Wow! This was so emotional, I honestly didn't expect to laugh and cry and feel all the feels! And oh my gosh I want my own Miles! Perfect and sweet book boyfriend for sure! And that cover is is BEAUTIFUL! This was my first Cara Bastone novel and I can't wait to read more by her! Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my digital ARC!

An in-depth look at the process of grieving. Miles is too good to be true. He has his faults and life experiences that do help him understand Lenny (Helen). I almost did not continue reading after several uses of the "f" word and the creepy (to me) fantasies about men. I am glad I decided to overlook my aversion and gave the book more of an opportunity. There are many misty moments. Several amusing ones too. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

What a lovely book for the soul. A story about grief, friendships, family and love that made me feel surprisingly good. In my opinion, Lenny’s grieving process is a bit exaggerated (but everyone grieves differently) and we all know people like Miles don’t really exist (or do they and I’m just SOL?), regardless I devoured every page of this book because it was a sweet story and it made me feel all the warm fuzzies.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House, and Dial Press for this arc.

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone was one of those books that made you laugh and cry and cheer and boo sometimes all at the same time. It was truly poignant in places and uplifting in others. The main character of Lenny is one of tragedy and triumph.

Lenny’s best friend forever, Lou died. Lenny and Lou had been partners in crime since the age of 5. Lou had gone through a cancer diagnosis and came out the other side. Lenny did a lot of taking care of Lou and being her best support. When Lou’s second diagnosis of cancer was fatal, Lenny fell apart.

Lenny works as a nanny when she feels she can keep it together. She lives out of her backpack and refuses to go home to the apartment that she and Lou had. She lucks out with a part time nannying job with Reese and her daughter Ainsley. The only issue is that they come with Miles, an uncle to Ainsley.

Miles sees through Lenny like no one else and has offered to help her. She is reticent, but as time goes on she and Miles become pals of a sort and she is leaning on him to help her and he is leaning on her to help him. Slowly both make their way forward in a world that doesn’t seem open or friendly to them. Ainsley and Reese slowly become more comfortable with Miles and Lenny starts to accomplish things on her list and is more open to living outside a shadowy existence.

Lenny and Miles are great characters. They both can help the other, but not themselves. The pairing of them and their new posse add just the right touch to make the book more enjoyable despite the difficult subject of death. This book is one to read and treasure, knowing that life can be short and there is much to do. Promise Me Sunshine is a really good book by Cara Bastone.

Lenny is a young woman in NYC who is not handling things well after the death of her best friend. She’s coping/not-coping as best she can, until she meets the grumpy uncle, Miles, of the little girl she’s newly nannying for. Miles quickly takes charge of helping her deal with her grief and learn to live for herself again.

I’ve listened to every one of Cara Bastone’s Audible novellas, and they just make me so incredibly happy, so I was very excited to read one of her full length books! I feel a little torn about this one, though. Everything felt a little odd to me- Lenny’s way of dealing with grief, the way Miles just immediately started caring for Lenny like he’s known her forever, the fact Lenny never asked about Miles’s strained family backstory when she’s definitely the type of person you would expect to be blunt about it… But I can’t really say these things make the book worse, just that I personally found it unrealistic.
Still, if want a story about friendship and grief, this is for you.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to it to share my honest opinion!

Dare I say this is one of my favorite books of 2025? I know it's only February but this is it.

This book wasn't just Lenny's story; it was Miles's too. It was beautiful to watch him find someone he could truly be himself with, and the way he selflessly supported her was so heartwarming.

Lenny's humor was a constant source of light, even despite everything she was going through. She had a way of making others feel cared for, and I loved that she found someone who cared for her in the same way.

Promise Me Sunshine is a story about grief and loss, but also about learning to embrace yourself after a life-altering event. Having gone through something similar to Lenny, I felt so understood while reading about her journey.

Their journey from strangers to friends, and then watching their feelings develop, was absolutely EVERYTHING. The slowburn romance was so worth it in the end. They gave each other the time and space they needed, and Miles's thoughtfulness was so sweet. Lenny was exactly what he needed, and he was exactly what she needed. They fit together perfectly, and I'm so happy they found each other.

Lenny is working as a nanny in NYC. She recently lost her best friend, Lu, to cancer, and is on a long journey of grief. While working for Reese and her daughter Ainsley, she meets Miles, who is on his own journey of grief and learning to live again.

This is going to be one of my favorite romances of the year. It was so layered, with growth and acceptance from both Lenny and Miles throughout. Lenny was quirky and fun, while also feeling so sad and lost. The friendship that grew and then turned into love between Lenny and Miles was a slow growth, which made it feel more real. The author did a great job with taking a hard topic such as grief and wrote about it with care and accuracy. Further the narrator did a fantastic job bringing this story to life, and I highly recommend the audio when reading.

One does not simply move on when their best friend dies. The friend who has been by their side through every important milestone in their life. The friend who is the other half of who they are. When the one left behind doesn't even know who they are without the other. So when Lou dies, Lenny is not okay.

She can't go home. She can't answer the phone. She can't feed herself properly or take any kind of care of herself. She's in full denial. But she does take a short-term nannying job one weekend to help out a single mother, and caring for someone else? That's what she's used to. That, she can handle.

It's where she meets Miles, the uncle of the kid she was hired to care for. Though they get off on the wrong foot (who can blame the guy, when she looks like a hollowed-out shell of a healthy woman and he didn't know her from Eve), Miles sees right through Lenny. He recognizes her pain, because he's felt it too - a grief so profound it fundamentally rearranges you. They strike up a deal that she'll call him when she's in the thickest throes of her pain, if she'll help him connect better with his niece, who Lenny is so good with. This is the beginning of a stunning and glorious friendship.

This is not your typical romance novel. This book is dripping with sadness and loss and the kind of hopeless feeling you can't just shrug off or accept. It's the kind of feeling that leaves you falling asleep on perpetually running ferries at night or showing up to nightclubs with all-night dance parties - anything to stay out of the apartment you can't stand to exist in alone. It's the kind of sadness that leaves you gasping for air through tears and sobs and the most minute of memories. But death happens every day, and when you find someone who understands, when you find someone who sees you and isn't afraid of the grip grief has on you...that person is worth everything.

I can't seem to get into the details of this one, can I? I keep harping on the vibes, but man, this book is excellent. Lenny is hurting, but she's a free-spirit fun-loving bubbly girl by default, which plays in beautiful contrast with Miles' buttoned-up and reserved sort of stiff-man quiet-guy thing he's got going. They're an unlikely pair, maybe, but sometimes all you need is someone who understands to just be with you. Sit with you. Sleep next to you...so you're not alone.

I don't really have any notes for this one. It's a little long, and I can think of a few scenes I would personally have shortened, but really, it all works, and if it was shorter I'd have wanted more, surely. I've listened to a few of Cara Bastone's Audible Originals stories, and I have to say she has a knack for creating characters with real depth, even in the shorter format. Of course a full-length novel was going to crush it in character work.

This is the type of story that lingers. Lenny and Miles have been in my thoughts many times in the days since I experienced their story. If you're looking for a novel to emotionally wreck you that is ultimately uplifting and hopeful, this is your official recommendation for Promise Me Sunshine.

Note:: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher through netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

This book seals the deal - Cara Bastone is an auto-buy author for me.

I absolutely adored Bastones 2024 novel Ready or Not so I was extremely excited to see Promise Me Sunshine - and get the eARC. And Bastone did it.. made me love this one even more than the first! Bastones writing is smart, witty, and somehow.. nostalgic? And gives me all the feels.

Lenny lost her best friend tragically to cancer. And the aftermath was that her life kind of... stopped. Enter Miles, the grumpy brother (maybe?) of her current babysitting charge. Miles does not like her and is very clear about it. He's rude, abrasive, and watching her every move so that she does not mess up with his niece.. or so she thinks. The reality is Miles knows what she is going through and, after finding out, wants to help her through it. Enter The List.

Anyway, don't trust my synopsis of this book. I am not a writer. I am, however, obsessed with his book and these main characters. Miles turns out to be one of the sweetest (but not cheesy), attentive, and moody MCs Ive read in a while. And I LOVED IT. I did not expect to like Lenny. She gives off "manic pixie" energy which is usually not my vibe. Except she is a fully developed main character BAD ASS who is hard not to love.

Read this book. The characters, the pacing, the writing.. all 5 stars.

Promise Me Sunshine was a sweet and funny story about Lenny and Miles both working through their grief together and leaning on one another during their struggles. This book dealt with some heavy topics perfectly. The characters were very likable and the story itself was really enjoyable to read! I loved how the author wrote about a serious topic but added in a few funny moments to lighten the mood too. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and would definitely recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy! All thoughts are my own.

I absolutely loved this book. Such a fantastic enemies-to-friends-to-lovers with the heart wrenching elements of grief weaved throughout this book. I cried, I laughed hysterically, I didn’t want it to end.

Thank you to Cara Bastone, Random House, and NetGalley for the gifted advanced copy!

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

Well, way to rip my heart out and put me back together again Cara.

Cara tackled the complexity of wrestling with grief and trying to keep your body moving forward through the sea it can become. She also beautiful depicts what it looks like to have someone come alongside you and help you keep your head above water until you’re ready to let them help you haul yourself to the shore. I adored this story and once I got through chapter 1 I couldn’t put it down.

So get the tissues and your favorite oversized sweatshirt (it being black, a hoodie, and owned by someone you love optional) and settle in.

Thank you to Cara Baston, Random House Publishing Group, and NetGalley for this digital advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

This book was a doozy, but in a good way. If you’re looking for a light read, this ain’t it.

This book follows, Lenny, who is trying to heal from the death of her best friend, and Miles, the socially awkward uncle of the little girl Lenny is a nanny for. Miles takes on the task of helping Lenny try to live again and deal with her grief in a healthy way.

