A deep love story. I enjoyed the ensemble of narrators.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the complimentary advance audio copy of this book.

As always, Kristan Higgins brings to life charachters that you just can't help falling in love with! Such a great audiobook!

I had the privilege of listening to “Look at the Bright Side” by Kristan Higgins. I’m also a little nervous about reviewing audiobooks because sometimes the narration isn’t the best but I really enjoyed it in this book. The narration for Lark was very calming and broadcasted her personality perfectly. I found Noni’s to be hilarious because they captured the critical grandmother who is very blunt perfectly. The narrators of this book made you feel like you were actually listening to the characters speak.
This book made me laugh and cry. Lark is such a lovable character that you are rooting for the entire time because she has been through so much and you just want to see her succeed. Lark is what I would call a “golden retriever “ character and I mean that in the best way possible.
Kristan Higgins did a remarkable job showcasing the character’s personalities in this book. You loved those you were suppose to love and disliked the ones you were suppose to dislike(aka Dr. Satan)

This is a book that follows several members of a family; specifically on Lark (twin sister of Addie), her parents Ellie and Gerald, and a few of Lark's friends/co-workers. Lark is a resident that has recently been removed from the oncology department and is placed in emergency medicine. When she is approached by a doctor, Dr. Santini (Dr. Satan) who is in need of a fake relationship, she agrees because he promises he will help her get back in the oncology dept.

Another storylines include that of Lark's parents marriage, her relationship with her twin sister, Dr. Santini's family, and her landlord Joy's background (which I didn't care about).

My main issues with this book: First, the synopsis of the book should be changed, IMO. The things that the synopsis says doesn't really happen until 50% into the book and I feel they are spoilers. Also, I think more editing is needed because there are parts to the story (Joy's background) that just feels out of place. I would be happy if we didn't get her odd story and focus more on Lark and her plotline. Also, the ending was wrapped up way to fast and the "conflict" was just odd... If it hadn't been for those issues, this would be a five star read for me. I LOVED Lark's story and I think the book could have solely revolved around her story and not those of her landlord, twin sister, and parents. Again, my opinion.

Thank you NetGalley and Recorded Books for my ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This treasure of a book absolutely broke my heart into pieces, but then put it back together again. Kristan writes with such emotion, sensitivity, vulnerability and grace. This book made me laugh, ugly cry, fall in love, and form attachments to Lark, Ellie, Joy, and so many others. I became so invested in these three brave women and their journeys, and I was rooting for all of them to find their happy endings.

Told from three different points of view, in addition to some flashbacks, Look On The Bright Side is rich in both character development and plot. While the majority of it is focused on Lark, her childhood sweetheart, her path to becoming an oncologist, and her healing journey, I also came to know and love Lark's mother, Ellie, and Lark's landlady, Joy. And let's not leave out all of the Smith siblings and extended family, as well as Lorenzo and the Santini family! They absolutely captured my heart and started to feel more like family than fictional characters. They also gave me a "While You Were Sleeping" and "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" vibe, which I adored! They are all so flawed and beautiful and authentic, and I fell in love with every single one of them.

While this story has an incredible amount of heart and hope, it is also very heavy. I ugly cried several times, and if you are sensitive to or triggered by cancer, hospice care, on-page death, and dementia, as well as body shaming, emotional/physical abuse, and infidelity, please proceed with caution. This is a beautiful story, but it is also full of very difficult, heartbreaking, and moving moments that will make you hug and hold your loved ones to your heart even more.

I am so very glad I read/listened to this book. Voice actors Susan Bennett, Xe Sands, and Christina Moore all managed to make me tear up and sob at various points due to the raw emotion with which they read this book, and I loved this one so much that I immediately checked out Kristan's Pack Up The Moon from my local library. My only complaint? One narrator had a much softer reading voice than the others, making it tougher to understand what she was saying at times. Other than that, perfection!

Kristan, you've made me a huge fan despite making me bawl, and I can't wait to read more from you!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC audiobook for an honest review.

