From the moment I picked up this book and read of the friends fulfilling a promise in Iceland I was totally hooked. The descriptive writing made me long to visit Iceland whilst the discovery of the Icelandic food had my taste buds longing to just taste. The struggles of a young chef seeking the true path for her life and talents was also very compelling.
I would not hesitate to highly recommend this book. A delightful read……but be prepared….you too may find this strong longing to visit Iceland!

I absolutely love this authors books so was looking forward to this Christmas read. This was so much more than a Christmas book and was a journey of self discovery and dealing with Grief and loss and making life affirming decisions.

The author really brings the setting of this book to life with their descriptions of the sights and sounds and smells so that you feel like you have been transported on a journey to the depths of Iceland from
The comfort of your arm chair.

This is a story of friendship and of
Community coming together and of the importance of seizing every opportunity
That comes your way and living each day as though it’s your last.

This is a beautiful read which will stay with me for a long time and has made me want to see the northern lights even more.

I believe Jo Thomas may have surpassed herself with this new book. It's phenomenal, and completely and utterly transported my head and heart into a remote part of Iceland, far away from the normal tourist locations, and getting to know a real community.

It's a community that pulls together in times of need, like when an avalanche blocks the only safe way in and out of the village. I really loved how they went out of their way to help each. And after some initial reluctance, how our stranded heroines, also were able to help too.

For best friends, Freya, Meg and Joanne all promised their fourth, Laura, that they would fulfil her bucket list, even once she was no longer here. And they were determined to view the Northern Lights, on what would have been Laura's 40th birthday.

They are only meant to be in Iceland for 3 days, for some relaxation, Northern Lights gazing all before going back to their incredibly busy lives.

But the elves and trolls of Iceland clear had other ideas, after they went off the beaten track in search of lights, didn't heed the weather warnings and were incredibly lucky that they were near to Petur's farm.

The descriptions of the landscape, the wildness of this remote Icelandic location were all so vivid, you felt as though you were alongside the characters. And since Freya is a chef, there is, as you may expect from a Jo Thomas novel, a strong foodie focus in this story, and of food being able to evoke memories.

I was completely enchanted by this book, and completely and utterly devoured it. I couldn't get enough of the writing, and the story, the characters, and even as I'm writing this, I'm wondering just what is happening in their lives, a few hours after finishing the book.

There is also an important message about sustainable farming practices, and how important it is not to pollute the water, as well as how it can be good to every now and then take a pause on your life and reflect and re-discover just what it is that will make you truly happy.

A triumphant book that I am already missing being able to read more of. Simply wonderful.

Thank you to Transworld and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

JO THOMAS – KEEPING A CHRISTMAS PROMISE ****

I read this novel in advance of publication through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

In a sense, a review is almost pointless. Having read several of her novels, you know what to expect: a well-crafted story in a magical setting. This doesn’t disappoint.

The opening: a group of friends chill in Spain and make a promise to each other. To go on holiday together every year. Meg, who is soon to be married, Joanna, the wealthy organiser and not so happily married, and Freya, the point of view character who is obsessed with the restaurant she oversees but doesn’t own. And Laura.

But Laura dies and her friends decide to go to Iceland just before Christmas for a short break to see the Northern Lights, one of the things on Laura’s bucket list. But nothing goes smoothly. The weather is too bad to see more than a few feet in front of them with the snow coming down, but despite that, despite warnings, they leave their warm hotel to drive on treacherous roads they have never driven on before, beyond sat navs and phone signals, and, guess what? They get stranded. Not only that, but in the middle of nowhere another car runs into the back of them on the ice. An English woman. Luckily, they find a farmhouse where a grumpy young man who smokes salmon and makes jewellery reluctantly puts them up for the night. And then overnight the road is blocked by an avalanche. So one night becomes five and the road is still not cleared, there is no power, and the community-minded young man goes by horse with hot food to all the outlying farms to check everyone is okay.

I don’t think it would be a surprise to reveal that Freya falls for this kind young man, gets involved in the lives of the Icelandic folk, and it all ends happily. But, if you can ignore the stupidity of them driving off-piste in a snow storm with worse weather to come, putting themselves and potential rescuers at risk, they are an amiable bunch. They bicker but they mean well and help others, and take the mysterious (why is she here in the middle of nowhere?) English woman into their fold, help a bunch of women rekindling their lives after abusive relationships, so what is there not to like? The setting is great, the story is well engineered, ticking every box of the genre – no wonder Jo Thomas is so popular.

“The Lights will show themselves when they’re ready to. Hunting them down won’t make them appear. Some things can’t be rushed.”

This will be remembered as my most unique Christmas read! I love that Jo Thomas has brought us something different than the regular ‘fall in love at Christmas’ book offering.

Thomas takes readers to Iceland where four friends are spending three days celebrating Laura’s 40th birthday by watching the Northern Lights. What makes this one different is that Laura has passed away and they are fulfilling a bucket list wish of hers. A few unforeseen events have the potential to turn this quick trip into a disaster, but it ends up being a Christmas to remember for a friend they’ll never forget.

It’s a foodie delight! Freya, the protagonist, is a chef and we see Iceland through her eyes. Thomas also focuses on environmental issues, sustainability, and elder care, while drawing our attention to the folklore of this island. She’ll have you believing in elves, longing for buried bread and putrid shark, and wishing you’d spent your childhood Christmases experiencing the Yule lads!

On a more serious note, I appreciated Thomas dealing with grief at Christmas as it’s not always a happy time for everyone. The time together highlighted arguments between the friends as they struggled to deal with their grief. The unplanned extended vacation meant that they had time and opportunity to see what was really important. I loved what it revealed in Freya’s life as I’ve recently appreciated the same lessons.

“Believe me, everyone in Iceland knows everyone else. It’s hard to change direction if everything around you is familiar. This place is somewhere for the women to take time out and get their lives back on track.” We all need a little red house and time to enjoy it, right?!

This book is stuffed with important lessons, nordic culture, great food and authentic characters. My favourite was Peter Snorrison!

The most important message for me was to learn to seize the day.

“We didn’t need to see the Lights to celebrate her life. We just needed to stop living ‘our best lives’ and take some time out to listen to our hearts.”

I was gifted this advance copy by Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Penguin and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

For me a Christmas book is a story with a hug. This certainly fitted the bill. The story is about a group of 3 friends travelling to Iceland to see the Northern lights. An activity that their missing friend had on her bucket list. The storyline is well defined and, with this type of romance, quite predictable. Just what you need for a quiet afternoon's read in front of a warming fire!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the advance copy of this book.

This is one of the most beautiful stories I have read in a long time. What appears to be a group of women going on a very expensive trip, goes so wrong - but so right! Decisions are made in a completely unexpected space that changes everyone's lives, individually and together.

This is an inspiring read about history and community and working together. I would recommend this to anyone!

Yet another great read from Jo Thomas .

Set in Winter in Iceland, Freya, Meg and Joanna go in search of the Northern Lights in memory of their friend Laura, the goal is to see the lights on what would have been her 40th birthday . Iceland's weather had other ideas and they are involved in a small accident in the middle of a snow storm... which culminates in an avalanche resulting in being stuck in a farmhouse with their host Petur. The village pulls together and the friends help out, learning quite a bit about each other despite being friends for over 20 years.


Great read... I'm hoping when I go to Iceland in October I will have an incident free trip...

Another delectable read . The atmosphere , food and traditions of Iceland ooze from each page capturing the senses and imagination in this feel good saga. Three friends fulfil their promise to the friend they lost 2 years previously and go to visit the Northern Lights . Their journey and experiences there are life changing . An excellent blend of atmosphere , traditions, self realisation , food and romance for added flavour

I absolutely love Jo Thomas and have read all her books several times. This is lovely story of three friends who go to Iceland to celebrate one of their friends 40th birthday - a promise was made to Laura before she died as she always wanted to see the Northern Lights. Freya, Meg and Joanna find themselves on a weekend break just before Christmas. But the best laid plans so to speak don’t go to plan ! when trapped by an avalanche in a very remote part of Iceland, and with little or no hope of getting back home in time for Christmas.
So they have to come to terms with having a different Christmas to the one they planned, ! And of course enter the handsome hero !
Loved the read but did find it a little different to the other stories but still loved it
As always my thanks to NetGalley and to Random House UK , Transworld Publishers and Penguin for the early read

I really enjoyed this story of four girls and their dreams, giving way to four ladies and their lives. It is very emotional at times, highs and lows, and makes you consider your own life plans.
Of course, there is a love story entwined within it, but the backdrop is the beauty of the surroundings, the food and the lives of the villagers.
My only issue is that the ending seemed to come quite suddenly, after weaving such a beautiful storyine, I would have liked the ending to have continued at the same pace.

A perfect Christmas read. Freya and her three best friends make a trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights, in memory of another friend who had this experience on her bucket list. A fun read, but with more substance than most Christmassy stories, highlighting the importance of keeping local communities intact and unspoilt, despite commercial pressure to have tourists flooding in. There's also a budding romance.

Another fantastic read by Jo, I so adore her books her attention to detail re the area and the local delectable edibles is amazing especially at Christmas time and keeping a Christmas promise is no exemption!
Four female friends make a bucket list when they are young and carefree, sadly one dies and her three remaining friends are determined to fulfil her wish to see the northern lights, so they embark on a trip to Iceland in her memory, life has changed dramatically for all of them since they made the bucket list 25 years previously but they are all determined to complete this wish!
A quick break away turns into a much longer stay due to an avalanche cutting them off and leaving them stranded in the middle of nowhere! Saved by the charismatic petur and taken to his farm, the friends have no choice but to embrace the wintery landscape and in doing so find out so much about themselves but more importantly the value of friendship, community and kindness as the remote village pulls together to ensure the local community are provided for and kept warm and fed all ably assisted by the stranded tourists!
Icelandic traditions, foods and customs abound with a smattering of romance making for a delectable read just perfect for Christmas time.
Thank you netgalley for this early read.

