Audiobook Review: Brighter Than Before by Courtney Walsh

 

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: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

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.