Sunlight Finds You

by Laura Moriarty, Amanda Stribling (Narrator)

11 hours, 26 minutes

A forbidden love blows open the world of a teenage girl, altering the trajectory of her life – from the author of the New York Times bestseller The Chaperone

"A cancel-your-plans, hold-your-breath, call-your-best-friend kind of book." —Amy Jo Burns

"Illuminates the beguiling power of first love through characters whose teenage choices precipitate lifelong consequences." —Sarah McCoy

It’s 1949, early in the Cold War, but St. Petersburg, Florida, is warm and lush. For seventeen-year-old Nora, it’s paradise, especially after she meets and wins over Leonard, the shy, brilliant son of transplanted New Yorkers. Nora and Leonard are soon spending balmy days and evenings together, and in her adoring company, he grows more confident, even as he remains tender and caring. Leonard’s mother is welcoming, but his father is more suspicious of Nora and her lower class family. When forced to cut contact, Nora takes a chance that changes her exiling her from the family she loves, and setting off a chain of secrets and betrayals that will follow her into adulthood.

A layered and propulsive love story set in the past, but with much to say about our present, Sunlight Finds You is ultimately about extending forgiveness—for ourselves, and for others—and about refusing to settle for a life that is less than full.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Historical, Coming Of Age, Literary Fiction, Audiobook

Audible Audio

First published August 4, 2026

About the author

Laura Moriarty earned a degree is social work before returning for her M.A. in Creative Writing at the University of Kansas. She was the recipient of the George Bennett Fellowship for Creative Writing at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. She lives in Lawrence, Kansas. http://www.lauramoriarty.net/bio.htm)

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

So the cover of this book had me a little worried that the story wouldn’t have much depth.
I really needn’t have worried.
This is historical fiction, but also an epic love story… a first love… set in the 50’s.
It’s a beautiful story and I couldn’t put it down.
Leonard and Nora meet in high school in St Petersburg, Florida and after some time, circumstances tear them apart.
They both go through so much emotion and pain.
This novel will follow them until their thirties.
The story is very character driven.
It’s a story of forgiveness, finding yourself, and love.
After finishing I discovered it’s a Read With Jenna pick.

[Madeline Gautreaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not think I can put into words how special this story is. Watching Nora and Leonard’s love grow, change, evolve, disappear, and return over the course of about 15 years was a true pleasure. Moriarty weaves themes of loss, self-acceptance, and forgiveness in ways that shed true light on how interconnected we are with our pasts and with one another. I truthfully could not put this book down, and I credit Moriarty’s ability to make you feel so immersed in the story for that. I feel this will be a great hit when it hits the shelves in August, and I cannot wait to see what others interpret this novel as. Thank you NetGalley for an e-arc, and Riverhead for a physical copy!

[Maren’s Reads]

This book is calling my name. The cover, the synopsis and the rave reviews have me so intrigued. Thank you Riverhead for sending a copy my way!

[Janet Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not the summery beach read romance I was expecting. To be fair, the back does mention “secrets and betrayals” so maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised. It was a bit of an emotional roller coaster and the author skillfully lead me to fall in love with her characters (or despise them, depending on her intent). There was a lot of depth, sadness and beauty and I’ve continued thinking about it since finishing it yesterday.

[Tracy Greer-Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 “highly recommend” stars ⭐️

We will all relate to this book. The first love. Do you remember how it felt and the sacrifices we were willing to make to keep it?

This book takes place in the 1950s. Leonard and Nora, are two teenagers that meet in high school and develop a friendship. The friendship soon turns into a
propulsive love; but when one of the families find out, they are not encouraged to stay together. Leonard leaves for war and leaves Nora to navigate a crisis without him.

This book will sweep you away. You will root for Nora and will be anxious to see how her life unfolds.

This book runs in the same vein as “The Bright Years” and “Broken Country”. It will be hard to put down and there is a dog. 🐶 The sweetest dog to add icing to the cake.

[Shantha (ShanthasBookEra) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars [This book is a] "cancel-your-plans, hold-your-breath, call-your-best-friend, unmissable triumph." - Amy Jo Burns

It may be the Cold War, but in 1949 in St. Petersburg, Florida, it is warm, lush, and filled with sunshine and opportunity. For 17-year-old Nora, she is thrilled to capture the heart of Leonard, the son of wealthy New Yorkers. His mother adores her but his father is suspicious of her and doesn't trust her.

When the unthinkable happens, Nora is forced to cut ties. It has a ripple effect on her life for many years while she is an outcast, separated and cut off from everyone who loved her.

This novel is full of everything I love about reading. It explores the impact of judgment, secrets, betrayal, forgiveness and love. It is a propulsive page-turner so you will stay up past your bedtime to find out what happens next. Nora is fully fleshed out and human nature is fully explored. I highly recommend reading this historical romance full of sunlight.

The audiobook performance by Amanda Stribling (11 hours 26 minutes) is absolutely fantastic! It made Nora's character jump off the page and made me feel as if she truly existed.

Many thanks Riverhead Books, PRH Audio and Laura Moriarty for the gifted advance listening copy and finished copy. All opinions are my own. 📚🎧

[Aggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This raw and deeply moving story of a love that survives the test of time captured my heart so entirely that I finished it wishing for just a few more chapters.

Told from the perspective of an older, wiser Nora Chesnow looking back on her youth, the story explores themes of separation, maternal sacrifice, self-determination, and forgiveness.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfection. I loved every word.

[cursedb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was expecting a fairly classic romance when I picked this up, but it ended up giving me goosebumps. It would be unfair to call this book simply a romance because it blends so many different elements, including coming-of-age, drama, and historical fiction. I became completely invested in the story and found myself rooting for the characters from beginning to end. The writing was so easy to read and immersive that I felt like I was living alongside them and experiencing everything firsthand. I especially loved how all the different pieces of the story gradually came together throughout the journey. And I really loved the ending. I honestly didn’t expect the love story to become this grand or emotionally significant, so that was probably the biggest surprise for me. I went in expecting a romance and ended up getting a much bigger, more emotional story than I anticipated.

[Cindy Burnett (Thoughts from a Page) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Fabulous on audio!

[booksontherunway • Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was completely invested in Nora’s life. It explores the shame and impossible choices women faced in the 1950s & I just couldn’t stop reading.

[Rachel Tenderenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Won a free Kindle copy via Goodreads Giveaways**

Fantastic historical fiction novel exploring a wide range of life experiences and emotions-grief, family dynamics, motherhood, betrayal. I was locked in and engaged through the entire novel. Laura Moriarty is a spectacular story teller and this did not disappoint.

[Kate Steffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
The cover art didn't prepare me for the deep themes in this wonderful novel. It is a coming of age story set in the 1950s when everything was so much harder for a young couple in love. The characters are so endearing that their struggles and poor choices completely break your heart. Be ready for some really heavy topics— love, family, shame, war, loyalty, betrayal and forgiveness. But beware! It is very hard to put down!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Amy Howell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this one. It was not at all what I was expecting. There were some parts that were very engrossing and then I felt like some things were kind of glossed over. I think we missed out on some details but I can see where this could’ve gotten very long with those added. I would have liked to have seen their love develop more and have more content with them together but, overall this was pretty good. I did like how it was placed in the late 40’s-50’s and the way in which life was very different then.

[Jennifer Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot even begin to tell you how much I loved this book! So thankful to Read With Jenna because this wasn’t even on my radar and it’s going to be a contender for favorite book of the year. I loved the storyline, the book references, the historical aspect with the Korean War, and mostly the emotional impact this has on you. Parts of this book gutted me. I didn’t just need a tissue, I needed the whole box. The raw, visceral emotions I had to this were shocking. This pulls you in so much you can imagine yourself being Nora or at a minimum like you’re living life along side her. It’s also very eye opening but it would be a spoiler if I went into more detail about that. I can’t recommend this enough, there is just something really extra special about this book!

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOWWWWW. Book of the summer finally! Have never found myself rooting for two characters so much - was truly invested in this story from start to finish. So many emotions and a true rollercoaster - couldn't recommend this more!

[Mechaela - lyrically.bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inhaled this book in two sittings! It was an emotional rollercoaster of a story but I loved being in the mind of our FMC, Nora. Watching her learn and grow through unimaginable betrayal, deception and harsh life lessons made me feel so connected to her as a character. I’ve never rooted for a character more! I’m so proud of her (yes, because I feel like I know her) and how her kind, beautiful heart didn’t become completed jaded in the end. Such a heartfelt story & I am so happy I read this 🫶🏼

[Tina Dooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t read it fast enough! 5 stars for me!

[Denise Deen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.......This is a tragic, riveting and beautifully told coming of age love story set in St. Petersburg Florida in the 1950's. It explores the shame and impossible choices women faced during that era about careers, pregnancy, motherhood and divorce. Told from Nora's (MFC) point-of-view 15 years later in her life I was totally captivated by her voice, her reasoning, her guilt, her remorse, her familial obligations and her passion. At times I wanted to hug her and then I would want to shake her for her gullibility and fear, but that is being judged by a woman 30 years into her future when the patriarchal hold was loosening and the standards of society were more compassionate and understanding.
The story is told simply, through Nora's voice, and the pace drags a bit in the middle but overall it was an engrossing and thought provoking read that I read in one day. So, I highly recommend this masterfully narrated love story. It kind of gives off The Notebook type vibes.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites this summer! Do not judge this book by the cover - it’s much more than a love story. This is about history, families, forgiveness, regret, loss…. Loved this story

[Christen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite type of book!

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounding up to 5 ⭐️

What a beautiful, completely captivating read. I could not put this book down!!!

[Ticey Geyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

🎧 3.5

I really wanted to love this more, but it just never quite got there for me. It is a heartbreaking journey, but I never really connected with the characters, so I'd place it solidly in the 3.5-star category.

[Alecia (aleciareadsitall) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you PRH audio for the gifted audiobook ALC to listen to and review!

Nora and Leonard are two high school kids that fall in love fast. Although they are initially supportive, Leonard’s wealthy and reputation-concerned parents force the two kids apart. Lies, secrets, and betrayal are prevalent in the years that follow, leading to life altering paths for the teens and their families.

This was a quietly tragic and beautiful novel that really hit me in an unexpected way. There were lots of things I expected, based on the time period. But that didn’t change the empathy and rage I felt over the hurdles and challenges that Nora, especially, had to face as a character.

This is a hard one to review without giving too much away, so I’ll keep it short and sweet and say that this one is a great summer read for those who love a character-driven story with complex family dynamics.

The narration is fabulous, breathing life into the various characters throughout the story. Audio is a great way to go for this one.

[Angie Miale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunlight Finds You is the kind of historical fiction that makes you desperately want to reach through the pages, give its main character a hug, and tell her that someday her world will be bigger than the people currently making decisions for her.

Set in St. Petersburg, Florida, in the late 1940s at the dawn of the Cold War, the novel follows teenager Nora as she falls in love with a boy named Leonard. Leonard’s parents are not particularly happy about their relationship, and what follows changes the course of Nora’s life. I’m going to leave the plot description there because this is a book where even seemingly small details can become spoilers—and I think it’s much better to experience Nora’s story without knowing where it is headed.

While there is a love story woven through the novel, I would call this a coming-of-age story much more than a romance. Laura Moriarty does such a wonderful job immersing us in postwar America, particularly in the expectations placed on young women. The traditional structure of the American family was beginning to change, but there were still people desperately trying to hold on to the past—and sometimes willing to lie, manipulate, and hurt the people they loved in order to preserve their idea of what a family should look like.

That was probably the most compelling part of the novel for me. Nora is surrounded by adults who believe they know what is best for her, even when their choices cause enormous harm. She is such an easy character to care about, and I spent much of this book wanting to scoop her up and protect her. That feeling is one of the things I love most about a really effective coming-of-age novel.

The late-1940s Florida setting is also beautifully rendered. Against the backdrop of the emerging Cold War, Moriarty captures a country caught between two eras—looking toward a rapidly changing future while still clinging fiercely to older ideas about women, marriage, respectability, and family.

I tandem-read this one in physical and audio formats, and it absolutely kept me turning pages (and immediately putting my headphones back on whenever I had to put the book down). Readers who enjoy the emotional historical fiction of Kristin Hannah, Fiona Davis, and Beatriz Williams should find a lot to appreciate here.

And fair warning: this is sad. There is melancholy here, but there are also moments that edge much closer to devastating. I think the ending is intended to leave us with hope, although I suspect some readers—myself included—may walk away finding the story more depressing than hopeful.

Still, Nora and Leonard are characters I expect will stay with me for a very long time.

Read this when you’re in the mood for historical fiction that completely immerses you in another era—and when you’re prepared for a good cry.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars

[Kyle Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️. Audiobook. I will start by saying do not let this gorgeous cover fool you, this book is as far away from a fun pool read as I can imagine. My heart was absolutely devastated by this book and while it did manage to slowly piece parts of it back together by the end, it was a tragic and overwhelming journey of forgiveness (of self and others), so consider yourself warned.

This starts off in Florida 1949 and spans the next decade. I can say that I have not read as much in this time period and the exploration of race and women rights in the south during this time, as well as the Korean War, was enlightening for me. I don’t want to give much away as I went in blind and I’m glad I did. I will share we start off with Nora and Leonard, and their beautiful first love romance blossoming, despite their different social standings. Leonard decides to enlist in an attempt to escape his family duty and give them a shot at a future together, but does not consult with Nora ahead of time. What ensues is a ton of miscommunication, deception, tragic circumstances, and misunderstandings that lead to life events that can never be undone and maybe never forgiven. I was enraged and heartbroken throughout this book, and I just know it is going to stay with me. Trigger warnings: emotional and physical abuse, rape, loss of a child, war crimes, racism, sexism.

[Christie Lampe · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I pick up a book with nearly 475 pages, I generally think it needed better editing. However, there wasn’t anything I’d change about this book. I’d never heard of this author, but thought the story sounded promising and decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did.

I could hardly put this book down. It was one of the rare reads that I carried with me down the hall to the laundry room to change a load from the washer to the dryer just trying to read a few more pages. Normally, I’d tire of one character’s perspective for the entirety of a book this long. Not the case here. I loved Nora, and while I won’t provide any spoilers, I was completely engrossed and invested in her story.

Sometimes I enjoy the celebrity picks; other times I don’t. This one was truly special and I found myself recommending it to others before I even finished it. Thank you to Jenna for bringing this book to light. It’s a gem. I’d give it more than five stars if I could.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. The good writing drew me in as it was good storytelling. But the main character became so obsessed and upset by something that occurs early in the book that she was cruel to people that cared for her. I was also ready for her to just get over it and move on. The rest of the book just hinges on that so you keep getting hit over the head about how upset she is. I did learn a bit about our involvement with the Korean War.

[Michelle Dunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books was more than amazing. It is historical fiction set in the 1950s but so much more than that. It is a love story and I had such a hard time putting it down.

Leonard and Nora met in high school in St Petersburg, Florida and they are ultimately pulled apart by their families.

What Nora goes through is just heartbreaking and then we find out what Leonard went through in the Korean war and we are heartbroken all over again.

This story is about love and how true love never dies.