Loved this so much! Am absolute must read for every romantic out there.
I read this in less than 3 days which is always a sign it’s a good one! Thank you!

Jane Sanderson’s “Waiting for Sunshine” presents a captivating premise that initially piques the reader’s interest. However, despite the intriguing idea behind the book, the unlikability of the main character creates a significant obstacle to fully enjoying the story.

The novel centers around the character of Sunshine, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption after a personal tragedy. The concept of exploring themes of resilience, hope, and transformation has the potential to resonate with readers. However, the lack of connection to the main character hampers the overall reading experience.

Sunshine’s unlikable nature and the reader’s inability to connect with her prevent the story from fully resonating. The character’s actions and behavior may not align with the reader’s expectations or evoke sympathy, leading to a disconnect that affects the emotional investment in the narrative. As a result, it becomes challenging to root for Sunshine or become invested in her personal growth.

Despite the shortcomings of the main character, Sanderson’s writing style remains a highlight of the book. The author’s prose is engaging, capturing the beauty of the setting and creating vivid imagery. The descriptive passages effectively transport the reader to the story’s locations and add depth to the narrative.

The pacing of the book is generally well-maintained, allowing the story to unfold at a steady pace. However, the lack of a compelling main character makes certain sections feel sluggish and less engaging. Moments that should have been emotionally impactful may fall flat due to the reader’s disconnect from Sunshine.

In summary, “Waiting for Sunshine” presents an intriguing concept that promises an exploration of resilience and personal growth. However, the unlikability of the main character creates a significant barrier to fully enjoying the story. While Jane Sanderson’s writing style and descriptive prose are commendable, the inability to connect with the protagonist hampers the emotional resonance of the narrative. If you are someone who values relatable and likable main characters, “Waiting for Sunshine” may not be the best fit for you.

It took me sometime to get to this book, through my pile of reading material, but it did not disappoint.
I am uncertain if the actual processes described with adoption are likely to take place, but it was an interesting read.
The main female character is not always likeable, but I tried hard to see the story from both sides.
A child is finally available for a deserving couple, but the story around the origin of the child is hidden from them, and many involved in placing her.
The story can be quite dark, but makes an interesting read.

As usual in my reviews I will not rehash the plot - there are plenty of reviews like that out there already.

The story focuses around a couple trying to adopt, and initially covers the adoption process and ensuing rollercoaster of emotions.

However - for various reasons - I didn't feel that it was entirely realistic (having been on the fringes of the process when friends were adopting some years ago). I didn't like the foster parents and felt that the behaviour was not really believable - people are thoroughly screened before they become registered.

Despite my doubts about the above, I persevered, and read the book as pure fiction (instead of relating it to real life), and on that level it worked - if heart-rending at times.

I've read and enjoyed a previous novel by this author (Mix Tape - highly recommended), and will happily try others in the fugure - but this one just wasn't for me I'm afraid.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

Apologies as it was a while ago since I read this book however I disliked the main character as she seemed very selfish so to be honest although the theme of the book was great I didn’t enjoy the book as I was just getting frustrated with her.

Christie and Stuart have been trying to adopt a child for some time without any success. Then suddenly, a little girl called Sunshine is brought into their lives, and everything seems complete. Nothing is known about her early life, until a mysterious package arrives. Has Sunshine’s family come to claim her back?

Waiting for Sunshine is an enjoyable read, about a couple readjusting their lives to include a child and the differences it can make. I did feel that it was overlong in places, especially after the first sightings of the mystery woman, but then it picked up again towards the end. The revelations between Chrissie and her mother played out well.

Overall a great book and well worth reading

Sorry this was just not for me. I really tried hard to read this as there were so many wonderful write-ups, but just couldn't get into it.

Chrissie and Stuart are a couple in their 30s, they live in London and are members of a fairly successful indie band. They've been trying to adopt a child for a while when 3 year old Sunshine is placed with them. Chrissie is immediately attached to Sunshine but becomes increasingly fearful that someone is desperate to trace Sunshine and rip apart their new family.
I really enjoyed the author's previous novel Mixtape, and I enjoyed Waiting For Sunshine even more. It's a compelling and original read, beautifully written, that deals with the issues around adoption sensitively. I never felt that the author was using adoption as a plot device as some other authors have done and I felt that she portrayed Chrissie and Stuart sensitively and as a likeable couple. As I have experience of the adoption process, love indie music and was a similar age to Chrissie and Stuart in the 1990s I was really drawn to this novel, and it did not disappoint. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
4.5 stars

Not read any of this ladies books before but will definitely be reading more by her
This is was a brilliant book
Such a well written on too
Thanks NetGalley

I am a huge fan of Jane Sanderson and this novel does not disappoint. She has an amazing way of creating storylines and characters that draw you in and keep you enthralled.
Waiting for Sunshine is a beautifully written novel about adoption, families and relationships. Chrissie and Stuart are told they have a match with a three year old girl called Sunshine and begin the process of meeting her and building a relationship. The novel follows their journey and brings in their friends and extended family. While following this narrative, the book also moves along other storylines including the rock band Chrissie and Stuart are a part of and their relationships with their parents.
There are many obstacles in the path to becoming a settled family and while the book is heartbreaking at times there is also a lot of humour and wit involved.

A compelling and mesmerising read. Full of twists and turns with the underlying anxiety of the adoption process. The flow of the story is perfect and draws you into the created inner sanctum. I certainly didn’t expect some of the twists. Very difficult to put down! Thoroughly enjoyable.

Thank you Netgalley

I absolutely adored Jane Sanderson’s last novel Mix Tape, so when I was approached to read Waiting for Sunshine, I jumped at the chance.

Waiting for Sunshine is an emotionally charged story about adoption. Chrissie and Stuart have been desperate to adopt for some time. At one point they were very close to adopting a baby boy, but for some reason that was never explained to them, the baby was placed with another family. Finally they are told they can adopt three-year-old Sunshine who was abandoned at a housing office twelve months previously.

Yet as soon as Sunshine comes to live with Chrissie and Stuart, the little girl’s unknown past begins to haunt the new family. Driven by her love for her beautiful daughter and her mothering instinct, fear begins to gnaw away at Chrissie. This all consuming fear even drives a wedge between her and Stuart. But is Chrissie right to be so fearful?

Waiting for Sunshine is a poignant novel exploring motherhood and identity. It is so tender and thought provoking with the character of Sunshine leaving a beautiful mark on my heart.

I read this book with some trepidation. I come from a family with adoption at its heart so know plenty enough about the process, and the pitfalls!

So I found this novel to be quite hard to read, very far fetched at times and not realistic at all. I couldn't help but feel disappointed, as this is true fiction for those who don't know any better. Unfortunately, I do.

Well written, but practically unbearable to finish.

I loved Jane’s previous book MixTape but found this one a little long winded at times
It follows the story of sunshine a little girl who is adopted by a couple Chrissie and Stu they have jumped through all the hoops required which at times seems like a very long process
In amongst all this are various family members and friends to keep track of and at times how they feel about sunshine
I enjoyed the book overall although Thankyou for the opportunity to read it @netgalley

An enjoyable read about a charming 3 year old named Sunshine and her adopted parents. At times I felt the story was a little long winded and could have been told quicker it was still a very good book with an interesting story line .Sunshine made the book for me but I did really like the strength portrayed by Chrissie and Stuart, the adoptive parents throughout the book. The couple discover things about Sunshine's past that might derail the adoption and Chrissie faces up to secrets hidden from her for years. One to read

This amazing novel will surely resonate with all readers pining for a child to call their own. It shows the plight of a family throughout the adoption process of an adorable girl, when secrets from the past threaten their newfound happiness.

Waiting for Sunshine by Jane Sanderson was a very interesting insight into the adoption process and associated stress alongside a range of hopes and fears. The story takes a disturbing turn when foster parents and birth parents enter the fray. Some tension and lots of tugging at deep emotions along with cult control and an over-invested social worker ultimately lead to a satisfactory conclusion. A decent read overall. Four stars

I wasn’t completely sold on the blurb on this one, but having read Jane’s previous book Mix Tape that I loved, I thought I’d give it a go - and I’m so glad I did. As always there is a musical backbone to this wonderful story of a little girl called Sunshine. Chrissie & Stu have longed for a baby of their own and after years of trying and years of waiting to adopt they are matched with Sunshine a mesmerising little girl who they fall in love with. Sunshine has no backstory, she was dropped off at a council office with just the clothes on her back. So the question is - who would name a little girl Sunshine and then give her away. I really enjoyed this book, so much so I’m going to buy it as a gift for my friend. A great story!

The story focuses around a couple trying to adopt. The very real and extreme range of emotions from the adoption process were handled so well and felt incredibly authentic. I very quickly felt attached to both the couple and especially their daughter Sunshine.

Unfortunately my connection to those characters were lost when the story veered off into what I felt was unrealistic territory. So many twists and turns; foster parents understandable but extreme reaction, Sunshine's birth family mystery plotline, the collection of adoption workers and their actions, and the unnecessary secondary storyline.

It was still a readable and interesting story but somewhat jarring. What I thought was going to be a serious exploration of the complexities of adoption turned into a fantastical, somewhat farcical, mystery. It was a weird choice by the author to mix the two different styles.

Chrissie and Stu have been together for years and the only thing missing is a child. They enter the adoption process but have a few disappointments along the way before they are matched with Sunshine. Sunshine is an adorable 3 year old whos character shines throughout this book, but nothing is known of her past. Until a bag is left at a local housing office that has a glimpse to her previous life. But the past comes back to the present as Chrissie starts getting paranoid about where Sunshine came from.
Sunshine made the novel for me, but unfortunately I found it slightly long winded, I felt that it could have been condensed more. I'm also not convinced that the 2nd storyline within the book was needed. Overall an enjoyable read