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Promise Me This
Forever wasn’t supposed to look like this.
When Leona Granger studied abroad in Ireland, she spent a lot more time falling in love with Callum Walsh than she did in the classroom. On the eve of her return to the States, she promised to come back for him when she finished college. They said goodbye under the stars, sealing their promise with more than just a kiss.
Callum has spent the last twelve years trying not to wonder why Leona, and everyone else for that matter, finds it so easy to leave him behind. Now a single father, all he wants is to give his beautiful daughter the best life he can. Nothing, not even Leona showing up after a decade of radio silence, will get in the way of that.
But Leona had her reasons for not returning. When the just-good-enough life she built in the wake of losing the baby she never told Callum about falls apart, she realizes it’s time to come clean. It might be too late to keep her promise to Callum, but for the child they lost, she has to try.
Faced with feelings they long thought buried, Callum and Leona have to decide if it’s worth exposing all their hidden scars for a second chance at the promise of forever with the one that never should’ve gotten away.
When Leona Granger studied abroad in Ireland, she spent a lot more time falling in love with Callum Walsh than she did in the classroom. On the eve of her return to the States, she promised to come back for him when she finished college. They said goodbye under the stars, sealing their promise with more than just a kiss.
Callum has spent the last twelve years trying not to wonder why Leona, and everyone else for that matter, finds it so easy to leave him behind. Now a single father, all he wants is to give his beautiful daughter the best life he can. Nothing, not even Leona showing up after a decade of radio silence, will get in the way of that.
But Leona had her reasons for not returning. When the just-good-enough life she built in the wake of losing the baby she never told Callum about falls apart, she realizes it’s time to come clean. It might be too late to keep her promise to Callum, but for the child they lost, she has to try.
Faced with feelings they long thought buried, Callum and Leona have to decide if it’s worth exposing all their hidden scars for a second chance at the promise of forever with the one that never should’ve gotten away.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2024
148 people are currently reading
6771 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Bird
7 books411 followersHannah’s accolades include a 2nd grade teacher who said her story about bats had “very good potential” and enough accelerated reading medals to sink a body at sea. Her goals in life are to write Contemporary Women’s and New Adult Fiction novels that will make you cry and to check everything off the bucket list she wrote at seventeen.
Hannah resides among the rolling hills of Tennessee with her other half and their clingy golden retriever. When she is not writing, she is trying to outrun her sweet tooth in the gym
Hannah resides among the rolling hills of Tennessee with her other half and their clingy golden retriever. When she is not writing, she is trying to outrun her sweet tooth in the gym
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
January 30, 2024
Promise Me This is finally live! What a long time coming this has been. I’m so excited for you all to meet Leo & Callum and fall in love with Cahersiveen and all its inhabitants. I hope this story fills you with hope above all else: hope that there is joy after pain, love after loss, and life still to be lived despite our grief.
Ireland will forever have a special hold on my heart. I lived there when I was 20, just like Leo, and learned so much about myself during that time. It was the first time I was truly away from anything I knew, and much like a fledgling being thrown from its nest, I found myself flying. It’s still the only place in the world I’ve ever felt 100% at home. Writing this story brought me back to those days, the joy and wonder and love I felt, and I hope you feel it as you read. I hope you can see the vivid green grass and smell the foxgloves. Taste the crepes and hear the wind howling around the old B&B.
Finally, I wrote this novel in honor of my sister Brandy. Her life was so brief, but it is my hope that her memory will long outlast even me. For me, she lives in this story. She’s woven into every page. Everywhere this book goes, so will she. And so will the knowledge of my mother’s strength, and that of so many others who have known this type of loss. May you know how loved and cherished you are, and that you are so incredibly courageous. I’m sending you my love, always and forever, as you carry your baby with you long after they are gone.
Thank you all for reading these books. For loving these characters. And for cheering me on. I love you all.
Ireland will forever have a special hold on my heart. I lived there when I was 20, just like Leo, and learned so much about myself during that time. It was the first time I was truly away from anything I knew, and much like a fledgling being thrown from its nest, I found myself flying. It’s still the only place in the world I’ve ever felt 100% at home. Writing this story brought me back to those days, the joy and wonder and love I felt, and I hope you feel it as you read. I hope you can see the vivid green grass and smell the foxgloves. Taste the crepes and hear the wind howling around the old B&B.
Finally, I wrote this novel in honor of my sister Brandy. Her life was so brief, but it is my hope that her memory will long outlast even me. For me, she lives in this story. She’s woven into every page. Everywhere this book goes, so will she. And so will the knowledge of my mother’s strength, and that of so many others who have known this type of loss. May you know how loved and cherished you are, and that you are so incredibly courageous. I’m sending you my love, always and forever, as you carry your baby with you long after they are gone.
Thank you all for reading these books. For loving these characters. And for cheering me on. I love you all.
February 1, 2024
∞/5✨️ 1.5/5🌶
Promise Me This 🍀
This is Hannah's first book I have read. It’s a poetic and spellbinding story. This one left me speechless and even after I’ve finished, I'm still thinking about these two. They have become ingrained in my soul, and their demonstration of depth of love and story continues to overwhelm me.
We first met Callum and Leona 12 years ago, in their early 20s, when Leona was studying abroad in Ireland. When she meets local boy Callum, these two have a summer of first love, adventures, and a lot of time in the rain and the sheets together. But as Leona's studies in Ireland are coming to an end, she has to return home, and promises are made and forever is spoken into the night air. Their love is then separated by countries as Leona finds herself withdrawing from Callum. Over time, their love seems to fizzle as quick as it began. Now Leona is back in Ireland, she's looking to face her fears & pick up the pieces of herself. Leona finds Callum looking for an explanation. But as Leona & Callum work through the hurt of what should have been forever and of what really separated them, a secret that Leona is holding on to about what they lost between them comes together.
Leona, I just cherish. However, she is incredibly tormented; her journey was something indescribable for me. But, she has a kind and gentle nature. We observe Leona regain her vibrancy and dreams. She deserves such a beautiful life. Callum is a bewitching and rare MMC. He's a quiet and reserved man who has a quaint life. From his scars, passion and his deep love for his family and friends, he is the epitome of the best man and father.
While this story was also so enchanting, from the charming Irish town to Callum's family Siobhan and Niamh to the insightful bff Padraig, my favorite thing about this story was the generations of women from the conversations and support that helped Leona. This story portrays the reality of grief in the kaleidoscope of emotions, for that unconditional love that lasts a lifetime. That Callum and Leona's will stay with me forever, that I'll be dreaming for a novella someday.
PLEASE CHECK TW, this story deals with some heavy and very sensitive subjects.
