Publication Date: May 28, 2024
From the author of Pack Up the Moon comes a funny, romantic, and deeply moving novel about the unexpected rewards that come from life’s detours.
Lark Smith has always had a plan for her life: find a fantastic guy, create a marriage as blissful as her parents’, pop out a couple of kids and build a rewarding career as an oncologist.
Things aren’t going so well.
For one, the guy didn’t work out. Theoretically, she’d love to find someone else, but it hasn’t happened. Two, she’s just been transferred out of oncology for being too emotional. (Is it her fault she’s a weeper?) Three, her parents just split up.
Deviating from the plan was…well, not in the plan. A potential solution comes from the foul-tempered and renowned surgeon Lorenzo Santini (aka Dr. Satan). He needs a date this summer for his sister’s wedding. His ancient Noni wants to see him settled. In exchange, he could make a few introductions and maybe get Lark back into the field of her choice.
As a sucker for old people and fake relationships, Lark agrees. Teeny problem—she instantly falls for his big, warm family. Especially his estranged brother.
Meanwhile, Lark’s mom has moved in with Lark’s colorful landlady, Joy, and an unlikely friendship blossoms. The three women have a long summer and a big beautiful house on the ocean to figure out what’s next…and quite possibly learn that the best things in life aren’t planned at all.
If there’s ever a fictional character designed to tug at your heartstrings, it has to be Dr. Lark Smith. She’s the epitome of the ideal caretaker, but she lets herself care too much for her patients.
Usually, that would be a good thing. However, since Lark happens to be in oncology, her tears are problematic. When diving deeper into her character, there is a significant event from the past that unfolds through flashbacks.
Author Kristan Higgins delivers a beautiful story about second chances in Look on the Bright Side. Not only does it have a timeless emotional appeal, but the witty banter provides a good balance.
As Lark tries her hand at emergency medicine, she gets roped into a fake girlfriend escapade with the infamous Dr. Satan. Little does she realize how soon her life will change.
The author also develops separate storylines for Lark’s mother and her landlady. These characters shine on their own merit as they navigate challenges in relationships and seek a sense of purpose.
Look on the Bright Side delivers a phenomenal story that will break your emotions before putting you back together, stronger than before.
Kristan Higgins is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than twenty novels, which have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. The happy mother of two snarky and well-adjusted adults lives in Connecticut with her heroic firefighter husband, cuddly dog, and indifferent cat.
