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

Love this story

Overall narrations were great. There were some lengthy pause from one of the characters that made me think the chapter ended, but that wasn’t the case. Other than that, I love each character’s voices.

Great story emphasis on solid family relationships will help you navigate thru life. 4 cousins living their early adulthood experiencing love, lost, anger, and resentment and how to take back control of each of their lives.
Love love love it when food is described well and is part of the story. Why else would most get together happen. It always revolve around food.


Just use your credit and listened.

We need a sequel!

I loved the book, the stories of the primas and how relatable the story and characters were. I hope to read more about the primas in a new book!

Good Story

I really liked this story. It reminded me of my family. I cried at a couple parts. It was relatable. A sequel would be awesome.

LOVED IT!!!

I'm so happy I chose this as my first book of the year. I liked the relationship between the cousins and their whole family. I did see some things coming but it was still an incredible read.

It’s the real things

Loved everything about this book. It hit close to home on so many points and brought back some beautiful memories as well.

Brilliant

I could identify with each one of them in a small way. I even had a tear or two.

Amazing Family!

I loved this book and the heart of it so much! Highly recommend the audiobook!

hoping for Part 2

such a sweet story and definitely relatable to most Latinas. I truly enjoyed listening to the actors that read and when the book ended I wanted more--hope there will be a second book.

Felt like family

It was so relatable to most Mexican families and culture… loved it 🥰 I felt like I was a prima too! ❤️

Authentic voices and lingo

It was a little tricky, in the beginning to keep track of the 4 different voices, but then it got exciting and went fast from there. I want to read more about these cousins.