'Ugly Cry Book Search' Update: Bright Side by Kim Holden

THE SEARCH FOR UGLY CRY READS: UPDATE #1:

STATUS: STILL A ROBOT

Colleen-1 Tears- 0

Book Review

I was on the hunt for an 'ugly cry / heaving sob' inducing read and Bright Side was the one most recommended to me. I didn't shed tears at any point, but I did feel the weight of the emotions during the last quarter of the novel. It took me some time to really get into the story. For the first half my interest was wavering, and I put the book down a few times to come back to it again later, determined to finish. I didn't connect to the heroine right away, but as the story progressed Kate really grew on me. She was warm-hearted, genuine, and courageous. Though, I felt her character overused the term 'dude.' The word was spoken A LOT. Occasionally, there would be a tense/serious or emotional moment and she'd say "dude," and the scene would lose it's impact with me. Kate had known Gus her whole life, and their friendship was really something special. They loved each other, and it showed. I adored that even with distance, their bond remained the same. Nothing would change it. He protected her, even from afar, and when Keller became a part of Kate's life, Gus was going to be sure he treated her with the respect she deserved. Keller was a charming character. He was smitten with Kate from the moment he saw her. The friendship that they developed was easy, and it quickly grew into so much more. They trusted each other with secrets few others knew, and the love they shared was pure and sweet. Overall, an enjoyable read! The last third of the story really won me over. Tears shed or not, it's bound to hit you in the feels.

-Colleen

Purchase Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Bright-Side-Kim-Holden-ebook/dp/B00LJKT64Q/

Synopsis:

Secrets. Everyone has one. Some are bigger than others. And when secrets are revealed, Some will heal you ... And some will end you. Kate Sedgwick’s life has been anything but typical. She’s endured hardship and tragedy, but throughout it all she remains happy and optimistic (there’s a reason her best friend Gus calls her Bright Side). Kate is strong-willed, funny, smart, and musically gifted. She’s also never believed in love. So when Kate leaves San Diego to attend college in the small town of Grant, Minnesota, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with Keller Banks. They both feel it. But they each have a reason to fight it. They each have a secret. And when secrets are revealed, Some will heal you … And some will end you. Note from the author: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is recommended for mature audiences.