Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
When Claire moves to Chicago, she hopes to leave her mistakes—and her heartbreak—behind. But almost immediately, she begins to wonder whether starting over in a new city was a little too dramatic. Chicago is not entirely unfamiliar, but it is not exactly full of friendly faces either, so ordering dinner delivery feels like the perfect low-stakes plan for a quiet night in. Then the delivery alert arrives while she is in the shower, and it looks like her food has been left at the complex gate instead of her door. Seeing no one in the courtyard, Claire decides to make a run for it in her towel. It seems like a great idea right up until the handsome neighbor across the way spots her, she drops her food, and then—somehow—the towel. Claire is no stranger to viral-level embarrassment, but this may be the most memorable way possible to meet the neighbors.
Bestselling author Courtney Walsh is back with a meet-cute romance destined to become an instant reader favorite. Brighter Than Before is an ideal summer rom-com: charming, funny, and full of the emotional warmth that makes a story easy to settle into. Centered on relatable characters who are trying to outrun old hurts, rebuild their confidence, and navigate the awkward realities of modern dating, the novel delivers both laugh-out-loud moments and genuine heart. With the witty dialogue and vividly drawn scenes readers have come to expect from Walsh, this story celebrates the power of community, second chances, and new beginnings.
I give Brighter Than Before 5 out of 5 stars. I have loved the way Walsh builds stories since I read My Phony Valentine a few years ago, and this novel reminded me exactly why her work has stayed on my must-read list. Her characters feel like people you would love to have as friends, neighbors, or book club regulars—the kind of people whose flaws make them even easier to root for. I especially enjoyed the banter between the two main characters and the fantastic cast of supporting characters who make Claire’s new world feel lively and lived-in. One reason I love Walsh’s writing is the way she fills her plots with perfectly imperfect people: your heart breaks for them, you laugh with them, and you cheer for them every step of the way.
If you’re looking for a fun summer vacation read, this book should be at the top of your list. It would also make a fantastic book club pick, especially for readers who enjoy romances with humor, heart, and a strong sense of community. The story includes light references to controlling relationships and infidelity, so it may not be the best choice for every reader. But if you have loved Walsh’s other works—or if you enjoy books by Kayla Olson, Annabel Monaghan, or Mary Kay Andrews—Brighter Than Before deserves an instant spot on your TBR list.
Brighter Than Before released June 8, 2026, and is available now in our Bookshop.org store.
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What I’m Reading
- Current print book: One Summer in Savannah, Terah Shelton Harris
- Current audio book: Under the Whispering Door, TJ Klune
- Book I’m most looking forward to: God’s Country, William Kent Krueger
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