I'm sorry to say this wasn't my favorite Jennifer Weiner book. I get all the body positivity messages, I really do. And I applaud them. But the mom was so stereotypical, as was the podiatrist boyfriend, that they simply pulled me away from the storyline.

I think the whole man-whore message was a bit over the top too.

Like any Jennifer Weiner book, the book itself was well written, the dialogue was spot on and the narratives good. The overall story arc though, just was a bit boring for me.

Loved this book. I’m not typically a romance reader but this one kept me interested. Loved the characters, hot topics it touched on, and the lesson(s) it taught. It was an easy read and I didn’t want it to end. I need a part two to find out what happens!! Great read!

“It’s just like riding a bike.”

Jennifer Weiner shines as a relevant author in her newest novel about self-love, body-image, growth, and the always tricky mother-and-daughter relationship. The Breakaway follows Abby, an overweight 33-year-old with no clear direction of her life path, who is dating podiatrist, Mark, her childhood sweetheart whom she met at fat camp growing up – which her mother forced her to attend. Dr. Mark is perfect, but when Mark asks Abby to move in together, she can’t help feeling that something is missing. When she is asked to lead a two-week bike trip over 700 miles she thinks this is the perfect opportunity to figure out what she really wants to do with her life and to get time to herself. However, when she realizes that Sebastian is a part of her group (a man she had an amazing one-night stand with two years ago and can’t get out of her head) and then her mother shows up surprising her, she knows the next two weeks may not be what she was hoping for.

This novel is the epitome of women’s fiction: women’s empowerment, self-image, romance, family drama, and feminist/liberal driven views. I overall enjoyed the character-driven story, but I think too much was crammed in a 14-day time period – with too many issues and themes. I am still trying to figure out how I feel about the two sets of mother-daughter problems, that in my opinion were so juxtaposed with underlying secrets (or “I chose to never tell you,” but treated you different because of my past) that parts didn’t seem like real life to me (it was too “clean”).

I have always struggled with my weight and had an eating disorder growing up (and now after having 3 kids trying to lose weight has always been an issue). I loved the conversations this book made me have with myself about what it means to be beautiful, healthy bodies, body image, the judgmental world we live in, and is being healthy tied directly to the number on the scale – this can mean being too skinny as well. But “diet culture” is real, and the world can be mean, and I think it’s good that the author wasn’t shying behind these issues.

I did enjoy how Weiner tied in a cycling trip with “just keep moving ahead,” which of course can relate to a lot of things – not just riding a bike. I thought this book was good, I thought the writing was superb, just too much going on for me. I give this 3.3 stars but will still recommend it to my girlfriends!

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC! All opinions are my own.

“But you can’t leave yourself open to the good things-happiness, true love, real connection-if you aren’t willing to risk being hurt."

Where do I even begin? This book is EVERYTHING! I seriously couldn’t put it down.

Abby is a 30 something year old just trying to figure out life. She has an amazing support system: her best friend, Lizzie and a group of women in the Philadelphia bike club. Abby grew up overweight, which is something she’s always felt insecure about. She’s also in a relationship with somebody who loves her just the way she is, but she has her doubts about the relationship. Lizzie asks Abby to lead a bike ride from NYC to Niagara Falls, it’s here where she meets people who will change her life forever.

I love Abby’s character, she’s authentic and very relatable. Honestly, I loved all the characters, they all seem so real and genuine. I found the fact that the storyline took place during the bike ride from NYC to Niagara Falls to be very fascinating and unique. Throughout the course of the bike ride we follow each character’s journey. I loved following all their journeys, but especially loved Abby’s. At the end, she found self esteem and self acceptance, and there’s nothing better than that! 💕

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! "The Summer Place" is probably one of the most enjoyable reading experiences I've ever had so this one didn't quite live up to my expectations, but it was still an excellent read.

Positives:
- I love the changing perspectives and the Lily/Morgan storyline was the perfect element to add in when I was starting to get bored with Abby and Sebastian.
- There were a good number of twists and turns that kept things interesting but didn't give me whiplash.
- A bike trip is a unique setting and I enjoyed reading a different kind of travel book than I'd normally read.
- Overall I found it immensely readable and I looked forward to picking it back up every day.
- The wide array of characters on the bike trip and their comradery towards each other gave parts of the book very cozy vibes that I enjoyed.

Negatives:
- The writing/story kind of deteriorated the end. I felt like the reveal about Eileen was overwrought and I didn't like it as something to add shock value to the story.
- It seemed like Abby handled the whole "cheating on her boyfriend" thing unrealistically casually, and that sort of took me out of the story at points.
- The scene describing her hooking up with Mark at fat camp was probably the worst thing I've ever read, and if I didn't have such high regard for Jennifer Weiner/if I wasn't already pretty far into the book, I would have abandoned ship based on that scene alone.

