Brighter than Before by Courtney Walsh: Book Review

 **ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own. 

The 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.

The Author

Courtney Walsh is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of several low spice romance and contemporary women’s fiction novels. She is a Carol-award winner, Christy award finalist and seeker of happy endings.

More than anything, Courtney feels compelled to spread joy by writing light-hearted but poignant, character driven stories that provide a sweet, safe escape when life gets a little too heavy.

In addition to writing novels, she has written two craft books and several full-length musicals. Courtney lives in Illinois with her husband and three children, where she co-owns a performing arts studio and youth theatre with her business partner and best friend—her husband.

Book Review

If Courtney Walsh writes it, I'm going to read it. Every single time. And not just read it but love it too... and this one was certainly no exception! In this story, we meet Claire as she is starting life over in a new city after a public betrayal and divorce where she meets Miles, her charming next-door neighbor. Miles and Claire... oh I just love them together right from that first awkward meet cute! They had such a fun dynamic between them... the chemistry was undeniable, but after his own divorce, he is determined never to enter a serious relationship again. As romance readers, we of course knows exactly how that is going to work out for him. While Courtney delivers a swoon worthy romance between these two, just as I've come to love and expect from her, this one also perfectly blends in women's fiction as well. Claire's journey of starting over and finding out who she wanted to be, and the friendships she finds along the way, truly were just an important start of the story of the romance... and I loved it all! 

Brighter Than Before is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. 


You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/4tRQRLO