Promise Me Sunshine

A Novel

De: Cara Bastone

Narrado por: Alex Finke

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 by the author of Ready or Not.

Lenny’s a bit of a mess at the moment. Ever since cancer stole away her best friend, she has been completely lost. She’s avoiding her concerned parents, the apartment she shared with her best friend, and the ever-laminated “live again” list of things she’s promised to do to survive her grief. But maybe if she acts like she has it all together, no one will notice she’s falling apart.

The only gigs she can handle right now are temporary babysitting jobs, and she just landed a great one, helping overworked, single mom Reese and her precocious daughter, Ainsley. The only catch: Ainsley’s uncle, Miles, always seems to be around, and is kind of. . . a walking version of the grumpy cat meme. Worse–he seems to be able to see right through her.

Surprisingly, Miles knows a lot about grief and he offers Lenny 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 void her best friend has left behind, but between late night ferry rides, midnight ramen, and a well-placed shoulder whenever she needs it, Miles just won’t stop showing up for her. Turns out, sometimes your life has to end to find your new beginning.

©2025 Cara Bastone (P)2025 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Promise Me Sunshine disassembled me and then put me back together in the most obliterating way. Lenny and Miles love each other the way we’re all supposed to—in the dark and the light, without hesitation or reservation, and I was lost to their story from the first page to the last. Cara Bastone handles grief with an unflinchingly tender touch, reminding us that life goes on and love never dies. This story is tucked inside my heart for good.”—Jessica Joyce, USA Today bestselling author of The Ex Vows

“Flawlessly crafted and deeply emotional, Promise Me Sunshine grabbed hold of my heart from the very first page and didn’t let go. I was laughing, sobbing, and everything in between. The story left me breathless and stayed with me long after I reached The End.”—Amy Ewing, New York Times bestselling author of The Lone City trilogy and The Irish Goodbye

“A stunning book by Bastone, who delivers another slow-burn and emotional romance that doesn’t shy away from also exploring life’s hardest moments . . . Recommended for readers who also enjoy Abby Jimenez.”—Library Journal, starred review

Another good one

I love Cara Bastone’s writing. She never fails to make me laugh, cry and cheer for the characters in each of her books. This one was no different. The narrator did a fabulous job with this book, too!

Thank you for this gem

I never wanted this book to end. Between the thoughtful writing to the exceptional narration, it was beautiful.
I laughed out loud. I cried. I have never wanted to hug characters like i did for this book. Thank you Cara. You out did yourself. ❤️

Brilliance strikes again!

I sincerely loved this book! Cara Bastone makes the most heart-melting and emotionally intelligent novels I’ve ever read!

The main character goes through one of the most world-shaking events that can hit a person: the loss of a loved one. Lenny is trying to find a way to live/have a life after the tragic death of her best friend. In the meantime, she works as a nanny, masking her grief and avoiding her family to make it through each day. Of course, this strategy isn’t cutting it. Lenny reluctantly accepts the help of Miles, uncle to the child she’s nannying, (who’s a self-proclaimed grief expert) to complete the List left by the best friend Lenny lost. This book is a rollercoaster of laugh-out-out moments and reflection on what it means to live. (Totally made it into my favorite top 5 books of all time!!!)

Side note: the narrator is AMAZING!

I did a lot of ugly-crying throughout this book, but I thoroughly enjoyed each moment of it. (Disclaimer: my opinion is slightly biased due to having lost people due to cancer). Now I’m going to hit replay and listen all over again. I can’t wait!!!

Working through grief with tears, laughter, and joy

One of the most riveting books I’ve read in a long time. Beautifully written , witty ,and very authentic, I know it’s a cliché, but I did laugh and cry throughout the whole book. Very healing for the characters and me!

Not her best

I have often enjoyed Bastone books but this one was a let down for me. The intense emotional drama was unconvincing and the alternately bubbly and then fully sobbing narration was hard to listen to.

There were a few of the nice literary flourishes that I expect from her, but this one felt like it needed a more thorough edit, and that edit should particularly tackle the therapy-speak.

I would send readers to almost any of her other titles.

I love Cara but this was disappointing

I was thoroughly unimpressed with the laughter and immaturity at points where the main female character should be a bit serious. It irritated me a lot.