What a beautiful, emotional, and sweet book! I adored Lenny and Miles and the way they leaned on each other throughout the book. They had such a wonderful dynamic. You could really feel their growing friendship (and feelings) through the pages. I was clinging to every romantic moment — especially when she’d look at him, only to find that he was already looking at her 🥹

Len and Miles complemented each other so well and I loved how they supported each other and helped each other wade through their feelings. Also, the little things that Miles would do??? I melted every time 😭 and don’t get me started on the locket 😭😭😭

Also Ainsley is quite possibly my favorite fictional kid EVER. She’s so cool and I want to be her when I grow up. On that note, I’d love a book on Reese! I think she was such an interesting character and I loved seeing Miles slowly fit into their family.

Promise Me Sunshine gives such an accurate portray of the waves of grief and learning to navigate life after loss. I loved the flashbacks we got that showed us Len and Lou’s friendship. I also loved how Promise Me Sunshine showed us two types of soulmates— the romantic type and the friend type.

I loved the found family in this book 🥹 Jericho was such a fun character and I would’ve loved more scenes with Len and Miles’ new friend group! I also would’ve loved an epilogue that showed us a glimpse into the future!

This book pulled at my heartstrings and made me laugh out loud. It made me cry and made me swoon. And it was such a slow burn that had me screaming at my kindle waiting for them to realize their feelings! 😅

Overall, this was such a pleasant read and I can’t wait to read more by Cara! Thank you so much for the ARC!

Last year I was lucky enough to review Cara Bastone’s book Ready or Not and it WRECKED me. I’ve thought about that book for the last year. I’ve been basing my 5-star reviews off of that novel! So when her latest book, Promise Me Sunshine became available to review, I was all the emotions. Excited but nervous that her latest novel wouldn’t live up to Ready or Not. Well it did, and I am not well. Every chance I had, I read this book. During my lunch break, while I was exercising. I woke up early on the weekend to read before my kids got up! If you have the chance, you must pick this book up. It was emotional, it was laugh-out-loud funny. The slow burn between main characters Lenny and Miles was something else. Read it - it’s out today! Thank you Cara, for the opportunity to read your latest book. I loved it.

Wow, I loved this so much. I was a bit hesitant at first wondering how a book about a person coping with the loss of her best friend could also be a romance and let me tell you, Cara Bastone wrote this perfectly. I loved that grief and grieving was such a huge part of this story, but it was written in such a beautiful way. This is a friends to lovers slow burn. And by slow burn I mean, slooooow. This is such a different friends to lovers considering the friends don’t even know each other until the first pages of the book but Cara was able to get me invested in these characters and their stories. I adored the main characters as well as all the supporting characters, I can’t pick my favorite. Cara made me laugh, cry, swoon and have all the feelings with this one. I recommend this to anyone looking for a romance with real life substance, grief but so much love and character growth. 5 stars! Thank you to Random House Publishing for this NetGalley eARC. All opinions are my own.

Lenny is a hot mess express at the moment. She lost her best friend and platonic soulmate, Lou 6 months ago. She is still deep in grief and struggling to live day to day. She avoids the apartment that she shared with Lou like the plague by sleeping on the Staten Island Ferry, going to all night dance parties and any other place she can to avoid going home and seeing all of Lou's things. She has worked as a nanny for over a decade but has only been taking short term gigs to live. She gets recommended to Reese a single mother who needs a babysitter for a weekend for her daughter Ainsley.

She takes the job, and with it comes the looming presence of Ainsley uncle Miles who questions everything Lenny does. She gets through the weekend, and Reese offers her a more permanent job, but Lenny declines. Miles catches up to her and begs her to take the job and also help him learn to connect with his niece. In exchange he will help her through her grief and learning to live again after loss. Something he has lived and conquered in his life.

