brighter than before – GoodeyReads

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 352 pages
Author: Courtney Walsh
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: June 8th, 2026
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

In her forties, newly single in the Windy City, and reeling from a major life shake-up, Claire Karadec finds a reset in the most unlikely of places–a dating profile set up by her adult daughter. From New York Times bestselling author Courtney Walsh comes a refreshing, lighthearted, sweet novel, perfect for fans of Annabel Monaghan and Sarah Adams.

Claire did not plan to end up mid-forties with a daughter studying in London and the unfortunate discovery that her husband is not the man she thought he was. In fact, he’s the exact opposite of a faithful, loyal, kind, and good-hearted spouse. And the discovery of his real nature and lack of remorse leads her to do what she never thought she would–divorce him.

After a year of wallowing before hitting rock bottom . . . in public, unfortunately, Claire realizes she needs to finally answer the question her therapist asked her all those months “What do you really want?” It was a question she couldn’t answer then, but now she knows it’s time to figure it out.

It’s the turning point that leads Claire to change her life. And not just a little–a lot. She sells her house in Denver and moves to the city that’s always had her heart–Chicago.

With the help of nosy neighbors, new friends, and a daughter who sets her up on a dating site from across the ocean, Claire begins to answer that big, important question by figuring out what she wants and how to live life on her own terms.

Thank you to LibroFM for the gifted audiobook and Thomas Nelson for the gifted copy.

LOVED EVERY MINUTE.

I could sing the praises of this book all day long y’all. I was smitten from the get go and the story telling was absolutely fabulous. I loved that this had an older FMC who had to unexpectedly start over. I loved the realistic journey of being angry and upset and working towards that sense of peace and belonging that comes in time. Claire’s relationship with her daughter was also magical and something I aspire towards as my kids get older. Honestly this entire book felt like an inspiration. I haven’t been in Claire’s situation but the bigger lesson of finding a passion, doing something for you, and letting go of past grievances are very relevant to everyone.

To sing some love towards the romance because STOP IT RIGHT NOW. It was amazing. I adored Miles. He was just the right type of golden retriever energy for Claire and I loved seeing their strangers to friends to lovers romance develop. It’s soft and light and really gives you the second chance love so many crave.

The audiobook is perfect. No notes. I don’t think you can go wrong with any format for this book.

Overall audience notes: