Not what I was expecting when I picked-up a Samantha Tonge book.

It was good, just a bit heavier than the happy RomCom/Chick Lit I was expecting.

After a bit of research I found she is no longer writing RomCom so I guess I should have expected it.

This book made me think deeply about the concept of forgiveness. Because we are sorry, does that mean we should be forgiven? Is it more important that we forgive ourselves? Can we judge other's actions and find forgiveness for them without necessarily confronting them. When do we accept that forgiveness might no be possible? These are the issues that the main character Emma deals with during her journey to find peace with her past and stay on the right side of sobriety while paving a new future. I liked how the character of Emma was slowly painted as the author toggled between her past and present. The reader was able to fully fathom Emma's almost unimaginable decline to her gradual recovery. The secondary characters became beloved friends as Emma gradually wore them down with her newfound resourcefulness and optimism. I do not wish to give any spoilers but the ending gave the story unexpected new depth. I would love to read further about Emma as she continues to navigate her journey.

This is the first Samantha Tonge book I have read and it certainly did not disappoint... it was an excellent read... I just could not put it down, reading way into the night where my eyes could no longer stay open.

It's a story about forgiveness, self awareness, addiction, self-discovery and how hard it all can be, but continuing to move forward for a better future despite the constant pull to go back to your old ways.
The characters were really believable and you can feel a connection with them... I found myself routing for the main character Emma from the get go... but I had learnt about the previous five years of her life beforehand I may not have liked her so much... the story has a few twists and turns.
I don't like to give too much away as I think it would really spoil it knowing too much... but that last chapter... WOW!!!

I would really recommend this book... it certainly got me thinking about my life and the paths I've taken.
I would definitely give this more than 5 stars if allowed as it would be well deserved!!!

Easily one of the best books I have read this year, and its a story and its message that will stay with me for long after I've finished it.

This is an eye opening read as it deals with issues that people don't think about too much (or at least I'm ashamed to say I don't), and just goes to show that even after reaching rock bottom, there is a chance to improve your life.

It is a story of self awareness, self discovery and learning to live with your past, as well as trying to forge a better future for yourself.

This is a book that from the first few pages had completely enthralled me and I found myself reading far later into the small hours of the morning than intended, and then the following day read the majority of the book in one sitting, completely oblivious to the outside world.

I was hooked on discovering everything about Emma, from the year or so before she returned to Foxglove Farm, to how she is trying to make amends. I was enthralled by her life, which doesn't make for easy light hearted reading, and focuses on a gritty reality.

The characters, especially Emma were completely believable, and I found myself really warming to her, despite had we learnt about aspects of her past first, you may not have been as keen.

I have been a fan of Samantha Tonge's previous books for years, but whereas they were generally romantic comedies this is full deep and meaningful women's fiction, a marked change of direction, but if this is what she is capable of long may it continue.

I will say that depending on your own circumstances some of the issues tackled in this book which is clearly well researched, could be upsetting or disturbing, but yet to name them I feel would be a spoiler, and also potentially give you pre-conceptions about the book that it doesn't deserve.

Forgive Me Not is a book best read without too much prior information, just sit down for a few hours, and allow yourself to be drawn into Emma's story. I could barely tear myself away.

I am completely thrilled that I had a chance to read this book, it truly is something special.

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

This is an excellent book and all about forgiveness and how it can be hard to do but how you have to to move forward. It's a book you just don't want to put down as so well written and shows how you can run away from problems but you are always pulled to go back and having to forgive people you love. Great characters and story plot is so believable.
Emma fled from home after making so many mistakes and letting down so many people down and hurting so many. Two years later she wants to go home to face her past at fox grove farm. Is she making the right decision she doesn't tell anyone she's coming but when she arrives it causes more problems than she dreamt of. Sadly the people she hurt aren't ready to forgive her and her mother is ill and doesn't even recognise her she struggles with this. Emma slowly starts to build the trust but then she finds a secret about her family and it changes everything she also tells then a crime she thinks she did in the past so can she settle back down or not is sorry simply not good enough.
Worth far more than the five stars I have given it just didn't want to put it down.