This audiobook took an interesting turn. While the story began with the point of view of Lark it then added additional voices: Lark's mother, Ellie and her roommate, Joy. I actually became equally invested in all three storylines. Lark, an oncology resident, gets transferred to another department due to her emotional attachment and outward grieving for her lost patients. She suddenly gets put into a "fake dating" scheme with Lorenzo aka Dr. Satan in hopes of him putting in a good word with the right people to get her old position back. Then there is the complication of her connection to his fire fighter brother, Dante. (Book boyfriend alert!)

Ellie and Joy have their own backstories. The strong female characters even in their weakness/brokenness shined through. The bond and growth of character of all three of our female leads was so good.

There is a lot of emotional depth in the writing with plenty of lighthearted situations and snarky banter. The flashback chapters give us a fuller picture into the here and now. Be prepared to wipe away plenty of tears...as well as smile and sweetly sigh.

The narrators did an excellent job bringing the entire book to life!

4.5 stars

Look at the Bright Side by Kristan Higgins
Contemporary women’s fiction, with a minor romance thread. Chick lit. Cancer loss and recovery theme. Multiple POV’s and timelines via memories.
Lark Smith has always had plans to be a doctor in oncology. But her consistent sobbing along with the families is too much for everyone and she’s moved to the ER. When a grumpy surgeon asks Lark to be his pretend temporary girlfriend, she agrees if he will introduce and recommend her to the Oncology department.
Meanwhile, Lark’s mother is going through a rough patch in her marriage. She moves into the large house of Lark’s landlord, Joy, to get some perspective and space from her long-term husband. Joy is grafeful to have some company in her lonely life.
The three woman assess their current situations, while remembering how they got to this point. The question will be for all of them: What do they want next?

🎧 I listened to an audiobook copy narrated by Susan Bennett, Christina Moore, and Xe Sands.
The narration start out sounding muffled, and in a low octave. Both these factors required the volume kicked up considerably to listen to the story. This was consistent for the character POV of Lark, through the recording.
Chapter 4 and the change of narrators and POV of Ellie and then Joy, improves the underwater feeling of the first narrator.
The performances were well done and brought lots of tears, sadness, joy, and even a laugh or two. But the majority of the POV is for Lark which meant the majority of this audiobook had less than good quality sound.

The story itself is wonderful. Emotionally wringing. A cryer. Ultimately happy ending.

I would recommend, if you have an option, to read the book, rather than listen to the audiobook. Overall, it does present the story, but that muffled, underwater sound quality is a disappointment and takes away from the story.

I received an audiobook copy from NetGalley and publisher Recorded Books.

Lark finds herself a transferred nurse from her passion of oncology to be under the wing of Dr. Satan aka Lorenzo. After being asked to leave her preferred field because she's too emotional. Now left to work with the handsome stoic Dr. When Dr. Satan purposes a deal; pretend to be his girlfriend for his sister's wedding to please his ailing Grandmother, in exchange he'll get her back to oncology. Lark takes him up on the deal. This book opens up old unhealed wounds, family, second chances, a warm caring brother of the (pretend boyfriend) and finding herself.

Told from three perspectives, the novel centers on the story of Lark Smith. After losing her fiancé to cancer and being transferred out of oncology, Lark is at a crossroads in her life. Her parents have always been the picture perfect married couple and then they suddenly separate. After all of this, Dr. Lorenzo Santini approaches Lark to ask her to act as his girlfriend to convince his dying grandmother that he is not alone. Lark agrees to do so and finds herself connecting more with Lorenzo’s brother. Lark’s mother, Ellie, moves in with Lark’s landlady, Joy, and the three women use this time to examine their own lives and their individual hopes for the future.

Kristan Higgins’ books are absolutely beautiful! Her writing instantly drew me in and the narration was wonderful. Look on the Bright Side was such an engaging story and I was invested in each character. Be prepared with the tissues because Kristan Higgins knows how to tug on the heartstrings!

Thank you to @netgalley and RB media for the ALC of this title in exchange for my honest review.

Lark is settling into her career in the medical field when she is pulled out of oncology for being too emotional. Then a dr who has embarrassed her in the past reaches out to her and offers her money to pretend to be his gf for his grandmother's benefit. Meanwhile, there are issues going on with her mom and dad that no one saw coming. The book talks about Lark's present, her past with her fiancé who died of cancer, her mom and her mom's new roommate. It was slightly confusing keeping all the characters straight while listening to it, but I don't think this would have been an issue if I was actually reading it. Lark goes from basically just settling into life to discovering things about herself and finding happiness. Cute summer book.

4.5 🌟 rounded up
My first book by Kristan Higgins did not disappoint. I love a feel-good book and an emotional read, and I got both with this book. I went into this book thinking it was a romance, but it's not necessarily a romance, although those elements are present within the storyline.

The story is narrated from the perspective of three women: Lark, Joy, and Ellie. Despite having elements of trauma, each woman's story also has hope. I enjoyed the fact that each is voiced by different narrators which made it easy to distinguish between them while listening. Their voice work for Lark, Joy, and Ellie was amazing.

Lark felt like the focal point in this story. She is fake dating Dr. Lorenzo, whom is known as resident Satan. Although this part was amusing, it becomes more complicated when Lorenzo's brother, Dante, comes into the picture. Lark is currently experiencing a significant loss still in her life even 7 years later. Get your tissues ready everyone as the book had me sobbing about 58% in. There is also a small dog in the story that creates some adorable moments.

Lark's mother, Ellie, is currently at a crossroads in her marriage. And although Joy is always undergoing construction, her emotional growth may have been the most amusing to read in part. Her story also had me in tears though, as well.

There is some really beautiful writing in this book. One passage that had me emotional (not unlike many others) was when Lark was consoling a grieving son. She says, “She was his mother and he had never spent a day in this world without her. That was absolutely worth crying about.” This whole passage was beautifully written and again breathless.

I will admit I was in a place where I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book, and when I saw it was 12 hours and 34 minutes, I was not thrilled. However, many people recommended this author to me, and I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly it went and didn't drag because each woman's story is so different and interesting. What an endearing book filled with love, loss, and hope.

What is it about the 'Kristan's'? They all know how to write thoughtful books that make us cry!

It’s a yes for me!
@deannsdailydrop 🖤

At first, this book presents as a fake dating romance. Lark is approached by Lorenzo (referred to by many as Dr. Satan) to be his fake date for his sister's wedding. In return, he will help her get transferred from emergency services back into oncology despite her being asked to leave due to her inability to remain emotionally distant. Lorenzo is definitely not Lark's favorite person but she agrees since she feels oncology is her true calling. What we don't know is why she feels this way.

What starts as fake dating soon turns into so much more. Lark has been through it. She is dealing with grief so deep she cannot begin to imagine dating anyone. Meanwhile, her mother, Ellie, ends up moving in with Lark's landlady as she is going through difficulties of her own. And the landlady, Joy, is trying to find some purpose in life. We slowly begin to unwrap all these stories, including Lorenzo's own story. We find out why Lark is so passionate about oncology. We get to see her slowly begin to spark again after so much sadness. We see these three women grow in their own ways. Of course, there is a bit of romance threaded in here, but the book has a deeper feel to it and had me sobbing at points. Have your tissues handy. The emotion is enhanced with the performances of our three narrators that bring in their own unique voices for Lark, Ellie, and Joy. I enjoyed the experience of listening to this one.

If you are a fan of women's fiction, you will enjoy this. I really like Kristan Higgins's work. She writes women so well. I love the "sisterhood" and found family in her novels. She is a must-read for me and continues to be so.

Thank you Netgalley & Berkeley for the audiobook. I’m very strongly feel as if all Kristan Higgins should be listened to and not read and this was definitely the case with this one. Super good listen, like most of her books it definitely made me cry. A sweet story of overcoming grief & living life to its fullest potential.

This book was such an emotional rollercoaster. It was sweet, sad, funny, sad again, etc. I love how we have the three women’s perspectives and learn about each one in depth and their own history. I enjoyed how we had flashbacks to help understand each woman more fully.

Narrators for all 3 women were great. It made understanding each story a little easier as the voices were different for the chapter of the character. Each time the narrator had to talk for another character; they did so in a way that changed their voice enough to help with transitioning. Each had a great pace, tone, and voice.

I really did enjoy this book. At first I was not sure where it would go in the story and it took all the turns I wanted! Very happy with how it ended.

Thank you NetGalley, RB Media, and Kristan Higgins for this audiobook.

This was a solid 3 star read. I see Kristan Higgins as a go to comfort read author, much like Katherine Center. There is some seriousness to the plot, but pretty base level characters, some over the top though, their is romance, but it takes the back seat. As a whole, the stakes are fairly low. I can appreciate an author who is consistent in their work. The book rotates between the POV of Lark, her mother, and Lark's landlady. Lark is an oncologist who unfortunately winds up crying when bad things happen to her patients. She gets booted off her rounds and is now working the ER. Also, a higher up colleague Dr. Santiago (Dr. Satan to the hospital staff), asks her out of the blue to be his fake girlfriend during the summer because his sister is getting married and is ailing grandma will be relieved he is in a relationship. She begrudgingly agrees because she is a nice, amicable person, but has an immediate connection with her brother. In the meantime, her mom moved out of her house and asked to room with with Lark's wealthy, but lonely, landlady, Joy.

Lark has experience great trauma in her past and she saw being an oncologist as part of her calling. I don't think the other two characters' POV were necessary to move the plot along, but I didn't find anything annoying about this book.

Thank you RB media for the ARC for my honest review.

Lark is a busy resident in oncology. Her professional world turns upside when she is moved out to ER medicine and gets an out-of-nowhere request from a miserable, distanced, arrogant surgeon.

I loved the different perspectives and history from multiple characters as Lark, and others, go on a journey of self-discovery - a great summer read with substance!

Thank you to Netgalley and RB Media for the ALC.

I overall enjoyed listening to this book, and think this would be a good summer option. While the story follows Lark primarily, there are separate storylines with Lark’s mom, and Joy. I think it ended up feeling like two separate books instead of one cohesive story. I think I would have enjoyed this more if the focus was solely on Lark’s storyline, as there was so much there to unpack and unfold. The different narrators were fine, but the sound seemed different and I had to make Lark’s section louder to hear more clearly. Thank you to NetGalkey and the publisher for the opportunity to provide my honest review.

Wow this book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. It's a beautiful story but there is a lot of heartache and trauma. The narrators Susan Bennett, Xe Sands, and Christina Moore did a wonderful job telling this story. The only complaint is the one narrators recording was quieter then the other twos so you had to turn it up quite a bit. Look on the Bright Side is a woman's fiction novel with a side of romance. It is also about loss, healing, and self-discovery. The characters are well written. There are moments you will laugh and then before you know it you will want to cry your eyes out. I loved all three woman that we get to know and how they support one another and end up finding themselves in the end. I would HIGHLY recommend this book!!

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media and Recorded Books for allowing me to listen to this ARC for my honest opinion.

This was a very heartfelt fake dating romance. I listened to the audiobook which was so well done by the narrators! I laughed, I cried, I swooned - so good!!

Look On the Bright Side
I was able to listen to this book (Audiobook 12 hours 34 minutes). I would characterize this book as more of a women’s fiction and not as much a rom com. I enjoyed the stories in this book but found it a bit slow at times but a in-depth story with great laugh out loud moments also. This story has great depth so I would not characterize it as a light beach read but if you are looking for more this would be a great choice.
There are multiple narrators that made the story easy to follow as it has a dual timeline. Each narrator added to the story and I was happy to have the multiple voices as I listened.
Recommended for those who enjoy:
• women’s fiction
• family stories
• lots of emotion and depth
• fake dating troupe

This title is expected to be released June 4, 2024 just in time for summer!
Thank you Net Galley, Kristan Higgins and RB Media for the opportunity to preview this title and the opinions shared are my own.