Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone is a heartwarming contemporary romance, which is a part of her Love in the Suburbs series, that captures the magic of unexpected love.
It is set against a backdrop of picturesque small-town life. This novel follows the journey of two unlikely individuals who find solace and connection in each other’s arms. As the characters navigate personal challenges, their undeniable chemistry leads to moments of joy, healing, and vulnerability.
Filled with emotional depth, witty banter, and unforgettable characters, Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone is a perfect read for fans of feel-good romantic tales. Whether you’re looking for a story of second chances or a sweet escape into a world of warmth and love, this book promises to deliver sunshine even on the cloudiest days.
A young woman’s life turns upside down when she meets a grumpy stranger. She is grieving the loss of her best friend, and the man swears he can help her live again. This is a heartwarming, slow-burn romance.
Cancer stole away Lenny’s best friend, and she has been a mess and completely lost. She avoids her parent and every other thing that makes her grieve, in thoughts that if she acts normal , pretending that she has it all together, then maybe no one would notice her fall apart.
She’s avoiding her concerned parents, the apartment she shared with her best friend, and the ever-laminated “live again” list of things she’s promised to do to survive her grief. But maybe if she acts like she has it all together, no one will notice she’s falling apart.
She can handle only temporary babysitting jobs right now. She babysits Ainsley ,helping overworked, single mom Reese. Her uncle, Miles, always seemed to be around. He was kind of a walking version of the grumpy cat meme. Worse – he seems to be able to see right through her.
Miles knows a lot about grief and he offers Lenny a proposition. He says to help her complete everything on her “live again” list on a condition that she had to help him connect with Ainsley and overcome his complicated relationship with Reese. Lenny doubts anything can fill the void her best friend has left behind, but between late night ferry rides, midnight ramen, and a well-placed shoulder whenever she needs it, Miles just won’t stop showing up for her.
About The Author:
Cara Bastone lives in Brooklyn with her family. Her goal with her work is to find the swoon in ordinary love stories. She’s been a fan of the romance genre since she found a grocery bag filled with her grandmother’s old Harlequin Romances when she was in high school. She is a talented author known for her heartwarming contemporary romance novels that often explore themes of second chances, personal growth, and the transformative power of love. Her writing is known for its witty dialogue, emotional depth, and a balance of lighthearted moments with heartfelt emotion.
Cara Bastone’s works are beloved by fans of contemporary romance, and her books are perfect for those seeking heartwarming tales filled with love, laughter, and hope.
Her other works include Ready or Not, and the Love Lines series: Call Me Maybe, Sweet Talk, and Seatmate.
Reviews:
1. Srivalli R
4.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming (trigger for grief)
Reviewed in India on 21 March 2025
While I haven’t experienced grief like the FMC’s (#touchwood), I did lose someone very special and their memories still make me teary-eyed. My life didn’t stop but there’s this sense of emptiness in one part. Yeah, you learn to live with it.
Despite the heaviness of the theme, the book has many lighthearted moments. The voice is quite quirky (maybe a bit too many similes but most of them are funny, so no complaints) and entertaining.
Though Lthe FMC is the narrator, the book does belong to the MMC. I love the dedication too! Another important aspect is the kind of relationship the MMC wants to have with the FMC. He encourages her to make friends with others and build a circle. It is quite refreshing to see friends as friends without complicating it with unwanted attractions or triangles.
To summarize, Promise Me Sunshine is a slightly lengthy but heartwarming novel about grief, learning to heal, and living again. I wouldn’t have minded an epilogue!
2. @nancis_reads
5.0 out of 5 stars Promise Me Sunshine – 5 Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 16 May 2025
Verified Purchase
Favorite Quotes:
“Just remember. Something good for you, something bad for you, and a change of scenery. Thats the winning formula”
“Life is what happens during the yadda yadda.”
“Breaking: a man can resist the bend and snap. I know this because I just performed one in front of Miles and he only expressed mild concern that I’d just slipped a disc.”
This is a touching story about coping with the loss of loved ones and rediscovering the joy of living along with some great humor through out the book. The main characters are easily relatable, while the supporting cast adds warmth and charm. Time waits for no one, and as she learns to navigate the grief of losing her best friend, she isolates herself from her life and family, wandering the streets of Brooklyn because she can’t return to the apartment she once shared with her friend. While working part-time as a nanny, she encounters a stranger who will change her life, guiding her on a journey to find herself and discover true love. I would highly recommend!
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