A mysterious letter from Spain. A surprising new beginning...

The latest historical fiction/romance from Kathryn Hughes is about Tara Richards who receives a mysterious letter which takes her on a journey to Spain.

Tara and her mother Violet were a tight little unit of two, Violet was a singer and struggled to make ends meet but when they ended up in the flat with Alf above his shop Tara felt that they had come home and that Alf was like a grandfather to her but Violet wanted more and when she met Larry Valentine with his big house and flashy car she thought she had hit the jackpot, especially when he wanted to take her on holiday to the Continent....... but she never came back so what happened to her she would never have left Tara! Forty years later Tara receives a letter from a solicitor with a key to a safety deposit box that contains a locket that she had given Violet....... how had it got there and did that mean that her mother was still alive?

Great story I really enjoyed the mystery and the the two timelines of the present time and the fourteen year old Tara. Plenty to keep you interested and strands that you don't understand t first but then fit in nearly at the end

I was given a copy of Her Last Promise by Kathryn Hughes in exchange for an honest review. I have read other book by Kathryn so was looking forward to reading her latest book, it didn't disappoint. The book is set in modern day and also goes back to 1978. Present day Tara received a letter about her mother who disappeared in 1978. 1978 Tara lives with her mother who tries to do her very best for her daughter. This was a fantastic story, I found it hard to put down, i would highly recommend this book.

This really was a good read! The story fluctuated seamlessly between the present day and 1978. I enjoyed the 70’s trip down memory lane! The characters were engaging and there were a few surprises along the way. Tara hadn’t had an easy life and now she had the chance to find out what had happened to her mother. At times this was an emotional read and I had tears in my eyes. I will look out for more books by this author. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In 2018 Tara receives a letter that will change the course of her life forever. Deep down, she had been expecting a letter given her situation but when she opens it, the contents are not what she had presumed them to be. Instead she is told to go to a solicitors in London and when she does so she is handed a key to a safety deposit box. Contained in said box, is something she had never expected to see, the item she last laid eyes on over forty years ago. So many questions rush through her mind as she has desperately hoped for definitive answers for so long. All hope had faded but now with this surprising turn of events will hope reignite and will this discovery lead her on a journey she never expected to take. Her Last Promise by Kathryn Hughes follows Tara as we journey back and forth between the past and present, between England and Spain as she seeks confirmation, closure, explanations and resolution. The question is will she be happy with what she discovers?

I presumed having read the blurb that the majority of the book would be set in Spain but this was not the case. This setting only predominantly materialises in the last quarter or so of the book so don't be like me and keep wondering as you read when will this happen, instead sit back and watch the story unfold. There are many strands to the story and a lot of setting up and back story to take place before I felt we got to the real crux of the book. Definitely the later half is far stronger than the first and this is a book worth persisting with to see how the strands of the story mesh together. At first one wonders how can three seemingly very much separate storylines come together but they eventually do so in a very pleasing way even if the final ending is a bit ambiguous, a little more of a definitive ending would have been welcome.

In the present day as Tara sets about uncovering the mystery of what she has found in the safety deposit box we get an insight into her own personal situation. She is separated from Ralph and trying to move on with her life. But yet time and time again, he seems to make a reappearance trying to get back into her life again and create one big happy family with herself and son Dylan. But Tara believes this is not possible given how their marriage ended. I felt Tara had no time for Ralph and rightly so given she had far more pressing matters on her hands. She needed to resolve the past before she could move on into the future. As more and more memories from her childhood begin to surface she knows she has to come to terms with what has happened and until she can seek those precise answers this can not occur. I loved how someone who had meant so much to Tara came back in the present and became the catalyst which spurred her on to seek clarification surrounding the deposit box. It felt like the story was coming full circle and without the presence of this person she would not have had the courage and tenacity to move forward and just go for it.

The story moves back and forth between Tara in the present day and Tara as a 14 year old living with her mother Violet. They are struggling and thanks to the kindness of Alf are taken in and given a room above his hardware shop. Alf was just such a lovely character who was despite his old age very much like the father figure Tara never had. I loved the contrast between older Tara and her teenage self. It really provided a deep insight into her character and how she was moulded into the person she was in the present by events that befell her in the past. Even though she was only 14, at that time she was so worldly wise because I felt Violet was very flighty with no solid plans put in place for either of their long term futures. Violet's dreams of making it big in the singing business seem very far from becoming a reality as she struggles to earn any money and it is only for the generosity of Alf that herself and Tara are not living on the streets. But it is when Violet meets Larry Valentine, one night after her set, as he saves her from someone’s unwanted advances that things take what she hopes will be a turn for the better for both herself and Tara.

I didn't like Larry at all, we had been introduced earlier on in the book in a chapter solely dedicated to him and I just felt uneasy reading about him. To all intents and purposes he is a decent guy who establishes a relationship with Violet. He provides her with what she hasn't had before but like myself Tara didn't feel comfortable around him. It was as if he was trying to take Violet away from Tara and she was in such a cloud of lust that was developing into love that she would have gone along with any plans he suggested. Maybe this would be to her detriment as she comes to regret her hasty decision to travel abroad on holiday with Larry. She believes everything she is doing is to secure herself and Tara's future but to be honest I thought she just saw a good opportunity and ran with it without thinking all the consequences through. These consequences will have far reaching and devastating effects as maybe people are not always what they seem and the road she is about to travel may very well lead her into uncharted, unforeseen and unpredictable circumstances that impact and later everyone's lives. Will everyone involved be able to come back from all these unfolding events and have the unity they very much deserve?

There was one other strand of the story outlined at the beginning which I really couldn't see how it would tie in with the overall plot. It seemed very much left of centre and bore no relation to the lives of Tara and Violet. I was hoping as the book progressed that everything would begin to work itself out and seemingly detached and at times disjointed strands would merge together satisfyingly. Thankfully they very much did and in a very surprising way but when everything was revealed all those little clues really made sense and the mystery that pervaded throughout the book came fully circle. I had always felt there was tension, mystery, angst, riddles and secrecy scattered throughout the book but wondered would the resolution prove satisfactory or be a let down? Instead I thought it was very cleverly done and I loved how it tied back to parts of the story which I had presumed to be very much inconsequential. Overall Her Last Promise was a slow burner to begin with but the pay off was worth it for the twists, turns and surprises that arise. The plot proves to be well developed and it made for an interesting and intriguing read.

Oh my word this book was just fabulous . I have read all the books by this author and she never lets me down . This was an excellent story which from the first page I just loved . Highly recommend .

I've always been a big fan of Kathryn Hughes and I looked forward to reading this one. It was a lovely story with an element of mystery, Needless to say, it kept me gripped throughout. There's something very compelling about the author's writing style, it really draws you in.

Absolutely loved this book as I have loved Kathryn Hughes previous books. If you like a mystery and family saga than this is for you!!#NetGalley #HerLastPromise

Her Last Promise by Kathryn Hughes – wow, there are some books that you never want to end, and this is one such book. Her Last Promise is a contemporary novel that also travels back to 1978. It is a book about a search – a search for a love that never died and never gave up hope.
The characters created by Kathryn Hughes were a marvellous mix. For me, I ‘lived’ through the novel as the character of Tara – I ‘loved’ where she loved, I ‘lost’ where she lost and I ‘searched’ with her. The character of Tara lodged in my heart and soul. I really connected with her. Now the novel is ended I feel like a part of me dwells forever in the book.
Kathryn Hughes truly is a masterful storyteller. She has woven a tale from several points of view into one wonderful whole. She both entertained me and toyed with my emotions. I really feel like I have been through the wringer.
Kathryn Hughes created situations that I cared deeply about. In my mind’s eye I could ‘see’ young Mateo and I feel in love with that small boy. I also loved the caring elderly gent Alf with his huge heart of gold.
There were difficult topics such as the abuse of a child. My heart just broke as those who were supposed to love abused and emotionally blackmailed.
There were friendships to be treasured. Though the years passed, the tie remained as old friends picked up where they left off.
Her Last Promise was my first book by Kathryn Hughes but it will not be my last. I will be hunting out more, more, more by her as she really is a marvellous author… but don’t take my word for it, pick up Her Last Promise today.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
Again a very good read and one I can highly recommend to others.
I could not put this down.
Thoroughly enjoyable.

Tara Richards was just a girl when she lost her mother. Years later when Tara receives a letter from a London solicitor its contents shake her to the core. Someone has left her a key to a safe deposit box. In the box lies an object that will change everything Tara thought she knew and lead her on a journey to deepest Spain in search of the answers that have haunted her for forty years. Violet Skye regrets her decision to travel abroad leaving her young daughter behind. As the sun dips below the mountains, she reminds herself she is doing this for their future. Tonight, 4th June 1978, will be the start of a new life for them. This night will indeed change Violet's destiny, in the most unexpected of ways.

What a read this was, the most perfect summer read. Hughes has once again written a book that will capture the hearts and minds of her readers, you will be transported back to the past and to exotic locations, experience the highs with the lows, discover the truth behind long-buried secrets, and you get to do all of this through the eyes of the most wonderful, special characters.

I was immediately hooked on this read and it is definitely a top summer read for me. We have chapters that are set in the present and past, I did much prefer the past but slowly the present comes to mean more to us as we learn more about what happened all those years ago. This is not perfect, there are tims I was frustrated at all the characters that were being introduced but we had no clue as to their link to the plot but stick with it, Hughes reveals everything and it is a marvellous truth.

The plot for this is sensational, both a stunner and a heart-breaker, I had tears brimming for the majority of the both but I adored how the emotion and feelings just flow off the pages, it really does make for excellent reading. I particularly loved that Hughes does not take the easy plot direction, there are moments where we could have had a Hollywood situation with some of the potential outcomes but I adored that Hughes takes the trickier route, it is more true to life and results in even more tugging on heartstrings.

The plot for this is sensational, I adored the plot, the secrecy and the beautiful locations we are taken to. The characters only help to increase enjoyment, they are a wonderful cast of realistic, likeable people trying desperately to discover the truth. 'Her Last Promise' will stay with me for a long time after finishing this and I highly recommend this stunning, summer read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for an advance copy.

This story is told over two time periods. In the late 1970’s Tara is living with her single mother Violet Dobbs who is doing her best to make ends meet by singing in nightclubs. Her luck changes when she gets offered a higher class club which means more money. Unfortunately that same night she gets evicted from their flat. They end up living above an iron mongers with elderly widow Alf. One night Violet meets Larry Valentine and everything changes.

In present day Tara receives a telephone call from a solicitor asking her to come in. The result of this phone call marks a big change in Tara’s life which solves a mystery that has haunted Tara for years.

I really enjoyed this book and was really invested in the story. This is the third book written by this author that I have read. She has become an auto buy author for me.

I am never disappointed with Kathryn's books, enjoyed them all and this was no exception. I did find this a bit confusing at first with the different times and places but it all falls into place and makes this an excellent well developed read with great characters and a satisfactory ending.

Thank you to Netgalley and Headline Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book which I thoroughly recommend.

I enjoyed reading this book despite all the storylines being mixed up. It kept me interested. The characters were all different. Although it was a romance, there was plenty of intrigue, mystery and sadness in it. I would recommend this book to be read.

I have enjoyed all of Kathryn Hughes’s previous novels and read Her Last Promise In a few sittings. Her books all have storylines that are easy to follow, with believable characters.
This book starts with several strands that all come together at the very end; and it kept me guessing as to how this was going to happen. Tara and her mum Violet have fallen on hard times, but their relationship is strong. When Violet doesn’t return from a holiday with her new boyfriend, Tara is forced to spend the rest of her childhood with her nan. It isn’t until a mysterious letter arrives when Tara is in her 50’s and separated from her husband that her many unanswered questions can be resolved.
This would be a great holiday read and I will definitely be recommending it to fellow readers.

5 stars

Kathryn Hughes has done it again and written another brilliant book.
I found the story very confusing to start with but could tell that this was intentional.
The story flitted between the past and current day but it all came together beautifully.
I have never been disappointed by one of Kathryn Hughes books and I greatly anticipate the next one.

Another sublime novel from Kathryn Hughes. I’m such a fan and am merrily working my way through her backlist, having just finished The Letter. Rare to find dual time novels set in a fairly recent and memorable time frame. Lovely.

Violet is a single parent and leaves her fourteen year old daughter with their landlord and goes on holiday with her boyfriend. Neither of them come back home.
Her daughter Tara is sent to live with her grandmother and has never got over the disappearance of her mother.
Many years later Tara receives a letter that gives her some insight of what happened to her mother but the letter is over thirty years old.
I really enjoyed this book especially the nostalgic 1970's descriptions.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Another great story from Kathryn Hughes. Each chapter alternates between the 1970s and present day.

As always, a lovely story by Kathryn Hughes. This one is alternates between 1978 and present
day.