The Promise of Tomorrow is a beautifully written and uplifting story, full of heart and hope. Samantha creates relatable, well-rounded characters and a storyline that draws you in from the very first page. Her warm, engaging writing style makes this a joy to read, and the emotional depth gives the story real impact. A touching and inspiring book that stays with you long after you’ve finished.

Elena and Rory are interesting characters, and I especially liked Rory's personality. It was really nice seeing him making an effort with Elenas neighbour, Tahoor. I also really liked his random facts about football. The part of the book where Elena let loose and actually enjoyed her life was my favourite but to be honest I never was truly interested in finding out what happened when she was 10 and how it connected with her thinking she would die. I did like the revelation at the end, tho.

A really intriguing premise which kept me guessing. I can't say too much without giving spoilers but really enjoyed this story and learned a few things along the way too.

Love Samantha Tongue and her way of telling stories, she's on my must read pile. This is a can't put down kind of book with great character development, Emotional, encouraging and uplifting. Time well spent having read this book.

An interesting read, a romance that also focuses on the characters flaws and their development on accepting the truth. Lovely characters and delivered with humour and kindness.

I guess I'm like Rory <spoiler> - I was hoping for a supernatural explanation for Elena's nightly disappearances.</spoiler> I guess I'm like Elena <spoiler>- I was hoping for a mysterious curse from the fair psychic, and I found the mental illness explanation sad, strange, and a smack-in-the-face from reality in what had up until then been a magical mystery.</spoiler> Regardless, I found Elena and Rory's exploits funny and entertaining, and I loved the supporting cast of characters (including the stick insects). An enjoyable read.

The Promise of Tomorrow by Samantha Tonge is a heartfelt, deeply emotional read that delicately explores anxiety, trauma, and the quiet hope that can bloom even in life’s darkest corners. Centered around Elena Swan, a woman approaching her 30th birthday while grappling with OCD and a lingering childhood belief that she won’t live past that age, the story unravels with both poignancy and warmth. Years ago, in a desperate attempt to save her mother, Elena made a mysterious promise in the woods—a moment that shaped the course of her life, anchoring her in fear and “what-ifs.” Now, with her milestone birthday looming, she finds herself at a crossroads. Enter Rory, her free-spirited and adventure-seeking friend, who gently (and sometimes not-so-gently) nudges her to embrace life and confront the mental chains that have kept her bound. Tonge’s portrayal of mental health—particularly OCD and intrusive thoughts—is sensitive, accurate, and deeply relatable, especially for readers who’ve walked the same tightrope of fear and hope. The writing is rich with emotional insight but balanced by quirky charm (like Rory’s pet stick insects), infusing the narrative with a tender humor that softens the edges of the more difficult themes. This is a story about letting go of the ghosts of the past, rewriting personal narratives, and choosing possibility over fear. For anyone who’s ever felt stuck in their own mind or unsure how to move forward, The Promise of Tomorrow offers a compassionate, uplifting reminder: healing is not linear, but it is possible—and often, it begins with a single, courageous step.

There’s an excerpt of this in If You Could See Me Now. I enjoyed the beginning of the excerpt with her as a ten year old, and how supportive her Auntie Gayle is. I then lost interest since I really don’t like bonfire night or firework displays. Rory seems like a good colleague and person.

I loved the cliffhanger at the end of the excerpt and feel concerned for Elena. I’m looking forward to the whole book.

The complete book is fun, nostalgic, immersive and powerful. I love Samantha Tonge’s books and highly recommend them and this.

4 stars

Thanks to Samantha Tonge and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

I do appreciate a book that talks about the struggles of OCD but I felt like having to go through the first half of the book to get to the even semi interesting part was just too much. None of the characters really felt relatable and any romance didn't really make me feel warm and fuzzy. More like these were people that I didn't really care about. I felt that a lot of Elena's reactions to things and ways she went about things was very childish which, I can assume might be from childhood trauma but I'd think that at her grown age, she would have looked into counseling or medication because she couldn't have been completely unaware she had SOME type of mental illness like OCD. You don't get through 30 years of of your life without realize that SOMETHING is wrong when you're so adamant about making sure the doors are locked and the stove is off. It really just felt too slow for me and was kind of a slog to get through. If you're desperate for a light romance with no spice, go for it. If you're looking for a little more adventure though, I'd recommend skipping this one.

I've not read anything by this author before so not sure, but the cover just draws you in and so glad it did.
Such a heartwarming story of second chances and living life to the fullest and such a captivating tale that will tug at your heartstrings.
I really don't know what to say or where to start, this one has stayed on my mind for a while. But I do want to say this is a must read, you will not be disappointed.

This was a slightly different type of read from this author than normal but as always covered relatable issues in a sensitive and heartfelt way.

The story featured complex characters and addressed the theme of facing your fears but also had a community and friendship feel to it with the characters looking out for others.

This was a heartwarming and life affirming read.

*I want to start by thanking the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. I didn’t really care too much for this book.

I originally soft DNF:Ed this book. I’m not sure if I wish I stuck with that or not but the ending was super cute! Perhaps it was the way it was written? I struggle a little to get into books that are written from a British perspective. But the ending made this book worth it. I loved the ending.

How would you live your life if time was running out
To see the end looming and not being able to do anything about it
An emotional read, reminding you to cherish every moment and live without regrets
Well researched and beautifully written
Would make a perfect book club read
Thanks @samanthatongeauthor, @boldbookclub & @netgalley for the emotional read

First of all I would like to say thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for this Arc in exchange for an honest review.

I'm usually not a fan of this type of POV but it worked for this story. It was a slow start but feel that once the plot kicks in I couldn't stop reading!

This book has a few mixed genres from a standard fiction to romance and some magic mixed in. It did keep you guessing for what was coming next and was an overall enjoyable read, you just need to push through a solid half of the book before it picks up.

Oh wow. I think this is now my favourite of Samantha’s books. I just love how I had no idea how this story was going to end. And the fact that more than wondering about the figure the main character met in the woods I was equally as intrigued as to where she went when she disappeared each evening. The turns, the mystery, the magical feel as well as friendship and love. It was all just amazing. And I really feel like I need stick insects in my life

a fun heartwarming read, it was great story line but tinged with fear and loneliness until she embraces life and finally starts to live before the clock hits on her 30th birthday…
a story to sit back and relax with an easy read

Wonderful story, great character development, great writing! Highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it

So, this book isn’t my usual sort of read, but I really needed something different, a palette cleanser. This book did that for me.
It was fun, life-affirming, offers hope. Characters were ok, plot line was ok, it’s probably not going to be one I remember in the long term but it was a good example of its genre and I would recommend it.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my ARC. It was much appreciated and enjoyed.

This is a stunning read and I quickly fell in love with the plot and characters. Elena and Rory are fabulous characters, very likeable and realistic and I saw them as my friends throughout. As a result I cared deeply about what they went through and this is very emotional at times so this was heightened for me. Tonge has captured the range of emotions perfectly.
This book is very emotional and at times, tragic but it is also full of lve, hope and Christmas vibes. I found this to be a complete joy to read and can highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy.