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!

When Rory had his apartment renovated, his colleague, Elena, said he could stay in her extra bedroom. They were opposites; she was organized and careful, Rory was into extreme sports and had endless facts about all topics. When Elena was 10, her mother nearly died and she made a deal to trade her life for her mother's life. She had until she turned thirty. I loved how Rory could understand what Elena needed and be there for her. He helped her see that if she only had one more month to live before she turned thirty, she should enjoy it. They enjoyed being more carefree and getting to know each other. Great characters and lessons on how to lead the best possible life.

I struggled so much with this book. I can't tell you the number of times I almost DNF'd but I kept trying, hoping something would click. Sadly, it didn't.

Despite Elena's near-tragic childhood, I didn't find her particularly likeable. It seemed way out of character for her to open her home to Rory, a co-worker who needed temporary housing. As her 30th birthday draws near, a date she thought she'd never make it to, she changes her thinking and becomes a risk taker, daring the odds.

There were some elements that didn't gel with me, perhaps because the fantasy genre isn't my thing. I had no idea that there would be elements of fantasy and magical thinking in this book, or I probably wouldn't have requested it. I see that there are lots of people who have really enjoyed it, I regret that I'm not one of them.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Happy #pubday to @samanthatongeauthor and her newest book, The Promise of Tomorrow
When Elena was ten years old she made a pact. Her mother was in the hospital fighting for her life after a serious accident. Elena went into the woods near her house and met a fortune teller and promised her life for her mothers, and it was accepted. Elena will die at thirty, the same age her mother was supposed to die at. She has never told anyone what she did. At 29 Elena had been careful and cautious her entire life and now the countdown to her last birthday is approaching. When she invites her adrenaline seeking co-worker to be her temporary roommate she realizes she hasn’t lived at all. Determined to squeeze a lifetime of living into her last weeks. Her new roommate, Rory, has had his own share of sorrows and lives his life because of them. The weeks leading up to Elena’s birthday will show both of them what it means to really live.
This is one of those “the best part is a spoiler” kind of books so I won’t say too much. What I will say is I read this in one sitting because Elena and Rory were so compelling and endearing I had to know what was going to become of them.
Thank you to @netgalley @theboldbookclub for letting me have a copy of #thepromiseoftomorrow to review.
#bookrecommendations #bookreview #booklover #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram

The Promise of Tomorrow by Samantha Tonge helped me get out of a reading slump… it is such an amazing and reflective read. There are twists and turns throughout the novel. The cast of characters is diverse and the two main characters each have their own private struggles that ultimately help (predictably) them together. But, the personal realizations each one has about things they’ve thought about their life are relatable and honest. It gives the reader a lot to think about. I really enjoyed their growth and was happy with the ending. All in all, I would recommend this novel to everyone who wants to reexamine what’s important to them in life, how they want to live their life and a sweet romance.

Lovely story about friendship and living life not in fear, love the characters and the interaction between them. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Promise Of Tomorrow' by Samantha Tonge.

Congratulations Samantha on another fantastic page turner!!! An absolute must read with vivid descriptions that set the scene for you. The cover, title and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.

Grab the tissues and clear your schedules as you will not be able to put this down!!!

The first thing I have got to say is an absolutely HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to the amazing author Samantha Tonge!!! I absolutely loved your previous books that I have read and when I seen this book I just had to read it. I was a bit dubious wondering with such amazing previous books how on Earth are you going to make another book just as amazing as those ones are but you managed it hook, line and sinker which is not an easy feat at all!! I just cannot wait to see what on Earth you will come out with next with your incredible talent!!!! In this beautiful page turner we meet Elena Swan whose mother was in a bad car accident 20 years ago. When her mother was ill Elena made a pact with a stranger in the wood that if her mother would survive then she would die at the age of thirty. It is now a month before Elena's 30th birthday and her colleague and friend Rory has just moved into her spare room and is the complete opposite of her when it comes to taking risks. Elena has always tried to play it safe whereas Rory is a bit of an impulsive daredevil. Rory's wild life makes Elena question if there is any point playing it so safe now if she has only got weeks to live. Will Elena make the most of the weeks she thinks she has to live and take a walk on the wild side? Will she make it past her 30th birthday? Well, the only way to find out is to grab a copy for yourselves and get lost in this fantastic page turner. I promise that you will not regret it! With a storyline ram packed with friendship, mystery, family, warmth, heartbreak, happiness, humour, secrets, relationships, dreams, self discovery and so much more what on Earth are you waiting for? As was repeated in another book I recently read Carpe Diem!! The storyline is realistic and filled with love, loss, heartbreak, tears, important messages, tragedies, romance, family and more. I was completely absorbed from the first page until late at night when I could only put it down because I'd finished it. It is one of those books that is just impossible to put down!!! I lost count how many times I would promise myself one more chapter just to HAVE to know what happened next so I promised myself just one more, just for this to happen over and over until I had devoured it in one sitting. Samantha does a perfect job of weaving together the protagonists of both Elena and Rory's perspectives together creating a smooth and beautiful read without complicated things or giving anything away too soon while ensuring the reader can see, feel and hear everything that each of our main characters are feeling and seeing. Make sure you clear your schedules as you won't be able to put this book down and definitely have the tissues at the ready!!! An emotional read full of love, heartbreak and hope weaved perfectly into it. If you love Jodi Picoult, JoJo Moyes and Nicholas Sparks then Samantha Tonge is an absolute MUST READ author for you!! Grab your copy of this amazing book today and I can promise you will not regret it!! It is a gorgeous book and can be read in the sun or curled up next to the fire as regardless of where you read it Samantha will suck you into the storyline seeing everyone and everything coming to life around you. I was completely invested in the storyline throughout and on several occasions my heart was in my throat with what was happening. An absolutely gorgeous read that I would to see being made into a movie! Congratulations Emma.

This would make an absolutely stunning movie that I would love to watch!!

I was completely invested in the characters and I loved both Elena and Rory's characters and personalities so much!! Samantha does an amazing job of weaving their stories together ensuring the reader really gets to feel everything that they are both feeling and that they both completely jump out of the pages, as do all of the characters. I loved discovering more about each of them and discovering their flaws, secrets, weaknesses, hopes, fears, strengths, hopes and more and seeing their personalities change throughout the storyline. i loved how they helped each other throughout the book and it really was beautiful to watch!! Both Elena and Rory were realistic, strong and very likeable. Their friendship was absolutely amazing and something that everybody in life should have as it really makes a difference to what someone is going through to have such a huge support as these two were to each other. The beauty of their friendship was shining through the pages and the fact that Samantha clearly cares about her characters is obvious to anyone who reads her books and sees how she makes them come to life with her stunning emotive and evocative descriptions. It's hard to say too much as I don't want to give anything away to future readers but I'd you want to find out what I mean just get your copy today!! A great realistic mix of memorable characters who worked perfectly for this storyline.

ABSOLUTELY loved this book Samantha and here's to hoping you've started on your next page turner. Watch out JoJo Moyes, Jodi Picoult, Nicholas Sparks and Diane Chamberlain you have some serious competition here!! This is the exact reason you are one of my favourite authors!!!

Overall an unputdownable addictive emotional rollercoaster filled with love, family, heartbreak, friendship and living life to the fullest.

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A great book about learning to live for the moments rather than living in fear. A read that left me thinking if playing it safe is always the best way to go.

The Promise of Tomorrow by Samantha Tonge

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

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 Opinion

Samantha Tonge has yet to disappoint with her writing and so I am always excited when there is a new released. This is a novel about trying to face your fears – Elena has lived with the thought that she would die before she turned 30 due to a childhood memory. Samantha has used alternating perspectives between Elena and Rory to tell the story. Can Rory help Elena overcome her fears?

This was a heart-warming tale of friendship and facing your fears, with some very relatable characters. Once again Samantha Tonge has written a charming book. With a packed plot, you will be at the end of this book long before you are ready.

