Big Chicas Don't Cry

By: Annette Chavez Macias

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

Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Love of self and life!

Another wonderfully written book to add to your TBR list! Witty and real. Authentic and warm. Hispanic heritage flows through in a storyline anyone could relate to. Once I got going I could not put it down.

Highly Recommended

Great story. Some parts were predictable (and wonderful) rom-com fodder. Other parts definitely were not.

Making tamales

So spot on to so many Mexican American families, keeping traditions and family together after divorce and death. I want to hug my sisters and cousins

Brings back memories....

..Of all the times my mom, sisters, sisters-in-law and nieces would gather around the table to make tamales for Christmas.
A well told story about four cousins, their journeys in life, careers and family. The love and respect shown for their grandmother and great grandmother is endearing.
The narrators are amazing!
Can't wait for Annette Chavez Macias's next book.

A story about family.

If you are a Hispanic person this book will resonate with you. If you are Mexican American then you have to do this book. So much of this story brought me so much joy and tears.

La familia is everything. Forever for always no matter what. This is a story of family. Of the importance of a family. It is about tradition and loss. It is about being women on their journeys and finding their way.

It is a family having to come together after losing a matriarch. This story is a beautiful love story to any Mexican American family. We are big, we are loud but we are faithful and loyal. No matter what.

Loved it !!!

An amazing well written story , I laughed , cried and felt so close to the characters like if I was part of the family. What a wonderful book ❤️

Loved experiencing the characters challenges

Good storyline told from different perspectives. Very enjoyable story to listen to! The varied voices and interspersing of Spanish within the English was fun.

A winner!

This is melodrama from a contemporary Mexican-American perspective. The storyline was engaging from beginning to end, and I became emotionally involved with the four young women looking for romance. Highly recommended.

One of my favorites for 2023!!

This book was chosen for book club and I cannot rave about it enough. It is one of my favorites of the year. Annette Chavez Macias did such a great job with the story telling it drew me in and made me feel like I was part of the story. I will definitely be reading more of her books
It’s a story about a Mexican American family focused on the bond of four cousins Gracie, Selena, Maricela, and Erica. You learn about what broke their bond and read along with them as they work their way back to each through communication and forgiveness. They share a love for their Welita who they learn so much about love, family, and life. Please read this book!!!!

Loved it!

Bravo Chicas!

Enjoyed every chapter! Great message,
Family will always come first! Made me laugh , cry and was very inspirational.