaway is out 8/29

Jennifer Weiner is reliable -- I have thoroughly enjoyed her books over the last four years and look forward to them now as much as any. Although her latest wasn't quite as juicy as her past three, it is still worth reading because she writes such good characters. If nothing else, I find her main characters, especially women narrators, to be authentic, honest and a joy to read. This book had social commentary and nuance that I also appreciated. You won't be disappointed!

The Breakaway comes out next week on August 29, 2023 and you can purchase HERE.

Abby was looking forward to telling him about the day's ride and how, as she predicted, the men had been the ones almost getting into accidents, or drifting toward the center of the path, or the road, completely oblivious to other bikes and cars. Lizzie's theory was that men rode their bikes the way they moved through the world—heedless, confident, making it everyone else's job to get out of their way. Women were more cautious. They followed the rules and were careful about staying to the side of the road, about observing stop signs and traffic lights and calling "On you left!" when they passed. Many men—maybe most men—couldn't be bothered.

"The Breakaway" by Jennifer Weiner is a heartwarming and empowering novel that explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships.

In this story, Abby Stern, a thirty-three-year-old woman, navigates the challenges of her life with honesty and determination. Abby is content with her body and her life, even though it may not conform to societal norms. She's engaged to her childhood sweetheart, Mark, and is comfortable in her own skin. However, Abby's peace is disrupted when she reconnects with a man from her past, Sebastian, whom she shared a passionate night with two years earlier. As Abby embarks on a cycling trip to Niagara Falls, she's joined by an eclectic group of people, including her mother Eileen, who has played a significant role in shaping Abby's self-image.

Jennifer Weiner's writing skillfully portrays Abby's internal struggles and growth throughout the journey. The character development is rich and multi-dimensional, allowing readers to connect with Abby's vulnerabilities and triumphs. The relationships Abby forms with the other cyclists, including Sebastian, Eileen, and a teenage girl with a secret, add depth to the narrative. The interactions between characters are authentic and reflective of the complexities of real-life connections.

Weiner adeptly addresses issues related to body image, self-acceptance, and the impact of societal pressures. Abby's journey of self-discovery is both relatable and inspiring, as she learns to confront her insecurities and redefine her sense of worth. The story also delves into family dynamics, particularly Abby's complex relationship with her mother, which adds emotional depth to the narrative.

The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with a mix of introspective moments, heartwarming interactions, and unexpected twists. The backdrop of the cycling trip adds a sense of adventure and transformation to the story, as characters navigate physical challenges and confront their personal demons.

"The Breakaway" is a beautifully written novel that tackles important themes with sensitivity and authenticity. Jennifer Weiner's storytelling prowess shines as she crafts a narrative that combines self-discovery, relationships, and personal growth. This book is a heartening and relatable read that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories about finding one's voice and embracing one's true self.

Thirty-three-year-old Abby Stern is at a place in her life where she should feel content. Sure, she still isn't quite sure what she wants to do when she "grows up," but she's finally at peace with her plus-size body, and she's in a stable relationship with her preteen summer camp sweetheart, Mark. And yet, she still feels unsettled, not quite sure if she's ready to fully commit to Mark, and unable to forget about a steamy night with a man named Sebastian a couple of years ago.

When Abby gets the opportunity to lead a bike trip from New York City to Niagara Falls, she thinks it will be a chance to get away and clear her head. But she swiftly learns it won't be that simple: Not only is Sebastian, her steamy one-night stand, among the group of bikers she's leading -- so is her mother, with whom she has a complicated relationship after a lifetime of body shaming. And to complicate matters even further, a teenage member of the bike group is harboring a devastating secret...

I read quite a few of Jennifer Weiner's books in the early aughts and then for some unknown reason stopped seeking out her new releases. I'm happy to have rediscovered her with The Breakaway, which is both a breezy rom com and a thoughtful, nuanced meditation on several themes: body positivity, women's health, complex mother-daughter relationships, infidelity, sexuality, and mental health. The narrative is so charming and engaging, and I found it difficult to put the book down. Even though she touches on some serious issues, Weiner maintains a mostly light-hearted tone throughout and I found myself just sitting back and enjoying the (bike) ride. Weiner's writing feels effortless and is full of humor and heart, and Abby and Sebastian are flawed, relatable characters that I was really rooting for.

