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The Last Weekend
'Thought-provoking and emotional … had me laughing and crying in equal measure. One for book clubs everywhere' Clare MackintoshFour women
Annie has brought her three best friends and their families together for a long weekend away in a gorgeous seaside Airbnb. It should be idyllic – sun, sea, sand, cocktails and laughter.
One shocking secret
But below the surface, none of these friendships are quite what they seem. And Annie has a secret – and an earth-shattering favour to ask of one of her friends.
A life-changing decision
As the idyllic weekend turns sour – arguments, grudges and a boat trip that goes awry – Annie must make her devastating decision – and change everyone’s lives, forever.
Annie has brought her three best friends and their families together for a long weekend away in a gorgeous seaside Airbnb. It should be idyllic – sun, sea, sand, cocktails and laughter.
One shocking secret
But below the surface, none of these friendships are quite what they seem. And Annie has a secret – and an earth-shattering favour to ask of one of her friends.
A life-changing decision
As the idyllic weekend turns sour – arguments, grudges and a boat trip that goes awry – Annie must make her devastating decision – and change everyone’s lives, forever.
- GenresFiction
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2025
5 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 17, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for a review copy in exchange for a review.
The Last Weekend follows four friends as they try to reconnect after marriage, kids and jobs get in the way. They used to be inseparable but now they have drifter apart but one of them needs the others more than ever. I found the main characters slightly annoying and found myself thinking that they were younger than they were. Dex was particularly annoying and I wanted to shake him at one point and tell him to grow up!
The premise of the story was good though and I enjoyed the ending.
The Last Weekend follows four friends as they try to reconnect after marriage, kids and jobs get in the way. They used to be inseparable but now they have drifter apart but one of them needs the others more than ever. I found the main characters slightly annoying and found myself thinking that they were younger than they were. Dex was particularly annoying and I wanted to shake him at one point and tell him to grow up!
The premise of the story was good though and I enjoyed the ending.
April 23, 2025
This book is what you get when you blend beachy vibes, emotional landmines, and friendship group politics into a literary cocktail, shaken, stirred, and served with a dramatic twist of lemon. 🍋
Annie has done the thing. You know the thing….. rented a picture-perfect seaside Airbnb for a long weekend with her three besties, plus their families. It's meant to be sun-drenched, sangria-fuelled, and full of heartfelt bonding.
Except… we’re in a literary thriller, so naturally, it’s all about to go sideways.
Behind every artfully posed Instagram pic and faux-casual brunch convo lies a tension thicker than Annie’s SPF 50. The beach is salty. The air is salty. The vibes? Positively marinated in passive aggression.
The blurb hints at it, but trust me, nothing prepares you for the actual secret Annie drops mid-weekend like a beach umbrella in a hurricane. It’s the kind of emotional grenade that transforms mimosas into Molotovs.
Suddenly, the vibe is less "spa day" and more Survivor: Friend Edition—complete with teary confessions, thinly veiled jabs, and one extremely bad idea involving a boat trip.
Hannah Begbie masterfully plays with tones—one moment you’re laughing at a relatable mom meltdown over forgotten snacks, the next you’re wiping away a rogue tear as one character delivers a monologue about mortality and what it means to be truly seen by your friends.
She weaves in huge, heavy topics—grief, terminal illness, betrayal, motherhood—with such grace that you don’t realise your heart’s breaking until it’s already in pieces on the beach towel.
📚 For Fans Of…
* Big Little Lies but British and with fewer murderers (just barely).
* The Girls Are All So Nice Here with less backstabbing and more actual sadness.
* Anyone who loves a beach read that secretly has the emotional impact of a therapy session with wine.
If your idea of a “vacation read” involves emotional gut punches between cocktail recipes, The Last Weekend is your golden ticket.
Annie has done the thing. You know the thing….. rented a picture-perfect seaside Airbnb for a long weekend with her three besties, plus their families. It's meant to be sun-drenched, sangria-fuelled, and full of heartfelt bonding.
Except… we’re in a literary thriller, so naturally, it’s all about to go sideways.
Behind every artfully posed Instagram pic and faux-casual brunch convo lies a tension thicker than Annie’s SPF 50. The beach is salty. The air is salty. The vibes? Positively marinated in passive aggression.
The blurb hints at it, but trust me, nothing prepares you for the actual secret Annie drops mid-weekend like a beach umbrella in a hurricane. It’s the kind of emotional grenade that transforms mimosas into Molotovs.
Suddenly, the vibe is less "spa day" and more Survivor: Friend Edition—complete with teary confessions, thinly veiled jabs, and one extremely bad idea involving a boat trip.
Hannah Begbie masterfully plays with tones—one moment you’re laughing at a relatable mom meltdown over forgotten snacks, the next you’re wiping away a rogue tear as one character delivers a monologue about mortality and what it means to be truly seen by your friends.
She weaves in huge, heavy topics—grief, terminal illness, betrayal, motherhood—with such grace that you don’t realise your heart’s breaking until it’s already in pieces on the beach towel.
📚 For Fans Of…
* Big Little Lies but British and with fewer murderers (just barely).
* The Girls Are All So Nice Here with less backstabbing and more actual sadness.
* Anyone who loves a beach read that secretly has the emotional impact of a therapy session with wine.
If your idea of a “vacation read” involves emotional gut punches between cocktail recipes, The Last Weekend is your golden ticket.
April 24, 2025
I was drawn to this book from the moment I read the blurb; the beautiful cover caught my eye as well.
‘The Last Weekend’ is the story of four women who met at university and have grown-up together since then, facing life’s challenges together- partners, young children, aging parents, disappointments of jobs and ambitions and so much more. They may have different approaches to life, but they’re still best friends, aren’t they?
Annie is absolutely desperate for the gang to get back together for a weekend, she has some life changing news that she needs to tell them. The planned girls’ weekend abroad changes to a wholesome weekend in Devon with husbands and children in tow.
It’s clear from the start that there are strains in relationships both between partners and between friends, either due to too much time together or not enough. With a lot that needs to be said and no way of saying it easily, Annie finds a unique way of getting the four women together which quickly leads to adventure and then drama. From the outset of the story, we know there’s a race against time in order for the women to survive.
The Last Weekend is packed full of emotional highs and lows as personal truths and buried misunderstandings come to light. I loved the women’s’ characters and could empathise with a lot of what they’re dealing with. For me the absolute stand-up character was Martin, a mild mannered and anxious man at the start of the weekend who brought it all together and had his own journey of personal growth.
I would definitely recommend this book as an emotional and involving read , full of reminders about what is important in life and how important it is to cherish your friendships.
‘The Last Weekend’ is the story of four women who met at university and have grown-up together since then, facing life’s challenges together- partners, young children, aging parents, disappointments of jobs and ambitions and so much more. They may have different approaches to life, but they’re still best friends, aren’t they?
Annie is absolutely desperate for the gang to get back together for a weekend, she has some life changing news that she needs to tell them. The planned girls’ weekend abroad changes to a wholesome weekend in Devon with husbands and children in tow.
It’s clear from the start that there are strains in relationships both between partners and between friends, either due to too much time together or not enough. With a lot that needs to be said and no way of saying it easily, Annie finds a unique way of getting the four women together which quickly leads to adventure and then drama. From the outset of the story, we know there’s a race against time in order for the women to survive.
The Last Weekend is packed full of emotional highs and lows as personal truths and buried misunderstandings come to light. I loved the women’s’ characters and could empathise with a lot of what they’re dealing with. For me the absolute stand-up character was Martin, a mild mannered and anxious man at the start of the weekend who brought it all together and had his own journey of personal growth.
I would definitely recommend this book as an emotional and involving read , full of reminders about what is important in life and how important it is to cherish your friendships.
April 7, 2025
3.5 stars rounded down
Annie has brought her three best friends and families together for a long weekend away in a gorgeous seaside Airbnb. It should be idyllic - sun, sea, sand, cocktails and laughter. But below the surface, none of these friendships are quite what they seem. And Annie has a secret - an earth shattering favour to ask one of her friends. As the idyllic weekend turns sour - arguments, grudges, and a boat trip that goes awry - Annie must make her devastating decision - and change everyone's lives forever.
Four friends tried to reconnect after marriage and kids had drifted them apart. Annie has brought them and their families to a gorgeous Airbnb. But Annie has devastating news and a big favour to ask her friends.
The pace is slow to begin with. I was not keen on any of the characters. I liked the author's writing style. There were quite a few issues raised. We also had twists and some suspense.
Published 10th April 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #HannahBegbie for my ARC of #TheLastWeekend in exchange for an honest review.
Annie has brought her three best friends and families together for a long weekend away in a gorgeous seaside Airbnb. It should be idyllic - sun, sea, sand, cocktails and laughter. But below the surface, none of these friendships are quite what they seem. And Annie has a secret - an earth shattering favour to ask one of her friends. As the idyllic weekend turns sour - arguments, grudges, and a boat trip that goes awry - Annie must make her devastating decision - and change everyone's lives forever.
Four friends tried to reconnect after marriage and kids had drifted them apart. Annie has brought them and their families to a gorgeous Airbnb. But Annie has devastating news and a big favour to ask her friends.
The pace is slow to begin with. I was not keen on any of the characters. I liked the author's writing style. There were quite a few issues raised. We also had twists and some suspense.
Published 10th April 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #HannahBegbie for my ARC of #TheLastWeekend in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2025
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley and am grateful for the opportuniy to read it
The GR blurb suggests the book is 'Thought-provoking and emotional … had me laughing and crying in equal measure. I am not sure what I was expecting but whatever it was it wasn't what I got. me the setting
The book is set mainly in a Dorset seaside cottage overlooking a small Island. 4 lifelong friends and their partners and children get together to celebrate their Friendship. One of them however has ulterior motives. What follows is a chaotic sequence of events and the unmasking of the true characters of each of them I found them genuinely unlikeable and wanted to bang their heads together for much of the story. At the same time I admit that there were genuine highs and lows, laughs and gasps so I suppose the author has built an emotional content.
In parts this felt like the worst kind of horror story known to man. I have truly struggled to get through it and, having done so, I don't fell that it was worth it.
The GR blurb suggests the book is 'Thought-provoking and emotional … had me laughing and crying in equal measure. I am not sure what I was expecting but whatever it was it wasn't what I got. me the setting
The book is set mainly in a Dorset seaside cottage overlooking a small Island. 4 lifelong friends and their partners and children get together to celebrate their Friendship. One of them however has ulterior motives. What follows is a chaotic sequence of events and the unmasking of the true characters of each of them I found them genuinely unlikeable and wanted to bang their heads together for much of the story. At the same time I admit that there were genuine highs and lows, laughs and gasps so I suppose the author has built an emotional content.
In parts this felt like the worst kind of horror story known to man. I have truly struggled to get through it and, having done so, I don't fell that it was worth it.
March 10, 2025
📖✨ Book Review: The Last Weekend by Hannah Begbie ✨📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5/5)
Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins, and Hannah Begbie for the ARC! 💙
Four women, one stunning Airbnb, and a weekend full of secrets, tension, and a life-changing request—what could possibly go wrong? 😬 Spoiler: everything.
