Review & Giveaway - - Look on the Bright Side

Look on the Bright Side

by Kristan Higgins

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: May 28, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

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 colorful 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.

PJ's Thoughts:

A Kristan Higgins book is guaranteed to touch all of my emotions and Look on the Bright Side certainly did that. First of all, how did I not know the Smith family (from last year's A Little Ray of Sunshine-read my review) would also be at the center of Look on the Bright Side? It was like walking into a room and being greeted by old friends, complete with hugs, huge smiles, and snide asides (every family has one). 

Three women, with intersecting storylines, all at a significant crossroads in her life, are at the heart of this book. Funny, sympathetic, flawed women reeling from grief and betrayal, questioning their life choices. In other words, relatable women. Real. Higgins skillfully guides them along their journeys, giving them opportunities to grow, discover new pathways, repair broken relationships, and heal their hearts. Maybe, even fall in love, repair a broken love, or discover the beauty of friendship. Higgins then surrounds them with a rich supporting cast who are much more than a character backdrop, offering up heartache and hilarity. *I feel compelled to add a reader warning here. Do not read Chapter 11 while consuming liquids or with a full bladder. You can thank me later.

How could I not toss my schedule out the window and spend an entire day losing myself in this story, in these characters? I couldn't resist. That's exactly what I did, sobbing on one page, snort laughing on the next, sighing with delight, then off to the races again until I emerged, grinning and heart happy, ready to go back to page one and do it all over again. That's the brilliance of Kristan Higgins. It's what she does. Every. Single. Time.

I should note that you don't need to have read A Little Ray of Sunshine to enjoy Look on the Bright Side though it will give you additional insight into some of the characters if you have. I enthusiastically recommend both books, in whichever order you choose to read them. 

Content Warning: death, cancer, emotional affair

Do you enjoy a book that takes you on an emotional journey but also makes you laugh out loud?

Have you read Kristan Higgins?

What books are on your summer must-read list?

One randomly chosen person posting a comment no later than 11:00, June 10 will receive a print copy of Look on the Bright Side.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Anonymous comments must include a name or email address to be entered in the giveaway.