"Promise Me Sunshine" is an emotional journey of grief, healing, and unexpected romance. Lenny is struggling to cope with the death of her best friend, Lou, who left her with a "live again" to-do list to help her navigate the stages of grief.

The story follows Lenny, a nanny still reeling from Lou’s passing due to cancer. She's avoiding her family, her apartment, and the list of promises Lou made her commit to, trying to cope with her grief. She takes on a temporary babysitting job for Reese and her daughter, Ainsley, where she meets Reese’s brother, Miles.

Miles is initially grumpy and mistrustful of Lenny, but he soon reveals his own struggles with grief, having tragically lost his mother and cousin. Together, Lenny and Miles form an unexpected bond, agreeing to help each other: Lenny will help him improve his relationship with Reese and Ainsley, and Miles will support her in completing her “live again” to-do list. As they work together, their relationship evolves from reluctant acquaintances to close friends and eventually into something deeper.

Character Dynamics:
1. Lenny: A well-drawn, relatable character navigating high-functioning depression and the overwhelming grief of losing someone she loved. Her tendency to romanticize potential love interests adds a layer of vulnerability to her character. Lenny’s journey is raw and honest as she learns to live without Lou.
2. Miles: At first, he seems like the typical “grumpy” love interest, but he quickly proves to be far more layered. His own unresolved grief often matches Lenny’s struggles, and their shared pain brings them together. His relationship with his half-sister, Reese, adds depth to his character and offers a nice subplot that complements the central romance.
3. Lou (in flashbacks): While Lou is no longer alive, her presence is felt throughout the story. The flashbacks to her battle with cancer add emotional weight to Lenny's current grief, emphasizing their deep connection.

Themes:
1. Grief and Loss: At its core, this book is a heartfelt exploration of the different ways people cope with loss. Lenny’s grief is palpable and realistic, and her internal struggles are balanced with moments of lightness as she attempts to heal.
2. Healing and Moving Forward: The story demonstrates how it’s possible to rebuild life after loss, not by forgetting, but by honoring the memory of loved ones while finding joy again.
3. Found Family: Lenny’s evolving relationship with Reese, Ainsley, and Miles shows that family doesn’t always come from blood; sometimes it’s the connections we make along the way that matter the most.
4. Romance: The slow-burn between Lenny and Miles is tender and natural, never overshadowing the story’s heavier themes but instead enhancing them. Their love grows organically through shared vulnerability and mutual support.
5. Pacing and Writing Style: The writing style is sensitive and authentic, with deeply personal, reflective moments balanced by witty dialogue and charming interactions between characters. The pacing is slow and deliberate, giving time for the emotional depth of the story to unfold, but it remains engaging throughout.

Final Thoughts: "Promise Me Sunshine" is a powerful story about love, loss, and the path to recovery. Its careful balance of romance and grief offers an emotionally rich reading experience that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the depths of loss. Personally, I found this book deeply relatable. Lenny’s journey highlights that there is no single way to deal with grief—it looks different for everyone. Her path of healing felt authentic and real, and I could empathize with the challenges she faced. The book beautifully captures that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, and comparing grief journeys is impossible. Both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, this book showcases Cara Bastone’s ability to write complex, emotionally driven stories with sincerity and heart.

Rating: 4.5/5

OMG, loved this book. Lenny is relatable (even though I've never lost my best friend to cancer). Her journey is poignant and messy and I loved her self awareness. Miles is an excellent counterpart to Lenny and him stepping in to be her grief sherpa is amazing. I just loved this book. I can't say enough good things!!

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone follows Lenny, who is struggling to navigate life after the death of her best friend. Grief has left her feeling lost, and she’s avoiding everything that reminds her of her loss. Taking on temporary babysitting jobs is the only way she feels she can cope, which leads her to work for Reese and her daughter, Ainsley. Then comes Miles, Ainsley’s grumpy uncle, who unexpectedly offers Lenny a deal: he’ll help her complete her “live again” list if she’ll help him reconnect with his family. As they bond through shared grief and a series of heartfelt moments, Lenny begins to find hope and maybe even a new beginning.

I’d rate Promise Me Sunshine 4 to 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed the slow build between Lenny and Miles, though at times, it felt almost too slow. The gradual deepening of their connection felt real, and I appreciated how both characters were handling their own struggles in such a genuine way. The depiction of grief was incredibly relatable, and I found myself getting choked up during several emotional moments. The supporting characters, especially the friends they made along the way, added warmth to the story. However, the abrupt ending was a bit of a letdown. It felt like the story was cut off just when things were really coming together, though I wonder if that’s leaving room for a sequel focused on Lenny and Miles in the future.