Rating 4/5

I love a Samantha Tonge book, they're always guaranteed to tug at those heartstrings and usually require a bucket load of tissues too due to their super emotional stories.

The Promise of Tomorrow was a book whose title that resonated with me so much right now. But it's so true 'tomorrow is a gift, not a promise'.

The characters throughout are so real, relatable and so adorable. The plot focuses on friendships, fears, grief and romance.

A multi layered masterpiece that packs a punch, leaves an impact and will stay with you long after reading.

This was a wonderful read that grabbed my attention right from the very beginning. I loved the characters and had a soft spot for Elena’s elderly next door neighbour Tahoor. Whilst this is an easy read it’s also a very thought provoking one and although it did have me laughing at times , I did find some parts sad and poignant.
A charming and magical read that I would have no hesitation in recommending .

I received an E-ARC with a request for my honest review.

This uplifting romance follows Elena Swan who after making a mysterious promise in the woods as a child, is frightened of what it may mean coming up to her thirtieth birthday.

When Elena finds herself in a few near miss situations the promise she made in her childhood, seems even more likely to end her life.

With her new temporary housemate Rory living life to the full, she starts to think she must live each of her possible last days as if it were her last.

What did Elena promise? What will happen to Elena?

This romance is an uplifting read throughout with the steps Elena takes with the help of Rory to try and live her life and stop being scared for her future.

The friendship between Elena and Rory is lovely, and seeing how it develops adds even more to the storyline of Elena’s promise.

It is a story which makes you think about what you could be doing differently to be happier in your life.

Overall, an uplifting romance where Elena tries to make the most of the rest of her life.

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This book follows Elena, who is approaching her thirtieth birthday, and her friend Rory. I quickly warmed to both characters, and cared about them. I appreciated the bond between them, and their interactions made me smile.

I found that while I was reading, this book played with my emotions a little bit. There were some lighthearted, humorous moments, and some tearjerker moments as well. This was beautifully written, an emotional and thought-provoking read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

I was initially drawn to this book by the title and colorful cover. Then I wasn't sure about the story itself because I prefer realistic novels. However, I'm glad I gave it a chance because I grew to really like all of the characters and was impressed with the way the author incorporated a number of sensitive issues. I will definitely be checking out other books by this new-to-me author,. Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for an advance copy to read and review.

thank you netgalley for the e-arc. i'm sorry, maybe i don't get it but you make a promise to your mother that you'll try to die before age 30? the story and the plot were farfetched and i didn't want to suspend my disbelief for much of this.

The Promise Of Tomorrow by Samantha Tonge when Alayna Swan was 10 her mom got a devastating diagnosis and thanks to magical intervention Alina made a promise to be repaid back by her 30th birthday. Now that she is 29 the payment is coming due thankfully her coworker Rory who recently also became her roommate is there when three different accidents that could’ve been life ending happened and was there to save her. Since making the promise Alayna has been overly careful where Rory is the complete opposite and lives life on the edge. After moving in together six weeks before her 30th birthday Rory is shocked to see careful Alina throw caution to the win an act unlike the Alena he’s gotten to know would act. From getting drunk to smoking to one night stands it seems the life she tried so hard to keep safe no longer means anything and it brings Rory to a wrong conclusion. As Elena and Rory get closer will they get close enough for her to confide in him and will he be able to save her one more time? When I started this book and got to know the characters I really wasn’t that into the book. i found the extreme opposite relationship a little too convenient but it seems the more I read the more I loved their interaction not only with each other but their coworkers and their neighbor despite the fact I guess how the book would end I still really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it.#NetGalley,#BoldwoodBooks, #SamanthaTonge, #ThePromiseOfTomorrow,

Thank you netgalley, publishers and author for an advanced copy of this book for my honest opinion. Two work colleagues, complete opposites, one an extreme activity fan and the other extremely cautious in all activities, find themselves temporarily living together and this is where we really start to see their friendship deepen and learn why they behave as rhey do. A beautifuly written heartwarming story that I heartily recommend.

I struggled with getting into the story, but it got better around half way through. For me magical realism stories hit when I am really connected to characters and feel attached to their story. For some reason this fell flat, and I wasn't as interested in finishing Elena's story as I hoped. Although I struggled to finish the book, the concept was beautiful in theory just not as engaging as I hoped it would be.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

Elena works at a biscuit factory – she has friends there, her ideas for improvements are respected, her opinions valued. But outside work, she lives a quiet and careful life – escaping only through her love of books – with a constant awareness that her life might be limited because of a moment in her childhood.

We slowly learn more about that pivotal moment that’s had such a life-limiting impact, and why she fears the approach of her thirtieth birthday – but things begin to change for her when she offers friend and work colleague Rory a place to stay while having work done on his apartment. He’s her opposite – flamboyant and upbeat, a risk taker with his interest in extreme sports and travel – and, as well as being fun to be with, his influence begins to rub off on her. If her time is limited, perhaps it’s time for her to live a little – leave that door unbolted, attempt some of those activities she’s always been too fearful to try (taking a plane to a destination she’s always wanted to visit, bungie jumping, see if she can find love before it’s too late). When there’s no tomorrow, it becomes important to live for today – until she finally shares her secret with Rory, and they set about finding out if she can change her future.

You might be expecting magic realism – that bizarre promise, and its consequences, along with some other unexplained details – but instead this is a book that deals very powerfully with other more serious issues, along with the strength to be found through letting other people into your life and sharing your burden, and the possibility of finding joy when all hope seems to be lost. There’s considerable depth and emotion to the story, as your understanding of Elena’s situation slowly builds – and other layers to it, particularly with the introduction of neighbour Tahoor, also barely living but for very different reasons. But there’s plenty of humour and lightness too, with Rory’s zest for life – although he has his secrets too – and their very special friendship that begins to develop into something rather more. With their care for Tahoor and for each other – and the stick insects whose wellbeing also becomes their shared concern – it’s very much a book filled with hope and love. And yes, there is a twist to the story – an unexpectedly powerful one, that caught me unawares, but sensitively and perfectly handled.

This book was unlike anything that I’ve ever read before – a really original premise, difficult subjects dealt with so very beautifully, the warmth of the bond between two very different people slowly overcoming the dread and fear and finding strength in each other, and a story about the power of love that moved me really deeply. I really loved it – and couldn’t recommend it more highly.

Elena knows that her days are numbered.When she was 10 years old, she made a deal with a strange woman in the woods. Her mother, who had been in a terrible accident, would be saved, but Elena would pay the price when she turned 30. Elena had always been cautious, but as it gets closer to her birthday, this caution is paralysing.

Her workmate Rory, is the complete opposite. He is flamboyant, loves extreme sports and never saw a challenge that he wouldn't accept.

Elena and Rory work well together, with their skills complementing each other in their work at a biscuit factory. When he needs a temporary place to stay, along with his two stick insects, Elena agrees that he can stay with her, no matter how uncomfortable that makes her initially. The thing is though, like so many of us, both Elena and Rory are wearing masks, so sharing a house together gives them the chance to really see beneath the mask.

After a couple of odd incidents that unsettle her, Elena decides to throw caution to the wind. After all, if this is the end she wants to have experience life as much as she can, which Rory finds quite confusing. Who is the real Elena? And where does she disappear to?

I love that Elena and Rory are fundamentally just good people. For example, Elena's neighbour, Tahoor, is lonely following the death of his wife and Rory finds himself watching soccer with Tahoor, despite the fact that he doesn't like football.

I have read a few Samantha Tonge books now, and I always enjoy her way of exploring various topics, with care and respect. One of the things that is interesting about this book is in the author's note where she asks people to leave a review if they could, but she specifically asked that we not mention one of the themes of the novel. Of course I am going to respect that request. You will just need to read the book to find out what happens to Elena and Rory.

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted by The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.