I'll be honest, I have never read a book by Kristan Higgins despite being familiar with her name. But when you put bookstore into a plot, I am bound to check almost anything out. It's a little repetitive for my taste in certain spots, but I did enjoy the characters overall and find myself willing to pick another story by her up in the future.

While the writing is excellent and the characters engaging, I do have to say the overall theme of adoption was not shown in a positive light and some scenes may be triggers if anyone is struggling with experiences with adoption. The story kept me reading because I kept hoping redemption was coming but I was left feeling that this was only one side of the story and that there is also great joy that can be found in the process. It has stayed with me, kept me thinking and wondering, and some would say that's what a good book does, but I like leaving a story in a positive light and there just wasn't one here for me.

Kristan Higgins has an unmatched ability to infuse such warmth and humanity into her characters, it's like you're living their lives. I laughed and cried as Harlow found a way to stand up after being knocked off her feet by an impossible choice in her youth. This wasn't an easy situation but it was written with Higgins's humor and heart and putting the book down was impossible. And the hero, Gray? Well, every time I read a Kristan Higgins book I wonder how I can love this hero more than the last one and boom! she does it. Gray is utter perfection.

Everyone needs a Grandpop in their life. Grandpop is an unique character that brings relief to different moments without knowing it. Readers will be touched by the emotions of Harlow, Matthew and the Patels. I loved the book shop setting but all the drama and different relationships and lifestyles were too much.

I've only recently discovered Kristan Higgins and am so glad that I did! This is a great weekend or summer read with a great premise and well written characters. The story of adoption from the birth mother's perspective was very well done. Thanks NetGalley!

I started reading Kristan Higgins quite a few years ago now, and first came to love her writing when she was still primarily writing what felt like romantic dramedy’s. As time has gone on, her writing has shifted and in recent years I would say her reads have become more literary / women’s fiction in feel – A Little Ray of Sunshine is a perfect look at this current style. The story follows that of Harlow, a women now in her mid-thirties, who is rather suddenly reunited with the son she placed for adoption at 18.

Needless to say the story is definitely one full of complex emotions, nuance and lots of family dynamics. Throughout the story we learn of Harlow’s thoughts, feelings and some of her past – as well as get glimpses into her complicated emotions in meeting her now almost adult birth child. We see the family dynamics for her, but also from the perspective of her son’s other mother, Monica and their family as well. All in all, it was a very lovely and layered read, emotional and definitely really explored the complexities of family, adoption, healing, and growth.

Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley and the author for the opportunity to read an early copy of this wonderful book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely offered.

This is probably my favorite Kristan Higgins book to date! I loved exploring motherhood through the eyes of Monica, Harlow + Cynthia + how each of their experiences provided more empathy + understanding with which to understand the other women. I really felt for all of them. It’s a timeless story of family + the complexities that exist within the varying relationships, as well as the many definitions of a family itself + how unique each truly is. I appreciated the research + sensitivity Kristan used in writing about the theme of adoption. She’s a great example of just how well done women’s contemporary fiction can be in terms of creating depth in great storytelling.

Kristan Higgins is one of those authors who I would read their grocery list if they published it - she's such a talented novelist that I do not even need to read a synopsis to know I am going to love her books. Throw in a main character who owns a BOOKSTORE and I only needed to read a chapter or two to know this was another 5 star Higgins read! A Little Ray of Sunshine deals with the topic of adoption on multiple levels and Higgins does a spectacular job at fleshing out the emotions that come to the surface from all parties. The worst part about finishing up a Higgins novel is knowing I will have to wait another year to read more from her again!

Thank you to Berkley Romance for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

I have loved all of Kristan Higgins books and this is another outstanding story to add to my list. I enjoyed the characters, storyline, just all of it! Make sure you have tissues near by, you may need them!

All the stars for A Little Ray of Sunshine

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for my ARC!!

Harlow co-owns a book shop in Cape Cod with her grandfather and sour-puss cousin. Her big, intrusive family is also a big part of her life. One afternoon, a teenage boy and his father walk into her shop and drop a not entirely unwanted bomb into her life. Harlow must navigate her old family, her new family, her store, her best friend, and her (almost nonexistent) love life. This is a light-hearted story with surprising heart. Kristan Higgins is again wonderfully readable with her setting and character descriptions, and the plot moves along without being trite, and has some surprising twists. Recommend!

The title does not do it justice, A LITTLE RAY OF SUNSHINE is a delightful story filled with dialog and characters created to just make the reader break out in a grin or a giggle. Grand pop is ninety and his age is definite beginning to show and should be slowing him down. But he is surrounded by his family and luckily, they somehow manage to rein him in. When surrounded by lovely flowers and sun, grand pop blurts out how he loves August when it is actually June. Immediately Kristan Higgins sets the stage for a wondrous look at a large inclusive family with some unique characters thrown in for good measure.

Kristan Higgins is a very present literary source of entertainment and enlightenment. For example when describing a bookstores client reading material preference as BDSM, well you guessed it, I had to google that one. Her ensemble of unforgettable characters jumps off each page with monstrously humorous dialog peppered with human angst. After all what person does not carry with them an arsenal of memories both good and bad.

For Harlow, half owner of the bookstore Open Book, her life fits that title as well. In her mid-thirties Harlow would like to find mister right but, in the meantime, she immerses herself with her business and family. She has a very discriminating eye for choosing a date much less a mate. Her latest blind date tried to regale Harlow with a poem which spoke of death to his ex. Not exactly husband or date material, but exactly the kind of setup one would expect from the genius and odd creative mind of this author. And that’s why Kristan Higgins has garnered a very devoted fan base.

Add in an element of poignancy and you could rightly say that A LITTLE RAY OF SUNSHINE has the ability to make you breathless. Life brings with it a collection of events. Some fleeting, some earth shattering. This is one book you will not want to put down.

Reviews are supposed to be brief glimpses into the plot and leave the joy of exploration to the reader. Suffice it to say A LITTLE RAY OF SUNSHINE just may be the best yet and that is saying a lot. Fans of Kristan Higgins expect perfection. And this book is filled to the rafters with flawed funny human characters that will make you sigh and smile. Each chapter is written from the characters perspective. Grand pop is the master of small talk. Everyone should have a friend like Rosie. And Harlow is the star. Be prepared to lose yourself for many joyous hours in this newest work of literary art by decidedly one of the best authors. Add to that the poignancy of lives affected by the same event in quite different ways. Life is not stagnant and in A LITTLE RAY OF SUNSHINE that is the big tell. It is hard to tell just which character best fills the role of the title. The assumption is of course Harlow since she is the big sister, first born, delight of her grandparents but you will begin to wonder if indeed that is the case. There is no wondering why Kristan Higgins has such devoted fans. After reading A LITTLE RAYOF SUNSHINE you will certainly join the ranks.

Harlow gave up her son for adoption when she was 17 years old. Now he has shown up in her life and she is delighted and scared at the same time. No one in her family knows and she has to tell them. This is a story that puts light on the adoption issue. There is sadness, emotion and some humor. Thank you to net galley for an advanced copy.

I started reading more of Kristan Higgins after I read Pack Up the Moon. I was excited to start this one and I really liked it. It will be a great summer read.

Kristan Higgins does it again! In her newest book, she takes a serious situation and deals with it with great sensitivity, exploring all sides of the story by giving us beautifully developed characters who are living with the issue. Harlow gave her baby up for adoption when she was only 17, and kept it secret from her family. Now, when she is in her early 30s, her son finds her and surprises her with a visit. We see Harlow's feelings, her son's feelings, the feelings of her son's parents and siblings, and all of Harlow's siblings, parents, and grandparent. Kristan Higgins does a great job here of showing us how one act can influence the lives of countless people. There's romance here, and a magnificent Cape Cod setting, all adding to the appeal of this book. I look forward to recommending it, especially to readers who also enjoy books by Elin Hilderbrand, Susan Mallery, Mary Alice Monroe, Susan Wiggs and Jill Shalvis.

Such an emotional, informative and gripping story on the many emotions that go with adoption. Harlow becomes pregnant as a 17 year old freshman in college and makes the tough decision to give up her baby for adoption. After finding a perfect family for her newborn she goes on living her life without ever forgetting her baby and also carrying heartbreak even though she knew she did the right thing for her baby, Flash forward eighteen years and who walks into her bookstore, but her son. With Cape Cod as the back drop of the story and a rich full cast of characters-Kristin Higgins has done it again with writing a wonderful novel that’s deep storyline gives you all the feels.

I always enjoy a Kristan Higgins book! I noticed some familiar characters from Out of the Clear Blue Sky make an appearance in this book. Kristan always gives the reader some family drama with a little romance and she did not disappoint here. I will recommend this one to readers who enjoy mature characters.

Another hit from one of my favourite authors.

This one hooked me from the start. The main character, Harlow, owns a bookstore in Cape Cod. There’s so much bookish goodness and I LOVED all of the glimpses into owning a bookstore and all of the love of books.

I love books about big families and extended families and Harlow’s family was a joy to get to know (….some more than others lol). There is one scene with a big family disagreement that was so well done and realistic that it made me uncomfortable to read through and be an outsider of. Higgins is so good at making her characters feel REAL.

This book explores all sides of adoption, and does so deeply. Not having my own experiences to draw from I can’t comment on the accuracy, but as an outsider it felt like it was handled with care. The complexities of adoption were shown and the complex and wide range of emotions that must go along with all sides of adoption were displayed. The amazing and unrelenting love was the part that stuck with me the most.

My only negative about this book is it just felt like it took on too much. There were a few side stories that just felt like in a book that is already dealing with many heavy topics, adding in more was unnecessary.

It’s multiple POV, and one POV was hard to read as the character was insufferable - but at the same time - had huge growth (albeit sudden) so that was nice to see.

I love Kristan Higgins' books and this newest story doesn't disappoint. A touching tale of family, what it means to be family and a mother. Don't miss this tear jerker and beautiful story of growth and self forgiveness.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

Very moving story about family, life, love and adoption. All revolving around a bookstore.
Sounds pretty perfect, doesn't it? Well, it is.
I love her Cape Cod stories. She paints the scenery so vividly I feel like I'm there. I love her characters, especially the uglier ones. They mostly find redemption but are pretty interesting on the way. I loved this book and recommend it to you.

I always enjoy reading Kristan Higgin's women's fiction books, and her latest "A Little Ray of Sunshine" is just wonderful! I truly enjoyed this novel about the return of an adoptive child and two families impacted- very well-written & a lovely journey. A real tear-jerker too, but with a romance to boot!! My sincere thanks to the publisher & Net Galley for the complimentary DRC, all opinions are my own...