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A Little Ray of Sunshine: 12/10/23

A Little Ray of Sunshine

A Little Ray of Sunshine by Kristan Higgins (2023) is set on Cape Cod, primarily in a bookstore, and that's probably why I picked up the book in the first place. Bear that in mind with my less than enthusiastic review.

Harlow is the eldest child. She's in her mid thirties and runs the family book store with her somewhat forgetful grandfather and a handful of employees. For years now her family has been pressuring her to settle down and start a family. She always rebuffs them.

And then her reason why finds her one summer. Matthew Patel, the baby she gave up for adoption when she was a freshman in college has found her as he begins his applications to college. Her secret is out and now Matthew and his adoptive parents want her back in their lives. Harlow's family, though, is traumatized by the news.

If the novel had stayed with Harlow's first person point of view narration I probably would have been more compelled to read. Unfortunately after every big reveal or argument or thing that would move the plot forward, the novel would switch to another point of view, written in third person.

Primarily the other POV is Monica, the adoptive mother who is feeling now guilty and woefully inadequate because her husband who is a teacher is closer to their children. She's very much a "main character moment" type character and keeps trying to make the book about herself despite it clearly being Harlow's story.

But then there are also some weird POV chapters from Cynthia who works at the bookstore. She has even less reason to be a POV character than Monica and is even more whiny about everything. I don't care that she feels put out by not being allowed to own more of the shop. I don't care about all the ways life has shorted her. It's not her story!

Three stars

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