Forever grateful to @hannahbirdauthor and @wordsmithpublicity for the ARC. ❤️
Promise Me This 🍀
This is Hannah's first book I have read. It’s a poetic and spellbinding story. This one left me speechless and even after I’ve finished, I'm still thinking about these two. They have become ingrained in my soul, and their demonstration of depth of love and story continues to overwhelm me.
We first met Callum and Leona 12 years ago, in their early 20s, when Leona was studying abroad in Ireland. When she meets local boy Callum, these two have a summer of first love, adventures, and a lot of time in the rain and the sheets together. But as Leona's studies in Ireland are coming to an end, she has to return home, and promises are made and forever is spoken into the night air. Their love is then separated by countries as Leona finds herself withdrawing from Callum. Over time, their love seems to fizzle as quick as it began. Now Leona is back in Ireland, she's looking to face her fears & pick up the pieces of herself. Leona finds Callum looking for an explanation. But as Leona & Callum work through the hurt of what should have been forever and of what really separated them, a secret that Leona is holding on to about what they lost between them comes together.
Leona, I just cherish. However, she is incredibly tormented; her journey was something indescribable for me. But, she has a kind and gentle nature. We observe Leona regain her vibrancy and dreams. She deserves such a beautiful life. Callum is a bewitching and rare MMC. He's a quiet and reserved man who has a quaint life. From his scars, passion and his deep love for his family and friends, he is the epitome of the best man and father.
While this story was also so enchanting, from the charming Irish town to Callum's family Siobhan and Niamh to the insightful bff Padraig, my favorite thing about this story was the generations of women from the conversations and support that helped Leona. This story portrays the reality of grief in the kaleidoscope of emotions, for that unconditional love that lasts a lifetime. That Callum and Leona's will stay with me forever, that I'll be dreaming for a novella someday.
PLEASE CHECK TW, this story deals with some heavy and very sensitive subjects.
Forever grateful to @hannahbirdauthor and @wordsmithpublicity for the ARC. ❤️
January 30, 2024
When I first heard about Promise Me This, I knew it was going to be an emotional and difficult one. But I also knew Hannah was the one writing it and it would be handled with so much care and be beyond beautiful. I love Hannah’s writing for a few reasons but the main ones being the way in which she brings so much empathy and sensitivity to her characters and the way she’s so very mindful of the ones reading her stories.
Leona and Callum’s story is heartbreakingly beautiful and you can’t help but fall totally in love with the both of them. Their stories as individuals and together are told in such a way that you genuinely feel every emotion. You hurt for them and with them every step of the way and you’ll feel so connected to their story. Second chance romances will always be a top tier trope to me and Leona and Callum are two people who you not only root for but want everything for.
Callum is the sweetest dad and I adored Niamh. Siobhan and Podge were the best supporting characters and I all around loved every character in this book. The Ireland setting was perfect and even though my knowledge of Ireland is minimal based on other forms of media, I thought Hannah did a great job. Promise Me This is worth the tears because I promise you, there’s the most perfect happily ever after. I’m so happy Leona and Callum have their second chance.
*SEMI SPOILERS*
This book heavily focuses on grief and loss and it’s something that you as the reader should know before diving in. So please be mindful. That being said, Hannah handles writing the loss of a loved one in the most caring and sensitive way and I have so much respect for her and the way she told Leona’s story.
Leona and Callum’s story is heartbreakingly beautiful and you can’t help but fall totally in love with the both of them. Their stories as individuals and together are told in such a way that you genuinely feel every emotion. You hurt for them and with them every step of the way and you’ll feel so connected to their story. Second chance romances will always be a top tier trope to me and Leona and Callum are two people who you not only root for but want everything for.
Callum is the sweetest dad and I adored Niamh. Siobhan and Podge were the best supporting characters and I all around loved every character in this book. The Ireland setting was perfect and even though my knowledge of Ireland is minimal based on other forms of media, I thought Hannah did a great job. Promise Me This is worth the tears because I promise you, there’s the most perfect happily ever after. I’m so happy Leona and Callum have their second chance.
*SEMI SPOILERS*
This book heavily focuses on grief and loss and it’s something that you as the reader should know before diving in. So please be mindful. That being said, Hannah handles writing the loss of a loved one in the most caring and sensitive way and I have so much respect for her and the way she told Leona’s story.
January 27, 2025
This second chance and soulmates story was so good. Leo and Callum were amazing. Their story was so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.
We all handle loss and grief differently. Leo’s journey was and felt so real. She made some choices, wrong or not they had a made an impact. On her and Callum.
It takes a long time for Callum and Leo to rekindle their relationship and it was the right thing for the story and for what they both had experienced. So I enjoyed the slow burn and them taking their time. I got to fall in love with them when they first met and again twelve years later.
The side characters were amazing. I mean Callum’s daughter, mother and best friend were incredible and important to the story.
Glad I read this book.
We all handle loss and grief differently. Leo’s journey was and felt so real. She made some choices, wrong or not they had a made an impact. On her and Callum.
It takes a long time for Callum and Leo to rekindle their relationship and it was the right thing for the story and for what they both had experienced. So I enjoyed the slow burn and them taking their time. I got to fall in love with them when they first met and again twelve years later.
The side characters were amazing. I mean Callum’s daughter, mother and best friend were incredible and important to the story.
Glad I read this book.
December 20, 2025
4.5-5 ⭐️'s
I was smitten with this one right from the beginning. It's been a few days since I finished and I'm still thinking about it and trying to put my finger on why I liked it so much.
I think a big part is Callum. I loved his character...how fiercely he loved Leo and how fiercely he missed her. And certainly, how fiercely pissed off he was with her. And then there's his vulnerability. Maybe the author had him cry too many times but it really touched me.
A huge part of this story is a big trigger for a lot of people. I haven't experienced this myself but my heart definitely went out to Leona and her POV was interesting especially with how she dealt with circumstances. (I loved her relationship with her Mom and Callum's.)
There's a lot more but I don't want to give anything away. Suffice to say this book will touch you and hopefully you will fall in love with it like I did.
I was smitten with this one right from the beginning. It's been a few days since I finished and I'm still thinking about it and trying to put my finger on why I liked it so much.
I think a big part is Callum. I loved his character...how fiercely he loved Leo and how fiercely he missed her. And certainly, how fiercely pissed off he was with her. And then there's his vulnerability. Maybe the author had him cry too many times but it really touched me.
A huge part of this story is a big trigger for a lot of people. I haven't experienced this myself but my heart definitely went out to Leona and her POV was interesting especially with how she dealt with circumstances. (I loved her relationship with her Mom and Callum's.)
There's a lot more but I don't want to give anything away. Suffice to say this book will touch you and hopefully you will fall in love with it like I did.
November 6, 2023
Well, she did it again!
