Welcome to the Book Bee Blogger’s Choice Blog Tour with JustRead Publicity Tours!
Brighter Than Before: A feel-good novel about finding yourself and falling in love again
by Courtney Walsh
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.
Why I chose this book for the Book Bee Blog Tour
One word…okay, five words…I love Courtney Walsh’s books! They make me laugh. They make me happy. The leave me with a feeling of joy! They aren’t angsty or full of conflict. There might be misunderstandings or bickering, but she never does “enemies to more.” She shared why on Instagram a long time ago. (I don’t remember when! I’m old!) This is me paraphrasing what I remember, but she doesn’t like conflict. Me neither! I always cringe a little when I get to it though I “get it.”
My review of Brighter Than Before
Oh, how I love Courtney Walsh’s books! I always know I will crack up, and I might cry a little; and that was the case with Brighter Than Before too! I’m not going to spoil all of the joy you’ll get discovering how Claire overcomes a nasty divorce, but believe me when I say, it will warm your heart and give you hope and joy and happiness and all of the good feelings! I ADORED Miles, and he’s my new book boyfriend. Dibs. The side characters add so much to this story! Claire’s daughter, her older neighbor Lorraine (hilarious reveal about her in the book), Miles’s “visitors,” a new friend, Claire’s dates…
Miles and Claire have a priceless meet-cute! I laughed so hard that my stomach hurt!
I really want this book to be a movie, but I also don’t want it to be one because you know…the movie is never as good as the book. Let’s just say, reading this felt like watching a movie. A really good one like While You Were Sleeping (the plot is nothing like that movie…it’s just really, really good…like this book!)
Basically, if you love rom-coms that are clean (no bad language or anything other than kissing), hilarious, charming, warm, happy, and all of the other good things, you’re going to love Brighter Than Before! (And if you’re like me at all, you understood this fully caffeinated, completely excited review!) Enjoy! 5+ stars!!!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Find out more about the author: https://courtneywalshwrites.com/
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $30 gift card (winner’s choice of Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook, or Baker Book House)!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 8, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 15, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!