Gentle story about taking chances in life and finding connections. Elena is a 29 year old marketing employee for a biscuit company. When Elena was ten years old, her mother became very ill and Elena made a deal with a strange women in the woods to spare her mother's life in exchange for taking Elena's when she turned 30. Since that promise, Elena has lived under a lot of stress and tried to avoid any sort of danger, even refusing to fly in an airplane. With her 30th birthday coming up, she is filled with even more anxiety and sadness. Rory is Elena's coworker and her complete opposite as he seeks out adventure at every turn. When Rory's house is being renovated, he is forced to move in with Elena and is determined to bring her out of her shell.

Rory is a great character and with his sparkly shirts, sense of adventure and his refusal to care about other people's opinions, he was a perfect foil to buttoned-up Elena. I wish Elena would have been a little more fleshed out and that we would have met Rory and Elena when they first met instead of after they were friends for some time. I also thought this would be the perfect story to add some magic realism but instead everything is neatly explained and for me the story was a bit flat. Will Elena have to give up her life at age 30 and will she start living with a bit more life? Those are the questions that make up this cozy story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I loved this story of Elena and Rory who are best friends, they work together but are totally different from each other.

Elena believes that she will die before her before her 30th birthday and is taking risks in doing different things. Rory loves doing activities that are risky.

As we continue reading, the reasons why both Elena and Rory behave as they do.

Will they be able to accept what happened in the past, and make changes to live the life they should.

I highly recommend this book.

This book follows the intertwined journeys of Elena and Rory, two friends and co-workers, as they navigate personal challenges together. When Rory’s apartment undergoes renovation, Elena offers him a room, bringing them closer. Elena, haunted by the belief that she will die when she turns thirty, is determined to embrace life by taking on new experiences before her birthday. These include falling in love, traveling to Paris, and trying extreme sports. While Rory appears spontaneous and adventurous, he is driven by personal struggles of his own.

As Elena confronts her fear, tied to a promise she made to a stranger at age ten, Rory helps her take risks while teaching her the importance of caution. Their friendship deepens, especially during their trip to Paris, and Elena eventually confides in Rory about her secret. Together, they grow emotionally, supporting one another in overcoming their fears.

The novel, filled with emotional and heartwarming moments, delivers a hopeful message about courage, friendship, and living fully.

The Promise of Tomorrow by Samantha Tonge
Published By Boldwood Books & being released on 8th October 2024

A Heartwarming story of Second Chances and Living Life to the Fullest. A captivating story that will tug at your heartstrings.

Centred around Elena Swan, a woman haunted by a childhood promise, the story explores themes of fate, friendship, and the importance of seizing the day.

Elena's life is upended when she realises her 30th birthday is approaching. A childhood pact with a stranger looms over her, promising her safety but also a tragic end. Faced with the ticking clock of her destiny, Elena embarks on a journey of self-discovery, determined to make the most of her remaining time.

Samantha's writing is both poignant and uplifting, effortlessly weaving together elements of romance, humour, and introspection.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, allowing readers to connect with Elena's struggles and triumphs. The story delves deep into Elena's emotional turmoil as she grapples with mortality and the fear of the unknown. The Supporting Characters; Elena's friends and family provide a heartwarming support system, adding depth and richness to the narrative.

A must read that I couldn't put down; in fact as the story evolved, I wished I could read faster.

I highly recommend this book & enjoying it with copious amounts of tea, or your favourite hot drink of choice, & a big plate of broken biscuits! (You'll understand once you've read it!)

The Promise of Tomorrow is a reminder to cherish every moment and live life without regrets! A poignant and heartwarming story that will stay with you long after the final page.


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Samantha Tonge is a completely new author to me so when Boldwood Books offered me the opportunity to read "The Promise of Tomorrow" ahead of release I almost declined... But there was something about the cover that drew me to read the blurb and then I was intrigued.

Ten year old Elena’s mother has been in a life threatening accident that the doctors don't expect her to survive. Understandably young Elena is distraught and so she sneaks out the house to the woods. There she meets a stranger and makes them a promise which will in turn save her mother's life. But while keeping her mother safe, young Elena puts her own life at stake.

The premise of this book really drew me in and after reading the prologue I was hooked. The story then jumps to twenty years later and Elena is almost thirty, has a successful career and is doing well with her life. However the promise she made as a child looms over her, especially now her 30th birthday is drawing ever closer. This plot definitely kept me turning the pages to find out more.

I loved the characters of Elena and Rory and I enjoyed the friends to lovers vibe. While most of the story is told from Elena’s POV, Rory gets his say too and I enjoyed his journal entries. The two main characters are supported by some loveable side characters which gave me the whole found family feels.

Overall I found this to be a heartwarming and uplifting romance story with a mystical and unexpected twist. I enjoyed this authors writing style and I am keen to explore more of her novels.

Firstly, thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this arc.

I’d say this read was a 3.5 for me (I wish the score system had halves). It was a super easy read and got me through a day of travelling and I enjoyed the actual story. What unfortunately fell flat for me was the conversation. Sometimes it came across as cringey and/or fake. Like do you know a tv show that tries to teach life lessons or brings up something controversial and the dialect is what would absolutely not be what is said in real life?

So if you want an easy read, this is a good one.

First time reader from this author. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline.

A promise to a stranger years ago has Elena believing that when she turns 30 she will die. Can she do all of the things that she has only ever dreamt of before it is too late?

A most enjoyable read and a new author to add to my favourites!

I enjoyed The Promise of Tomorrow. Elena made a pact when she was 10 and it has shaped her life since. As she approaches 30 and the end of the pact, her colleague Rory moves in and changes her views.

Twenty years ago Elena made a pact with a stranger in the woods to save her mother, who was at death's door after an accident. Nearly twenty years later, approaching her birthday she is convinced that she will now have to pay the price for her pact.
This is a slow burn, emotional story that you're never quite sure whether there is a supernatural element or not. I liked Rory, her work colleague and temporary lodger, despite him being far more adventurous (and sartorialy aware) than I am. These two interact, helping each other grow and understand each other and gradually be aware of feelings for each other, all whilst she decides whether to fight her fate. A great supporting cast, including a pair of stick insects, helped me enjoy the book. I would give it 4.5*, but, as always, have rounded it up to 5" and would recommend it if you want something different to read.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

This was such a lovely read! I loved the characters and how they develop as the book goes on. The way the author catches the mental health aspect as well is amazing and not at all expected! This book has me smiling and laughing throughout!

1⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of The Promise Of Tomorrow.

Elena made a pact twenty years ago to spare her mother’s life for hers and on her thirtieth birthday she believes she will die. Rory her colleague from work ends up staying with her while his place is being renovated and he has some past trauma of his own. They both find a connection with each other and he vows to help her find out if the pact she made will come true.

I could not connect with the characters and this book just seemed very far fetched in my opinion. Honestly this book just seemed all over the place on what it was trying to prove really happened. I was not a fan.

Hmm, I will start by saying I really like this author. I have read a few of her books and I usually enjoy them. It isn't like I didn't enjoy this one, or that I feel is a bad story, it's just that I didn't enjoy it as I have enjoyed other books by the author.
The plot wasn't for me, but I'm sure it's the kind of plot many others will enjoy. Personally, it felt too slow, childish at times, I was bored at times and I didn't really care about the characters that much, I felt like I couldn't connect with them.
I'll still recommend it to readers who enjoy slow romance and friends to lovers.

Thank you Boldwood Books and author Samantha Tonge for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion ✨️ Publication Day October 08, 2024

Elena Swan's life is ticking away, and she's convinced that her time is running out. At 29, she's haunted by a promise she made to a stranger in the woods years ago, a promise that saved her mother's life but put her own in jeopardy. As her 30th birthday looms, Elena's memories of the promise resurface, and she knows she must act fast to fulfill her dreams before fate catches up with her.

This captivating novel whisks readers away on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and love. Elena's quest to live life to the fullest is inspiring, and her relationships with her daredevil friend Rory and a mysterious love interest will tug at your heartstrings.

The author masterfully weaves together themes of fate, courage, and the power of human connection, creating a narrative that is both uplifting and romantic. As Elena races against time to fulfill her aspirations, you'll find yourself cheering her on and reflecting on your own life's purpose.

With its vivid descriptions, engaging characters, and poignant storyline, this book will resonate deeply with readers seeking a story that speaks to the heart. So, embark on this emotional rollercoaster and discover the transformative magic of Elena's journey. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and ponder the mysteries of fate – and the promises we make to ourselves and others.

A Promise to Keep is a triumph of contemporary fiction, a testament to the human spirit's capacity for growth, love, and resilience. Don't miss this unforgettable read!

Elena Swan is racing against time, bound by a long-forgotten promise made in the woods when she was just a child. With her thirtieth birthday approaching, and a growing sense that her life might be cut short, Elena’s world is turned upside down. While she’s spent years pushing the thought away, a near-death experience brings the looming threat back into focus. Determined not to leave any dreams behind, Elena embarks on a quest to live her life to the fullest—skydiving, visiting Paris, and even hoping to experience love. As fate closes in, Elena’s journey is one of courage, adventure, and the pursuit of life’s greatest moments. A heartwarming yet tense tale that explores whether it’s ever too late to truly start living.

