Book: Brighter than Before
Author: Courtney Walsh
Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an advanced audio copy.
Thank you Thomas Nelson for an eARC!
Kristen’s Review
Another great book by Courtney Walsh!
Claire is newly divorced after over 20 years of marriage. We find out that her ex-husband cheated on her. After basically dedicating her entire life to being a wife and a mom to Minnie, she never did anything that really fulfilled her…until now.
She takes a chance and moves to a brand new state and city. She moves to Chicago to start her life over. Which sounds terrifying, but Claire has a list. She wants to try new things like certain foods, finding a hobby, a new career, and meeting new friends.
Claire hits it off immediately with the building’s owner and her neighbor, Miles, after a very awkward and funny encounter. I loved the positive energy Miles always brought. He really helps her cross things off her list and works with her daughter to get Clarie on some dates. After a few very rough dates with others. You can see Claire really start to realize she has feelings for Miles, and I loved it! I loved the chemistry they had together; it was so easy and adorable.
I really loved Claire’s journey of starting over. She has shown such great growth throughout the story. Seeing her really find her true passion for opening a bakery can put a smile on your face.
Also, the side characters were perfect! They brought such great positivity to the story.
This is such a great story with the perfect amount of humor and all the found family.
Brian’s Review
Brighter than Before was one of my most anticipated reads. After The Summer of Yes and Everything is Coming Up, Rosie Courtney Walsh became an instant read for me. Brighter than Before did not disappoint, and it’s now my favorite book by Walsh.
The story was inspiring. Claire went through a messy divorce with a very embarrassing and very public breakdown. She moves to a new city to start a new life. Chicago was the city she went to as it was somewhere she always wanted to live. She quickly meets Miles, who is one of my favorite characters in all books. The two build a friendship, but it’s easy to see they both want more but are afraid to admit it.
Through Walsh’s writing, Chicago comes alive. The community that Claire discovers is enough to make anyone want to pick up their bags and move.
I don’t want to talk about much to avoid any spoilers. It was so good that you need to read it. I will leave you with the fact that there is a moment in the book where Claire makes a speech and thanks some people. I challenge you not to get teary-eyed during that scene.
This book needs to be one of your next reads.
Final score: 5/5
Kristen's Book Korner 
Leave a comment