I’m crying as I type this review out, this book has changed me.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Dial Press for this advanced copy of Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone.

First, my rating: 5/5 stars total perfection.

My review: Have you ever watched a movie that you know will make you cry, but it’s your favorite? That’s what this book was for me. I cried while smiling so many times. Lenny’s journey in this book is such a deep look into grief, and living on after we lose the one we love. It hurt, the book cuts deep into your heart but you root for Lenny and her growth throughout.
And Miles, my sweet Miles, is the best man I’ve read in a long time.
I can’t even put into words how beautiful this book was. My only critique wasn’t I was not ready for the ending. I need an epilogue. That’s all. Everything else was beautiful.

I'm so happy I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, especially after reading Ready or Not this year and absolutely loving it! I feel like the same can be said about Promise Me Sunshine, I don't have much experience with grief but I seriously connected with Lenny in every way. Lenny and Miles' companionship was just what they needed and they'll be on my mind for a while.

Lenny’s best friend, the other part of her self, has died. She is a mess. We meet her at her most avoidant, uncomfortable, messiest self, when she is sleeping on ferries to avoid going home, and temporarily accepts a babysitting gig from
single mom Reese to watch her girl named Ainsley. Ainsley’s grumpy and hot uncle, Miles, obviously has a complex history with Reese, and is always hanging around….

Sit down, we need to get some things straight. This is not a complex story with a big cast. This is not insta love. This is not where you need to go looking for a quick feel good hit of rom com. This is not a pop song, but a slow ballad. This is a Mariana Zapata style SLOW BURN, a close and accurate lens on the fallout of grief, with a slow and steady emergence from depression. It is hilarious, heart breaking, heart mending, and a slow, slow sip of warm honeyed tea.

Lenny, for some reason, conjured up a depressed red headed Sabrina carpenter in my mind. Lenny is one of the best FMCs I’ve read in years. YEARS. I love her SO much, your honor. She is so touchably real even with her many quirks, and we are SHOWN her depression, not told about it. She is written sharply and clearly, with full character, she is not simply a caricature of grief- she is a person who is grieving- and there is a big difference. And Miles- MILES. M I L E S. Miles hates everything other than his niece, pancakes, and Lenny, but I don’t care, if I met him his cheeks would be squished immediately. I love them. If you don’t like them, don’t talk to me.

Admittedly everyone is just a … a tiny teaspoon nicer to ARC reviews they get. And why wouldn’t you be, you ungrateful twerp? You’re getting a free book way ahead of schedule, you can’t tell me that doesn’t sort of rose tint your glasses just a bit. So listen to me, listen, come closer- if I had never received this book as an ARC, if I found it ten years past publication in the dusty shelves of some used bookstore smelling like moth balls- this would still be a possession I saved in a house fire. Time cannot dampen my love for this book. This book called me by my full government name. This book tucked me into bed and then woke me up to a pancake breakfast. This book did my taxes without asking and I got a $14,000 tax return. This book finally convinced my toddler that no, Mommy cannot turn around and watch you sing while she’s merging onto a highway.

If you lean avoidant attachment style and/or have experienced profound grief before, this book might feel like a salve on a burn you hadn’t noticed hurt. Mariana Zapata and Emily Henry swirled together in a book. It is a slow, methodical, release of tension. This book absolutely slapped. I cried on an airplane, 9/10 everything I want in a rom, I need signed special editions of it with sprayed edges and foiled detailing immediately.

This book is a slow clearing of storm clouds to reveal warm sunshine. Cara Bastone doesn’t just promise us sunshine, she delivers it. Promise Me Sunshine is available at all major retailers on March 4th, 2025

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone is a beautifully crafted, heartwarming story about loss, healing, and unexpected connections. The novel follows Lenny, who is struggling to find her footing after the death of a loved one. Emotionally adrift and unsure how to cope, Lenny accepts a weekend nanny position, giving her a brief reprieve from her grief and thrusting her into a new and unfamiliar situation.

Cara Bastone expertly balances moments of humor with deep emotional exploration. Lenny’s inner dialogue is witty and relatable, offering a refreshing blend of vulnerability and charm. Her quick imagination, especially when it comes to her interactions with the men in her life, adds a lightness to the heavier themes of the novel, making her journey feel all the more real and human.

