First of all, I want to deeply thank you for the opportunity to receive this ARC. This is my first time reading this author, and the entire process has been a wonderful surprise for me.

This book brought out an emotion I didn’t even know existed: the pain of physically losing a friend. Throughout my almost 31 years, I’ve had the chance to make friends, lose them, and feel how deeply they become a part of me. Reading this story made me cry, smile, and experience so many emotions that left me utterly moved.

The male protagonist brought something so special, so delicate—it reminded me of a dove… or better yet, a butterfly. He helped the female protagonist go through a metamorphosis, to grow and transform in a way that felt both magical and real. Reading this made me feel that pure, beautiful kind of love, the kind I hope to experience someday.

Even though I’m not the best at writing reviews, this book truly touched my soul. The author has an incredible ability to capture emotions and leave you with that indescribable feeling lingering in your heart long after you finish reading.

In conclusion: read this book! I wholeheartedly recommend it. I can’t wait for it to be officially released because I know so many others will feel the same way I did. Once again, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. I’m certain this won’t be the last book I read from this author.

this book was incredible. The humor/ heart wrenching moments was so well done. I cried so much the way that the author handled grief was beautiful. Everyone needs a miles he was so caring and wonderful and the slow burn was well worth it. I loved how she found herself again in the midst of so much heartbreak and loss. Miles also lost a lot and I loved what she did for him. I wish we had gotten more time with them together because I would’ve gladly read 200 more pages.

OMG, Cara Bastone does it again. How does she keep wrecking me with her amazing stories??

Short summary: Lenny lost her best friend, Lou, to cancer 6 months ago. Mentally and physically, she's not doing so well. After she takes a temporary nannying gig, she meets Miles, the little girl's uncle. While they get off on the wrong foot, Miles quickly recognizes the mess that Lenny is and decides to help her fulfill the list of things that Lou wanted Lenny to do to make sure she starts "living again." After learning that Miles knows a thing or two about grief himself, they become best friends and learn to live again--all the while, falling in love.

I have no idea how she does it, but the author can write an emotion better than any other contemporary romance author I've ever read. I mean this next statement in the best way possible: If I had to sum up this novel in one sentence, it would be "a stream-of-consciousness love letter to New York City, best friends that become family, and learning to live after loss." Bastone has a knack for showing people who are hanging on by a thread, which in turn shows how well she can write a human being with flaws and interesting characteristics. Lenny is an absolute mess, and Miles does such a good job of pulling her out of her grief. The path to that isn't always pretty, but it's poignant and realistic. Bastone is also a master of the slow burn, and buddy, is this a slow burn. You can always feel the tension between the two MCs, but they don't get together until almost the very end. I hate slow burns, but somehow the author always hooks me. She's so good at it.

Overall, if you're looking for an emotional roller-coaster of a romance novel, this is the one. Such a beautiful story and I'm so glad to have had the chance to read it.

Just perfect. I didn't know how she could improve upon her last book but she absolutely did. Lenny is such a complicated character going through an insane amount of grief. Miles is so abrupt at first but he is exactly what she needs. He gets what she's going through and knows the kind of support that she needs. He just wants to hold her hand through it all. Miles also knows that she has a few things to work through before they can be a couple. Watching Lenny try to seduce him was so funny.

I received an arc through netgalley.

Where to even begin!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (ALLL THE STARS!)

If I could give this more than 5 stars I would! That’s how good this book is. It is my 2nd Cara Bastone book and I’m gonna have to say my favorite! And that’s that I really liked Ready or not.But this one! UGHHH MY GOD had me in my feels in grief, had me in my feels in love. This was just perfect.

Miles Honey that sweet grumpy baby angel! What an amazing book human honestly. Like I don’t have enough words for him. I love him dearly! He is now one of my favorite book boys EVER!

My sweet sweet Lenny, her grief was so felt and so heartbreaking, but to see her grow and learn to go through it with help from Miles and those who nurture her was truly a beautiful thing. To see her work her way out of the grief fog and live felt like a shared victory.

The banter and humor and care that Miles and Lenny have for each other is just literal perfection. It’s the little things especially with Miles. I literally devoured this in like 2 sittings. And I tried to drag it out cause I didn’t want to leave them. I can read so many more moments with them in a heartbeat. I literally made so many faces while reading certain scenes. They were just disgustingly adorable and I love them and wish them all the happiness very much 🥰

I am a 100% gonna preorder this book cause I need it in my collection. This truly became one of my new favorite books of all time. Cara has such a way with words and the feel around a book. I cannot wait for this to be published so I could tell anyone and everyone to read it!


Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the advanced digital copy! It’s highly appreciated ☺️

Wow….just WOW, oh my gosh this story!!!!!! I cried, I laughed, I cringed (in the best way)! I loved this story! Lenny is honestly the most well written character, you feel all her pain and grief and love on another level. I’ve never read a book that talks so openly and in depth about the emotional trauma of losing a loved one like this book did and honestly I don’t think anything will come close, Please whatever you do read this book!
(Adding Miles to top 10 book boyfriends)

Thank you NetGalley and Dial Press for this eARC!

Thank you netgalley for a ARC! This book is set to be released on March 4, 2025z

I tried really hard to love this book, but it just felt like there were some missing pieces for me. The puzzle just didn’t quite fit. I couldn’t connect with the characters, and maybe that’s a fault of my own. This was well written and the quirks of the main character were unique, and I liked getting to watch Lenny crawl out of the hole that grief placed her in alongside Miles, who quite literally “went to hell and pulled her back out.” I wouldn’t quite put this in the rom-com category as it did have some pretty deep/serious themes. Overall, the book was good, but not great. I’m still left wanting more from it, from the characters, from the story.

📚eARC Review 📖

📖: Promise Me Sunshine ☀️
✍️: Cara Bastone @carabastone
📚: Dial Press Trade Paperback @thedialpress
🗓: Pub Date: March 4, 2025
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Format: Kindle (eARC)
Pages: 416
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
same author as: Ready or Not
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"Well, I can’t promise the sunshine. But I can do everything else.”
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💭 Cara Bastone has become an auto buy author for me! I fell in love with her last novel, Ready or Not, which published last year and couldn't pass up on reading this new one.

Thank you @thedialpress and @atrandombooks
for the eARC!

First things first - the cover - so beautifully detailed. The sunshine matches the title nicely, but the ferry plays such an important part in the story.

This book felt so raw and so emotional. We follow Lenny, who is grieving her best friend. She meets Miles while doing a new babysitting gig. Shortly after meeting her, he finds out that Lenny is having a hard time dealing with her friend's death, and he offers to help her as he had dealt with grief himself. Miles, being a grumpy guy, has his own struggles and also needs her help. He quickly becomes a best friend to her and is there for all the moments in which Lenny needs help. No matter the place or time, he keeps showing up for her. The author does such a great job at explaining the moments in which Lenny feels hopeless, like she won't ever stop grieving. This book feels so real because you will find Lenny being good at covering her sadness when out with friends, and you find her being funny despite having pain in her heart. Lenny's journey to healing will have you frowning at one moment and smiling in the next one.

Grief and being distant from loved ones are hard topics to discuss, and I feel the author did a wonderful job at describing them. I loved seeing our characters grow independently while having each other. Plus, we get a slow burn romance with them. I'd say not to miss out on reading PROMISE ME SUNSHINE.

I tried, I tried my very best to love this one but it just didn’t happen. I didn’t love it, nor connect with the characters. To be honest with you I found it a bit depressing and maybe that’s the main reason it was difficult for me to get into the story.

This book was so good. I appreciated how we got right into the meat and potatoes of the Story and there was no fluff at the beginning. Cara’s portrayal of grief was portrayed so thoughtfully. Miles and Lenny’s bond was everything.
More in depth reeview to come on instagram

Cara Bastone has a knack for feelings and funny! This is no exception.

Processing grief looks different for everyone. No two journeys are the same. Lenny is struggling deeply with the loss of her best friend, until Miles. He sees her. The way he guides her through her grief is moving. I wish I had a Miles when I lost my Mom years ago.

Lenny pushes back and forth but in the end they become exactly what the other needs. I had some big feelings with this one. But in true Cara fashion I giggled too and enjoyed every minute of it!

This is not simply a love story but a story of life and love. Slow burn to that happy ending.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC of Promise Me Sunshine. This was a cute story and I enjoyed how the main characters supported each other through their grieving process. Overall it felt a little empty to me, like it was missing so many puzzle pieces for me to fully connect with the characters. I love Cara Bastone and I think this book will be a huge success for many readers.

Promise Me Sunshine is an absolute thunderbolt of a book, and was one of my favourite reads for the year.