Hannah is a powerhouse in the writing community and is destined for BIG things. I know this is the beginning of Hannah's writing career, but she has already graciously shown the world her worth through her writing and storytelling and I personally am so excited to firsthand witness her journey while more and more people discover her gift!
But let's talk about Promise Me This ... BEAUTIFUL! GUT-WRENCHING! EMOTIONAL! You will feel every single emotion and then some. She tore my heart apart but then thankfully put it back together. Hannah did such an amazing job writing about a very sensitive subject and she did it with the upmost care and respect.
PS. Keep a box of tissues nearby while reading.
Leo and Callum are EVERYTHING! I don't usually pick favorites, but these two are definitely my favorite couple written by Hannah. You will feel the love between them, and it will hit you hard (in a very good way).
Hannah is the queen of the found family trope and I can't wait for everyone to get their hands on this beautiful story!
Hannah is a powerhouse in the writing community and is destined for BIG things. I know this is the beginning of Hannah's writing career, but she has already graciously shown the world her worth through her writing and storytelling and I personally am so excited to firsthand witness her journey while more and more people discover her gift!
But let's talk about Promise Me This ... BEAUTIFUL! GUT-WRENCHING! EMOTIONAL! You will feel every single emotion and then some. She tore my heart apart but then thankfully put it back together. Hannah did such an amazing job writing about a very sensitive subject and she did it with the upmost care and respect.
PS. Keep a box of tissues nearby while reading.
Leo and Callum are EVERYTHING! I don't usually pick favorites, but these two are definitely my favorite couple written by Hannah. You will feel the love between them, and it will hit you hard (in a very good way).
Hannah is the queen of the found family trope and I can't wait for everyone to get their hands on this beautiful story!
January 9, 2024
Promise Me This, By Hannah Bird
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(+)
This book had me feeling emotions from the prologue to the very end. I had chest pain and tears prickling my eyes almost immediately which continued throughout the book, that is until the last 25% through which I flat out cried. This book was so beautiful. A Second chance romance, that in my opinion, is rated in my top 3 all time with Happy Place and Love and Other Words.
Every so often a book presents characters that you so innately deeply feel that they belong together seeing them apart rips out your heart. That is Leo and Cal.
Leona is a woman lost in a decade of grief who only knew how to survive by floating through life and self isolation, which is also what she thinks she deserves. Callum is a man who is guarded and angry from a lifetime of disappointment in people leaving him.
Together Leo and Cal have a love they thought was unbreakable after Leo spent a semester in Ireland. When she has to return home to finish school in the US, she promises to return to Cal. She doesn’t return until 12 years later after having cut him off with no warning 3 months after her return home. Leo has just lost her job and gotten a divorce and returning to Ireland is what she feels she needs to do. We slowly learn about a tragic event from Leo’s past that changed her course of life. Meanwhile Cal has a five year old daughter who he is fiercely protective of which means not letting someone back in to his life that has broken him before. With a little help from Cals best friend Padraig, and mother Siobhan we follow them both through a journey of healing, growth, and forgiveness of both each other and one’s self.
✨This book is a second chance romance. It is not duel timeline but we do get flashbacks that provide background as well as build the bond between Leo and Cal. If you like second chance romance trope, You NEED this book. If you like romance books, you NEED this book.
TW: pregnancy loss, dealing with grief
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(+)
This book had me feeling emotions from the prologue to the very end. I had chest pain and tears prickling my eyes almost immediately which continued throughout the book, that is until the last 25% through which I flat out cried. This book was so beautiful. A Second chance romance, that in my opinion, is rated in my top 3 all time with Happy Place and Love and Other Words.
Every so often a book presents characters that you so innately deeply feel that they belong together seeing them apart rips out your heart. That is Leo and Cal.
Leona is a woman lost in a decade of grief who only knew how to survive by floating through life and self isolation, which is also what she thinks she deserves. Callum is a man who is guarded and angry from a lifetime of disappointment in people leaving him.
Together Leo and Cal have a love they thought was unbreakable after Leo spent a semester in Ireland. When she has to return home to finish school in the US, she promises to return to Cal. She doesn’t return until 12 years later after having cut him off with no warning 3 months after her return home. Leo has just lost her job and gotten a divorce and returning to Ireland is what she feels she needs to do. We slowly learn about a tragic event from Leo’s past that changed her course of life. Meanwhile Cal has a five year old daughter who he is fiercely protective of which means not letting someone back in to his life that has broken him before. With a little help from Cals best friend Padraig, and mother Siobhan we follow them both through a journey of healing, growth, and forgiveness of both each other and one’s self.
✨This book is a second chance romance. It is not duel timeline but we do get flashbacks that provide background as well as build the bond between Leo and Cal. If you like second chance romance trope, You NEED this book. If you like romance books, you NEED this book.
TW: pregnancy loss, dealing with grief
January 8, 2025
This was my first book by this author and it was very well written. I really liked the people in Callum's life, they were really sweet and welcoming. I only wish Leona had told Callum her secret a bit sooner and given him some time to process. Will be checking out more from this author
May 29, 2024
This emotional romance took me by surprise!
𝑊ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑡 𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚𝑦 𝑤𝑎𝑦, with Leona being in Ireland to study and meeting her soulmate there, she doesn’t fulfill her promise of coming back the next summer..
She comes back to Callum after 12 years!
𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡’𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙： There’s a heavy secret that Callum has yet to discover, as he’s still heartbroken by Leona’s sudden departure from his life.
🍀We follow Leona’s long journey, and her deeply touching story 🥺, but also Callum’s struggle to live normally, especially that he is a single dad and has been “deserted” twice by love.
🍃𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎 𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 𝑔𝑟𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒， 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙𝑠，smiles and tears, hard moments balanced with cute ones, and side characters that will make you want to stay in this world forever!
🌿𝘐 𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳！And 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘮 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 tugged at my heart … How parents do everything to make sure their children are happy🥹
🌾Leona and Poppy … Oh how I cried while reading the letters, but that’s for you to discover because 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩!
𝑊ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑡 𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚𝑦 𝑤𝑎𝑦, with Leona being in Ireland to study and meeting her soulmate there, she doesn’t fulfill her promise of coming back the next summer..
She comes back to Callum after 12 years!
𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡’𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙： There’s a heavy secret that Callum has yet to discover, as he’s still heartbroken by Leona’s sudden departure from his life.
🍀We follow Leona’s long journey, and her deeply touching story 🥺, but also Callum’s struggle to live normally, especially that he is a single dad and has been “deserted” twice by love.
🍃𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎 𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 𝑔𝑟𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒， 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙𝑠，smiles and tears, hard moments balanced with cute ones, and side characters that will make you want to stay in this world forever!
🌿𝘐 𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳！And 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘮 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 tugged at my heart … How parents do everything to make sure their children are happy🥹
🌾Leona and Poppy … Oh how I cried while reading the letters, but that’s for you to discover because 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩!
