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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In the wake of tragedy, a group of friends makes 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 aspiring lawyer from Washington, D.C.; Summer, an ambitious, recruited athlete from the Midwest; and Hannah, a mild-mannered southerner who is content to quietly round out the circle of big personalities. Soon after arriving on campus, they strike up a conversation in their shared dorm, 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, they make a pact, promising to always be there for one another, no matter how separated they may become 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 all 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 shared 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, helping us pick up the pieces?

Review

“Want to indulge in juicy, page-turning escapism? The Summer Pact is about a group of friends . . . [and] a reunion tour, a decade after college, inspired by a long-ago promise to turn to one another in times of need. [They] take turns narrating their trip to the Italian island of Capri, where closure may or may not await.”—The New York Times

“If you need a break from love and crime stories, try The Summer Pact, a novel about friendship. . . . Grief and redemption are big themes of this book. It’s not lighthearted reading, exactly, but it is deeply heartfelt.”—Harper’s Bazaar

“I am a huge fan and so excited to read Emily’s new novel!”—Britney Spears (People)

“If Giffin is writing it, I’m going to be reading it.”—Marie Claire

“A tender, heartfelt journey . . . Great writing is great storytelling—and that is what Emily Giffin does time and time again.”—Woman’s World

“In a story about friendship, grief, love and connection, Emily Giffin delivers another unforgettable tale.”—SheKnows

“Giffin is at her best when she’s delving into the hard and sometimes outwardly questionable choices that her characters make in their pursuit of happiness, and her latest harks back to her bold, layered debut, Something Borrowed (2004). This thirtysomething coming-into-one’s-own tale feels true to life, messy in all the best ways, and hopeful. A triumph.”—Booklist (starred review)

About the Author

Emily Giffin is the author of eleven internationally bestselling 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 Meant to Be. She lives in Atlanta with her family and two dogs.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Chapter 1

Hannah

It started with a small chip in my nail polish. Working in an interior design firm, I spent most of my days either moving furniture or hauling fabric, paint, and rug samples around town, so a chipped nail was hardly a rarity or anything I fussed over. But when a client called last-minute to cancel our four o’clock Friday meeting, I decided I might as well squeeze in a quick manicure before I went home to get ready for the double date. Grady and I were going on with another couple.

On my way to the nail salon, I swung by Grady’s house to pick up my favorite bottle of OPI polish—Mimosas for Mr. & Mrs.—which I’d left in his bathroom. Per my mother’s wishes not to “cohabitate,” I was waiting to officially move in with him until after the wedding. It was a waste of money, and a bit inconvenient, but there was something about the decision that felt romantic, too.

As I pulled into the driveway, I took a moment to admire the satisfying symmetry of the small but stately brick Georgian that Grady had just bought with a chunk of his trust fund. He called it our “starter home,” but I couldn’t imagine we would ever outgrow it. I especially loved the huge old magnolia in the front yard. One high, sturdy branch was perfect for a swing.

I parked my car in the driveway, walked up the front path, and used my key to unlock the front door. As I stepped into the foyer, I heard the low thrum of music coming from upstairs. Grady was still at work—I’d just called him—so I assumed he’d left his Alexa on. Midway up the flight of stairs, I could make out Coldplay’s “Yellow.” Then, a couple of steps later, I heard the faint sound of moaning. Female moaning. I stopped in my tracks and held my breath, telling myself there was no way. There must be a benign explanation. Maybe Grady had left the television on this morning, along with his music. Maybe he had blown off work, too, and was indulging in a little Friday afternoon porn. It wasn’t my favorite thought, but with Grady’s sex drive, it wasn’t outside the realm of possibility. That had to be it, I thought, deciding to abort my nail polish mission and save us both the needless embarrassment.

Yet the smallest kernel of paranoia lingered, propelling me down the hall and toward the bedroom door. It was only open a crack, but it was wide enough for me to peer inside and see a naked woman mounted on my naked fiancé, expertly riding him. They looked like a couple in a movie. . . . The scene was that airbrushed and golden, right down to the way the late afternoon sun streamed through the window and her long blond hair flowed down her tanned hourglass back. There was even a soundtrack, Chris Martin serenading them. And it was all yellow.

I stared in horror, my mind working overtime, wondering if she was a high-end call girl performing some sort of hazing ceremony—a bachelor-party ritual. But as the two fluidly changed positions, I had a hunch it wasn’t their first time. And then, in another gut punch, I recognized her. Grady was having sex with Berlin Beverly, a young Instagram influencer whom I happened to follow, as did about seventy-five thousand other people.

Berlin’s page was curated pastel perfection filled with artfully arranged images of balloon bouquets and fine china tablescapes and expansive floral arrangements. Mostly, though, Berlin’s feed was full of Berlin, sashaying all over Atlanta—that is, when she wasn’t posing and preening aboard luxury yachts and private jets. To say she was smug is an understatement, but she had always seemed harmless, her clichéd captions punctuated with hearts, butterflies, and clinking champagne flutes.

Several excruciating seconds ticked by as I watched them, wondering how this could be happening. Of course, I knew how in the literal sense. I knew that Grady had lied about being at work. I knew he must have parked his Porsche in the garage rather than in his usual spot in the driveway. I knew that Berlin lived two streets over, close enough to walk, which she must have done, as there was no sign of her Portofino blue Range Rover. I knew they had climbed the stairs, removed their clothes, and gotten in the upholstered bed that I’d bought with my designer discount.

How, though, was this actually happening?

I waited for the rage to kick in, knowing that I was supposed to follow the script of a woman scorned. Pull an Elin Nordegren and smash something. Curse at them. At the very least, interrupt their imminent orgasms. But I couldn’t make myself move, feeling paralyzed with an irrational feeling of shame. It was almost as if I was the one doing something wrong, and I might, at any second, get busted by them. Instead, I made my escape, slowly backing away, then running downstairs and out the front door.

...

I must have been on autopilot because I don’t remember driving home or parking my car in the garage or taking the elevator up to my apartment. Somehow, though, I now find myself in my foyer, collapsed on the floor. As the shock starts to wear off, I break into a cold sweat. I feel nauseous and dizzy. Like I might vomit or faint.

I sit up, put my head between my knees, and take deep breaths, in through my nose and out through my mouth. At some point, I manage to lift my head and find my phone in my tote bag. I check my messages, a small part of me expecting to find a full confession from Grady. Instead, there is only a one-line text from him, letting me know that he’ll pick me up at seven.

I close my eyes, wondering if Berlin is still in his bed. I picture the satisfied way he always looks after sex. His faint smirk.

I text back that I don’t feel well and need to cancel. It’s the truth. I have never lied to Grady. I stupidly add that I’m sorry.

What’s wrong?

I feel nauseous.

Uh-oh. Could you be pregnant?

I’m tempted to write back: No. Could Berlin be pregnant? But I’m not ready to confront him. I’m too disoriented.

No. Probably just a bug. Give my regards to the Campbells.

He gives my text a thumbs-up and says he’ll call me later, feel better. He then sends a lone red heart. I stare at it, questioning every heart he’s ever sent me.

I’m not much of a drinker but decide I need something strong. I get to my feet, walk the few steps over to my kitchen, and survey my paltry selection of liquor. I opt for Tito’s, pouring it into a juice glass, skipping ice and mixers. Vodka neat and room temperature. Is that a thing? It is now. I take a large swallow, then quickly drain the rest and head down the hall to my bedroom. I take off my shoes and pants, then crawl under the covers, curling into a tight ball.

Just as the vodka starts to kick in, my phone rings. It’s my mother. I want to answer it. I want to pour my heart out to her and have her tell me that everything is going to be okay. But after thirty-two years, I know better than to answer. I know that she is incapable of making me feel better after a stumble or fall, especially one this serious. She just can’t do it. She’ll find a way to make me feel worse. She had worked so hard to infiltrate Grady’s mother’s Bible study group, then the inner sanctum of her tennis team, to arrange that first date, years ago. And now all her effort was for nothing. I know that will be her take, and I can’t bear the thought of disappointing her. I can’t bear the thought of anything.

I tell myself to pull it together. My fiancé cheated on me, but it’s not the first time in human history that such a thing has happened. There are many people in the world struggling to survive—and in any event, suffering far more than I am right now.

But perspective is a hard thing to come by when your heart is broken, and I feel myself completely unraveling, believing this is proof that I’m destined to be alone, maybe even unworthy of having a happy family. Suddenly, all I want to do is call Summer. Hear her voice. Cry into the phone. She would know what to say. She would know how to ease my pain, if only a little.

And that’s when I realize what I need to do. It’s not a solution, but it is a path forward. A baby step. A promise kept.

Review:

4.1 out of 5

81.82% of customers are satisfied

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book

I. · September 23, 2024

Such a great and easy read. I read it in 2 days. Loved the plot and characters. Not too soapy. Sad when it ended

4.0 out of 5 stars A fun summer read

C.F. · August 6, 2024

Not as deep as some of Emily Giffin‘s previous books, but a light, fun summer read that goes pretty quickly. I loved how the story unfolded across the country and then in parts of Europe. I agree with some of the other comments that the ending did feel very rushed. The storyline was good I just wish there was more of a substantial ending that did not feel thrown together.