This book is a slow burn for sure. I’m also not even sure it’s entirely the romance genre, because while there is the story of Lenny and Miles, there is a much bigger story about Lenny learning to live with her grief. It’s a beautiful and heartbreaking story. There is a scene with Lenny and her mom that had me literally sobbing.

I read the synopsis of this book a while ago and knew I needed to wait until I was in the right headspace to read it because it does tackle some really tough topics, but it does it in a really lovely way with just enough comedic relief to keep you from wallowing.

I also loved the minor Ready or Not crossover - such a fun surprise.

One of my new favorites!

In this story you meet Lenny and Miles. Lenny has just gone through one of the worst heartbreaks and has lost her best friend to cancer. She is in the THICK of grieving and starts nannying for a new family. Ainsley will steal your heart…along with her uncle Miles. He’s super gruff and abrasive but you learn that he’s gone through his own grief…and knows a few things about trying to heal. He is SO perceptive and in tune with her and it’s just precious. When he washes her hair…I can’t. 😍 He helps her grieve, love and live again and we get to come along for the ride.

Quote-“Is it silly that I didn’t realize I was drowning until he told me he won’t let it happen? Apparently he does know what I need. How frustrating.”
He’s a take charge kind of man…and we love that for Lenny (and us.)

“I am who I am because of Lou, but am I also who I am because Lou died?”

This is such a slow burn romance that is the best! I was never bored. Lenny is such a unique and special character and so is Miles. They are both so quirky and just come alive throughout the story. I CACKLED the whole book.

My only complaint-There is really only one sex scene and it was SO awkward. My complaint is that it’s awkward…not that there’s just one. 😂 It suits their personalities though, so it’s not a huge deal.
1 out of 5 pearls clutched.

Quote-“But yeah. Companionship … it’s incredible if done right. It’s satisfying. And isn’t that ultimately what everyone wants? To feel fulfilled?” “Known.””
So true. 🩷

You can’t help but smile, laugh and cry (since it’s also about grief) through this book and you can just feel the joy at the end. Loved it!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book had everything. The story was fresh and new and entertaining. I completely fell in love with all the characters.

The story was friendship, love, life, death, living. So many people struggle everyday to live. To just get through, the old saying of "You never know what someone is going through" is so very true.

Lou and Lenny I adored thier friendship. Lenny and Miles INCREDIBLE!!!! Miles was the cherry on top. I laughed at this story, it made me feel, it made me cry. Oh that dam List. I never would of thought that about the list. That was unexpected. There were so many amaxing life moments in this story.

First time reading this author, but I will be checking out her other books.

There is no way for me to give this book justice, just know its an amazing journey.

5 ⭐️
This was such a heartfelt and emotional experience navigating grief and finding yourself on the other side of it. At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about Miles in the first 15% but he absolutely grew on me. How he helped Lenny through the hard times of grief and always being there for her no matter what time, he always made the effort to be there was so sweet. Lenny was such an eccentric character and didn’t keep a single thought inside, I loved her.

I really enjoyed this book overall, and I found the writing to be beautiful. However, I just wasn’t able to connect to the main character because she seemed a little juvenile? At times I felt like I was reading a YA novel even though it wasn’t. The story dragged a bit, but I found the end to be poignant and satisfying, and I think the author did a great job with the subject of grief. I definitely enjoyed “Ready of Not” more, but I’m glad I read this and Castone remains an auto-buy author for me.

4.5 🌟 this was such a beautifully written story about two people who find one another while healing. A wonderful story about dealing with grief and falling in love. Definitely will be recommending to all my fellow reading friends! Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!!

Thank you Net Galley for another Cara Bastone ARC!!

First things first, if Cara Bastone writes it, I'm going to read it & when I'm done reading it I'm going to swear it's the best thing since sliced bread and that it ruined me for weeks. Bastone writes these ooey gooey romances that I absolutely adore, I love Lenny & I absolutely adore Miles BUT COME ON, Reese, Ainsley, Jericho, Jeffy & Rica make just the complete side character package in this book!!! But ravelled in between all the love, is Miles' & Lenny's grief & omg I felt for them. I felt so much love & sadness & happiness for these two characters (I say this about all Bastone's characters but she really made me cry this time!) and just watching the two of them help each other & maneuver through their grief was just so uplifting & heartwarming. The character growth was top tier & I found myself rooting for everyone in this book. If you ever get to pick up anything by Bastone, just do it, it'll always be worth it!

I really enjoyed the unique plot that following Lenny (a babysitter) and Miles (the child's uncle). The story involves grief and was slow paced but developed so well and the emotions were well done, I nearly cried. Their relationship development throughout the story was so sweet and watching them have to overcome their feelings and different challenges that approached was so well done. I adored Milkes and how gentle and careful we was with Lenny. Lenny was so sweet and I really related to her throughout the book.

This was beautifully writen and is touches on tough topics while maintaining a lighthearted feel as well. The burn is slow but the friendship they built was perfect and made it worth it. I highly recommend!