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Kim Holden
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Bright Side Kindle Edition

by Kim Holden (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 13,685 ratings
“THIS BOOK! You. Must. Read. It. It’s beautiful. Heart-wrenching.” -Colleen Hoover, #1 New York Times bestselling author

From international bestselling author KIM HOLDEN comes an inspiring, life-changing story about the power of love in all its forms, having the courage to live life to the fullest, and always looking on the bright side.

Amazon Top 20 Bestseller

Book 1 of 3 in the Bright Side series

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). She’s quick witted, endlessly passionate about music, the first to offer a smile, and the kind of loyal that most friends only dream about. The one thing that escapes her optimism is love. She’s never bought into it, never believed in it. So, when Kate leaves San Diego to attend college in the small town of Grant, Minnesota, the last thing she expects is to fall hard for 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,

they may heal you,

or they may end you.

Note from the author: due to strong language and sexual content, this book is recommended for mature audiences.

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  1. Book 1 of 3
    Bright Side
  2. Print length
    468 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    4 July 2014
  6. Reading age
    15 - 18 years
  7. File size
    3.7 MB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 3 books in this series.
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  1. Reading is an escape from the outside world. Everyone needs a little of that to keep their sanity.
    Highlighted by 2,691 Kindle readers
  2. Fancy hides a lot, while simple unapologetically puts it out there for everyone to see.
    Highlighted by 1,780 Kindle readers
  3. Some people excel in the art of hugging. They somehow manage to hug you with their whole being, not just their arms. Their warmth surrounds every inch of you. It makes you feel cherished and comforted.
    Highlighted by 1,575 Kindle readers
  4. The happiness, the thoughtfulness, the humor was part of her, but it was also deliberate, a conscious choice.
    Highlighted by 1,180 Kindle readers
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Product description

About the Author

Kim Holden lives in the greatest city in the world: Denver, Colorado. Some of her favorite things: reading, writing, the two coolest guys on the planet (her husband and son), her bicycle, Facebook, iced coffee, and music. She also loves dreaming. And speaking of dreaming, she has a bit of advice for anyone reading this ... follow your dreams. It's never too late. Get started today ... heck get started RIGHT NOW! Make your dreams reality.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00LJKT64Q
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Do Epic, LLC
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 4 July 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.7 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 468 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780991140220
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0991140220
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Bright Side
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 15 - 18 years
  • Customer reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 13,685 ratings

About the author

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Kim Holden

Kim Holden

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I live in Denver, Colorado with my high school sweetheart, our super cool son, two crazy weenie dogs, and a spoiled rotten kitty who rules us all. I'm a part-time storyteller, a full-time collector of tattoos and a sucker for good books, good music, and good people.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
13,685 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book well-written and engaging, with one describing it as a page-turner from the beginning. They appreciate the emotional depth, with one review highlighting the love between Gus and Kellar, and many noting it's an extremely emotional read that gives both tears and enjoyment. Customers praise the character development, with one mentioning feeling the characters' pain, and find it thought-provoking and inspirational, with one review noting its messages about self-love. The book receives positive feedback for its humor, romance, and plot length, with one customer noting how it grabs readers from the first chapter. Customers disagree on the book's predictability.

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161 customers mention ‘Story quality’161 positive0 negative

Customers love the story of this book, describing it as well-written and beautiful, with one customer noting it's a page-turner.

"...This book contains some important messages about self-love and self-worth and being true to yourself and always making the best out of life...." Read more

"...Bright Side is one hell of a page turner, and if you can get over the excessive use of the word, 'dude' in the early pages, you will come to realise..." Read more

"...Super smart and musically gifted, she uses her positive outlook to reflect on others just what they have and to make the most of it...." Read more

"...really heart-breaking. super sad ending but definitely worth the read however 1 main part of this book (SPOILER ALERT) : ...." Read more

143 customers mention ‘Emotional content’107 positive36 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, describing it as heart-warming and tear-inducing, though some note it is sad and tragic.

"...Kate is an amazing MC - funny, warm, loyal, open, caring, honest, and she pushed those around her to be the best version of themselves...." Read more

"Bright Side is one of the most empowering, emotional and unforgettable reads of 2014! "Today, my life is awesome...." Read more

"...Super smart and musically gifted, she uses her positive outlook to reflect on others just what they have and to make the most of it...." Read more

"i loved the way it was written 10/10 for the writing style really heart-breaking. super sad ending but definitely worth the read..." Read more

63 customers mention ‘Character development’63 positive0 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, describing them as loveable and character-driven, with one customer noting how real they feel and another mentioning how they make you want to hug them.

"...This is very much a character driven story-don't expect any major plot twists or turns because there aren't any; it isn't that kind of book...." Read more

"...of substance, honesty, empowerment, and with three of the most amazing characters I have ever had the privilege to meet...." Read more

"...The way she is written, the fortitude and character that is portrayed are ones that I would hope to have if I was in her position but in my heart I..." Read more

"...I think Kim Holden did an amazing job of character development with her...." Read more

52 customers mention ‘Inspiration’52 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspirational and thought-provoking, with one customer noting how it puts a positive spin on everything in life and another mentioning its important messages about self-love.

