This was lovely. It was pretty heavy on grief, so please read content warnings before going in if you’re sensitive to topics like loss of a loved one, depression, terminal illness (cancer), etc.

Miles and Lenny are such a powerful duo and easily one of the greatest book couples! I wish everyone could have a Miles because his commitment and dedication to his friends and family was so heartfelt. Yes, it was predicable with the friends to lovers trope, but the true story was about grief after loss. Lenny was at rock bottom and struggling to face each day after losing her best friend to Cancer. Then, Miles swooped in and became her life line, allowing to reader to see that sometimes all it takes is one person to make a difference and it’s ok to need help.

Overall, an easy 4.5 star rating. The open door romance seemed a little YA, but yet it was fitting with Lenny’s personality. At times, I was worried about the grief dragging out, but it was so well written and organized that it didn’t seem redundant. Also, so many emotions for this one: funny, sad, happy, inspiring and absolutely loved the mention of a Buffalo Bills jersey!!! 🙌🏻

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

*Book publication date: March 4, 2025*
*Reviewed February 13, 2025*

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone delivers a heartfelt and emotionally resonant story that beautifully explores love, loss and healing. The narrative is deeply moving but its balanced with humor and emotional depth. I loved the realistic portrayal of how resilient humans can be. It definitely made me feel a wide range of emotions from laughter to almost crying. Overall, it was a very heartfelt experience.

"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. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 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..."

𝙿𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚎 𝙼𝚎 𝚂𝚞𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚎: 𝟻 🌟

This book came into my life exactly when I needed it. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House for allowing me to read this absolute masterpiece of a novel early. This novel transcended my expectations of what I expected—a romance novel that dabbled in grief, but this book captured grief in a way I never thought could be done in 33 chapters—fast-paced and heartbreaking. As much as the romance between Lenny and Miles is show-stoppingly perfect and real, the love and heartbreak that exists between Lenny and Lou ripped me to shreds. I'm warning you, only a few pages in, and Mrs. Bastone stabbed me in the chest and kept twisting the knife as the book went on. Losing my grandfather last year was the toughest loss I had experienced, my first one at that, and Lenny's inner monologue and struggles with grief spoke to my soul. The fact that there was a list for Lenny to get through, her list to keep on living, brought all the memories rushing back of my grandpa's motto, "You deserve to live; no matter the state of the world or your mind or your heart, you deserve to live life.". I never had the proper time to process my loss, and this book almost guided me through it and made me feel so heard and seen. I don't feel as shameful breaking down in restaurants when I wish he was sitting across from me, thanks to Lenny and Miles. I truly don't think another book can encapsulate loss and love in the way this one did, or maybe it was just the right book and the right time for me.

Miles is the epitome of healing. I truly wish that I had a Miles to guide me through the mess of grief, but even having him through the pages on my Kindle screen healed me more than I realized. Miles is UP there with some of my favorite MMC's; his grumpy vibes with the gooey exterior are the perfect combo for my ideal MMC to forever fantasize about. Lenny's character is simply perfection, from her humor to her grieving. A special mention to Ainsley for being such a damn hysterically fantastic bonding point in this novel and for being the gateway to Lenny's healing journey to commence. Just remember to keep tissues at bay and read this with an empty schedule that can be filled with moping and hurt and the ultimate revelation that the hole grief leaves may never be filled up the way it was, but it will feel better. I thank you endlessly for this masterpiece, Cara!

This book broke my heart and put it back together. I loved they way both mcs were 100% there for each other. Through everything. The way they became friends and got each other through hard times while also experiencing happy moments with each other was so heartwarming. I laughed and cried with them and I‘ll definitely will be rereading this book next year! Also the sneak peek at the end? Can‘t wait for whats to come!!!

The characters, the setting, the friendships, the love and grief and absolutely everything about this was utterly perfect!

“Promise Me Sunshine” by Cara Bastone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🤓🤓🤓🤓

THIS BOOK!!! This is not hyperbole: I laughed out loud. I cried actual tears. I think my heart grew 2 sizes? Okay, that last part was hyperbole, but I loved this so so so much. It comes out 3/5/25 and if you need something to read before then, try “Ready or Not” by @carabastone to keep you satisfied until then. Her writing is witty, heartfelt, and she writes men who are kind and thoughtful and safe…just what we all need right now! Bravissima!!! (I’m not Italian, but it seems like something the FMC would say, so here we are).

