★★★★★ Brighter Than Before by Courtney Walsh, A Laugh-Out-Loud RomCom About Starting Over After Divorce

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.

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About This Book:

Life has a way of changing your path--and Claire Karadec certainly didn't plan on a fork in the road in her forties. From New York Times bestselling author Courtney Walsh comes a witty, warm, and uplifting novel about second chances, found family, and the courage it takes to become yourself--perfect for fans of Annabel Monaghan and Sarah Adams.

After a painfully public discovery shatters her marriage, along with her picture-perfect, country club life, Claire finds herself suddenly single and faced with a blank page for a future. On that page she writes a simple list that reads like equal parts dare and daydream--Move to a new city. Make a real friend. Get a job I love--and she vows to accomplish every single one.

Before she can talk herself out of it, she takes a step of faith, puts her old life in the rearview mirror, and leases an apartment in Chicago, the city that has always had her heart. This one step sends Claire on a journey of self-discovery, giving her the courage to conquer her fears, one checklist item at a time, and showing her that life can be a whole lot brighter than she imagined.

She rediscovers a love for baking, stumbles into new friendships, and even allows her daughter, Minnie, to create a dating profile and choose her dates for her. Perhaps the biggest surprise, though, is Miles, the charming, off-limits neighbor whose kindness makes it hard to remember why he's off-limits at all.

Between late-night journaling, disastrous first dates, great big lessons and priceless small victories, Claire learns to quiet the voice telling her she wasn't enough and listens to the one that asks the harder question . . .

What do I really want?

As old expectations loosen their grip, Claire discovers that belonging isn't a place you're invited to--it's a life you build one brave choice at a time. And the sweetest things often show up when you finally get out of your own way.

Lose yourself in a story that's equal parts heartwarming, hopeful, and full of joy. Early readers are loving the witty humor, uplifting journey, and sweet, clean romance that makes Brighter than Before such a life-affirming escape. Grab your copy today and discover a second-chance story about courage, connection, and building a life that feels truly your own.

MY REVIEW: ★★★★★ 5/5

Brighter Than Before is a funny, heartwarming read that easily became one of my favorite books this year! It’s the kind of story that made me laugh out loud, tear up without warning and hug the book to my chest with a deeply satisfied sigh at the end.

Walsh's main character, Claire, completely won me over. Cheated on, recently divorced and publicly humiliated, she’s trying to figure out who she is after 20 years as a wife and mom. I loved how authentic she was—funny, kind, messy, relatable, and just trying to start over. Her decision to move to Chicago and build a new life from scratch gave the whole story a fresh start energy that I really enjoyed. Some of my favorite moments were watching her dip her toes into the dating pool again (so many awkward, laugh-out-loud scenes), while also slowly discovering what her passions and purpose are. Chicago came alive through Claire's exploration of her new city while checking things off her list, adding personality and life to her new beginning.

And then there’s Miles. I loved him! He was a steady, calming presence next to Claire’s chaos in the best of ways. Their friendship developed in a way that felt natural and sweet, and I really enjoyed watching him quietly support her while also also, obviously falling for her, despite his own reservations.

Overall, this book gave me ALL THE FEELS. I laughed, I smiled a lot, I nearly cried and I didn’t want it to end. It’s funny and emotional in all the right places and one I can't recommend nearly enough!