The Weekend Crashers

by Jamie Brenner

A knitting retreat gets knotty in this humorous and poignant novel about love, second chances, and the unyielding bonds between mothers and daughters.

Maggie Hodges and her daughter Piper are looking forward to a restful knitting retreat in the picturesque village of New Hope, Pennsylvania. But instead, they are surprised to find themselves sharing their charming riverside inn with a rowdy bushcraft bachelor party. Undaunted by the clash of interests and personalities, Maggie suggests a lighthearted competition—a battle of crafts—that sparks a rivalry between the two groups, and perhaps something more. But as the weekend unfolds, old mistakes and buried resentments begin to surface, threatening to destroy Maggie and Piper’s cherished connection.

In knitting, one can easily fix mistakes by picking apart each stitch and starting anew. But life’s tangles aren’t so easily mended. With tensions rising and the retreat coming to a close, Maggie must act quickly before she loses everything she holds dear. Can she repair what’s been broken before everything unravels?

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Romance, Adult Fiction

Audible Audio

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

Jamie Brenner is the author of The Wedding Sisters, The USA TODAY bestseller The Forever Summer, and several other beach books. Jamie's short story "Gold Party" (Blackstone Publishing) is currently in development as a feature film.

After raising two daughters in New York City, Jamie now lives in Bucks County, PA -- the inspiration for her next book THE WEEKEND CRASHERS (November 4, 2025) about a mother-daughter knitting retreat gone awry.

Jamie grew up on the blockbuster novels by Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins, the gothic horror of Anne Rice, and political thrillers by Nelson DeMille. Her dream novel combines all three.

Follow Jamie on instagram @jamiebrennerwrites

Reviews

[Meagan (Meagansbookclub) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was here, but the spark was not. I needed more banter. More tension. More fun. It IS quite cozy so hopefully this one works for you better than it worked for me.

[Jamie Josephson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Edelweiss and Park Row Books for providing an ARC of The Weekend Crashers by Jamie Brenner in exchange for honest feedback.

I absolutely adored this book! It is exactly the kind of warm, comforting read you want to curl up with on a chilly weekend. It’s charming, cozy, and filled with characters you can’t help but root for. The pacing was perfect, keeping things engaging without ever feeling rushed. It delivered exactly what I hoped for - a light, feel-good escape with heart and charm. Perfect if you like small-town stories and weekend getaway vibes.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. I adored this charming, feel-good novel with its cozy fall atmosphere that just envelops the story! 🍂
The Weekend Crashers is set at an Inn in the picturesque small town of New Hope, PA where a mother-daughter duo - - Maggie and Piper - - are attending a knitting retreat, also doubling as a much needed getaway. The story is about mother-daughter bonding and so much more, along with Brenner adding in a bachelor party to stir up the pot. Hilarious hijinks from a bet between the two groups ensues, along with sparks igniting between Piper and a new beau. These characters were heartwarming, silly and absolute fun. Pub. 11/4/25

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Dallas Strawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie Brenner’s The Weekend Crashers is the perfect cozy read, set in a charming small town in Pennsylvania. The story follows a mother and daughter duo attending an all-women’s knitting retreat, only to discover that their quaint inn has been double-booked with a lively bachelor party for the weekend. The resulting clash leads to hilarious hijinks and a playful bet between the knitters and the rowdy guys.

I absolutely flew through this book—it’s such a delightful, heartwarming story. Jamie Brenner’s portrayal of mother-daughter relationships is nothing short of brilliant; she captures the complexities, emotions, and nuances with such authenticity and depth. Even as someone with no knitting experience/interest, I was quickly drawn into the world she created and found myself utterly charmed by the story.

The Weekend Crashers is a feel-good, cute, and engaging read that will appeal to anyone looking for a fun, emotional, and cozy escape. Highly recommend!

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adorable and satisfying read!! This book is perfect for fall: cozy and all the fall feels! In THE WEEKEND CRASHERS author Jamie Brenner introduces the readers to the picturesque town of New Hope PA and a cast of characters you will fall head over heels with. Poignant story lines of mothers and daughters, of friendships and expectations, of second chances and miscommunications. Heartwarming, funny, hopeful
This book is a must read for fall 2025!

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

​The Weekend Crashers was such a fun, heartwarming read that honestly made me want to hop in the car and spend a cozy afternoon wandering through a yarn shop in New Hope, PA. And I’m not even a knitter! This is my second Jamie Brenner book, and she once again delivered a story that feels like comfort, connection, and a little romantic escape all wrapped into one.

The book follows a recently divorced mom who’s trying to rebuild her life, and her daughter who’s doing the same in her own way. A weekend getaway to a charming ​knitting ​retreat complete with yarn, creativity, and unexpected friendships​, turns into something neither of them anticipated. I especially loved how Brenner highlighted the healing power of creativity, community, and simply giving yourself space to breathe. The romance was sweet, the mother/daughter dynamic felt honest and tender, and the setting was so vivid I could practically smell the wool and see the shelves of color.

Because my own shop sits right next to Knit, Knot & Natter (a cozy little yarn store in Pompton Plains, NJ), I couldn’t stop imagining their shop throughout the book. It added this extra layer of charm that made the story even more delightful to read.​

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always look forward to a new Jamie Brenner novel. Her latest one takes us away from her usual Provincetown setting and transports us to the cozy town of New Hope, Pennsylvania, during the heart of autumn.

Maggie and her adult daughter Piper join a knitting retreat in hopes of having a nice bonding weekend. However, some things become obstacles to that goal, such as a bachelor party that's all about outdoor survival skills. This leads to a bet that changes the trajectory of the weekend...

The inn was its own character in this novel. I really wanted to go there and spend a relaxing autumn weekend in one of the cozy rooms. It sounded so beautiful and quaint. Even though I don't knit, I would go there for a reading retreat instead. I've visited near where New Hope is, but it was a long time ago. It would be nice to go out that way for an autumn visit though.

The story itself was interesting overall. Imagine a quiet and relaxing knitting retreat being interrupted by a loud bachelor party! I understand both Belinda and Maggie's annoyance at the situation. Thankfully, most of the bachelor party was spent in the great outdoors after the initial incident. Maggie and Piper both had some conflicts going on and those would have been resolved if they had been more open with each other right away instead of hiding important information. However, we wouldn't have a story with drama if that were the case.

My concerns were that the story felt rushed in some ways and that I wish there had been more focus on the potential romance for Maggie. I liked how Piper was finding herself again though.

Overall, this was a sweet and entertaining story. I even got teary-eyed at one point. A worthwhile read from an author I really like. If this is your first experience with Jamie Brenner, it won't be your last!

Movie casting suggestions:
Maggie: Chyler Leigh

Piper: Molly Anderson

Aidan: Chris Pine

Cole: Michael Provost

Ethan: Ben Radcliffe

Belinda: Catherine Keener

Max: Alan Ruck

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a book delivers exactly what it promises, the reader is the winner. I feel like I hit the jackpot with THE WEEKEND CRASHERS. It gave all the cozy vibes I expect from a Jamie Brenner novel with relatable characters, humor, and just the right amount of angst.

Brenner’s novel is set in New Hope, PA in the heart of Bucks County at a charming inn where a knitting retreat and bachelor party have been booked on the same weekend. Not exactly what either group expected.

At the heart of the story are the characters and their relationships. Maggie and Piper are attending the knitting retreat as a mother-daughter bonding activity unaware that it will become an opportunity for each to examine her own choices and future aspirations. The inn owners are at a crossroads regarding the future of the property they’ve lovingly managed for three decades. And the bachelor party is not all frivolity as Aiden and Cole take a look at their father-son relationship.

This poignant tale of second chances, unconditional love, and finding your way warmed my heart. Everything worked - characters, setting, plot - and it came together beautifully to create a wholly satisfying reading experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing - Park Row for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Lori Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie and her daughter, Piper, are looking forward to a fun knitting retreat in beautiful New Hope, PA. Maggie is a single Mom whose life revolves around her daughter. Piper is at a crossroad in her life and doesn’t want to disappoint her Mom. They arrive only to find they will be sharing the Inn with a Bachelor Party! After a slight rough start, the two groups set up some friendly competition and drama ensues. This little getaway will be an eye opening weekend for all involved.

