Bright Side 

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.

We all say…

This review is a bit different then our traditional ones.  Stacia and I (Alexis) did a group read with some of our book buddies and we all wrote up mini reviews for this book!

Alexis says…

I was told that I needed to read this book by not one, but two people.  So of course I moved it up on my TBR and started it immediately.  Bright Side had a deep impact on me. I am a pessimist by default, I never look at the bright side (pun totally intended there).  But after reading this book and reading Kate’s journey I have vowed to myself that I need to start finding the good in everything and everyone.  I want to say that all readers should go into this one blind and possibly keep some Kleenex on hand or maybe a whole box.  I do want to point out that I am in the minority in that I wanted to Kate to be with Gus.  I loved Gus, like really, really, really loved him.  I think he was her soulmate though I have been told that I’m pretty much wrong, haha!  Keller is also an amazing man and his and Kate’s love for each other keeping me wanting more and more.

Stacia Says…

Bright Side starts as a bit of a slow burner and has a lot of character build up, but don’t let this defer you from reading and sticking to it. It is one of those books that has such a great message. Days later it is still with me and it literally made me want to be a better person and live each day to its fullest. “Do Epic”

Tabitha says…

Bring on the emotions! This one was hard to get into at first, the build up took a long time. But when you finally get there it’s worth it. Bright Side is actually one of the most empowering books I have read in a long time. This takes the lemon in lemonade cliche, and hulks it out. Nothing holds the girl down! Keller and Kate have an epic love story that will be cherished for a very long time.

J.a. says…

Every so often, I come across a female lead that takes my breath away. Kate has earned a top spot on that list. I find myself mourning the fact that she’s fictional. Bright Side is a beautifully written story with unforgettable characters and laughter in the face of heartbreak.

Daiana says…

I love this book so much. The main character, Kate, is an amazing girl and she shows you a way of living that everyone should try to accomplish. Like one of her friends said she doesn’t just look on the bright side, she lives there. She is genuinely that way. It is truly a beautiful story with beautiful characters. You will be thinking about the story and the characters after you’re done. Whatever you are going through in your life right now, everyone needs to hear these two things – “You are brave” and “Do epic”.

Roxie says…

This story will stay with you for a long time , it makes you want to be a better person , To open your eyes to the important stuff , to be kind and forgiving , to appreciate the small stuff , to realize that things that make you happy doesn’t cost a thing. Live your life without regrets . Be happy. Do epic!!!!

Hope says…

The book is beautifully written and gut-wrenching in a very real ‘this could happen in real life’ kind of way. Kate’s positivity and outlook on life made me walk away re-evaluating my attitude and how I treat others in my every day life. It’s very rare that a book inspires change in me, but this one did in such a profound way. Incredible book, Kim Holden! I can’t wait to see what you give us next……

About Kim Holden

Some of my favorite things: reading, writing, the two coolest guys on the planet (my husband and son), my bicycle (my husband built it for me), Facebook (I’m fairly certain it’s an addiction at this point), iced coffee (hazelnut), and music (LOVE the 1975, Dredg, the xx, Haim, Teenage Bottlerocket, and 30 Seconds to Mars). I also love dreaming, which brings me to my next point. I have one bit of advice for anyone reading this … follow your dreams. It’s never too late. Get started today … heck get started RIGHT NOW! I wanted to write a book 20 years ago. Instead I waited. And waited. I should’ve been writing. But I didn’t. I don’t do regrets, because the past is just that, the past. But let me tell you there’s nothing in the world like achieving something you’ve dreamt about for years and years. So, get started. Make your dreams reality.