Very emotional book about love and loss. I cried multiple times, but I also laughed a few times too. I don’t know if I’d totally classify this as a romance - that seemed to be more of a side plot. The focus was more on the lives of 3 women and the challenges they’ve faced. I enjoyed how well developed their stories were and I loved many of the side characters. If you need a good cry, this is the book for you.

The fake dating trope is quickly becoming one of my favorites, and Kristan Higgins knocks this storyline out of the park in her latest. The banter between Lark and Lorenzo is pure gold. I love how this one focuses on three different women—who are all connected—the reader gets more bang for their buck! If you love stories with oodles of family drama, complex relationships, the found family concept, and female friendship, then this is just the book for you. Loss, grief, and healing are major themes as well, which Higgins handled wonderfully. Oh, and get ready for an emotional rollercoaster because this one brings all the feels. One minute I was busting a gut, the next I was holding back tears. Higgins just knows how to write great women’s fiction, and always incorporates the themes that I’ve grown to know, expect, and love from the genre: motherhood, marriage, and friendship. If you’re looking for a good summer read that’s similar to writers like Elin Hilderbrand, Emily Giffin, or Jennifer Weiner, then definitely give Kristan Higgins a shot!

This is my first Kristan Higgins book. I must confess I never read one because the covers look like it’s a Rom-Com or straight up romance. Yes, I judged a book by its cover! I was wrong. Very wrong. It is MORE than romance. In fact, I would say there isn’t much romance. It is a story about loss, healing, change, self discovery and female friendships. There are three storylines told by three different POVs. There’s fake dating, trying to get over a loved one’s death and a marriage in trouble. While there are serious undertones in the book there is also humor which helps soften the story. Look on the Bright Side is mostly set in Cape Cod and at times in Boston. The descriptions of the locations transported me to sunshine, the beach and even the busy streets of Boston. The pacing is fast, the characters are likeable, with the exception of one but he grows on you by the end, there’s hilarious moments and of course emotional ones. If you enjoy Elin Hildebrand you will definitely enjoy Kristan Higgins. Definitely going to check out her other books! 4 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was cute, but a bit too long. I loved Joy and Ellie, Lark was very boring and I just didn’t buy her storyline with either brother. I wish the whole book was about Joy and Ellie! Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you RB Media and netgalley for the advanced copy. This novel has a large cast of characters and the side plots take away from Lark's main character story line. I listened to the audiobook and that might be why the other side plots were confusing just listening to the narrator. I also did not like the narrator selected.

I would call Look on the Bright Side a generational drama which is one of my favorite types of novels! And I fully recommend this audio version of the book - it’s so immersive and heartfelt. Just so well done (and may leave you sobbing). It is a beautiful tale of family dynamics, life challenges and relationships — all set on the beautiful, ever changing landscape of Cape Cod. I live on Cape so I always love seeing how different authors bring it to life! Kristan did an incredible job. Combine that with witty dialogue and heart-wrenching descriptions of the human condition…. Wow. It broke me and put me back together.

This is the perfect novel for readers who loved Elin Hilderbrandt, Katherine Center and Claire Lombardo.

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TW: I’m not sure that it includes trigger warnings on the audiobook but know it does deal with terminal illness and loss.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book, but I liked the summery cover! This book has so much more in it and I enjoyed getting to know the characters! Lark's life had so much going on and the flashbacks to her and Justin were so well done. I also liked all of the medical descriptions in the book (I love Grey's Anatomy and Chicago Med TV shows). This helped portray her as a professional and that was also an important part of the story! There are a lot of fun supporting characters in this book too! I am so glad I listened to this book and I'll be recommending it to others!
The narrators did a great job on the audiobook! I appreciate the copy from RB Media.

Overall book rating: 3/5 ⭐️
Narration rating: 1/5 ⭐️
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Thank you NetGalley for this ALC. My honest review is below.

Personally, the narrator cast for this book did not suit the characters they were representing. Speed between the three narrators was also off and I was consistently having to adjust my audio speed and volume. One narrator was mumbling which made it hard to understand parts of the book.

The book itself felt more grief inducing and the plot was not romance focused. The chapters were LONG (~45 min on audio). While I loved most of the characters, several character side stories felt pointless by the time I got to the end.

95% of this book focused on heartbreak. It felt more like a love story than a romance novel.

Do I recommend this novel? No, unfortunately not. The book was well written but the contents fell short.

I really enjoyed this beautiful novel. I found myself in tears multiple times due to the connection I had to the character storylines. This read has a little bit of all the different tropes you could ask for in a novel. It had multiple POVs that enriched the story nicely. There’s redemption, restoration, and new beginnings in multiple different ways. This is a closed door romance, which is hard to come by these days. Will definitely recommend this book to other reading friends!

I really enjoyed this very sweet, very emotional book. I have not read a lot by Kristan Higgins and after reading this one, I’m looking forward to my next one.

Lark is the main character, working at a hospital in Cape Cod. Her supervisor, Dr. Satan is what the staff call him, asks her to pretend to be his girlfriend for his sister’s upcoming wedding and festivities. He offers her a recommendation to a program she could only dream of being a part of.

