A Thousand Tiny Promises by Morgan Lee Miller is a heartfelt and emotionally resonant story that beautifully captures the enduring bonds of friendship, the weight of loss, and the healing power of love. Centered around four lifelong friends, the novel follows the journey of three women who are left to fulfill a series of promises made by their late friend Sadie—a task that brings both heartache and hope.

Miller masterfully weaves together past and present, drawing readers into the shared history of these women while showcasing how grief can both test and strengthen the ties that bind. Each character is deeply human, and the emotions they experience—sorrow, joy, regret, and ultimately, acceptance—are palpable and relatable. The story is not only a tribute to friendship, but also a celebration of life’s most meaningful connections.

A Thousand Tiny Promises is a moving and uplifting novel that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a beautiful exploration of how even in the wake of loss, love and purpose can be rediscovered. A must-read for fans of character-driven stories with emotional depth.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and writing this review voluntarily.

I loved this book. It is heartwarming, funny, and with so much suffering. I cried whenever we missed throughout the journey with Reid, Audrey and Emma. I can connect to the pain of losing a friend because I do lost a dear friend to cancer within two month of diagnosis. So, seriously, I knew how difficult it would be to read this. But, you know, it was catharsis for me as well.

I would recommend this book if you want to read about friendship, love, loss and then realisation of our dreams, grief of loving someone and having to let them go but knowing in our heart that the person will be with you even, maybe, not in the same way of once having them on the same planet once they were, but yeah, you got the gist.

I would recommend this book. Read. Come back to oath you once taken in your youth to complete something you left it undone.

4.5⭐️This was an incredibly emotional and beautiful read that brought tears to my eyes. It's a poignant story of grief, healing, and the enduring power of friendship, reminding us that light can be found even in the darkest times. The author's way with words was simply amazing, crafting a narrative that truly resonated.
The plot centers on Emma, Audrey, and Reid, who must complete a bucket list started 13 years ago with their late best friend, Sadie. Sadie was a character I wish I knew in real life. She made me laugh (her Urn.. really lol) Sadie leaves letters for her friends begging them to finish what they started years before. This forces Audrey and Reid to confront their past, and perhaps, rediscover their connection on a road trip along Route 66.
I thoroughly enjoyed following their journey. At first I was unsure about the romance between Reid and Audrey given their lack of early chemistry and Audrey's recent breakup, their relationship progressed in a way that I appreciated the growth between them. The blend of angst, grief, and the friends-to-lovers trope was nicely portrayed through the strength of their bond and their shared commitment to Sadie's memory. The firefly story, in particular, was beautifully done.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

I got this as an arc on Netgalley and it has since come out. I loved this sapphic book! Ok I was annoyed with the characters in the beginning but they grew on me quickly (and I was supposed to be). The portraying of grief and mourning, both the death and the living, losing what you know, was realistic. I recommend.

As I didn’t remember the blurb I was shocked by the end of the first chapter. I was very keen to read on. In the first chapter I didn’t see each of the four characters clearly. It got easier as time went on but then I felt pacing was very slightly off. The locations also didn’t quite stand out in 3D for me.
I’m not quite gelling the way I hoped. This is based on a previous novel by the writer I read. This is fine, pacing was very slightly on the back foot for me, but I thought a pivotal almost change in relationship was really well written, at least up to the point, the relationship physically changed.
There was a bit of teasing the reader but when the mains did get together…… well I liked the scenes that led to that, but not that scene. Total personal preference (as all reviews are!) but I am assuming the writer made a style choice with pretty much the only words the mains uttered, but while I don’t have a problem with that word, I did in this context. Well okay they didn’t only say that, but it did drown the rest out! It just kept pulling me out the scene. Admittedly it didn’t have far to pull as I just wasn’t that in to it!
You know when 77% in to a book and a main does something stupid and you shout at them?….. I guess I’m feeling more for the mains than I thought!!
That bit was well done and the tension from the romance blip was more the kind of writing I expected. As I say I was obviously more invested in the mains than I thought I was.

This is my first Morgan Lee Miller book and I loved it! A great book about a group of friends who make a pact about finishing their bucket list.. This is a second chance romance. Elle and Avery’s journey is a reminder that sometimes love needs space and time. Will definitely recommend!!!

This was an endearing and emotional story built around the idea of rebuilding and growing friendships while honoring the minor hand wishes of a mutual friend who died too young. All of the characters and their emotions and struggles were relatable and realistic, and I quickly found myself rooting for all of them. Despite being built on such an emotional base, this novel was full of joy and I highly recommend it.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

a bucket list
a death
road trip
what could go wrong

when the first road trip happened it broke their friendships apart... but it was the death of sadie that brought the friends together

reid emma and audrey then found themselves on the same bucket list that they abandoned previously but this time it was sadies turn to make them do it for real this time with an added extra item on their bucket list

it was a lot to ask for all three.... but one drunken slip of admission from emma put audrey and reid in their sights.....

could they finish this bucket list and still remain friends...... it was a lot to ask of them

really enjoyed this road trip and the adventures they had

looking forward to the next adventure this author writes about

I was totally swept up in this emotional story of rebuilding friendships and honoring memories of those lost. The girls were each uniquely drawn and I was rooting for each of the three remaining friends. A bucket list and a journey is a addictive plot. The things each girl discovers about themselves and each other was very relatable. I was moved by the beautiful real writing. A wonderful road trip story

Sadie, Audrey, Reid and Emma have been best friends since their early teens. Before going their separate ways to college they write a bucket list of things they want to all do together. They manage some, including matching tattoos. But a first attempt at a road trip on Route 66 ends after three days with Audrey and Reid having a falling out. Now at the age of 29 Sadie passes away. She leaves letters to her friends asking them to complete the list including the road trip. She has written them occasional letters to be read along the way.

I loved the premise and had high expectations. But the road trip didn’t really grip me. And when all is said and done the falling out seems to be resolved with a conversation and a little empathy by seeing it from the other person's POV. I think there was a lot going on but honestly not a lot of depth covering it. At the funeral Reid has her first ever panic attack. It is mentioned and then almost forgotten about. Audrey’s very recent break up is covered but works out in a very predictable way. Emma is almost sidelined being the buffer between feuding friends.

I really enjoy Miller’s writing and a couple of her books I have read more than once because they really touched me. It is hard to believe I wasn’t more moved by a story with heartfelt letters coming from a dead best friend. The book is very readable but I just didn’t get the feels or connect with the characters, to care in the way I wanted to. (3.5 Stars)

Well, I cried right from chapter one. The book was really emotional, and its main character was grief: grief for a loved one or a relationship. I liked the second-chance component of the story and couldn't wait for Audrey and Reid to get together. The bucket list was a pretext for the one-bed trope and multiple opportunities to get close again. I devoured the book, hoping to see them finish the list. I wished the reason for the fallout was a bit more complex because them not talking for six years for this fight, while they share two really close friends, felt a bit immature. In the same way, I wished their relationship development and explanation for them falling for one another had a bit more depth. To me, the most satisfying was the friends group minus Sadie getting together again. My favorite character might be Sadie; from the prologue and even in her letters, she is full of life and humor. I spent a lot of time with my throat constricted, wanting to cry about how unfair it was that she died.

Overall, this book was truly emotional and easy to read. My favorite character or relationship I was rooting for the most was just not the ones I expected.

I requested this book because I like this author. I wasn't sure from the summary of the story line whether or not I'd like it. It was a nice story. An interesting premise following a deceased friend's (Sadie's) letters for a road trip. Three friends, two of whom had fallen out six years ago make the trip. Their feelings of grief for Sadie and the dislike between two of them are all part of the overall story. I did in fact like it.