I wish Weiner had committed a bit more fully to the multiple-perspective structure of this novel, or done away with it entirely, as I'm not sure one of the storylines really fit organically into the overall arc of Abby and Sebastian's story (it felt added for social/political relevance). But mostly, The Breakaway is refreshing and thoughtful and sweet, a novel about learning how to love other people -- and learning how to love yourself, too. Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the early reading opportunity.

Know that this story of Abby, a woman who finds her joy in biking, starts with, well, a very steamy scene. Know also that some might not agree with some of the choices various characters make. And that it's just plain odd to collect photos of weird feet. That said, I liked this tale of a 30 something plus size woman who has never really settled into any career but has found a relationship with her childhood sweetheart Mark, but it's not a satisfying one. An opportunity to lead a bike trip through New York State changes everything, as Abby finds she's got the moxie and the knowledge to do it. Except that Sebastian, her one night stand is part of the trip and he's being raked over the social media coals for the number of other one nighters he's had. You know he's actually a good guy, don't you? AND, Abby's mom, who made her life miserable as a child because of her weight, has also joined the trip. She's got a secret, one which doesn't wash away all of Abby's pain but does help her to understand her mother's issues with food. While most of this is told from Abby's perspective, other characters hop in as well. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A very good read for Weiner's fans. Almost made me want to go out and get a bike.

I loved this premise. One night stand with the best sex that you run into a few years later and are on a two week trip together. You could really feel the chemistry. Some of the social commentary might turn some people off. I have the same views so I was fine with it except for one portion. A really great romance

The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner was EXCELLENT! I love the issues that this author tackles, such as weight acceptance, relationships and love, always with the perfect balance between fun humor, wit and seriousness. I completely enjoyed this wonderful adventure and characters! Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

I usually enjoy a Jennifer Weiner novel and this one was not an exception. Abby's story was rich and not just about her being a larger woman. It is a big part of her but there's also focus on how she likes to ride a bike for exercise and feels healthy even being bigger. She is dating Mark, a guy she met at "fat" camp that had gastric bypass surgery a few years ago and is on a different journey than her. She is still with him because she doesn't think there's anyone else that would want her. Her mom, Eileen, has always focused on Abby's weight and what she ate and was the reason she went to the camp. Then we have Sebastian. He was Abby's one and only one night stand that happened at the very beginning of her and Mark's relationship. He made her feel like no one ever has but she thought it was just alcohol induced and left without a good bye. Now he is on the bike ride that she is leading. We have many other characters with some interesting stories. I do think it should be noted that there is a side story about a 15 year old girl that wants to get an abortion from planned parenthood and can't in her state because it's illegal. She doesn't want to tell her mom either. This might be difficult for some people but it is important. I really enjoyed this book and all of its nuances.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

I thoroughly enjoyed this scenic rom-com.

Abby Fensker's childhood as "the fat girl" always plays at the back of her mind even as an adult who is healthy and fit. She rides her bicycle for miles every day. Her relationship with fat camp survivor Mark Medoff is stalled as Abby struggles with their different approaches to life. When Abby agrees to lead a bicycle tour for her friend Libby she takes on responsibility for a diverse group of 14 riders on a 12 day trip from New York City to Niagara Falls NY. Not only does Abby's mother, Eileen, surprise her but a one night stand from 2 years ago is there too.

The scenery is interesting, the various characters are often a source of laughter and of emotional connections that twist the plot in many unexpected directions. Another great novel from Jennifer Weiner.

At first glance I wasn't sure if this was a book I could really get into, but it didn't take long for me to become fully engaged. Naturally I was rooting for Abby and Sebastian throughout, but I also enjoyed getting to know the secondary characters and their stories. The author incorporated some real-life issues that are very relevant today. I am already recommending The Breakaway to my fellow readers!