The Promise Tree

by Elisabeth Hobbes

For Edwin Hope, it begins with a childhood dare and a forbidden tree. It begins with him falling … in more ways than one. Called home from his studies by the grandfather who has always hated him, eighteen-year-old Edwin is once again trapped in a house that is colder than the winds whipping across the fields. Seeking sanctuary, he escapes into the untamed beauty of the Peaks and meets a woman who sparks an old memory. A memory of the sycamore that broke him, and the little girl who saved him. Drusilla has had many acolytes over the centuries but none like Edwin. With the Great War looming and Edwin’s future uncertain, she knows the right thing to do is to set him free from her spell, but can she do so if it means breaking her own heart?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, British Literature

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2023

About the author

Author for Harlequin Historical.
Falling For Her Captor October 2014
A Wager for the Widow July 2015
The Blacksmith's Wife May 2016
The Saxon Outlaw's Revenge December 2016
Redeeming the Rogue Knight August 2017

I grew up in York where I spent most of my teenage years wandering around the city looking for a handsome Roman or Viking to sweep me off my feet. Sadly it never happened but I developed a love of the past and went on to read History and Art History at university before venturing into the world of teaching. These days I hold down jobs as a teacher and mum. I live in Cheshire with my husband, two young children and two cats with ridiculous names.
I love historical fiction and have a fondness for dark haired, bearded heroes. When I'm not writing, I spend a lot of my spare time reading and have become something of a pro at cooking one-handed while holding a book!

You can find me on Facebook and Twitter
https://www.facebook.com/ElisabethHob... and Twitter https://twitter.com/ElisabethHobbes

Reviews

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good romantic fantasy featuring interesting characters and well done world building.
Compelling and entertaining.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

On August 9, 1902 the day of King Edwards coronation young Edwin hope was dared by his cousins to climb the big tree in the backyard when he was almost all the way up he saw a little girl she didn’t look like the little girls Edwin knew but he found her interesting all the same before they could have a proper conversation however he fell and broke his arm. after he got his arm casted his grandfather told him the pain of his broken arm would be his punishment for not listening once again too to his governess and that he absolutely must stay away from the tree. Something he didn’t listen to because that same day he went back to the tree to talk to the little girl yet again this is when his grandfather Stephen Bryce sent him to live in Yorkshire with his aunt Madeline Ponches and his cousins Harold and Eleni he would live there for 10 years and when he goes back to his grandfathers at 18 Yorkshire feels more like home than Cheshire does it isn’t long after he arrives that he once again talks to the tree nymph Who is now grown-up. He will eventually give her the name Drusilla throughout their conversations he learns she has had many lovers it is their admiration and affection that feeds her magic in her soul. Edwin is unlike any of her prior acolytes because he is pure and innocent when they meet nor does he want anything from her except her friendship. Edwin is just happy to be around somebody that is happy to be around him he and his grandfather have never had affection between them nor does this grandfather want to speak of Edwin‘s mother or how she died even fighting in world war one doesn’t change his grandfather‘s attitude towards him this is why when his cousins come for Christmas he cannot wait to introduce them to Drusilla but can Drusilla really be a part of Edwin‘s world especially when the gardener Mr. Sykes wants nothing more than to cut the tree down not to mention his grandfather wants him to marry his cousin Eleni. I am doing a terrible job writing a review for this awesome adult retail it is a story to me that started off slow but totally turned into an awesome read! I found Drusillas innocence and ability to love and be kind to everyone so refreshing I loved Edwin‘s relationship with his ex governess Annie that’s wassup an awesome read I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for my free art copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edwin meets a little girl as he’s climbing a tree and promptly falls out of it. His stern Grandfather sends him away. Years later he returns and runs into a girl who sparks his memory.
This was a bit of a romantic fantasy story. It’s an enjoyable book. Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the early copy

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Promise Tree is a memorable and enchanting story of true love which lasts a lifetime!

Set on the backdrop of WW1, this tells a tale of how one chance encounter sets in motion a tale of time and life, I do love a WW1 romance and have read many of them over the years, add in that it's written by a favourite authors so yes this appealed to me instantly. But it's very different to anything I have read before, it's not your stereotypical WW1 story which is usually full of death, haunting personal sacrifice and darkness. There are haunting moments of deep raw emotion but there is a lightness to The Promise Tree which was quite surprising and it has an ethereal feel woven within its pages and into a world of folklore and nature.