The secondary characters bring depth and warmth to the story, each playing a part in Lenny’s gradual healing process. The novel doesn’t shy away from the complexities of grief, but it also emphasizes the importance of connection, kindness, and moments of joy along the way.

Promise Me Sunshine is a touching read that will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately leave you with a sense of hope. Bastone’s ability to create relatable, endearing characters makes this book a standout. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an emotional yet uplifting read.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and Cara Bastone for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I put in my request for this book as soon as I saw it because I really enjoyed Ready or Not and was looking forward to another book from Cara Bastone. Let me tell you. This book did not disappoint! I was hooked from the very beginning! This book handles a relatable and sensitive topic with such realism and hope, never sugar coating anything but still not making you want to close the book because it’s too heavy. Beautifully written and awesome characters. I cannot express how much I loved this book! When it comes out (or if you can get your hands on an ARC) I highly recommend!! I will absolutely be getting this for my own shelves.

Loved this!! I love the way Cara Bastone writes, and I personally really connected with this story. I think Lenny was a vibrant character, and I loved the development of her relationship with Miles. I think there was such a sweetness in the way the story is told, I thought it was beautiful. It’s not going to be for everyone, but it hit for me!!

The grief was definitely portrayed lightly, with humor — I go back and forth on how I feel about this one. But I think I ultimately feel there is a lot of room for different representations of grief, and I enjoyed the way Cora explored it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this eArc.

“Promise Me Sunshine” by Cara Bastone captivated me from the start. Lenny, grappling with grief after losing her best friend Lou, feels utterly lost. Her journey takes a turn when she meets Miles, a grumpy yet intriguing stranger who challenges her to embrace life again.

Their slow-burn romance is beautifully crafted, blending humor and heartache. I found myself rooting for Lenny as she navigates her pain with Miles by her side. The exploration of friendship and healing resonated deeply, making this a memorable read that I highly recommend for anyone seeking a heartfelt love story.

Loved this book! Lenny and Miles had my heart and I’m sad to see them go now that I’ve finished this book. The plot was very consistent throughout, I do wish the ending would have been a little longer with more finality for our other characters. The topic of grief was handled beautifully and will touch your heart whether you ever grieved someone or not.

think, "Wow, I’m so glad I read that"? For me, this wasn’t just a feeling after I turned the last page—it was there every moment as I read.

Meet Lenny, an adorably quirky nanny who's adrift in her grief after losing her best friend—her soul mate, really—to cancer. They fought through the illness together, and now Lenny’s left grappling with the void of 20+ years of friendship and loss. Enter Miles, the self-proclaimed “grief expert” and uncle to the little girl Lenny cares for. Miles, as Lenny puts it, “entered hell and brought me back to life.”

The balance between humor and heartbreak in this book is pure magic. Despite the heavy themes, I found myself laughing out loud, mostly thanks to Lenny's unfiltered, offbeat personality and only-Lenny situations she gets herself into. And honestly, after reading this, I just want to sit down with the author. With a mind like hers, I bet she’s a riot to hang out with!

This slow burn romance is the stuff that would thrive on screen in a mini series. Bastone does a brilliant job of painting this world that you can't help but imagine the sound track to all of Lenny and Miles' escapades.

A huge thank you to NetGalley for another great read! As always, the opinions are all mine.

Cara Bastone keeps making me cry. This has successfully made my list of top 10 of the year, alongside Bastone's previous book, 'Ready or Not'! This book was absolutely amazing; it was emotional, funny, heartbreaking, and beautiful, and I loved it so much. I don't think I can actually articulate how much I adored this book, but I can say that Cara Bastone has a lifetime fan in me, and I will happily read anything she writes (time to go read her entire backlist). Lenny and Miles had such a beautiful relationship, and I loved both of them so much. I 100% recommend this book :)

one of the best books i've read this year. cara bastone is a national treasure. She's able to craft stories that immediately pull at your heart strings and make you feel so overwhelmingly deep for the characters she's written. You feel like you’re a fly on the wall watching these very real people (who only exist on paper) navigate their journey through love and grief.

And while yes, this is a romance book, and we get all these tender moments between Lenny and and as we watch them become incredibly important fixtures in each others lives, it almost feels like grief is the other main character in this book. Thought out the whole book we’re following along as Lenny griefs the loss of her best friend and we read countless pages of Lenny feeling like there’s the aching hole that her best friend left in her heart when she passed away.