This book was the slowest burn, but the payoff and the journey was spectacular. This love felt so quiet, steady, and calm but packed such a punch. I have been fortunate to not experience much loss in my life, but that did not stop me from loving and connecting with Lenny on a very deep level. Miles was honestly a dream partner, he was misunderstood at first, and his growth throughout the novel was chef's kiss, he was the constant for Lenny in the most beautiful way. This novel felt powerful in so many ways and I am honestly so blessed to have read this one, it was a masterpiece.

Cara Bastone has done it again!! Last year I read Ready or Not, and it was hands down a 6 star read for me. Promise me Sunshine was no exception!! This book was beautiful and gave such a good picture of grief and the struggle of getting through it. The romance between Miles and Lenny had me kicking my feet like a child lol. The progression of their relationship was perfect! Friends to lovers is not one of my fav tropes, but I’m very much rethinking that after this book.

Lenny is struggling through intense grief after her best friend passed away from cancer. She takes a nannying job for a workaholic mom and her adorable daughter, Ainsley, and meets Miles. Miles is Ainsley’s seemingly prickly uncle, and they start off on the wrong foot. Soon Miles recognizes that Lenny is in the worst throes of grief and endeavors to help her. In doing so, they develop a friendship that turns into much more.

I’m already thinking about rereading it! It’s THAT good! 🥹

I don’t know what was in this book but wow… This book will stay with me for a very very long time. There’s just so many things I loved about this book that it’s hard to put into words, but let me try:

☀️ The grief representation was incredible in this book. It was such a huge plot point as Lenny has just lost the one she loves most in the world and is just trying to keep afloat. The conversations and theme around grief really touched my heart and I feel like it was handled with so much love and care and truth.

☀️ The love story in this book! ❤️ The romance between Lenny and Miles was perfect to me! The slow burn romance, the strangers to friends to lovers, and just how simple and real their love felt was perfect. 🥹 I felt butterflies in my stomach, and I just love their connection so much. I also love that they helped each other be better and were always there for one another, making each other better in big and little ways. They were so sweet together and I couldn’t get enough!

☀️ LENNY! She was going through so much, but she always tried her best. Her character growth was so great to see, and she just felt so real to me; she was such a well written character! I love that she loves with her whole heart and how she’s a little strange, but I absolutely loved her.

☀️ MILES. What a perfect MMC. It took me a little bit to warm up to him, but once I did, I fell HARD! He was so cute and sweet and has the biggest heart and I also loved his growth and his journey. I love that he cared so much for his family and for Lenny and all the big and little things he did for them.

☀️ I also really loved the overall feel of this book. It had great banter between Lenny and Miles that gave this book a lighter feel despite how much grief was mentioned. With the slow burn romance soooo well done, It was a great balance and made this such a great read that I didn’t want to end.



This was just such a beautiful read full of so much character growth and love, and I feel like everyone should read this book at least once in their life. This book consumed me in a way that no book had done in a while, and I know this book willl always have a special place in my heart.



5⭐️

If you like a romance where the romance is second to tackling some heavy topics, Cara Bastone is the author for you!

Promise Me Sunshine focuses on Lenny who is grieving the death of her best friend and the majority of the book is focused on her journey through grief. I absolutely love that Bastone’s books don’t follow the typical romance formula and have a lot of substance to them.

I felt completely immersed in the story and even though it is over 400 pages, I felt like it flew by! I honestly didn’t want to put it down. I love all the side characters as well. Everyone felt very real and I became attached to them.

This book made me tear up a few times and was just so beautifully done. Can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!

☀️✨ Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone ✨☀️
5-stars!!!!!
Looking for a read that feels like a warm hug and a ray of sunshine all at once? Promise Me Sunshine delivers all the heart, hope, and charm you could ask for! ❤️This story beautifully blends romance, second chances, and those feel-good vibes that keep you smiling long after the last page. With endearing characters and a journey full of hope and healing, it’s the perfect pick-me-up for your TBR! 📚✨If you’re craving a book that wraps you in its glow and leaves you believing in love and new beginnings, this one’s for you. 🌻

📖: Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone
💛: Heartwarming, Emotional, Romantic
🌈: Perfect for fans of feel-good romance and uplifting stories

Thank you to Dial Press and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review. I absolutely LOVED this read.

