The Time of my Life by Samantha Tonge

 The Time of My Life

How far would you go to change your life?

When Eliza Woods sees an advertisement for someone’s whole life for sale – their house, car, all their belongings, even their clothes and cat – not to mention a trial-run in their job and an introduction to their friends… she decides it’s fate.

Grabbing a different life with both hands is exactly what she needs. Even if 26-year-old Carrie’s wildly-social life and job in a bar couldn’t be more different from Eliza’s quieter existence.

As for Carrie, she’s heading off to Greece, desperate to run away from everything she’s familiar with in England. The two women message each other after the deal has gone through, with Eliza excited to go for cocktails with Carrie’s friends before her first shift at her new job.

What Carrie doesn’t tell her is why she put her life up for sale. And what Eliza doesn’t tell Carrie is that she’s about to turn 75. And that isn’t her only secret…

Don’t miss this absolutely brilliant, escapist read. Available now! Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/TheTimeofMyLife

The Time of My Life Is currently available for only 99p!

What did I think?

It's been a while since I read a book by Samantha so I was excited to get started.

First of all I thought the cover looked a little different from her usual style - maybe a change of artist - or a slightly different style of story?

Never to late to start over. Now this was an idea I could run with. At the age of 58 I got divorced, got rid of a majority of belongings, moved to a new town and started a new life. This was just the best decision for me and I certainly haven't looked back.

I loved this story and simply flew through the pages. I'm not going to give anything away - you really should read it for yourselves. Loved the main characters and how they approached the new stages in their lives. I was in awe of them and I do think sometimes we go through life not wanting to upset the apple cart and try and be happy with our lot. But it is good sometimes to kick back and do something different.

Author Bio – Samantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK. She studied German and French at university and has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris. She has travelled widely.

Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines. She is represented by Darley Anderson Agency & Associates. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2020 one of her novels won the RNA's Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award. Currently Samantha writes uplifting, emotional women's fiction for Boldwood Books. She seeks to raise a smile, and make a reader feel they are not alone with the challenges of life.

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Will You Stay Another Day by Samantha Tonge

 Will You Stay Another Day?

If you could spend just one more day with someone, who would it be?

When Lili sends a jokey ‘knock-knock’ message to her best friend Em, she doesn’t expect to hear back. Because – as Lili notices the chill in the air, and the little robin in her garden – she realises Christmas must be just around the corner once again. A whole year since she last saw Em.

But then this time someone replies. ‘Who’s there?’ It can’t possibly be Em, but Lili wants to believe it could be, and she hastily suggests meeting.

However when she gets to the meeting place, there only one other person there waiting. A man. And not just any man. The most handsome man Lili’s ever seen, Dylan… And he is also waiting for someone he’s been missing.

As the days get shorter and Autumn turns to Winter, will two lonely hearts spend another Christmas without their loved ones? Or can they welcome an unexpected friendship? Or maybe even more, if they can just help each other to focus on not what they’ve lost, but what they’ve found…

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/StayAnotherDay

What did I think?

My reading slump knows no bounds just now. Maybe it's the good weather. Maybe its my social life has taken a turn for the better. Or maybe it is my impending house move. The stress is real and reading has taken a back seat. My go to place for reading was in bed - but as soon as I go to bed my mind goes into overtime.

But I always love Samantha's books and thought maybe this will be the bit of light relief I need to help my brain switch off.

And it was.

Reading a festive story during some of the warmest weather Scotland has seen for quite some time was a little surreal! 

This story does cover loss and grief but for me the overwhelming emotion whilst reading was one of hope. That you can deal with grief but also find glimmers of happiness and hopefulness - and that we will all come through the other side.

I found both the story and the characters relatable. It made me smile. And it made me think.

The last few years have been tough for me but I am coming out of it. Christmas has been the one time of year I haven't particularly looked forward too. But this year I actually am - and that is down to the people who have come into my life.

My goal when I move into my new flat is to create a little reading corner - so I can enjoy more books like this one.

Author Bio –

Samantha Tonge is the bestselling and award-winning author of over fifteen romantic fiction titles. Her books for Boldwood mark a broadening of her writing into multi-generational woman’s fiction. She lives in Manchester with her family.

