Thursday, May 30, 2024

Review: Look on the Bright Side by Kristan Higgins

 

Look on the Bright Side by Kristan Higgins
Publication Date: May 28th 2024 by Berkley
Pages: 432
Source: Publisher 
Rating: 
Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:
A multi-generational story that filled my heart with joy!
 
Lark, a thirty-something oncology resident that’s just been kicked out of the specialty for not being able to hack the emotional impact. We find out how her happily-ever-after was shattered, which was heartbreaking. She gets a bit of fun with an offer from “Dr. Satan” which was so fun! It ends up being instrumental in her moving on from her grief.
 
Ellie, Lark’s mom has a marriage and career everyone envies, but she encounters a bump in the road that has her spiraling and hopping mad! I loved her story and rooted for her marriage and career-in-crisis situation. She had wonderful support from Joy, Lark’s landlady.
 
Joy, an older, rich, glamorous woman with little going on in her life. She had a hard beginning. Awful parents but an amazing brother!  Until Lark and Ellie came into her life, she was kind of directionless. I loved that as she helped them, they also helped her find purpose and self-esteem!
 
Look on the Bright Side was so utterly wonderful! It brought out so many emotions! I laughed, I cried, I was ticked! By the end my heart soared with joy!

5 Stars


Book Description:

From the author of Pack Up the Moon comes a funny, romantic, and deeply moving novel about the unexpected rewards that come from life’s detours.

Lark Smith has always had a plan for her life: find a fantastic guy, create a marriage as blissful as her parents’, pop out a couple of kids and build a rewarding career as an oncologist.

Things aren’t going so well.

For one, the guy didn’t work out. Theoretically, she’d love to find someone else, but it hasn’t happened. Two, she’s just been transferred out of oncology for being too emotional. (Is it her fault she’s a weeper?) Three, her parents just split up.

Deviating from the plan was…well, not in the plan. A potential solution comes from the foul-tempered and renowned surgeon Lorenzo Santini (aka Dr. Satan). He needs a date this summer for his sister’s wedding. His ancient Noni wants to see him settled. In exchange, he could make a few introductions and maybe get Lark back into the field of her choice.

As a sucker for old people and fake relationships, Lark agrees. Teeny problem—she instantly falls for his big, warm family. Especially his estranged brother.

Meanwhile, Lark’s mom has moved in with Lark’s flamboyant landlady, Joy, and an unlikely friendship blossoms. The three women have a long summer and a big beautiful house on the ocean to figure out what’s next…and quite possibly learn that the best things in life aren’t planned at all.


18 comments:

  1. I love how this focuses on all three women, not just one. It sounds like they really have an impact on each other's lives. And I'm giggling about "Dr. Satan." lol

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    1. Dr. Satan was a hoot! Especially how Lark handled him.

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  2. Hey, a character named Lark! I've gotta read this one. :D

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  3. This story sounds so touching and uplifting!

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  4. Perfect review! I loved this as well. My review is Saturday.

    Anne - Books of My Heart

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    1. Thanks, Anne! I look forward to your thoughts. It was sooo good!

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  5. This is the type of story I think Higgins does so well. I am looking forward to reading this one myself.

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    1. I think this is a total "you" story, Sam! I think you'll love it. I look forward to your thoughts. :)

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  6. This sounds like the perfect summer/beach read!

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  7. Awww for filling your heart with joy

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  8. Oh, what a hoot 'Dr. Satan'. I like the sound of this one and its been forever since I read one of her books.

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    1. He was hilarious! I think you'd enjoy this one, Sophia!

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  9. I need to give this author a read. Her books always sound good.

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  10. The main character is named Lark? I've got to read this one! :D

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