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The Summer Pact
Win a free print copy of this book!
22 days and 06:36:37
20 copies available
U.S. only
In the wake of tragedy, a group of friends make a pact that will cause them to reunite a decade later and embark upon a life-changing adventure together—from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Meant to Be.
Four freshmen arrive at college from completely different worlds: Lainey, a California party girl with a flair for drama; Tyson, a brilliant scholar and law school hopeful from D.C.; Summer, a recruited athlete and perfectionist from the Midwest; and Hannah, a mild-mannered southerner who is content to quietly round out the circle of big personalities. Soon after moving into their shared dorm, they strike up a conversation in a study lounge, and the seeds of friendship are planted.
As their college years fly by, their bond intensifies and the four become inseparable. But as graduation nears, their lives are forever changed after a desperate act leads to tragic consequences. Stunned and heartbroken, a pact is made to be there for each other in their time of need, no matter how separated they are by circumstances or distance.
Ten years later, Hannah is anticipating what should be one of the happiest moments of her life when everything is suddenly turned upside down. Calling on her closest friends, it soon becomes clear that they are facing their own crossroads. True to their promise, they agree to take a time out from lives headed in wrong directions and embark on a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and acceptance.
In this tender portrayal of grief, love, and hope, Emily Giffin asks: When things fall apart, who will be at our sides to help pick up the pieces?
Four freshmen arrive at college from completely different worlds: Lainey, a California party girl with a flair for drama; Tyson, a brilliant scholar and law school hopeful from D.C.; Summer, a recruited athlete and perfectionist from the Midwest; and Hannah, a mild-mannered southerner who is content to quietly round out the circle of big personalities. Soon after moving into their shared dorm, they strike up a conversation in a study lounge, and the seeds of friendship are planted.
As their college years fly by, their bond intensifies and the four become inseparable. But as graduation nears, their lives are forever changed after a desperate act leads to tragic consequences. Stunned and heartbroken, a pact is made to be there for each other in their time of need, no matter how separated they are by circumstances or distance.
Ten years later, Hannah is anticipating what should be one of the happiest moments of her life when everything is suddenly turned upside down. Calling on her closest friends, it soon becomes clear that they are facing their own crossroads. True to their promise, they agree to take a time out from lives headed in wrong directions and embark on a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and acceptance.
In this tender portrayal of grief, love, and hope, Emily Giffin asks: When things fall apart, who will be at our sides to help pick up the pieces?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published July 9, 2024
About the author
Emily Giffin
41 books23.5k followersEMILY GIFFIN is a graduate of Wake Forest University and the University of Virginia School of Law. The #1 New York Times bestselling author of eleven novels, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Baby Proof, Love the One You're With, Heart of the Matter, Where We Belong, The One & Only, First Comes Love, All We Ever Wanted, The Lies That Bind, and the recently released Meant to Be, she currently lives in Atlanta with her family.
Website: www.emilygiffin.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EmilyGiffinFans
Twitter: https://twitter.com/emilygiffin
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/emilygiffina...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
June 20, 2024
3.75 ⭐️ an incredibly sweet story of friendship, grief, & love!
June 18, 2024
i listened to this on audio and tbh felt underwhelmed — it was a highly anticipated 2024 release for me but it was just okay and feels forgettable in a month or two.
something was missing and just felt off, but i can’t quite put my finger on it and that’s what’s bugging me!! to be fair, i am playing the comparison game though bc i loooooved MEANT TO BE and also enjoyed THE LIES THAT BIND / her older work.
i think what bugged me most is that i kept waiting for more—the plot to get deeper, a twist to come at the end, something to surprise me?? IDK!!! it was hard to get an emotional connection to any of the characters the way the author went about it (keeping spoiler free). the big event happens right away in the first 15 pages so then you’re left with nearly 350 pages post-big plot and i think executionally, she could have built on the friendship and time in college before diving right in.
i know it’s a litfic but it just felt like nothing happened (yet she crammed in so many tidbits and topics? like the eras tour and Travis Kelce? even as a Swiftie…i’m like, what?!?? 😂) and the characters seemed so immature for their ages. i also felt a little icky after the end… a major trigger warning was missed and it felt very random to the story.
i did the audiobook and while i enjoyed the 3 POVs, the narrators were just okay. not my faves ever and i wonder if i would have felt different by reading the physical copy, just a tip!