I enjoy Tonge's heartwarming, uplifting novels, but the premise of this one was a bit strained for my taste. Elena, despite being in perfect health, is convinced that she is going to die on her upcoming 30th birthday because of a bargain she made at age 10 with a mysterious fortune teller. When her work colleague Rory moves in with her while his apartment is being renovated, they get along better than expected. Their growing friendship encourages Elena to seek out answers about her bargain, and I enjoyed the playing out of both the friends-to-lovers storyline (which is almost never done to my satisfaction, and Tonge nailed it) and the question of whether something supernatural is actually going on. I accept and appreciate the answers that were finally revealed throughout the book, but I could never quite settle in to the plot hinging around this death bargain. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a digital review copy.

A truly wonderful and mystical story, I loved Elena and Rory's friendship, how they bring out the honest and true nature of each other and help embrace changes and challenges. The quests they embark on both professional and personal being adventure and curiosity to the book, leaving the reader invested in finding out the truth about both of them. I really enjoyed this sweet, uplifting and heart-rending read.

If you're a fan of Jojo Moyes, definitely pick up this book. This was a sweet and heartwarming read. It has a slow start but picks up halfway through.

The Promise of Tomorrow is a heartwarming mix of romance, heartfelt storytelling, and a touch of magic. The story follows Elena and her colleague, Rory, who become unlikely roommates while his apartment is being renovated. As they navigate this new living arrangement, the novel delves into Elena's urgent quest to achieve her dreams before her 30th birthday, driven by a promise she made twenty years ago that now weighs heavily on her mind.

Elena, usually cautious and risk-averse, embarks on an out-of-character journey, throwing herself into new experiences in a race against time. Rory, appears brave and spontaneous, but as their friendship deepens, we see the emotional complexity behind his thrill-seeking nature. Their growing bond is a highlight of the novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching them lean on each other as they faced tough challenges. Elena and Rory are both likeable and relatable, with their shared love of books adding an extra layer of charm. Their mutual affection for literature almost becomes another character in the story, bringing warmth and depth to their relationship.

This was my first Samantha Tonge novel, and I found her writing both emotional and uplifting.

The plot offers a refreshing blend of romance with a subtle supernatural twist, which kept me intrigued as the tension surrounding Elena's promise and its potential consequences unfolded. However, I felt the romantic relationship between Elena and Rory could have been more gradually developed. While their emotional bond was clear, the romantic tension felt delayed and somewhat rushed toward the end. In fact, given how strong their friendship was, the story may have been just as impactful, if not more so, if their relationship had remained platonic. Skipping the romance altogether and focusing on their deep emotional connection as friends could have made the story feel even more unique and satisfying.

Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. All in all, The Promise of Tomorrow is a touching, emotional read about facing fears, sharing burdens, and finding joy in unexpected places. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys heartfelt stories infused with romance and a touch of magic.

Thank you once again to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Samantha Tonge for the opportunity to read and review this book!.

This is an interesting, fun, entertaining read. Rory and Elena are interesting, complex, intriguing, relatable, wounded, feisty, smart, strong, entertaining characters. I enjoyed their romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. The mental health aspects of the story are powerfully written and very authentic. They show the experiences in different ways. The secondary characters – there are to many to name – added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. Each are like an ingredient in cake, adding to the best end result with just the right amount of each. The story is easy to read and get into.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this title.

As a young child, Elena's mother was involved in a horrific accident. Desperate and alone, Elena traveled into the woods and made a deal with a mystery fortune teller that she would sacrifice her life for her mothers. The deal was made that when Elena turned 30, she would die. The book begins 20 years later as Elena is approaching her "D Day." She has always been cautious, but realizes in doing so, she has wasted so much precious time. Elena goes to the extremes in living more dangerously. She does a complete 180 and haphazardly throws caution to the wind. Her new flatmate and coworker, Rory helps her to find meaning and balance in her life.

Rory was a great character, and I felt like he had more depth than the MFC, Elena. His journaling, coping with the loss of his mother, and attachment issues felt realistic and added a layer to this story.

The titular moment in the book is very anti-climactic. The entire book, the reader is to believe there is some type of magical realism going on behind the scenes. I do appreciate the authors attempt to highlight mental illness, but it caused the story to stutter along to the end. Instead of being a shocking twist, it caused confusion and derailed the storyline.

I will post to goodreads and amazon a few weeks after release date due to my review being below 3 stars.