December 26, 2025
3 Stars ⭐️
December 19, 2024
This book didn’t make me cry but the characters feelings were definitely conveyed.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️
January 11, 2024
ARC review:
I have absolutely no words, but let me try to sum up the way this book made me feel.
This book was heartbreaking, and healing. It was loss, and love. It was new beginnings, while not forgetting about your past. I have absolutely adored all of Hannah's books, and while it didn't seem you have as much comedic relief as her others (which I am ok with) it was still just as beautifully written. You truly do need to read this book, but definitely make sure you grab a box of tissues.
I have absolutely no words, but let me try to sum up the way this book made me feel.
This book was heartbreaking, and healing. It was loss, and love. It was new beginnings, while not forgetting about your past. I have absolutely adored all of Hannah's books, and while it didn't seem you have as much comedic relief as her others (which I am ok with) it was still just as beautifully written. You truly do need to read this book, but definitely make sure you grab a box of tissues.
January 30, 2024
okay this got me!! whenever i sign up for arcs, i usually only look at the tropes & never the blurb (bad idea). i saw this was a single dad romance & i signed up so fast! i didn’t realize this would be such an emotional story, with such a heavy plot
it was a great book though! leona and callum’s story was one that needed to be handled with care and hannah did that! she put a lot of love into this book, and it was easy to tell
my biggest complaint was that some parts were a little too slow for me
hannah’s a great writer & i’m definitely going to read more of her books!
3.5 ⭐️s
it was a great book though! leona and callum’s story was one that needed to be handled with care and hannah did that! she put a lot of love into this book, and it was easy to tell
my biggest complaint was that some parts were a little too slow for me
hannah’s a great writer & i’m definitely going to read more of her books!
3.5 ⭐️s
January 8, 2024
UPDATED REVIEW
💜Promise Me This- Hannah Bird💜
ARC Review
⭐️: 5/5
🗓️Pub Date: 1/20/24
Tropes: ☘️Grief journey
☘️Second chance
☘️Single dad
☘️It’s always been you
☘️Small town Ireland
I was an emotional wreck after reading this masterpiece. Guys, if Hannah writes it, I’m reading it and I will promote it until I’m blue in the face ✨🫶🏼
This story is exceptional. Leo and Callum’s story hits you so hard in the feels, there is no way you read this without shedding a tear. The writing was beautiful, character development was natural, and their story was incredibly told. Please, read this book. This book holds a lot of meaning to me and I’m honored to have been able to read it and promote it’s release into the world.
A huge thank you to @hannahbirdauthor for the ARC to read and review. I seriously could not love this book any more than I already do and I can’t wait for everyone to read this! 💜✨
OG Review:
I am an emotional WRECK HANNAH.
Full review to come but I need 3-5 business days to recover 😅
💜Promise Me This- Hannah Bird💜
ARC Review
⭐️: 5/5
🗓️Pub Date: 1/20/24
Tropes: ☘️Grief journey
☘️Second chance
☘️Single dad
☘️It’s always been you
☘️Small town Ireland
I was an emotional wreck after reading this masterpiece. Guys, if Hannah writes it, I’m reading it and I will promote it until I’m blue in the face ✨🫶🏼
This story is exceptional. Leo and Callum’s story hits you so hard in the feels, there is no way you read this without shedding a tear. The writing was beautiful, character development was natural, and their story was incredibly told. Please, read this book. This book holds a lot of meaning to me and I’m honored to have been able to read it and promote it’s release into the world.
A huge thank you to @hannahbirdauthor for the ARC to read and review. I seriously could not love this book any more than I already do and I can’t wait for everyone to read this! 💜✨
OG Review:
I am an emotional WRECK HANNAH.
Full review to come but I need 3-5 business days to recover 😅
December 28, 2023
Leo and Callum 🤍
Their love for each other is unmatched, even after years and thousands of miles apart. Watching them re-find themselves and re-learn who one another is while getting the flashbacks/memories of their previous time together was so nice to show the full picture of what these two have been through over the years and how their love never once faded or faltered.
PSA: YOU WILL NEED TISSUES. AND THEN SOME MORE.
Hannah did such an AMAZING job at tackling such a tough topic and the emotions were so raw and real. Thank you Hannah for writing about and bringing some more attention something so many people face 🤍
***arc copy provided by the author***
Their love for each other is unmatched, even after years and thousands of miles apart. Watching them re-find themselves and re-learn who one another is while getting the flashbacks/memories of their previous time together was so nice to show the full picture of what these two have been through over the years and how their love never once faded or faltered.
PSA: YOU WILL NEED TISSUES. AND THEN SOME MORE.
Hannah did such an AMAZING job at tackling such a tough topic and the emotions were so raw and real. Thank you Hannah for writing about and bringing some more attention something so many people face 🤍
***arc copy provided by the author***
January 30, 2024
I have now read all three of Hannah’s books. I devoured The End and Then, and have never stopped recommending it. Then she wrote What’s Left of Me and I loved it even more than the first one, if that was even possible. But this one? Promise Me This? This one is yet again a masterpiece. Hannah is one of the most talented authors I have read. Her ability to make you feel every ounce of what the main characters are feeling is just incredible.
I am a goner for Leo and Callum. I adore them. Their love for each other is hauntingly beautiful. I refuse to give any spoilers, so I will simply say this- this story will make you sob. Ugly cry, and leave you feeling broken, just to put you back together again in the end. You will grow with Leo and fall in love with Callum. You will find your forever family within their families.
Hannah, you’ve yet again proven you deserve every ounce of praise that the literary world has to offer. Thank you for trusting me with your book babies. They hold a special place in my heart and I can’t recommend them enough.
I am a goner for Leo and Callum. I adore them. Their love for each other is hauntingly beautiful. I refuse to give any spoilers, so I will simply say this- this story will make you sob. Ugly cry, and leave you feeling broken, just to put you back together again in the end. You will grow with Leo and fall in love with Callum. You will find your forever family within their families.
Hannah, you’ve yet again proven you deserve every ounce of praise that the literary world has to offer. Thank you for trusting me with your book babies. They hold a special place in my heart and I can’t recommend them enough.
January 23, 2024
Wow, what an emotional ride! Hannah Bird has a really unique ability to be having me cry one minute and laughing the next. This book had so many ups and downs, the story was definitely not a straight path to the end. We rode the winding journey with the MCs and what a journey it was 😭😭😭
Big Spoilers ahead!
My heart was just so sad for them both throughout the entire story. Like how do you even process all of the things they went through?? With Leo being a 20 year old pregnant college kid, like I am not annoyed at her for not telling him. That would be terrifying and you’re so young and don’t know how to adult yet. The shock and tragedy and grief is all something that would be extraordinarily difficult for a 30 something to process, let alone a 20 year old.
Normally in contemporary romance, we get a brief backstory for the characters and dive into the fun of falling in love. This is not that kind of story. Her/their entire story was excruciating. Because the conflict is so massive and heavy and emotional, it made sense to work through the confusion of how to process the grief with her/them because it’s true grief from loss, not just a past heartbreak. That made me view the slower romantic buildup with a different perspective than I normally would. I’m glad for all the time we spent inside their heads ahead of them giving their relationship a go again, before their big confrontation and the reveal. It made the semi-fallout more understandable, relatable and I was feeling those emotions right there with them because I was so in tune with their thought process by that point. Hannah did a great job bringing us into the characters minds and hearts, not writing a story that you’re observing- you’re right there in it with them. You’re hurting with them, laughing with them, crying with them, getting angry with them.
Switching gears a bit…
The characters were each lovely. I love that we didn’t have like a true villain (aside from Catherine who wasn’t on page at all) and just let the story shine. There wasn’t drama for drama’s sake. The conflicts that happened were all believable and raw and just so dang painful.
Siobhan is the best mother/mother figure/MIL I’ve read in a book. There have been some pretty great ones that I’ve encountered in various romance books but she was absolute perfection. The moment between Leo and Siobhan after Callum gets the full story where she’s just rocking Leo, being there for her despite knowing her son is hurting too… my heart was squeezed so tight. I hope everyone who has been through this kind of grief has a Siobhan to love on them through their pain.
Special love to and for the girls I read with, specifically E. This was a painful read in general but I know it is gut wrenching for those who know this specific kind of loss 💕
Thank you, Hannah, for the ARC! As usual, you broke my heart and glued it back together.
Two quotes that had me sobbing:
“Turning thirty didn’t scare me the way it did for so many of my acquaintances. Like every birthday before it, I ushered in the day with a peace settled around my heart, knowing I was one day closer to seeing my baby again.”
“Your life was painfully brief. I can’t bear for your memory to be also.”
Big Spoilers ahead!
My heart was just so sad for them both throughout the entire story. Like how do you even process all of the things they went through?? With Leo being a 20 year old pregnant college kid, like I am not annoyed at her for not telling him. That would be terrifying and you’re so young and don’t know how to adult yet. The shock and tragedy and grief is all something that would be extraordinarily difficult for a 30 something to process, let alone a 20 year old.
Normally in contemporary romance, we get a brief backstory for the characters and dive into the fun of falling in love. This is not that kind of story. Her/their entire story was excruciating. Because the conflict is so massive and heavy and emotional, it made sense to work through the confusion of how to process the grief with her/them because it’s true grief from loss, not just a past heartbreak. That made me view the slower romantic buildup with a different perspective than I normally would. I’m glad for all the time we spent inside their heads ahead of them giving their relationship a go again, before their big confrontation and the reveal. It made the semi-fallout more understandable, relatable and I was feeling those emotions right there with them because I was so in tune with their thought process by that point. Hannah did a great job bringing us into the characters minds and hearts, not writing a story that you’re observing- you’re right there in it with them. You’re hurting with them, laughing with them, crying with them, getting angry with them.
Switching gears a bit…
The characters were each lovely. I love that we didn’t have like a true villain (aside from Catherine who wasn’t on page at all) and just let the story shine. There wasn’t drama for drama’s sake. The conflicts that happened were all believable and raw and just so dang painful.
Siobhan is the best mother/mother figure/MIL I’ve read in a book. There have been some pretty great ones that I’ve encountered in various romance books but she was absolute perfection. The moment between Leo and Siobhan after Callum gets the full story where she’s just rocking Leo, being there for her despite knowing her son is hurting too… my heart was squeezed so tight. I hope everyone who has been through this kind of grief has a Siobhan to love on them through their pain.
Special love to and for the girls I read with, specifically E. This was a painful read in general but I know it is gut wrenching for those who know this specific kind of loss 💕
Thank you, Hannah, for the ARC! As usual, you broke my heart and glued it back together.
Two quotes that had me sobbing:
“Turning thirty didn’t scare me the way it did for so many of my acquaintances. Like every birthday before it, I ushered in the day with a peace settled around my heart, knowing I was one day closer to seeing my baby again.”
“Your life was painfully brief. I can’t bear for your memory to be also.”
January 12, 2024
I cannot believe I had the freaking privilege to ARC read this book.❤️
Hannah, your writing never ceases to amaze me. The way in which you describe your character’s emotions, how you portray their actions, and just the sheer propensity you have for character development is phenomenal. I fell head over heels in love with Callum and Leo, not to mention, what perfect side characters we have with Niavm, Siobhan, and Podge.
Leo and Callum’s love story is one for the ages. One of heartache, second-chance, passion, forgiveness, and so much more.
ALSO- that little Easter egg of Chase and Eden?! Excuse me ma’am!! I cried!
Blurb:
Our story takes place in the beautiful setting of Ireland and follows Leo and Callum. Our main characters are young, adventurous, and full of love and promise.
After studying abroad in Ireland, Leo promises to return to Callum after finishing her college degree. But one year turns into two, which turns into twelve. Heartbroken that Leo could not keep her promise to return to him, or even bother to maintain communication, Callum is shocked when Leo shows up at his doorstep twelve years later. Angry, hurt, and feeling betrayed, he tries to ignore her presence. However, try as he might, Leo has a strong gravitational pull on his heart. Even after all these years, he has never stopped loving her. But he notices a difference to the once sweet, energetic, and outgoing young woman he once knew. The light in her eyes isn’t quite the same, and he’s determined to find out why after all these years she’s finally returned to him.
This book may have had me in tears throughout multiple chapters, but it is a story I will never forget. I’ll carry it with me wherever I go, and I hope you’ll take the chance to read this amazing novel.
Hannah, thank you again for the opportunity to ARC read this gorgeous love story.
Please check the content warning as your mental is most important 🫶🏼💜
Hannah, your writing never ceases to amaze me. The way in which you describe your character’s emotions, how you portray their actions, and just the sheer propensity you have for character development is phenomenal. I fell head over heels in love with Callum and Leo, not to mention, what perfect side characters we have with Niavm, Siobhan, and Podge.
Leo and Callum’s love story is one for the ages. One of heartache, second-chance, passion, forgiveness, and so much more.
ALSO- that little Easter egg of Chase and Eden?! Excuse me ma’am!! I cried!
Blurb:
Our story takes place in the beautiful setting of Ireland and follows Leo and Callum. Our main characters are young, adventurous, and full of love and promise.
After studying abroad in Ireland, Leo promises to return to Callum after finishing her college degree. But one year turns into two, which turns into twelve. Heartbroken that Leo could not keep her promise to return to him, or even bother to maintain communication, Callum is shocked when Leo shows up at his doorstep twelve years later. Angry, hurt, and feeling betrayed, he tries to ignore her presence. However, try as he might, Leo has a strong gravitational pull on his heart. Even after all these years, he has never stopped loving her. But he notices a difference to the once sweet, energetic, and outgoing young woman he once knew. The light in her eyes isn’t quite the same, and he’s determined to find out why after all these years she’s finally returned to him.
This book may have had me in tears throughout multiple chapters, but it is a story I will never forget. I’ll carry it with me wherever I go, and I hope you’ll take the chance to read this amazing novel.
Hannah, thank you again for the opportunity to ARC read this gorgeous love story.
Please check the content warning as your mental is most important 🫶🏼💜
December 6, 2023
Hannah has outdone herself with Promise Me This- a thoughtful second chance romance with small town cottage vibes and fish out of water moments that will make you crave watching the movie The Holiday (or maybe that’s just me, because I love that movie! Just sub in Irish vibes for English!) The book deals with some heavy subjects regarding parenthood that are lightened but not diminished by Hannah’s world building, relatable characters, and swoon worthy romantic moments.
February 10, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I was not expecting this book to make me so emo 🥺
I was not expecting this book to make me so emo 🥺
January 30, 2024
“I don’t know how to not love you. It’s as natural to me as breathing.”
Emotional damaged wrapped up in a beautiful bow that is this book. Hannah sure knows how to take my heart out of my chest, stomp on it, then shove it back in with a bouquet of roses to make it all better again. Following Leona (Leo) and her grief journey was so emotional. I felt like I was grieving with her the entire time. My heart was so raw and broken, I just wanted to hug her and tell her she was doing amazing for everything she went through. Callum is stubborn, and hard headed for his daughter Niamh, which rightfully so. But once he breaks down his tough exterior he is exactly what Leo needs to help mend her back together so she can be whole again. Podge, Siobhan, Niamh, Callum, and Leo will touch every part of your soul. You’ll cry (I bawled for like 4 straight chapters, so thanks for that Hannah), you’ll laugh, you’ll blush, you’ll scream. This is the once in a lifetime love experience that you’ll never forget.
Hannah Bird you’ve done it again 👏🏻😭❤️
🥀 Grief Journey
👨👧 Single Dad
🏘️ Irish Small Town
❤️🩹 It’s Always Been You
📗 Second Chance
Emotional damaged wrapped up in a beautiful bow that is this book. Hannah sure knows how to take my heart out of my chest, stomp on it, then shove it back in with a bouquet of roses to make it all better again. Following Leona (Leo) and her grief journey was so emotional. I felt like I was grieving with her the entire time. My heart was so raw and broken, I just wanted to hug her and tell her she was doing amazing for everything she went through. Callum is stubborn, and hard headed for his daughter Niamh, which rightfully so. But once he breaks down his tough exterior he is exactly what Leo needs to help mend her back together so she can be whole again. Podge, Siobhan, Niamh, Callum, and Leo will touch every part of your soul. You’ll cry (I bawled for like 4 straight chapters, so thanks for that Hannah), you’ll laugh, you’ll blush, you’ll scream. This is the once in a lifetime love experience that you’ll never forget.
Hannah Bird you’ve done it again 👏🏻😭❤️
🥀 Grief Journey
👨👧 Single Dad
🏘️ Irish Small Town
❤️🩹 It’s Always Been You
📗 Second Chance
December 17, 2023
Y’all. Hannah Bird is 4/4 on five star books for me. Like how is that possible?!
Short Synopsis:
Leona shows up in Ireland on Callum’s doorstep after 12 years of silence. He’s angry she never came back. She’s struggling with grief. The two don’t know how to reconnect well. Callum is now a single father struggling with abandonment. Leona never chased any of her dreams after losing her daughter in the third trimester. It’s a gut punch, second chance romance story. Basically my favorite type of story.
My Thoughts:
I don’t think I’ve sobbed so much in a book. Ever. And I almost never cry from books…. I was extremely hesitant to start this one as I knew it would pack a personal gut punch. But Hannah wrote this journey of grief with raw honesty and so much grace. I laughed. I cried. I gave this book the biggest hug.
Read if You Like:
🍀 Second Chance Romances
🍀 Adorable Children
🍀 Meddling mothers
🍀 Crying so hard the words blur
🍀 Ireland Settings
🍀 Cameos from past HB characters
TW: Stillbirth, miscarriage and grief are heavy topics in this book. Guard your heart if you’re unfortunately in that 1 in 4 statistic along with me. 🫶
Short Synopsis:
Leona shows up in Ireland on Callum’s doorstep after 12 years of silence. He’s angry she never came back. She’s struggling with grief. The two don’t know how to reconnect well. Callum is now a single father struggling with abandonment. Leona never chased any of her dreams after losing her daughter in the third trimester. It’s a gut punch, second chance romance story. Basically my favorite type of story.
My Thoughts:
I don’t think I’ve sobbed so much in a book. Ever. And I almost never cry from books…. I was extremely hesitant to start this one as I knew it would pack a personal gut punch. But Hannah wrote this journey of grief with raw honesty and so much grace. I laughed. I cried. I gave this book the biggest hug.
Read if You Like:
🍀 Second Chance Romances
🍀 Adorable Children
🍀 Meddling mothers
🍀 Crying so hard the words blur
🍀 Ireland Settings
🍀 Cameos from past HB characters
TW: Stillbirth, miscarriage and grief are heavy topics in this book. Guard your heart if you’re unfortunately in that 1 in 4 statistic along with me. 🫶
January 30, 2024
Rating: 3.5 rounded up to 4💫
this was my first hannah bird book & it definitely won’t be my last! I felt alllll the feelings while reading. it’s definitely an emotional read so please check trigger warnings! although a pregnancy loss isn’t described in detail, it is mentioned throughout the book. reading Leo & Callum’s story was so heartbreaking but beautiful at the same time. I could tell from the start how much they loved each other after all the years that had passed. watching them slowly open up again was so wholesome to read. I loved how fiercely Callum cared for his daughter. we love a single dad 🤌🏼 I can’t recommend this book enough if you love a second chance romance that will break your heart & piece it back together 💓
read if you like ||
-slow burn
-single dad
-forced proximity
-it’s always been you
-second chance romance
this was my first hannah bird book & it definitely won’t be my last! I felt alllll the feelings while reading. it’s definitely an emotional read so please check trigger warnings! although a pregnancy loss isn’t described in detail, it is mentioned throughout the book. reading Leo & Callum’s story was so heartbreaking but beautiful at the same time. I could tell from the start how much they loved each other after all the years that had passed. watching them slowly open up again was so wholesome to read. I loved how fiercely Callum cared for his daughter. we love a single dad 🤌🏼 I can’t recommend this book enough if you love a second chance romance that will break your heart & piece it back together 💓
read if you like ||
-slow burn
-single dad
-forced proximity
-it’s always been you
-second chance romance
January 8, 2024
First of all, a huge thank you to Hannah for sending me this book early to read while I was in Ireland. Reading an Irish romance while in Ireland for Christmas? I'm sorry, nothing compares.
