Is it possible that Cara Bastone could write a book better than Ready or Not? Yup. But man, I didn't think so. Promise Me Sunshine is a beautiful book about grief and the awfulness of moving forward without your loved one. I'm a therapist and my favorite thing to say about grief is that it's like glitter. You think you're done cleaning it up and then bam, days, weeks, months later, you're doing something and find more glitter. This is so true for Lenny. She is trying to find a way to live again after her best friend/partner in crime died from cancer. Lenny's struggles are so realistic. Both struggling to find a new road through life and then being upset when she can, guilty for being happy when her friend is not there.

Miles is also struggling with grief. He has lost so many family members. He is struggling to build a relationship with his sister and niece and the struggle is starting to feel like suffocation. Miles grows through his grief by being brave and vulnerable, asking Lenny for help, and giving her the gift of friendship in return.

Bastone really knows how to write love! Romantic love, yes, but also familial and friendship. I love how Lenny searched for friends as an adult- not an easy feat. Her friends were awesome btw- such specific and well drawn characters that were not charactectures.

Bastone is one of the best at friends to lovers romance; she captures every woman fantasy. I can't wait to read her next book! If you haven't read her yet, don't hesitate! If you are a fan of Abby Jimenez you will love Bastone! 5 stars. Thanks to Net Galley and Dial Press for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this Advanced Reader Copy of this wonderful book! Cara Bastone did incredible work with this story. I loved it from beginning to end, and honestly, I had zero notes. There was nothing I didn’t love. The author does a great job talking about grief and what that is truly like. I don’t know that I have really seen this done this well in other books. I fell in love with the characters. I just kept wanting to know more about each of them. Yes this is a romance novel, and the romance is definitely there. However, I do think this story speaks so much more on how you live your life after you lose someone you love. I would recommend this book to everyone. I don’t think you will be disappointed. I never wanted it to end, and I kinda hope we see these characters in another book in the future.

It's one of the best rom-coms I've ever read about loving someone whose life has fallen apart but who still has to keep living day by day. It's a true and deep portrayal of grief but not a sad book, per se. It's also such a wistful-inducing book when it comes to finding a partner who can truly love every piece of you, when it's whole and when it's broken. In "Promise Me Sunshine," Cara Bastone crafts a deeply moving exploration of grief, healing, and unexpected connection that transcends typical genre boundaries. While marketed as a romance, this 416-page novel delivers something rarer: an authentic portrait of loss wrapped in a tender story of finding love when you least expect it.

Core Story
After losing her best friend to cancer, Lenny drifts through life like a ghost, putting on a brave face while struggling with overwhelming grief. When she takes a temporary nannying position, she meets Miles, the grumpy uncle of her young charge Ainsley. What begins as a mutual support arrangement—Miles helping Lenny with her "live again" list while she helps him connect with his niece—evolves into something neither expected: a chance at healing and love.

Outstanding Elements
+ Grief Portrayal: Bastone's depiction of loss is remarkably authentic, showing grief's non-linear nature through Lenny's good days and bad days. The narrative doesn't shy away from the raw reality while still finding moments of light
+ Character Development: Lenny's journey from putting on a "sunshiny persona" while drowning in grief to slowly learning to live again feels earned and real. Miles emerges as a layered character who, despite his gruff exterior, shows deep emotional intelligence and care. His only flaw, as readers note with amusement, seems to be his use of 2-in-1 shampoo
+ Balance: The author masterfully weaves humor and heart throughout the heavier moments, creating a reading experience that's equal parts tears and laughter
+ Found Family: The relationships between characters, particularly involving Ainsley and Reese, add rich emotional depth to the story
+ Writing Quality: The prose is emotionally evocative, with memorable quotes that capture profound truths about loss and healing

Romance Elements
+ Slow Burn: The romantic relationship develops gradually, not taking center stage until the final third of the book
+ Natural Progression: The evolution from friendship to love feels organic, with subtle hints scattered throughout
Chemistry: The banter between Lenny and Miles provides perfect comedic relief while building their connection

Considerations
+ Readers seeking a traditional romance might find the pacing slow, as the focus remains primarily on grief and healing
+ At 416 pages, it's longer than typical genre offerings, but the space is well-utilized for character development

Impact
What sets "Promise Me Sunshine" apart is its ability to be multiple things at once: a grief narrative that doesn't lose hope, a love story that doesn't minimize pain, and a character study that feels universally relatable. While it contains a beautiful love story, its true strength lies in its honest portrayal of grief and the courage it takes to open yourself to life again. The slow-burn romance feels earned and authentic, while the journey of healing is portrayed with remarkable sensitivity.

