Promise Me Sunshine
by Cara Bastone
Pub Date: Mar 4, 2025
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
How do you find yourself after you lose the one you loved the most?

Grieving the loss of her best friend, a young woman’s life is turned upside down when she meets a grumpy stranger who swears he can help her live again, in this heartwarming, slow-burn romance.

It’s a beautifully written love story between Lenny and Miles. It's an in-depth exploration of grief and their whole relationship from meeting and disliking each other to slowly becoming friends to best friends to lovers while dealing with her grief and his family situation. It might also be the only friends to lovers romance I’ve ever enjoyed.
Great read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Cara Bastone, and the publishers for allowing me access to the e-Arc.

4.75 stars

This is an incredible story about grief and healing. I understand grief to an extent but not to the overwhelming and life-changing experience that the characters go through. Cara Bastone makes me laugh and cry while reading her books. These are the kind of romances that I love. The characters are well-developed. The story has depth to it. I know their romance will stick with me for a while. I will always pick up any of the books she writes in the future.

I highly recommend it!

Wow! This book was truly a ray of sunshine. The way that Bastone depicts grief is so real and raw. I love how this book didn’t just feel like a romance book, it felt like so much more. I have loved Bastone’s writing for a while now. Ready or Not was one of my favorite romance books of all time so I was so grateful to get this ARC. The only reason I didn’t give it the full five star rating is because the beginning felt super slow. I didn’t love the romance at the start and debated not finishing it. Once I hit about 20%, I fell in love with the characters and was so glad I stuck it out. Overall this was a hit!

I feel so lucky to have been given the chance to read this book in advance to its release. It was incredibly heartwarming! A glimpse of joy, amongst a hard time. Cara Bastone's writing took me by surprise because at the start of this book I was not taking it too seriously but slowly overtime it began to sneak up on me just how much I liked these characters. I was rooting for our protagonist, Lenny, to let go of her grief and embrace fully living her life. I became infatuated with the bond she forges with Miles Honey, his steady, unwavering presence was exactly what she and I needed. This book was full of silliness and hope and compassion. One of my new favorite romance books and I never could have seen it coming!

Firstly, thank you to Net Galley, Dial Press and Random House Publishing for this ARC. If you haven't read the Forever Yours trilogy, please do! It was my intro to Cara Bastone and I've been a huge fan since.

Now, this is a heavy and long read. I would definitely read trigger warnings or take your time with this one if you have struggled with grief. I normally read books in one or two sittings but it took me a couple days to get through this one. Partly because I was traveling and didn't want to cry in the Uber on my way to the airport and partly because it gave me the time to appreciate the slow burn in Lenny and Miles' friendship.

Lenny's sunshine to Miles' grump was really fun to see grow into genuine care and eventually love. Miles is THAT caretaker MMC. He likes taking care of Lenny and Lenny falls for him seeing his softer side. I would definitely say this is the most romance adjacent I've read from Cara Bastone. It veers a bit more into fiction than romance (which is totally okay) but I do want to let readers know that the love story almost feels second to the self-discovery and healing (which is more realistic anyway).

Overall, I enjoyed this read and it gave me a very hopeful feeling at the conclusion. I hope this read finds someone that could really use that.

I have not stopped thinking about this book since I finished it. i don't know how Cara Bastone does it, but this book made me laugh one page and then cry the next and then make me homesick for new York and also made me want to fall in love with my husband again. this book is honestly in a league of its own. i have so many parts of this book highlighted and I can't wait to share more when it gets closer to release day.
I know I said this in my mini review, but if you have read this, message me so we can play quote roulette and gush about how amazing this book is.
this brought me so much comfort, especially With the
state of the world rn. grief is so tricky to get right and this felt so raw and also so beautiful. you will NOT regret picking this one up.

Thank you NetGalley and Dial Press for gifting me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

The best books make you feel something, and Promise Me Sunshine made me feel EVERYTHING. This beautiful story about the nuances of grief and love, was so potent and filled with every emotion imaginable. It had me crying on a Wednesday afternoon, fully ensconced in catharsis and appreciation.

This story follows Lenny, in the midst of her grief, as she begins a new job where she meets Miles. Miles has experienced grief in his own life, and offers to help Lenny through hers in exchange for her help. As they navigate grief and a myriad of human emotions, their genuine connection is what allows the emotions to translate off paper.

Cara Bastone always makes me feel like I am reading her story at exactly the right time in my life. I felt the same way when I picked up Ready or Not. And Promise Me Sunshine was no different. I saw myself in Lou, in Lenny, and in Miles. The way each character so perfectly embodied their experience allowed me to identify with them on a deeper level. Thank you, Cara, for the heart that you put into this book. It was an honor to get to read it early🤍

thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

I have not had a 5 star read in about 4 months and I am obsessed with this book.

