This book took me a little while to get into, but once I did, I found it sweet. Told from multiple POV, this book tells of a birth mother reunited with her teenage son. While that story is compelling, I also loved the side plots as well-all examining what family means. As I read this book, I thought many times about how honest it was. Oftentimes in books, romantic, over the top things happen to drive the plot. While there is a little of that here, of course; I found the characters’ actions and reactions to be honest and realistic. I found that refreshing. Overall a fun summer read. Thanks to @netgalley and to Berkeley for this arc!

Higgins is one of my favorite authors, and continues to be after reading this book. Women’s fiction resonates best when family issues and relationships are at the basis of the story. When Matthew bursts into Harlow’s bookstore, Harlow is in shock, recognizing the adopted father, Sanjay, of the son she gave up for adoption. Matthew’s family was unaware of his plans and the family unit is disturbed. I enjoyed the book and the characters, particularly Grandpop. Recommended. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Kristan Higgins has quickly become an auto buy author for me when I want a feel good book that will inevitably make me cry! She has a way to bring out the drama and add a little romance and end it with a lot of emotion! This book was no different! I loved the main family, their bond was so fun to read! I loved the grandpa the most! He provided some amazing comedic relief when he would get into edibles! I also loved the relationship between Harlow and her best friend from college, Rosie. Everybody needs a Rosie in their life! This is a feel good book with relatable family drama and I recommend!

Kristan Higgins has become my go to author for emotional summer reads. When I need a good cry, this is my girl. 𝗔 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲 did not let me down.
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The son she put up for adoption 18 years ago unexpectedly walks into Harlow’s bookstore. A story of family, identity, and belonging unfolds. I really appreciated the perspectives from both the birth mother and adoptive mother - so much heartache but there is nothing like a mother’s love.
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If you’re looking for a beachy setting and a heartfelt story, this one is for you.

I have mixed feelings about this book. The author did a good job exploring all the feelings surrounding an adoption. Harlow, a young college student, hides her pregnancy from her parents while at college and agrees to a closed adoption. We are introduced to the adoptive parents and all emotions are fully dissected. Matthew, the son she gave up for adoption, completely blindsides her by secretly finding her as he confronts her at work. Both sets of parents are surprised as they try to deal with the new family dynamics. Emotions are laid bare as the story unfolds. The book felt long with many side stories that weren’t needed. I feel the book would have been more impactful if it just centered around the main characters and the adoption without all the problems of the secondary characters. #ALittleRayOfSunshine #KristanHiggins #NetGalley

I just love Kristan Higgins book! I loved this one - the setting of the Cape, the quirky characters and the plot. Wonderful!

I have liked several of this author's previous books, but this one annoyed me on many levels. None of the characters were likeable. In fact, I found myself wanting to yell at a few of them! The old timey grandfather was so over the top, I almost rolled my eyes out of my head. The obvious diversity checklist was a bit much too. Lastly, half of this book could have been edited out for lack of purpose. All of that being said, thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

My FAVORITE AUTHOR has a new novel out now!!! A Little Ray of Sunshine focuses on the effects of adoption of the lives of the mother, the child, and the adopting family. As always, Kristan handles sensitive issues with beauty and grace mixed with humor. You will fall in love with Harlow and her grandfather. Sympathize with Monica as she watches her son create a new relationship. The novel is set in Cape Cod and the community Kristan has created for us makes me want to go visit. This is a fantastic summer read. I cannot recommend Kristan Higgins more highly.

Liked it but not my favorite from this author. It felt a little too long and some side stories weren’t needed or developed enough.

By the 8% mark of this book, I was already crying. By 30%, I had snort laughed more than once. By the last page I would have done both many more times as well as reading numerous passages out loud to my family. I'm pretty sure we had reached the point where one more "OMG, you have to hear this one!" would have seen me kicked to the curb. But that's the risk - and the fun - of a Kristan Higgins novel.

Higgins has the gift of creating fully-dimensional, multi-layered, frequently flawed characters to whom we readers can relate, whether we've walked in their shoes or not. In this novel, there are many from whom to choose: a biological mother, an adoptive mother, assorted family members (both male and female), teens, friends, children, and a potential love interest. Many have essential roles in the journeys of the main characters, all experience some type of growth or evolution, and all of them elicited an emotional response, positive or negative, or in some cases, both.

The storytelling in this book is spellbinding, drawing me in from the first pages and then immersing me into the lives of these characters. The chapters are told in alternating points of view, giving insight into the joys, fears, anguish, and perspective from the views of both Harlow and Monica, as well as other characters. It deepened the emotional investment that grew exponentially within me with each completed chapter. My heart ached for both Harlow and Monica, especially after reading the flashback chapters that showed the bond of love not only between each of them and Matthew, the child Harlow birthed and Monica adopted, but between the two women as well and how that bond was tested with Matthew's actions in the weeks leading up to his eighteenth birthday and beyond.

