A feel-good novel about finding yourself and falling in love again
REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Day One of My New Life: . . . What do I really want?"
Claire (not Wellesley anymore) Karadec has survived the first year after being publicly humiliated by her husband's betrayal, and by "public" . . . well, is "on stage" public enough? Or should we mention the infamous "fountain event"? Pulling out a journal and beginning to list the things that she would really like to do, Claire moves from Colorado to Chicago, a city where she has always dreamed of living, espousing to do new things (like eat out alone, make new friends, own a dog) and finding a place to truly belong. Never in those wildest dreams did she imagine ever dating again.
Coordinating their efforts, Claire's daughter Minnie and intriguing neighbor (never getting married again) Miles (who happened to be an eye witness to Claire's third most embarrassing moment) set Claire up on a dating app, providing her with a variety pack of first dates, which range from sneezy to slobbery and everything else in between. Meanwhile Claire continues to draft her goals, and realizes that while "bravery can feel a lot like fear . . . it's never too late to begin again".
What a refreshing, inspiring romantic comedy!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars
"Day One of My New Life: . . . What do I really want?"
Claire (not Wellesley anymore) Karadec has survived the first year after being publicly humiliated by her husband's betrayal, and by "public" . . . well, is "on stage" public enough? Or should we mention the infamous "fountain event"? Pulling out a journal and beginning to list the things that she would really like to do, Claire moves from Colorado to Chicago, a city where she has always dreamed of living, espousing to do new things (like eat out alone, make new friends, own a dog) and finding a place to truly belong. Never in those wildest dreams did she imagine ever dating again.
Coordinating their efforts, Claire's daughter Minnie and intriguing neighbor (never getting married again) Miles (who happened to be an eye witness to Claire's third most embarrassing moment) set Claire up on a dating app, providing her with a variety pack of first dates, which range from sneezy to slobbery and everything else in between. Meanwhile Claire continues to draft her goals, and realizes that while "bravery can feel a lot like fear . . . it's never too late to begin again".
What a refreshing, inspiring romantic comedy!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars
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.
THOMAS NELSON PUBLISHING, June, 2026
Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:
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