4.5 stars

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone is a heartwarming, emotionally charged romance that tugs at the heartstrings and delivers a satisfying blend of love and personal growth. The novel follows the story of Lenny, a woman who is struggling with grief, while Miles is grappling with his own emotional scars.

Cara Bastone excels in crafting relatable, multifaceted characters. Lenny is intelligent, determined, and just vulnerable enough to be endearing, while Miles is equally complex—a man with a protective streak who finds it hard to let people in, be understood, but once you are part of his family he will protect you with his life. Their journey is one of self-discovery, healing, and learning to live again.

One of the novel's standout features is its emotional depth. Cara Bastone doesn’t shy away from exploring the pain and struggles of her characters, making their eventual connection feel earned. The pacing is spot-on, with just the right balance of light moments and intense emotional beats, which keeps the story from becoming overly heavy. The author’s prose is warm, making it easy to lose yourself in the story, and her ability to weave humor and tenderness into the narrative adds a layer of authenticity to the emotional highs and lows.

The romantic aspect of Promise Me Sunshine is also beautifully done. It’s slow-burn, with plenty of heartfelt moments that feel organic, never rushed. The resolution is satisfying and hopeful, leaving readers with a sense of optimism and a reminder that love can come when you least expect it.

"Lenny, when I look at your face, I feel like I'm finally home after a really long day at work."

Overall, Promise Me Sunshine is a poignant, feel-good romance that is perfect for fans of character-driven stories with a strong emotional core. Cara Bastone has created a touching tale about love, trust, and healing, making it a book that’s easy to recommend to readers looking for a comforting, uplifting read.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced digital copy - all thoughts and opinions are my own!

I don't think I'll find the words to describe just how good this book truly is and how much it means to me. Cara described Lenny's grief journey so perfectly. Miles was so gentle with Lenny, gave her space when she needed to be totally consumed by her grief, but also let her shine and find happiness in the little things. Seeing their relationship develop was beautiful. There's so much more to Miles that people assume is grumpiness when in reality he just wants to feel needed and have a purpose after he suffered such major losses in his life. I read this book during a heavy grief season for myself and it honestly helped me view grief in a new light and gave me some new coping mechanisms. Promise Me Sunshine was my first book by Cara and I will read anything she writes in the future. I need a physical copy of this one for my shelves. I would recommend this one for those who've suffered a major loss in their life but also it's for everyone because unfortunately grief is inevitable for all of us,

I loved this book! It explored grief In a beautiful always and the main characters growth (both the MMC and FMC) was beautiful. It showed how hard it is to get over grieving someone and explain that it is ok to never stop grieving or missing them, but you can't stop living. The way the MMC also had this familial issue that the FMC helped him get over while he helped her get over her grief was beautiful. Watching Miles's relationship with Reese grow was also amazing. The message and the writing in this book were stunning and the plot was paced well. My only issues were that the plot felt a tiny bit rushed and the part with the wedding was a bit out of place but honestly those were even really issues, just personal preference. I would most definitely recommend that everyone read this, especially if they're looking for a heartfelt romance with a happy(ish) ending and some tear jerking moments.

This is probably one of the best books I’ve ever read. Miles and Lenny’s slow burn epic love was absolutely incredible. The tension between the two characters had me hooked from the very beginning. There was a mental health/grieving element that just really did me in though. It was raw. It was emotional. It was REAL. The author handled it with such care and compassion. I laughed. I cried. I felt all the emotions in between. It was beautiful to watch the two grow closer and see them slowly overcome their battles and want to live their lives again. Miles was absolutely perfect for Lenny in every way and Lenny was absolutely perfect for him. I CANNOT recommend this book enough. If I could, I would give this an infinite amount of stars.

”Grief is a relationship. It’s the way we figure out how to keep loving them even though they’re gone. And in order to do that we have to keep on going. And going and going.”

Oh, what a beautiful and tender exploration of grief. Not because the story paints grief in a positive light, but rather in a very realistic way - something heart-breaking yet inevitable, something to talk about and not hide, something to go through and not escape.

Losing a loved one is never easy. We meet Lenny who is still reeling from the loss of her best friend Lou. She takes a temporary babysitting job where she unexpectedly meets Miles, who sees through her cheerful facade.

Lenny's character growth is truly admirable. Yes, she's still grieving, prone to bouts of crying and moments of questionable sanity, but we can see her empathy and care for others in the way she connects with Ainsley, and brings out the best in Miles... then eventually, her tenacity. She's also very amusing, frank and honest.

And Miles 🥹 I've found a new book boyfriend! Is it just me or are MMCs named Miles such special characters? He seems grumpy at first, but he's probably the most caring person you'll ever meet. He's always there and ready to help as Lenny's ace, shoulder to cry on, and friend in times when she needs one most. I loved his wisdom, his heart, his understanding! UGH 🥹 He pays attention, shows up, and gives his best for the people he loves.

