The cover, title, and plot of this book is so good!! I loved reading about this one and the characters will stay with me!

Keira seems to have it all. A loving husband, three amazing children, and a thriving business. She is suddenly diagnosed with breast cancer after what she thought was just a routine second visit to her clinic. With her world turned upside down, she discovers new friendships and supports with a running group with other women going through cancer.

Keira’s journey in this book with her diagnosis and subsequent treatment is something that many people will recognise and relate to. Her anger and confusion about her diagnosis are powerful, and the reactions of those around her are truly baffling and disgusting. The most heart-warming parts of this book featured the women of the running club supporting one another throughout their own treatments. Their conversations were uplifting and truly heartfelt. A warning to other readers that there are descriptions of medical procedures, which if you are squeamish I would avoid.

There are some points that let the book down. The plotline regarding Keira’s business partner seems unbelievable and over the top. Lorna was almost like a cartoon evil character. The writing was something that I didn’t enjoy. I got bored very quickly, and it was a struggle to get through sections at a time. I felt that things were overdrawn and the pacing left something to be desired.

2.5/5

This book about women who form a running group while having cancer was inspiring. It was realistic. There were sad, funny and happy moments just like life. I highly receommend it. Thanks NetGalley for the advacned copy. #NetGalley #BrightSideRunningClub

The Bright Side Running Club by Josie Lloyd is a refreshing, positive as possible yet realistic look at managing breast cancer and everything that goes with it. From the onset of the news to the reaction of the main character, Keira, to her beloved business, family and friends, this story lays it all out for the reader to genuinely experience. This book was an excellently crafted portrayal and very uplifting throughout. It really highlighted the human resolve, tough love and fight to pursue those things that matter. I say how brave of Ms. Lloyd to share her personal experience for all to benefit. Thank you to NetGalley, Ms. Lloyd and Alcove Press for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.

I love when two of my favorite hobbies collide. This book was full of emotion that I wasn't expecting, and the only thing I think I would've changed is introducing the running sooner in the book(the actual running part doesn't start until you are about a quarter of the way through). I loved watching Kiera grow, handle her cancer, and show what it truly feels like when you can't catch up with your own life.

I have to say, Lorna is the most miserable character I have ever read. Anytime I saw her name coming up, I would cringe.

**I was provided a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of this book**

I requested to read “The Bright Side Running Club” as I was very intrigued with the premise.

Keira is a busy mom who balances her business, kids and marriage when her world is rocked after a breast cancer diagnosis. Yet, she doesn’t want to become infirm or turn into another statistic. Unfortunately, friends and family change how they perceive Keira. When she becomes part of a running group, she finds support for her highs and lows with three like-minded individuals.

I have not experienced cancer first hand, but I have close friends who have and I really empathized with Keira’s desire to keep things “normal.” The author, Josie Lloyd, is a breast cancer survivor and she successfully balances the heavier parts of the book with hope and humor. Be warned: there are some heart tugging moments.

Thank you the Josie Lloyd, NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel.

I really enjoyed this book holy cow! The emotional start brings you in and invests you immediately. Connecting with the MC and her struggles was easy. The book got witty and heart warming as it went on and really hit the mark. I would love to hear a survivors review.

thank you for the arc!

Just a lovely story about finding your tribe and having the courage to keep going. I don’t typically read women’s fiction but I enjoyed this book from the first page until the last. I just recommend it to anyone and everyone.

Very inspirational!

Early on in the book I read the authors note; as I'm always curious regarding how much of a novel is influenced by actual events. The author said that an anonymous runner in a 5K gave her a butterfly necklace, so that part of the book was very touching.

I wonder how The Brightside Running Club came across to someone who is actively battling cancer. I kept thinking that I hope that I would read this book if I were ever in that situation and I hope it would give me the inspiration to fight back and to keep putting one step in front of the other. Just a little bit further; you can do it.

Its really despicable how some people want to swindle others, even in the midst of their low points. But there are definitely people out there that are like that.

I'm rounding up to 5 stars, its been several books since I finished "Brightside Running Club" and I'm still thinking about the book.

Sending prayers and positive thoughts that Josie Lloyd stays healthy and well and with such positive uplifting attitude and books!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author Josie Lloyd and the publisher Alcove Press for the opportunity to review the advance read copy of Brightside Running Club in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley for introducing me to Josie Lloyd. Publication date is February 8, 2022.

Oh my heart.... what just happened?!?! This is an important book. I have a bit of a personal investment when it comes to breast cancer. I knew that this book will bring out the feels regardless of how to story unfolded.

I was utterly impressed with the level if care that Lloyd gives us in this novel. This is a work of fiction that is based on her own experience with breast cancer.

She not only walks us through the treatment but also throws in a bit of spice. There is a mystery, some great foreshadowing, a bit of parental struggles, and beautiful friendships.

Do yourself a favor and pick this one up if you need a good pallete cleanser. I read this in one go. I just couldn't be bothered to put it down.

An honest portrayal of friendship and the trials of breast cancer. This is far from a depressing book, but rather one of Hope land joy. Based on the Thor’s experience with breast cancer,but a factionalized version. Keira is. Diagnosed with breast cancer and must undergo a mastectomy, chemo and then radiation. She is the owner of Wishwell, a wonderful gift shop. A mother of three children with a supportive husband, Kieira is surprised to find friendship with three other cancer patients and joins their running club. The complexity of going through treatment, running a business and raising kids seems overwhelming at times. But the book emphasizes the support and friendship of the other women as the decide to do a 10k run to raise money for one of their own. A truly uplifting book about friendship, family and hope.

Keira's life seems perfectly fine. Unsually lucky, really. At least until a routine cancer screen turns into an actual diagnosis. Suddenly, her life is decidedly NOT fine. People are treating her differently, her business seems out of her control and her children seem to blame her. She finds strength and endurance with a group of women who are all in the same boat, who understand what she means when she describes the 'cancer stare'. They run in the park regularly, keeping each other's spirits up trhough the most harrowing of treatments.
The Bright Side Running Club is a story of inner strength, of love and of tradgedy. I love the friend group aspect of this book; the women find strength in numbers, sometimes just a shoulder to cry on. Every one of the women in the group are unique and well-written. They each have character arcs. This is especially interesting because they don't really have anything inherently in common besides the cancer, which results in deep connections and diverse storylines.
The story touches on a lot of aspects of a cancer diagnosis and is written by a breast cancer survivor. This personal experience and shines through, particularly when problems with the main character's marriage and children arise. There are real, palpable feelings under that writing. The way people tend to act toward 'ill' individuals (here i mean people with long and difficult medical situations) is shown in a way that uncovers not only how difficult talking about an illness can be, but also how the reader personally has probably perpetuated that atmosphere, all out of a sort of reflex.
During parts of the book, Keira seems to be walking on clouds, observing but not seeing the things going on around her. This is strange to read, but I think this shows how truly shocking a diagnosis like Keira's can be and is therefore extremely valuable.
Overall I recommend this book to anyone who thinks an adult and less romance-focused 'The Fault in Our Stars' sounds like a must-read. It made me laugh out loud and cry into my pillow. It perfectly balanced a rom-com vibe with enough emotion to move an elephant.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Keira could not believe she had breast cancer at 47. She was scared. At the doctors office she met a woman who also had cancer and enjoyed running. Keira never liked running but decided to give it a try. This book was deeply emotional and brutally honest about the toll cancer takes and the friends and family that you can rely on to get you through the difficult times.

One of the best books I have read in a very long time! Inspirational! Heart warming! Determined! Keira stood up for herself to Lorna and Pierre at Wishwells as this was her family and her legacy. Family is necessary for support especially during times of hardship and her Mum and Tom were with her every step of the way. Just as she created her voice due to cancer treatment coupled with her relationship with Sian, Amma and Tamsin, she took hardship as an opportunity to become better. The butterfly necklace is hope.