"...This book contains some important messages about self-love and self-worth and being true to yourself and always making the best out of life...." Read more

"...This is that book. A story of substance, honesty, empowerment, and with three of the most amazing characters I have ever had the privilege to..." Read more

"...absorb each word, let the humour envelope you, let the friendships endear themselves to you and let the love that is found show you that no matter..." Read more

"...and presented us with a female lead that is strong, humorous, stubborn (in a good way) and inspirational...." Read more

46 customers mention ‘Humor’46 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous, describing it as a joy to read with parts that make them laugh and cry.

"...Kate is an amazing MC - funny, warm, loyal, open, caring, honest, and she pushed those around her to be the best version of themselves...." Read more

"...what makes her really shine is the dialogue, this girl has a wicked sense of humour, her comebacks are absolutely epic...." Read more

"...developed and presented us with a female lead that is strong, humorous, stubborn (in a good way) and inspirational...." Read more

"...I love that it's written with such believability you forget it's a work of fiction, you find yourself being totally drawn in and feel the emotions!..." Read more

12 customers mention ‘Romance’12 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, appreciating the love story and hot characters, with one customer describing it as an incredible flirt.

"...It tells of new friendships, of love, of trust, and everything in-between, and you bask in its glory from start to finish...." Read more

"...to read; humorous, strong, positive, independent, caring, witty and loving. I think Kim Holden did an amazing job of character development with her...." Read more

"...He has a story which left me with my mouth wide open. An incredible flirt, charming and too good-looking without being overly big-headed, doesn’t..." Read more

"...first of all I loved Kate. what a lovely remarkable woman this was. Love and kindness radiated from her, hope and joy too. everyone loved her...." Read more

11 customers mention ‘Plot length’8 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the plot length of the book, with one mentioning it grabs them from the first chapter, while another notes it deserves to be very long.

"...This author is phenomenally talented and she deserves to have a very long, very successful career...." Read more

"...Kim is yet another Author who has caught me, gripped at my heart strings and tugged at them...." Read more

"...This book tried too hard. It had about 20 different plot lines, each one trying to pull at those heart strings...." Read more

"this book is a cant put down book from the first page. it grabs you and doesnt let you go, the characters are adorable, the writing style is fluid..." Read more

10 customers mention ‘Predictability’4 positive6 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the predictability of the book, with several finding it predictable, while one customer describes it as totally unexpected.

"...to say what I loved was also what I hated - it was all too easy and predicable...." Read more

"...It made me want to live my own life, but in a more positive and spontaneous way. To say it simply, she inspired me...." Read more

"..."Love is an elusive, unrealistic, foreign concept. I know some people feel it and it's not that I'm hardened...." Read more

"...Kate aka Brightside was very witty as well as mysterious and made me laugh out loud in places...." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Siobhan Davis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Breathtakingly Brilliant
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 April 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I've sat at my laptop for the last ten minutes attempting to structure my thoughts into some type of coherent form so I can write a review that will do this book justice. But the truth is I'm still struggling to come to terms with this story and get over the epic-and I mean EPIC-cryfest I engaged in during the latter part of the book. The last time I sobbed my heart out like that was after reading Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma and even that pales in comparison.

    I picked up this book months ago on the recommendation of one of the readers in my Street Team and it kinda fell by the wayside as I have so many ARCs to read that I tend to one-click books and not get to them for ages. Then, I recently saw this advertised on Bookbub and it reminded me that I had to read it. My husband was out last night so I decided I'd quit work early and start reading this. I had to put it down at 3.30 a.m. purely because I couldn't keep my eyes open. I finished it a little while ago and I swear, I don't think my heart will be the same.

    I can't believe this is a debut work because it's absolutely magnificent. This is very much a character driven story-don't expect any major plot twists or turns because there aren't any; it isn't that kind of book. Character development is superb and the authenticity and uniqueness of Kate's voice are wonderfully refreshing. Kate is an amazing MC - funny, warm, loyal, open, caring, honest, and she pushed those around her to be the best version of themselves. She lit up the pages of my kindle like she lit up the people around her. Gus and Kellar were both wonderful too and the other characters weren't just relegated to the sidelines either.

    The connection between Gus and Kate was uber special. In real life, I think two people like that would be a couple but I was okay with them remaining friends because it works here. They adore one another, support one another and know one another inside and out. Gosh, I just loved them! Kellar was fantastic too and I was rooting for him and Kate and dying for them to get their act together.

    Ms Holden sure knows how to pack a mighty emotional punch behind her beautiful prose. I felt everything these characters were feeling especially at the end. God, I'm welling up again just thinking about it.

    This book contains some important messages about self-love and self-worth and being true to yourself and always making the best out of life. While the story itself is tragic, it was also uplifting.

    I think this review is probably rather rambly and all over the place but it just goes to show where my head and my heart is at in this moment. I may come back to rewrite this as I want to do it justice. This book deserves the hype. This author is phenomenally talented and she deserves to have a very long, very successful career. I will most definitely be checking out more of her work and I have just, in fact, downloaded a copy of Gus courtesy of my KU subscription.