Along with the setting, which, let's face it, is a character in itself, Higgins also brought these characters to life on the pages of her book, giving them unique qualities that helped move the story forward. No character - primary or secondary - is left behind in a Higgins book. Even if their contribution is minimal, they still receive care and thought in their creation. Grandpop was a particular favorite. I fell hard for Grady. Rosie is the kind of friend we all deserve. Matthew carried all the complex emotions of a teenage boy, amplified by his adoption situation (it's clear Higgins has personal experience with the teen male species). Even nasty cousin Cynthia had a few unexpected surprises in store. By the end of the book, they were all real to me - no longer fictional characters on paper. I knew them. I wanted the best for them. All of them. I wanted to offer hugs when needed, applaud Harlow for the decisions she made, join her trivia team, hang out with Grandpop, visit her bookstore, and celebrate how far she'd come. How far they'd all come. With a smile and a tear, I closed this book secure in the knowledge that Harlow had forged the emotional fires of her life and emerged stronger; that, finally, she had put her past behind her and was ready to move forward to a new chapter filled with happiness and sunshine.

A Little Ray of Sunshine is an emotional experience like only Kristan Higgins can create...and I wouldn't have it any other way. It has my enthusiastic recommendation.

ARC received for fair and unbiased review

Kristan Higgins is an author that I can always count on to write a beautiful book. I've read her last 8 books. And enjoyed them all. So I was extremely excited to get to read her latest book.

A Little Ray of Sunshine is a wonderfully emotional story set in Cape Cod. I would categorize it as women's fiction with some romance.

The book is narrated by 35 year old Harlow (1st person POV). It is her story. But we also get two other female 3rd person POVs. Cynthia (60s) and Monica (40s).

This book focuses a lot on adoption. And honestly I was already crying by the second chapter. This story is so moving and heartfelt. I enjoyed it so much.

Harlow comes from a big family who all live in Cape Cod. Monica has married into an Indian family. They are spending the summer in Cape Cod. And Cynthia is a lonely and bitter divorced woman who runs a bookstore with Harlow and her grandfather.

This is an emotional read that will pull at your heartstrings. I absolutely love books that can make me feel so many emotions. This book made me feel so much. I loved it!

Heartfelt, emotional, and gut-wrenching, this book is definitely one to add to your TBR!

Told from three different points of view, all from different roles in the adoption process. Harlow, a mother who chose adoption for her unborn son. Monica, the mother who adopted him. Cynthia, a woman who was adopted from an orphanage but was never told, raised to believe her parents were her birth parents. Each POV shines a light on the internal feelings and lasting effects of their personal adoption stories.

The plot is heavy, especially if you’ve personally gone through any part of the adoption process. But it’s also funny, charming, and entirely full of love…in all its forms. Set in Cape Cod, the beach and local cuisine make this a perfect summer or weekend read!

A Little Ray of Sunshine by Kristan Higgins is another one of her wonderful stand-alone novels. Harlow runs a bookstore in her home town of Cape Cod, close to all her family. She is 35 years old, happily enjoying her quiet life, with friends and siblings; she does have a secret that only her bff knew about. When she was 17 years old, a freshman in college, she was pregnant and secretly found a family who she thought would be the perfect couple to adopt. She never told anyone in her family. Now 18 years later, when she sees a familiar face (the father who adopted her son) walk into the book store, with the boy she gave up (who is the spitting image of her younger brother). Harlow panics and faints, her life is about to change.

Monica, the adoptive mother, panics when she hears that her son, Matthew, manipulated them when planning a vacation in Cape Cod. She always had a close relationship with Matthew, and was shocked when her husband told her Matthew walked into the book store to meet his birth mother. Sanjay (the husband) and Matthew had gone ahead to Cape Cod, with Monica and her daughter following a couple of weeks later; but with this news, Monica makes plans to leave immediately.

Harlow is happy to see her son, who hugs her and is close to his 18th birthday; Matthew wants to know more about his birth mother and her family. Once she gets over the shock, Harlow knows she needs to face her family and tell them the truth; her bff Rosie flies to Cape Cod to be there for Harlow. All hell breaks loose, as Harlow’s parents are upset, she never told them, as well as her siblings who were shocked. Harlow will bring Matthew to visit her family, and shortly after, bring Monica, Sanjay and Meena (sister) to meet everyone.

Harlow is thrilled to spend time with her son, but Monica tries to be supportive, though she is concerned and apprehensive. Matthew is loving spending time with Harlow’s family, especially the brother Robbie.

What follows is an emotional and informative story showing both sides of adoption, with perspectives of the birth mother, the adopted mother and family. I loved how Harlow reacted so beautifully to Matthew, and his determination to learn everything about her and her family. We also get to see Monica reactions to Matthew’s behavior and her fears. I also loved seeing all of Harlow’s family, how they opened their hearts to Matthew, as well and Monica, Sanjay and Meena. The secondary characters were very good, including Rosie, Harlow’s grandfather, Robbie were great. Harlow slowly begins to have feelings for Grady Byrne, old friend from school, having moved back to Cape Cod, who is divorced and has a three-year-old daughter. Will she be able to become serious with Grady, being used to a child-free life? So say too much more wouldn’t be fair, as you really need to read this book from start to finish. It is that good, as well as very emotional.

A Little Ray of Sunshine was a wonderful, heartwarming and emotional story, that was so very well written by Kristan Higgins. This story also gives you a look at the complex lives of family, adoption, life changing, healing and a few surprises. I wholly suggest you read this book

I think I'm officially in the biggest reading slump of the past three years. I really really wanted to love this one, but I just struggled to get into it. I loved Pack Up the Moon and had so many emotions reading that book. I have to say I kind of expected that this book would be pretty similar. However, this book wasn't. I think it's more of Higgins traditional style. I did love how descriptive the writing is and how she really dives into the characters. I think the alternating POVs is done well. Higgins writing is atmospheric, but the book was just a bit too slow for me. I loved the premise and think this book will be loved by many!

Don't let that breezy summer cover fool you. Kristan Higgins' new novel A Little Ray of Sunshine packs a pretty hefty emotional punch.

Set in Cape Cod, the story follows Harlow Smith, a young woman who co-owns a bookstore with her grandfather and her cousin Cynthia. Harlow is very close to her family, but she has been keeping a secret from them for 18 years. When she was in college, Harlow got pregnant and gave the baby, who she named Matthew, up for adoption.

When Matthew, now almost 18, shows up at the bookstore, Harlow & her family's lives are turned upside down, as are the lives of Matthew's adoptive family since he went to find Harlow without telling them what he was doing.

Just a head’s up that this is most definitely women's fiction so while there is a small romantic subplot, don't go into the book looking for romance. Told primarily from the perspectives of Harlow, Matthew's adoptive mother Monica, and Harlow's cousin Cynthia, who was also adopted, A Little Ray of Sunshine is a beautiful, heartfelt exploration of family & motherhood, as well as what it's like to be an adopted child.

I adored all of the characters and thought Higgins did a wonderful job exploring the intricacies of all of the relationships, particularly Harlow's joy at meeting her son vs. Monica's fear that she is losing the boy she has raised as her own.

Another relationship that completely stole my heart was Harlow's relationship with her grandfather, who is funny and charming but who also appears to be in the early stages of dementia. Harlow lives with him and takes care of him, and their scenes together were just so lovely. They’re like two peas in a pod and I adored them.

The book tugged on my heartstrings so much. I lost track of how many times I cried both happy tears and sad ones. If you're looking for a beautifully written, heartfelt story about family, check out A Little Ray of Sunshine.

I finally finished A Little Ray of Sunshine which seemed to take me forever to read. It is the story of 3 women - one whom gave up a baby for adoption only to have the child show up 18 years later, one is the mother of the adopted baby and one is a cousin who found out later in life that she was adopted. This book will tug your heartstrings. There are a ton of characters and storylines all at play and each one is emotional and packs a punch. This is a sobber of a book! So many feelings.

Kristan Higgins does it again, this time while tackling the serious topic of adoption. A Little Ray of Sunshine was often an emotional read since so many tumultuous feelings are sprinkled throughout. Adoption directly affects two characters, but there’s a ripple effect too.

Matthew is almost eighteen and thinks he knows what’s best for him even though he’s only going to be a senior in high school. Matthew’s birth mother, Harlow, thought she was doing what was best for him since she was a college freshman living far from home when she became pregnant.

She handpicked his parents along with a closed adoption and hoped he would have a better life than she could give him. She got on with her own life with the help of her best friend, Rosie, and Rosie’s dad. But did she really move on?

Cynthia, in her sixties, was also adopted as a baby but never let her adoptive parents know she knew. She was also uninterested in her birth parents and always thought of the worst-case scenarios.

The story is told from multiple characters’ perspectives—Harlow, Monica, and Cynthia. Monica is Matthew’s adoptive mother and only wants what’s best for him. At times though, it felt like it had to be based on her agenda. Even her even-keeled husband, who is Indian, didn’t always have a say.

Cynthia was a difficult character for me to like until she was softened up by others unexpectedly. The story has a good flow and is mainly set on Cape Cod, where Harlow grew up. She and her extended family are woven throughout, and I liked their relationship once she could stand up for herself and let her feelings be known.

The characters all had depth to them, and we got to know them a little at a time. Her grandfather is a wonderful and caring addition to the story, as is her dog, Ollie. Her grandfather is part owner with her and Cynthia of their family bookstore and always is diplomatic and full of wisdom which he likes to disperse—especially when others think he’s napping or not paying attention. Many were in for a few surprises!

Multiple storylines are told, and they are nicely tied up. There are family and friends, secrets, lies, long talks, wisdom imparted if not always acknowledged or acted on, walks along the beach, unexpected pairings and love interests, lots of food and drink, references to books, romance, and love.

There are a few unexpected twists and turns that are nicely resolved. There is closure with a chance for a couple of happily ever afters, but the book ends abruptly. An epilogue would have been the icing on the cake since Ms. Higgins doesn’t write sequels. The title and the cover drew me in, and I loved how the phrase, a little ray of sunshine, often appeared unexpectedly in the story.

A Little Ray of Sunshine is a contemporary romance set at the beach with wonderfully flawed characters who want the best not only for themselves but also for others. What more could you want as we’re entering the summer season?

I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.

A little Ray of Sunshine

I'm not sure if I wasn't in the mood for this one since I just previously read a book about adoption/fostering. This one just didn't do it for me. I felt this book was WAYYYYY too long and unnecessary fluff that wasn't even needed.

I also wasn't a big fan of the female lead character. She sadly was really on my nerves majority of the book. I usually love Higgins books but this one definitely wasn't one I enjoyed.

Loved the bookstore or course and that cute doggo!

Overall, not a big fan of this at all.

2.5/5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkely for my arc

Harlow Smith's peaceful life takes a dramatic turn when her long-lost son, Matthew, shows up at her Cape Cod bookstore, revealing a secret she kept hidden for seventeen years. Stunned and overjoyed, Harlow grapples with the unexpected reunion as she prepares to meet her son before he starts college. The revelation shocks her seemingly perfect family, raising questions about her past. As the summer unfolds, more secrets surface, old wounds resurface, and a lost soul discovers that the future holds the promise of something wonderful. This emotional journey will unveil the truth and bring about profound transformations.

A Little Ray of Sunshine addresses the complex emotions surrounding adoption and is told from three unique perspectives. The first is Harlow from her first-person perspective. Harlow, now in her mid-thirties, loves her life but is haunted by the choices she made in her teens to give up her baby boy and keep his existence a secret from her family. I loved Harlow so much and my heart broke for her. No matter what choice she makes she hurts someone. She wants to get to know her son but in doing so she hurts Matthew’s adoptive family.

The other two perspectives, Monica and Cynthia are told in the third-person. Monica is Matthew’s adoptive mother. She feels deeply conflicted and possessive about Matthew reconnecting with Harlow. She also struggles to balance supporting her family and her high-pressure career as a security consultant.

Cynthia is Harlow’s cousin and part owner of the family bookstore Harlow runs. She was adopted as a baby and is slowly coming to terms with how that impacted the trajectory of her life. Of all the narratives, Cynthia’s was my favorite. At first, she’s completely insufferable and pretentious, but as she starts to open up she has such immense character development and personal growth.

I love how quintessentially Massachusetts this book is with references to Red Sox history, local favorites, etc. but also that they are always explained so that even if you do not get the reference you can be in on the joke. The setting, Wellfleet, Massachusetts, is the same as Higgan’s last book, Out of the Clear Blue Sky. It also features some of the same characters. You do not need to read Out of the Clear Blue Sky to understand or enjoy A Little Ray of Sunshine, but some of the plots from the earlier book may be slightly spoiled.

Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for the advanced copy! All opinions are my own.

🌸 Book Review: A Little Ray of Sunshine 🌸

⁉️: Do you live in your hometown? If you don’t, has it changed overtime?

This was my Kristin Higgins novel, and is set in Welfleet, MA. My family home is in Massachusetts, where we moved after we left Singapore. And, I love novels that are based in areas that are familiar to me. We almost went to Welfleet this trip to the Cape, but due to the weather being cold - we decided to make another trip at a later time.

The topic of this novel is a sensitive one as the author explores the difficult subject of adoption. One day, out of the blue, eighteen year old Matthew walks into a book store and meets his biological mother. The drama that unfolds is unexpected. Moreover, the more surprising element was that Matthew was adopted by a South Asian (Indian) American family. I appreciated the author’s exploration of the diverse representation. Moreover, by showing a multicultural Massachusetts, the author recognizes how the demographic nature of MA has changed from when we moved here in 2001, and now, when in my hometown, Westborough, there are multiple South Asian restaurants and families that live there now.

The novel challenges the definitions of what a family means, and how mother-child relationship is complex and nuanced. If you enjoy family dramas, then you should not miss one.

Thank you @berkleypub for the gifted e-arc.

#BerkleyWritesStrongWomen #BerkleyBuddyReads #PenguinRandomHouse #PRH #KristinHiggins #ALittleRayofSunshine