This was an overall positive read but with many moment of reflection and fear. When Elena was ten and under a lot of pressure due to her mums health she made a promise that has shadowed her life and prevented her from really living. Her colleague Rory doesn’t talk about his past but he loves daredevil exploits and lives his life to the full. Whilst this is primarily Elena’s story I love how Rory’s own life offers an interesting juxtaposition and when he moves in with her temporarily majes her start rethinking her life choices, I did struggle with Elena’s secret as it seemed a bit odd to be honest however it’s well explained and a really good way of explaining a subject that’s quite misunderstood (but I cannot say any more as I don’t want to give any spoilers) I really liked the characters as people but did sometimes struggle with Elena’s issues but aside from that she had many great attributes. This is quite an unusual storyline but it’s been quite well executed and the style is very readable (I’m also very tempted to get a stick insect too!)

Loved this book. I have read a lot by this author and this didn't disappoint. Fell in love with the characters and read it in a day! Thank you for providing me with a copy to read. Highly recommend

The Promise of Tomorrow by Samantha Tonge is a compelling and uplifting novel that stands out in the contemporary romance genre. The book's unique premise centers around Elena, a young woman grappling with a promise she made years ago to a stranger in the woods. The promise, made under dire circumstances when her mother was in a life-threatening accident, now looms over her as she nears her thirtieth birthday. With her life seemingly at risk, Elena faces the challenge of achieving her dreams before time runs out.
What makes this book particularly engaging is its blend of romance, personal growth, and a touch of suspense. The promise that drives the narrative creates a poignant backdrop for Elena’s journey, making the stakes feel incredibly high. The reader is drawn into Elena’s world as she seeks to fulfill her dreams—whether it's traveling to Paris, skydiving, or falling in love—while dealing with the looming threat of her promise.
Samantha Tonge excels in weaving a story that balances light-hearted romance with deeper emotional themes. The character development is strong, particularly with Elena’s evolving self-discovery and her relationships with others, including her daredevil friend Rory and potential romantic interests. The settings are vividly described, from the quaint details of her hometown to the romantic allure of Paris.
However, while the book's premise is intriguing, some elements may feel predictable to seasoned readers of the genre. The narrative occasionally leans into familiar tropes, and certain plot twists can be anticipated. The pacing might also falter in places, with moments that drag a bit as Elena's various endeavors and romantic entanglements unfold.
In summary, The Promise of Tomorrow offers a heartfelt and entertaining read with a distinctive premise that promises both adventure and romance. While it may follow some familiar paths, its emotional depth and engaging characters make it a worthwhile read for fans of contemporary romance looking for a story about seizing the moment and chasing one's dreams.

The Promise of Tomorrow was a great read that kept me turning pages until the very last one. I couldn’t put it down!

Reading the book was a mixed experience, oscillating between fascination and frustration. The work explores profound themes with elegant prose, but at times suffers from lengths that slow the pace. The author seems to vacillate between different narrative directions, making the plot at times predictable and disjointed.

The characters, while well-developed on the whole, sometimes lack emotional depth, making it difficult to connect fully with their dilemmas. The relationships between them are often ambiguous, leaving the reader searching for answers that are never fully provided.

Yet there are undeniable moments of brilliance. The visual descriptions are particularly poignant, capturing landscapes and feelings with almost photographic precision. The exploration of philosophical and social themes is also admirable, offering introspective reflection on contemporary issues.

In conclusion, while the book is not without merit, it fails to maintain a consistent narrative coherence or elicit deep emotional engagement. Readers looking for an intellectually stimulating read may find it to their liking, but those seeking total immersion in a story may be disappointed by its imperfections.

Thank you NetGalley & the publisher for allowing me access to this ebook.

The Promise of Tomorrow by Samantha Tonge is being released on Oct 8th. This book is all about embracing life’s experiences before it’s too late. it has some heartwarming moments of self-discovery and courage which I liked. It encourage to reflect on your own dreams and the importance of living fully in the present. Overall I'll give a three out of five!