I am a huge fan of Jo Thomas books and was really looking forward to reading this book. Unfortunately I thought the beginning was a little repetitive not sure how many times I needed to read that Freya had cooked for her mom and Laura as they were dying. It was all a bit gloomy and soul searching. Ending was enjoyable with a few sparks thrown in. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

Jo, you can do no wrong.

I adore Thomas's stories and Keeping a Christmas Promise is no exception.

Festive feels and a real sense of community come across in this snowy tale.

And of course an added swoon-worthy romance makes it quite the read too.

Can't complain at getting a glimpse of an Icelandic hero!

With themes of domestic abuse, friendship, love and loss, Jo's writing style really does all of the subject matter justice.

The portrayal of grief was interesting as it was different for each character, not just a blanket of the same.

Refreshing.

Over all it is a story that left me feeling wonderfully hopeful, I'd like to have so many caring people surrounding me in my time of need!

Another must-read from this author

A lovely story of three friends who travel to Iceland to celebrate Laura’s 40th birthday - a promise they made to her before she died - as she had always dreamt of seeing the Northern Lights. So, Freya, Meg and Joanna find themselves on a long weekend break, just before Christmas. All doesn’t go to plan, however, when they find themselves trapped by an avalanche in a remote part of Iceland, with no hope of getting back home in time for Christmas.
As the three friends, and the woman, Frankie, who was trapped with them, come to terms with spending a different Christmas to the one they planned, all four rethink the direction that their lives are taking. At they same time they discover the real Iceland, away from the tourist areas, and find themselves helpful the small community stay warm and fed following the power cut caused by the storm and avalanche.
I wouldn’t necessarily class this as a Christmas book, rather a story that happens to take place at Christmas, however it is very atmospheric and I did like the characters. The story was a little repetitive at times, but I really enjoyed the book and look forward to Jo Thomas’s next book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was an unusual but thoughtful read with a lot or warmth (amongst the ice), good food and genuine escapism. What should have been a three night stay in Iceland to see the northern lights on what would have been their friends 40th birthday goes very wrong when, whilst out trying to find the lights, an avalanche leaves then stranded in an isolated community which has very much learnt to look out and care for its residents over the years. What I loved most was the way the situation made the friends have to take time to stop and look at their lives and despite the difficulties of real life in rural Iceland and the hard work that supporting each other took it makes you think about true priorities in life. This is far from your average winter holiday read but it’s very uplifting and certainly makes you think about what truly matters. 9/10

This is a really excellent read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My only reservation is about the number of characters which makes it difficult to follow all their stories and detracts from a the closer focus on the one I thought was the main character.
Great to see a story set in Iceland and which showed up the damage so many money making ideas can do to the natural world.

Thanks for my ARC - my review is my honest opinion.

I always enjoy books by this author but I really enjoyed this latest one. How wonderful to be stuck in Iceland in an area with no tourists and get to experience local life for a few days. The main character was interesting and I couldn’t put the book down, wanting to find out where each of the characters would end up after taking some time out to actually think about what was important to each of them. I’ve always wanted to to travel to that part of the world and after the author took me there in this wonderful story I’m even more eager to go there. Thank you netgalley

As said before, I adore Christmas books and I adore Jo Thomas books, but sadly this didn’t hit the heights for me. I so wanted to love it. It sounded absolutely gorgeous, but it fell flat for me.

I didn’t gel with any of our lead female characters. I didn’t think much of our dashing hero, and even Iceland itself didn’t get much of a big-up. I can’t say anything was particularly bad about it, it was pleasant to read, and I finished it, which is more than I can say for a number of other books, but I felt it was all a bit meh, a bit tepid, a bit vanilla. And that’s not what I expect from a Jo Thomas book or what I want from a festive offering.

I think one of the main things I didn’t particularly like, is I felt the characters weren’t developed enough. They were a bit predictable, and their jobs, their characteristics were thrown in when required but never developed enough for you to really have any opinion on, good or bad. They didn’t seem real, which is a shame, as I think character creation is something Jo Thomas is particularly good at.

I also found it very repetitive. People explaining the same thing again and again, tasks and days doing the same thing. It felt monotonous, like the ideas had run out. I understand that within the story, things have to be repeated to different groups of people, but for a reader it is a bit boring and frustrating.

There are random bits of storyline dropped in but never really developed into anything substantial. And I feel that if a plot point is important enough to mention several times (not just the one mention), then there should be a reason for it and it should be developed. But there are a few things in this book that are mentioned more than once, but they don’t have any real effect on the story and you wonder why they’re there at all.

Even though it’s not far off 400 pages, it felt slow and then rushed. It plods on for probably about 80% of the book, and then it’s like she panicked and said “I’ve only got a few pages left and so much to put in”, so then everything happens at once, including things that have never been eluded to in the previous pages and so seem a bit random. Confessions are made, people go missing, jobs are taken and left, people fall in and out of love etc. I think it would have flowed better if things had been touched upon throughout the book, with a payoff at the end, rather than nothing for ages and then wham, bam!

Overall, I was really disappointed in this one. I adore Jo Thomas’ books and it won’t stop me reading others by her, but I was definitely expecting more from this one.