Brighter Than Before: A Feel-Good Novel about Finding Yourself and Falling in Love Again

By: Walsh, Courtney

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1400352886
• ISBN13: 9781400352883
• Release Date: June 2026
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Length: 352 Pages

Customer Reviews

charming women's fiction with a side of romcom

"Just because I wouldn't have chosen this outcome for my life doesn't mean my life can't become something beautiful." Claire's first-person voice is powerful, emotional, raw, and thought-provoking. I think every woman in her 40s can relate to feeling like she's lost a piece of herself through the busy years and not quite sure who she is and what she wants. Her divorce was heart-breaking and it amazed me how Claire grew in the few months in Chicago to be able to see beyond the anger, hurt, and bitterness. Her self-awareness, loyalty, kindness, tender heart and ability to rediscover herself and dream again made her an unforgettable heroine. Miles was a sweetheart; he, too, had baggage from a divorce but discovered how to help others out of that pain. I savored their delightful banter and the laugh-out-loud moments in the book. I loved sampling Claire's baked goods with Miles. The secondary characters like Zoey, Ava, Minnie, Lennon and Lorraine were superb; I want friends and neighbors like them! If you enjoy well-written, heart-warming women's fiction with a tasty side of romcom, this book is perfect for you. It should be in everyone's beach bag this summer. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.