really interested to see what readers think when this comes out! thanks to PRH Audio for the gifted ALC and early copy
something was missing and just felt off, but i can’t quite put my finger on it and that’s what’s bugging me!! to be fair, i am playing the comparison game though bc i loooooved MEANT TO BE and also enjoyed THE LIES THAT BIND / her older work.
i think what bugged me most is that i kept waiting for more—the plot to get deeper, a twist to come at the end, something to surprise me?? IDK!!! it was hard to get an emotional connection to any of the characters the way the author went about it (keeping spoiler free). the big event happens right away in the first 15 pages so then you’re left with nearly 350 pages post-big plot and i think executionally, she could have built on the friendship and time in college before diving right in.
i know it’s a litfic but it just felt like nothing happened (yet she crammed in so many tidbits and topics? like the eras tour and Travis Kelce? even as a Swiftie…i’m like, what?!?? 😂) and the characters seemed so immature for their ages. i also felt a little icky after the end… a major trigger warning was missed and it felt very random to the story.
i did the audiobook and while i enjoyed the 3 POVs, the narrators were just okay. not my faves ever and i wonder if i would have felt different by reading the physical copy, just a tip!
really interested to see what readers think when this comes out! thanks to PRH Audio for the gifted ALC and early copy
July 7, 2024
Though it didn't feel quite the same as Emily Giffin's earlier novels, this was still a quick and enjoyable read. It told the story of a group of college buddies who get together one summer to travel and support one another throughout difficult times. The story was full of self-discovery moments and even unexpected romance which I appreciated but it would have been better if the development had been spread out over more time.
I liked how the friends' relationships changed as they matured and how their characters changed. I thought several of the storylines were just rushed too much. There was a little more development I would have hoped to see in those relationships.
I thought it was interesting to hear this story from multiple points of view; it helped me get a deeper understanding of the characters. But in the end, I thought this book's drama was a little too forced.
Still, it was a fun summer book that I would recommend to others, especially if you enjoy stories about friendship and self-discovery.
I liked how the friends' relationships changed as they matured and how their characters changed. I thought several of the storylines were just rushed too much. There was a little more development I would have hoped to see in those relationships.
I thought it was interesting to hear this story from multiple points of view; it helped me get a deeper understanding of the characters. But in the end, I thought this book's drama was a little too forced.
Still, it was a fun summer book that I would recommend to others, especially if you enjoy stories about friendship and self-discovery.
May 9, 2024
A beautifully wrought story populated with characters who are affecting and amusing. Achingly hard to read at moments—and yet such a joy. Giffin’s prose is intoxicating…masterful even. Tackling provocative issues while infusing grace, humor, romance, and witty repartee.
An exquisite homage to friendship and the tragedies that bind us. Pack your sunscreen for Capri, Italy (the visuals are spellbinding!)—and your tissues.
An exquisite homage to friendship and the tragedies that bind us. Pack your sunscreen for Capri, Italy (the visuals are spellbinding!)—and your tissues.
July 9, 2024
I haven't read an Emily Giffin book in so long, and I loved the ones I did read way back in the day. When I saw this one, I really wanted to read it. A group of college friends who, after a tragedy, make a pact to always be there for each other during the hard times, no matter what. Ten years later, they are all going through their own hardships and decide to take some time to be together, travel, and support each other. This was definitely a light read while still covering some heavy topics, such as addiction and suicide. I enjoyed following the friends through their travels. You do get the POV from each of them, and I did enjoy that. This was a nice read about friendship and hardships. I do feel like there could have been more to it, but overall, an enjoyable summer read.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 17, 2024
A decade ago three best friends lost the fourth member of the group and made a pact to always be there if they need one another. That call comes after one finds her fiancé cheating and what follows is a beautiful story about finding yourself, healing after loss and the power of friendship.
What I loved:
-How easy the writing flowed
-The heavier themes embedded into the story
-The three POVs: gave a unique perspective on what happened/ what’s happening now
-The Capri setting
What I didn’t love:
-Some plot points felt rushed (Particularly the romance subplots)! I would have loved more pages for more development!
What I loved:
-How easy the writing flowed
-The heavier themes embedded into the story
-The three POVs: gave a unique perspective on what happened/ what’s happening now
-The Capri setting
What I didn’t love:
-Some plot points felt rushed (Particularly the romance subplots)! I would have loved more pages for more development!
May 12, 2024
I'll start by saying I have really enjoyed Emily Giffin's books over the years, from her original books to some more recent ones. But this one failed spectacularly for me, for a plethora of reasons. It's a well-written book, but beyond that, I struggled greatly. Why?
1. There are 3 POV's in the book, and there isn't enough distinction between the character's voices, to the point where I kept forgetting whose POV I was reading.
2. The characters are very immature for their age, constantly overstep boundaries, and don't exactly portray the picture she's trying to paint of an uplifting friendship. Moreover, Lainey was insufferable!
3. The epilogue contains a lot of information that should not have been dumped at the end.
4. The romantic plotlines come in late, like an afterthought, and do not feel genuine (both, in my opinion).
5. There were a lot of side conversations in the book, and therefore pages devoted to political-adjacent topics and conversations. Of course, this will naturally occur, especially with BIPOC characters, but it was more than required. The amount of political-esque content pulled me from the plot of the book and felt very disruptive to the plot.
6. Many of the antagonists feel one-dimensional.
I had high hopes for this one but was ultimately very disappointed. Hopefully her next one is better! Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this novel.
1. There are 3 POV's in the book, and there isn't enough distinction between the character's voices, to the point where I kept forgetting whose POV I was reading.
2. The characters are very immature for their age, constantly overstep boundaries, and don't exactly portray the picture she's trying to paint of an uplifting friendship. Moreover, Lainey was insufferable!
3. The epilogue contains a lot of information that should not have been dumped at the end.
4. The romantic plotlines come in late, like an afterthought, and do not feel genuine (both, in my opinion).
5. There were a lot of side conversations in the book, and therefore pages devoted to political-adjacent topics and conversations. Of course, this will naturally occur, especially with BIPOC characters, but it was more than required. The amount of political-esque content pulled me from the plot of the book and felt very disruptive to the plot.
6. Many of the antagonists feel one-dimensional.
I had high hopes for this one but was ultimately very disappointed. Hopefully her next one is better! Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this novel.
June 22, 2024
I’m a huge fan of the author and this is probably my least favorite of all of her books but it’s still a 4 star for me, so take that as you will. It’s pretty depressing at times as it deals with some heavy subject matter so don’t let the pretty cover and lighthearted title fool you. The author did handled topics like suicide and addiction with care though but it was a bit of an odd balance between summer travels and emotional upheaval. I did like the travel aspect and the reasoning behind the whole thing. I also appreciated the connection between this group of friends and you hear from all of them in alternating POVs so I felt like I got a solid understanding of them by the end. If you want a read with some real depth and tragedy instead of a standard summer read, try this. It’s a great exploration of friendship and found family if you can handle some serious issues.
May 5, 2024
A beautiful story about friendship, along with an armchair adventure. Review coming soon.
May 15, 2024
Another winner from Emily Giffin - this one is more focused on friendship rather than romance, although there is some romance here. The characters were real and flawed and I appreciated their struggles. The Summer Pact also depicts how addiction can manifest in different ways, which is something that really resonated with me in this. I am a huge Giffin fan and look forward to her releases every other year, and I wish we didn't have to wait two more years for more!
Thank you to Random House for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Random House for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
June 10, 2024
Emily Giffin continues to do what she does best: delivering elevated beach fiction. Giffin's readers know that she is not afraid to pack a punch; and it's not all sunshine and roses in her novels.
In fact, THE SUMMER PACT opens with a content warning that this book deals with a variety of incredibly tough issues that will be hard for some to digest. At its heart, it is a love letter to the power of the complexities of friendship, and a novel about finding yourself where you least expect it. A group of college friends who survive a shattering tragedy in their world make a pact to always come together when someone is in trouble; and in the pages of this heartbreaking yet heartwarming novel Giffin takes them on a globe trotting journey of discovery.
It's a true page turner; I ripped through it in two nights; and while yes it is full of tough but real moments; Giffin's storytelling shines through in the most charming of small scenes and little bits of dialogue. My heart ached for all of the protagonists at times all the while loving her enchanting visuals of Capri. It may be a bit too heavy content wise for someone to take to the beach, but to be honest Emily Giffin novels are the kind of book that you want to savor every page and read as slow as you can....!
Thank you to the Ballantine for an ARC.
In fact, THE SUMMER PACT opens with a content warning that this book deals with a variety of incredibly tough issues that will be hard for some to digest. At its heart, it is a love letter to the power of the complexities of friendship, and a novel about finding yourself where you least expect it. A group of college friends who survive a shattering tragedy in their world make a pact to always come together when someone is in trouble; and in the pages of this heartbreaking yet heartwarming novel Giffin takes them on a globe trotting journey of discovery.