So yes, it’s a romance, but it also feels like it’s a love letter to female friendships. Lenny describes her best friend as one of the loves of her life and Its such a small thing, but I think this was the first book where the MC describes her purely platonic best friend as the love of her life. I could list off countless romances where female friendship is a strong component of the story but this was the fist book where we get that and I think its just so beautiful.


As a result of my overwhelmingly deep love for this book, I decided to finally read CB’s backlist and nothing this woman writes is less than stellar.

If you want a book that will promise you witty banter, heartbreak, laughter, grief and love this is the book for you! Lenny and Miles complement each other perfectly. Grief and loss look different to everyone and the way Miles helps Lenny through her journey is beautiful! The way he is there for Lenny but ultimately gives her the strength to heal throughout the story is brilliant.

As Miles and Lenny discover what it’s like to live again their budding relationship formulates naturally. Although one might call it trauma bonding they share a somewhat similar experience that strengthens their relationship in ways that not everyone would be able to relate. While it was a slow burn, we readers are rewarded with a happy ending!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy! All opinions are honest and my own.

WOW WOW WOW! This book left me speechless and ooing and ahhing on every single page (but huge trigger warnings for those battling cancer or have recently lost a loved one to cancer.) I would like to buy this for every single man trying to court a female to study Miles every move. He may ruin all male leads for me because I don't know how anyone can live up to him.

Lenny just lost her best friend and other half Lou to a battle with cancer. Her grief has her sleeping on the Staten Island Ferry (scared to go home) and taking only part time babysitting jobs (doesn't want any full time commitments). One morning, she finds herself babysitting for a new family. Reese (a successful business woman) and Ainsley (six year old daughter). Lenny welcomes the distraction of Ainsley's youth, until a dark brooding man begins to shadow her every move. That brooding man is Miles, Ainsley's uncle who lives the floor above.

Miles doesn't seem to be able to connect with his sister or niece and desperately wants to as they are his only family left. He needs help creating meaningful connections with his niece and sister and Lenny agrees to tutor him. As they begin to spend more time together, Miles notices how badly Lenny is struggling. She can't eat, is constantly crying, and seems all around lost. He realizes he needs to help her with her debilitating grief, a "grief wingman" if you will. He brings her food when she's hungry, forces connections to make her feel alive, gets her out of the house,. With each small step, Lenny's grief seems to subside.

A wonderful story of how two humans can help each other navigate the worst chapters of life. Thank you to Penguin Random House for the ARC.

Wow! What a read. I found this book to be a heavier romance with bits of comedy. I believe the author captured a beautiful picture of emotional grief. As someone who has lost many loved ones, the grief Lenny experiences for Lou is so relatable. Grief is not a linear process, but one that ebbs and flows in a myriad emotions and appearances. The love part makes me soft around the edges!!! Miles acts as a grief guide for Lenny. Together they tackle a "how to live after death" bucket list established by Lou. I am so glad I live in a world of emotional intelligence. Miles, through his own history of grief and loss, is steadfast and kind. Lenny is a joy to see develop. She has a lot of quips and is fun. This book is truly a gem to experience! Just read the book!! Feel the feels! Cara is a wonderful writer with an exceptional vocabulary.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this ARC.

This is a beautiful and heart-wrenching story following Lenny and her grief journey after losing her best friend. The writing is emotional and raw. Lenny's experiences felt relatable as she struggled with deep grief. Themain characters are well-developed and the enjoyable. Lenny's character is refreshing with her vulnerability and her quirkiness. Romance felt like a sub-plot in this story and was the perfect slow burn romance. Promise Me Sunshine was a very quick read as I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and would recommend it to others.

4.5 stars

I loved this book. Cara Bastone's books are definitely my style of romance. If you liked Ready or Not, then I'm sure you will enjoy this one as well.

This book is full of sweet and playful banter, and the main guy is just perfection. I absolutely love a nice guy who treats the girl like a queen. It deals a lot with trying to figure out how to navigate life again after losing someone very close to you, and I thought that this was done very well. I also really enjoyed the open communication between the two MCs; there is nothing I dislike more than a whole book based around the miscommunication troupe!

If you enjoy slow burns and sweet romances, then you will love this one.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Net Galley and Random House for the digital ARC! I loved everything about this book. Lenny and Miles’ story is heartwarming. It was a bit slow at the beginning, but still enjoyable. This is a slow burn romance with discussions of grief.

If you liked Ready or Not you’ll like this!