Big Chicas Don't Cry

By: Annette Chavez Macias

Narrated by: Vanessa Vasquez, Alessandra Manon, Aida Reluzco, Dani Muñoz

Four cousins navigate love, loss, and the meaning of family over the course of one memorable year in this heartfelt family drama.

Cousins Mari, Erica, Selena, and Gracie are inseparable. They aren’t just family but best friends—sharing secrets, traditions, and a fierce love for their abuelita. But their idyllic childhood ends when Mari’s parents divorce, forcing her to move away. With Mari gone, the girls’ tight-knit bond unravels.

Fifteen years later, Mari’s got the big house and handsome husband, but her life is in shambles. Erica’s boyfriend just dumped her, and her new boss hates her. Selena can’t seem to find her place in the world—not Mexican enough for her family, not white enough for her colleagues. And Gracie is a Catholic school teacher with an all-consuming crush, but she can’t trust herself when it comes to romance.

As rocky as the cousins’ lives have become, nothing can prepare them for the heartbreaking loss of a loved one. When tragedy reunites them, will they remember their abuelita’s lessons about family and forgiveness—or are fifteen years of separation too much to overcome?

©2022 Annette Macias (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“A supremely talented quartet of narrators will delight listeners with their vibrant and expressive voices.… Listeners will laugh, cry, and find themselves deeply invested in all four characters. The four narrators ably pronounce Spanish words, adding to the authenticity of this beautiful story. They excel as individuals but also as an ensemble, placing listeners right in the heart of this large, wonderful family.”—AudioFile Magazine, Earphones Award Winner

“Through heart-to-hearts, good food, and family tradition, the women rebuild their relationship with one another—and with their significant others. Chavez Macias loads her well-rounded story with charismatic characters, vivid descriptions, and appealing cultural specificity. This is a treat.”—Publishers Weekly

“[Annette] Chavez Macias has given readers a joyful exploration of family and friendship featuring four memorable characters whose struggles and triumphs will resonate with readers. It’s a great choice for fans of Susan Mallery and Mariah Stewart.”—Booklist

Family ties

Delightful characters of young cousins,sharing a bond ,identity and finding individuality yet keeping their culture alive.

Beautiful family story

This story had me remembering family gatherings and all the cooking time with my abuelitas. I loved the characters and each story. So real.

A must read for every girl who loves her primas

Excellent just excellent could not put it down . Brought so many wonderful childhood memories from my trips to my abuelitas house in Mexico and my most wonderful cousin!!

Authentic

I loved the authentic portrayal of this family. They women who performed were sensational but the audio editing needs to be tightened up a bit. Despite that I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I hope to find more by this author.

Really Good!!

I loved how the book was played out in four different chicas perspectives. I loved each chica in different ways, some it took me awhile to warm up to, misunderstands sometimes do that. In the end, they all had me crying, it took a big event to bring them back to where they started. Great heartfelt book, I loved it, it had me from the beginning.

Family Connections

loved the story. it had the traditions of family, the conflicts of family and the security of family

Big chicas don’t cry

I liked the book! Story reminded me of me and my family and similar experiences we have gone through. Connected very well to book! Highly recommend.

Awesome read

This book is so good I laughed cried and felt the love definitely a must read!

Very entertaining

I didn’t want the story to end. Please write a sequel. I want to know what happens next. I enjoyed the cultural references!!

Must Read!

I want a relationship with my primas like this! Sisters Selena and Gracie remind me of my sister relationships. I love that I can identify with so much of this book! Annette is amazing and can’t wait to read more of her books!