Edwin and Drusilla are a beautiful couple they fall in love from the moment they meet as children and that love is carried on through their lives, which is full of loss and heartache. As a child, Edwin climbs a tree (as you do) and meets a beautiful yet mysterious little girl in an old sycamore tree (again completely normal, right!) a chance meeting which will stay with him for the rest of his life. Drucilla isn't your run-of-the-mill girl who just happens to love trees and hates being in the confines of brick walls (hmm, I could be talking about my childhood self there) she is a being of the earth and trees themselves, an immortal creature of nature and life, one who shouldn't fall in love with a human but when the heart lands in the path of another there is no other choice and Drucilla's love is eternal and heartbreaking!

I adore the gorgeous romance between Edwin and Drucilla, my goodness their love is powerful they love with their fullest heart and soul, though it's not easygoing and there are hard times ahead their love is so tender and sweet, and everlasting, I love how they show such raw emotion with so few words but you feel everything deep in your heart, which shows just what an astounding writer Elisabeth Hobbes is!

I have to be perfectly honest here and say that Romantasy isn't my go-to genre, I have nothing against the genre it's just I think my reading tastes have changed somewhat. Would I have picked The Promise Tree up if it wasn't written by one of my favourite authors? I'm not sure, but I loved her previous Romantasy The Daughter of the Sea so I was eager to read this one too. Even though I didn't love it with all my heart, I did thoroughly enjoy the journey and getting to know the characters especially I loved the folklore surrounding one of my favorite trees; the Sycamore (I will never look at the one in my garden in the same way again!). Here's the thing, there were parts I adored and then there were times I felt a little out of sorts, like something wasn't quite clicking into place not sure why as I did enjoy the story.

For me the absolute shining star was the romance between Edwin and Drucilla; which is gorgeous!! Secondly, I'm in absolute love with the Folklore aspect which is so beautifully entwined with what could have become quite an ordinary story, I liked that it gave the entire story an original feel. So despite a few small issues which were mostly on my part and had nothing to do with the writing, this is a magical romance which spans a length of time, and place!

Worth a read!

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction, with more than a hint of fantasy, forms the basis for this evocative story which introduces us to Edwin Hope whose early childhood, spent with his taciturn grandfather, was both unhappy and isolating. When Edwin was just seven years old, his grandfather, in a pique of rage, sends Edwin to live with distant relatives in Yorkshire, only to be allowed home when his education is completed.

We pick up the story when Edwin, aged eighteen, has returned back to the place he once called home, the old resentments still fester and his grandfather is just as uncompromising in his attitude towards Edwin. The only comfort in this place of secrets is Edwin’s fascination for an old sycamore tree and the spiritual connection he feels towards this powerful symbol of nature and the female spirit who lives within its leaves and branches.

Whilst The Promise Tree has a magical atmosphere there is also a realistic sense of history and I enjoyed how the author worked both into the story, making both elements totally believable. The story is nicely imaginative, with intricate detail so I felt like I was following in Edwin’s footsteps as he struggles to discover who he is and also to connect with his grandfather who only seems to see the worst in him. Covering the momentous years at the turn of the twentieth century, the rather dour nature of Edwin’s life is reiterated when the story takes us from the family owned textile mill in the north of England, to the horror of the battlefields of Europe during the First World War, but running throughout it all is Edwin’s gentle nature, his fascination for the woman he senses in the tree and his determination to put right the sins of the pst and also to finally understand his grandfather’s dislike of him.

Combining magical realism with history is a tricky concept to pull off so all credit to the author for making The Promise Tree such a fascinating story.

[Colette’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖REVIEW📖
Title: The Promise Tree
Author: Elisabeth Hobbes
Genre: Romance, General Fiction (Adult/YA)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖Synopsis:
For Edwin Hope, it begins with a childhood dare and a forbidden tree. It begins with him falling … in more ways than one. Called home from his studies by the grandfather who has always hated him, eighteen-year-old Edwin is once again trapped in a house that is colder than the winds whipping across the fields. Seeking sanctuary, he escapes into the untamed beauty of the Peaks and meets a woman who sparks an old memory. A memory of the sycamore that broke him, and the little girl who saved him. Drusilla has had many acolytes over the centuries but none like Edwin. With the Great War looming and Edwin’s future uncertain, she knows the right thing to do is to set him free from her spell, but can she do so if it means breaking her own heart?

📖Review: (ARC) 4⭐️
So I really enjoyed this. It’s similar to Circe I found in terms of inspiration from Greek mythology/ fantasy/strong FMC.

There’s a beautiful romance that is very PG and heart warming. No spice if your searching for that. This book has the feel good effect but without some of the annoyance of obvious boy meets girl basic romance predictability.

I do really like the authors style and how she wove the characters together and created such a vibrant image of them. The descriptions of the seasons made me feel like I was the one experiencing them.

Definitely worth a read - it comes out on my mums birthday so will be getting her a copy!

📖Release 6th October 2023

*please note I received this ARC for free via NetGalley and independently decided to submit an honest review*

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orphan Edwin Hope is dared to climb a tree. He does, falls and is sent away. His relationship with the tree has begun...
The Promise Tree is a mix of history, fantasy, myth and romance.
Young Edwin meets a young girl in the branches of the sycamore tree on his family's estate. It begins a relationship that lasts a lifetime. The girl is a dryad or tree goddess, or nymph. Edwin names her Drusilla and their friendship, love and passion develop over the years.
The exact description or explanation of Drusilla's existence is never clearly defined. This made me feel a little disappointed as I like clarity. Myths and legends as well as the supernatural play an important role but this didn't particularly interest me because I didn't fully understand it.
I really enjoyed the historical aspects of the book. The horrors of the WW1 trenches felt so authentic and emotional. I also liked the changing friendship with Robert Carfax from bully/bullied to respect and secret keeping. The boys become men and are united by their experience of war and unconventional love affairs. The book deals with class and social expectations as well which seemed properly researched and authentic.
Edwin's relationship with his grandfather is desperately sad. Both are grieving and Edwin needs the parental love he has lost. But instead he is rejected and sent away. In the later years, the grandfather's behaviour has not softened. Drusilla offers Edwin the love he craves.The final chapters were sweet about the strength and enduring power of the love between Drusilla and Edwin.
The Promise Tree is a sweet love story with a supernatural element.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Promise Tree by Elisabeth Hobbes is a very beautiful historical fantasy that I read in just one sitting.
The tale is set mainly from 1902 to just after the end of World War I, and then into the twenty first century. It is a tale as old as time. It is a tale that transcends time. It is a tale of great beauty.
We see the beauty when a character is at one with nature. Nature should be cherished, adored and preserved for future generations.
In contrast there is the ugliness of war. There is the tragedy of the Pals regiments where a generation of young men were lost to the battlefields of France. Whole villages went to war and only a handful of young men returned.
We witness how a tragedy caused a life to become bitter and full of hatred, blaming an innocent for what was simply, a tragic accident.
And we see a beautiful relationship that is gentle, cares, protects and preserves. It is a beauty that needs to be shared. We see the dark satanic mills of northern England where whole sways of people have no access to green spaces. A generous philanthropist decides to right this wrong.
The characters were all well drawn and very beautiful. This ethereal beauty stretched beyond the book to envelop the reader.
I really enjoyed The Promise Tree. It was a departure from my usual genre, showing it is always good to try something new.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Elise Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This enchanting historical fantasy hooked me on page one and never let go! Set mainly in England from 1902 to 1921--except for some scenes in France during World War I--it's the story of a magical love between a young man (Edwin) and a beautiful nymph who inhabits a sycamore tree on his grandfather's property.

Edwin names her Drusilla, and he becomes her acolyte--one of many she's had over the centuries. But innocent, gentle Edwin is different from all the others, and as Drusilla slowly introduces him to the pleasures of physical love, he somehow captures her heart. She knows their love can't last, however. Edwin will inherit his grandfather's mill and marry a woman of his class in society, while Drusilla will free him from her spell and dwell alone in her sycamore tree. He calls her his goddess, but she can never be his wife.

