Brighter than Before: A feel-good novel about finding yourself and falling in love again

· Sold by Thomas Nelson
2 reviews
Ebook
384
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

Life has a way of changing your path--and Claire Karadec certainly didn't plan on a fork in the road in her forties. From New York Times bestselling author Courtney Walsh comes a witty, warm, and uplifting novel about second chances, found family, and the courage it takes to become yourself--perfect for fans of Annabel Monaghan and Sarah Adams.

After a painfully public discovery shatters her marriage, along with her picture-perfect, country club life, Claire finds herself suddenly single and faced with a blank page for a future. On that page she writes a simple list that reads like equal parts dare and daydream--Move to a new city. Make a real friend. Get a job I love--and she vows to accomplish every single one.

Before she can talk herself out of it, she takes a step of faith, puts her old life in the rearview mirror, and leases an apartment in Chicago, the city that has always had her heart. This one step sends Claire on a journey of self-discovery, giving her the courage to conquer her fears, one checklist item at a time, and showing her that life can be a whole lot brighter than she imagined.

She rediscovers a love for baking, stumbles into new friendships, and even allows her daughter, Minnie, to create a dating profile and choose her dates for her. Perhaps the biggest surprise, though, is Miles, the charming, off-limits neighbor whose kindness makes it hard to remember why he's off-limits at all.

Between late-night journaling, disastrous first dates, great big lessons and priceless small victories, Claire learns to quiet the voice telling her she wasn't enough and listens to the one that asks the harder question . . .

What do I really want?

As old expectations loosen their grip, Claire discovers that belonging isn't a place you're invited to--it's a life you build one brave choice at a time. And the sweetest things often show up when you finally get out of your own way.

Lose yourself in a story that's equal parts heartwarming, hopeful, and full of joy. Early readers are loving the witty humor, uplifting journey, and sweet, clean romance that makes Brighter than Before such a life-affirming escape. Grab your copy today and discover a second-chance story about courage, connection, and building a life that feels truly your own.

Life has a way of changing your path--and Claire Karadec certainly didn't plan on a fork in the road in her forties. From New York Times bestselling author Courtney Walsh comes a witty, warm, and uplifting novel about second chances, found family, and the courage it takes to become yourself--perf...

Discover more

Ratings and reviews

2 reviews
Alison Robinson
June 10, 2026
Three and a half stars. I did enjoy this and it was easy beach reading material but honestly I felt Claire was a totally unrealistic person. Her background, the fact that she had never eaten any foreign food of any description (like even Mediterranean), the multiple Goldie Hawn-esque kooky catastrophes, they all just felt like plot devices. I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
Did you find this helpful?
MelissasBookshelf
June 29, 2026
All the stars for this amazing story! I love Courtney Walsh’s books. They always make me laugh, smile, swoon, & feel all the emotions, leaving me inspired & better off after reading. Brighter Than Before really touched my soul. I loved Claire, a forty-something woman suddenly faced with life-changing circumstances. Watching her overcome fears, try new things, start over, navigate life after her daughter has grown, & rediscover herself was incredibly inspiring. Highly recommend!
Did you find this helpful?

About the author

Courtney Walsh is a novelist, theater director, and playwright. She writes small town romance and women's fiction while juggling the performing arts studio and youth theatre she owns with her husband. She is the author of thirteen novels. Her debut, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist. Her novel Just Let Go won the Carol in 2019, and three of her novels have also been Christy Award finalists. A creative at heart, Courtney has also written three craft books and several musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children. Connect with her online at courtneywalshwrites.com; Instagram: @courtneywalsh; Facebook: @courtneywalshwrites; X: @courtney_walsh

Courtney Walsh is a novelist, theater director, and playwright. She writes small town romance and women's fiction while juggling the performing arts studio and youth theatre she owns with her husband. She is the author of thirteen novels. Her debut, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and...

Rate this ebook

Tell us what you think.

Reading information

Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.