Brighter Than Before by Courtney Walsh
Publication Date: June 9th 2026 by Thomas Nelson
Pages: 352
Audio Book Length: 11hrs
Narrator: Patti Murin
Source: Publisher
Rating: ★★★★
My
Thoughts:
Claire’s life implodes very publicly the night she discovers
her husband is cheating with a much younger woman. After too long wallowing it’s time for a
change. Claire needs to figure out just exactly what she wants in life. Claire
makes a list of things that’ll get her outside of her comfort zone, experience
new things and hopefully find happiness along the way.
Brighter Than Before was moving, inspirational with some
laughs and romance as Claire finds her way! I love seeing a character pull
herself up after such a setback and thrive by the end! It was a joy to see
Claire find her way!
I listened to the audio, and Patti Murin’s performance is
perfection! Her comedic timing is excellent, and she does so well with a wide
range of emotions!
4 Stars
Book Description:
Claire did not plan to end up mid-forties with a daughter studying in London and the unfortunate discovery that her husband is not the man she thought he was. In fact, he's the exact opposite of a faithful, loyal, kind, and good-hearted spouse. And the discovery of his real nature and lack of remorse leads her to do what she never thought she would--divorce him.
After a year of wallowing before hitting rock bottom . . . in public, unfortunately, Claire realizes she needs to finally answer the question her therapist asked her all those months "What do you really want?" It was a question she couldn't answer then, but now she knows it's time to figure it out.
It's the turning point that leads Claire to change her life. And not just a little--a lot. She sells her house in Denver and moves to the city that's always had her heart--Chicago.
With the help of nosy neighbors, new friends, and a daughter who sets her up on a dating site from across the ocean, Claire begins to answer that big, important question by figuring out what she wants and how to live life on her own terms.
I love Courtney Walsh's books, and this sounds like a fun one. :D
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this author but this sound inspiring. Great review!
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
This sounds like it would be a good read.
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of this book. Thank you for sharing your honest review!
ReplyDeleteI love the redemptive nature of this one. It shows that even when you're down, you can find a way forward!
ReplyDeleteI feel Walsh always does a nice job balancing humor, romance, and the personal journey in her books. I love that heroine is older in this book. I feel like they have all been the normal range until now.
ReplyDeleteI love the cover. I've not read this author before.
ReplyDeleteI like seeing a gal really make a comeback in this sort of situation.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds good, I would read it :)
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I too enjoy seeing a character uplift themselves and grow.
ReplyDeleteThis is an author I think I've wanted to read, and this one sounds really good. Love the cover and title too. Great review!
ReplyDeletehttps://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2026/07/02/favorite-first-lines-june-2026/