This was the perfect Fall weekend to read this book. A little chill in the air and no plans, I settled under my favorite blanket with this cozy read. I especially love to read books about places I know. Jamie captured the atmosphere and vibe of New Hope perfectly. This book features the complexities of relationships, miscommunication and second chances. Add this to our TBR List!

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A knitting retreat gets knotty in this humorous and poignant novel about love, second chances, and the unyielding bonds between mothers and daughters.”

Maggie and her daughter Piper are looking forward to a restful knitting retreat in the picturesque village of New Hope, Pennsylvania. But instead, they find themselves sharing their riverside inn with a rowdy bushcraft bachelor party. A lighthearted “battle of crafts” sparks a rivalry between the two groups,a nd perhaps something more.

I really enjoyed the knitting aspect of this book. It’s niche but it reminded me of when my grandmother tired to teach me to knit many years ago. I didn’t quite get it then, but reading this makes me want to try again, and I think maybe I’d be better at it now.

However, Maggie felt overbearing and clingy toward Piper and Aiden initially came across as trying to be unnecessarily macho, which didn’t quite fit with how I pictured his character. There were also some inconsistencies that I assume will be picked up during the final edit (and I helpfully provided those notes in my NetGalley review).

However despite this, the novel is a light, enjoyable read.

3.5 Stars Rounded up to 4

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this latest from Jamie Brenner that has a mother-daughter pair going on a knitting retreat only to discover there's a wilderness bachelor party going on at the same time. There is lots of gender dynamic fun, mother daughter growing pains as they finally delve into the ways their relationship dynamics have been unhealthy and a bit of romance for the older generation. Light-hearted and heartfelt, this was just a feel-good read that was good on audio and had a great cast of characters. Highly recommended for fans of authors like Sarah Morgan or Emily Giffin. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Courtney Autumn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm always likely to grab a book with a PA setting that I know, and this particular premise sounded like a cute and fun read.

While I enjoyed the setting of New Hope, I unfortunately took a near instant dislike to FMC mom, Maggie. She was incredibly toxic and suffocating to the point where I felt an anxiety attack on behalf of her daughter Piper. I had to continually remind myself that it was clearly setting up her character arc. It was heartwarming to watch both mother and daughter learn who they were/ could be apart from one another, but I wish I hadn't needed to struggle for so long to adapt my feelings towards Maggie.

With the setup of the inn being double booked with knitting guests and an outdoorsy bachelor party, the competition brewing between the two groups held so much potential. Yet this plotline felt like barely a blip which is a bummer; the hijinks would have really livened up the story.

The side characters were nice touches, but no one stood out significantly for me. Ultimately, I think there were just too many side plots going on which led to the story feeling overstuffed and the ending rushed.

The small town charm and mother/ daughter relationship will certainly hit the right spots for others, but it didn't quite stick the landing for me here.

🎙️Cynthia Farrell was the sole narrator, and she did a good job handling the characters and story. It was an easy listen!

✨️ Thank you to HTP Books and Harlequin Audio for the arc and alc! Out now.

[Lori Walton (Personal) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! I learned a lot about knitting. I learned a lot about second chances and starting over!

I wish I’d had more than 30 years with my own mom so we could have had some fun memories together like Maggie and Piper!

I adore Jamie Brenner as a person and a writer. She’s the best!!!

[Susie Schnall · Rating 5 out of 5]

So charming and cozy!!

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was cute and I enjoyed many of the characters. However, I couldn’t help but be distracted by the sheer number of typos, repeated sentences, etc. throughout the book — it could have really benefited from a heavier edit.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 stars)

Thanks to HTP Books, Park Row Books, and Harlequin Audio for the free ARC & ALC. All opinions are my own.

