Anything written by Emily Griffin is a must read in my opinion and The Summer Pact did not disappoint. I loved the three main characters, Hannah, Tyson and Lainey. They each had a dysfunctional story to tell and issues to resolve and they did it together The ending was predictable but perfect. Definitely read The Summer Pact. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to preview this great book.

Emily Giffin knocks it out of the park once again with this heartfelt story of family, friendship and grief. A fascinating and dramatic read.

I enjoyed how this was told in several perspectives I felt like I was able to understand the characters better. Great book to read in the summer by the pool or beach! I do wish that this book was a little less predictable I wasn’t kept on my toes as much as I had hoped. However it is a good book if you want to just relax!

fun read. sometimes sounded whiny, but that might just be me. glimpse into true friendship and standing for each other.

The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin is a heart rending look at the friendship of four friends, Summer, Tyson, Lainey and Hannah who have become close through college and are devastated by Summer's suicide right before graduation. They support each other as life goes on, through their trials and tribulations, but until Hannah breaks off her engagement because he fiance cheats on her, they never delve into their individual relationships with summer. They take off on a trip together and so much about themselves comes to light as they travel, changing their lives forever. I loved this novel.

This didn’t feel like a typical Emily Giffin book. I’m not sure if that was because of the settings or the characters but something about it just didn’t feel the same as her previous books. She did handle a tougher subject than usual, and I think she did a great job.

The multiple POVs worked well too but I was disappointed at the predictable ending. I had kind of hoped it would have surprised me and worked out a different way. I typically purchase all of her books even if I get a free advance copy, but I don’t think I want to read this one again.

Giffin's novel follows a tight-knit group of friends, best friends since college, who make a pact to support one another when one of them is in need. Fast forward to their 30s and each of the three main characters is struggling with something. They decide to travel together, on a trip to support each other. Told in 3 perspectives, which I appreciated, although ultimately the drama in this book felt a bit too forced for me. Still, some may enjoy this summer read. "What makes a friendship? What makes us choose to love the people we love?

After the first couple chapters, I wasn't sure I was emotionally equipped to read this book. But, it was a beautiful story of 4 friends. A pact that was made and in the end finding themselves despite tragedy and heartbreak and other obstacles. Finding oneself against all odds with your best friends beside you is what I got from this beautiful book!

Three friends grieved the loss of a fourth friend when she died by suicide at the end of their senior year in college. Now, a decade later, the remaining three come back together to keep a promise--a Pact they made in Summer's memory--when one needs help after a devastating breakup. Traveling together, the friends dig deep into their relationships both past and present. I wished for a little "more" from the characters, particularly Lainey, but this was a very enjoyable novel.

Emily Giffin's latest book was almost a "Do Not Finish" for me. Honestly, I was so disappointed. This is by far the weakest book that she has ever written, filled with "woke" propaganda and sprinkled with Giffin's liberal political beliefs and cliches. I missed the days when readers could not tell that she is a far-left liberal. Stay in your lane, Emily!

Now for the synopsis. The story begins with Tyson, Lainey, Hannah, and Summer preparing to graduate from UVA and begin their "real lives". Then an unspeakable tragedy occurs, one that changes their group forever. A promise is made, and "The Summer Pact" is born. Now, roughly ten years have passed, and everyone is living their own lives, scattered around the country. When Hannah experiences another life-changing event, the group gathers together to support her in her time of need. The friends plan a trip to chase down past dreams, bond with one another, and ultimately seek forgiveness and healing.

Without giving too much away, things change on the trip. Lainey addresses ghosts from her past, Tyson has to finally come to grips with the tragic events of the summer from so long ago, and Hannah begins to experience unexpected emotions for a new friend.

This book had some potential, but the last 25% was just filled with ridiculous cliches and plot twists. I was supremely disappointed, as Gifinn's books circa 15 years ago were SO good. Considering she only writes a novel every two-three years, I expected more from her. In my opinion, this is one book that you can easily skip.

There is a lot of story in this book. Everyone is going through something in this 3-way friendship. Despite all of the details, I felt like the character development was shallow and the plot was loose. The actual pact is far-fetched for adults who are busy adulting. It was a quick read and fans of Emily Griffin will enjoy it despite the flaws.

It’s hard not to move an Emily Giffin book straight to the top of the stack. She can do no wrong! This one is different than her other books and the story tackles some hard issues like suicide, mental health, alcoholism, and infidelity. But Giffin does what she does best, she makes the reader care about her characters and their struggles. Her writing is easy to read and you become invested. I read this in one sitting. It is exceptional.

I’ve never met an Emily Giffin book I didn’t like, and The Summer Pact is no exception. I really appreciate the way she handled the content warnings at the front, and the sensitivity she had with the subject matter itself.

As always, Giffin’s ability to write from so many different POVs is such a gift!

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for the ARC!

One of the best books I have read in a very long time. When I first started this book I was expecting a light summer read, what I got was an amazing thought provoking novel. I feel most will be able to relate to the characters, because all of us have flaws and can see ourselves in them. We have dealt with sadness, addiction, and some of us racism in our lives.
I will be recommending this book to many people this year.

Emily Giffin is talented, but I liked this less than her other works. It’s not as light-hearted as the cover might suggest, although it does involve international travel.

A tragedy happens as friends are graduating college that encourages actress Lainey, law student Tyson, and interior decorator Hannah to make a pact to always be there for one another. Now, a decade later, these three friends are each facing some troubles, and come together.

It’s told from different points of view, and that is well done—not an easy feat for a writer to pull off. We learn about how they became friends, their college years, and what’s going on with them now, each with a unique perspective on what happened/what’s happening. Somehow the friends manage to almost always say the supportive thing. I’ll be honest, if I’m angry, even at someone I love, the words out of my mouth may not always be incredibly understanding of a person screwing up or being caught lying to me.

NetGalley provided an advance copy of this novel, which RELEASES JUNE 9, 2024.

I don’t review a lot of adult titles because I work with elementary kids but Emily Giffin is one of the authors I spent my early adulthood reading so seeing her new book come up, I had to read it!

I couldn’t put it down. Every moment I had not at work over 2 days was spent reading this story that brought out all sorts of emotions. TW: it does involve suicide and some abuse of alcohol

Another perfect Emily Giffin. When a quartet of best friends becomes a trio, they make a pact to always be there if they need one another. When one’s life falls apart, the other two answer the call, and surprise, their lives could use a little work too. With a lush backdrop, and some truly messy dramas, this was a page turner. Trigger warning for suicide!

Another stunning, emotional, stellar novel from the incomparable Emily Griffin, this is her at her very best. Four girls from across the country meet in college and become best friends until one day the unthinkable happens, and those four girls make a pact and a bond that is thicker and stronger than anything they could ever have imagined. Ten years later they reunite when one of the four calls on them to remember their promise. Why? You will have to read and see, and you will not be sorry you did. I couldn't put it down and kept turning the pages late into the night. This is strong sisterhood at its finest, that assurance that you will always have someone to turn to and rely on in your darkest moments. I loved this novel, and although I have enjoyed every book Ms. Griffin has written, this one affected me the most and pulled me in from page one. Highly recommended!!!

Emily Giffin has done it again! I have been such a fan of her writing for many years and I absolutely loved this one! It was unique, different, and I loved the dynamic between all the friends over the course of their many years of friendship. I have so much more to add to this review I am preparing and will be updating my thoughts very soon! Perfect book for the upcoming summer for book club or to take to the beach!

I am a fan of all Emily Giffin books and this one was no exception. I smiled, I laughed, andI teared up as well. It had all the feels.