Look on the Bright Side - by Kristan Higgins

About the Book

"A funny, romantic, and deeply moving novel about the unexpected rewards that come from life's swerves. Lark Smith was planning a fairy-tale wedding to her high school sweetheart when, in the blink of an eye, everything she dreamed of was suddenly gone. That day, Lark decided the best way to deal with loss was to prevent others from ever having to. Five years later, her goal of becoming a doctor--the best doctor--is just within reach when, without warning, she's fired. Now getting back on track means making a deal with the devil. Well, not exactly, even if they do call renowned surgeon Lorenzo Santini 'Dr. Satan' behind his back. He'll use his influence to get her back in the program. But first, Lark has to pose as his significant other all summer ... his sister is getting married, and he doesn't want his ninety-nine-year-old grandmother spending her precious time worrying over his single state. What Lark doesn't realize is she's already met Lorenzo's brother Dante, the firefighter who was there on Lark's worst day. The brothers couldn't be more different...which is becoming a problem, because the last thing Lark wants is to fall in love again. While spinning white lies during one unforgettable Cape Cod summer, Lark is exposed to the truth: when life throws you in the dark, love, friends, and family are there to help you look on the bright side"--

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

Praise for Look on the Bright Side

"Bestseller Higgins proves her mastery of the romance genre in this emotional tour de force... Higgins balances tear-jerking moments with happiness and hope, and crafts strong female characters worth cheering for. Readers should have tissues at the ready. "
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Praise for A Little Ray of Sunshine

"[A] lovely ode to love in all of its many forms, family lost and found."
--New York Times best-selling author Ashley Poston

"[A] perfectly done novel... [Higgins'] signature humor sprinkled into a heavy topic makes this a must-read."
--Library Journal

About the Author

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.