When the book begins, our late-twenties heroine, Lenny, is at the lowest ebb of her life, having recently lost her best friend Lou to ovarian cancer. When a chance meeting with Miles, the estranged brother of Lenny's childcare client, reveals that Lenny and Miles may each have the skills required to help the other with their respective problems, the book takes off on an incredible journey.

The thing that stands out the most to me about Promise Me Sunshine is the incredible balancing act it pulls off in navigating both loss and romance. To be clear, this is a romance novel, and a very satisfying one at that, but Lenny’s grief over losing Lou is given the gravity and centrality in the narrative that such a nightmarish event deserves. I particularly loved that the loss here is not a romantic one (as the loss of a partner isn’t that uncommon in romance novels), but that of a best friend; this is something I see a lot less of in romance novels but which is no less devastating an event. Miles’ own experiences with grief and loss, although less recent than Lenny’s, are also given the respect and space they deserve, and the way that Miles and Lenny come together over these shared experiences is truly heartwarming.

Lastly, on a personal note, Promise Me Sunshine was a very challenging read for me; I have metastatic breast cancer and I could not help but see my and my loved ones' reactions to terminal cancer diagnoses within Lenny's experiences in the pages of this book. For anyone in a similar position who may be wondering how such emotional topics are handled in Promise Me Sunshine, for what it is worth, I can say that although I teared up *quite often* while reading this book, I found that these challenging topics were handled with the utmost care and sensitivity by Cara Bastone and I plan to wholeheartedly encourage my loved ones to read this book when it is released. Recognizing that everyone's experiences with cancer are unique, this book has so much good to say about living with loss and love, and the relationship between Lenny and Lou in particular was so true to relationships in my own life that it was honestly astonishing to be reading it.

I wrote this review based on an ARC provided by Cara Bastone's team and I am reviewing it voluntarily; that being said, I had already pre-ordered my own copy of Promise Me Sunshine before being offered the ARC.

A heart wrenching tale of grief and trying to live and love after. I was invested from the very beginning, and although it was emotionally tough to read at times, I needed to know how Lenny would survive following the loss of her best friend. Miles was such a multi-faceted character and I loved watching Lenny help peal back those layers. The snippets of imaginary insta-love meet cutes were hilarious and just the right amount of levity for the story. This was a slow burn, touching read that was a tad out of my comfort zone yet it will live in my head for quite sometime.

Wonderful read! Heartfelt romance about strangers attempting to help each other get through their respective bouts of grief. This gives you stunning insight into one's journey through grief and healing. The romance is a slow burn full of tender moments. Bastone does an amazing job of creating a male main character that is strong, vulnerable, and sweet. I do wish the last 15% of the book was longer and we got to spend more time with our couple. Also- LOVED the Ready or Not cameo! TY netgalley for this ARC!

This book was everything and more. Cara Bastone's "Ready or Not" blew me away last year, so I was thrilled to get my hands on this ARC. The grief storyline is done so beautifully that I was able to physically feel Lenny's pain. One million stars from me on this one!!!!

Cara Bastone’s "Promise Me Sunshine" is a romance novel that explores themes of love, healing, and second chances. With its endearing characters, heartfelt narrative, and a picturesque setting, this novel offers readers a delightful escape into the world of unexpected love and personal growth.

The story centers around Hazel Beck, a young woman who has been through her fair share of heartache and struggles. Determined to start fresh, she moves to the small, idyllic town of Sunshine Bay, hoping to find solace and a sense of belonging. Hazel is a compelling protagonist whose resilience and optimism make her a character that readers can easily root for. Her journey from heartbreak to healing is portrayed with sensitivity and depth, making her story both relatable and inspiring.

Hazel’s new life in Sunshine Bay takes an interesting turn when she meets Luke Harrison, a charming and kind-hearted carpenter who is dealing with his own past wounds. Luke’s easygoing nature and unwavering support make him an ideal match for Hazel, and their chemistry is palpable from the moment they meet. Bastone excels at creating authentic and relatable characters, and the relationship between Hazel and Luke is a testament to her skill.

One of the standout features of "Promise Me Sunshine" is its richly detailed setting. Sunshine Bay is depicted with such vividness and charm that it becomes a character in its own right. The town’s warm and welcoming atmosphere serves as the perfect backdrop for Hazel and Luke’s budding romance. Bastone’s descriptions of the town’s scenic beauty and close-knit community add depth and texture to the story, making readers feel as though they are part of this enchanting place.

