In Brighter than Before by Courtney Walsh, They say the wife is always the last to know. And in Claire’s case, that was unfortunately 100% true 
because she had no idea her husband of twenty-plus years was cheating on her. After a dose of public humiliation, a divorce, and several breakdowns, she has finally decided to take control of her life again. But years of her entire world centering around her (needy) ex-husband John and her (absolutely lovely) daughter Minnie, Claire honestly has no idea who she is in her early forties–or who she *wants* to be now. As scary as that all is, she knows that not many people get a chance to completely revamp their life. So, she’s not going to waste this opportunity with wallowing anymore in the past. Now is the time to build herself a new, happier future.
“Claire, nothing about your life is going to change if you don’t change it.”
I might have rolled my eyes at her because I *know* that.
But also because I don’t know *how* to actually do it.
The people in Claire’s life in Denver scoff at her decision to move to Chicago. Well, everyone except Minnie who is off at Oxford currently. Her daughter encourages her to follow her dreams and take time for herself. Something Claire is uncomfortable doing. At first. Once she moves into her new apartment at The Bexley, though, possibilities open up to the point of nearly being overwhelming. With a bit of contemplation, a list of her wants and goals, some potential friends, and a possible career on the horizon, Claire parses out who she really is post-divorce. And she realizes that things won’t always be perfect and pretty. But the lessons she learned from her marriage ending will help know what to look for in any future relationships. Maybe even with Bexley resident Miles. Time will tell.
‘I’ve started to realize that good things grow out of pain.’
Whether or not you’re already a fan of Courtney Walsh’s satisfying, inspiring romances, BRIGHTER THAN BEFORE will likely become keeper shelf material. It wasn’t only the slow burn relationship between Claire and Miles that wowed me–although I couldn’t get enough of their fun banter and the incredible chemistry between them. It was also the myriad people who worked their way into Claire’s daily life after she got divorced and moved to Chicago. That found family she created proved to be just what she needed in the new chapter she was beginning and became a source of encouragement as well as strength during the times her confidence flagged.
“Beautiful things happen when you get out of your own way.”
Then there was Chicago. The city Claire always wanted to at least visit, if not live in. With each awkward and entertaining situation, we learned more about the Windy City–some of the history, and definitely wonderful details of the locations and food. So. Much. Glorious. Food. And I loved that Claire made her own list of things she wanted to do and/or accomplish in her new location. Watching her take baby steps, retreat, branch out, and eventually enjoy her do-over was one of the most heartening parts of her journey. But it was the friendships she formed as well as seeing Claire fall for Miles that made this a complete page-turner.
TROPES/VIBES:
💞 Second chance at love
🐢 A slow-burn, clean romance
😅 An awkward meet-cute
🏡 Found family
🩵 Thoughtful mental health representation
🌱 Personal growth and self-discovery
CW: View Spoiler »
Miles was a great book boyfriend. Calm, steady, funny, smart, and oh so kind, he was honestly very similar to Claire in a lot of ways that made them quickly become friends. Their meet-cute was certainly cringe-worthy and will have readers laughing. But the relationship they formed out of it will make you sigh happily. Miles understood all too well what Claire was trying to overcome after her divorce and knew when to give her space or when to gently push her out of her safe bubble. Okay, so Miles got some assistance from Claire’s adult daughter Minnie (LOVED her!!) as well as local friends who were there every step of the way. But he ultimately connected with her the most. And Miles was the one to not only encourage Claire to keep trying but he was also the one to point out her own tenacity and courage.
A novel about starting over after divorce, finding your people and a safe place to land, and becoming the truest version of yourself, BRIGHTER THAN BEFORE was yet another heartfelt Courtney Walsh romance to sink into.
QOTD: If you had a chance to start over in a new place, where would it be?
Book Info:
Publication: Published: June 8th, 2026 | Thomas Nelson |
Life has a way of changing your path–and Claire Karadec certainly didn’t plan on a fork in the road in her forties.
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.
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.
Please leave a comment