I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Brighter Than Before by Courtney Walsh Published by Thomas Nelson Incorporated on June 9, 2026
Genres: Fiction / Christian / Romance / General, Fiction / Family Life / Marriage & Divorce, Fiction / Romance / Clean & Wholesome, Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Fiction / Romance / Later in Life, Fiction / Women
Pages: 352
Format: ARC
Source: NetGalley
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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.
Love a feel-good romance? You will love this book. Love a bit of friends-esque chick-lit? You will love this book? Love the idea of second chances in romance, friendship, and life in general? You will love this book. Despite the romance, I loved Courtney Walsh in the great before of my reading life. She’s changed up her style, and I’ve changed a lot as well. I have discovered that I still love Courtney Walsh. And I’m also realizing that romance isn’t so bad, but I’m pretty sure it’s because I’ve pretty much stayed in the lane of authors I already loved. Maybe someday I’ll branch out, but there’s still so many to read from authors I already love.
I’ve never been through a pretty public devastating divorce that took my friends, my sense of self, or even who I thought I was. I’ve never picked up and relocated to a new city. I’ve never wanted to open a bakery. And while I’ve done a lot of things in my life, I’ve never truly started over somewhere new. And so many parts of me want to someday . . . when the time is right. More international than Chicago, but I do love Chicago. But Claire Karadec has. And she does it with hope, doubt, and a lot of lists. From terrible first (and only) dates from a dating app her daughter sets up to making new friends in unexpected places, Claire learns to set herself and her doubts aside, perhaps a bit of kicking and moaning, to embrace her list and her future. In some ways, I need to be more like Claire.
Courtney Walsh gives the perfect happily-ever-after. There’s the struggle to get there, but that plays the one drawback for me here. Claire walked out of her divorce with a lot more than most folks do. Yes, she had all the disaster emotionally, but she also had some financial security that isn’t typical. Despite all the security, she has the real struggle to find herself again. And to believe in herself and trust herself . . . and others. Claire is proof that you are never too old to be whimsical and slightly neurotic. She’s proof that in some ways we never outgrow that youthful tendency to chaos and that you are never too old to potentially make a fool of yourself. While Claire is still younger than I am by a mile, I’m greatly enjoying this trend of highlighting something more than a 20-something heroine in all genres. It’s refreshing to see something more akin to my life and experiences as a member of the AARP middle-aged generation. I fell in love with Claire, and Miles, and their bunch of friends and family that create community in a way that feels natural. Thank you, Courtney Walsh, for reminding me that you can fall in love at any age. You can start over at any age. You can find your tribe at any age.
About Courtney Walsh
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.
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