The supporting characters in the novel add further richness to the narrative. From Hazel’s quirky new friends to the townspeople who quickly embrace her as one of their own, each character plays a significant role in Hazel’s journey. These interactions highlight the importance of community and the impact that genuine connections can have on an individual’s healing process. Bastone’s ability to create a vibrant and engaging cast of characters is one of the novel’s many strengths.

"Promise Me Sunshine" also delves into deeper themes of healing and forgiveness. Both Hazel and Luke are dealing with the scars of their past, and their journey towards love is also a journey towards self-acceptance and forgiveness. Bastone handles these themes with nuance and care, offering readers a thoughtful exploration of the complexities of human emotions. The novel’s portrayal of personal growth and the healing power of love is both uplifting and thought-provoking.

The plot of "Promise Me Sunshine" is well-paced and engaging. Bastone balances moments of introspection and emotional depth with light-hearted and romantic scenes, creating a narrative that is both satisfying and entertaining. The progression of Hazel and Luke’s relationship is handled with care, allowing their feelings to develop naturally over the course of the novel. The climax and resolution of the story are both heartwarming and satisfying, leaving readers with a sense of hope and fulfillment.

Bastone’s writing style is both evocative and accessible. Her prose is crisp and descriptive, capturing the emotions and experiences of the characters with clarity and depth. The dialogue is natural and reflective of the characters’ personalities, adding authenticity to their interactions. Bastone’s ability to convey emotion through her writing is particularly noteworthy, making the novel’s most poignant moments resonate with readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a story about grief. If you are struggling with the loss of someone this book was absolutely beautiful. It shows the struggles and triumphs of grief and that healing isn’t linear. The FMC is struggling with the loss of her best friend and she is just drowning in her grief not knowing how to live when the uncle of the family she’s nannying for sees all the signs of her struggles and just wants to help her. They make a deal to check off the items on her bucket list so show her she’s not alone. She’s so reluctant at first and it is not a simple story of healing and love it is complex and messy and really hits you deep. I loved the way this story unfolded and really showcased that it’s ok to not be ok but it’s not ok to do it alone. They teach each other so much in this book and it was just so beautiful, heartfelt, heartbreaking and I highly recommend but be careful if you’re not ready to read the rawness of the story.

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5 Stars! Promise Me Sunshine had me laughing, crying, and swooning. This is NOT just another romance book—it’s a love letter to resilience, connection, and navigating through life’s messiness. These characters and themes will linger long after you’ve turned the final page.

The book opens with our girl, Lenny, navigating the devastating loss of her best friend, Lou. When Lenny takes on a nanny gig to pass the time, she crosses paths with Miles, the kid's socially awkward but very endearing uncle. Soon, they realize they can help the other, so they develop an authentic friendship.

🛟 Authenticity. This isn’t a story about insta-love or lust; the connection between Lenny and Miles grows slowly and organically, rooted in shared experiences, mutual support, and a deepening friendship. This is friends to lovers in the best way possible.

🏸 A Thousand Small Gestures. I loved how REAL this story felt — the love of found family, building trust with a child, and the quiet, unspoken gestures that show someone you care. It’s also about navigating grief and loss in ways that feel achingly real.

❤️‍🩹 Memorable and Earnest. If you enjoy books about realistic, mature characters who grow together and face life’s challenges head-on, Promise Me Sunshine is for you. Warning: This book will make you want to call your BFF to blurt out your undying love for them. For real – don't say I didn't warn you!

P.S. Lenny’s wildly imaginative fantasies with every attractive male that crosses her path were SO entertaining 🤣 and felt like a hundred tiny happily-ever-afters wrapped into a single story. This would have been a solid 5 stars for me if Lenny had been a little more mature when she and Miles shifted from friends to lovers... it passes quickly, but that hiccup felt unnecessary.

This book debuts on March 4th – don't miss it! Consider it a must-read if you enjoyed The Notebook, PS I Love You, or believe in love, period. 🥹

Thank you to NetGalley, Cara Bastone, and Random House Publishing Group | Dial Press Trade for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone introduces us to Lenny who is reeling from the death of her best friend. Lenny takes a temporary babysitting job where she meets Miles. Miles has also experienced grief and he helps Lenny not only survive but also to start living again. A nice rom-com with serious themes weaved in. I give it a 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGallery for the advanced read.