What is the title of your latest release?
BRIGHTER THAN BEFORE
What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
Part self-discovery journey, part sweet romance, Brighter than Before is a heartwarming reminder that it's never too late to rewrite your story, chase a dream, and find joy in your life once you finally start choosing yourself. Think You’ve Got Mail meets a spectacular mid-life glow up.
How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
My son had surgery last year, which meant multiple trips to parts of Chicago I’d never seen. After every visit, we tried to do something a little fun so it wasn’t pure drudgery, and I realized what an absolutely beautiful place it is. I kind of fell in love with the different neighborhoods, and I thought maybe Claire loved it too.
Would you hang out with your heroine in real life?
Absolutely. Though . . . I’d have to keep my willpower firmly intact because she’s always baking something amazing!
What are three words that describe your hero?
Charming, Good-hearted, Thoughtful (but also handsome)
What’s something you learned while writing this book?
It’s never too late to begin again. Or to try new things. Or to put yourself out there.
Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I write all day, then the next day I edit the previous days work, then add to it (and on and on.) So, I usually edit as I go! It helps each morning to get me back into the story.
What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
There’s a restaurant here that does a tofu poke bowl that is 100% my favorite thing in the world. But I’m also a sucker for cauliflower tacos.
Describe your writing space/office!
It’s literally my entire house. I move from my office to my kitchen table (where I am most often) to my screened in porch . . . I sometimes want to be locked away alone, but other times really need to be in the middle of the family action.
Who is an author you admire?
Nora Ephron when it comes to screenplays, and Mhairi McFarlane when it comes to novels.
Is there a book that changed your life?
I think I’d give that credit to the movie Dead Poets Society. Felt like a masterclass in living out loud.
Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published). Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
This has been a WHILE ago for me, but I do remember how excited I was. There’s a moment of “Me? Are you sure?” and then you realize . . . “oh, I have a lot of work to do!”
What’s your favorite genre to read?
Romance always, but I recently went on the strangest little thriller bender. LOL NO idea why!!
What’s your favorite movie?
It would be so hard to pick just one, but other than Dead Poets Society, some of my favorites are: Remarkably Bright Creatures, The Bourne Trilogy, You’ve Got Mail, and When Harry Met Sally
What is your favorite season?
Oooh, I live in Illinois, so I get them all and love them all for very different reasons . . . but honestly, there is nothing like a Midwest autumn!
How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
With that poke bowl, preferably! My birthday is a week before Christmas (another favorite season) so I’m happy to just be with my family for a nice dinner out. But last year was a big birthday, and I took them all to Universal Studios, which was by far, my favorite way to celebrate!
What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
I’m going to be unoriginal here, but The Other Bennet Sister is my current obsession. I also have a weird obsession with the TV show The Rookie. For books, I recently read and loved DOLLY ALL THE TIME by Annabel Monaghan and COVER STORY by Mhairi McFarlane. Both were excellent!
What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
Probably Italian, but I don’t eat it very often!
What do you do when you have free time?
Look around for productive things to do, but I’m trying to get better about relaxing. This summer I planted my first vegetable garden and hung a hummingbird feeder. I’m trying all the granny hobbies this year!
What can readers expect from you next?
Light-hearted, character driven romance with no spice or swearing. I like to take my characters on the kind of journey that changes them without killing anyone or diagnosing them with terminal illnesses. I really believe that books should make us feel lighter, not heavier, so I try to write books that allow readers to escape.
A feel-good novel about finding yourself and falling in love again
Life has a way of changing your path --and Claire Karadec certainly didn't plan on a fork in the road in her forties. From New York Times bestselling author Courtney Walsh comes a witty, warm, and uplifting novel about second chances, found family, and the courage it takes to become yourself --perfect for fans of Annabel Monaghan and Sarah Adams.
After a painfully public discovery shatters her marriage, along with her picture-perfect, country club life, Claire finds herself suddenly single and faced with a blank page for a future. On that page she writes a simple list that reads like equal parts dare and daydream--Move to a new city. Make a real friend. Get a job I loveand she vows to accomplish every single one.
Before she can talk herself out of it, she takes a step of faith, puts her old life in the rearview mirror, and leases an apartment in Chicago, the city that has always had her heart. This one step sends Claire on a journey of self-discovery, giving her the courage to conquer her fears, one checklist item at a time, and showing her that life can be a whole lot brighter than she imagined.
She rediscovers a love for baking, stumbles into new friendships, and even allows her daughter, Minnie, to create a dating profile and choose her dates for her. Perhaps the biggest surprise, though, is Miles, the charming, off-limits neighbor whose kindness makes it hard to remember why he's off-limits at all.
Between late-night journaling, disastrous first dates, great big lessons and priceless small victories, Claire learns to quiet the voice telling her she wasn't enough and listens to the one that asks the harder question . . .
What do I really want?
As old expectations loosen their grip, Claire discovers that belonging isn't a place you're invited toit's a life you build one brave choice at a time. And the sweetest things often show up when you finally get out of your own way.
Lose yourself in a story that's equal parts heartwarming, hopeful, and full of joy. Early readers are loving the witty humor, uplifting journey, and sweet, clean romance that makes Brighter than Before such a life-affirming escape. Grab your copy today and discover a second-chance story about courage, connection, and building a life that feels truly your own.
Women's Fiction | Romance [ Thomas Nelson, On Sale: June 9, 2026, Trade Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781400352883 / eISBN: 9781400352890 ]
Courtney Walsh is a novelist, artist, theater director, and playwright. Her debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. She has written two more books in the Sweethaven Summer series, as well as two craft books and several full-length musicals. Courtney lives in Illinois with her husband and three children.
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