Perfect for: Readers who appreciate emotional depth in their romance, fans of found family narratives, and anyone who has experienced loss and the complex journey of healing.

Words cannot express how much I love this book! Lenny is so quietly intelligent and intuitive with a perfectly quirky and loud personality that it’s impossible not to love her! Miles is one of the most incredible book boyfriends I’ve ever read and the two together are amazing. Their story and the way they help each other deal with immense loss as their loves grows had my heart from the very first page! Incredible; love and highly recommend this book!

5 stars! ⭐️

After loving Ready or Not I was so excited to be able to read an ARC of Cara Bastone’s latest, Promise Me Sunshine - Thank you Dial Press!!

I absolutely loved this book - I read it in one sitting and felt a whole gamut of emotions!

Bastone writes such charming and funny banter but also made me feel so deeply emotionally attached to these characters. Grief is a major theme of this book and it is handled with such care and love. My heart was aching for Lenny and Miles but it was so beautiful to see their growth. Because while this was a story about grief, it was also a story about learning to live after loss & lean on people & ask for help when you need it. (going to cry again writing this lol)

I wanted to hug my family / best friends and tell them I loved them immediately after putting the book down. 😭

I can’t wait to read whatever comes next from Cara Bastone!

"Promise Me Sunshine" is a beautifully written novel that radiates warmth and hope. The characters are relatable and endearing, drawing readers into their emotional journeys. The storyline is both engaging and uplifting, making it hard to put down. With themes of love, resilience, and the power of friendship, this book is a delightful read that leaves you feeling inspired and optimistic. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a feel-good story! Thank you net galley for this great ARC!

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone is a heartwarming, slow-burn romance that dives deep into themes of healing, friendship, and second chances. The story follows the charming yet flawed Jude and the resilient, kind-hearted Daphne, who are brought together under unlikely circumstances. Bastone’s writing shines as she skillfully builds their relationship, layering in humor, vulnerability, and genuine connection. The book captures the essence of finding love in unexpected places and the power of letting go of the past to embrace new beginnings. Perfect for fans of heartfelt romances with rich character development and a feel-good, uplifting vibe.

I love Cara Bastone novels and I am excited for her to continue putting out more book, I absolutely devour them. Thank you for gifting me this ARC. I absolutely loved it.

I lost my best friend to cancer a few months ago. When I got this ARC I was so excited to read about someone who knew what I was feeling. But turns out I had a hard time starting this because it felt too real to me. It was hard to escape my own reality when Lenny’s reality was just like mine.

I slowly read it until finally one day (today) I read half of the book in one sitting. This was a beautiful book learning how to grieve. Learning how it’s okay to grieve. Learning you can move on and you won’t lose any part of them.

I have so many highlighted notes but one that really stuck with me is “grief is a relationship… it’s the way we figure out how to keep loving them even though they’re gone. And in order to do that we have to keep going. And going and going.” Thank you, Cara, for writing this beautiful book and being a part of my healing.

Absolutely incredible book! Brought out all the feels and had such a good message! Will definitely be recommending to friends and family!!

I really loved this book! It was such a sweet and raw story. I could relate to Lenny in a lot of ways. The depiction of grief was both beautiful and heartbreaking. You were able to really connect with the characters as you learned more about them and their complex paths. The romance did feel a little more like friendship to me at times but I still really enjoyed them together. The little glimpses we saw of Lenny and Lou’s friendship was just so sweet. Truly girlhood at its finest and shows that’s not all soulmates are romantic. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Two seemingly opposite people come together in a truly heartfelt, moving story of love, overcoming grief, and learning to live again.

Lenny’s best friend, Lou, was more sister and soulmate than anything else. When Lou died of cancer, Lenny’s world completely collapsed and she can barely hold it together. And by that I mean, she is hanging onto just being a functioning human by the tiniest thread. She takes on babysitting gigs to pay her bills but can’t handle a permanent job. Her current situation also includes her charge’s grumpy, hovering uncle, Miles.

Miles has dealt with his own share of grief and recognizes it in Lenny. And a deal is struck: He’ll help her through her grief and she’ll help him cultivate a better relationship with his niece and half-sister. And then the story really begins.

The story was so touching, and really delves into the often irrational grief that comes with losing a close loved one. And Lenny’s grief truly is irrational from an outside observer (but maybe not for someone who’s experienced it before). Miles and Lenny’s relationship slowly grows and develops as they share more and more with each other—feelings, experiences, hearts, pain, love. There are heavy moments, with some light ones too, and just so much feeling. The side characters add fun and interest to the story without overshadowing the main characters.

Loved it!

I want to crawl inside this book and never leave. I want to wrap myself up in a Miles blanket while Lenny simultaneously spews Gilmore Girls worthy commentary at me. I want to fall in love with their love story again. And again.

I loved this book.

NetGalley and Dial Press, thank you so much for my ARC of Promise Me Sunshine in exchange for my honest review.

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone is a tender, slow-burn romance that gently explores love, loss, and the sometimes messy road to healing. Lenny is navigating life in the wake of her best friend Lou’s death, and she’s honestly just barely holding it together. Babysitting for Reese and her adorable daughter Ainsley brings some stability, but it’s Ainsley’s grumpy uncle Miles who truly shakes things up.

Miles has his own scars from loss, and although he comes off prickly at first, he quickly sees through Lenny’s brave face. His proposition to help her tackle her “live again” list in exchange for her help connecting with Ainsley is where their journey really begins. Slowly and unexpectedly, these two broken people find solace—and maybe even love—in each other’s company.

Cara Bastone’s writing is heartfelt and raw, capturing grief with authenticity while also allowing moments of joy to slip in. Lenny’s gradual, hard-earned transformation is so rewarding to witness, and the slow-burn connection between her and Miles is beautifully done, filling the book with both tender moments and hard-won hope. Promise Me Sunshine is an emotional read that leaves you feeling grateful for love and second chances. Solid 4 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to receive the ARC.

Lenny is grieving the loss of her best friend Lou. She is a mess and is struggling to get through each day and has not been home to the apartment that she shared with Lou in months. Reese is an overworked single mom with an active 7-year-old daughter, Ainsley, who desperately needed someone to babysit while she travels out of town for work. Little did Lenny know that caring for Ainsley would mean having to tolerate her uncle Miles who is constantly around. Miles offers to help Lenny with her grief to help her complete the Live Again List that Lou gave her.

Ready or Not was one of my favorite reads of 2024 and I'm SOOO happy that Promise Me Sunshine was just as good! I LOVE the journey of Lenny and Miles. As a mom, I loved some of the parental tips that Lenny gave Miles in the book. There are definitely days that I feel like Miles and am clueless to how to handle these tiny terrors. Cara did an amazing job creating the dynamic between Lenny and Miles, the banter made me laugh out loud. This book is a great representation of friendship, the highest highs and the lowest lows, and that love comes in many ways and it's not always about the romantic love.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dial Press for this ARC!

🔎 ARC Review

Promise Me Sunshine

@carabastone
@thedialpress
@netgalley

Publication Date: March 4th, 2025

My Rating:
🌟 5/5

📚 Read if you like:
Grumpy X Sunshine
Slowburn
Exploration of Grief


Lenny’s a bit of a mess at the moment. Her best friend, Lou, recently passed away after a battle with cancer, and her death has left Lenny feeling completely lost. She’s avoiding her concerned parents, the apartment she shared with Lou, and the list of things she’s supposed to do to help her live again. The only thing she can do is temporary babysitting gigs, and luckily, she just landed a great one, helping overworked, single mom Reese and her precocious daughter, Ainsley. It’s not perfect: Ainsley’s uncle, Miles, always seems to be around, and is kind of... a huge jerk. But if Lenny acts like she has it all together, maybe no one will notice she’s falling apart.

Miles sees right through her though. Turns out, he knows a lot about grief and, surprisingly, he offers her a proposition. He’ll help her complete everything on her “live again” list if she’ll help him connect with Ainsley and overcome his complicated relationship with Reese. Lenny doubts anything can fill the Lou has left behind, but she begins to spend more time with Miles, Lenny is surprised to discover that, sometimes, losing everything is only the first step to finding yourself, and love, again.

🔎 My review
This is my first book by Cara and it was so touching 🥺. I loved seeing Lenny and Miles grow individually and together. This book gave me all the feels and is 1000% worth the read.

Thank you @carabastone, @thedialpress, @netgalley for the ARC!

#books #bookreviews #bookstagrammer #bookworm #bookstagram #bookobsessed #romance #carabastone #thedialpress #NetGalley #PromiseMeSunshine #arc

Cara Bastone is becoming a new auto buy author for me. This book is a beautifully written love story between Lenny and Miles, exploring their journey from initial dislike to deep friendship and love. The author skillfully balances the heavy theme of grief with lighthearted and uplifting moments, making the narrative both compelling and heartwarming. Lenny and Miles are complex, well-developed characters whose slow-burn romance feels genuine and believable. Their loyalty and commitment to each other shine through, creating a sweet and realistic dynamic. While the book is long, the detailed development of their relationship makes it worthwhile. The realistic portrayal of their first intimate moment adds authenticity to the story. Overall, this book is an emotional rollercoaster that blends grief, healing, and love in a truly relatable way.

This book is like a warm hug wrapped in humor and heartache. Lenny is struggling to move forward after losing her best friend, barely holding it together with babysitting gigs. Her latest job brings her face-to-face with grumpy (but secretly caring) uncle Miles, who sees right through her facade. Miles, who has his own baggage, offers to help her tackle her "live again" list if she helps him connect with his niece. Their late-night talks and unlikely adventures are filled with laughter, vulnerability, and healing. It’s a touching, feel-good story about finding new beginnings in unexpected places.

Lenny’s life is a mess, her best friend in the world has died and she is not been able to pull herself back into life and so she does temporary babysitting jobs because she cannot commit to more. When sitting for single mom Reece and her daughter Ainsley, Lenny meets Reece’s very grumpy brother Miles; he obviously does not trust Lenny and watches over her the whole time she’s there. However, it turns out Miles is also very familiar with grief and offers Lenny a deal - he will help her work through her grief if Lenny can teach him how to get closer to Ainsley and Reece. As Miles helps her re-engage in society, Lenny begins to count on Miles more than she ever imagined as the two grow closer…and closer.

I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this one but I ended up not being able to put it down (like ignore husband and child to read). I’m not sure what it was about these characters’ dynamics and backstory but it really worked for me. Ironically the grumpy character didn’t frustrate me, but Lenny was a bit immature and that did irk me at times (but maybe I’m just old). I thought their backstories were well fleshed out and their characters gained dimension throughout the book - the ancillary characters added a lot to the story and all in all just a really great read. This author writes about NYC well (I’ve gotten frustrated lately with authors who choose NYC as a location but reflect the city inaccurately) and I always enjoy a hometown novel.

4.25

I recently saw a funny meme about someone who finds a new favorite book and they realize they're about to go stalk the author and their entire catalog of books...this is now me. This book seriously gave me all the feels. Miles is not only SUCH a great book boyfriend, but the plot and characters were somehow realistic and unique and I gushed over this relationship the entire time I read this book. It's so relatable and fresh and heartbreaking and lustful and just...good. I will be recommending this book to anyone who will listen and we will be purchasing this for the library.

Grief is something really hard to depict. It has many faces, it's complex and it changes from person to person. Cara did an amazing job at portraying that! This was a heartfelt book. And a VERY slow, slow burn.
I enjoyed a lot of parts of this book but I did struggle with others.
Lenny, the FMC, did get on my nerves at times. Miles, the MMC, had a bit of a hero complex to him. I did struggle with getting into their relationship, I feel like they could've stayed really good friends and that would've been prefect.
Overall, I did enjoy the plot of the story and how Cara tackled grief/death and the journey Lenny went through.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.