I ached for them and their seemingly hopeless love, especially when Edwin's grandfather issues an ultimatum: Edwin must marry a wealthy woman to pay off the mill's debts, or part of the property will be sold to a housing developer, who will cut down the sycamore tree and destroy Drusilla. Can Edwin find a way to save the mill and marry his true love?

Filled with memorable characters in immersive historical settings, this captivating love story easily earns five brilliant stars and my highest recommendation!

[Ashley Cloninger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Promise Tree by Elisabeth J. Hobbes is part fairy tale, part historical fiction and a lovely book.

Edwin is being raised by his distant grandfather after the death of his parents. His grandfather is a mill owner and all around unlikeable man. When Edwin on a dare climbs an old Sycamore tree on his grandfather’s estate and breaks his arm, his grandfather sends him away. When Edwin climbed the tree he met a strange young girl that may or may not be of this world. When Edwin is eighteen he returns to his grandfather’s house to learn the mill trade for the mill that he will one day inherit. Then he meets the young girl from the tree, now a young woman and magic and strange things happen, but then sadly so does War and Edwin is called to battle in the fields of France. Can the magic of the tree and the dryad that lives in it be enough to help Edwin survive the horrors of WWI?

The Promise Tree was a lovely fantasy romance set in England in the days before and after WWI. I enjoyed the dryad storyline and the writing was lyrical and the story poignant.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, Harper Collins UK, Once More Chapter and the author for the chance to read and review this book.

[Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tree of Promise by Elisabeth Hobbes is a very good historical fantasy story that I read once.
The story mainly takes place from 1902 until the end of World War I, then into the 21st century. It is a story as old as time. It is a timeless story. It is a story of great beauty. We see beauty when the character becomes one with nature. Nature needs to be appreciated, worshiped and preserved for future generations.
On the other hand, there is the brutality of war. There was the tragedy of the Pals regiment where a generation of young men was lost on the battlefields of France. The entire village was at war and only a few young men returned. We witness how a tragedy has turned life bitter and full of hatred, blaming an innocent person for a tragic accident.
And we see a beautiful, gentle, caring, protective and preserving relationship. It is a beauty that needs to be shared. We see Satan's dark factories in the north of England, where the majority of the population does not have access to green spaces. A generous philanthropist decided to correct this mistake. The characters are all very well drawn and beautiful. This ethereal beauty extends beyond the book to envelop the reader.
I really like the Promise Tree.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Edwin meets a girl at the sycamore tree on his grandfather’s estate and is drawn to her. He later learns that she is the goddess of the tree but is not sure whether or not to believe her. Edwin has a very strained relationship with his grandfather who runs a mill and will leave it to him in time, though Edwin isn’t sure he wants it. This story takes us through Edwin’s journey with Drusilla the goddess, with whom he falls in love, his grandfather who tries to control his life and other assorted characters. What will Edwin do to get what he truly wants?

I found this book to be a pleasant read but it never really pulled me into the story or made me clamour to know what was going to happen next. It did have a satisfying ending.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Angela DT · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Promise Tree by Elisabeth J. Hobbes

Called home from his studies by the grandfather who has always hated him, eighteen-year-old Edwin is once again trapped in a house that is colder than the winds whipping across the fields. Seeking sanctuary, he escapes into the untamed beauty of the Peaks and meets a woman who sparks an old memory. A memory of the sycamore that broke him, and the little girl who saved him.

Wasn't quite sure what to expect when I picked up this book , but although not a full on gasp a minute thriller , edge of your seat type of read , it was still very enjoyable. I felt I kind of floated through the chapters in an almost dream sense of feeling , evocative and at times ethereal .

[Sallie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just loved this story. Edwin meets a little girl when he is just a boy but it is a connection that will last a lifetime. I liked the visual that played the entire time. Ms. Hobbes write so vividly I could see the town, the war, the house and most of all the tree. It was like watching a movie in my mind. I was transported to the dewy lawn under the Sycamore tree. Throughout the story I was torn on how it would end and I don't want to give it away but it ended just as it should. Which could mean different things to different readers. Definitely a must read! Watch out, you may find yourself looking up into the branches of a tree to see if someone is looking back.

[LeeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Climb the Witch Tree. Bring back a leaf."

This book is so uniquely clever! Part historical fiction, part magical realism, part quirky romance, it's a perfect autumn read.