I wish I had the words to describe every emotion this book elicited from me. I was a goner from the first chapter of this book. I laughed and I cried while following Lenny as she navigated grief, love, friendships, and family. I'm genuinely concerned that no other book will compare to this one for me.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!

Lenny is grieving and when I first started the book, I thought it was her partner but it’s her best friend and that detail alone made me fall for this book. This is a story about learning to live after incredible loss.

Yes it’s a love story but for me it was learning to love life and yourself- the romance is beautiful and well done. The best slow burn. I could have read a thousand more pages detailing Lenny and Miles day to day and it still wouldn’t be enough.

I cried. I laughed. This book brought out all the emotions! A definite recommendation and five star read!

4⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Random House for an advanced copy of Promise Me Sunshine.

Lenny has lost her best friend to cancer and she is barely getting through life. She takes a short term babysitting gig and meets Reese and her daughter Ainsley and Ainsley’s grumpy uncle Miles. Miles is concerned that Lenny is not qualified to take care of his niece but See’s how great she is with her. One day when a book about grief falls out of her bag he sees it and tells her that he has been through that loss and wants to help her in exchange for her helping him get closer to his niece. He helps Lenny start to live again and they both realize that they would be lost without the other.

I really enjoyed this book! I love that it was a true look at grief and how it manifests itself at different times. The story was absolutely fabulous and I loved the two main characters and how their relationship developed gradually over time. This is a must read!

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up because it deserves it.
Wow did this book hit me right in the chest. This story did a beautiful job of weaving together the difficulties of handling grief and the joy of falling in love. I really loved so much about this book including all of the characters and all of the important conversations. This story was so beautifully crafted and there was never a point that I wanted to put it down. Miles and Lenny create such a meaningful connection with each other and it really allows them both the opportunity to heal.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Random House for the early copy!

I adored Ready or Not by this author previously and had heard nothing but good, heartbreaking but lovely things about this novel. The grief that Lenny was experiencing was deep and it broke my heart on every page, however; she was also so well-written that we could see past the grief and see what a wonderful and caring friend and person she truly was. And don’t even get me started on Miles… I could go on for days! He’s the kind of person you wish was real so you could have one in your life - funny, strong, dependable. He worked through his own grief differently than Len and I think it was beautiful how the artist showcased that healing and grieving are not linear and are not the same for every person. The romance was swoon-worthy and I fell in love several times throughout this book. Truly remarkable. A best of 2025 for sure!

Oh, @carabastone, how you steal my heart with every book 🥹🧡

Reading this book was delightful. There’s something about Bastone’s writing that brings me so much joy and comfort. 🥰 Promise Me Sunshine explores grief and healing after losing someone, which is one of my favorite themes in fiction. Bastone explored this topic beautifully!!

I LOVED both our FMC, Lenny— a goofy, head strong, over-sharer and our MMC, Miles— the grumpy, introverted uncle (of the child Lenny is nannying). Their romance was a slow burn, which made sense since Lenny was learning to love life again after loss. If you’re into: friends-to-lovers, slow burn, grumpy/sunshine, single POV, Brooklyn, NYC, and overcoming grief through friendship & adventure… then this book is for you! 🌇 Pick this one up next time you need a warm hug in book form 🧡

#gifted @thedialpress // @prhaudio 🫶

4.5 stars rounded down

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone is a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant novel that delves into themes of grief, healing, and unexpected love. The story follows Lenny, who is struggling with the profound loss of her best friend, Lou. Her life takes an unforeseen turn when she meets Miles, a grumpy yet endearing stranger who becomes instrumental in her journey toward rediscovering joy.

Bastone's writing is both tender and engaging, capturing the complexities of human emotions with authenticity. Lenny's portrayal as a relatable protagonist dealing with loss is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Miles, with his rough exterior and hidden depths, complements Lenny perfectly, and their slow-burn romance is both believable and deeply moving.

The small-town setting adds warmth and charm to the narrative, and the supporting characters enrich the story with their unique personalities. While there are a few pacing issues in the middle, the overall emotional payoff and the authenticity of the characters make this novel a standout.

For those who appreciate heartfelt romances that explore deeper themes of loss and healing, this book is a gem that will leave you reflecting on the power of love and resilience.

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for an ARC.

REVIEW
cw: bereavement, grief, anxiety, mentions of cancer and cheating

Twenty-eight year-old Lenny is a mess. Her best friend Lou passed away only months ago after battling cancer. Lenny hasn't set foot in their shared apartment since, and can only commit to temporary babysitting jobs, where people won't realise how much she's falling apart. As for the list of things she's supposed to do to help her live again? Well, that's still burning a hole in her pocket. When she helps out busy single mum Reese and her daughter Ainsley, it seems like Miles, Ainsley's uncle always seems to be looming judgementally. Miles sees through Lenny's mask, as he knows more than most about grief. So he offers to help her complete her 'Live Again' list, in exchange for Lenny's help in connecting with Ainsley and Reese. As Lenny begins to spend more time with Miles, she's surprised to find that she's finally living (and loving) again.

This was a brutal but also beautiful and ultimately uplifting examination of the complexities of grief. I couldn't help but love Lenny immediately. She was so fragile, but also still so vibrant, and her personality shone through her grief. Miles was the quintessential misunderstood grumpy seeming MMC. I loved how Lenny and Miles helped each other through their grief in different ways. I loved how Lenny wore her heart on her sleeve, as well as in her eyes. Her love-at-first-sight fantasies about the men she met were hilarious, and I liked how Miles could see them acting out in her eyes. My heart broke for Lenny at the end of each day at the beginning of the book, but I adored how carefully Miles helped her through each of those days. I LOVED his persistence. It was very, very clear that Lenny was engaging in potentially dangerous behaviour, so I appreciated that he stepped up and helped her navigate the often complex journey of grief. He was such a sweetheart, and my heart broke for him when he finally revealed his own grief and also the reason behind his strained relationship with Reese and Ainsley. Reese's perspective was just as heartbreaking.
The flashbacks of Lou and Lenny's friendship were so beautiful but also incredibly poignant. It was very clear that they were even closer than sisters, more like platonic soulmates, so it made sense that Lenny was completely reeling from the loss. I loved that the author really took her time and carefully wove the romance slowly into the story. As such, this was possibly one of the slowest slow-burns I've read, in the absolute best possible way. It felt so completely authentic, and natural, which I felt was incredibly important, particularly given Lenny's headspace at the beginning of the book. All of the little glances, Mile's acts of service, the locket, and the birthday cake/key incident only added to the anticipation. As for chapter twenty-eight? It was SO adorably them. They were so cute together. The intimacy, when it finally came, was equally well-earned and perfectly them. The final third of the story really pulled all of the threads together so beautifully.
There were some wonderful supporting characters. Ainsley was adorable and added some much-needed levity early one. Jericho was such a cinnamon roll, and I loved Jeffy and Rica. They were exactly the people Lenny (and Miles) needed. I also loved Emil, the doorman. He was hilarious and also added some lighter moments after deeply moving scenes. I loved Lenny's mum, and my heart ached for her when she spoke of losing two daughters. Her pain was almost as palpable as Lenny's. But the meal with Miles was HILARIOUS. I cackled laughing every time Miles saw a new course. As for the Grappa, run Miles, run! Also, the way I SQUEALED when Ethan appeared (IYKYK)!
This was a truly beautiful and measured romance

Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Heat Rating: 🔥

Lenny is grieving after cancer stole away her best friend. She us completely lost, and so much so, she won’t even sleep in the apartment she shared with Lou. Sometimes she sleeps on the Statin Island Ferry, passing The Statue of Liberty 22 times. . She avoid her concerned parents, and constantly rubs the laminated “live again” list of things she’s promised to do to survive her grief. Lenny decides her best plan of action is to act like she has it all together, so no one will notice she’s falling apart.
To support herself, the only jobs she can handle right now are temporary babysitting stints, and she just landed a great one, helping overworked, single mom Reese and her precocious daughter, Ainsley. The only catch: is Ainsley’s uncle, Miles, who always seems to be around, and is a grumpy guy that only family will put up with. Here’s the big problem. He seems to be able to see right through her facade.
Miles has first hand experience with grief and he offers Lenny a proposition. He’ll help her complete everything on her “live again” list if she’ll help him connect with Ainsley and overcome his complicated relationship with Reese.
Lenny is positive nothing can ever fill the void her best friend has left behind, but between late night ferry rides, midnight ramen, and a well-placed Miles whenever she needs it she begins to understand how to live again.

If you enjoy unexpected romance between two unlikely individuals, this is a truly sweet and heart warming story.

This wrecked me so good! What a beautiful story of grief and healing. Lenny lost her best friend and she was struggling so much. Until she met Miles and he became her grief buddy. Cara weaved this story so beautifully. The dialogues were hilarious, witty and banter-ry. It balanced the sadness nicely. I found myself laughing and crying. Often at the same time This is very slow burn, low spice story, heavy on emotions. You will love reading it. But consider yourself warned..you will need tissues.

This book is such a truly wonderful, beautiful story. It’s the kind of story that’s going to break you apart but then put you back together again. I could not love the dynamic and relationship between Miles and Lenny more. It’s so unique, and truly an opposites attract situation in the very best of ways. Miles is more straight laced, reserved, and timid, vs Lenny who does not embarrass easily, is anything but shy and very much a free sort of spirit, and because of this they end up being everything the other needs. They see things so differently and are able to offer those different perspectives to each other when it’s needed most.

These are two people who found each other at the exact right time, Miles helping Lenny move on from a loss and grief that’s holding her life hostage, and Lenny helping Miles learn how to change tactics when what he’s been doing isn’t working while he tries to find a place in the lives of his estranged sister and niece. It’s a slow burn that burns brightly when it finally gets there, turning heartache into cute, feet kicking giddiness, with touching, funny, sweet and melty moments along the way.

"Are you taking care of the part of me that died along with you?"

Lenny's grieving her late best friend, and she's doing babysitting on the side. When she babysat this kid, her uncle offered her a deal: Keep on babysitting his niece and he'll help her grieve and complete the 'Live Again' list.

I don't know why it took me so long to read this, but I am so glad I did.

Oh boy. What a ride. It felt like I went through hell and back with Lenny (iykyk).

Here we go!

One, I love the plot. It's a bit rare to find a book that centered around grieving in a contemporary romance genre. I love how emotions were wrapped around the story. It's prominent, it's the focal point and it's realistic enough that even though I have no experience with grief, it felt like I also lost someone.

Two, writing style took me a bit to get used to. Cara throws some quirks and sentences that caught me off guard, either I cringe or laugh about it. Since we are following Lenny, I found her so quirky and over-the-top. I don't like quirky, and if there's one word I describe the FMC, it's quirky. I'm indifferent with her. She had these dialogues that she's throwing out as a 'joke' or a 'segue' but personally, I think it's below-the-belt or too personal.

"But with you, Len, when I met you...I sort of feel like I met myself."


Three, I really love Miles. Istg, Miles hit it home for me. The way he was there as a great support system to Lenny, protective but not overbearing. He balanced Lenny in a great way, and it also helped that he's not perfect. He got flaws and he knows it.

Both our main characters are layered and we saw them in differnet sides to their personality that they both felt realistic.

Four, this book reminded me much of Katherine Center's style. They both know how to write a good book layered with emotional depths.

"Instead of panicked sadness, I simply feel that I might be briefly living inside a wonderful moment."

Overall, I did enjoy this book. I went through multiple emotions while reading this, and I just know that when I needed to read something about grief, I will pick this up.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me access to this wonderful book.

P.P.S Miles Honey, you officially made it to the list of my book boyfriend.