The book follows Lark, her mother Elle and her landlord Joy, as they are all going through big life changes and decisions. Themes of family, friendship, and overcoming obstacles from the past are woven throughout this book. I really got into the characters and loved the Cape Cod setting.

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for an audio copy of this book.

I LOVED this! Such a beautiful, emotional and heartwarming story! I laughed (out loud) and cried (so much) and everything in between! I got this as an audio arc (Thanks NetGalley!!! 🙌) and the narrators were perfect! Can’t wait to read more by this author!

Look on the bright Side
Kristan Higgins
Thirty-three-year-old, Doctor Lark Smith had her life planned out. She would marry, the love of her life. They would have children; she would have a career in oncology and together they would live happily ever after; only I didn’t work that way. Lark went on with her plan to be an oncologist, but she was asked to leave the program; she became too emotional, she cried too much. She was transferred to the ER.
Doctor Lorenzo Santini was a well-known surgeon with a terrible personality; his nickname was Dr. Satan. His grandmother, Noni, was 99 years old. He loved Noni and wanted to make her happy, she wanted to see him settled, happily married or at least with a girlfriend. He approached Lark and ask if she would pretend to be his date for the wedding and the other family events leading up to it. She agreed and fell in love with his family. Lark agrees mostly because she is a push over for senior citizens.
Lark is the main character in this story, most of the tale is told from Lark’s point of view. There are two other strong female characters in this book, Ellie, Lark’s mother. Ellie is an artist and owns an art gallery. She loves her husband very much, but both her career and her marriage have hit a snag. Joy is Lark’s landlord. Joy is flamboyant, and lonely. Her childhood was terrible, she had been married several times and each ended in divorce. The only stable factor in her life was her brother and she had recently buried him. Part of this story is told from Joy and Ellie’s point of view. There are three different narrators, I think they did an nice job.
Before reading this book gather a glass of iced tea, your reading glasses and a big box of tissue, you are going to need them. Settle on a comfortable lounger in the shade and begin to read. Parts of this book had me laughing and other parts had me in tears. I think I cried more than I laughed, no matter if it is an excellent read. Dr. Santani earned hi nickname; he wasn’t very nice. I was glad to see Lark stand up to him. She could snark right back at him. Kudos to author Kristan Higgins, on a job well done.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book for review.

A rewarding , fun read, Three are ladies on different times in their life , as they struggle with infidelity , job security and what's next in life , this author gives them prose , wit and romance . A great summer read.

Lark Smith may be the nicest person you’ve ever met. She’s even a cancer doctor (or trying to be). When “Dr Satan” the arrogant, brilliant and gorgeous surgeon asks her to be his pretend girlfriend for the summer it seems like that timeless rom-com trope but “Look on the Bright Side is anything but.
Yes it’s romantic and yes it’s funny (I loled) but as Kristan Higgins alternates between three narrators, unique yet timeless love stories emerge. The audiobook has solid narration with three distinct voices. The dialogue is so funny and real, you’ll find new friends listening to this novel.
I also loved her exploration of the power and importance of sibling love. Look on the Bright Side is a quick and easy read because Higgins transports you in to a world of complex families where you’ll feel right at home. Highly recommend you add this to your summer reading list!

Kristin Higgins is one of my go to authors anytime she has a new book and this one did not disappoint at all.

Lark Smith is a resident in the Oncology department and she ends up getting demoted to the Emergency Room. Enter “Dr. Satan” Lorenzo Santini who has a proposition for her. He will help her get back into the oncology department and pay her to be his fake girlfriend to make is family happy especially his “Noni” in the last few months of her life and through his nieces wedding. All he needs he to do is attend a few events with him to accomplish this.

The story flashes back to Lark prior to her being a doctor when she was with her fiancé Jason and to present day as a doctor. It also has views from Lark’s mom, Ellie and Lark’s landlord,Joy.

Lark’s story will talk the reader on an emotional rollercoaster. It deals with her past heartbreak from Larks life and loves of her life. It shows Ellie’s marriage and the hardships she has endured and Joy and her reflections of her life dealing with loss and finding joy again,

This book with have the reader laughing, crying and yelling. You will root for all three women to have success at all they do. Kristin Higgins has done it again and wrote a beautiful book full of wonderful characters.

Thank you NetGalley, Kristan Higgins, and RB Media for the Audio Arc.

Kristan Higgins has once again stolen my heart with her latest novel, “Look On The Bright Side.” This emotional yet humorous book is much more than your typical romance novel. It delves deeply into themes of grief, personal growth, and the unpredictable beauty of life.

The story centers on Lark Smith, a compassionate and driven young woman with her heart set on becoming an oncologist. This career choice is deeply personal for Lark, rooted in her backstory and her innate desire to help those battling cancer. However, life has thrown her a series of unexpected curveballs: her romantic relationship has disappeared, her parents have split up, and she’s been transferred out of her beloved oncology residency for being too emotional—a weeper, as her superiors describe her.

Lark’s world is turned upside down when she accepts an unusual proposition from Lorenzo Santini, a renowned surgeon known more for his temper than his bedside manner. Dr. Satan, as he’s nicknamed, needs a date for a series of family events including his sister’s wedding to placate his grandmother, and in exchange, he promises to help Lark get back into oncology. As a sucker for old people and fake relationships, Lark agrees, setting the stage for a summer of unexpected developments.

What makes this story truly special is its balance of humour and heartfelt moments. The narrative is split between the present and a series of memories, allowing readers to fully understand Lark’s emotional journey. I found myself deeply moved by Lark’s struggles and triumphs, yet these poignant moments were expertly balanced with doses of humour and joy, particularly as Lark becomes enmeshed in Lorenzo’s big, warm family. Her growing affection for his estranged brother adds a delightful twist to the tale.

In addition to Lark’s journey, Higgins weaves a compelling secondary storyline involving Lark’s mother, Ellie, and her flamboyant landlady, Joy. Following the discovery of her husband’s affair, Ellie moves in with Joy, and an unlikely yet beautiful friendship blossoms. I was particularly intrigued by Joy’s vibrant backstory and the special bond she shares with Ellie. This subplot adds depth and richness to the overall narrative, highlighting the novel’s theme that the best things in life are often unplanned.

The Narration:

Listening to the audiobook version, narrated by Susan Bennett and Christina Moore, was a treat. Their performance brought the characters to life, each voice distinct and resonant with the character’s essence. It felt as though the narrators truly became one with their characters, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.

Final Thoughts:

“Look On The Bright Side” is an uplifting and beautifully crafted novel that reminds us that even when life deviates from our plans, it can lead to unexpected and wonderful outcomes. Higgins masterfully blends humour, romance, and emotional depth, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for a heartwarming and engaging story.

I received an ARC of this audiobook from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

(4.5 stars rounded up to 5)

This was a lot deeper and emotional than I expected.

Lark is kicked from her oncology residency for being too emotional. She has never recovered from the death or her childhood sweetheart years earlier. In a moment of weakness, she agrees to fake date a surgeon with a dying grandmother. Their interactions and her move to the ER force her to finally confront some things.
Lark's mother, Ellie, has the perfect marriage. Everyone thinks so. She thinks so. Then she discovers it was not as perfect as she thought.
Lark's landlord, Joy, is alone in her giant mansion. She grew up in an abusive home. She has gone from husband to husband and her only joy comes from plastic surgery. She has become even more alone since the death of her brother. She forms a friendship with Ellie, who helps her realize her strengths.

I really enjoyed this story about three women who are all stuck in different ways. The story is very emotional at times, as they work to move on with their lives. While sad at times, it is a very hopeful story.

Susan Bennett, Xe Sands, and Christina Moore narrate the audiobook. I enjoyed all three- and I always appreciate when each POV has its own narrator.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

I can’t remember which Kristan Higgins was my first read, but I’ve now inhaled everything in her catalog. I swear if she wrote copy for her high school yearbook, I’d read that too! I tried not to get my hopes up too high. She is, of course, human. Everything can’t hit on all cylinders all the time. But really? I think she does. I haven’t read much about her or her writing process, but she has to be one of the most thorough researchers when it comes to building out a character’s existence. I thought she hit her peak when she deftly crafted the world of a teacher with a terrible principal, but I think this foray into the medical field—particularly hospice care and emergency room services—has to be the product of some thoughtful, intensive research. If she had created a sham of a teacher character, this may have come across as a little maudlin, but I think the most angst-ridden moments come across as heartfelt and soul-crushing because these experiences feel deeply authentic which makes them all the more compelling. I actually think some of the moments feel so true to lived experience that this could be a tough read for some people—not bad. In fact, it could be cathartic to have one’s experiences seen and heard in print (or through ear buds). This may be one of my favorites from KH, & that’s saying an awful lot!

I never thought I’d get to a point in my life where I had read so many audiobooks that I have favorite narrators, but Lawsy mercy… XE Sands is my favorite. I was worried about the other readers in this cast because… well, they’re not her. But I’ll be dadgummed if they didn’t match her energy & reflect the same level of character understanding that she always does. I was delighted to find that each voice matched the characters so perfectly!

I adored this book! A story beautifully woven. Lark, an unforgettable character, has learned to look on the bright side. She has lost her fiance, a boy she had lived since 5 years old. She is a doctor that wants to work in oncology. She ends up in the Emergency Room instead. Then she meets someone.

Many thanks to Net Galley and RB Media for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

After the love of Lark's life loses his second battle with cancer, she is left adrift. How do you move on without the person you have loved since you were five years old? Then "Dr. Satan" asks her for a favor, to be his date for a summer of family gatherings to appease his dying grandmother. Lark doesn't expect to fall for his firefighter brother over the course of their agreement. And the surprises just keep coming. Emotional, sweet, and loving, this is a wonderful summer read. Great narration.