Elena made a promise when she was a child to a stranger in the woods that she would die when she turned 30 if her mother was kept alive after a life threating accident. Now she is approaching 30 she feels she hasn't done everything she's planned to do in her life. A good read shed a few tears along the way reading this.
Total rating 3 1/2 stars

Elena Swan believes she’s going to die. And soon.

She’s not ill. She’s not in imminent danger. But she is sure it’s going to happen.

Because many years ago… she’d made a promise to a stranger, in the woods. Elena’s mother was in hospital, after a life-threatening accident. The promise would keep her mother safe, but put Elena’s own life at risk, instead, when she grew up and turned thirty.

Elena put the promise to the back of her mind, over the years. But she’s twenty-nine now, and when something happens that puts her life in danger, she remembers. And she knows.

But Elena hasn’t done everything yet. She’s not brave like her daredevil friend Rory. But she’s also not ready to give up on life. Not before she’s been to Paris. She always wanted to skydive too. She’s never even fallen in love.

Without the promise of tomorrow, can she fulfil all her dreams before fate comes for her?

A completely unexpecting, romantic uplifting story, about friendship, love, and fate, perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, David Nicholls and Faith Hogan.

Definitely gave me Jojo Moyes vibes. I really enjoyed the story. Cannot wait to read more from the author. Will recommend to others.

This novel offers a fresh twist on romance fiction, blending elements of mystery and suspense with the emotional depth of a love story. While the romance is central to the plot, the true focus is on Elena's quest to uncover the truth behind a traumatic event from her childhood. At the heart of the story is Elena's search for answers about what really happened when she was 10 years old, which adds layers of intrigue and tension.

Though the pacing starts off slow, the story gradually pulls you in with its compelling twists and rich emotional stakes. Once it gains momentum, the narrative becomes gripping, and you’ll find yourself eager to uncover the mysteries alongside the protagonist. If you're looking for a romance that offers more than just the usual love story, this book delivers with a mix of suspense, intrigue, and heart.

The Promise of Tomorrow by Samantha Tonge is an emotional, feel-good story about friendship, love, and finding the courage to truly live. At ten years old, Elena made a promise to a stranger, one she believes saved her mother’s life but left her bound to die at thirty. Now that her birthday is fast approaching, she’s starting to freak out!!! Realising she needs to squeeze every last drop out of life.

When her fearless co-worker Rory moves in as a temporary roommate, Elena finds herself both inspired and challenged. Rory’s zest for life nudges her out of her comfort zone, from trying extreme sports to embarking on a spontaneous trip to Paris. As their friendship deepens, so does her determination to face her fears—and maybe even find love along the way.

Tonge’s warm, witty writing captures the beauty of human connection and reminds us of the joy of living fully. With relatable characters and plenty of heart, The Promise of Tomorrow is a touching story about facing your fears and living each day like it truly matters.


Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books

This was my first book by this author, but it will not be my last! I loved this story so much! I cannot imagine how difficult it was for Elena to see the end looming and not being able to do anything about it. I had a lot of compassion for her and what she was going through. I absolutely adored Rory and her other friends and family. But Rory was adorable! *swoon* Overall, it was a great story with that made me laugh and cry! I definitely recommend it!

While it took some time to get into the story (it was slow), I eventually really loved this book.
The story was fun, the characters lovable, but the plot twist was disappointing.

I really tried. But for some reason the writting was not of my liking.
Plus I could not get attached to the characters and ended up DNFing at 40% mark

A very sweet and touching read. Nice cast of characters all around and I would love books about the other people Rory and Elena work with as well as the neighbors, friends and families. It would make a nice series. Loved all the support for each other and the friendships vs nasty comments and bullies from other books. An engaging read from start to finish.

This was a just a great read. I was just all in the story.
Loved the MCs. Lovely written book. i enjoyed more than I expected I would

EXCERPT: 'Elena stood taller. Her thirtieth birthday was looming, but a woman like her surely had nothing to fear? She swallowed. That promise would never be called in. It wouldn't. She'd made it as a child. Adult Elena wouldn't have to keep her side of the deal. She was being stupid still worrying about it, all these years later. She took a large gulp of reassuring hot chocolate as Rory swayed to music pumped out by a local DJ. He transitioned smoothly from one move to the other, not spilling so much as a sip of his drink, in a world of his own for a moment, or so it seemed. Rory lived his life as if no one was watching.
Whereas the nearer her big birthday came, Elena lived hers under the close gaze of the past.
It was tough working alongside someone who reflected back at you the type of life you might have led if it hadn't been for one chance meeting, when you were ten, with a stranger in a purple shawl.

ABOUT 'THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW': Elena Swan believes she’s going to die. And soon.

She’s not ill. She’s not in imminent danger. But she is sure it’s going to happen.

Because many years ago… she’d made a promise to a stranger, in the woods. Elena’s mother was in hospital, after a life-threatening accident. The promise would keep her mother safe, but put Elena’s own life at risk, instead, when she grew up and turned thirty.

Elena put the promise to the back of her mind, over the years. But she’s twenty-nine now, and when something happens that puts her life in danger, she remembers. And she knows.

But Elena hasn’t done everything yet. She’s not brave like her daredevil friend Rory. But she’s also not ready to give up on life. Not before she’s been to Paris. She always wanted to skydive too. She’s never even fallen in love.

Without the promise of tomorrow, can she fulfil all her dreams before fate comes for her?

MY THOUGHTS: A pleasant romance (friends to lovers) story about the limitations anxiety and OCD places on lives.

Although Elena is a booklover and avid reader, I had trouble connecting with her character and I found the plot unconvincing. To be honest, this is a little more into the chic-lit genre than I usually venture.

I think the motivation behind writing The Promise of Tomorrow is sound, but the execution left something to be desired. There are 'information dumps' about OCD in the latter part of the book, and quite a lot of repetition throughout about the circumstances leading to Elena's anxiety and OCD.

I enjoyed Rory's character and that of Elena's grieving neighbour. Brandy and Snap, two Indian Stick Insects which are Rory's rescue pets, are cute, and I loved the way Elena talked to them, opening her heart. Elena has a kind heart, but she still didn't feel 'real' to me.

There is a wonderful 'bookish surprise' at the end of the book when Eleanor reveals to Rory where she keeps disappearing to.

There are a lot of things I liked about this book, and a lot I didn't, but I am sure that a lot of people will love this more than I did.

⭐⭐.5

#ThePromiseofTomorrow #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR: Samantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK with her husband and children. She studied German and French at university and has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris. She has travelled widely.
When not writing she passes her days cycling, baking and drinking coffee.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Promise of Tomorrow by Samantha Tonge for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

I love Samantha Tonge’s books and this one did not disappoint. When she was a child, Elena’s mother was ill and she made a promise to a stranger in the woods to save her mother. She believes she will not live past her 30th birthday and so she leads a very normal, unchallenging life with no risks.
Rory is her temporary flatmate but she starts to feel more for him, but doesn’t want to deepen the friendship for fear of the future. 

A great romance which encourages you to seize each day as it happens!

This is my first book by Samantha Tonge and I had a hard time getting into this book. At about 60%, it picked up speed so I was happy with the outcome of the book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. Looking forward to Samantha's next book.

We all need a Rory in our lives!!

A hard book to get into but once I hit chapter 21 I was completely hooked and couldn't put in down. Loved all the characters in this book and felt like I was in the book with them, living this story! Tahoor was a great character in this book and even though he wasn't the main characters, you felt a connection with him and it great to see how he involved.

My favourite part was the realisation of how Rory felt for Elena and then her realisation of her feelings. Also loved the reveal at the end of where she kept disappearing to and how she pieced together the king of hearts meaning! Loved it!!

A great story which took you on a journey of unusual friendships, mystery, excitement, lots of drama, love and personal growth.

This book had me pretty much from the beginning. I really enjoyed how the romance played out and how difficulties were explored.

A beautiful book which had me glued right away. I loved this romantic story which had me in tears at times but, in a good way. A little bit of romancen very hurt anybody especially in a book and especially written by Samantha. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

This was such a heartfelt, inspiring & uplifting read. I really enjoyed it. I don’t usually read this genre often but I’m glad I picked this one! Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this gem

Elena Swan daren’t make future plans any more
Because of a promise made almost twenty years before.
To keep her Mum safe she made a deal
And when she turns thirty her fate will it seal.

However, as her birthday nears
Can she be brave and face her fears?
She offers a room in which Rory can stay
Whilst work on his home gets underway.

As the two get to interact
Will she share her frightening fact?
There’s fun and laughter between the two
But romance is something she dares not do.

A emotional story, such a moving read,
With great characters including those in need.
Dealing with life and issues including loneliness and more
As romance and relationships are highlighted and explored.

This author’s books involve issues that she so sensitively shares,
Making them easily related to, ensuring readers care.
A fabulous read from the beginning to end
It is such a great book in which time to spend.

For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

good romance and loved how they found love and each other. They survived their trials and found their way back to each other. another great romance.

I loved the premise of this one. Would a childhood promise really effect the rest of your life?

I really enjoyed this one. Some aspects were a little out of the characters normal behavior. That can either be taken as not a consistent story line or as the character being brave and stepping out of her comfort zone.

Fun at times and heartfelt at others.

Live life for today as tomorrow is not promised.

Thanks to netgalley and Boldwood Books for the arc.

This read gave me the biggest urge to live my life to the fullest and take any opportunity presented to me. The premise of this book is so, so beautiful.
 
I really liked the dynamic between Elena and Rory, though sometimes I had a hard time liking Rory’s character because he seems to be too much of a smart aleck in my personal opinion.
 
However, I found this to be a super enjoyable story, even if at times I couldn’t quite connect to it as much as I wished to. That’s not to say I didn’t like it, though!
 
Full of charming wit. Emotional in a beautiful way.

3.5⭐️
 
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy!