Brighter than Before | Contemporary Romance During A Mid-Life Crisis
Brighter than Before is a feel-good story about Claire stepping outside of her comfort zone, making new friends, starting her own business, and even giving love another chance.
Main Themes
After being publicly humiliated when discovering her husband’s affair, Claire moves to Chicago hoping for a fresh start. Her entire adult life had revolved around trying to please her snobbish in-laws, a pointless task that left her feeling empty. Now that she is finally free to be herself, she realizes that she has no idea what she likes to do or who she really is.
As Claire works to start her business, because no one wants to hire a middle-aged woman with no practical work experience, she discovers along the way the importance of having trustworthy friends and the freedom that comes with letting go of the past. She also realizes she is so much stronger than her in-laws gave her credit for. It’s a story meant to put a smile on your face and hope in your heart.
Faith Elements
Faith shows up in small ways, like showing kindness to neighbors, extending forgiveness to those who don’t deserve it, and courageously stepping into new opportunities.
Family Friendly Considerations
This is a very family friendly and clean novel! The romance is very low spice and kissing only, and there are no other inappropriate scenes. It’s an ideal novel for women going through their own mid-life crisis who could use the reminder that even when life is scary and difficult, it’s going to be okay.
Interested in Similar Reads?
Here are some more stories for all my middle-age ladies who are wrestling with identity and purpose:
- Handle with Care by Marybeth Mayhew Whalens
- Twenty Something Else by Stephanie Mack
- South of Somewhere by T.I. Lowe
- These Empty Places by Sarah Loudin Thomas
