This is my first book by author Samantha Tonge and I would be keen to read more of her work. After scanning the premise in the publisher’s blurb, I was intrigued and thought it would be fun to dive into something a bit different. Without question, this is an unusual or original story that certainly kept me interested and turning the pages! There’s a bit of mystery, romance and life altering experiences related to the extreme sports. I can’t say I would have the courage to do some of the things mentioned like the deep dive bungee jump!

It is a novel about facing your fears. Learning to share what’s on your heart, too, so that you don’t carry some heavy burdens that could affect your life choices and experiences. I was eager to see the outcome and was satisfied with the results.

The chapters are divided between the two main characters Elena and Rory who share their viewpoint in telling the story. They are good friends who work together. Rory moves in with Elena when she offers him a room in her detached house while his apartment is being renovated. They get to know each other fairly well while being roommates and are quite comfortable in each other’s presence.

Elena’s life has been on hold due to an event that happened when she was ten years old. She is now approaching thirty in a few weeks. She has an unusual obsession. She is convinced she is going to die when she turns thirty at midnight. Why she believes this is quite an intriguing tale and the author slowly reveals all we need to know so we can understand her dilemma and sympathise with her. But it also makes us want to believe she will be okay and that her worst fears will not happen. In the meantime, while her hourglass is running out, we learn she wants to do everything she can that she has not tried before. This includes falling in love, taking a trip to Paris, participating in some extreme sports (sky diving, bungee jumping, etc). She is in sharp contrast to her friend Rory who she sees as being ‘brave, daring, living life spontaneously.’ She is now ‘more afraid of missing out’ of life than worrying about ‘things going wrong.’ It seems Rory rubs off on her and she begins taking risks—but not necessarily all good ones! He tries to help her see, though, it is good to try new things but she must listen to experienced extreme sports leaders and obey certain rules to be safe. She should not just throw ALL caution to the wind.

Rory’s reason for being so active is different from what she expected. He is not acting out of competitiveness but ‘chasing …a sense of being alive.’ Elena is ‘sick of being scared’ and risk assessing her every move. This drive takes her on a sometimes reckless journey but she begins to learn a lot about herself and eventually how to move forward.

The word ‘Promise’ noted in the title is an important clue to this plot. I won’t give anything away as it is important to learn of this woman’s reasons of why she is in this predicament by reading the story. I can say this: she made a promise to a stranger when she was ten and she has carried this secret/ mission / burden alone since then. Now that she is in the last months of her twenty-nineth year, she wants to make up for the fun she missed her whole life before she must face the outcome of her promise.

Rory is also a very complex person and I liked getting to know him and what makes him who he is. Little by little we learn of his family and what shaped his attitudes and led him to his ‘extreme’ interests and actions. There are some sad moments in his revelations but he has used them to his advantage to get the most out of life. He may appear spontaneous and carefree to Elena but he follows a strict form of rules to maintain safety in whatever he attempts. His movements are wise and controlled—even when he pushes boundaries. He has a respect for nature and his environment. Risk assessments are part of his activities.

These two discover a lot on their journey together, particularly in Paris, and their relationship takes on a new shape. I enjoyed watching Elena grow and it was a joyous moment when she trusts her dearest friend, Rory, with her secret. This is an uplifting story about friendship, facing and understanding the sources of your fears and having the courage to live, love and be open to the Promise of Tomorrow. 4 strong Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for a review copy.