The central focus of this book is a knitting retreat weekend at a quaint, smalltown inn in New Hope, Pennsylvania. The retreat is innkeeper Belinda's pride and joy, but her husband Max double booked it with an extended family bachelor party weekend and Belinda is worried the vibes will be ruined. Meanwhile, single mother Maggie hopes that she and her 23-year-old daughter Piper, both from New York City, can have some special mother-daughter bonding time at the retreat. The book follows Belinda, Maggie, Piper, and a few other characters as they overlap and their lives mingle over the course of the weekend.

I liked a lot of aspects of this book, but overall it just didn't quite hit for me. That may largely be a byproduct of my current reading mood and evolving preferences, but here are a few aspects that kept it from being a favorite of mine:

- I wished the overall plot and character arcs had been a bit more subtle and nuanced. Along similar lines, the book felt predictable in a way I didn't especially enjoy, especially because it leans more women's fiction than romance.

- I felt like there were one too many storylines, and the book could have been stronger without the same amount of focus on Belinda's journey of deciding with her husband how the next phase of their life would look.

- There was a trope/plot point that felt a bit off to me as a reader, but it's a bit of a spoiler so I'm going to keep it vague. Happy to discuss via DM.

I switched back and forth between audio and ebook format. I enjoyed Cynthia Farrell's narration for the most part and thought the audiobook production quality was good. However, I was not the biggest fan of her Brooklyn accent for one side character - influencer Hannah Elise.

Ultimately, I found most of the characters endearing and in the right story, I love a small-town setting. I didn't hate the book by any means and it had its moments, but it's not the type of book I am especially excited to read right now. I recommend this to readers looking for a cute, slightly quirky and fun small-town read centered on a mother and daughter figuring out their relationship as the daughter enters her adulthood.

[Sally Groomes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Weekend Crashers is a delightful read with romantic intrigue as well as the realistic depiction of parent/child relationships. The primary thread focuses on the mother/daughter relationship between Maggie and Piper and their weekend knitting retreat in the pastoral Pennsylvania town of New Hope. The relationship and setting is giving Gilmore Girls as Maggie was a young and single mother and their relationship is far more of a best friendship. The quaint inn and surrounding town is the perfect double to Stars Hollow and having lived in Northeastern Pennsylvania for a period of my own life, New Hope fits the bill. While the parallels to Gilmore Girls are striking in the beginning, Jamie Brenner does an excellent job showing the realistic tension and potential dysfunction of this type of bond that is often not depicted in the movies. While the love between Piper and Maggie remains, the heavy weight of living under perceived expectations is a major thread that slowly “unspools” as the knitting weekend proceeds. While this theme is addressed with the necessary gravity it deserves, comedic undertones are maintained due to the bachelor weekend that was accidentally coscheduled for the same weekend. This book has a lovely balance of romantic comedy meets mother/daughter drama at a propulsive pace. Thank you so much to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book!

[Pamela Horton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this one for my IRL bookclub that I’m attending with my daughter, Katie, which already made it a little extra special for me 💕 And fittingly, this book is about a mother and daughter, which was honestly my favorite part. Their chemistry felt real and heartfelt, and I loved watching their relationship evolve over the weekend.

Overall, I liked this book but I didn’t love it. I kept waiting for something more to happen or for the emotional moments to hit just a little deeper. It was cozy and pleasant, but I finished it feeling a bit underwhelmed.

That said, I loved the idea of the knitting retreat. A weekend away, creative vibes, new people, and small town charm sounds absolutely dreamy 🧶✨ Even though I would actually need to learn how to knit first. My mom used to knit beautifully and I always wanted her to teach me, but I sadly ran out of time. Because of that, this book ended up being surprisingly bittersweet for me. I found myself thinking about her a lot while reading, which gave the story more emotional weight than I expected 💔

Not a standout read for me, but still a cozy, reflective one that made me appreciate reading this with my daughter even more.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️My review: Overall this was a fun novel about relationships: parent and child and romantic. Maggie needs to get out of her routine life. Her daughter Piper is out in the world and maybe even getting married. Piper isn't positive her too good to be true path is what she wants. Maybe a weekend away will help both of them come back to how they "used to be". I could understand Maggie's need to see Piper grab every chance given to her. And the character of Piper was a good example of how some people just can't find happiness in things that fall in their lap. I liked that message. The constant "mother and daughter best friends" message though was a bit over the top. It's important to have a strong relationship and trust and love and support...but have some friends your own age too.

