Promise Me Sunshine

A Novel

By: Cara Bastone

Narrated by: Alex Finke

How do you find yourself after you lose the one you loved the most?

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • 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

Critic reviews

“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

The growth from grief to love and life!

Perfect love story. Everyone needs a person to believe in them during rough times. Grief is hard but finding joy and love is worth the journey! The book explores the value of believing!

The dynamic duo of audio books

Despite the quite serious topic, there is not a single thing that I disliked. From the opening lines of Lenny trying to get a baby to like her to seeing her through Miles’ highly skeptical then love-soaked eyes, this was a masterpiece. Every single character was lovingly drawn, even the deceased ones and I was completely charmed by Riley. I had occasions of annoyance with Reece and Kira but I also felt like I was supposed to! I adore Cara Bastone’s writing and it was only elevated by Alex Finke’ performance.

Fantastic Book

The most wonderful characters. The most incredible insights. Somehow a book that includes grieving in the most realistic way is ALSO so funny and fun and heartwarming. Cara Bastone has written another one of my favorite books. Alex Finke is an absolute talent. Seriously she should win awards for this voice performance. I loved every second and want to listen to it again!

Cara Bastone does it again

As a “grief expert” myself, let me just say that this was not only spot on, but cathartic beyond belief. What a gorgeous story of love and loss and how to show up for each other. Thanks to the author for writing this.
Also - the narrator was EXCEPTIONAL. Wow.

My favorite read of 2025

This book is so perfect in so many ways 😩 I cried so many tears and laughed so many times, I just cannot get over how perfect every book Cara Basotone write is! The narration is some of the best I’ve ever heard. Single pov audios are not my favorite but she is so amazingly talented I enjoyed every second of it.

Excellent story, exceptional performance!!

This is a wonderful tale of finding your way through grief, and the way that a caring love can sneak up on you. Lenny is an extremely lovable heroine, truly unabashed in who she is, even if she isn’t sure who that is after her life comes apart. Miles is a steadfast rock, a true friend, and port in a storm. The way that Alex Fink performed this was 100/10, absolutely wonderful!

So cute!!

I loved this book! Loved how Miles helped the main character find peace within that grief! Wished Miles was more into her but nonetheless the relationship was cute!

A+ all around!!!

Love Cara Bastone as an author, and LOVE Alex Finke as a narrator! I also recommend Ready Or Not for more of this dynamic duo.

Living After Loss

This is a wonderful story about people working together to process complicated grief. It’s a beautiful story about family, in the broadest sense, and about being a mother.

I loved everything about this book.

I bought this book solely on the preview, that’s how good Alex Finke is. This book was so good. Every character was well written. It was funny- even though it’s about loss. I loved this book! I could totally see this being a movie.