It's a true page turner; I ripped through it in two nights; and while yes it is full of tough but real moments; Giffin's storytelling shines through in the most charming of small scenes and little bits of dialogue. My heart ached for all of the protagonists at times all the while loving her enchanting visuals of Capri. It may be a bit too heavy content wise for someone to take to the beach, but to be honest Emily Giffin novels are the kind of book that you want to savor every page and read as slow as you can....!
Thank you to the Ballantine for an ARC.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
June 17, 2024I have really liked other titles from Emily Giffin, but this one didn't live up to her previous efforts. DNF'd after 3 chapters.
Source: digital review copy
Source: digital review copy
June 15, 2024
4🌟
I adored this book! This adventurous read was full of deep friendships, summer travels, and emotional baggage. 😩
When tradegy strikes, a group of 3 friends make a pact to come together in times of need. Years later, they are reminded of their promise to each other and set off together on a world trip of a lifetime. 🗺️
Giffin’s writing was as spectacular as ever! Although the vaca vibes were vibing 🍹, Hannah, Lainey, & Tyson were flaweddd characters with DEEP wounds. I grew to like them bc their problems felt real to me. ❤️🩹 I was actually debating 4.5 stars for this one but, there were some turns in the second half of the story that felt a little random/rushed? 🤔 I could have done without the romantic subplots tbh, not needed. It also felt like the book was trying too hard to include current events (you’ll know what I mean if you read it lol). I really loved the emotional pull we got from this one but keep in mind it’s a heavy read! 😞🫶
‼️ You should always look up triggers before reading fiction. This book mentions triggers before chapter 1 starts. But IMO, they missed a major trigger... I hope they fix this for the final copies. DM me on insta for specific triggers.‼️
I adored this book! This adventurous read was full of deep friendships, summer travels, and emotional baggage. 😩
When tradegy strikes, a group of 3 friends make a pact to come together in times of need. Years later, they are reminded of their promise to each other and set off together on a world trip of a lifetime. 🗺️
Giffin’s writing was as spectacular as ever! Although the vaca vibes were vibing 🍹, Hannah, Lainey, & Tyson were flaweddd characters with DEEP wounds. I grew to like them bc their problems felt real to me. ❤️🩹 I was actually debating 4.5 stars for this one but, there were some turns in the second half of the story that felt a little random/rushed? 🤔 I could have done without the romantic subplots tbh, not needed. It also felt like the book was trying too hard to include current events (you’ll know what I mean if you read it lol). I really loved the emotional pull we got from this one but keep in mind it’s a heavy read! 😞🫶
‼️ You should always look up triggers before reading fiction. This book mentions triggers before chapter 1 starts. But IMO, they missed a major trigger... I hope they fix this for the final copies. DM me on insta for specific triggers.‼️
May 17, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
I do think the premise had potential, but it was very slow moving, the characters pov chapters all felt like the same so no one had a unique voice, everyone was underdeveloped, romance was an afterthought… and honestly the only one I thought had uniqueness was Olivia who had 5% involvement in the story.
I do think the premise had potential, but it was very slow moving, the characters pov chapters all felt like the same so no one had a unique voice, everyone was underdeveloped, romance was an afterthought… and honestly the only one I thought had uniqueness was Olivia who had 5% involvement in the story.
May 16, 2024
I really enjoyed the first 30% of this book but it got too messy - and for such a quick read it tried to take on too many heavy topics.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House/Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House/Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 8, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book!
I had high hopes and I loved this book but I have to say around the 60% in the book I was kinda bored with it. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either. So 3 stars sound perfect for this rating.
I had high hopes and I loved this book but I have to say around the 60% in the book I was kinda bored with it. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either. So 3 stars sound perfect for this rating.
Want to read
February 7, 2024This is one of those covers I have to have or ill combust
June 7, 2024
"The Summer Pact" by Emily Griffin
Emily Griffin's "The Summer Pact" is a poignant novel about friendship, secrets, and healing. The story follows Tyson, Lainey, and Hannah, three lifelong friends who reunite after due to a pact they made to always be there for each other.
Tyson, a driven lawyer, grapples with work-life balance and career pressures. Lainey, an actor and alcoholic, while Hannah, thinking she is about to marry the love of her life calls in the troops.
