Promise Me Sunshine: A Novel (Dial Delights)
How do you find yourself after you lose the one you loved the most?
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Grieving the loss of her best friend, a young woman’s life is turned upside down when she meets a grumpy stranger who swears he can help her live again, in this heartwarming, slow-burn romance by the author of Ready or Not.
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: NPR, Elle, Library Journal, New York Public Library, Seattle Times
Lenny’s a bit of a mess at the moment. Ever since cancer stole away her best friend, she has been completely lost. She’s avoiding her concerned parents, the apartment she shared with her best friend, and the ever-laminated “live again” list of things she’s promised to do to survive her grief. But maybe if she acts like she has it all together, no one will notice she’s falling apart.
The only gigs she can handle right now are temporary babysitting jobs, and she just landed a great one, helping overworked, single mom Reese and her precocious daughter, Ainsley. The only catch: Ainsley’s uncle, Miles, always seems to be around, and is kind of. . . a walking version of the grumpy cat meme. Worse – he seems to be able to see right through her.
Surprisingly, Miles knows a lot about grief and he offers Lenny a proposition. He’ll help her complete everything on her “live again” list if she’ll help him connect with Ainsley and overcome his complicated relationship with Reese. Lenny doubts anything can fill the void her best friend has left behind, but between late night ferry rides, midnight ramen, and a well-placed shoulder whenever she needs it, Miles just won’t stop showing up for her. Turns out, sometimes your life has to end to find your new beginning.
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Grieving the loss of her best friend, a young woman’s life is turned upside down when she meets a grumpy stranger who swears he can help her live again, in this heartwarming, slow-burn romance by the author of Ready or Not.
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: NPR, Elle, Library Journal, New York Public Library, Seattle Times
Lenny’s a bit of a mess at the moment. Ever since cancer stole away her best friend, she has been completely lost. She’s avoiding her concerned parents, the apartment she shared with her best friend, and the ever-laminated “live again” list of things she’s promised to do to survive her grief. But maybe if she acts like she has it all together, no one will notice she’s falling apart.
The only gigs she can handle right now are temporary babysitting jobs, and she just landed a great one, helping overworked, single mom Reese and her precocious daughter, Ainsley. The only catch: Ainsley’s uncle, Miles, always seems to be around, and is kind of. . . a walking version of the grumpy cat meme. Worse – he seems to be able to see right through her.
Surprisingly, Miles knows a lot about grief and he offers Lenny a proposition. He’ll help her complete everything on her “live again” list if she’ll help him connect with Ainsley and overcome his complicated relationship with Reese. Lenny doubts anything can fill the void her best friend has left behind, but between late night ferry rides, midnight ramen, and a well-placed shoulder whenever she needs it, Miles just won’t stop showing up for her. Turns out, sometimes your life has to end to find your new beginning.
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✨ Summarized by Bookclubs AI
Readers say *Promise Me Sunshine* is a heartfelt exploration of grief, healing, and tender romance, praised for its emotional depth, authentic charact...
I think I'm an outlier here, judging by the raving reviews of this book. But I really was not all that impressed.
As someone who lost her best friend at 20 years old, I was looking forward to this. I was expecting something akin to Faithful by Alice Hoffman. This was not that. There was a major lack of depth with Lenny, our FMC. And she was far too ~quriky random weird girl~ for me to even take seriously. The sex scene was BEYOND cringe. And overall I didn't find much poignancy.
This book is why I'm not a huge contemporary romance reader and stick to romantasy. There was just a lot left to be desired. It was an entertaining read though, and I bet those who love contemporary romance would eat this book up and my feelings are mostly subjective.
Editing to add ~ I would’ve liked this book more if there was more of Lou. We got like what, 10 pages altogether of their relationship? I was hoping for flashbacks all throughout the book so that was another let down.
As someone who lost her best friend at 20 years old, I was looking forward to this. I was expecting something akin to Faithful by Alice Hoffman. This was not that. There was a major lack of depth with Lenny, our FMC. And she was far too ~quriky random weird girl~ for me to even take seriously. The sex scene was BEYOND cringe. And overall I didn't find much poignancy.
This book is why I'm not a huge contemporary romance reader and stick to romantasy. There was just a lot left to be desired. It was an entertaining read though, and I bet those who love contemporary romance would eat this book up and my feelings are mostly subjective.
Editing to add ~ I would’ve liked this book more if there was more of Lou. We got like what, 10 pages altogether of their relationship? I was hoping for flashbacks all throughout the book so that was another let down.
Promise Me Sunshine made me laugh, cry, and swoon all at once. It reminded me that love isn’t just for the perfect or someone fully healed. It reminded me and affirmed my belief that love really can find us, even in the hardest seasons. This story is about love that grows in the cracks, love that shows up for the broken and the healing, love that whispers “you are still worthy.”
And on top of that, it is a beautiful story of friendship, family, and healing, and it honestly may be my favorite read this year!
And on top of that, it is a beautiful story of friendship, family, and healing, and it honestly may be my favorite read this year!
“Promise Me Sunshine” by Cara Bastone is a warm, heartfelt story that pulls you in with its lovable characters and gentle romance. The emotional beats land beautifully, and the small-town charm makes it an easy book to sink into. Cara Bastone’s writing has that cozy, comforting feel that makes you want to read “just one more chapter.”
My only critique is that a few plot points wrapped up a little too smoothly — I would’ve loved a bit more complexity in certain moments. But overall, it’s a delightful, uplifting read that leaves you smiling.
A sweet, feel-good story perfect for a relaxing weekend!
My only critique is that a few plot points wrapped up a little too smoothly — I would’ve loved a bit more complexity in certain moments. But overall, it’s a delightful, uplifting read that leaves you smiling.
A sweet, feel-good story perfect for a relaxing weekend!
Our book club felt that Miles could only be a fictional character in a book written by a woman of course!....but that we ALL need a Miles in our lives!
I was concerned when I made it halfway through and there weren't signs of romance. But, Cara manages to write emotional romance stories that feel realistic and aren't over the top. She excels at describing the more mundane love, instead of wildly passionate, but still has you laughing and swooning.
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