3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing storyline

A.S. · September 28, 2024

This book started out having good potential but by the middle/end, ended up being woke and politically correct and had to include the LGBTQ which was unnecessary. The romances were rushed with no build up whatsoever and it would have been nice to elaborate more on the death of Summer. The characters weren’t very likable and I just feel like this was nowhere near as good as her early books.

5.0 out of 5 stars My First Emily Giffin Novel

E.H. · October 4, 2024

At first, I was a little reluctant to read this book, because it is unlike most of the books I read. It was chosen for our book club, because this is one of the girls favorite author. I am so glad she chose it, because I loved it! It was such a heartwarming story about love, loss, and friendship. There are so many profound statements in the book that are so meaningful. Highly recommend!

4.0 out of 5 stars pretty good

E.S. · September 1, 2024

I thought it was a good book, it kept me interested. But I did get confused on who was speaking this time.

2.0 out of 5 stars Not exciting enough for a beach read

C.W. · July 16, 2024

I agree with other reviewers that the opening was big but not earned by the rest of the book. I expected that a secret was behind it that would unwind in the lives of the three friends. The three "problems" that the characters face were pretty standard; one of the endings was rushed, and another came way out of the blue. Yes, it's left-leaning, but so what? You could just say "not for me" and leave it at that. She's not pushing an agenda, she's describing a lot of people's lives. But that alone doesn't make for the kind of book that you want to stay up all night reading. I wanted a Donna Tartt nugget at the center. Secrets are what drive good contemporary mainstream or "women's" fiction, not a pedestrian outlay of stories after the somber beginning.

3.0 out of 5 stars Not my favorite

M. · August 8, 2024

I have read all of Emily Giffins books and almost every one I have loved. And maybe its because I just read an Emily Henry book before this one, but this book definitely couldn't compare to emily henrys book. Like others stated, I thought this book was about the summer, but the summer pact is really about a girl named summer that commits suicide. Even though the title is misleading, I was okay with this idea. The beginning of the book was actually really good. But then the book just rushes through at times. They never fully realize why summer killed herself or resolve the issues with Laineys dad or other sister. They also doesn't resolve the relationship with Hannah's mom. In addition, the relationships were extremely predictable and kinda odd. They felt forced and it didn't feel like there was real passion at all. This book was a nice light read, but definitely didn't leave any lasting impressions.Things that really bothered me: Spoiler ahead:1. Lainey may have been raped at the end and they just gloss over this. She also chooses not to mention it to her friends and ignore that it may have happened.2. Random political comments and randomly trying to bring in sexism, politics, fluid sexuality and racism.3. As a fellow teacher, I can tell you that Tyson can't just get a teaching job in a public school in NY without being certified. It actually irks me quite a bit that Emily just makes it seem like you can get a teaching job on the fly. Also teaching AP lit....that's Maybe 1 or 2 sections in a school. That wouldn't take up his entire day. It would have been better if he took a lawyer job in NY. Definitely an easier pill to swallow.4. The last chapter (1 year later) was so rushed and kinda cheesy. 2 of the vacation spots.... Texas and Paris literally got no time in this story.

5.0 out of 5 stars Relatable Stories of Friendships and Life

Y. · July 10, 2024

There were so many times during the reading of this book that I could identify with a character, a relatable situation, a similar conversation, or a familiar setting. Giffin is a brilliant writer who can capture everyday life and everyday stories and retell them with such depth and clarity that you cannot put the book down. You get to know each friend and root for their happiness as they navigate life after college and after the sudden death of a dear friend. I absolutely enjoyed delving into each character's lives and backgrounds and loved witnessing that through the darkest times, true friends do make a difference and rainbows do come after rain. Plus I loved exploring the island of Capri, Italy along the way! The Summer Pact is just the book I needed to read - it has inspired me to plan a girls trip asap! Highly recommend!

Fun summer read

S.M. · July 22, 2024

It was a fun distracting summer read. Interesting way to address mental health. The characters were engaging and diverse. All with their qualities and flaws.

Island Time

S.O.O.O. · August 25, 2024

Griffin always delivers a great summer time read. This book will take you away from your worries and transplant you on an island getaway.

loved it!

E. · July 15, 2024

Really enjoyed this book! Read the entire thing in one afternoon.Great summer reading material . . . . .

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The Summer Pact: A Novel

Name: The Summer Pact: A Novel
Brand: Ballantine Books
SKU: U0593600290
Price: 131.71 AED
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.9 (11 reviews)

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