I am a die hard fan of Sawyer Bennett's and will read anything she writes.  I probably should have read the description for this book before reading it.  If you are going into this thinking it will be her normal romance books, it is not.  It is heartbreaking and gut wrenching.  Most books that I'm told will bring me to tears don't.  This book had me ugly crying.  Just be forewarned.

The book was very difficult to put down and reads very quickly.  A broken Marine, a dying boy, a suicidal girl and a girl with an incurable disease, that meet somewhat through chance.  Brought together by tragedy, their lives will be forever changed.

This is not a hot and steamy romance.  It's tragedy with a silver lining, and somewhat of a HEA.  You will have an emotional book hangover when you finish reading.  The book was amazing, even with the subject matter.  Make sure you have a box of Kleenex handy, you will need it.  Some of the content may be disturbing for some readers.  If I had to do it all over again, I would read it in a heartbeat.  It was a amazing story, but it was heartbreaking, keep that in mind.  Another book Sawyer Bennett knocked out of the park!!  Happy Reading!!

This story is a departure from Sawyer’s sexy romantic stories; however, it is a story not to be missed. Four of the most unlikely characters (an amputee, a goth girl, a teenage boy with a bucket list, and a girl who radiates sunshine) take a road trip across the country as part of their group therapy. Each of them dealing with issues that they handle in their own unique ways. During this trip, they open up to each other, sharing their stories and experiencing new things as they help Connor cross off items on his bucket list. Sawyer weaves a vivid story of their journey, taking the reader on an emotional rollercoaster through their pain, their sadness, and their laughter.
This is a must-read book!

Beautiful, just beautiful. A complete 180 for Sawyer Bennett, the story follows 4 group therapy patients on a road trip across America fulfilling bucket lists.  The story is told from Christopher Barlow's POV, Christopher who is 26, is an ex marine who lost his leg above the knee as well as and a couple of fingers in the line of duty.  As well as his loss of limbs, he has many many scars, both physical and emotional, and after being convicted of assault he is given the choice of group therapy or jail.  He chooses group therapy.  He has no intention of getting involved in the therapy sessions, but when the opportunity arises where he can reduce the number of sessions he attends by taking a road trip with the group which include a 17 year old terminally ill boy (Connor), a 24 year old girl (Barb) who has been abused and is suicidal, and a 21 year old girl (Jillian) who is slowly going blind. Connor and Jillian have become firm friends, and it only takes a few days into the road trip for Christopher to begin to open up to them. In between camping and motels the group finally start to bond and start to open up to each other, even Barb who is the hardest nut to crack, opens up a little.  On the way they have adventures visiting places of interest and doing a few crazy things.  The story is beautifully written, passionate, heartwarming and so very emotional (it had me laughing one minute and crying the next), it is a book that I have no doubt will stay with me forever.

**Advanced copy received from the author and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Wow. I'm rarely at a loss for where to start with a review, but what I can tell you about The Hard Truth About Sunshine is that it is a book that is going to leave it's mark and is going to stay with you long after you read it. If I could give it more than five stars, I would. This book is real and it is raw. It deals with topics that are going on around us each and every day whether or not we realize that we are being touched by them.

This is a story of discovery, adventure, pain, loss, love and most of all hope. I'm not sure there is an emotion that is not touched upon as you go on the journey with these four very, very different people, yet they are all struggling with something that ultimately bonds them together. While the issues or traumas that they are dealing with in their own lives are vastly different, the idea of having a tribe to lean on is one of the most important things they can give themselves. This book drives home a powerful point about relationships and how important they are not only to shaping who people become, but also the path they choose to take in the future.

Sawyer Bennett has said herself that this is unlike any book she has ever written, but I for one think it is absolutely one of her best. I can't do this book justice with my words, so you'll need to take my word for it and read it for yourself. It will make you think, it will make you feel and it will make you look inside yourself and maybe it will cause you to look at situations a little bit differently. This is by far one of the best books I've read so far this year. Kudos to you, Sawyer, for taking these important issues and bringing them to light in such a poignant and powerful way.

Absolutely amazing book! So incredibly well written that I think Sawyer Bennett has found a new genre to write in. This is such a gut-wrenching, powerful and deeply poignant story about four young people whose lives intersect in group therapy and they embark on a journey cross country that will completely change their lives forever. 
This book speaks to your heart from the beginning and sometimes will make it burst with joy while other times ripping it out. It is incredibly moving and will take you on an emotional journey unlike any other. 
10 stars for this wonderful story about friendship, love, faith, weaknesses, strength and acceptance.

Wow! This book is so different from Sawyer’s regular books.  This is a book that makes you think, feel, and realize how hard this world is to live in for some people.  Most of us live in our own little bubble and never see the pain and desperation that some people do through.  Sawyer sure helped to open my eyes and touched my heart so deeply.

This story is about four emotionally and physically messed up people. Christopher Barlow hit an IED while driving in Afghanistan and lost part of his right leg and two fingers on his right hand among other things.  Jillian Martel has a disease that is causing her to slowly lose her eyesight as well as a weak heart that may cause her to have a heart attack.  Connor McCann is 17 almost 18, has terminal cancer, and only a few months to live.  Barbara (Barb) Stiles was sexually abused as a child and has tried to kill herself.  They are all in therapy together. Jillian and Connor are the only two who truly talk.  Jillian comes up with an idea for them all to take a trip to the west coast as Connor has a bucket list and one of the things on his list is to see the sun set on the west coast before he dies. After a little encouragement, they all decide to go on the trip.  You have to read the book to see what happens on this trip and learn more why some of them are the way they are.

This book was a little depressing when I first started reading it.  Once the group started on their trip and I got to know them better, I fell in love with the book. I went through so many emotions while reading this, but it felt good to be outside my comfort zone for a change. There is so much about life to learn in this book.  I feel I am a better person for reading this book and really thinking about what was said.  Thank you Sawyer Bennett.  I strongly encourage you to read this book. If you have an open heart, this will touch you deeply.  I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.

I didn't realize how much I needed this book until I started reading it. This book was absolutely a joy to read. There were so many emotions and so many things to learn. I've never been on a road trip across the US, but now I feel like I have. I'm not even going to say what this book is about. Because the blurb sums it up so well. I can sum this book up in one word though. Hope. 

As someone who has struggled with depression, this book really touched my soul. It reminded me that there is always people out there who care. Whether you know them or not, someone is there. Sometimes it's hard to remember that. 

Thank you for this story, Sawyer. Thank you. Books and authors like these keep me breathing. They give me hope and make me anticipate the next.