It was such a beautiful story, I could not put it down.

I know I love a book if I have to pause all my regular activities for the day to read.

The way it tackles grief and love at the same time is so seamless. I think it makes so much sense since life is messy and a ton of emotions happen simultaneously, but wow I have not read anything so beautiful in so long.

My favorite part of the writing was that the start of each chapter really drew me in and I had to keep reading. Those hook sentences really got me.

This was also my first Cara Bastone novel, so I 100% plan to read her others :)

I finished this one a while ago, and somehow I never posted about it. Every book by Cara Bastone is amazing, and this one fits on that list. It took me a little bit to get into the story, but it was worth it! This book is heavy (dealing with the death of loved ones) and shows characters helping each other through dark moments. I loved the way the relationships were built and grew throughout the story. Grab this one, and be ready to smile, laugh, and maybe get a little teary-eyed, as you go.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The first 3/4 of the book were enjoyable but didn’t really speak to my rom-com loving heart. This portion focuses more on the process of grief and how that affects one’s day to day life. It also focuses on friendship and how Lenny (our protagonist) befriends Miles, who subsequently helps her embark on a journey of grief recovery. This is truly the slowest of slow burns, and I was dyyyyinnnngggg for them to FINALLY be together as more than friends. It was truly chemistry-laden and filled with sparks once it finally happened. I just wish I would have had more time to enjoy it! It felt like the lead up was soooo long, but then the final portion of the book was a bit rushed. Otherwise, I really loved this story.

Thank you NetGalley!

Earlier this year, I picked up Ready or Not by Cara Bastone and ended up adding it to my Favorites shelf. So when I got the chance to read an ARC of her upcoming release, Promise Me Sunshine, I was thrilled, and am pleased to report it did not disappoint.

Lenny is a nanny in NYC who is reeling from the loss of her lifelong best friend; at work, she is on top of things as always, but the rest of her life is in shambles. Her newest charge's uncle, Miles, a gruff and seemingly grumpy man, recognizes her grief because he's lived through his own tragic past, and offers to help her process her grief and get through it. In exchange, she'll help him learn how to relate to his niece and sister.

I enjoyed so many things about this novel. The New York City setting, the main characters, pretty much all of the side characters, the dialogue that felt real and not cheesy. Bastone's writing just speaks to me, and I could have easily read this in one sitting if I'd had the time - and that is even with the heavier subject matter. It's balanced with enough light that it didn't bog me down at all, while at the same time had me truly feeling heartache for Lenny's pain. Lenny and Miles were both relatable and lovable, and I was rooting for them all the way. And I loved the ending.

It earned an easy 5 stars for me, and is one of my favorite reads of the year. Cara Bastone is going on my must-read authors list, and I already can't wait for her next one. A huge thank you to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was exactly what I needed to read at the exact moment I needed to read it. It was so touching and emotional and just so raw with the grief aspect, but at the same time it was heartwarming and hopeful. I loved every second of it.

3.25 ⭐️

I really loved the concept of this one but the middle of this book seemed to drag on and I found myself not wanting to pick it up for a bit, hence why it took me a bit longer than I would have liked for me to finish.

I really enjoyed the last 30% or so when it began to pick back up a bit but would've loved another chapter or two from where we leave our main characters off. I usually love a slow burn but on that front it didn't hit the mark for me.

Still enjoyed and am looking forward to reading other books from this author in the future! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Wow, this book hit me with all the feels, cringe, and humor I guess I needed! What a punch!

Now, I enjoyed the book a majority of the time, but I will warn you it does involve some saddening moments that had me put it aside more than I’d like. This book was the story of one woman’s grief of their favorite person ever and it shows. Every moment was an incredible experience for the reader to share with our dear Lenny & I loved it. So much laughter that I truly loved about Cara’s debut!


I will say the end felt a bit rushed but it was well worth the time for me. I’m so freaking grateful to Dial Press for giving me the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review!

“’I took it second by second. Sometime soon you’ll be getting from minute to minute and then day by day. And so on. But… the point isn’t trying to get where you’re not. The point is just… enduring.’”

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone is a heart wrenchingly beautiful journey from the he depths of grief to finally experiencing joy in life’s day to day activities again. Lenny’s best friend/soul mate Lou dies, plunging her into a deep depression. Unable to care for herself properly or function day to day, she throws herself into caring for Ainsley, a 7 year old who Lenny nannies for. Through caring for Ainsley she meets Miles who helps her figure out how to live (and love) again.

Despite never losing a best friend, I was able to relate to Lenny’s struggle with depression. Bastone was able to capture how the weight of depression feels in the body and mind without being too triggering. I was worried this book would be too heavy for me to read, but she did a great job at conveying how much Lenny was struggling without upsetting the reader.

Lenny is charming and relatable. I love how she has a brief, imagined love affair with almost every new man she meets. I also love to imagine the inner workings of people’s lives I meet in passing. Miles is the perfect balance of bossy and compassionate. He is steadfastly there for Lenny through the good, bad, and ugly moments of her journey. The spicy parts are also realistic in that they’re not perfectly staged and choreographed; they’re a bit awkward and raw while still being passionate.

I loved the Ethan cameo (Ready or Not was one of my top favorite reads of 2024) and I especially loved the list at the end of things to try if you’re trying to “Live Again” like Lenny.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and honestly review this beautiful novel. I can’t wait to read more from Cara Bastone in the future!

4.5 stars

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone is a poignant and heartwarming exploration of grief, friendship, and love. Lenny, the protagonist, is reeling from the loss of her best friend, Lou, and finds solace in the unlikely friendship of the grumpy yet kind-hearted Miles.

She beautifully captures the complexities of grief, painting a realistic and empathetic portrait of Lenny's journey. The depth of her friendship with Lou is truly touching, highlighting the enduring power of platonic love.

The slow-burn romance between Lenny and Miles is equally compelling. Their connection, rooted in shared experiences and mutual understanding, is both tender and invigorating. Bastone masterfully builds the tension, making the eventual realization of their feelings all the more satisfying.

A standout aspect of the book is the way it portrays the healing power of friendship. Miles' unwavering support and gentle guidance are instrumental in helping Lenny navigate her grief and emerge stronger. His presence in her life is a testament to the transformative impact of genuine human connection.

Promise Me Sunshine is a must-read for anyone seeking a poignant and uplifting story. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, love, friendship, and hope can prevail.

What to say about this book...it was everything! Lenny is going through grief of her best friend and when she least expects it, meets Miles through her temp nanny job for Ainsley. Miles is there for her at any point of time Lenny needs in exchange for helping him in his relationship with Ainsley.
With time. Miles and Lenny grow closer, through Ainsley, through grief, through experiences to help each other in a specific problem. Their chemistry since the start jumps out of the pages.
Lenny is witty, quick, smart and weird. She holds it all together in front of everyone but Miles is able to see right through that and tells her to let go and allow him to help her. And she's grown to be my favorite book character of all time.
The characters? New York is a character in itself. And it's beautiful. Seeing Lenny and Miles love for each other grow slowly in this book is executed perfectly. Grief? A character. Seeing a glimpse of Lenny's life before, during and after. I was extremely immersed in this book since page 1.


I want to live in this book and give Lenny and Miles a big hug and tell them everything will be okay. I will always remember this book.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an early copy in exchange for an honest review!

Cara Bastone writes the most fluid and funny dialogue and I will never not enjoy a romance by her for this reason alone. Promise Me Sunshine is her most emotionally mature and gut wrenching novel yet, but even when she had me in tears she had me laughing or swooning on the next page.

This is a romance that defines odds, looks at real life, has real conversations and approaches relationships in grown up ways. It was refreshing. No problems here, just two people getting through it and finding something in the rubble.

This books is a romantic and healing slice of life. It’s an absolutely beautiful representation of grief with realistic and relatable characters. There’s no 3rd act break up. It’s just a sweet slow burn, friends to lovers romance with lots of hard hitting life lessons sprinkled throughout. It’s just one giant warm hug. I may even love it more than Ready or Not, which says a lot because I love that book so much! There’s just something extra special about this one. I can’t wait until it releases and the rest of the world can love it, too.

This book is a heartwarming journey that beautifully blends romance, friendship, and the power of second chances. The characters feel like old friends, and their struggles and triumphs resonate deeply. I was particularly drawn to the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery and healing—her growth throughout the story is both inspiring and uplifting.

The chemistry between the leads is electric! Their banter is witty and charming, making every interaction a joy to read. I found myself laughing, swooning, and even tearing up at some of the more poignant moments. The way Bastone captures the complexities of love and relationships is truly remarkable.

If you’re looking for a feel-good read that warms your heart and leaves you with a smile, "Promise Me Sunshine" is a must! It’s the perfect book to curl up with on a cozy afternoon. Grab your favorite blanket and get ready to be swept away by this delightful story! 💖✨