Can’t Wait Wednesday #116: Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone @CaraBastone @RandomHousePub

Can’t Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the Jill at Breaking the Spine. So let me introduce you my Can’t Wait Wednesday #116 pick! Click on the book’s cover to add it to your Goodreads shelf (opens in a new window).

From The Publisher:

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.

Why I Can’t Wait To Read Promise Me Sunshine:

I discovered Cara Bastone’s work in 2024 and have since read several of her books, making her one of my must-read authors. Grief is a topic that isn’t often explored deeply, but I have full confidence in her ability to beautifully and thoughtfully tell the story of Lenny and Miles.

Other Recent Picks for Can’t Wait Wednesday:

Can’t Wait Wednesday #115: Three Days In June by Anne Tyler

Can’t Wait Wednesday #114: Come Fly With Me by Camille Di Maio

Can’t Wait Wednesday #113: The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy