A beautiful and romantic novel guaranteed to make you laugh and cry, from the bestselling author of TikTok sensation Pack up the Moon

A Little Ray of Sunshine

An emotional and heart-warming novel from the bestselling author of TikTok sensation Pack up the Moon. 
 
'A raw and genuine look at motherhood, A Little Ray of Sunshine is a lovely ode to love in all of its many forms, family lost and found' Ashley Poston, author of The Dead Romantics 
 
---- 
 
A kid walks into your bookstore and... guess what? He's your son. The one you put up for adoption eighteen years ago. The one you never told anyone about. Surprise! 
 
And a huge surprise it is. 
 
It's a huge surprise to his adoptive mother, Monica, who thought she had a close relationship with Matthew, her nearly adult son. Until he secretly arranged a vacation to Cape Cod so he could meet his birth mother... without a word to her. 
 
It's also a surprise to Harlow, the woman who secretly placed him for adoption so many years ago. She has built a quiet life, running a bookstore with her grandfather, and is happily single... though she can't help gravitating toward Grady Byrne, an old friend who has moved back to town, three-year-old daughter in tow, and no wife in the picture. 
 
When Matthew walks into Harlow's store, she faints. Monica panics. And all their assumptions about what being a parent really means explode... 
 
This summer will be full of more surprises as both their families are redefined...and as both women learn that for them, there's no limit to a mother's love. 
 
---- 
 
Real readers have fallen in love with A Little Ray of Sunshine: 
 
'Made me laugh, made me think, made me cry and made me not want to put it down! 5 star reader review 
 
'This book had a bit of everything - romance, tears, laughs and everything in between' 5 star reader review 
 
'This story is so heartwarming and mind boggling that I couldn't put it down even when I had to' 5 star reader review 
 
'I just loved, loved this story about families and what makes them so great' 5 star reader review 
 
'Beautifully written, this deep dive into motherhood, longing, and love was the perfect summer read' 5 star reader review

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.

A kid walks into your bookstore and... guess what? He's your son. The one you put up for adoption eighteen years ago. The one you never told anyone about. Surprise! 
 
And a huge surprise it is. 
 
It's a huge surprise to his adoptive mother, Monica, who thought she had a close relationship with Matthew, her nearly adult son. Until he secretly arranged a vacation to Cape Cod so he could meet his birth mother... without a word to her. 
 
It's also a surprise to Harlow, the woman who secretly placed him for adoption so many years ago. She has built a quiet life, running a bookstore with her grandfather, and is happily single... though she can't help gravitating toward Grady Byrne, an old friend who has moved back to town, three-year-old daughter in tow, and no wife in the picture. 
 
When Matthew walks into Harlow's store, she faints. Monica panics. And all their assumptions about what being a parent really means explode... 
 
This summer will be full of more surprises as both their families are redefined...and as both women learn that for them, there's no limit to a mother's love.

A funny and surprising story from the bestselling author of TikTok sensation Pack up the Moon

Out of the Clear Blue Sky

A laugh-out-loud and poignant novel about losing it all - and getting back more than you ever expected. From TikTok sensation and bestselling author of Pack up the Moon. 
 
'What a fantastic storyteller! As soon as I finished, I wanted to turn back to page one and start over again. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with so many of the characters. This is definitely a must read!' Reader review 
 
---- 
 
Lillie Silva knew life as an empty nester would be hard after her only child left for college, but when her husband abruptly dumps her for another woman just as her son leaves, her world comes crashing down. Besides the fact that this announcement is a complete surprise (to say the least), what shocks Lillie most is that she isn't heartbroken. She's furious. 
 
Lillie has loved her life on Cape Cod, but as a mother, wife, and nurse-midwife, she's used to caring for other people . . . not taking care of herself. Now, alone for the first time in her life, she finds herself going a little rogue. Is it over the top to crash her ex-husband's wedding dressed like the angel of death? Sure! Should she release a skunk into his perfect new home? Probably not! But it beats staying home and moping. 
 
She finds an unexpected ally in her glamorous sister, with whom she's had a tense relationship all these years. And an unexpected babysitter in, of all people, Ben Hallowell, the driver in a car accident that nearly killed Lillie twenty years ago. And then there's Ophelia, her ex-husband's oddly lost niece, who could really use a friend. 
 
It's the end of Lillie's life as she knew it. But sometimes the perfect next chapter surprises you . . . out of the clear blue sky. 
 
---- 
 
Real readers have fallen in love with Out of the Clear Blue Sky 
 
'Kristan's books just keep getting better every year. Just when you think you've read the best one, she writes another one just as good or better!' 5 star reader review 
 
'This one has it all. Love, hate, comedy, drama, romance, revenge. All around great read' 5 star reader review 
 
'If there is one author I will buy a new book from, no matter what it's about, it's hands down a Kristan Higgins book' 5 star reader review 
 
I started reading and couldn't put it down. This was my first Kristan Higgins novel but it won't be my last' 5 star reader review 
 
'Where has Kristan Higgins been all my life? I am so happy to discover she has written 20 books and I plan to read all of them!' 5 star reader review

Lillie Silva knew life as an empty nester would be hard after her only child left for college, but when her husband abruptly dumps her for another woman just as her son leaves, her world comes crashing down. Besides the fact that this announcement is a complete surprise (to say the least), what shocks Lillie most is that she isn't heartbroken. She's furious. 
 
Lillie has loved her life on Cape Cod, but as a mother, wife, and nurse-midwife, she's used to caring for other people . . . not taking care of herself. Now, alone for the first time in her life, she finds herself going a little rogue. Is it over the top to crash her ex-husband's wedding dressed like the angel of death? Sure! Should she release a skunk into his perfect new home? Probably not! But it beats staying home and moping. 
 
She finds an unexpected ally in her glamorous sister, with whom she's had a tense relationship all these years. And an unexpected babysitter in, of all people, Ben Hallowell, the driver in a car accident that nearly killed Lillie twenty years ago. And then there's Ophelia, her ex-husband's oddly lost niece, who could really use a friend. 
 
It's the end of Lillie's life as she knew it. But sometimes the perfect next chapter surprises you . . . out of the clear blue sky.

A heartfelt and emotional story from the bestselling author of TikTok sensation Pack up the Moon

Life and Other Inconveniences

'A heart-wrenching page-turner told with warmth and humor' People Magazine, Pick of the Week 
 
---- 
 
Emma London never thought she had anything in common with her grandmother Genevieve. The regal old woman came from wealthy New England stock, but that didn't protect her from life's cruelest blows: the disappearance of her young son, followed by the premature death of her husband. Genevieve rose from those ashes of grief and built a fashion empire that was respected the world over, even when it meant neglecting her other son. 
 
When Emma's own mother died, her father abandoned her on his mother's doorstep. Genevieve took Emma in and reluctantly raised her - until Emma got pregnant her senior year of high school. Genevieve kicked her out with nothing but the clothes on her back. 
 
Now Emma has built a wonderful life for herself and her teenage daughter, Riley. So what is she to do when Genevieve does the one thing Emma never expected of her and, after not speaking to her for nearly two decades, calls and asks for help? 
 
---- 
 
Real readers are loving Life and Other Inconveniences: 
 
'I'm sitting here at 3:57 am with tears running down my face trying to figure out what to put in my review to convey my feelings. For me, if a writer can bring me to true tears, it's a sign of a fantastic book' 5 star reader revoew 
 
'A truly beautiful book. I really loved reading this' 5 star reader review 
 
I laughed out loud a few times, and I cried, and I felt SO MUCH for these people, this place, this world Kristan created' 5 star reader review 
 
'I absolutely loved this book, definitely one for my favourites list. It was everything you could want in a book, funny, sad and emotional, one of those books you want to keep reading but don't want to end' 5 star reader review 
 
'Kristan Higgins has always been one of my favourite authors, but her books as just getting better and better with each one. If you haven't read it I would highly recommend you rush out and buy it right now - I loved it!' 5 star reader review

Emma London never thought she had anything in common with her grandmother Genevieve. The regal old woman came from wealthy New England stock, but that didn't protect her from life's cruelest blows: the disappearance of her young son, followed by the premature death of her husband. Genevieve rose from those ashes of grief and built a fashion empire that was respected the world over, even when it meant neglecting her other son. 
 
When Emma's own mother died, her father abandoned her on his mother's doorstep. Genevieve took Emma in and reluctantly raised her - until Emma got pregnant her senior year of high school. Genevieve kicked her out with nothing but the clothes on her back. 
 
Now Emma has built a wonderful life for herself and her teenage daughter, Riley. So what is she to do when Genevieve does the one thing Emma never expected of her and, after not speaking to her for nearly two decades, calls and asks for help?

A heartbreaking and uplifting story from the bestselling author of TikTok sensation Pack up the Moon

Always the Last to Know

'Kristan Higgins is fast becoming one of my top go to authors - I love her writing style and storytelling. She will make you laugh, she will make your heart ache for each character and she will make you smile' Reader review 
 
---- 
 
The Frosts are a typical American family. Barb and John, married almost fifty years, are testy and bored with each other... who could blame them after all this time? At least they have their daughters-- Barb's favorite, the perfect, brilliant Juliet; and John's darling, the free-spirited Sadie. The girls themselves couldn't be more different, but at least they got along, more or less. It was fine. It was enough. 
 
Until the day John had a stroke, and their house of cards came tumbling down. 
 
Now Sadie has to put her career as a teacher and struggling artist in New York on hold to come back and care for her beloved dad - and face the love of her life, whose heart she broke, and who broke hers. Now Juliet has to wonder if people will notice that despite her perfect career as a successful architect, her perfect marriage to a charming Brit, and her two perfect daughters, she's spending an increasing amount of time in the closet having panic attacks. 
 
And now Barb and John will finally have to face what's been going on in their marriage all along. 
 
---- 
 
Real readers are loving Always the Last to Know: 
 
'Another 5 star book by Kristan Higgins' 5 star reader review 
 
'A nice feel good read that made me rethink what is important' 5 star reader review 
 
'Just loved the book. A must read' 5 star reader review 
 
'I found myself staying up late into the night to find out what happened to the characters. It was moving and left me thinking about the story days after I had finished reading it' 5 star reader review 
 
'This book was so much fun to read! I really felt like I knew the characters, and it was hard to put down! Absolutely recommend' 5 star reader review

The Frosts are a typical American family. Barb and John, married almost fifty years, are testy and bored with each other... who could blame them after all this time? At least they have their daughters-- Barb's favorite, the perfect, brilliant Juliet; and John's darling, the free-spirited Sadie. The girls themselves couldn't be more different, but at least they got along, more or less. It was fine. It was enough. 
 
Until the day John had a stroke, and their house of cards came tumbling down. 
 
Now Sadie has to put her career as a teacher and struggling artist in New York on hold to come back and care for her beloved dad - and face the love of her life, whose heart she broke, and who broke hers. Now Juliet has to wonder if people will notice that despite her perfect career as a successful architect, her perfect marriage to a charming Brit, and her two perfect daughters, she's spending an increasing amount of time in the closet having panic attacks. 
 
And now Barb and John will finally have to face what's been going on in their marriage all along.

Good Luck with That

'Good Luck With That is a lesson in kindness, acceptance, and self-worth. I'm so glad I read this book, and I hope every woman gives herself this gift' Reader review 
 
---- 
 
Emerson, Georgia, and Marley have been best friends ever since they met at a weight-loss camp as teens. When Emerson tragically passes away, she leaves one final wish for her best friends: to conquer the fears they still carry as adults. 
 
For each of them, that means something different. For Marley, it's coming to terms with the survivor's guilt she's carried around since her twin sister's death, which has left her blind to the real chance for romance in her life. For Georgia, it's about learning to stop trying to live up to her mother's and brother's ridiculous standards, and learning to accept the love her ex-husband has tried to give her. 
 
But as Marley and Georgia grow stronger, the real meaning of Emerson's dying wish becomes truly clear: more than anything, she wanted her friends to love themselves. 
 
A novel of compassion and insight, Good Luck With That tells the story of two women who learn to embrace themselves just the way they are. 
 
---- 
 
Real readers have fallen in love with Good Luck with That 
 
'A must read from the very talented Kristan Higgins, who just gets better and better with each book she writes' 5 star reader review 
 
'What a book! Tears were flowing at the end' 5 star reader review 
 
'If ever there was a book that demands to be discussed, it's this one. I wish I were part of a book club because Good Luck with That is the one I'd demand everyone read' 5 star reader review 
 
'Wonderful story. I would highly recommend' 5 star reader review 
 
'The people in this book caught hold of my heart and interest from the first few pages. Finished in three evenings and was sorry when it came to an end. Many a tear both sad and happy' 5 star reader review

Emerson, Georgia, and Marley have been best friends ever since they met at a weight-loss camp as teens. When Emerson tragically passes away, she leaves one final wish for her best friends: to conquer the fears they still carry as adults. 
 
For each of them, that means something different. For Marley, it's coming to terms with the survivor's guilt she's carried around since her twin sister's death, which has left her blind to the real chance for romance in her life. For Georgia, it's about learning to stop trying to live up to her mother's and brother's ridiculous standards, and learning to accept the love her ex-husband has tried to give her. 
 
But as Marley and Georgia grow stronger, the real meaning of Emerson's dying wish becomes truly clear: more than anything, she wanted her friends to love themselves. 
 
A novel of compassion and insight, Good Luck With That tells the story of two women who learn to embrace themselves just the way they are.

TikTok made me buy it: a heart-wrenching and uplifting story from the bestselling author

Pack Up the Moon

THE TIKTOK SENSATION! 
 
'This book has everything in it that one could want in a love story... grab a copy and curl up with it for a weekend! You won't be disappointed. The best love story ever!!' Reader review 
 
---- 
 
Joshua Park never expected to be a widower at the age of thirty. Given his solitary job, small circle of friends and family, and the social awkwardness he's always suffered from, he has no idea how to negotiate this new, unwanted phase of life. 
 
But Lauren, his wife, had a plan to keep him moving forward. A plan hidden in the letters she leaves him, giving him a task for every month in the year after her death. 
 
It's a journey that will take Joshua from his first outing as a widower to buy groceries... to an attempted dinner party that becomes a comic disaster... to finding a new best friend while weeping in the dressing room of a clothing store. 
 
As his grief makes room for new friendships and experiences, Joshua learns Lauren's most valuable lesson: the path to happiness doesn't follow a straight line. 
 
Funny, sometimes heart-wrenching, and always uplifting, this novel from bestselling author Kristan Higgins illuminates how life's greatest joys are often hiding in plain sight. 
 
---- 
 
Real readers have fallen in love with Pack up the Moon: 
 
'Perfect. Get your tissues and ice cream or comfort food of your choice. Absolutely perfect' 5 star reader review 
 
'I loved everything about this book!!!! It was so beautifully written' 5 star reader review 
 
'I cried throughout the entirety of this book. So emotional and so well written' 5 star reader review 
 
'This is the best book I have read so far this year!' 5 star reader review 
 
'This book is mesmerizing... couldn't put it down' 5 star reader review

Joshua Park never expected to be a widower at the age of thirty. Given his solitary job, small circle of friends and family, and the social awkwardness he's always suffered from, he has no idea how to negotiate this new, unwanted phase of life. 
 
But Lauren, his wife, had a plan to keep him moving forward. A plan hidden in the letters she leaves him, giving him a task for every month in the year after her death. 
 
It's a journey that will take Joshua from his first outing as a widower to buy groceries... to an attempted dinner party that becomes a comic disaster... to finding a new best friend while weeping in the dressing room of a clothing store. As his grief makes room for new friendships and experiences, Joshua learns Lauren's most valuable lesson: the path to happiness doesn't follow a straight line. 
 
Funny, sometimes heart-wrenching, and always uplifting, this novel from bestselling author Kristan Higgins illuminates how life's greatest joys are often hiding in plain sight.

Kristan Higgins

Lark Smith is planning a fairytale wedding to her high school sweetheart when in the blink of an eye, everything she's dreamed of is suddenly gone. That day, Lark decided the best way to deal with loss was to prevent others from ever having to. Five years later that 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 99-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.

Kristan Higgins

Books by Kristan Higgins

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter