Look on the Bright Side

By: Kristan Higgins

Narrated by: Susan Bennett, Christina Moore, Xe Sands

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.

©2024 Kristan Higgins (P)2024 Recorded Books

Enjoyed the book but not the narration

Kristan Higgins’ books are always something to look forward to. But the narrator for Lark is a problem. She’s a popular choice for many authors because I hear her voice often. But she tends to whine and over-emote. And when I was listening in my car her words were so muddled that I often couldn’t understand her. The other narrators’ voices were clear and distinct.
I’m going to avoid books she narrates in the future.

Good Story w Challenging Narration

I listen to most books in the car and at first I thought the production values were poor. I discovered after trying again that the primary narrator just has an unfortunate tone or pitch. It was often frustrating to keep going but I enjoyed the story.

Great characters and story

I love the characters, they engage you from the beginning. It’s great that they have substance to them. Learned much about cancer and what patients go through. The stories in this book were wonderful. I love the author and this just may be one of her top three best.

Laugh out loud funny in spots !!

One of the best yet. Delightful - you will laugh and you will cry! Very very good !!

Love…Loss…Love

I love Kristan Higgins and Xe Sands is a wonderful narrator. The story was beautiful and characters relatable. Finished in three days. However, I felt it was so sad for so long and the happy ending to quickly wrapped up. The wedding could have been a hilarious opportunity.

The Characters in the book.

I liked everything about the book. I loved the story line, characters, family dynamics and the balance of sense of humor and seriousness.

Love the storyline and character development

I liked the character development of Lark but wish the development of the love story was deeper.

Sad, but a very good read

I love the way that two of the main characters loved each other through so much pain and joy! I didn’t like Lorenzo, he was arrogant, but to be a great surgeon I guess you have to be. Kristin’s books and the narrators make you feel so many emotions as you read.

So many emotions!!!

Liked the cadence of the storyline and the character development. Everyday people beautifully displayed. Loved this book!

Narration

Larks narration Ze Sands?was muddled hard to understand . Ive listened to 2 other books and she was ok this time her tone was ickly syrupy and volume high & low Muddled. I will only read if she is narrating