This the first Samantha Tonge book I have read but, it certainly will not be the last! Thank you netgalley and Boldwood Books for this Arc.

Elena and Rory are not only colleagues, but have now ended up as housemates due to renovations on Rory's property. However, both are harbouring traumatic truths from their past and Elena fears her life is ploughing towards its untimely end with no power to stop it. Elena decides to throw caution to the wind and live her last few weeks to the max. However, once logical researcher Rory catches wind that something isn't right, he does everything he can to save Elena from the cards she has been dealt.

Whilst I did find the first 25% or so a bit slow, Rory and Elena felt a bit awkward and I was getting absolutely zero chemistry, I think I also initially struggled with the 'not knowing' that is constantly dangled in front of us for almost 50% of the book.

AND THEN, something just clicked and I could not put it down! There are so many loveable characters I cannot pick a favourite (just kidding, it's the stick insects...no really!) There are so many difficult emotions and experiences dealt with in this book, and the author handles each one with the tenderness and tact it deserves. I genuinely adored this book and one of my favourite things about Elena was how he reading hobby was portrayed.

4.5 stars 🌟

I am usually a great fan of Samantha Tonge’s writing but sadly this time the book didn’t convince me much. It took me a while to get into the story, never really warming completely to it. The only thing that kept me going was the mystery around Elena’s encounter when she was 10 and where she disappears. It gets marginally better after the first half, when the pace quickens a bit and it’s a pleasant enough story but not her usual standard ( she’s usually a lot deeper ) and not to my taste especially for the cheesy, shallow, predictable ending ( and yes, that includes the reason behind her behaviour and her disappearing).
I think the idea behind it is great, the outcome a little less so.
With many thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood and the author for an early copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read an ARC of The Promise of Tomorrow by Samantha Tonge, in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. A heartwarming, thoughtful, loving story of family, friendship, holding on, and letting go. Sometimes, what we don't see is more telling than what we do see.

I look forward to reading more by Samantha Tonge.

A beautiful story, I always look forward to a new Samantha Tonge book coming out and this one is a cracker written from the heart with warmth and charm which shine through the story. Absolutely adored Elena and Rory's story and the special friendship they shared as Elena decided she had to try and live her life more fully ,try new experiences and step out of her comfort zone as she was approaching her 30th birthday and a childhood memory that haunted her she thought it might be her last .Im not going to give anything away but I could really relate to what Elena was going through and it was a pleasure to read .I really loved it

Written in Samantha's own beautifully relaxing style this tells the story of Elena and Rory. When Elena was ten, at Christmas her mother was in a RTA and seriously ill in hospital not expected to pull through. Elena crept out and made a promise to a stranger if her mother could be kept alive and since then has dreaded her thirtieth birthday which is now only a few weeks away. Because of this promise she has always been very cautious in everything she does. Rory is a colleague from work that is having some renovations done on his house and needs somewhere to stay whilst it's being done so comes to stay with Elena. Rory has daredevil hobbies and a come-what-may attitude, very different from his host which begins to rub off on her. This tells the story of Elena trying to make the last of those last few weeks before the big three-O and how Rory has a part in this.

Oh what a joy, what a delight. Samantha's books and characters have a habit of wrapping themselves around you like old friends and comfy slippers. I loved Rory from the beginning and would love him as a friend and neighbour along with Tahir! There’s a life affirming thread of getting that balance in life, not letting things get on top of us or holding us back whilst exercising some sensibility and moderation. An interesting twist which had me researching both online and my own life, I won’t spoil anything. Brilliant, stunning and all those other superlatives. One to leave you with a big smile.
For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @nickisbookblog
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This was an overall positive read but with many moment of reflection and fear. When Elena was ten and under a lot of pressure due to her mums health she made a promise that has shadowed her life and prevented her from really living. Her colleague Rory doesn’t talk about his past but he loves daredevil exploits and lives his life to the full. Whilst this is primarily Elena’s story I love how Rory’s own life offers an interesting juxtaposition and when he moves in with her temporarily majes her start rethinking her life choices, I did struggle with Elena’s secret as it seemed a bit odd to be honest however it’s well explained and a really good way of explaining a subject that’s quite misunderstood (but I cannot say any more as I don’t want to give any spoilers) I really liked the characters as people but did sometimes struggle with Elena’s issues but aside from that she had many great attributes. This is quite an unusual storyline but it’s been quite well executed and the style is very readable (I’m also very tempted to get a stick insect too!)

Loved this book. I have read a lot by this author and this didn't disappoint. Fell in love with the characters and read it in a day! Thank you for providing me with a copy to read. Highly recommend

The Promise of Tomorrow by Samantha Tonge is a compelling and uplifting novel that stands out in the contemporary romance genre. The book's unique premise centers around Elena, a young woman grappling with a promise she made years ago to a stranger in the woods. The promise, made under dire circumstances when her mother was in a life-threatening accident, now looms over her as she nears her thirtieth birthday. With her life seemingly at risk, Elena faces the challenge of achieving her dreams before time runs out.
What makes this book particularly engaging is its blend of romance, personal growth, and a touch of suspense. The promise that drives the narrative creates a poignant backdrop for Elena’s journey, making the stakes feel incredibly high. The reader is drawn into Elena’s world as she seeks to fulfill her dreams—whether it's traveling to Paris, skydiving, or falling in love—while dealing with the looming threat of her promise.
Samantha Tonge excels in weaving a story that balances light-hearted romance with deeper emotional themes. The character development is strong, particularly with Elena’s evolving self-discovery and her relationships with others, including her daredevil friend Rory and potential romantic interests. The settings are vividly described, from the quaint details of her hometown to the romantic allure of Paris.
However, while the book's premise is intriguing, some elements may feel predictable to seasoned readers of the genre. The narrative occasionally leans into familiar tropes, and certain plot twists can be anticipated. The pacing might also falter in places, with moments that drag a bit as Elena's various endeavors and romantic entanglements unfold.
In summary, The Promise of Tomorrow offers a heartfelt and entertaining read with a distinctive premise that promises both adventure and romance. While it may follow some familiar paths, its emotional depth and engaging characters make it a worthwhile read for fans of contemporary romance looking for a story about seizing the moment and chasing one's dreams.

The Promise of Tomorrow was a great read that kept me turning pages until the very last one. I couldn’t put it down!

Reading the book was a mixed experience, oscillating between fascination and frustration. The work explores profound themes with elegant prose, but at times suffers from lengths that slow the pace. The author seems to vacillate between different narrative directions, making the plot at times predictable and disjointed.

The characters, while well-developed on the whole, sometimes lack emotional depth, making it difficult to connect fully with their dilemmas. The relationships between them are often ambiguous, leaving the reader searching for answers that are never fully provided.

Yet there are undeniable moments of brilliance. The visual descriptions are particularly poignant, capturing landscapes and feelings with almost photographic precision. The exploration of philosophical and social themes is also admirable, offering introspective reflection on contemporary issues.

In conclusion, while the book is not without merit, it fails to maintain a consistent narrative coherence or elicit deep emotional engagement. Readers looking for an intellectually stimulating read may find it to their liking, but those seeking total immersion in a story may be disappointed by its imperfections.

Thank you NetGalley & the publisher for allowing me access to this ebook.

The Promise of Tomorrow by Samantha Tonge is being released on Oct 8th. This book is all about embracing life’s experiences before it’s too late. it has some heartwarming moments of self-discovery and courage which I liked. It encourage to reflect on your own dreams and the importance of living fully in the present. Overall I'll give a three out of five!