Brighter Than Before by Courtney Walsh Audiobook Review

About the Book:

After a painfully public discovery shatters her marriage, along with her picture-perfect, country club life, Claire finds herself suddenly single and faced with a blank page for a future. On that page she writes a simple list that reads like equal parts dare and daydream--Move to a new city. Make a real friend. Get a job I love--and she vows to accomplish every single one.

Before she can talk herself out of it, she takes a step of faith, puts her old life in the rearview mirror, and leases an apartment in Chicago, the city that has always had her heart. This one step sends Claire on a journey of self-discovery, giving her the courage to conquer her fears, one checklist item at a time, and showing her that life can be a whole lot brighter than she imagined.

She rediscovers a love for baking, stumbles into new friendships, and even allows her daughter, Minnie, to create a dating profile and choose her dates for her. Perhaps the biggest surprise, though, is Miles, the charming, off-limits neighbor whose kindness makes it hard to remember why he's off-limits at all.

Between late-night journaling, disastrous first dates, great big lessons and priceless small victories, Claire learns to quiet the voice telling her she wasn't enough and listens to the one that asks the harder question . . .

What do I really want?

As old expectations loosen their grip, Claire discovers that belonging isn't a place you're invited to--it's a life you build one brave choice at a time. And the sweetest things often show up when you finally get out of your own way.

My Review:

This is a feel good romance and a good story of second chances. There is a painful revelation of marital deceit but also the possibility of a new life. Claire begins to trust herself. She finds new friends, people who really care for her. She begins to dream of a future. She stumbles through some dating, hoping to find the love of her life.

The novel is entertaining. Walsh knows how to tell a good story. Since Claire dreams of opening a bakery that would bring people into community, there are some interesting insights included on relationships and living life in general. Claire might be a little snarky at times but in general is a woman gracefully learning to make her way well in life. She experiences a great deal of support from others. There is a little humor included to lighten the serious nature of what Claire is experiencing. The romance is clean and a joy to read about. I was a bit surprised there is no faith reference at all as the publisher has historically been a “Christian” one. It is an enjoyable novel with some good life lessons. The audio edition I listened to was very pleasant.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

This book releases June 9, 2026.

About the Author:

Courtney Walsh is a novelist, theater director, and playwright. She writes small town romance and women's fiction while juggling the performing arts studio and youth theatre she owns with her husband. She is the author of thirteen novels. Her debut, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist. Her novel Just Let Go won the Carol in 2019, and three of her novels have also been Christy Award finalists. A creative at heart, Courtney has also written three craft books and several musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children. Connect with her online at courtneywalshwrites.com; Instagram: @courtneywalsh; Facebook: @courtneywalshwrites; X: @courtney_walsh

Thomas Nelson, print length 346 pages.

I received a complimentary audiobook from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)