A Thousand Tiny Promises written by Morgan Lee Miller was heart breaking, inspiring, powerful, emotional, real, raw, pure, gut wrenching, and super beautiful. When I first saw this beautiful cover and read the synopsis, I didn't expect to be this mentally unstable, I knew it was going to be an emotional story, but damn, I was not prepared to have my heart ripped right out of my chest and shredded to pieces. As many of you know by now, I love heart wrenching stories, but this book was top tier emotional and heart breaking. My heart was being held hostage and the snot bubbles were bubbling. Morgan, I will be sending you my therapy bill because you wrecked my soul with A Thousand Tiny Promises. There's absolutely nothing I would change about this book, it gave me everything I asked for and more, it gave me all of the tears and heart punching moments. One minute I was full on sobbing, the next minute I was laughing with tears streaming down my cheeks. A Thousand Tiny Promises taught me so many life lessons, hold your friends a little tighter because you never know when you will see them again, live your life to the fullest extent, and it's okay to have a sense of humor during your dark times. If you are looking for an emotional story that will make you bawl your eyes out, then mark your calendars for July 15th, 2025 because you won't want to miss out on A Thousand Tiny Promises. There's very few books that will leave a lasting impact on your heart, and I truly believe this is the type of book that will remain with people forever. Okay, I'm getting emotional and wiping away tears as I'm sitting here writing my review. I honestly don't think any amount of words will give this book the justice it deserves, but I'm going to do my best to convince everyone and their mothers to read this book like right this minute.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BOLD STROKES BOOKS INC FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!

The Kickboxer- to mend a broken heart. Orange and strawberry vodka, raspberry, melon, and peach liqueurs, a splash of sour mix- cranberry juice and sprite.

"A forest full of fireflies is like a thousand tiny promises of hope in the darkness".

"Nothing cured the sads like a charcuterie board".

"A drunk person's words are a sober women's thoughts".

"Who sang a song about losing their best friend and then getting dumped shortly after"?

"False hope post break up isn't healthy".

"Remind yourself of all the things you have in your life and the good things that surround you".

"Anytime the stars are extra bright, I think of my mom. Sometimes, I like to think that's her in the sky. It's silly, I know-".

"Here's the thing I have learned in the last two and a half months: life is incredibly short. You don't realize how short until you are on your death bed and replay your entire life over and over again, and you realize that some of the things that you spent so much time worrying about seem so small compared to an entire lifetime".

"All of you have been my fireflies throughout this cancer journey, and God, I'm so fucking lucky, which I know is a weird thing to say since I'm literally dying of cancer. But I am. I think it has taken death approaching to fully see the brightness you all bring to my life. I hope this journey has helped the three of you become each other's fireflies".

THE ERAS BUCKET LIST
1. Route 66 road trip.
2. Get matching tattoos.
3. See synchronous fireflies in the Smoky Mountains.
4. Make a time capsule and open together as adults.
5. Go to a music festival.
6. Skinny dip.
7. Go camping the real way... in actual tents.
8. Volunteer at an animal shelter.
9. Napa Valley wine tasting.
10. Vegas, baby!
11. Go to a spa resort.
12. See Disneyland at Christmas.
13. Have dinner at a Michelin Star restaurant.
14. Finally ride in a hot air balloon over Temecula like the tourists.
15. Fly first class.
16. Celebrate someone's twenty first birthday at Magnolia Springs.
17. Stay in a log cabin.
18. Go scuba diving.

Sadie Russo wants to have a marry your college sweetheart, three kids within five years, and living in the suburbs with a golden retriever kind of life. Eleven years later at just twenty-nine years old, Sadie passed away due to terminal a cute myelogenous leukemia. Sadie spent most of her last two and half months working on a project for her three best friends- and that's to complete the bucket list they made on the night of their high school graduation, but Sadie wants them to complete it in her honor. Before she passed away, Sadie spent time writing letters for each of the bucket list items, Sadie had planned the cross country road trip with hotels, itineraries, and pit stops along the way all planned out before leaving this earth. Sadie wrote a binder full of letters for the girls , but as she was dying, she promised she would come back and haunt them as a purple sunset one day, which was also her favorite color, so of course all of her letter and bucket list was written with a purple sparkly gel pen. Before her life was taken too soon, Sadie married Jeremy after their college years, they had a dog named Charlie and she had her dreams which came true of working at a veterinary clinic because she just loved animals with her whole heart. Sadie was such a beautiful soul, she had her whole life ahead of her, she radiated so much joy and light, it was so sad to read her story. Sadie, my precious girl, I love you so much, you were so strong and such a brave angel. Fly high, sunshine.

On June 8th, 2013, the night of their high school graduation, Sadie Russo, Reid Haley, Emma Lin, and Audrey McCann made a bucket list- a little contract of promises to do when they are home from college during the summer, which mind you need to be realistic. But time stood still because Sadie passed away, but in her honor the girls are to complete the rest of the bucket list. Sadie, Audrey, Reid, and Emma have been best friends since they were fourteen years old, they have had their highs and lows. They had an ERAS group text chat, ERAS stands for all four of their initials. These women also had matching tattoos- four overlapping triangles in a line on their inner wrists. After going their separate ways for college, Reid, Audrey, and Emma are reunited at Sadie's funeral after six long years. During the funeral, Audrey "mentored" Emma through the battle that was grief because Audrey lost her mom when she was just fourteen years old due to breast cancer, so she understood grief, Reid stood in the back of the room and bolted right after the funeral was over, but nobody knows why she left without saying anything, did I also mention that Reid showed up to the funeral late? I completely understand it was a difficult time for her, but goodness, it was her best friend's funeral and she couldn't even comfort her other best friends during this unimaginable difficult time of their lives.

Audrey and Reid are now ex- best friends, they haven't spoken to each other in over six years because they had a falling out on their last Route 66 road trip when Sadie was alive. During their cross country road trip to honor Sadie and to complete the rest of their bucket list, things aren't easy, Sadie's humor and spark haunted the girls because she just wanted them to be happy. During their freshman year of high school, the girls earned the nickname- "fearsome foursome". On the first night of their trip, after being tipsy, Emma blurted out that Reid had a fifteen year old secret crush on Audrey. Audrey and Reid are both bi-sexual, they have both been through shitty breakups and situationships, so on this trip they gave each other the best advice, they both needed a queer friend, so they made a pact to at least be open to finding the Jeremy to their Sadie. On their cross country trip, Audrey and Reid both found the closure they needed after their fight six years ago, they actually communicated with each other like grown adults and voiced their resentment and feelings towards one another. Audrey, this girl was my Pisces twin, she loves sad music. I absolutely adored and loved watching this group of friends find their way back together and navigate this battle of grief as they honored their best friend's dying wish. As their cross country trip came to an end, Emma, Audrey, and Reid spent their last day in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee to see a show of synchronous fireflies which is one of the things Sadie really wanted to do. Sadie- "I hope this journey has helped the three of you become each other's fireflies". This trip was so beautiful and memorable for these women to reconnect and find their way back together again, I loved getting snippets of Sadie's humor along the way even though she had already passed away, it truly was so beautiful and heart breaking.

Wow! I really enjoyed this book. It is a beautiful well written story with lots of strong emotions. I had tears in my eyes with this one. It centered on loss, the value of friendship and a darn bucket list that Audrey, Reid, Emma and Sadie created at the end of high school. What a journey, this was very realistic and if everyone who experienve loss had this kind of support it would be phenonminal. Kudos to Morgan she hit this oneout of the park!!

Thank You Bold Strokes Books, NetGally and Morgan Lee Miller.

This book just wasn’t my cup of tea. It wasn’t terrible - just a bit too fluffy for my taste. I know there are readers who enjoy what I’d call a “box standard HEA,” but I tend to look for something a bit darker and more complex.

The friendship between Sadie, Reid, Audrey, and Emma-growing up together, going to school, making future plans, creating memories and bucket lists, experiencing heartbreak and fallouts, felt predictable and average. I expected more depth or unexpected turns, which is probably why it took me so long to finish. Nothing about the storyline truly grabbed me.

That said, I did appreciate the dynamic between the characters. Watching them grow from teens to adults and navigate life both with and without Sadie added a layer of emotional vulnerability that was relatable and at times, moving. While the plot didn’t wow me, it had those moments of emotional realism that were worth highlighting.

I really enjoyed this book.
Four friends have a bucket list. They start when they graduated high school and want to complete. Life and circumstances start to happen and the bucket list remains untouched for many years. It is only after something they all experience that is life changing, that the bucket list is revisited. When this happens, they all change in ways that no one would imagine.
I would highly recommend!
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this. I hadn't read any of this author's books before - although I kept meaning to.
This book was, in my opinion, more than I had been expecting. I knew it centred on friendship, loss and the bucket list. But I wasn't expecting to the expression of the portrayal of grief to be so real. Having read the acknowledgements I saw the author had bereavements while writing it, and she certainly was able to channel those feelings. Hopefully it was cathartic.
There were many nice touches, the many letters that are read while completing the bucket list and the redoing of the tattoos - who would want to be the last woman standing with 3 coloured in triangles?!?
There's a lot of knowledge in the book too - not just about bereavement and grief - but about wildlife and travel.
Given that this book was about loss and there are emotions on display throughout it, it is quite an uplifting story. But the story is not only about grief and loss, there is much about friendship and acceptance and love too.
There is of course an epilogue which takes them into 2026.

Oh boy, that was such an emotional and beautiful read. I had tears in my eyes at many points and it really touched me. A story about grieving, healing, friendship and that there is light somewhere, no matter how dark it is around you.

Sadie is dead. She was the best friend of Emma, Audrey and Reid. They had written a bucket list together 13 years ago, but unfortunately, due to a big fight between Audrey and Reid, they never got to finish the list. But now everything is different. Sadie leaves a wish: the three of them should do the remaining items on the bucket list without her. Reid and Audrey have to face each other and who knows, maybe they can find each other again after all these years?

The story had really great vibes. Following the three of them on their road trip along the famous Route 66 was really fun. I was initially apprehensive about the romance between Reid and Audrey because they didn't really have any chemistry at first and Audrey was also in the middle of a bad break-up, but I was proved wrong. It was very sudden, but it worked very well for me and I liked the way the relationship developed. I was also very touched by all the angst mixed with the grief for Sadie. I also liked the combination of friends-to-lovers and this intimate friendship that connected these three women. Being there for each other, even in such difficult times, and finding a tradition of not forgetting their mutual best friend... that was just beautifully portrayed. And the story about the fireflies was so touching. Just thinking about it warms my heart.

A book I absolutely recommend! Lots of big and strong emotions, a funny road trip and a journey about healing and finding yourself.

Wow, if you need some perspective on the value of friendship this book will do it for you. This story will definitely have you in tears, but it will also warm your heart. Three long-time friends come together to find a way to grieve the loss of their best friend. A sweet story filled with lots of loving memories shared between friends. What a wonderful thing life would be if everyone had a friend group like these women. Emma, Audrey, and Reid are each dealing with the loss in their own way, but they have each other to be vulnerable with provide comfort, be sad and cry, and also be happy while remembering all the amazing times they had together. This is a truly wonderful story.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and this is my voluntary, honest review.

I wasn't sure what to expect from my first Morgan Lee Miller read. I loved the premise, figuring there would be lots of delicious angst. And I wasn't disappointed. Between the aftermath of Sadie's death and the various heartbreaks Reid and Audrey were dealing with, the feels were all over the pages.

I finished the book yesterday and woke up thinking about Reid and Audrey. And
Sadie, too. Even though we only met her in the very beginning of the book, her personality and love for ERAS shines through her letters. No spoilers, but it's an incredibly touching story.

It wasn't perfect but got pretty close. There were a few things that hopefully were caught in another round of proofreading. All in all, a delightfully moving book with some good spice. I will be catching up on the author's back catalogue until the next new release.

Thanks to Bold Strokes and NetGalley for the ARC! And an extra thanks to NetGalley for adding the "send to Kobo" option!