Griffin's characters are relatable and well-developed, and her evocative writing brings the setting to life. The alternating perspectives and well-balanced pacing keep readers engaged, as the friends' summer pact becomes a vital support system, emphasizing the themes of loyalty, honesty, and the enduring power of friendship.
"The Summer Pact" is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel that captures the complexities of friendship and the journey towards healing. It's an ideal summer read for fans of contemporary fiction and character-driven stories. .
Emily Griffin's "The Summer Pact" is a poignant novel about friendship, secrets, and healing. The story follows Tyson, Lainey, and Hannah, three lifelong friends who reunite after due to a pact they made to always be there for each other.
Tyson, a driven lawyer, grapples with work-life balance and career pressures. Lainey, an actor and alcoholic, while Hannah, thinking she is about to marry the love of her life calls in the troops.
Griffin's characters are relatable and well-developed, and her evocative writing brings the setting to life. The alternating perspectives and well-balanced pacing keep readers engaged, as the friends' summer pact becomes a vital support system, emphasizing the themes of loyalty, honesty, and the enduring power of friendship.
"The Summer Pact" is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel that captures the complexities of friendship and the journey towards healing. It's an ideal summer read for fans of contemporary fiction and character-driven stories. .
March 26, 2024
This was classic Emily Giffin — a thorough examination of our closest relationships under pressure. Thank you, Random House, for a gifted eARC via NetGalley.
“The Summer Pact” is told in alternating perspectives, and the characters are very exposed — we seem to get the best and worst of all of them, and especially the worst of “California party girl” Lainey.
“College friends reuniting after tragedy” may be a trope, but I really enjoyed Giffin’s spin on it. I found this one to be binge worthy; it’s an easy read but not what I’d call lighthearted.
“The Summer Pact” is a celebration of lifelong friendships and reminded me of “And Just Like That,” the “Sex and the City” reboot.
“The Summer Pact” is told in alternating perspectives, and the characters are very exposed — we seem to get the best and worst of all of them, and especially the worst of “California party girl” Lainey.
“College friends reuniting after tragedy” may be a trope, but I really enjoyed Giffin’s spin on it. I found this one to be binge worthy; it’s an easy read but not what I’d call lighthearted.
“The Summer Pact” is a celebration of lifelong friendships and reminded me of “And Just Like That,” the “Sex and the City” reboot.
May 19, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I really wanted to like this book. However, it fell flat for me. I struggled through the last 30% and almost did not finish.
I feel like it had potential but there really was no plot and I felt that these friends had no business being friends. It was kind of like a train wreck you couldn’t look away from.
I couldn’t relate to the characters, I did not like any of them. I don’t want to give spoilers but the beginning was rushed and should have focused on the four friends more. I’m agitated that there was no explanation or hints at why the tragedy happened. And the twist at the end…c’mon that doesn’t just happen. There should have been mentions of at least curiosity, but there was none whatsoever.
I’ve liked other books by the author but this was not for me unfortunately.
I feel like it had potential but there really was no plot and I felt that these friends had no business being friends. It was kind of like a train wreck you couldn’t look away from.
I couldn’t relate to the characters, I did not like any of them. I don’t want to give spoilers but the beginning was rushed and should have focused on the four friends more. I’m agitated that there was no explanation or hints at why the tragedy happened. And the twist at the end…c’mon that doesn’t just happen. There should have been mentions of at least curiosity, but there was none whatsoever.
I’ve liked other books by the author but this was not for me unfortunately.
July 4, 2024
A moving, heartfelt and incredible book about friendship, family drama, second chances, dealing with grief and mental health. Four close-knit college friends are devastated when one commits suicide prompting the others to make a pact that they will always be there if any of them is facing a crisis. What follows is a summer road trip/travel adventure ten years later after one catches her fiancé cheating.
I really loved this story and thought the characters and message were so well written and diverse! Important topics get explored and you can't help rooting for the three friends as they try to improve their lives and find what makes them truly happy. Great on audio and HIGHLY recommended! Many thanks to NetGalley and @prhaudio for a digital and complimentary audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
TW: suicide of a friend, infidelity of a parent, alcohol abuse/addiction
I really loved this story and thought the characters and message were so well written and diverse! Important topics get explored and you can't help rooting for the three friends as they try to improve their lives and find what makes them truly happy. Great on audio and HIGHLY recommended! Many thanks to NetGalley and @prhaudio for a digital and complimentary audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
TW: suicide of a friend, infidelity of a parent, alcohol abuse/addiction
May 25, 2024
The Summer Pact focuses on a decade long friendship of Tyson, Lainey and Hannah. After losing a friend in college, this group makes a pact to be there for each other no matter what. So when Amber's impending marriage blows-up, she reaches out to the only people she can count on to help her.
This story is told through alternating perspectives with each friend. We witness their emotional vulnerability, life-long confessions and true friendship.
Thank you, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books
This story is told through alternating perspectives with each friend. We witness their emotional vulnerability, life-long confessions and true friendship.
Thank you, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books
June 11, 2024
Thanks to Random House and PRH Audio for the gifted early copies. 4.5 rounded to 5.
Falling hard and fast into best friendship during their first year at UVA, Hannah, Lainey, Summer, and Tyson are inseparable for the next four years. After tragedy strikes, the group makes a pact to always be there for each other in moments of need, no matter where or when. Fast forward ten years, Hannah’s world is turned upside down. As promised, her friends come running. They decide to spend the summer on a cross-continental adventure, planning to hit Texas (yes, that Texas) then head to Europe to visit Capri and Paris. On this journey of self-discovery and forgiveness, the friends confront lingering grief, close old wounds, and explore new love together.
It's Our Italian Summer meets The Celebrants and I loved it! I cried when I realized the "Summer Pact" doesn’t refer to the season. There are some truly wrenching moments in this book (please please please look at content warnings), but Hannah, Tyson, and Lainey are there for each other time and again. I love this portrayal of found family and what it means to be there for each other. Yes, sometimes these characters overstep or make mistakes or act just kind of bratty, but I think that��s the point… love shows up.
The three main characters are, for the most part, interesting, engaging, and deeply developed. The two female characters, Hannah and Lainey, were more richly developed than the male character, Tyson, in terms of how their pasts shaped them, what motivated them, what frightened them, and what brought them joy. Tyson seemed to be along for the ride, despite us spending equal time in his POV (this is kind of odd, but didn’t impact my enjoyment of his parts of the story). I really appreciated how the author noted situations in which Tyson, a Black man, couldn’t do things as safely as Lainey and Hannah – like going up to a stranger’s front door in Texas – and how they took it for granted.
While friendship and found family are front and center, The Summer Pact does have a few love stories cooking that play a meaningful role in character development for Lainey, Tyson, and Hannah. I enjoyed the romance plotlines, but did feel they were a bit obvious. I predicted how the romances would go for each character… That’s okay though – it’s more about the journey than the destination for me, but some readers might be annoyed by this.
AUDIO: There are three POVs in the book and each is performed by a different narrator. One of my favorites, Karissa Vacker, performs Hannah’s POV, and of course she does an amazing job (5/5). The voice of Lainey is a little brash, but I do think it’s a good complement to Hannah - you won’t get them mixed up (3.5/5). I didn’t love the performance of Tyson (2/5). The voice didn’t complement the Hannah and Lainey voices in terms of intonation and emphasis, and so it threw the cadence off (in my head at least!).
Falling hard and fast into best friendship during their first year at UVA, Hannah, Lainey, Summer, and Tyson are inseparable for the next four years. After tragedy strikes, the group makes a pact to always be there for each other in moments of need, no matter where or when. Fast forward ten years, Hannah’s world is turned upside down. As promised, her friends come running. They decide to spend the summer on a cross-continental adventure, planning to hit Texas (yes, that Texas) then head to Europe to visit Capri and Paris. On this journey of self-discovery and forgiveness, the friends confront lingering grief, close old wounds, and explore new love together.
It's Our Italian Summer meets The Celebrants and I loved it! I cried when I realized the "Summer Pact" doesn’t refer to the season. There are some truly wrenching moments in this book (please please please look at content warnings), but Hannah, Tyson, and Lainey are there for each other time and again. I love this portrayal of found family and what it means to be there for each other. Yes, sometimes these characters overstep or make mistakes or act just kind of bratty, but I think that��s the point… love shows up.
The three main characters are, for the most part, interesting, engaging, and deeply developed. The two female characters, Hannah and Lainey, were more richly developed than the male character, Tyson, in terms of how their pasts shaped them, what motivated them, what frightened them, and what brought them joy. Tyson seemed to be along for the ride, despite us spending equal time in his POV (this is kind of odd, but didn’t impact my enjoyment of his parts of the story). I really appreciated how the author noted situations in which Tyson, a Black man, couldn’t do things as safely as Lainey and Hannah – like going up to a stranger’s front door in Texas – and how they took it for granted.