    Absolutely breathtaking. Grab a copy of this book, you won't be sorry.
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  • Perusing Princesses Blog
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bright Side is one of the most empowering, emotional and unforgettable reads of 2014! 5-STARS
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 October 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Bright Side is one of the most empowering, emotional and unforgettable reads of 2014!

    "Today, my life is awesome. I don't want to think about tomorrow. Or the day after that. So I repeat to myself: Today, my life is awesome."

    Bright Side isn't just another college based romance, this is a journey of life. Sometimes it's insanely beautiful, a gift, while at others, it can be arduous and painful. This is that book. A story of substance, honesty, empowerment, and with three of the most amazing characters I have ever had the privilege to meet.

    As far as heroines go, Kate Sedgwick is up there with the best. She is fun-loving, sassy, intelligent and witty with the heart of a thousand Angels. Her character shines and her zest for life is inspiring and addictive. No matter what is thrown at her, she takes it on the chin, stands up straight and puts a positive spin on everything, even the bad. But what makes her really shine is the dialogue, this girl has a wicked sense of humour, her comebacks are absolutely epic. Everyone needs a Katie in their life, even if it's only in this wondrous world of literary make-believe... regardless, she's penetrated and set up home in my heart, therefore, for me, she is very real indeed. I can only attribute that to the wonderful writing. This is my first book by Kim Holden and it won't be my last!

    Besides Katie, there are two other characters that made this book for me;

    Gus, the straight-talking, aspiring rock star best friend.

    And

    Keller, the beautiful coffee shop boy who likes to keep people at a comfortable distance.

    Katie never wanted to fall in love, and sleeping with Gus on her last night at home before embarking on her new college experience wasn't in the itinerary. For fear of it causing complications, she sticks to her plans and moves to Grant, near Minneapolis with somewhat of a heavy heart.

    Gus never felt happiest then that one night only with his best friend, but he is adamant that his girl, his Bright Side follows her dreams, and he follow his. Being on the road with a band is no place for a young woman who wants nothing more than to educate herself in teaching children with special needs. That's Bright Side, always willing to put others before herself, even him.

    Keller works at Grounds, the coffee shop near campus. A major in pre-law, he keeps himself to himself, and saves every penny he makes so he can pop back home to Chicago every other weekend. He isn't forthcoming with information and Katie is happy to let it slide, after all... everyone has secrets, even her.

    Falling in love should be met with joy, instead for Katie, it is met with crushing guilt and fear.

    Keller isn't backing down, Gus isn't keen on letting her go, and Katie... is met with a difficult decision. Do you live for the moment, take what you can and hold onto it with both hands, or do you walk away, knowing that your path is set in stone, and no matter what you do to change it, the outcome will always be the same?

    I will leave it there, I don't want to give away any spoilers, but what I will say is this story is profoundly deep, sensual, fun and thought-provoking.

    It tells of new friendships, of love, of trust, and everything in-between, and you bask in its glory from start to finish.

    Bright Side is one hell of a page turner, and if you can get over the excessive use of the word, 'dude' in the early pages, you will come to realise it's the best endearment ever.

    Also, great news... Gus is getting his own book in 2015. <3

    5 'DO EPIC, DUDE' STARS!

    READ IT!
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • NC
    5.0 out of 5 stars I laughed, I cried, I was angry, I was inspired.
    Reviewed in Canada on 18 November 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This book was a total emotional ride. The dialogue was laugh-out-loud funny even during the sad parts. Katie is such an inspirational, strong and loveable character. I want her as my friend/cheerleader!

    I couldn't believe the big heart and positive outlook that Kate possessed. I've not read a story to date that made me cry my eyes out. I'm not a crier; I'm not an emotional person, especially regarding fiction. But WOW did this book get to me. It was so raw that I couldn't finish because I couldn't stop crying and the words became blurry. It was as though I was rejecting the ending that I knew was coming. If I didn't finish reading then it wouldn't happen.

    I loved all the characters. Kate touched everyone she encountered. I came to care for everyone and enjoyed their development/journey as the story unfolded. I liked that the story was told from Katie's and Keller's POV. It made it somehow more heartfelt.

    This is definitely a story that will stay with me for a long time. There are so many wise quotes regarding Kate's outlook on life. So many highlighted passages. I call them "Kate-isms"; "What would Kate do?"
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  • D.O.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Oh, my God…
    Reviewed in Japan on 30 August 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Beware… You’re in for one hell of a ride. I started and had to stop it almost immediately because I knew in my heart I would fall in love and crash down hard. Totally worth it though.
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  • Sofia Bengtsson
    5.0 out of 5 stars never cried this much before
    Reviewed in Sweden on 18 January 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I've never cried this much to a book before. I loved this so much
    Report
  • Marta
    5.0 out of 5 stars óptimo estado e envio super rápido!
    Reviewed in Spain on 9 September 2021
    Verified Purchase
    O livro chegou em ótimo estado, antes da data prevista e o preço foi muito bom.
    Report
  • Léa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bien
    Reviewed in France on 26 January 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Facile à lire pour un niveau moyen en anglais
    Report

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