I am a second chance romance girly to my CORE. It's 100% my favorite trope of all time and Hannah did the trope so well. There's two ways to do a second chance well: by starting from the beginning of a relationship and working your way to present, or by starting in the present and unravelling what went wrong through the present. Hannah did the ladder and it was the perfect way to unfold Leona and Callum's story.
There's this small town aspect with a twist - travel to another country with Hannah in this book. Maybe you've never been or maybe you have! Either way, it's easy to understand and love the quirks of this town without feeling like you can't understand some of the Irish slang or culture. Hannah does a great job at educating the reader in simple ways without feeling like you're getting a full lesson to those who already know and love the Irish culture.
Callum being a single dad is something I did not see coming, but that part of the story was vital to making their relationship work this time around. I also adored Callum's mom and she was the perfect meddler. Honestly, every single side character of this book was perfect.
Please look at trigger warnings and take them seriously! Protect your peace <3
You'll like this book if you like
✨ Small Irish town
✨ Found family
✨ Friends to lovers
✨ College sweethearts
✨ Second chance romance
✨ Single dad
5⭐️ | 1.5🌶
I am a second chance romance girly to my CORE. It's 100% my favorite trope of all time and Hannah did the trope so well. There's two ways to do a second chance well: by starting from the beginning of a relationship and working your way to present, or by starting in the present and unravelling what went wrong through the present. Hannah did the ladder and it was the perfect way to unfold Leona and Callum's story.
There's this small town aspect with a twist - travel to another country with Hannah in this book. Maybe you've never been or maybe you have! Either way, it's easy to understand and love the quirks of this town without feeling like you can't understand some of the Irish slang or culture. Hannah does a great job at educating the reader in simple ways without feeling like you're getting a full lesson to those who already know and love the Irish culture.
Callum being a single dad is something I did not see coming, but that part of the story was vital to making their relationship work this time around. I also adored Callum's mom and she was the perfect meddler. Honestly, every single side character of this book was perfect.
Please look at trigger warnings and take them seriously! Protect your peace <3
You'll like this book if you like
✨ Small Irish town
✨ Found family
✨ Friends to lovers
✨ College sweethearts
✨ Second chance romance
✨ Single dad
5⭐️ | 1.5🌶
March 29, 2024
this book was so beautifully written and absolutely heartbreaking- loved it
January 1, 2024
Hannah Bird does it again! I swear, every one of her books has been impossible to put down and tears my heart in two (then puts it back together all nice).
I don’t know how she does it, but Hannah somehow manages to perfectly capture emotions in her books. Leo and Callum’s story is no different. The complexity of Leo’s immense grief is so perfectly portrayed through Hannah’s writing, and the letters to Poppy were an incredible addition to help express it. I personally have never experienced Leo’s kind of loss, but I felt as if I could feel every little thing she was feeling and gained a huge insight into this kind of loss.
You also can’t beat a single dad storyline. Callum was so swoon worthy and relatable, and Hannah did such a phenomenal job showing his side of several situations of immense loss. Niamh was a delight, and Siobhan is the mother I’d kill to have!
Lastly, IRELAND?! I need a ticket ASAP. I did my best attempt at Irish accents in my head, and I was loving it! I’d kill to see some of the places in this book that meant so much to the characters!
Thanks so much to Hannah for letting me ARC read Promise Me This! She is an auto-buy author for me. Not only is she an incredible writer, but also such a kind soul! If you love a good romance and lots of emotions, this book is for you!
I don’t know how she does it, but Hannah somehow manages to perfectly capture emotions in her books. Leo and Callum’s story is no different. The complexity of Leo’s immense grief is so perfectly portrayed through Hannah’s writing, and the letters to Poppy were an incredible addition to help express it. I personally have never experienced Leo’s kind of loss, but I felt as if I could feel every little thing she was feeling and gained a huge insight into this kind of loss.
You also can’t beat a single dad storyline. Callum was so swoon worthy and relatable, and Hannah did such a phenomenal job showing his side of several situations of immense loss. Niamh was a delight, and Siobhan is the mother I’d kill to have!
Lastly, IRELAND?! I need a ticket ASAP. I did my best attempt at Irish accents in my head, and I was loving it! I’d kill to see some of the places in this book that meant so much to the characters!
Thanks so much to Hannah for letting me ARC read Promise Me This! She is an auto-buy author for me. Not only is she an incredible writer, but also such a kind soul! If you love a good romance and lots of emotions, this book is for you!
January 21, 2024
Hannah Bird once again broke my heart then picked up all the pieces in another outstanding novel.
Leona has had her heart ripped out into pieces and needs something....something she can only get back in Ireland. Arriving back on the doorstep of the man she last saw 12 years ago, she doesn't expect anything but to see his face. Callum now had a four year old daughter that he adores and is not open to having his heart destroyed again by the woman who he thought he would never see again. But here she is....in his hometown, with a secret ready to change his entire world.
The emotions are REAL in Promise Me This from the get go and I love how tender hearted and with care Hannah writes them in. Y'all this book made me emotional and I rarely cry while reading but at that 41% mark, the tears came. I adored the side characters and could easily picture myself there with the gang, living out each scene like a movie in my head. Promise Me This is a beautiful second chance romance about forgiveness and a mother's love for a child who couldn't take breaths Earthside. As Hannah states in her first few pages, please take care of yourself while reading. This book deals with stillborn miscarriage and is featured throughout.
While I received an arc from Hannah, that has not influenced my thoughts or opinions while writing my review.
Leona has had her heart ripped out into pieces and needs something....something she can only get back in Ireland. Arriving back on the doorstep of the man she last saw 12 years ago, she doesn't expect anything but to see his face. Callum now had a four year old daughter that he adores and is not open to having his heart destroyed again by the woman who he thought he would never see again. But here she is....in his hometown, with a secret ready to change his entire world.
The emotions are REAL in Promise Me This from the get go and I love how tender hearted and with care Hannah writes them in. Y'all this book made me emotional and I rarely cry while reading but at that 41% mark, the tears came. I adored the side characters and could easily picture myself there with the gang, living out each scene like a movie in my head. Promise Me This is a beautiful second chance romance about forgiveness and a mother's love for a child who couldn't take breaths Earthside. As Hannah states in her first few pages, please take care of yourself while reading. This book deals with stillborn miscarriage and is featured throughout.
While I received an arc from Hannah, that has not influenced my thoughts or opinions while writing my review.
January 30, 2024
This is Hannah’s best work yet! The way she captured every emotion so beautifully. Full review coming soon
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Well, Hannah knows how to make me cry with just a prologue 😭 I have read everything that she has released and I have to say that Promise Me This is the best one yet!
“𝐼𝑓 𝑤𝑒’𝑟𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠, 𝐿𝑒𝑜, 𝑤𝑒’𝑣𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑤. 𝑌𝑜𝑢’𝑣𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡. 𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑖𝑠𝑛’𝑡 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑎 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒.”
I absolutely adore Callum and Leo, both individually and as a couple! They each had their own struggles and demons to battle before being able to move forward, and watching their relationship mend and grow was beautiful to experience.
“𝑀𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑦, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑔𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑓 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝑜 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑”
The emotions are felt so viscerally as Hannah captured the turmoil, tension, passion, hurt, grief, anger, despair and longing so beautifully. As someone who has lived through the loss of not one, but three children, I found myself agreeing with every emotion and thought that Leo had. There is a specific line in the book that pierced my very soul, because I spoke those exact same words myself once upon a time.
I also loved the relationship she had with Siobhan, who validated her feelings at every turn, giving her the space necessary to both grieve and grow.
“𝐼𝑡 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑖𝑡 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠”
No truer words have ever been spoken!
I highly recommend this book! Hannah knows how to capture a healing journey with such grace and will forever be on my auto-buy list!
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Well, Hannah knows how to make me cry with just a prologue 😭 I have read everything that she has released and I have to say that Promise Me This is the best one yet!
“𝐼𝑓 𝑤𝑒’𝑟𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠, 𝐿𝑒𝑜, 𝑤𝑒’𝑣𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑤. 𝑌𝑜𝑢’𝑣𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡. 𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑖𝑠𝑛’𝑡 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑎 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒.”
I absolutely adore Callum and Leo, both individually and as a couple! They each had their own struggles and demons to battle before being able to move forward, and watching their relationship mend and grow was beautiful to experience.
“𝑀𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑚𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑦, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑔𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑓 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝑜 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑”
The emotions are felt so viscerally as Hannah captured the turmoil, tension, passion, hurt, grief, anger, despair and longing so beautifully. As someone who has lived through the loss of not one, but three children, I found myself agreeing with every emotion and thought that Leo had. There is a specific line in the book that pierced my very soul, because I spoke those exact same words myself once upon a time.
I also loved the relationship she had with Siobhan, who validated her feelings at every turn, giving her the space necessary to both grieve and grow.
“𝐼𝑡 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑖𝑡 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠”
No truer words have ever been spoken!
I highly recommend this book! Hannah knows how to capture a healing journey with such grace and will forever be on my auto-buy list!
January 14, 2024
I love emotional books & Hannah Bird doesn’t shy away from making her readers cry. Leona & Callum’s second chance story is definitely going to get everyone right in their feels.
📖Callum & Leona shared a perfect young love, but their story was cut short and both of their lives changed forever. They’ve been on their own journeys with grief for over 10 years. When Leona returns to Ireland they are forced to revisit their pain.
📚It takes place in small town Ireland and has a perfect cast of characters. Callum’s mom is an adorable meddling older woman, his sweet daughter has him wrapped around her finger. Podge, the best friend, turns into the funniest side character. And then there’s Leona & Callum. Leona is carrying the weight of grief for a decade and convinced she will never be forgiven for things beyond her control. Callum has been haunted by people leaving his whole life, it’s created a broody exterior with a soft spot only for his daughter.
Favorite parts:
-when they reintroduce themselves to each other
-Callum & his wall lean (perfect visual)
-cameo of past HB characters! 👏🏼
🚩miscarriage & loss
Thank you Hannah Bird for the chance to e-arc to read/review + the print giveaway!
📖Callum & Leona shared a perfect young love, but their story was cut short and both of their lives changed forever. They’ve been on their own journeys with grief for over 10 years. When Leona returns to Ireland they are forced to revisit their pain.
📚It takes place in small town Ireland and has a perfect cast of characters. Callum’s mom is an adorable meddling older woman, his sweet daughter has him wrapped around her finger. Podge, the best friend, turns into the funniest side character. And then there’s Leona & Callum. Leona is carrying the weight of grief for a decade and convinced she will never be forgiven for things beyond her control. Callum has been haunted by people leaving his whole life, it’s created a broody exterior with a soft spot only for his daughter.
Favorite parts:
-when they reintroduce themselves to each other
-Callum & his wall lean (perfect visual)
-cameo of past HB characters! 👏🏼
🚩miscarriage & loss
Thank you Hannah Bird for the chance to e-arc to read/review + the print giveaway!
February 3, 2024
4.5⭐️
- single dad
- second chance
- emotional
- grief journey
- set in ireland
Summary: Leona and Callum met 12 years ago when she was studying abroad in Ireland. The two formed an undeniable connection and had plans for Leona to come back after she graduated from college to start their live together. But then life happened, and Leona didn't set foot back in Ireland -- until now. Years later, Leona shows up at Callum's door ready to reveal to him why she never came back. But is is ready to hear it and not only will Cal forgive her, but will Leona forgive herself?
Thoughts: Wow, this book was beautiful. This was my first read from the author, and I was blown away. The story was told so thoughtfully and was such an emotional, heartfelt read. I found myself tearing up at multiple points throughout the book.
Leo and Cal share such a powerful love story, and it was so special to see it unfold. I also loved the side characters in this story, including Cal's mom, his best friend, and his daughter. They were all rooting for Cal and Leo, even when our main couple was losing hope.
If you love second chance romance, you have to pick this up! I haven't been able to stop thinking about this one since finishing it.
- single dad
- second chance
- emotional
- grief journey
- set in ireland
Summary: Leona and Callum met 12 years ago when she was studying abroad in Ireland. The two formed an undeniable connection and had plans for Leona to come back after she graduated from college to start their live together. But then life happened, and Leona didn't set foot back in Ireland -- until now. Years later, Leona shows up at Callum's door ready to reveal to him why she never came back. But is is ready to hear it and not only will Cal forgive her, but will Leona forgive herself?
Thoughts: Wow, this book was beautiful. This was my first read from the author, and I was blown away. The story was told so thoughtfully and was such an emotional, heartfelt read. I found myself tearing up at multiple points throughout the book.
Leo and Cal share such a powerful love story, and it was so special to see it unfold. I also loved the side characters in this story, including Cal's mom, his best friend, and his daughter. They were all rooting for Cal and Leo, even when our main couple was losing hope.
If you love second chance romance, you have to pick this up! I haven't been able to stop thinking about this one since finishing it.
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