I wish I could give this book ten stars and it’s pretty much going to be a best seller from the moment it’s published. It’s relatable, amusing but also so uplifting. Keira is in no particular order a loving Mum, wife and business woman. Juggling and getting there when a slight abnormality in her boob has her popping to the Dr to get it checked out. (Particularly poignant for me as I had exactly the same experience last week). Happening to meet an extraordinary flamboyant woman running in the park who challenges her to join and run through her feelings.

The story then follows Keira and her friends and family, through the diagnosis, experience the work of our amazing NHS, and her fight for life and to find her new normal. Running with the Bright Side Running Group every week and finding strength and support from a group of lady’s who understand and give her strength and a tribe of women who will keep putting one step in front of the other whatever.

I laughed, cried and cheered Keira on throughout this book and really enjoyed how the author shared honestly but positively how hard you need to fight to live, how finding your tribe of cheerleaders supports and drives you on. I am privileged to have been able to read this book before it’s released.

The Bright Side Running Club By Josie Lloyd

The story starts when Keira firsts meets a very up beat woman with punk hair running whilst she is sitting trying to come to terms in the first stage of a suspected cancer diagnosis. Tamsin tells her to meet at the same spot in the park on Monday morning to start running. Then the journey begins as the founding members of the running club meet all the women at varying staged of their journey with cancer. The woman Keira , Amma, Sian and last Tamsin who starts their journey.

A beautiful extremely well written book that tells a story of group of woman. The n you see the relationships between these women all from different walks of life and the trials they face in life In addition to coping with cancer. The gallows, humour the sadness and everything in between- have a hankie at the ready for the odd tears of laughter and sadness.

A well deserved 5.

This is an emotional book. When Kiera gets diagnosed with breast cancer, she finds herself in a position she never thought she would be. The dynamics of her relationships with her family and friends are affected and she also joins a running club forming bonds she never expected she would.

We also get her doctor appointments and all the medical terms were clearly explained. This book did not shy away from showcasing what it is for a breast cancer patient, medically. This book is all about Kiera and her jouney.

Will you cry reading this book?
Maybe

Would I recommend this
Yes

This book takes the reader through all of the emotional doctor's and hospital's appointments, as well as what the physicians and hospital have to say. Keira makes every effort to continue working following her diagnosis. Keria joins a running group called The Cancer Ladies Running Club because she needs to stay in shape. It's the type of club everyone wants to join, where other women going through treatment understand one other and can speak about therapies and even provide advise. While reading this book, I experienced a wide range of profound and powerful emotions. I was in tears by the end of it. The book's protagonists' fortitude and ties to one another emphasize the significance of friends and family following life-altering illnesses. Many elements of this novel struck a chord with me, making it all the more eerie and unique. Strongly recommended

To say this book is powerful would be the understatement of the year. Lloyd touches on the reality of breast cancer treatment and its toll on one's personal life. Kiera is an incredibly lovable character and it was a privilege to be inside her head for a few hundred pages. Her self-development from a fearless optimist in life to an empowered runner, business owner, mother, and wife is truly a beautiful testament to the lessons that can be learned through unimaginable circumstances. This book made me want to run!

This is definitely a story that grabs you in the heart. Keira's unexpected diagnosis of breast cancer is a shock to both her and her family. She has a devoted husband, Tom, three children, and a dog. Life is good until the cancer diagnosis, which seems to have thrown everything off.

Keira suspects nothing will ever be the same again until she meets Tamsin first at a park and then sees her at the oncology clinic. Tamsin with tattoos and heavy makeup is nothing like Keira, but they begin to develop a friendship like no other. Soon Keira and Tamsin are running together each week. This is the beginning of the Cancer Ladies Running Club. Before long, there are four women, all undergoing treatment for cancer,in various stages, meeting once a week to run. As they ran, they became not only support for one another during a challenging time in their lives, they became friends.

This is a, poignant, heartfelt story that sticks with you after the last page is turned.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and comments are my own.