I enjoyed that the time period surrounding World War I was so richly drawn. Immersive and powerful imagery, with odd characters I absolutely grew to adore.

Just a leaf.
And a marble.
With a promise.

The first chapter drops in an Alice in Wonderland reference, which definitely caught my interest, and I tumbled down the rabbit hole quite willingly. Highly recommend this adventure!

[Lee-Anne Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book wondering when on earth I'd get round to reading it, but I have to tell you, it's utterly wonderful, I've accidentally woofed thru it immediately! A gorgeously written adult folk tale, about the relationship between a boy (growing into a young man) and Drusilla, the timeless spirit of a local sycamore tree. It's moving & sumptuous, beautifully written, with characters that will stay with you, compelling and...can you tell it's the best quid I've spent this year?! Unutterably lovely, I HIGHLY recommend it!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romantic fantasy history book about Edwin who lives with his distant grandfather when Edwin is dared to climb a tree he falls. His grandfather is angry and sends Edwin away. Years later he calls Edwin back and Edwin meets a girl who triggers memories. If you like historical fantasy then this is a great book. The plot is a magical whimsical realm and the characters have big hearts that I loved . I enjoyed reading this one and would recommend it.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always pleased to read something a bit different. This is a historical fiction crossed with fantasy style story with romance thrown in. It's about a young man who falls in love with a wood nymph who lives in a sycamore tree on his grandfather's estate. In the middle of their love story, he has to go to WW1.
I found the book intriguing and liked the way it was written. It also had a good ending.

[Megan Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprisingly different and wonderful story.

I loved this book. In the beginning, I wasn't sure where the story was going, but with each chapter I became more and more intrigued with the characters and the storyline. The storyline is both historical and wonderfully magical. Take the time to invest yourself in it, you will be delighted and enchanted.

[ItaPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Promise Tree tells an epic love story that, between highs and lows, lasts almost a century.

Since a young age Edwin found some joy and comfort meeting a girl near the Sycamore tree that grew on his family's land. The happy times spent with the girl were in stark contrast with the times spent with his strict, cold grandfather. Their weird relationship overcomes the hardles of separation, distance, and the war, but will it survive the ginormous difference between their worlds?

The characters are well depicted, and well developped. It was a pleasure to see Edwin's growth from a child to a young man, his time serving during WWI was especially touching but it's essential to his full maturity. I really loved the ending, it was beautifully written.

Elisabeth J. Hobbes wrote a good fantasy historical romance, it was believable, interesting and engaging.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for kindly giving me an advanced copy of this book to read.

[sally Czerwik · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my days! what a story. Elisabeth really knows how to draw the reader in and create characters that feel real, even the mythical ones. an absolutely full spectrum of emotions,characters that grow,romance,passion, grief, it's all in there

[Sian · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review of The Promise Tree can be found on my blog...


https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...

[MRS OLGA · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Promise Tree

Just a lovely story (rather old fashioned which added to its charm), which kept me absorbed until the last page.

[lorena caso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice

Liked the book, it was nice to read, even though I don’t think of it as a historical novel. I think ok it as an easy to read novel.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice. I enjoyed reading this

[stephanie farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unusual book with quite a quirky storyline. Certainly something different for me but although fairly well written it wasn't really to my taste. Don't think I would follow this author.

[Nann Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a unique story … a good mix of historical fiction, folk legend and romance. I enjoyed her style of writing and plan to also read “Daughter of the Sea”.

[Michelle Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different

This one is different from the other books. I suppose I'd call it an adult fairy tale. Mostly it's a book about love and that it comes in many forms.

[claire newbolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual but loveable

The book drew me in from the first page, not my usual read but perfectly adorable, believable characters and a story that doesn't try to hard to impress, just flows naturally. A lovely little book!

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of a young boy who falls under the spell of firl who meet shim at a tree on his grandfather's farm. He finds her at the old tree at the edge of the fiels. He is told to stay away from the tree; but he disobeys and climbs the tree, falling and hurting himself. As a result, his grandfather sends him to live with another relative . He hates Edwin and wants nothing to do with him.

After he grows up, Edwin returns to his grandfather's farm and gradually renews his relationship with the young lady. However, not everything is as it seems.

This book is strange; but good if you keep working your way into it.