I loved the writing style—sharp, immersive, and effortlessly engaging. Hannah Begbie knows how to build suspense and keep you turning the pages. That said… I genuinely despised every single character 😅, which made it tough to love. They’re messy, flawed, and at times, downright infuriating. But maybe that’s the point? 🤔
If you enjoy drama-filled thrillers with toxic friendships, hidden agendas, and jaw-dropping moments, this one’s for you! 🌊🍸🔪 Would I vacation with these women? Absolutely not. Would I read more from this author? 100%!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5/5)
Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins, and Hannah Begbie for the ARC! 💙
Four women, one stunning Airbnb, and a weekend full of secrets, tension, and a life-changing request—what could possibly go wrong? 😬 Spoiler: everything.
I loved the writing style—sharp, immersive, and effortlessly engaging. Hannah Begbie knows how to build suspense and keep you turning the pages. That said… I genuinely despised every single character 😅, which made it tough to love. They’re messy, flawed, and at times, downright infuriating. But maybe that’s the point? 🤔
If you enjoy drama-filled thrillers with toxic friendships, hidden agendas, and jaw-dropping moments, this one’s for you! 🌊🍸🔪 Would I vacation with these women? Absolutely not. Would I read more from this author? 100%!
April 10, 2025
An interesting read!
As we grow older friendships are never the same as they once were, this novel explores a group of friends as they try to come together again after following their own paths as adults. There’s nothing I love more than a destination read, and Hannah takes us to the seaside as we get to uncover secrets, lies and truths alongside this group of friends.
This book took me a little while to get into but once I got half way through I really got hooked and couldn’t put it down. I really enjoyed the pacing even if it was a bit slower than I’m use to, it built the suspense and story so well, I felt like I was connecting to the characters while also watch the plot unfold around them. This is my first book by this author but I will definitely be reading more in the future.
As we grow older friendships are never the same as they once were, this novel explores a group of friends as they try to come together again after following their own paths as adults. There’s nothing I love more than a destination read, and Hannah takes us to the seaside as we get to uncover secrets, lies and truths alongside this group of friends.
This book took me a little while to get into but once I got half way through I really got hooked and couldn’t put it down. I really enjoyed the pacing even if it was a bit slower than I’m use to, it built the suspense and story so well, I felt like I was connecting to the characters while also watch the plot unfold around them. This is my first book by this author but I will definitely be reading more in the future.
April 11, 2025
Annie is determined to get her three friends together for a weekend away. It isn't easy to arrange, but they all arrive in Dorset at the August Bank Holiday Weekend. Even from the initial arrangement discussions, it's clear Annie needs this weekend to happen and that her friends are less committed to it. The characters are often unlikeable, caught up in their lives, and uninterested in their friends. The strained friendship dynamic is often toxic, but the storytelling is compelling and immersive, and you keep reading, wanting to know what happens next. Gentle pacing makes the impactful moments resonate, and you invest in the characters even when you don't like or understand their actions and motivations. I like the characterisation, the complex relationships, the emotional journey the characters experience and the unexpected twists.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
September 14, 2025
4.5 🌟
Semi-spoilers
Thank you to netgalley for an arc of this book!
This is exactly what I wanted out of a book like this. You get all the drama between the families, the friends, all the tension and not knowing what’s really going on really kept me hooked throughout the book. The unraveling of all their secrets was really well done and I didn’t see a lot of them coming - except I guess a little with Claire.
I loved Annie and how determined she was to get everyone together, and heartbroken finding out about why. Moments of them finding their friendship and connections again but then also a lot of arguments 😂 Martin was one of my favourite characters I just thought he was such a great guy through and through.
I did shed a tear in the last 10% and really liked where it ended up. I found it just a tad too long, but would definitely recommend this book.
Semi-spoilers
Thank you to netgalley for an arc of this book!
This is exactly what I wanted out of a book like this. You get all the drama between the families, the friends, all the tension and not knowing what’s really going on really kept me hooked throughout the book. The unraveling of all their secrets was really well done and I didn’t see a lot of them coming - except I guess a little with Claire.
I loved Annie and how determined she was to get everyone together, and heartbroken finding out about why. Moments of them finding their friendship and connections again but then also a lot of arguments 😂 Martin was one of my favourite characters I just thought he was such a great guy through and through.
I did shed a tear in the last 10% and really liked where it ended up. I found it just a tad too long, but would definitely recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2025
The Last Weekend
This was such an emotional story, following Annie and her friends on a getaway weekend they’ve needed for over a year. However Annie’s real reason for wanting to get them all together is a lot more emotional than first expected. Lots of arguments, alcohol and a boat later they find themselves lost and stranded.
This book absolutely broke my heart, I loved all the banter and every characters different personalities (not so much Dex…).
The way the author managed to capture them all on their own and slowly unravelled their pasts and revealed their secrets was impeccable.
It was such a heartbreaking story but also incredible heartwarming, eye opening and sweet. I loved it.
This was such an emotional story, following Annie and her friends on a getaway weekend they’ve needed for over a year. However Annie’s real reason for wanting to get them all together is a lot more emotional than first expected. Lots of arguments, alcohol and a boat later they find themselves lost and stranded.
This book absolutely broke my heart, I loved all the banter and every characters different personalities (not so much Dex…).
The way the author managed to capture them all on their own and slowly unravelled their pasts and revealed their secrets was impeccable.
It was such a heartbreaking story but also incredible heartwarming, eye opening and sweet. I loved it.
March 3, 2025
The story of 4 long-term friends and their families of a weekend away together sounded great.
When starting this book, I thought it would be life affirming and full of laughter and friendship, but what I got was nastiness, toxic characters, and something that I struggled through.
The last 10% of the book was nice, but the switch happened a bit quickly, so it felt like another book entirely.
I know that some people will love this, so don't let my thoughts put you off. The writing was really lovely in places, but unfortunately, the story just wasn't for me.
When starting this book, I thought it would be life affirming and full of laughter and friendship, but what I got was nastiness, toxic characters, and something that I struggled through.
The last 10% of the book was nice, but the switch happened a bit quickly, so it felt like another book entirely.
I know that some people will love this, so don't let my thoughts put you off. The writing was really lovely in places, but unfortunately, the story just wasn't for me.
April 6, 2025
Do not be lulled by the cosy cover that this is a comfortable read, it's anything but!
Four friends and their spouses and children gather for a weekend by the sea, a weekend arranged by Annie because she has some pretty devastating news to impart and a huge life-changing favour to ask.
By the time they leave, it's not only Annie’s news that will rock the foundations of all of their lives.
It's a slow build of a read initially, but boy when it gets going it delivers in spades.
Four friends and their spouses and children gather for a weekend by the sea, a weekend arranged by Annie because she has some pretty devastating news to impart and a huge life-changing favour to ask.
By the time they leave, it's not only Annie’s news that will rock the foundations of all of their lives.
It's a slow build of a read initially, but boy when it gets going it delivers in spades.
April 13, 2025
Annie brings together her three best friends for a long weekend in a seaside airbnb.It doesn't work out as planned ,the weekend turns sour with arguments, grudges,the friends are no longer the people they were .Annie has a devastating decision to make and change everyone's lives for ever. A different read to what I thought it would be but nevertheless very enjoyable .Thank you to NetGalley.
September 19, 2025
I'm guessing this is how AI will be writing books - by building characters and having them say things no one has ever said in the entire human history.
He realised his wife was missing because she didn't take her hair elastics, which she takes everywhere??
Too bad for the context, it started out good, but oh, was I glad to see the end of this.
He realised his wife was missing because she didn't take her hair elastics, which she takes everywhere??
Too bad for the context, it started out good, but oh, was I glad to see the end of this.
February 22, 2025
An interesting read about a woman who wants her best friends round her for big news. I wanted to know how things panned out but I really didn't like the friends. A bit contrived with too many different issues juggling for space but made me want to know the outcome.
January 12, 2026
I loved this book. It was brilliant. Perfectly written
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews