Member Reviews

Bella Osborne has a way of writing that is delightful and fun! Again, Bella had me smiling and laughing out loud with her witty writing! The characters are so warm and funny and likeable and it’s easy to get instantly invested in their situations. This is part one in a four part series and as previously, I am in anticipation of the next part in the series!

On her way to London for a life changing appointment, Ruby finds herself in a pickle when a fellow passenger, Lewis borrows her phone and gets off the train still talking on it unbeknownst to Ruby until it’s too late! In all his haste, Lewis drops the engagement ring he planned to propose to his girlfriend with that very afternoon!

With the help of another fellow passenger Curtis, Ruby and Curtis set off together to make their own meetings/appointments and get to Lewis’s proposal location in time to get the ring back to him . The destiny of Ruby’s day certainly changes course as the day goes on and I was left with so many unanswered questions by the end of the first part, leaving me desperate for part two and the outcomes of those questions lingering in my mind!

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Thank you Avon Books for an early read.

I loved meeting Ruby, Kim and Curtis, and I look forward to reading more of the story. After reading a harrowing historical fiction book this was an uplifting read, with humour but also sadness about the loss of loved ones and loneliness.

Loved the awkward customer experience too.

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I've read a couple of Bella Osbourne's books in the past and found them pleasant to read. This one, or part one of The Promise of Summer, was no different.
Ruby's life is passing by. She's in her mid-thirties, with no real aim in life, no partner, and a job she enjoys, with no real future.
A huge decision, made after a comment made by her mother on her deathbed, causes her to take a trip that will change her life.
On the train to London, she meets not one but two men whose inputs into her day change the course of her destiny,
Then there's Kim, owner of the florist Ruby works at. She's got her own secrets,
I don't know what more to say, without giving too much away, but in all honesty, I can't tell you much more, anyway, because this was just a short part one of this story!
We were left with many open-ended threads that make this the tale it is. What will happen with Ruby and Curtis, What about Lewis? And that letter that Kim hasn't opened yet?
It took me a little while to get into the beginning of the story but once in, I was gutted that it stopped where it did!
Roll on the 26th, when I hope we get to read the full story!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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With huge thanks to Netgalley and #Avonbooks for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Ruby is 35 and wants to make some big changes in her life. An ill-fated train journey brings Curtis into her life, and they set off on an adventure around London together.
Back at home Ruby’s boss, Kim, is dealing with her own ghosts from the past.
I am a big fan of Bella Osborne’s books. She always writes with warmth and humour. Her characters are down to earth and relatable..
This is part one of The Promise Of Summer. It will be released as four parts, before theY are released together as a whole book.
I can’t wait to read the next three installments, of what is so far promising to be another enthralling read from Bella.

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A joy from the start to finish! Excited about part 2 :)

Here we meet Ruby, 35 and single with a list of ex boyfriends to make your skin crawl. On an expedition to London, Ruby meets Lewis and Curtis. One madly in love and one a stuffy business man. Ruby’s day doesn’t quite go to plan.

I need part 2 in my life. This always happens with Bella’s books, you start reading not only can you not put it down, you also want to finish but don’t. And when your left hanging for the next part it feels like you would go to any lengths to get it - brilliant once again. Couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend. Thanks Bella for another absolutely wonderful read (now please can I have part two lol)

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Another fabulous book by Bella. This is the first part in a four part series so it took me less than an hour to read, but it’s been my best hour today. It’s fun, witty and I had a smile on my face while reading it. Ruby and Curtis, two of the main characters are beautifully written about. Ruby is a spirited young female that’s sees the good in people and wants to help others. Curtis is somewhat grumpy, but the two together are fab. Looking forward to seeing what happens between the two of them. Can’t wait to read the next part.

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I really enjoyed reading part one of The Promise of Summer. It was warm and funny. I can’t wait for the rest of the book now.
Ruby and Kim work together in Kim’s florist shop - Bloom with a View and the story splits into two as we take a trip to London with Ruby and stays in the florist with Kim.
The book left me wanting answers and waiting for the next instalment. Roll on Part 2.
Thank You Avon Books UK and NetGalley for this early copy.

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Ugh... it’s finished? I was so caught up in the story that I did not see the end coming.

The writing style was great as was expected with a Bella Osborne story. It just flows so smoothly and is such a pleasant read.

I love how the main focus is on just 4 characters, well two main characters, florists Kim and Ruby and then the supporting acts go to Adrian (a regular at the flower shop) and Curtis a fellow passenger on the train when Ruby takes a day trip to London. Most of this Part 1 takes place in just one day. All 4 characters are completely different and Ruby’s not to bright moments really make for some funny scenes with Curtis who is literally 1 point shy of being a genius.

I would like to thank Bella Osborne, the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this story in exchange for an honest review.

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I received an advance copy of, The Promise of Summer, by Bella Osbourne. I found this book to be very short and sweet,

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Absolutely loved this, the only negative is that it is just part 1 of the story and now I'm desperate to read the rest!

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Loved this book was hooked from the first line 'What a knob' it made me laugh my head off, a well written book with plenty of giggles included, my only disappointment was I flew through the book and now I need to know what happens next
Brilliant characters so far can't wait to read the next book

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This book has only one flaw: it's just part one and it flies by leaving you wanting to read more.
It's a funny, witty read, humorous and entertaining, exactly what you need to curl up with and forget the rest of the world. Ruby's character is a blast and her laugh out loud banter with practical Curtis is so enjoyable and delightful
And Kim's secret letter is still to be revealed, so I really can't wait to read part two, three and four.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Welcome to Part One of Bella Osborne’s utterly hilarious and joyous new novel which radiates sunshine, happiness and positivity. This is your glass half full kind of read,with characters who manage to charm your socks off within the first few minutes of their introduction. Bella Osborne knows exactly which buttons to press in order to engage her readers and keep the laughter rolling.

Meet Ruby Edwards, who works alongside Bloom with a View flower shop owner Kim in their home town of Sheffield. Her story really begins aboard a train destined for London St Pancras, heading for an appointment that could change the course of her life when she strikes up a conversation with the stranger sitting next to her. Lewis is planning to propose to his girlfriend aboard the London Eye, a discussion which proves to Ruby true love and romance DOES exist outside of the movies. Just not for her! Still single at nearly thirty five she’s more or less given up on finding The One so when it transpires Lewis has inadvertently left the engagement ring behind, Ruby automatically resolves to reunite the piece of jewellery with its rightful owner before the proposal is due to take place. Enter into the frame, fellow passenger Curtis, a geeky tech guy who feels he should join forces with Ruby in her mission. Her plans for the day may already have been derailed but how much worse can it get? Cue much hilarity as Bella Osborne ramps up the comedy element without further ado.

I loved the pairing of Ruby and Curtis without reservation. Straightaway I could tell that the straight laced, responsible and practical Curtis would be the perfect contrast to the haphazard, chaotic, head in the clouds Ruby. They are a winning combination! Everything points to Ruby bringing fun, laughter and mayhem into Curtis’s rigid daily routine whilst this man who speaks like a robot and displays an encyclopaedic knowledge of the underground system may just instil some calm, order and sensibility into hers. Watch this space, it’s bound to be fun, fun, fun all the way!

The Promise of Summer (part one) is escapist fiction at its very best and a book I would happily devour in one sitting given the opportunity! My first impressions are that this storyline (so far!) warrants a massive thumbs up and a resounding ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had a huge smile on my face for the very short space of time it took me to read these first chapters. If like me you’re in need of a mood boost, this is cheerful with a capital C!

Thank you to Avon books and Netgalley for this sneak preview into the world of Ruby and Curtis and the other delightful characters who’ve already made an appearance. I cannot wait to discover how their stories unfold. It promises to be entertaining!

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Thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for this free ARC I was given in exchange for my honest review.
What a delightful teaser! I quickly devoured part 1 in a few hours, and I’m eagerly awaiting Part 2! This story is a fun romp through London with enjoyable and relatable characters. Bella Osborne’s writing style made me feel like I was navigating the city with them and while the plot centers around Ruby and Curtis and their unexpected adventures through London, I love the subplot of Kim and Adrian. I have my fingers crossed their relationship heads in the direction I’m hoping. There is a lot happening in such a short book and I look forward to seeing how the storyline develops!

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The Promise Of Summer is part one in this series and is a joyous quick reward.
I read this first part in under an hour and I don’t know if it is because it is a quick read or not but I really enjoyed this first part. Ruby is the main character, she is nearly 35 years old and works at a local floristry shop. We meet her as she is taking a day off work for a meeting in London. Ruby is hilarious throughout this short part and I grew to like her very quickly. She has no luck with men but is the trip to London going to change that? Hopefully I won’t have to wait too long for part two to find out!
I would like to thank Netgalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

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Love Bella Osborne's writing, sadly this was only Part 1......so need to read the other parts.....generally not keen on books in 4 parts, as I lose the flow.
Nevertheless, this is a winner, feel good reading, fun, warm and kind.
Ruby has given up on romance and has a plan which involves a trip to London. She works in a florist in Sheffield with her great friend Kim, who is unaware of what she up to.
The train journey changes her day completely - no spoilers here!
Can't stop thinking about the characters and what will happen next!!
Thanks to NetGalley for the early read

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What a wonderful story of how life doesn’t always go the way you planned, But in this case it could all be for the better? Who knows? Part 2 please

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The Promise of Summer: Part One - Bella Osborne

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review thanks to Avon Books and Netgalley.

Ruby’s life is about to change for ever…

After years of dating losers, cheats and one guy who did something unrepeatable to her kettle, Ruby has all but given up on romance. But then a stranger sits next to her on a train to London and explains his plan to propose to the woman of his dreams. Maybe true love does exist after all?

The Promise of Summer will be released in four parts, this is just a review of the first 10 chapters (part one). I am already hooked on this book and cannot wait for part two to reveal more of the story.

In this part we are introduced to Ruby who is on her way to London for the day, on the way she meets Lewis who explains that he is on his way to London to propose to his girlfriend. Lewis accidentally leaves the engagement ring on the train and Ruby attempts to reunite the ring with it’s owner with the help of Curtis, a fellow passenger who thinks that Ruby is untrustworthy.

As this is only the first part of the book, it is a very quick read. It is a lovely light-hearted book to read and if you have not read any other books by Bella Osborne, this is a fantastic introduction to her beautiful writing style.

Rating 4/5

I think this is a very clever way of releasing a book!

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I love Bella Osborne's books so when I saw her new four-part serial out, I could not wait to read Part One - The Promise of Summer: With This Ring. Thank you very much for my advanced copy.

A really lovely read, with great characters and very very funny! Ruby, a florist, is so determined, she is just brilliant! Along with Curtis, they make a great team. The storyline is different - I would have never guessed what Ruby's important appointment was.

I loved the setting, I loved reading about their trip on the London Underground and especially the London Docklands Light Railway. You could imagine yourself travelling with them. Everyone needs Curtis with them as he has extensive knowledge of the London Underground and can tell you exactly when the next train is due!

I cannot wait for part two to see how the relationship between Ruby and Curtis develops and whether or not they can reunite the owner with their precious ring. Did the proposal go ahead? Will Ruby achieve her dream? What did the letter that Ruby’s boss, Kim receives say? So many questions!! When the book ended, I kept trying to turn the page on kindle as I so wanted to read more and more!!

This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.

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The Promise of Summer: Part One by B. Osborne, published by Avon Books UK, is a witty, flirty and fun summer read.
Ruby is a young woman who works at a flower shop. She has not much luck in love, but wants her fairy tale so bad.
A witty and fun summer read, rom/com, 4 beautiful stars.

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