This book is a beautifully emotional and heartfelt tale that explores the themes of fate, promise, and the urgency of living life to the fullest. From the outset, the narrative centers on Elena Swan, a woman grappling with an unshakable belief that her time on Earth is limited due to a promise made in her childhood. This tantalizing premise draws readers into Elena’s world as she navigates the weight of her past while seeking to carve out a meaningful present.
Elena’s character is compelling and relatable. As a young woman on the cusp of thirty, she feels the heaviness of expectations, both from society and herself. The tension between her desire for adventure and her fear of death creates a powerful narrative drive. Tonge does an excellent job of portraying Elena's internal struggles while also introducing a supporting cast of vibrant characters, such as her fearless friend Rory and the intriguing strangers she meets along her journey. Each character serves to illuminate different aspects of Elena's personality and desires, adding depth to her quest for fulfillment.
What I found particularly engaging was how Tonge interwove the past and present, making Elena's longstanding promise a haunting specter that propels her towards self-discovery. The writing is poignant and evocative, with rich descriptions that bring Elena's dreams—like skydiving and seeing Paris—to life. Each new experience she seeks feels like a vital piece in the puzzle of her existence, expertly crafted to reflect not just her fear of the future, but her hope and determination to create lasting memories.
The emotional stakes are high, and Tonge masterfully balances moments of tension and vulnerability with humor and warmth. Readers will find themselves rooting for Elena as she takes her first steps toward daring adventures, grapples with her feelings about love, and confronts the promises of her past. The pacing of the story is engaging, with just the right amount of suspense to keep the pages turning, especially as the countdown to her thirtieth birthday looms closer.
Overall, this is a must-read for anyone looking for a heartfelt, emotional journey filled with inspiration, laughter, and a touch of whimsy. It serves as a powerful reminder that while tomorrow may be uncertain, the promise of today is what we can truly hold onto. Its not just a story about confronting mortality; it’s a celebration of life’s possibilities and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams.

Thank you Netgalley for the eARC!

I found this book to be a little slow, but still enjoyable. An extremely heartwarming story. I loved getting to know Elena and Rory.
The overall message of family and love are what kept me reading.

Is it time you live a life you love?
Elena Swan, without the promise of tomorrow, can she fulfil her dreams before fate comes to her?
A romantic story, after she makes a promise twenty years ago can she keep it?
Rory Bunker her colleague at work Bingley Biscuits moves into her spare room, his apartment is been renovated and due to be finished by Christmas, then turning up with a big tank two stick insects Brandy and Snap, oh dear she didn't expect three lodgers.
Bonfire night and Elena is hit with a firework and her guardian angel Rory saves her so her time wasn't up. this story that takes this couple through a lot of tough times. I loved these two characters together.
A heart warming book to touch you as you learn about the illness, and what a child goes through right up to later in life still believing.
Loved it once again from this author who knows with superb writing how to make it your story.
Comment

LOVED it!! I didn't want to put it down, I didn't want it to finish. Elena and Rory..both absolutely loveable and very real characters from the start.
I also love it when a main character is also a book lover, and their love of books is weaved throughout the story, so thank you...and I think I may need a Rory in my life too!

Such an honest and heart-tugging at times read, but so positively and heart-warmingly told, with so many real and believable people. Every sentence was needed and every loose end tied up.
I got it and that just added to how special it was written.

Thank you Boldwood Books for providing me an ARC! Unfortunately, this one just isn’t for me. I tried to push myself through it but decided to DNF at 20%. I kept hoping for the moment that would hook me, but this book fell flat for me.

Elena Swan was so upset when she overheard her mother was seriously ill and may not last the night, it was her 10th birthday when everything was supposed to be perfect. Her neighbour, Gloria, was watching her as she was feverish and her father was at the hospital. Elena sneaked out of the back garden onto the common that backed onto their house and found herself face to face with a mysterious stranger who exacted a promise from Elena in return for saving her mother's life. The shadow of that night has hung over Elena making her extra careful to avoid risks but as her fateful 30th birthday approaches she begins to question her choices. Very enjoyable story.

This book is all about Elena and the struggles she has been through in her life. With the help of Rory a beautiful friendship begins.

I found this a bit slow to start with but once I got into the story it flowed really well and I was hooked.

A heartwarming story that I couldn’t put down, which showed the power of friendship, love and family.

Thanks to Netgalley, Samantha Tonge and Boldwood Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

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!