Somehow Cara Bastone was able to masterfully craft a story that is refreshingly new - raw and painful, yet still full of humor and hope.

Other details and mild spoilers:
Open door with mild details
Single first person POV
CW: grief, cancer, death of a loved one, cheating (off-page and not by our MCs)

First and foremost, a huge thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

About the book, Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone.

This was my first read by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really like her writing style. Even though the story revolves around grief and navigating life after loss, it is infused with lighthearted moments that keep it from feeling too heavy or overwhelming.

The romance between Miles and Lenny develops naturally—it’s a slow burn, but it feels realistic. The friends-to-lovers trope is executed effortlessly and beautifully throughout the book. I also loved the side characters; they serve as the perfect support system, helping Lenny learn to "live again" after losing her best friend to cancer. Each one is introduced seamlessly into the story, from Jericho’s bike accident to the friend group with Jeffy and Rica, whose overnight camping trip had led to a significant moment in Lenny’s grieving journey.

But most of all, Miles was crafted to perfection. He is patient, thoughtful, witty, and sweet. More than anything, he is loving and caring in the most subtle but thoughtful ways—both for Lenny and for his extended family, Reese and Ainsley. Hands down, he's a 10 in my book!

Overall, Promise Me Sunshine is a heartfelt and beautifully written romance about love, loss, and the importance of a strong support system during grief. It’s a touching yet uplifting story, and I highly recommend it.

"Grief is a relationship," he continues. "It's the way we figure out how to keep loving them even though they're gone. And in order to do that we have to keep on going.”

I was overcome with several emotions here. I cried, swooned and laughed. there was no in between. "I cry of course, I laugh of course." this sums that up. This was such a heartfelt experience that I treasured profoundly. Bastone weaved together a comforting story here that easily become one of my favorite reads this year

This is a love story, I swear. This is what happens when you’ve promised someone you’ll live again.

Much of this delved into the exploration of grief; here you see Lenny deep in her grief one minute, a ray of sunshine the next, but also racked with guilt as she heals and that aspect felt so visceral to read about. Her experience reminds you how non linear grief is yet how it can hit you randomly all the same. Grief aside, this was also a beautifully moving story of re-discovery of self, healing and love between Lenny and miles

"There's only you, Lenny. Every time... it's just you."

It squeezed my heart to see them both heal because while this story focuses primarily on miles helping Lenny--she helped him. this is something i never get tired of seeing when it comes to two people who find each other at the right time unbeknownst to them. I relished in the friendship they built and the slow-burn here. each and every moment of theirs mattered so much to me. I mean; the glances, the tenderness, coming to terms with their feelings, their words & unspoken ones too?! It was everything to see them support one another in reminding each other to show up for themselves and anchoring each other during challenging moments.

“the Miles who engineered this whole camping trip, fed everybody, that guy exists because you're in my life."

MILES. this precious soul that I feel at a loss for words with but am so in awe of. Miles knew grief well, having lived with it for so long that it was easier to navigate Lenny’s since he had survived his own. Even so, i was able to feel his grief all the while when he spoke about it 🥺 Taking care of others and being needed helped him, as it allowed him to live again in the way that was needed for him to move forward, and he remembered that when he met her. His insightfulness and entire demeanor in how he carried himself spoke to me, and of course Lenny, as she came to certain realizations along the way. I loved how he knew her, heard her, and cared for her. The locket and all else he did for Lenny, seeing as there wasn't anything he wouldn't do—fulfilled me 🤍

"You are not betraying her by healing. You are honoring her. You are learning to love her exactly as she is… as someone who isn’t here anymore. That’s who she is now. And this journey through grief … It’s what we do for the great love’s of our lives.”

It would be remiss of me not to mention how Lenny helped Miles heal through the remnants of his own grief that stood with him, as certain things came together with his family and personal life—because she saw him too simply put. I thought her personality and form of bantering was fun when she wasn’t consumed by her grief. It made me laugh as she had no filter and it managed to add some lightheartedness to the story. But I felt her pain, as I know loss, but not in the same way and can't imagine that type of emptiness. the range of emotions Lenny felt and how she spoke about Lou, made me feel like I knew her because of the deeply loving connection they had. Sadly, the sorrow from that can feel even deeper when that love feels like it’s gone—until you realize it just transforms—which Lenny did.

I've just cracked the code. How to live a perfect existence: just embrace it all, every lovely/excruciating color.

it warmed me to see Lenny live again and see her feel things she didn’t think were possible to feel. honoring her friend but also making room for others and miles who did the same. I adored them 🥹 this story serves as a reminder that we can grow and experience life in new ways, even after loss. While I would’ve liked to see one aspect through, I thought the story concluded in a way I was happy with, yet I wouldn’t be opposed to a future epilogue as this didn't have one?? 😭

Definitely would recommend if you want your heart to ache yet have it feel undoubtedly full by the end. I can't wait to read more by this author!

Somehow reading this reminded me of a familiar movie I can’t recall (early 2000's movies for sure) but it comforted me in the same way. And I couldn’t help but see the potential to an adaptation since I could picture the setting in NYC so vividly as I knew it myself

For a moment, I think he’s telling Lou that he loves her, but when I look up, his eyes are on me. It occurs to me that he does love Lou. Because he loves me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

there were too many quotes and scenes I highlighted in this to mention but here's a few

I had one person on this earth who would have died for me, and I would have died for her if possible. But it wasn’t possible. There was nothing I could do.

His mouth is smooth and stubble-rough, and the nonsense of a kiss—why do people put their lips together when they're in love?—has never made more sense. Because him. Because this moment. Because Miles would turn his life inside out just to make me okay.

“Lou and I had our own world.” He laughs. “I can tell.” “How?” “It’s written all over everything you do and say. Like a signature, or a fingerprint or something.”

"Is it silly that I didn't realize I was drowning until he told me he won't let it happen?"

"Lenny, the stakes are low with you because you're the most loyal person I've ever met. You're fully on my team.

How much of my personality is grief and how much is me?

"So you'll come with me if I ask?" "Lenny, I'll do anything you ask me to."

I love Cara Bastone, and this is a beautifully written book. But honestly, I felt like it was too long. Lenny’s goal was to live without being paralyzed by grief. Miles’ goal was to forge a relationship with his niece. Both of those things happened by the midpoint. So why did the book keep going? I might come back and finish the book later, but for now, I’m done with it. The story feels directionless.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

what a beautiful book 🥹 Cara gifted us with a tender and sweeping story on grief and life after loss. This covers healing and self-exploration while still being so romantic. It’s raw while also being balanced with humor and top tier banter. I felt seen and understood and I think this will help anyone who has lost a loved one. I also adored the romance aspect!! Miles needs to be protected at all cost!! I can’t wait to read every thing Cara Bastone writes!!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book with an ARC. This novel had several things going for it:
- depiction crippling intense grief was well done (I think? I'm not sure I've felt that before)
- Lenny was a well developed FMC with no shortage of quirkyness
- lots of good one-liners / banter
- Miles was a good MMC (but not a top tier book boyfriend)
- Gorgeous cover

I have mixed feelings on the slow burn, sometimes I liked it, sometimes I was underwhelmed.

“Every time I fall in love with you there’s lightning”

Goddamn I love a book that simultaneously makes me swoon and cry like a baby.

This is a book about grief, love, and learning to live again. I loved all the characters, especially Lenny. She felt so imperfect and so real, it really felt like I got to know her through these pages. Miles was wonderful and his love story with Lenny was gentle and genuine and sweet. God I want more of them!! The supporting characters were precious as well - damn I just loved this book so much.

Some of my favorite moments:
-Ainsley! She’s such a star and the best source of heart and comic relief throughout this book. God I wish I could have seen that talent show with my own eyeballs
-Lenny’s fantasies for sure
-The locket 🥹 swoonworthy!!!
-The grappa!! The matching tattoos!!
-The Met and of course Lou ❤️‍🩹

This book did a wonderful job touching on grief. Whether you’ve lost a family member, a friend, or even a pet you know exactly how it feels. I’m so thankful for this lovely book and to the author for putting into words exactly that experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review

⭐️REVIEW⭐️

Promise Me Sunshine was a beautiful story about grief and love and will make you feel every emotion in between. This is the second book I’ve read by Cara Bastone and she keeps impressing me with each book. She manages to weave human uncertainty/insecurity and humor so well that I keep coming back for her books.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 - beautiful story, I do feel that the MMC could have been developed a bit more but overall a great read I would recommend to most.

I do want to the note that the cover is STUNNING and I would love to see more books in this design.

6⭐️!!!!!!! READ THIS BOOK.

This book is a healing journey. For them, for me, maybe for you, too.

Overcoming grief, finally coming up for air and gasping for breath again after being underwater for so, so long.

The ability that Cara has to take seemingly simple moments between characters, or thoughts running through Lenny’s mind, and turn them into DEEPLY meaningful moments that evoke so many emotions within me as a reader is *unmatched*.

Everything down to the word choice to form a sentence felt extremely intentional and often times made me cry just from experiencing the beauty of it all.