 

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If You Could See Me Now by Samantha Tonge

 

If You Could See Me Now

A brilliant, beautiful story from the bestselling author of A Single Act of Kindness

How far would you go for a perfect life?

Back in her troubled school days, kind-hearted Violet always dreamed of a life where she was happy. Now it feels like she’s just about getting there. She has her dream job working with books, and she’s living with her handsome boyfriend, Lenny.

But when her relationship with Lenny falls to pieces and he moves out, Violet, hurt and alone, decides it’s time to really take her happiness in hand. With help from her new flatmate, Bella, she changes her image and takes control at work, ready to show the world that she doesn’t need Lenny in her life. And when she meets magnetic author Casey, she begins to wonder if all she needed all along was a makeover.

But – with Bella – all is not as it seems. And Violet too has a secret, one that dates right back to her childhood, which could change everything…

IF YOU COULD SEE ME NOW is a powerful story about friendship, trust, and taking control of your life while not being afraid to stand out. Perfect for fans of Shari Low, Milly Johnson and Colleen Hoover.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/IfYouCouldSeeMe

What did I think?

I didn't realise at first that this book was a re release. It was previously published as Knowing You. Not that it matters as I hadn't read the book the first time round.

I enjoyed meeting Violet and could totally empathise with her about the break up of her relationship. She is looking for a makeover or a reinvention of herself. As someone who is recently single after a very long period of being part of a couple the story really rang true with me. I haven't had a makeover but I have out my big girl pants on and tried different things and met new people - and it's opened up lots of opportunities for me.

I loved the flashbacks. The bookish asides. The humour. But mostly what I liked was the personal details, the nitty gritty of relationships - but all done in a sensitive way.

I found the book slow to start but the story soon built and by the second half I really didn't want to put it down.

Very enjoyable.

Author Bio –

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.

Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines. She is represented by Darley Anderson Agency & Associates. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2020 one of her novels won the RNA's Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award. Currently Samantha writes uplifting, emotional women's fiction for Boldwood Books.

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The Promise of Tomorrow by Samantha Tonge

 

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?

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

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/PromiseofTomorrow

What did I think?

I love Samantha's books and this one was no exception. The writing was so engaging and warm.

Loved the main characters of Elena and Rory - their developing friendship and the sharing of their hopes and fears. Isn't that what you need and want in a friendship?

Loved the idea of the promise she made. It brought an other wordlyness (is that a word?) magical element to the story. It was this that made the book stand out for me - made it just that little bit different to anything else I have read recently.

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

I highly recommend this book if you love a good old fashioned romantic escape.

Author Bio –

Samantha Tonge is the bestselling and award-winning author of over fifteen romantic fiction titles. Her books for Boldwood mark a broadening of her writing into multi-generational woman’s fiction. She lives in Manchester with her family.

Facebook: @SamanthaTongeAuthor

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A Single Act of Kindness by Samantha Tonge

 

A Single Act of Kindness

Meet Tilda Wright…

Tilda has done everything she can to make her life neat, protected, tidy. No longer the girl who was scared of everything, whose family pushed her away, who hit rock bottom. Now she runs her life – as she does her successful business – with the utmost organization. As long as she keeps everyone at arm’s length, she will be fine. She will be safe.

But then a chance encounter with a man who’s fallen on hard times changes everything. Milo needs a break, and self-contained Tilda surprises herself by deciding she should help him. Just for a while. A few days at the most.

Maybe all he needs is someone to organize him, to help him clean up his act? She is sure she knows how to kick-start Milo into turning his life around.

What Tilda doesn’t know is that – with this single act of kindness – it might actually be her own life that’s about to change forever…

 

What did I think?

Samantha is one of my go to authors. You must have those too? Authors whose books you will pre order or request from the library before you know anything about them.

This was such a lovely story. One of second chances and illustrated how a simple act of kindness can change a persons life. Admittedly this book does cover some tough ground - homelessness, alcoholism, bullying and depression - at no point did I find the reading heavy going. In fact, it was completely the opposite.

I became so invested in Tilda and Milo and their relationship that I just wanted to carry on reading. I think sometimes the descriptions of uplifting and heart-warming are used too often in book reviews - but those two words really do sum up how I felt about this book.

I would highly recommend this book and my only disappointment was that the story was over too quickly.

Purchase Link https://mybook.to/ActKindnessSocial

Author Bio –

Samantha Tonge is the bestselling and award-winning author of over 15 romantic fiction titles published by HQ, and most recently Aria. Her first book for Boldwood, Under One Roof, was published in February 2022 and her move to Boldwood marks a broadening of her writing into multi-generational woman’s fiction. She lives in Manchester with her family.

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When We Were Friends by Samantha Tonge

 

When We Were Friends

Four friends, one big secret... and the journey of a lifetime.

It’s nineteen years since they stopped speaking to each other, but now Morgan needs to contact her three best friends from school: Paige, Emily and Tiff.

Her teenage son wants to meet his dad and Morgan can’t ignore his requests any longer. And Paige, Emily and Tiff all knew what actually happened back then. Even if that was what led to their friendship group falling apart, they’re the only people Morgan can think of who might be able help her find the man who disappeared without a trace before she could tell him she was pregnant.

Can Morgan persuade her old friends to go on a road trip to track him down? As adults – with marriages, children and a whole bucket-load of their own problems – will they be able to work together to solve the mystery? And if so – just when forgiveness for the past looks like it might be possible – how will they cope with the biggest shock of all?

A story about love, families and how the people who know you best are the ones you will always need in your life. Totally heartbreaking, brilliant, uplifting fiction for fans of Jill Mansell, Paige Toon and Sheila O’Flanagan.

 

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/Wewerefriendssocials

 What did I think?

I love Samantha Tonge's books  - she writes hugely enjoyable and relatable stories - one of my favourite authors.

This story grabbed my attention from the first chapter - I had to keep reading to find out more.

This is a story of friendships of old leading to reconciliations. It was quite an emotional read as we follow the four childhood friends as they explore their past and present lives. It made me think about the importance of friendships and the paths our lives lead us.

I took all four women to heart and became invested in the characters - always a sign of brilliant writing. There were some twists in the story and my heart went out to each character - this is a story that I think will stay with me for some time.

A highly recommended read from me.

Author Bio –

Samantha Tonge is the bestselling and award-winning author of fifteen romantic fiction titles published by HQ, and most recently Aria. Her first book for Boldwood, Under One Roof, will be published in February 2022 and marks a broadening of her writing into multi-generational woman’s fiction. She lives in Manchester with her family.

 

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The Memory of You by Samantha Tonge

 A gorgeously uplifting story about memories, storytelling, love and friendship, about the journeys we take and the people we meet, what we remember and how there are some things we can never forget.

Alex would like to believe she’s a woman who has it all. Or that’s what she tells everyone, including herself. But this is far from true. Actually she’s on the cusp of losing her home, her dream career as a writer is in tatters, her ex won’t speak to her, and her mother’s gone forever.

But then a chance meeting with a stranger named Hope gives her the opportunity of a lifetime, when Hope jokes that perhaps Alex should take over her job in a cafe while she goes travelling.

Just at that moment, it sounds like the answer to all her problems. So Alex persuades Hope to let her step into her shoes for a month. She brushes away Hope’s attempts to explain about the café, instead demanding to know more about the owner Tom.

But she should have asked to know more. Because the ‘Wrong Order Café’ isn’t like anywhere she’s ever been before. And Alex’s life is about to change forever…

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/memoryofyousocial

What did I think?

Samantha is another one of my go to authors - an author whose books I will pick up straight away without reading the blurb - as I know full well I am going to be in for a good read.

At first - going by the title - I thought maybe this book might be a little on the sad side. Then when I found out one of the themes was dementia I was more convinced this was going to be the case.

But Samantha proved me wrong. Yes - dementia is an awful condition and one that I must think is very hard to write about in a novel - but I shouldn't have worried. Samantha dealt with the subject in such a thoughtful and sensitive way - it made me think maybe she has personal experience which is why it was written with so much emotion.

This is a story of hope - a cafe where dementia sufferers are made to feel valued and part of the community. Full of positivity, love and caring. 

Please don't let the subject matter put you off. This is a life affirming and heart warming sotory that will stay with you after you have finished the final pages.

Author Bio –

Samantha Tonge is the bestselling and award-winning author of over 15 romantic fiction titles published by HQ, and most recently Aria. Her first book for Boldwood, Under One Roof, was published in February 2022 and her move to Boldwood marks a broadening of her writing into multi-generational woman’s fiction. She lives in Manchester with her family.

 

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Lost Luggage by Samantha Tonge

 

One lost suitcase. Two strangers. And a notebook that will change lives.

For almost fifty years, sisters Dolly and Greta have lived together – getting each other through the good times and the bad.

Except this year, Greta isn’t there and Dolly is feeling lost and alone. In memory of her sister, Dolly heads to the lost luggage auction where she and Greta go each Christmas. But her bid reveals a gift she never imagined.

Amongst the clothes is the notebook of a reclusive woman who has hardly been outside for an entire year, but who isn’t ready to give up on life. The notebook’s contents resonate with Dolly. With the support of her neighbours, retired Leroy and eleven year old Flo, Dolly decides to take on the year of firsts Phoebe had planned.

But, can you have a year of firsts when you’re seventy-two? And is Dolly ready to discover the notebook’s secrets, or are some secrets better left lost at the airport?

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3bgCnBC

What did I think?

Was really looking forward to reading this book - you are always in for a treat with Samanthas books. 

I found this story was really quite different from anything else I have read before. Love the idea of a lost luggage auction - you would never know what you might end up with. Also loved the fact that the main character was 72 years old - not often you get that either. 

A fab and eclectic cast of characters - I fell in love with them all.

I don't want to give anything away but I found this book was both uplifting and emotional. So many beautiful elements in this story which makes for a wonderful read. 

Highly recommended.

Author Bio –

Samantha Tonge is the bestselling and award-winning author of over 15 romantic fiction titles published by HQ, and most recently Aria. Her first book for Boldwood, Under One Roof, was published in February 2022 and her move to Boldwood marks a broadening of her writing into multi-generational woman’s fiction. She lives in Manchester with her family.

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Under One Roof by Samantha Tongue

 

One forgotten discovery will change three women’s lives for ever…

Robin hasn’t been home for decades. After running away to London, she never expected to see her cantankerous mother, Faye, again. But when Faye has a fall, the two women are thrown together once more.

The years apart have not made their hearts grow fonder and the ground between them is unsteady. Then Robin finds an unopened scroll – the last of the treasure hunts her much-missed father used to take them on every Sunday. A hunt he believed might change everything. 

Yet, not even this gift from her beloved father can smooth the way until Robin’s daughter, Amber, arrives to meet her grandmother for the first time.  Amber is determined that the decades-old mystery be solved.

Can a 30-year-old treasure hunt really 'change everything'?

What did I think?

I have read quite a few of Samantha's books and have enjoyed them so I was really looking forward to reading her new release.

Three generations of one family living under one roof. Whilst I can see this would suit some folk I really don't think it would suit me - so I was interested to see how this scenario played out and the book unfolded.

It was a book full of family tensions (I don't have a particularly close family so I could empathize) and it was interesting to see the different relationships develop. 

Loved the 1980's references - my favourite radio station is Absolute 80's. Some of the references made me laugh out loud.And brought back some memories.

I have to say I read this book over a couple of sittings as it was so entertaining I didn't want to put it down. I would highly recommend this one,

Samantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK and studied German and French at university. She has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris as part of the Opening Crew, and has travelled widely. She enjoys family time, baking and walking and always knew that one day she would write. Samantha finally took the plunge seriously in her late thirties, and hasn’t stopped since. Under One Roof will be her sixteenth book and she has also sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines.

Samantha’s uplifting stories are about identity and self-discovery, about friendships and communities. She enjoys creating diverse characters and writing about relatable issues that make the reader feel it’s not just me. Her books have hit the AmazonUK overall chart Top Ten position twice and she has won two awards.

 

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Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3r7hoHi