Brighter Than Before by Courtney Walsh is a feel-good book about a recently divorced woman who moves to Chicago and starts a new life.
Courtney Walsh is one of those authors that I know if I’m picking up her book, I’m going to enjoy it. She writes female main characters who are going through a transition and find themselves along the way. I love reading her books because there’s always the theme of finding your family throughout her books. Brighter Than Before is a perfect book if you want to read a feel-good book that focuses on people in their 40s starting over.
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Brighter Than Before Overview
Title: Brighter Than Before
Author: Courtney Walsh
Pages: 352 Pages
Publish Date: June 9th, 2026
Genre: Romance (Closed-Door)
My Star Rating: 4/5 stars! (I loved this book and would recommend it to most people!)
Grab Your Copy Here: https://amzn.to/4oz0Ofe
Synopsis From Amazon
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.
My Review of Brighter Than Before
First off, thank you to Courtney Walsh, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy of Brighter Than Before in exchange for an honest review. This book is perfect if you are looking for a feel-good romance book.
This is the third Courtney Walsh book I have read, and she is becoming an author I will automatically read her books because I know I’ll get a fun read with some romance. She writes women who are going through a transition and find a new path in life. I love reading her books.
In this book, Claire is freshly divorced and decides to finally move to Chicago and take a chance on starting a new life. With the help of her new (and hot) neighbor, a new friend, and her grown daughter, she starts dating online. I loved reading her dates with different men and seeing how it might go.
Miles is the neighbor and the potential love interest. He is such an incredible guy and someone I would love to have in my corner. The slow burn between Claire and him is *chef’s kiss*. I loved reading about their friendship blossoming and how hard they tried not to act on their attraction.
Brighter Than Before is perfect for anyone who wants to read a book about starting over in their 40s, slow burn romance, found family, and feel-good romance.
More Feel-Good Romances
- Everything’s Coming Up Rosie by Courtney Walsh Book Review
- Dolly All The Time by Annabel Monaghan NetGalley Book Review
- The Shippers by Katherine Center Book Review
- Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey Book Review
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy reading Bright Than Before as I did. This book is full of heart and humor. If you are thinking of starting over later in your life, you should read this book to inspire you. If you have any questions about this book or want to share your thoughts after reading, let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from all of you.
Lastly, if you enjoyed this review or know someone who would enjoy this book, please share this post. I appreciate all the love and support.
Thanks for reading,
Kel