Aidan is in the right place at the right time for Maggie and I love how Piper and Cole played matchmaker for their single parents. The plot aspect of Cole and his love interest seemed a bit contrived though. And his cousin being so angry about Cole's choices was annoying. It was out of place.

At the end, a nice story about people looking for and finding what makes them content and happy and whole. (Even if it all gets tied up so neatly and so quickly at the end of a novel ;). )

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Publishing for an advance digital copy in exchange for my review.

[Courtney Shapiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie Brenner is one of my favorite authors, so it's not surprising that I loved this one as well. I really enjoyed how the narrator brought each POV to life, and it made the audio so easy to listen to. The knitting plotline was so unique, and it made me wish I could craft. I also thought the mother/daughter storyline was great. My mom and I are super close, so it was easy to see some of that relationship reflected through Maggie and Piper. Aiden and the rest of the bachelor party were a nice addition, and I thought they added to the nuances of the book. I feel like I read this at the perfect time of year, and it genuinely felt so cozy. Jamie always evokes strong emotions, and I thought she did that in this book so effortlessly. I really enjoyed reading and listening to this one!

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous!

Knitters come to beautiful New Hope, PA for a knitters retreat and collide with a bachelor party. Chaos and fun ensue with challenges from both groups.

Can the knitters throw an axe? Can the men knit?
You’ll have to read it to find out.

I have a personal connection with this area having lived in Lambertville, NJ in the early eighties. (It’s right across the Delaware river from New Hope.) Got married there too!

Thanks to Edelweiss and Park Row.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute and cozy book! Save this to read in the fall with a blanket and a cozy warm drink. It's a feel-good romance. The characters were quirky, but they had nice development throughout the story. This one worked for me; it was much less cheesy than I thought it was going to be with the knitting/crafting troupe. There were a few different storylines that made me want to keep reading.

This would be great for fans of Gilmore Girls, Sweet Magnolias, and/or Virgin River. It is heartwarming and does have some funny elements written in. Think beach read- but for the fall.

[Kaitlyn Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really drawn in by the premise of this novel with a knitting retreat and mother/daughter relationship at the heart of the story. While this was a very fulfilling family drama, it was a little too repetitive and drawn out for me. It was a quick and easy read though, that felt similar to the writing of Danielle Steel or Debbie Macomber.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*! This book was such a cozy, heartfelt surprise! I loved how it blended humor, family drama, and second chances. While I haven't picked up knitting needles for a bit, I adore the craft and this setting was chef's kiss! Maggie and Piper’s relationship felt so authentic, full of love, frustration, and forgiveness. And the unexpected bachelor party twist? Super cute! It’s a perfect read for anyone who enjoys a mix of warmth and wit, with some added emotional depth.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row via netgalley for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank You to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Jamie Brenner for an advanced review copy of "The Weekend Crashers: A Novel".

I asked for this book when I saw that there was a knitting retreat in New Hope, PA, a town I have visited in the past, and when I saw the author was going to be in my area in November.

Overall I loved this book. A double booked weekend retreat...recipe for disaster, or recipe for healthy competition? You will have to read to find out.

While the characters were not perfect, and some of their actions had me wanting to shake them or smack some sense into them, I am pleased with the character development and growth for them to find themselves, and act right, L.O.L.

I was seriously hoping that this weekend knitting retreat was based on a real activity in New Hope but I didn't find anything. As such, it was nice to visit.

I look forward to meeting the author and other crafters at the book signing.

[Meghan Sperdute · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t my favorite. The characters were a bit immature. It gave hallmark with so much happening in one weekend and picking up your lives to start over

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Melissa Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Susan Grady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story ,great description’s of New Hope .

[Janet McCracken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read! Fun and entertaining