3.5 STARS - The Breakaway is a character-driven story that features Abby, a 34-year-old woman who is content with what life has given her. She is in a relationship with her childhood sweetheart, she's got a few part-time jobs to pay her bills and is comfortable in her plus-sized body, despite her critical mother's constant harping on how she could lose weight if she tried. To help a friend in a tight spot, Abby, an avid cyclist, takes a last-minute job as a tour guide that will take a group of cyclists (of varying degrees of skill) from NYC to Niagara Falls.

As in many of Weiner's books, she focuses on romance and weight shaming/self-esteem, but in this book, she also includes several other topics: women's reproductive choice, infidelity, mother-daughter conflict, mental health and serial dating to name a few.

This story has a large cast of secondary characters, two of whom Abby doesn't expect and a few who share their POVs which provide fodder for secondary plot points along the way. There is a lot going on - perhaps a bit too much. There are a lot of topics, a large cast to keep track of and the story felt overly long at times, but overall, I enjoyed the journey and appreciated the satisfying finish.

You don't have to know how to ride a bike to enjoy this coming-into-herself story. Fans who follow Weiner on social media will know she is an avid cyclist and I loved how she included one of her passions into her latest story. I've recently enjoyed biking my local 'rail trail' paths which made this book even more enjoyable.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for the complimentary advanced copy which I was given in exchange for my honest review.

I renew my love for Jennifer Weiner with each new book she publishes! After a serious reading slump, The Breakaway was a breath of fresh air to read! I loved the main character Abby! She was genuine, relatable and I found connected to the way she moved through the world.

I will put out a disclaimer that there is a LOT of talk about body dysmorphia, disordered eating and diet culture. That said, it is an accurate depiction of a millennial’s journey through the “breakaway” from our parent’s obsession with thinness. I was a bit triggered by it, but found that Weiner was responsible in pulling us all the way through to the other side of it by stripping the entire mindset down and exposing the dysfunction behind it.

The romance in this book is emotional and raw, which is just like I like it! I’ve read many complaints about the unethical choices of the main characters and I totally get it, but books are meant to bring us into another’s human authentic experience. It’s okay to see a character as a multifaceted being who is generous, kind, good and can also make bad choices!

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Breakaway. I felt like it was a ride that kept me engaged with every twist and turn!

Thank you NetGalley for the Advanced Copy!

I stayed up WAY too late reading the past two nights because I was so interested to see what would happen next! I'm trying not to have spoilers here so I apologize if this is awfully vague.

The characters were extremely engaging. The descriptions of the main guys were a little too "conventionally good looking" and I'm certain that some people are going to be annoyed by the generational repetition of a couple themes - but I'm not one of those people. I think it's exactly the point!! Regardless of the societal point of view, the political climate, the "strides" we think we've made, certain things have ALWAYS been true and will CONTINUE to occur.

Weiner did an excellent job of not wrapping everything up with a bow, but giving us enough closure that I'm not mad. I'd preorder a sequel right now.

The Breakaway is a powerful yet fun read about one woman’s journey to self discovery through a two week bike trip from NYC to Niagara Falls. Abby is 34, plus sized tour lead of the trek who encounters her unforgettable one night stand, lothario Sebastian on the ride. Although there is chemistry between the two, Abby has a perfect, devoted boyfriend Mark back home in Philadelphia. However, something is holding Abby back from wanting to move in with Mark, her childhood sweetheart and fellow fat camp alumni. To add to her transformative bike tour, she must grapple with her critical mother Eileen, a last minute addition to the group.

What I liked about this book:
-the New York State setting of cities, towns and countrysides as the group rode their bikes along the Empire Trail
-topical and relevant issues of toxic diet culture, body shaming, and abortion
-empowering message about body acceptance that you don’t have to be thin to be fit, as well as a women’s right to make choices about her own body
-great character development that shows growth in flawed yet relatable Abby
-interesting take on how Sebastian was vilified and ‘slut shamed’ due to his active dating life and hooking up lifestyle, usually it’s women who are judged
-showing how toxic and damaging social media can be
-supporting characters from the tour and Lizzie added dimension to the novel
-complicated mother/daughter relationship and the lasting effects of a traumatic childhood

What I disliked about the book:
-l loved the relationship between Sebastian and Abby but I wasn’t a fan of Abby cheating on Mark, in fact I felt bad about how she treated him, she should have been upfront about her feelings

My rating: 4 out of 5

Trigger warning: abortion, toxic diet culture, cheating, body shaming

My final takeaway- I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved the message of body positivity and discovering your own path in life. The complicated mother daughter relationship added realness to the book as well as the imperfect protagonist and supporting characters. Although this was a fun, popcorn read it had an empowering message for women. Jennifer Weiner does it again!

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for this eARC.

I was so excited to receive this Arc! Jennifer Weiner is such a talented author.

The Breakaway has so many important elements & covers lots of topics.

Abby is asked to lead a bike tour for her best friend Lizzie’s work. She’s be taking a 14 days trip with guests through NY. Right before she’s asked to do this her boyfriend hints that they should move in together. This seems to stimulate her decision to say yes to the bike trip, as something in her isn’t ready to say yes to him.

The trip has a wild cast of characters. A troubled mother daughter duo, a foursome of bike lovers, a family, Abby’s mother, and even the only guy she’s ever had a one night stand with. Sebastian being on the trip really complicates Abby’s thoughts about her future with Mark, the boyfriend. Abby has also struggled with weight her whole life. Her mother is a catalyst for all her heavy feelings towards her body. Being that her mother joined the trip also makes things challenging for Abby.

This book touched on many topics including weight, health, how to measure success, fidelity, and other hot-topic issues. One extremely important issue was well covered (which I prefer not to spoil.) It’s amazing so much was weaved into this story. I loved the mix of some of the riders stories along with Abby’s. It felt like we were joining them on a mental journey while following this physical one.

Sebastian’s character was my favorite part. There was something so genuine and charming about him. While I do have an issue with how things played out with him & Abby- it was very realistic.

As a resident of the suburbs of Philadelphia, I always LOVE Weiner’s books. I love all the Philly references of places and things. I also learned so much about biking! Weiner’s message always seems radiate the importance of being true to yourself. As always she provides an enjoyable read while focusing on important issues.

Jennifer Weiner's The Breakaway is a book that takes us on the journey of Abby. She is a thirtyish female who has struggled with her weight since she was young. A critical mother, Eileen, who was there to remind her of her faults in the world of her weight. Mark, the first man to make her feel beautiful and Sebastian who opened a whole new world to her for just one night. The book while somewhat predictable in plot speaks beautifully on the issues that females face today regarding their bodies and their choices. It also gives a very real journey into what social media, what we believe others think we should look like and the true challenges of "weight" for females and how that makes us who we are today. I enjoyed Abby's journey.

Women with big bodies can be healthy and fierce; they cannot be fat shamed and they deserve love and happiness without diets. Abby has been trying to tell herself that all her life…when her super thin and judgmental Mom insisted that she go the summer “fat camp” when she was a kid, when bullies at school called her “flabby Abby” and when men looked past her or were embarrassed to be seen with her. Now in her early 30’s, Abby has dropped out of 2 Master’s degree programs, is still working part time gig jobs to pay her rent and has no idea what she want to do with the rest of her life. Abby knows that she loves to ride her bike is incredibly lucky to have reunited with the love who she found at fat camp, Mark,only now Mark is a podiatrist, fit, runs 6 miles a day and doesn’t eat carbs. Mark still adores Abby and they seem so happy together….except that Mark only drinks black coffee when they go out to a bakery and he doesn’t ride bikes. He ignores all the attractive women who flirt with him and the people who stare at them because they don’t seem to make sense as a couple because he only has eyes for Abby. Over two years, they settle into a comfortable rhythm of almost living together, having sex two times a week and going their separate ways for running and biking. Right after Mark and Abby reunited but before they became more serious,Abby was in NYC on a bridemaid’s weekend and had a one night stand with a HOT guy named Sebastian. After they best night Abby has eve had, she leaves while Sebastian is still asleep and doesn’t leave a note. He has no idea who she is but wanted to see her again. Right before Abby is pretty sure that Mark is going to propose, Abby is asked to lead a NYC to Niagara Falls bike trip. A week of biking during the day and staying a B&B’s at night. Abby is excited because she loves to bike, wants this challenge and needs a break from her life in Philadelphia to decide if she really wants a comfortable like with Mark who loves her or something more. The folks on her trip are a diverse but friendly group except for two surprise bikers…Sebastian who she’s never really forgotten and her critical and judgmental Mother. Let the journey of Abby’s life begin….

I loved this book. So gripping. I loved the character development of Abby. I appreciate Jennifer Weiner touching on topical issues - especially abortion and weight issues. Thank you for this copy - it is my favorite read of 2023

Jennifer Weiner has written another amazing book that shows the power of women helping and empowering women.. Primarily focused on Abby, a plus size bike tour leader, as she wonders if she really was meant to be with her summer love from weight loss camp at the same time she is asked to lead a group tour across New York. What she thinks will be an escape to think ends up not being much of as escape as an old one night stand and her mother are both on the same bike tour. I loved the glimpses into other women on the tour and an especially kind moment were a bunch of women came together to help one of the other tour members. It's hard for some of the women to get past their assumptions of what others think and I truly think this is a real life quality captured and not everyone communicates well or just has been conditioned to not talk about things.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the chance to read this book!

Not my cuppa

Weiner is one of a handful of chick-lit writers I like, but man did she disappoint this time. So much so that I’m staying away from her books in the future. This is a little romance about a thirty-something woman named Abby. She’s in a good relationship, but she gets involved with another guy. The one lonely item in my Joy Jar: the unique setting, which is a bike trip that Abby is leading. My Complaint Board runneth over, I’m afraid to say.

Complaint Board

- The book is trying to be all feminist-forward. But it’s overly simplistic and the message is banal. It seemed to be written for a 10-year-old.

-A long scene, with copious details, about applying makeup, as Abby gets ready for a date. She is very invested in looking good for this guy. All girly-girly and boring as hell. It didn’t seem to match the sentiments of a supposed feminist.

-Where did good old mom go? Mom had signed up for the bike tour without Abby knowing, which of course didn’t thrill Abby. Mom was in her face for half the trip, but then we hear barely a peep from her as Abby is off being flirty.

-Two “oh guess who I ran into” huge coincidences. Please! (Eye roll.)

-Porn alert! At the very beginning, there’s an explicit sex scene. Maybe the publisher insisted that the writer lure the reader in with something juicy. Except I didn’t think it was juicy; it was off-putting. Plus, I didn’t know the main character yet, so what did I care that she was getting it on.

-There’s a hot-topic subplot that resolved in the middle of the story (tied up in a bow, bluck), and those characters dropped out of the picture. Didn’t like the disappearing act.

-Flat characters.

-The ending had way too much syrup! And the scene was so cutesy (gag-worthy, if I’m honest); I kept thinking maybe a middle-school girl might like it?

-I didn’t like Abby so I really didn’t understand why these two guys completely adored her. One guy kept saying she was funny, yet never once did I hear her say anything humorous.

-Abby is overweight, and too big a deal is made of that. The overall message is that hunky guys love big girls, too—and the book goes overboard.

-Male bashing.

-Hot topics, trying to be cool and relevant.

-The plot was trite and inane, the romance babyish and embarrassing. And I didn’t believe in the “connection” the lovers had.

Other things annoyed me, but I’ll stop whining; you get the gist. Many people liked this book, so please check out other reviews.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.

Publication date August 29, 2023

This book was so good. Jennifer Weiner is known for her character driven storylines and The Breakaway is no different. It is so much more than a romance, she tackles a lot of tough topics in this one…It’s about loving yourself, mother/daughter dynamics, body positivity, mental health and a woman’s right to choose. Fans of the author will see familiar themes that are in most of her books, but Weiner manages to keep it fresh.

I loved the location of the ride as I am very familiar with upstate New York. My son lives in Fort Erie, Ontario which is a 15-minute drive away from Buffalo and I have been to Niagara Falls on many occasions. What I also liked were the different points of view of the other riders as it helped me to get to know them and appreciate what they brought to the group and the book itself. Abby is aware that her life is pretty chaotic for someone her age and she struggles to find her place in the working world, taking on the bike tour gives her some confidence and she gets to know her mother a little better along the way.

As much as I hated the cheating aspect I was really cheering for Abby and Sebastian. They were both so real, flaws and all. The sexy scenes were hot enough without bringing any of the ick factor. The 400 pages just flew by because the story was so engaging and highly entertaining. I loved this book, it was in a word, propulsive. I suggest you pick it up and just sit back and enjoy the ride. (No pun intended)

I am a huge fan of Jennifer Weiner but thought this book was just ok. This book tells the story of Abby a bicycle enthusiast who fills in as a last minute tour guide on a bike trip from New York to Niagara. There are many topics covered in this novel - including abortion. The novel just seemed eh - nothing to get overly excited about. I still look forward to more books by Jennifer.

I enjoyed the story and was invested in the characters finding their way. The book teaches you a lot about making assumptions and how those assumptions affect your choices and relationships. I liked that the characters found their way through by working on their issues and not having everything magically resolve itself. I also enjoyed the setting of the bike tour.

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Jennifer Weiner for the eARC.

I'll always read anything Jennifer Weiner writes and I was saving The Breakaway especially for my vacation. This book made me want to hop on my bike and ride. Many thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy.

I absolutely loved this book! ANOTHER WINNER from Jennifer Weiner. I was really hoping that things would work it. It did not seem possible that her love and her mother and her years of issues with weight and her fiancee would work out...BUT!!! I was so happy when it all did.
LOVED IT!
Thank you!