I absolutely loved this book! I couldn’t put it down. I laughed, I cried and I never wanted it to end. The way she was able to weave this beauty story with grief and hope felt so real and relatable. I loved Lenny and he wit even though she felt half alive. Miles was just the perfect person to help Lenny through her healing, while also continuing to heal from his. Reese and Ainsley just added to the story in such a delightful way. Thank you for the opportunity to read this and it will be with me for a lot time!

I really really loved this book. So close to five stars for me. Obviously cried at the end. Such a great dynamic between the main characters and loved no third act breakup.

It’s raining from my swollen eyes! Sad tears, happy tears, tears of laughter…..you’ll get them all from this wonderful, heartwarming story. Twenty-eight year old Lenny is drowning in grief, following the death of her best friend since childhood Lou, from ovarian cancer. Unable to return to their shared Brooklyn apartment, Lenny spends nights sleeping on the benches of the Staten Island ferry as it travels back and forth between Staten Island and Manhattan. By day, she has taken a nanny job to care for seven-year old Ainsley while her single mother Reese works . On her first day of work, Lenny meets Uncle Miles as they’re both entering Reese’s apartment and while the initial encounter is anything but friendly, Miles rushes to Lenny’s side after her workday has ended, when she engages in a street confrontation with a strange man who has caused an accident. As the two get to know one another, Miles who himself has suffered great loss, decides to help Lenny tackle her “Living Again” list to deal with her grief and find joy again in living. Every single character in this story is likeable and lovable and will enrich your life with lessons on friendship, grief, family and love. Kudos to Ms. Bastone for giving voice to the dialogue between Lenny and Miles that is very original and hilariously funny.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Random House/Dial Press Trade Paperback for giving me the exquisite experience of being an early digital reader in exchange for my honest opinion.

Cara Bastone does an incredible job on character development and Lenny and Miles did not disappoint. I loved their flaws and quirks. She seems to come up with unique ways to speak about ordinary experiences that are relatable to many. I could feel Lenny's loss here just like I could feel Eve's struggle with navigating pregnancy single in READY OR NOT. She honours the depth and investment many make into the friendships closest to them.

In PROMISE ME SUNSHINE, it felt like the middle dragged and the ending could have been just fine cut around the Chapter 31 mark. At times it felt repetitive like the author wasn't sure the reader got it the clue the first time she mentioned it - like the importance of Lou or losses felt by Miles. We got it.

Overall, I enjoyed the read and the characters and they are worth spending some time with. Thanks for the ARC.

This book changed me as a person. I was crying through the whole thing and felt Lenny's journey so deeply. The focus of the book being her grief and recovery from grief really hit home for me. I have felt how she felt in many parts of the book which really helped me connect to her. The way that Miles was so sweet and gentle and safe for her was everything to me. It really felt like they made each other better, and will be together forever in my mind. I don't know if I will be able to stop thinking about this book anytime soon.

This is one of those books you read that completely change your outlook on life. I don’t even have words to describe how much this book meant to me. Such an amazing book about grief and heartbreak but also love and finding joy in life after loss again. I related so much to Lenny it hurt at times but she healed a part of me genuinely. Miles was also just perfect and literally noticed every single thing about Lenny and it made me melt. I’m so glad I had the privilege of reading this book early.

I REALLY loved this book. After loving Bastone’s last novel, Ready or Not, I was so excited for this one. This really explored how horrible grief can be but how having someone who understands how you’re feeling. I loved the slow burn romance but I loved that it wasn’t the main story. One of my favorite reads of the year so far!

4.25 I thoroughly enjoyed this! The book did a great job depicting the journey of grieving a friend and making a prevalent point about how loss intertwines with every aspect of life. It was so tender to see Miles meeting Lenny where she was in her grief. At the same time, it was a funny and hopeful read that I highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC!

Promise me Sunshine is a beautiful story about trying to live life again after loss. With stepping out of your comfort zone and trying to connect again. Slow burn and tension fill the pages while Bastone’s creates such witty imagery. I felt like I was on the journey with Lenny and Miles cheering them on and rooting for their happiness. You slip into the story with ease you’ll want to make camp and get cozy.

After losing her best friend Lou, Lenny is struggling to stay afloat. When she starts a new temporary babysitting gig, she meets the kid’s uncle Miles, who sees and understands her grief. They end up making a deal: Miles will help Lenny tackle Lou’s bucket list if she helps him connect to his niece. This unexpected friendship may be what Lenny needs to find happiness again.

Ready or Not was one of my favourite books in 2024, so I was ecstatic to read Promise Me Sunshine. This book was so beautiful. Cara is a masterclass at writing emotional stories with such relatable characters. I loved the flashbacks of Lenny’s friendship with Lou. Their bond was so strong and you could feel the love through the pages. Miles was such a sweetheart and it was amazing to see how he helped Lenny find herself again. The slow burn, friends-to-lovers relationship was so special and I really enjoyed this book.

What to expect:
☀️ Romantic Comedy
☀️ Forced Proximity
☀️ Friends-to-Lovers
☀️ Slow Burn
☀️ Grief

Thank you to Cara Bastone, Dial Press and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

☀️ ARC review: Promise Me Sunshine

This was such a sweet story! 🥹 Lenny is grieving the loss of her best friend, Lou, and takes a temporary babysitting gig with Reese and her daughter Ainsley. She meets Miles, Ainsley’s uncle, and the two strike up a deal - Lenny will help Miles learn how to develop a relationship with his niece, and Miles will help Lenny learn to live life again while grieving such a monumental loss.

This was a slow burn, enemies to friends to lovers story with hilarious side characters and I really enjoyed it! I feel like it did justice to describing how complex navigating grief really is while still seamlessly allowing their relationship to slowly develop. I would say it was just a touch too long for my liking as a romance, but overall I highly recommend! 💕

Thank you to @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! ☀️

I adore Cara Bastone’s writing style and ability to create unique and beautiful characters. She does it again with a heartfelt grumpy-sunshine story that goes deeper than your typical romance.

Throughout the book, the characters deal with loss and grief, so if you’re experiencing these things, too, read with care. You may find something to relate to or help along the way, and it may not be the right time to approach this book for everyone.

I was provided a complimentary e-galley on NetGalley by Random House Publishing - Dial Press.

Promise Me Sunshine ARC Review
✨4.25/5
Pub date: March 4, 2025

This was such a lovely book! Promise Me Sunshine follows Lenny as she navigates her life following the loss of her best friend. This book doesn’t shy away from the topic of grief and how nuanced and all encompassing it can be. Lenny has such a big, bold personality, and watching her find the balance between feeling the grief of loss and continuing to take care of herself and get used to this new reality with the help of Miles, the uncle of the kid she takes care of and someone who has also dealt with loss, I felt was very thoughtfully done.

The relationship between Lenny and Miles was also such a breath of fresh air. Their friendship is what builds first and it was so nice to watch that develop and grow into something more so naturally. I also kind of loved how awkward Lenny was with him and well they communicated with each other.

Overall, this was a solid read and I definitely recommend it if it sounds like it’s for you! Thank you to @netgalley @thedialpress for the ARC!

Another absolute stunner by Bastone. Somehow I ended up reading two books back to back that tackled the subject of grief, yet both have a completely different and unique feel. The person who Lenny grieves in this story is her best friend since childhood and she starts the book lost, broken and ambling through life in the wake of Lou's death with little in the way of direction, avoiding both her family as well as the apartment where they lived together. Enter Miles, who arrives into her life via her job as babysitter to his niece Ainsley and strikes a deal with Lenny to help her complete her "live again" list in exchange for assistance in how to connect with young Ainsley and mend fences with her mother, with whom he currently has a strained relationship. This arrangement turns Lenny and Miles from acquaintances crossing paths into friends who slowly slide into love by the very end once enough healing has taken place for Lenny to emerge from her pain anew as a whole person. Bastone does a wonderful job of describing the specific look and feel of New York City, making me feel like I was there alongside the characters, and the humor she frequently employs helps the story not feel oppressive while it covers very serious topics. The writing here is beautiful, tender and rather thoughtful with evocative phrases and moments scattered throughout that stuck with me long afterward; I really like the notion of someone being more willing to do something if they are led into it rather than pushing them as well as taking a moment to commit something special to memory. The lovely cast of secondary characters each add a distinct ingredient to the mix while filling out this world, and I loved there is even room for one from Ready or Not to appear in a fun cameo. Bastone has quickly become one of my favorite authors, with this latest entry sure to be one of my top reads of 2025.