While friendship and found family are front and center, The Summer Pact does have a few love stories cooking that play a meaningful role in character development for Lainey, Tyson, and Hannah. I enjoyed the romance plotlines, but did feel they were a bit obvious. I predicted how the romances would go for each character… That’s okay though – it’s more about the journey than the destination for me, but some readers might be annoyed by this.
AUDIO: There are three POVs in the book and each is performed by a different narrator. One of my favorites, Karissa Vacker, performs Hannah’s POV, and of course she does an amazing job (5/5). The voice of Lainey is a little brash, but I do think it’s a good complement to Hannah - you won’t get them mixed up (3.5/5). I didn’t love the performance of Tyson (2/5). The voice didn’t complement the Hannah and Lainey voices in terms of intonation and emphasis, and so it threw the cadence off (in my head at least!).
April 27, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley for this ARC.
The premise:
A group of four freshmen form a fast friendship in college, but then the unthinkable happens, changing their group dynamic forever. Before Lainey, Tyson, and Hannah part ways at their college graduation, they make a pact. If any of them hits rock bottom, they won’t hesitate to call their friends who will drop everything to be there for them. So 10 years later when Hannah’s life is turned upside down, Lainey and Tyson rush to her side. And travel the world together, discovering themselves and figuring out what they want from life.
My thoughts:
Overall, I thought the premise was interesting. I liked Tyson the most. I also liked the traveling aspect and the imagery of Italy—perfect to read in the summer.
Honestly, I didn’t care for Lainey very much. I know her attitude and behavior are part of the group dynamics and her character development, but I thought she was selfish. I really didn’t connect with any of the characters.
It was a good summer read and especially good if you like themes of friendship, dysfunctional families, and finding yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The premise:
A group of four freshmen form a fast friendship in college, but then the unthinkable happens, changing their group dynamic forever. Before Lainey, Tyson, and Hannah part ways at their college graduation, they make a pact. If any of them hits rock bottom, they won’t hesitate to call their friends who will drop everything to be there for them. So 10 years later when Hannah’s life is turned upside down, Lainey and Tyson rush to her side. And travel the world together, discovering themselves and figuring out what they want from life.
My thoughts:
Overall, I thought the premise was interesting. I liked Tyson the most. I also liked the traveling aspect and the imagery of Italy—perfect to read in the summer.
Honestly, I didn’t care for Lainey very much. I know her attitude and behavior are part of the group dynamics and her character development, but I thought she was selfish. I really didn’t connect with any of the characters.
It was a good summer read and especially good if you like themes of friendship, dysfunctional families, and finding yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 12, 2024
I enjoyed this one! I ADORED Meant to Be, her last novel (5 star that I think about so often) and was ecstatic to receive an early eARC and audio copy from the publisher; thank you so so much! I liked that this one was character-driven & had so much development of each friend in the summer pact friend group, following their lives over the years since college. There was a found family sense, and a big focus on tackling life's hardships, and how to maintain friendship while navigating the years of finding yourself/big change. This one was heavier in topic, but I love that Emily disclaimed trigger warnings at the very beginning. Overall, I really liked it, and enjoyed each character. The audiobook was great because it was full cast (some of the fake accents got a bit annoying- though I am certain I could not do any better, lol). I didn't enjoy as much as Meant to Be, but I did like it/recommend it!
Will be sharing my full review on Instagram/bookstagram ASAP! :)
Will be sharing my full review on Instagram/bookstagram ASAP! :)
July 6, 2024
3.5 rounded down
Overall, I enjoyed the journey but not the destination of this one.
Plot Thoughts: Three best friends working through their sh*t while traveling around the world was a perfect setting to keep some lighthearted, optimistic elements in an overall deeper exploration of grief, change, disappointment, and fear.
Character Thoughts: The characters, though messy and not particularly lovable, mirrored the struggles of young adults grappling with self-discovery. Each had their flaws: Mr. Morals with his constant moralizing, the damsel in distress masking her insecurities with destructive habits, and the initially prominent character who faded into the background. While I enjoyed the the multiple POVs, the voices lacked distinctiveness, occasionally resulting in forgetting who’s POV I was actually reading.
TLDR; A stronger focus on individual resolutions, without the last-minute romantic subplot and abrupt ending, could have elevated the book significantly, however, I would still recommend overall! Definitely check trigger warnings first.
Thank you to NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Overall, I enjoyed the journey but not the destination of this one.
Plot Thoughts: Three best friends working through their sh*t while traveling around the world was a perfect setting to keep some lighthearted, optimistic elements in an overall deeper exploration of grief, change, disappointment, and fear.
Character Thoughts: The characters, though messy and not particularly lovable, mirrored the struggles of young adults grappling with self-discovery. Each had their flaws: Mr. Morals with his constant moralizing, the damsel in distress masking her insecurities with destructive habits, and the initially prominent character who faded into the background. While I enjoyed the the multiple POVs, the voices lacked distinctiveness, occasionally resulting in forgetting who’s POV I was actually reading.
TLDR; A stronger focus on individual resolutions, without the last-minute romantic subplot and abrupt ending, could have elevated the book significantly, however, I would still recommend overall! Definitely check trigger warnings first.
Thank you to NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 2, 2024
First of all, I’m a big fan of Emily Giffin, especially her older books, so I was really excited to get approved for an advanced copy of her newest release! I loved the concept of this story, and being part of this friend group on their travels, but unfortunately it didn’t sweep me away like some of her other books. The story starts really dark, and I wish that we dove deeper into that storyline. Even though it was the main focus of the story, it also felt like it wasn’t necessary somehow and I was waiting for a twist to tie things together. I did enjoy the friend group, but I felt that the multiple POVs overlapped a bit too much so it was repetitive at times. I also felt like there wasn’t enough distinction between the characters and that the romance included was very delayed and sudden. Overall, it’s a quick and easy summer read, but it was a bit disappointing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 10, 2024
Thank you Net Galley and Random House Publishing for the advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. I have really enjoyed Giffin’s past books but The Summer Pact was not for me. It tells the story of a group of friends (Hannah, Tyson, Lainey) that make a pact after suffering a horrible tragedy — they will always be there for one another when needed. Fast forward to some years later when Hannah suffers a life-changing heartbreak. The group of friends decide to do some world traveling to help her heal and attempt to find themselves in the process.
I couldn’t connect with the characters in this book nor did I really understand the friendships. The tragedy happened very early in the book and I think it would have served Giffin well to focus more on the friendship and character development pre-tragedy. The romances toward the end of the book seemed forced and out of left-field.
The positives were the setting in Capri—Giffin’s description made me want to hop on a plane to visit. Also, the writing flowed pretty smoothly.
I couldn’t connect with the characters in this book nor did I really understand the friendships. The tragedy happened very early in the book and I think it would have served Giffin well to focus more on the friendship and character development pre-tragedy. The romances toward the end of the book seemed forced and out of left-field.
The positives were the setting in Capri—Giffin’s description made me want to hop on a plane to visit. Also, the writing flowed pretty smoothly.
May 19, 2024
I really liked this book.
It grabbed my attention from the start with a group of friends going through a tragedy and making a pact to always be there together. When Hannah catches her fiancé cheating on her she reaches out to her friends and Tyson and Lainey immediately fly to her to help her through it. They end up on the vacation of a lifetime.
Reading through the three different perspectives of the friends kept the pace of the book moving. The different dynamics between the friends made it a fine read. There’s definitely some tough subject matter but overall a very good read.
It grabbed my attention from the start with a group of friends going through a tragedy and making a pact to always be there together. When Hannah catches her fiancé cheating on her she reaches out to her friends and Tyson and Lainey immediately fly to her to help her through it. They end up on the vacation of a lifetime.
Reading through the three different perspectives of the friends kept the pace of the book moving. The different dynamics between the friends made it a fine read. There’s definitely some tough subject matter but overall a very good read.
May 20, 2024
tw- suicide and potential SA
i feel like this had a lot of potential and the friends group had a nice dynamic but it ultimately fell short. it was in three different POV’s but they didn’t sound too incredibly different so i often forgot who’s POV i was in. they’re incredibly immature for their age (32ish). it got a little boring at around 60%. the characters felt a bit underdeveloped or underwhelming i guess could be a better word to describe them? thanks netgalley for giving me the chance to read + review this ARC!
i feel like this had a lot of potential and the friends group had a nice dynamic but it ultimately fell short. it was in three different POV’s but they didn’t sound too incredibly different so i often forgot who’s POV i was in. they’re incredibly immature for their age (32ish). it got a little boring at around 60%. the characters felt a bit underdeveloped or underwhelming i guess could be a better word to describe them? thanks netgalley for giving me the chance to read + review this ARC!
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