A Little Ray of Sunshine by Kristan HigginsMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Don’t be fooled by the bright cover and breezy title—this novel is anything but light and fluffy.
The story centers on Harlow, who became pregnant during her freshman year of college and, after much soul-searching, gave the baby up for adoption—telling no one but her best friend, Rosie. Fast forward eighteen years, and that child, Matthew, unexpectedly walks into the Cape Cod bookstore Harlow now runs. Surprise! Turns out Matthew orchestrated his family's summer vacation to the Cape without his parents—or Harlow—knowing.
The premise is compelling and kicks off with a lot of promise. But as the story unfolds, it starts to lose focus. With a sprawling cast and multiple intertwining plotlines, it becomes difficult to keep track of everyone. I found myself wishing the narrative had streamlined a few of the subplots and honed in on the most emotionally resonant ones.
Despite the setup, this isn’t a romance either. Harlow’s former prom date, Grady, is back in town with his young daughter, and while their history hints at potential sparks, their actual interaction is disappointingly minimal. Instead, much of the story is devoted to the emotional aftermath of Harlow's decision to place Matthew for adoption—and his unexpected reappearance in her life. That focus is understandable and important, but the constant internal monologues and repeated reflections start to feel repetitive rather than insightful.
Several side plots also strain believability, particularly one involving Harlow’s “cousin” Cindy, who co-owns the bookstore. Her storyline veers into the absurd. Meanwhile, Rosie returns to support Harlow, adding yet more drama to an already crowded narrative. On top of all that, there’s the challenge of Matthew integrating into Harlow’s large, opinionated family—an emotional process that’s handled with varying degrees of depth.
A particular frustration: Harlow’s married lesbian sister and her wife are portrayed in a surprisingly negative light. They’re often mocked or dismissed by Harlow and others for being wealthy or for their parenting style. It’s frustrating to see queer characters reduced to stereotypes or used as easy targets for criticism. If you're going to include LGBTQ+ characters, give them the nuance and respect they deserve.
That said, the book has its bright spots. Harlow’s Grandpop is a charming standout—quirky, kind, and full of heart. And at its core, this is a deeply emotional story about family, forgiveness, and identity. While the plot can feel overly complicated and stretched thin at times, the emotional truths the characters grapple with are undeniably powerful.
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