This was quite a different read for me. I thought it was so powerful and thought-provoking.

To give someone a chance in life proves to work out in this story. Milo is a good influence on Tilda I think. I feel as though she was a bit stuck in a rutt with things in her life, just plodding on through life and not really getting a real sense of achievement and pride for herself, for overcoming things and remaining strong even when she felt weak.

Milo changes a lot of Tilda's opinions and reconnects her with people she never believes would still love her.

I absolutely loved this story of overcoming really hard times and being proud of what had come of it. Getting back in touch with family that we're once lost.

Tilda also did an amazing thing for Milo too because he was living on the streets and she offered him refuge temporarily (unsure it was a good idea at first). He also reconnected with people he thought wouldn't accept him after all that had happened.

Beautiful ending to quite a sad but thought provoking story. Some things didn't end happily but the journey along the way was so good to read and it would have been less realistic if it was a fully happy ending!

Tilda Wright hit rock bottom, climbed back up again, and organised her life exactly as she wants.
A chance encounter with Milo, a man who has fallen on hard times, turns Tilda's routine on its head.
I liked A Single Act of Kindness though I didn't love it. The Yves branch of the storyline is a twig that could have been snapped off and discarded. I found it unnecessary to the storyline.

Tilda Wright had no idea that the day she stopped and had an unintentional conversation with a homeless man would be the day that her rigidly ordered life would begin to change.

Tilda owned a cleaning business. She was honest to the point of bluntness and liked routine, tidiness, cleanliness and order, and keeps herself to herself. The girl who’d survived the depths of despair had sworn to keep people at arms length…that way you don’t get hurt. She’d passed the homeless man, whose name she learned was Milo, several times on her way home but the day she saw her inherited cat on his knee brought about an unprecedented conversation and help with a leak.

Despite her ingrained trust issues, after finding Milo the victim of a mugging and with a streaming cold, Tilda offered him the use of her sofa, just for a night. Tilda could appreciate Milo’s plight, although she kept those feelings to herself, and yet she found herself, quite out of character, offering him what may be a solution of sorts.

I really enjoyed learning about both characters and what had brought them to this point in their lives. Milo is beyond grateful for Tilda’s rather grumpy kindness and it was good to see them both becoming more relaxed and easy in each other’s company and sharing parts of their pasts. Tilda especially begins to realise change and opening herself to people and friendships needn’t be a bad thing. Reconciliation, however, can be harder to deal with.

There are several significant issues raised throughout the story and explored sensitively. The characters are believable, engaging and three dimensional. An emotional, well written and ultimately satisfying read. I also like the way the cover image suggests (to me anyway) the different choices of how to live life.

First of all thank you for approving my request!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The authors writing style had me hooked throughout this book.

I didn't want it to end, a book I really couldn't put down.

A good thought provoking book. Tilda is a character that I couldn't take to at the beginning of the book but as I carried on reading she definitely grew on me, Milo on the other hand was immediately likeable. I loved the way the book grew and how the one act of kindness changed everything making it a very enjoyable read.

Absolutely superb story, as always Samantha Tongue is a beautiful author with words that effortlessly glide off the pages. Her stories are a daydream, so easy to get lost in and remember,

I loved the characters and felt quite connected to Tilda FMC of the book and found her well written and easy to understand and feel for. Milo was adorable but Samantha always writes the best characters, I just adored the way they were written to both counteract each others main characteristics but also to slot so perfectly together.

The whole 'single act of kindness' premise was really wonderful and definitely something we should all take in mind! This is definitely the book the world needs right now

“A Single Act of Kindness” by Samantha Tonge is a heartwarming and uplifting novel that beautifully showcases the ripple effects of a simple good deed. The story centres on Tilda, a woman whose life takes an unexpected turn after helping a stranger in need. Tonge masterfully weaves together themes of friendship, community, and the power of kindness, creating a narrative that is both touching and inspiring.
Tilda is a relatable protagonist in many ways, and her journey of self-discovery and healing is both engaging and moving. The cast of supporting characters adds depth and warmth to the story, especially her young niece – a favourite character of mine.
Tonge’s writing is filled with warmth and empathy, reminding us that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on others' lives. A Single Act of Kindness is a feel-good read that will leave you with a renewed sense of hope and a smile on your face. Highly recommended for anyone in need of a little positivity!

Tonge’s writing is infused with warmth and empathy, making the characters feel remarkably real and relatable. The protagonist, whose journey is central to the narrative, faces personal challenges that are both touching and inspiring. Through her interactions with the villagers, we see how acts of kindness can bridge gaps between people, mend broken relationships, and heal old wounds.
"A Single Act of Kindness" is a reminder of the power we all hold to make a difference in the lives of those around us. It's a beautifully written, uplifting read that encourages us to reflect on our own actions and their potential to bring about positive change. Samantha Tonge has crafted a novel that is both poignant and uplifting, leaving readers with a renewed sense of hope and inspiration
Thank you NetGalley and Tonges team for my ARC!

I totally loved this book!!

Tilda is a very self-contained woman who runs a cleaning business. She doesn't let anyone into her world, except for her cat, and she had no choice there because the previous owners of the house left the cat behind and so she felt obliged to feed her etc. This lady has been through so much and there were parts of this book where I really felt like crying, especially the parts about her early life. I can relate so much to that. I love the descriptions of the cat. I am a crazy cat lady and so those parts really spoke to me :)

Milo is a guy who is sleeping rough. On one memorable night, Tilda gives him a hand, and finds herself gradually changing her strict routines and letting Milo into her life. Very, very slowly.

Both characters are broken in different ways and it speaks to the skill of the author that this book gently weaves its way into your heart.

It is a story about courage, friendship, love in various forms but it IS confronting as well, in parts. I have never had an addiction problem, thankfully, but perhaps some parts of this novel could be triggering for some.

Beautiful. I just didn't want the story to end.

Would love to read more by this author.

5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

I loveee Samantha Tonge and this book is so good, it's fun, its thought provoking, engaging and the perfect summer or anytime read.
More.

2 stars. i dnfed this. i don't know, i just couldn't get into the story. might try reading this again later.

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!! This book was so engaging and emotional, Tilda and Milo are wonderful characters who both deserve a happy ending even though their past makes them believe otherwise. I think the fact that the author deals with difficult subjects sensitively and with humour and hope it makes for such an uplifting story. This is definitely one of those books that will make you feel much more positive and make life seem a lot brighter. It also really does prove how much difference a single act of kindness can make!!

This was an interesting novel full of emotional vulnerability, from alcoholism to bullying and family trauma. When Tilda invites Milo, a homeless man around her age into her home, it becomes a story of who saved who.

This is a brilliant book and I would highly recommend it.
At first I wasn’t entirely sure about it. Tilda is a complex character with rigid routines and a seemingly hard personality and I didn’t warm to her (although I suspect that is the point). Milo is a far easier character to like although his issues is some ways are more open. The book deals with some sensitive subjects in a way that is both honest and up front as well as gentle and I found myself increasingly invested in the characters and their story.
Definitely recommend

This is the first book I have read by Samantha Tonge, and it will not be the last. “A Single act of Kindness” is a story that made me laugh, cry, cringe and sigh.

Twenty-eight year old Tilda leads her life in a highly rigid and structured way. It feels safe that way. But she also notices the beauty in life’s small moments, like in nature. One day she meets a homeless man in need of a second chance and a single act of kindness. Tilda offers him a place to stay and they change each other in ways neither could have foreseen.

Thank you to Samantha Tonge, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC that I truly enjoyed and had a hard time putting down. I loved the characters, their humanity, pain, idiosyncrasies and love of life. A solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"A Single Act of Kindness" by Samantha Tonge is a touching and emotional story that balances serious themes with warmth and humour. It follows Tilda Wright, who lives a meticulously ordered life to cope with past traumas, and her journey with Milo, a homeless man she reluctantly helps. Despite tackling heavy issues like homelessness and addiction, the novel remains uplifting and inspiring.

The characters are richly developed, with Tilda's cautious nature and Milo's desperate circumstances creating a compelling dynamic. The narrative's twists and emotional depth keep readers engaged, while moments of humour add charm.
Ultimately, "A Single Act of Kindness" is a heartfelt reminder of the power of kindness and its profound impact.

This is a book deals with some heavy issues – with a few real edge-of-the-seat moments, and not for the usual reasons – but balances them with a warmth, lightness, and humour that was enchanting. It’s a book that will make you cry and sometimes in frustration – but there were so many other times when I found myself laughing out loud. It’s powerful and emotional. Highly recommend.

Samantha Tonge writes such beautiful stories and this is no exception, I loved reading every page of this, it’s such a wonderful feel good story. My heart broke a little, but ultimately I knew it had to be this way, but it’s so uplifting and reminds you of the good that still exists in people, love it

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The title 'A Single Act of Kindness' lets you know what this book is going to be about, which is a little bit of a spoiler, but that in no way detracted from my enjoyment of this novel by the wonderful Samanthat Tonge, one our most accomplished writers; full stop, forget genre, etc.
This is a book with heart, soul and no lack of tenderness, despite Milo being a little hard to love at first. Tilda is, of course, hiding secrets, which I won't let slip. Though serious, I loved how it made me feel, and the twists kept me guessing. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next!
My thanks to Boldwood and Netgalley for the reading copy.

***TRIGGER WARNING:*** Past abandonment, estrangement, homelessness, health issues.

I have really enjoyed past books by Samantha Tonge which were women's fiction/romance.

This is very different and has a message of life's realities and what we each have to deal with. The beginning was atmospheric and I quickly got into the book. I did like Dettel the cat and he was very visually described. I quickly understood that Tilda had difficulties in life. As the book went on, I wish she'd have had more of an ability to look for the good within her reality every day and practise gratitude. This helps me daily.

I felt annoyed at Tilda for being so quick to judge Milo, even after he'd stayed more days at her house. How immediately grateful he was for her help and just anything she could offer was so touching.

There were some clichés (I won't give spoilers here) and they were down to Tilda's way of thinking, which was very closed off and untrusting. I know she had a hard past herself so that played a part in it I also know she was used to the simple, comfortable life she'd created for herself and wary of Milo at first, but he was willing and wanting to be helpful. I liked that side of him.

I was interested in meeting Milo and wondered how things would work out between him and Tilda. I actually liked him more than Tilda. The scenes with Dettel and Milo were so cute and made me miss the cats I have known and loved in my own life.

A Single Act of Kindness was a book to make me think and does tackle issues that aren't seen too often (and not nearly often enough) in books. It's heartbreaking, heartwarming and is a real lesson in life.

I hope this book goes a long way in showing us all how to be kinder. It's full of life lessons actually: be kind, think of others, help those in need and be more observant of the world around you: you never know when someone may need you and how your help could change their life.

Thanks to Samantha Tonge and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

4 stars