I don’t know if I could love a book more. I will never shut up about it. I already want to reread it, paint it on my forehead, buy a copy for all of my friends.

This one is a MUST-READ. ❤️‍🩹

Thank you, Cara Bastone, for pouring your heart into this book. And thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. I’m forever grateful.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Cara Bastone for writing such sweet and moving books. I laughed and cried through the whole thing!!

This story starts off with lovable Lenny trying to keep others happy while drowning in her own grief. Miles comes off as a cold know it all, and it has been pushing away the people he wants to get close to. Lenny and Miles are so opposite, but their own losses have brought them together to continue the healing process.

I loved the flashbacks when we got to see the relationship between Lenny and her best friend Lou. I would love for some bonus material from Miles’ POV.

There were so many great elements to this story. Bravo!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Book: Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone
Genre: Romance

I loved this book! Promise Me Sunshine is a heartfelt story about grief, healing after the loss of a loved one to cancer, and finding love again. As a pharmacist working in oncology, I see firsthand how devastating cancer can be—not just for patients but for their loved ones as well. I cannot even begin to imagine the immense grief that comes with losing someone to this disease, and this book captured that pain and the journey toward healing so beautifully.

I also loved the setting! The story takes place in NYC and Brooklyn, with scenes on the Staten Island Ferry—places I grew up visiting as a New Jersey resident. It made the book feel even more personal and nostalgic for me, adding another layer of connection to an already emotional and beautiful read.

The story follows Lenny, who is struggling to move forward after losing her best friend, Lou, to cancer. She feels completely stuck until she starts babysitting for a little girl named Ainsley, which leads her to meet Ainsley’s uncle, Miles. Their first interactions are a bit rough, but Miles is patient, kind, and always seems to know the right thing to say. Their slow-burn romance unfolds so naturally, and I loved watching their connection grow. What really stood out to me was how authentically the book handles grief—Lenny’s emotions felt so raw and real, and her healing process wasn’t rushed. Miles doesn’t try to “fix” her, but he supports her in such a heartfelt and genuine way. This was such a beautiful, emotional, and ultimately uplifting read!

Thank you so much to @netgalley and Random House Publishing Group @thedialpress for sending me this lovely eARC in exchange for my honest review.

The book is now available!!

Promise Me Sunshine has me in my feels.

Lenny lost her best friend, her soulmate, to cancer. She’s struggling to live without her other half when she meets Miles. Miles understands grief and wants to help Lenny “live again” by completing a list that her best friend left for her after she died.

Let’s just say, I cried a lot while reading this book and everyone needs a Miles of their own. This is my first FIVE star of 2025! Cara Bastone wrote a beautiful book. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

I thought I would like this book, but I loved this book more than I was expecting. I appreciated the way the book handled the topic of grief and the way that it can turn someone's life upside down and make you want to pull away from others, as well as how love and support from others is how we make our way through. I loved the found family relationships in this book and we all need a Miles in our life. Any book that can make me feel the pain and anguish along with swooning and giggling is an automatic 5 stars.

The way my heart strings were pulled throughout the entire book. Need everyone to read this! Miles and Lenny are just what everyone needs if they’re grieving.

Thanks to NetGallery and The Dial Press for the E-ARC of Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone

I think, that I've found my new favorite author. I've read a couple of Bastone's books and I have adored them. She writes in a way that not only is funny but has SO MUCH heart in it. This book is no exception. I cried, I laughed, and I cried again while reading because the way grief is depicted, felt so honest that I just couldn't help but feel everything deep in my soul. I loved seeing a FMC grow in the way Lenny does, and LOVED seeing a "strangers to friends to lovers" develop so beautifully throughout the book. YES, it is a slow burn, BUT in my opinion, the perfect kind. The book is simply one of my favorites this year.


Thanks again to Netgallery and The Dial press for the E-ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

Cara Bastone’s Promise Me Sunshine follows Lenny, a young woman seeped in grief after losing her best friend. She’s avoiding her old life and barely holding things together. Her latest babysitting job introduces her to Ainsley’s grumpy uncle, Miles, who offers to help her complete a “live again” list in exchange for her help connecting with Ainsley.

I really wanted to love this book, especially after Ready or Not, which completely won me over. But something about Promise Me Sunshine didn’t hit the same way. Lenny and Miles both had big emotions and personal struggles, but their chemistry didn’t fully land for me. At times, it felt like Miles saw Lenny as a project to fix, which created a weird dynamic that made their romance feel a little off. Maybe it’s unfair to compare the two books so directly since they tell very different stories, but Ready or Not set the bar high, and this one didn’t quite reach it for me.

That said, if you like emotional, grief-centered romances with a lot of character work, this might work for you.

Big thanks to Cara Bastone, NetGalley, and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC.