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A Thousand Tiny Promises
Audrey, Reid, Emma, and Sadie have been best friends since they were fourteen years old. When Sadie tragically passes away more than a decade later, she leaves them each a note with her last wish: to complete the bucket list they made together on the night of their high school graduation.
Audrey and Reid haven’t spoken since the last time they ticked an item off that list. As they work with Emma to fulfill Sadie’s wish, they’re forced to confront their unresolved emotions—none of them good. But when Audrey goes through a devastating breakup, she finds an unlikely support system in Reid. Perhaps she’s been wrong about her all along.
As Audrey and Reid draw closer in ways they never thought possible, their last promise to Sadie takes them on a journey towards healing their broken friendship and discovering the love they’ve always had for each other.
Audrey and Reid haven’t spoken since the last time they ticked an item off that list. As they work with Emma to fulfill Sadie’s wish, they’re forced to confront their unresolved emotions—none of them good. But when Audrey goes through a devastating breakup, she finds an unlikely support system in Reid. Perhaps she’s been wrong about her all along.
As Audrey and Reid draw closer in ways they never thought possible, their last promise to Sadie takes them on a journey towards healing their broken friendship and discovering the love they’ve always had for each other.
- GenresLesbianContemporary
264 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2025
6 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Lee Miller
9 books176 followersMorgan Lee Miller started writing at the age of 5 in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. Since there is absolutely nothing to do there, she entertained herself by writing her first few novels by hand.
She currently resides in Washington, D.C. with her two feline children, Milo and Elsa. She has a serious problem with oversharing pictures of her cats on Instagram and promises never to apologize for it.
She currently resides in Washington, D.C. with her two feline children, Milo and Elsa. She has a serious problem with oversharing pictures of her cats on Instagram and promises never to apologize for it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 11, 2025
A Thousand Tiny Promises written by Morgan Lee Miller was heart breaking, inspiring, powerful, emotional, real, raw, pure, gut wrenching, and super beautiful. When I first saw this beautiful cover and read the synopsis, I didn't expect to be this mentally unstable, I knew it was going to be an emotional story, but damn, I was not prepared to have my heart ripped right out of my chest and shredded to pieces. As many of you know by now, I love heart wrenching stories, but this book was top tier emotional and heart breaking. My heart was being held hostage and the snot bubbles were bubbling. Morgan, I will be sending you my therapy bill because you wrecked my soul with A Thousand Tiny Promises. There's absolutely nothing I would change about this book, it gave me everything I asked for and more, it gave me all of the tears and heart punching moments. One minute I was full on sobbing, the next minute I was laughing with tears streaming down my cheeks. A Thousand Tiny Promises taught me so many life lessons, hold your friends a little tighter because you never know when you will see them again, live your life to the fullest extent, and it's okay to have a sense of humor during your dark times. If you are looking for an emotional story that will make you bawl your eyes out, then mark your calendars for July 15th, 2025 because you won't want to miss out on A Thousand Tiny Promises. There's very few books that will leave a lasting impact on your heart, and I truly believe this is the type of book that will remain with people forever. Okay, I'm getting emotional and wiping away tears as I'm sitting here writing my review. I honestly don't think any amount of words will give this book the justice it deserves, but I'm going to do my best to convince everyone and their mothers to read this book like right this minute.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BOLD STROKES BOOKS INC FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
The Kickboxer- to mend a broken heart. Orange and strawberry vodka, raspberry, melon, and peach liqueurs, a splash of sour mix- cranberry juice and sprite.
"A forest full of fireflies is like a thousand tiny promises of hope in the darkness".
"Nothing cured the sads like a charcuterie board".
"A drunk person's words are a sober women's thoughts".
"Who sang a song about losing their best friend and then getting dumped shortly after"?
"False hope post break up isn't healthy".
"Remind yourself of all the things you have in your life and the good things that surround you".
"Anytime the stars are extra bright, I think of my mom. Sometimes, I like to think that's her in the sky. It's silly, I know-".
"Here's the thing I have learned in the last two and a half months: life is incredibly short. You don't realize how short until you are on your death bed and replay your entire life over and over again, and you realize that some of the things that you spent so much time worrying about seem so small compared to an entire lifetime".
"All of you have been my fireflies throughout this cancer journey, and God, I'm so fucking lucky, which I know is a weird thing to say since I'm literally dying of cancer. But I am. I think it has taken death approaching to fully see the brightness you all bring to my life. I hope this journey has helped the three of you become each other's fireflies".
THE ERAS BUCKET LIST
1. Route 66 road trip.
2. Get matching tattoos.
3. See synchronous fireflies in the Smoky Mountains.
4. Make a time capsule and open together as adults.
5. Go to a music festival.
6. Skinny dip.
7. Go camping the real way... in actual tents.
8. Volunteer at an animal shelter.
9. Napa Valley wine tasting.
10. Vegas, baby!
11. Go to a spa resort.
12. See Disneyland at Christmas.
13. Have dinner at a Michelin Star restaurant.
14. Finally ride in a hot air balloon over Temecula like the tourists.
15. Fly first class.
16. Celebrate someone's twenty first birthday at Magnolia Springs.
17. Stay in a log cabin.
18. Go scuba diving.
Sadie Russo wants to have a marry your college sweetheart, three kids within five years, and living in the suburbs with a golden retriever kind of life. Eleven years later at just twenty-nine years old, Sadie passed away due to terminal a cute myelogenous leukemia. Sadie spent most of her last two and half months working on a project for her three best friends- and that's to complete the bucket list they made on the night of their high school graduation, but Sadie wants them to complete it in her honor. Before she passed away, Sadie spent time writing letters for each of the bucket list items, Sadie had planned the cross country road trip with hotels, itineraries, and pit stops along the way all planned out before leaving this earth. Sadie wrote a binder full of letters for the girls , but as she was dying, she promised she would come back and haunt them as a purple sunset one day, which was also her favorite color, so of course all of her letter and bucket list was written with a purple sparkly gel pen. Before her life was taken too soon, Sadie married Jeremy after their college years, they had a dog named Charlie and she had her dreams which came true of working at a veterinary clinic because she just loved animals with her whole heart. Sadie was such a beautiful soul, she had her whole life ahead of her, she radiated so much joy and light, it was so sad to read her story. Sadie, my precious girl, I love you so much, you were so strong and such a brave angel. Fly high, sunshine.
On June 8th, 2013, the night of their high school graduation, Sadie Russo, Reid Haley, Emma Lin, and Audrey McCann made a bucket list- a little contract of promises to do when they are home from college during the summer, which mind you need to be realistic. But time stood still because Sadie passed away, but in her honor the girls are to complete the rest of the bucket list. Sadie, Audrey, Reid, and Emma have been best friends since they were fourteen years old, they have had their highs and lows. They had an ERAS group text chat, ERAS stands for all four of their initials. These women also had matching tattoos- four overlapping triangles in a line on their inner wrists. After going their separate ways for college, Reid, Audrey, and Emma are reunited at Sadie's funeral after six long years. During the funeral, Audrey "mentored" Emma through the battle that was grief because Audrey lost her mom when she was just fourteen years old due to breast cancer, so she understood grief, Reid stood in the back of the room and bolted right after the funeral was over, but nobody knows why she left without saying anything, did I also mention that Reid showed up to the funeral late? I completely understand it was a difficult time for her, but goodness, it was her best friend's funeral and she couldn't even comfort her other best friends during this unimaginable difficult time of their lives.
Audrey and Reid are now ex- best friends, they haven't spoken to each other in over six years because they had a falling out on their last Route 66 road trip when Sadie was alive. During their cross country road trip to honor Sadie and to complete the rest of their bucket list, things aren't easy, Sadie's humor and spark haunted the girls because she just wanted them to be happy. During their freshman year of high school, the girls earned the nickname- "fearsome foursome". On the first night of their trip, after being tipsy, Emma blurted out that Reid had a fifteen year old secret crush on Audrey. Audrey and Reid are both bi-sexual, they have both been through shitty breakups and situationships, so on this trip they gave each other the best advice, they both needed a queer friend, so they made a pact to at least be open to finding the Jeremy to their Sadie. On their cross country trip, Audrey and Reid both found the closure they needed after their fight six years ago, they actually communicated with each other like grown adults and voiced their resentment and feelings towards one another. Audrey, this girl was my Pisces twin, she loves sad music. I absolutely adored and loved watching this group of friends find their way back together and navigate this battle of grief as they honored their best friend's dying wish. As their cross country trip came to an end, Emma, Audrey, and Reid spent their last day in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee to see a show of synchronous fireflies which is one of the things Sadie really wanted to do. Sadie- "I hope this journey has helped the three of you become each other's fireflies". This trip was so beautiful and memorable for these women to reconnect and find their way back together again, I loved getting snippets of Sadie's humor along the way even though she had already passed away, it truly was so beautiful and heart breaking.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BOLD STROKES BOOKS INC FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
The Kickboxer- to mend a broken heart. Orange and strawberry vodka, raspberry, melon, and peach liqueurs, a splash of sour mix- cranberry juice and sprite.
"A forest full of fireflies is like a thousand tiny promises of hope in the darkness".
"Nothing cured the sads like a charcuterie board".
"A drunk person's words are a sober women's thoughts".
"Who sang a song about losing their best friend and then getting dumped shortly after"?
"False hope post break up isn't healthy".
"Remind yourself of all the things you have in your life and the good things that surround you".
"Anytime the stars are extra bright, I think of my mom. Sometimes, I like to think that's her in the sky. It's silly, I know-".
"Here's the thing I have learned in the last two and a half months: life is incredibly short. You don't realize how short until you are on your death bed and replay your entire life over and over again, and you realize that some of the things that you spent so much time worrying about seem so small compared to an entire lifetime".
"All of you have been my fireflies throughout this cancer journey, and God, I'm so fucking lucky, which I know is a weird thing to say since I'm literally dying of cancer. But I am. I think it has taken death approaching to fully see the brightness you all bring to my life. I hope this journey has helped the three of you become each other's fireflies".
THE ERAS BUCKET LIST
1. Route 66 road trip.
2. Get matching tattoos.
3. See synchronous fireflies in the Smoky Mountains.
4. Make a time capsule and open together as adults.
5. Go to a music festival.
6. Skinny dip.
7. Go camping the real way... in actual tents.
8. Volunteer at an animal shelter.
9. Napa Valley wine tasting.
10. Vegas, baby!
11. Go to a spa resort.
12. See Disneyland at Christmas.
13. Have dinner at a Michelin Star restaurant.
14. Finally ride in a hot air balloon over Temecula like the tourists.
15. Fly first class.
16. Celebrate someone's twenty first birthday at Magnolia Springs.
17. Stay in a log cabin.
18. Go scuba diving.
Sadie Russo wants to have a marry your college sweetheart, three kids within five years, and living in the suburbs with a golden retriever kind of life. Eleven years later at just twenty-nine years old, Sadie passed away due to terminal a cute myelogenous leukemia. Sadie spent most of her last two and half months working on a project for her three best friends- and that's to complete the bucket list they made on the night of their high school graduation, but Sadie wants them to complete it in her honor. Before she passed away, Sadie spent time writing letters for each of the bucket list items, Sadie had planned the cross country road trip with hotels, itineraries, and pit stops along the way all planned out before leaving this earth. Sadie wrote a binder full of letters for the girls , but as she was dying, she promised she would come back and haunt them as a purple sunset one day, which was also her favorite color, so of course all of her letter and bucket list was written with a purple sparkly gel pen. Before her life was taken too soon, Sadie married Jeremy after their college years, they had a dog named Charlie and she had her dreams which came true of working at a veterinary clinic because she just loved animals with her whole heart. Sadie was such a beautiful soul, she had her whole life ahead of her, she radiated so much joy and light, it was so sad to read her story. Sadie, my precious girl, I love you so much, you were so strong and such a brave angel. Fly high, sunshine.
On June 8th, 2013, the night of their high school graduation, Sadie Russo, Reid Haley, Emma Lin, and Audrey McCann made a bucket list- a little contract of promises to do when they are home from college during the summer, which mind you need to be realistic. But time stood still because Sadie passed away, but in her honor the girls are to complete the rest of the bucket list. Sadie, Audrey, Reid, and Emma have been best friends since they were fourteen years old, they have had their highs and lows. They had an ERAS group text chat, ERAS stands for all four of their initials. These women also had matching tattoos- four overlapping triangles in a line on their inner wrists. After going their separate ways for college, Reid, Audrey, and Emma are reunited at Sadie's funeral after six long years. During the funeral, Audrey "mentored" Emma through the battle that was grief because Audrey lost her mom when she was just fourteen years old due to breast cancer, so she understood grief, Reid stood in the back of the room and bolted right after the funeral was over, but nobody knows why she left without saying anything, did I also mention that Reid showed up to the funeral late? I completely understand it was a difficult time for her, but goodness, it was her best friend's funeral and she couldn't even comfort her other best friends during this unimaginable difficult time of their lives.
Audrey and Reid are now ex- best friends, they haven't spoken to each other in over six years because they had a falling out on their last Route 66 road trip when Sadie was alive. During their cross country road trip to honor Sadie and to complete the rest of their bucket list, things aren't easy, Sadie's humor and spark haunted the girls because she just wanted them to be happy. During their freshman year of high school, the girls earned the nickname- "fearsome foursome". On the first night of their trip, after being tipsy, Emma blurted out that Reid had a fifteen year old secret crush on Audrey. Audrey and Reid are both bi-sexual, they have both been through shitty breakups and situationships, so on this trip they gave each other the best advice, they both needed a queer friend, so they made a pact to at least be open to finding the Jeremy to their Sadie. On their cross country trip, Audrey and Reid both found the closure they needed after their fight six years ago, they actually communicated with each other like grown adults and voiced their resentment and feelings towards one another. Audrey, this girl was my Pisces twin, she loves sad music. I absolutely adored and loved watching this group of friends find their way back together and navigate this battle of grief as they honored their best friend's dying wish. As their cross country trip came to an end, Emma, Audrey, and Reid spent their last day in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee to see a show of synchronous fireflies which is one of the things Sadie really wanted to do. Sadie- "I hope this journey has helped the three of you become each other's fireflies". This trip was so beautiful and memorable for these women to reconnect and find their way back together again, I loved getting snippets of Sadie's humor along the way even though she had already passed away, it truly was so beautiful and heart breaking.
August 5, 2025
3.5⭐️
I cried right from chapter one. The book was really emotional, and its main character was grief: grief for a loved one or a relationship. I liked the second chance component of the story and couldn't wait for Audrey and Reid to get together. The bucket list was a pretext for the one bed trope and multiple opportunities to get close again. I devoured the book, hoping to see them finish the list. To me, the most important relationship was the friendship of the group. It was satisfying to see the friend group minus Sadie getting together again. My favorite character might be Sadie; from the prologue and even in her letters, she is full of life and humor. I spent a lot of time with my throat tight, wanting to cry about how unfair it was that she died.I wished the relationship development between Reid and Audrey, and the explanation for their falling in love had a bit more depth. The reason for the fallout, while they share two really close friends, felt a bit silly. Some other behaviors they had also made me think they were a bit immature in their late thirties
Overall, this book was truly emotional and I enjoyed it. The grief and friendship part was very good, the romance part a bit less engaging.
I cried right from chapter one. The book was really emotional, and its main character was grief: grief for a loved one or a relationship. I liked the second chance component of the story and couldn't wait for Audrey and Reid to get together. The bucket list was a pretext for the one bed trope and multiple opportunities to get close again. I devoured the book, hoping to see them finish the list. To me, the most important relationship was the friendship of the group. It was satisfying to see the friend group minus Sadie getting together again. My favorite character might be Sadie; from the prologue and even in her letters, she is full of life and humor. I spent a lot of time with my throat tight, wanting to cry about how unfair it was that she died.I wished the relationship development between Reid and Audrey, and the explanation for their falling in love had a bit more depth. The reason for the fallout, while they share two really close friends, felt a bit silly. Some other behaviors they had also made me think they were a bit immature in their late thirties
Overall, this book was truly emotional and I enjoyed it. The grief and friendship part was very good, the romance part a bit less engaging.
July 4, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ This is a story about 3 women who are mourning their childhood friend Sadie who passed away from cancer. Sadie writes a series of letters for her friends to open on a road trip from San Diego to Gatlinburg. Along the way they make multiple stops to fulfill their old bucket list that they made when they were 18.
I Enjoyed the road trip and the places they saw. Growing up in Ohio we had lots of lightening bugs to chase and catch. The last stop on their trip is in Gatlinburg to watch a Firefly event where they all light up simultaneously. I’ve read on line that firefly’s are headed to extinction. So sad if true.
There is an enemies to friends romance story that was believable and fun to read.
Thanks to BSB and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this. ARC.
I Enjoyed the road trip and the places they saw. Growing up in Ohio we had lots of lightening bugs to chase and catch. The last stop on their trip is in Gatlinburg to watch a Firefly event where they all light up simultaneously. I’ve read on line that firefly’s are headed to extinction. So sad if true.
There is an enemies to friends romance story that was believable and fun to read.
Thanks to BSB and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this. ARC.
July 1, 2025
My goodness, that was such a good read! I loved it! I was all in the feels because this book had a bit of everything I love. Audrey, Reid, Emma, and Sadie were so special, and I fell in love with all of them. Whenever Sadie was mentioned, I had big feelings and lots of waterworks.
I’ll admit that I wasn’t a fan of Reid in the beginning, but with just the right amount of character development she grew on me. The pacing was realistic and believable when it came to how things progressed with Audrey and Reid. Did things get spicy? You betcha. It was so passionate and damn well-written that I was embarrassingly left hot and bothered. They were sweet too though, and I just couldn’t get enough of them.
A new favorite of mine that I will definitely reread. Overall, it was a bittersweet and heartwarming read that I highly recommend!
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the arc, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’ll admit that I wasn’t a fan of Reid in the beginning, but with just the right amount of character development she grew on me. The pacing was realistic and believable when it came to how things progressed with Audrey and Reid. Did things get spicy? You betcha. It was so passionate and damn well-written that I was embarrassingly left hot and bothered. They were sweet too though, and I just couldn’t get enough of them.
A new favorite of mine that I will definitely reread. Overall, it was a bittersweet and heartwarming read that I highly recommend!
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the arc, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 6, 2025
Oh boy, that was such an emotional and beautiful read. I had tears in my eyes at many points and it really touched me. A story about grieving, healing, friendship and that there is light somewhere, no matter how dark it is around you.
Sadie is dead. She was the best friend of Emma, Audrey and Reid. They had written a bucket list together 13 years ago, but unfortunately, due to a big fight between Audrey and Reid, they never got to finish the list. But now everything is different. Sadie leaves a wish: the three of them should do the remaining items on the bucket list without her. Reid and Audrey have to face each other and who knows, maybe they can find each other again after all these years?
The story had really great vibes. Following the three of them on their road trip along the famous Route 66 was really fun. I was initially apprehensive about the romance between Reid and Audrey because they didn't really have any chemistry at first and Audrey was also in the middle of a bad break-up, but I was proved wrong. It was very sudden, but it worked very well for me and I liked the way their relationship developed. I was also very touched by all the angst mixed with the grief for Sadie. I also liked the combination of friends-to-lovers and this intimate friendship that connected these three women. Being there for each other, even in such difficult times, and finding a tradition of not forgetting their mutual best friend... that was just beautifully portrayed. And the story about the fireflies was so touching. Just thinking about it warms my heart.
A book I absolutely recommend! Lots of big and strong emotions, a funny road trip and a journey about healing and finding yourself.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books for an ARC in return for an honest review!
Sadie is dead. She was the best friend of Emma, Audrey and Reid. They had written a bucket list together 13 years ago, but unfortunately, due to a big fight between Audrey and Reid, they never got to finish the list. But now everything is different. Sadie leaves a wish: the three of them should do the remaining items on the bucket list without her. Reid and Audrey have to face each other and who knows, maybe they can find each other again after all these years?
The story had really great vibes. Following the three of them on their road trip along the famous Route 66 was really fun. I was initially apprehensive about the romance between Reid and Audrey because they didn't really have any chemistry at first and Audrey was also in the middle of a bad break-up, but I was proved wrong. It was very sudden, but it worked very well for me and I liked the way their relationship developed. I was also very touched by all the angst mixed with the grief for Sadie. I also liked the combination of friends-to-lovers and this intimate friendship that connected these three women. Being there for each other, even in such difficult times, and finding a tradition of not forgetting their mutual best friend... that was just beautifully portrayed. And the story about the fireflies was so touching. Just thinking about it warms my heart.
A book I absolutely recommend! Lots of big and strong emotions, a funny road trip and a journey about healing and finding yourself.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books for an ARC in return for an honest review!
July 5, 2025
I wasn't sure what to expect from my first Morgan Lee Miller read. I loved the premise, figuring there would be lots of delicious angst. And I wasn't disappointed. Between the aftermath of Sadie's death and the various heartbreaks Reid and Audrey were dealing with, the feels were all over the pages.
I finished the book yesterday and woke up thinking about Reid and Audrey. And
Sadie, too. Even though we only met her in the very beginning of the book, her personality and love for ERAS shines through her letters. No spoilers, but it's an incredibly touching story.
It wasn't perfect but got pretty close. There were a few things that hopefully were caught in another round of proofreading. All in all, a delightfully moving book with some good spice. I will be catching up on the author's back catalogue until the next new release.
Thanks to Bold Strokes and NetGalley for the ARC! And an extra thanks to NetGalley for adding the "send to Kobo" option!
I finished the book yesterday and woke up thinking about Reid and Audrey. And
Sadie, too. Even though we only met her in the very beginning of the book, her personality and love for ERAS shines through her letters. No spoilers, but it's an incredibly touching story.
It wasn't perfect but got pretty close. There were a few things that hopefully were caught in another round of proofreading. All in all, a delightfully moving book with some good spice. I will be catching up on the author's back catalogue until the next new release.
Thanks to Bold Strokes and NetGalley for the ARC! And an extra thanks to NetGalley for adding the "send to Kobo" option!
July 1, 2025
3,75⭐️
In this book we follow Reid, Audrey and Emma after their best friend Sadie tragically passes away and leaves them a note with her last wish that is to complete the bucket list they made together on high school but Audrey and Reid haven’t spoken in six years and so they are forced to confront their unresolved emotions to fulfill Sadie’s wish.
The thing i enjoyed the most about this book was how grief was portrayed since we got to see how it affected each one of them in different forms and also how Sadie was always present even if not physically.
I have to say that it took me a while to warm up to Reid and Audrey’s relationship, I wasn’t particularly invested in their relationship because I didn’t see the development of romantic feelings until halfway through which I understand knowing that Audrey had just gone through a break up but I expected something different I guess.
Although in the second part of the story they ended up winning me over.
Definitely a good story about friendship and how grief affect us all differently.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this ARC!
In this book we follow Reid, Audrey and Emma after their best friend Sadie tragically passes away and leaves them a note with her last wish that is to complete the bucket list they made together on high school but Audrey and Reid haven’t spoken in six years and so they are forced to confront their unresolved emotions to fulfill Sadie’s wish.
The thing i enjoyed the most about this book was how grief was portrayed since we got to see how it affected each one of them in different forms and also how Sadie was always present even if not physically.
I have to say that it took me a while to warm up to Reid and Audrey’s relationship, I wasn’t particularly invested in their relationship because I didn’t see the development of romantic feelings until halfway through which I understand knowing that Audrey had just gone through a break up but I expected something different I guess.
Although in the second part of the story they ended up winning me over.
Definitely a good story about friendship and how grief affect us all differently.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this ARC!
November 16, 2025
(rounded up from 3.75)
This was pleasantly fast-paced and enjoyable as a light story about grief and a road trip. I do wish we'd dived deeper into the subject matter and the group dynamics, as it mostly felt like an excuse to set up an enemies-to-lovers romance, but the two main romantic leads barely interact or care about each other before suddenly lusting after each other, so it feels inorganic.
This was pleasantly fast-paced and enjoyable as a light story about grief and a road trip. I do wish we'd dived deeper into the subject matter and the group dynamics, as it mostly felt like an excuse to set up an enemies-to-lovers romance, but the two main romantic leads barely interact or care about each other before suddenly lusting after each other, so it feels inorganic.
November 15, 2025
Another well written book by her and if it was any other author it would rank a 5 but since its not one of her best 4 and change
July 9, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
ARC read, thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for giving me the chance to honestly review A Thousand Tiny Promises
This book just wasn’t my cup of tea. It wasn’t terrible - just a bit too fluffy for my taste. I know there are readers who enjoy what I’d call a “box standard HEA,” but I tend to look for something a bit darker and more complex.
The friendship between Sadie, Reid, Audrey, and Emma-growing up together, going to school, making future plans, creating memories and bucket lists, experiencing heartbreak and fallouts, felt predictable and average. I expected more depth or unexpected turns, which is probably why it took me so long to finish. Nothing about the storyline truly grabbed me.
That said, I did appreciate the dynamic between the characters. Watching them grow from teens to adults and navigate life both with and without Sadie added a layer of emotional vulnerability that was relatable and at times, moving. While the plot didn’t wow me, it had those moments of emotional realism that were worth highlighting.
ARC read, thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for giving me the chance to honestly review A Thousand Tiny Promises
This book just wasn’t my cup of tea. It wasn’t terrible - just a bit too fluffy for my taste. I know there are readers who enjoy what I’d call a “box standard HEA,” but I tend to look for something a bit darker and more complex.
The friendship between Sadie, Reid, Audrey, and Emma-growing up together, going to school, making future plans, creating memories and bucket lists, experiencing heartbreak and fallouts, felt predictable and average. I expected more depth or unexpected turns, which is probably why it took me so long to finish. Nothing about the storyline truly grabbed me.
That said, I did appreciate the dynamic between the characters. Watching them grow from teens to adults and navigate life both with and without Sadie added a layer of emotional vulnerability that was relatable and at times, moving. While the plot didn’t wow me, it had those moments of emotional realism that were worth highlighting.
August 6, 2025
This is a story about childhood friends who reconnect later in life. I like that.
Sadie, Emma, Reid an Audrey formed a friend group when they were 14 years old. Now they are almost 30. Their group fell apart 6 years ago because Reid and Audrey had a friend breakup. They haven't spoken since. Now Sadie has passed away and her last wish is they complete a bucket list they made after graduation.
It was such a lovely concept: the three remaining friends taking a road-trip organised by their missing friend Sadie and checking boxes on a bucket list they haven't seen for over 6 years. Sadie accompanied their trip in spirit by reaching out personal letters at esch stop along the way.
The love story only started of later in the book. The book was more about the love between friends or chosen family who find each other in times of grief.
Sadie, Emma, Reid an Audrey formed a friend group when they were 14 years old. Now they are almost 30. Their group fell apart 6 years ago because Reid and Audrey had a friend breakup. They haven't spoken since. Now Sadie has passed away and her last wish is they complete a bucket list they made after graduation.
It was such a lovely concept: the three remaining friends taking a road-trip organised by their missing friend Sadie and checking boxes on a bucket list they haven't seen for over 6 years. Sadie accompanied their trip in spirit by reaching out personal letters at esch stop along the way.
The love story only started of later in the book. The book was more about the love between friends or chosen family who find each other in times of grief.
July 13, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
a bucket list
a death
road trip
what could go wrong
when the first road trip happened it broke their friendships apart... but it was the death of sadie that brought the friends together
reid emma and audrey then found themselves on the same bucket list that they abandoned previously but this time it was sadies turn to make them do it for real this time with an added extra item on their bucket list
it was a lot to ask for all three.... but one drunken slip of admission from emma put audrey and reid in their sights.....
could they finish this bucket list and still remain friends...... it was a lot to ask of them
really enjoyed this road trip and the adventures they had
looking forward to the next adventure this author writes about
a bucket list
a death
road trip
what could go wrong
when the first road trip happened it broke their friendships apart... but it was the death of sadie that brought the friends together
reid emma and audrey then found themselves on the same bucket list that they abandoned previously but this time it was sadies turn to make them do it for real this time with an added extra item on their bucket list
it was a lot to ask for all three.... but one drunken slip of admission from emma put audrey and reid in their sights.....
could they finish this bucket list and still remain friends...... it was a lot to ask of them
really enjoyed this road trip and the adventures they had
looking forward to the next adventure this author writes about
July 25, 2025
An overwhelming thank you to NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books & author Morgan Lee Miller for this incredible ARC in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks!
I can honestly say that this is a remarkable book. If I could give it 10 stars or 100 stars, I definitely would!! A Thousand Tiny Promises is a gripping, emotional and extremely powerful story. It had me crying my eyes out in chapter one. This was not merely a love story, this is also a poignant and powerful story of life, love & loss. Emma, Reid, Audury & Sadie are are group of young women that have been best friends since they were fourteen and have weathered many of life’s storms together. Unfortunately, they are forced to weather one the absolute most devastating and most painful storms that we as humans must endure. Sadie, the life of the friend group, passes away from cancer early in her young life at the age of about 29. Those who love her most are forced into an awful unknown where they must be grateful for the time they had with their beloved but learn how to deal with the unimaginable pain of loss…sadly a condition I am too familiar with. I will say, losing Sadie & the funeral had me bawling my eyes out. There is truly no greater pain than losing the people you love the very most.
Sadie leaves a letter requesting that her very best friends in the world, Emma, Reid & Audrey complete the bucket list they’d begun as teenagers. The letter they read from her brought me to tears once again. And thus, the story truly begins. The ladies decide to honor their late best friend and embark on a bucket list journey in her memory. The problem lies with Audrey & Reid who have had a “friend break up” six years prior. Sadie’s letters litter the book and follow the women on their bucket list trip. The letters with instructions and her special antics are Sadie’s presence on their trip & symbolize her everlasting love and presence in their lives.
The writing in this book is superb. It is delightful, delicious and deep & delicate. The author truly paints a picture with words and it’s hands down one of the best written books I’ve read. I feel like grief was a character in this book. The author writes as though she has a poignant grasp on grief and how all consuming it is. It was refreshing to read about these young women embracing their grief and healing, ever so slowly, together through their trip. It was beautiful and realistic as there is not a quick fix when attempting to recover from a loss.
The best friends to enemies to friends again to lovers was great! I truly love a good friends to lovers wlw romance and that is what makes this book even more special for me. Audrey & Reid reconcile their childhood friendship along the bucket list trip but with the added bonus of increasing physical attraction and overwhelming emotional chemistry! Their attraction bubbled over during a couple of very hot male out sessions which ultimately leads to an extremely spicy and very passionate night of sex! So hot! It was so smokin hot that…well …I may have read the scene twice!
Despite some trouble, in the form of Audrey’s ex girlfriend, throwing a wrench into a budding relationship between Audrey and Reid, the girls come together and enjoy a HEA. It was so sweet and joyful to read of the true connection of Redid & Audrey. They are each other’s spark of light in the darkness of life and it’s really beautiful. They reunite and express to each other what’s in their hearts and how strongly they feel for one another. A deliciously spicy interlude solidifies their bond and commitment. Audrey and Reid were both wonderful deep characters struggling with their grief who find a spark of love, hope and healing in each other. Their journey is a sweet and believable one that was a pleasure to watch. I’m only saddened that the book has ended..I miss them already.
I must add that Sadie’s presence, despite her tragic loss, was present throughout this book. We could see how incredible she was and the tremendous impact that she had & will always have on the lives of her family and friends. It was a supremely powerful and beautiful story. Definitely recommended as a must read!! I absolutely loved this book and can’t say enough how incredible it is.
I can honestly say that this is a remarkable book. If I could give it 10 stars or 100 stars, I definitely would!! A Thousand Tiny Promises is a gripping, emotional and extremely powerful story. It had me crying my eyes out in chapter one. This was not merely a love story, this is also a poignant and powerful story of life, love & loss. Emma, Reid, Audury & Sadie are are group of young women that have been best friends since they were fourteen and have weathered many of life’s storms together. Unfortunately, they are forced to weather one the absolute most devastating and most painful storms that we as humans must endure. Sadie, the life of the friend group, passes away from cancer early in her young life at the age of about 29. Those who love her most are forced into an awful unknown where they must be grateful for the time they had with their beloved but learn how to deal with the unimaginable pain of loss…sadly a condition I am too familiar with. I will say, losing Sadie & the funeral had me bawling my eyes out. There is truly no greater pain than losing the people you love the very most.
Sadie leaves a letter requesting that her very best friends in the world, Emma, Reid & Audrey complete the bucket list they’d begun as teenagers. The letter they read from her brought me to tears once again. And thus, the story truly begins. The ladies decide to honor their late best friend and embark on a bucket list journey in her memory. The problem lies with Audrey & Reid who have had a “friend break up” six years prior. Sadie’s letters litter the book and follow the women on their bucket list trip. The letters with instructions and her special antics are Sadie’s presence on their trip & symbolize her everlasting love and presence in their lives.
The writing in this book is superb. It is delightful, delicious and deep & delicate. The author truly paints a picture with words and it’s hands down one of the best written books I’ve read. I feel like grief was a character in this book. The author writes as though she has a poignant grasp on grief and how all consuming it is. It was refreshing to read about these young women embracing their grief and healing, ever so slowly, together through their trip. It was beautiful and realistic as there is not a quick fix when attempting to recover from a loss.
The best friends to enemies to friends again to lovers was great! I truly love a good friends to lovers wlw romance and that is what makes this book even more special for me. Audrey & Reid reconcile their childhood friendship along the bucket list trip but with the added bonus of increasing physical attraction and overwhelming emotional chemistry! Their attraction bubbled over during a couple of very hot male out sessions which ultimately leads to an extremely spicy and very passionate night of sex! So hot! It was so smokin hot that…well …I may have read the scene twice!
Despite some trouble, in the form of Audrey’s ex girlfriend, throwing a wrench into a budding relationship between Audrey and Reid, the girls come together and enjoy a HEA. It was so sweet and joyful to read of the true connection of Redid & Audrey. They are each other’s spark of light in the darkness of life and it’s really beautiful. They reunite and express to each other what’s in their hearts and how strongly they feel for one another. A deliciously spicy interlude solidifies their bond and commitment. Audrey and Reid were both wonderful deep characters struggling with their grief who find a spark of love, hope and healing in each other. Their journey is a sweet and believable one that was a pleasure to watch. I’m only saddened that the book has ended..I miss them already.
I must add that Sadie’s presence, despite her tragic loss, was present throughout this book. We could see how incredible she was and the tremendous impact that she had & will always have on the lives of her family and friends. It was a supremely powerful and beautiful story. Definitely recommended as a must read!! I absolutely loved this book and can’t say enough how incredible it is.
July 12, 2025
(3.5 Stars) Sadie, Audrey, Reid and Emma have been best friends since their early teens. Before going their separate ways to college they write a bucket list of things they want to all do together. They manage some, including matching tattoos. But a first attempt at a road trip on Route 66 ends after three days with Audrey and Reid having a falling out. Now at the age of 29 Sadie passes away. She leaves letters to her friends asking them to complete the list including the road trip. She has written them occasional letters to be read along the way.
I loved the premise and had high expectations. But the road trip didn’t really grip me. And when all is said and done the falling out seems to be resolved with a conversation and a little empathy by seeing it from the other person's POV. I think there was a lot going on but honestly not a lot of depth covering it. At the funeral Reid has her first ever panic attack. It is mentioned and then almost forgotten about. Audrey’s very recent break up is covered but works out in a very predictable way. Emma is almost sidelined being the buffer between feuding friends.
I really enjoy Miller’s writing and a couple of her books I have read more than once because they really touched me. It is hard to believe I wasn’t more moved by a story with heartfelt letters coming from a dead best friend. The book is very readable but I just didn’t get the feels or connect with the characters, to care in the way I wanted to. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
I loved the premise and had high expectations. But the road trip didn’t really grip me. And when all is said and done the falling out seems to be resolved with a conversation and a little empathy by seeing it from the other person's POV. I think there was a lot going on but honestly not a lot of depth covering it. At the funeral Reid has her first ever panic attack. It is mentioned and then almost forgotten about. Audrey’s very recent break up is covered but works out in a very predictable way. Emma is almost sidelined being the buffer between feuding friends.
I really enjoy Miller’s writing and a couple of her books I have read more than once because they really touched me. It is hard to believe I wasn’t more moved by a story with heartfelt letters coming from a dead best friend. The book is very readable but I just didn’t get the feels or connect with the characters, to care in the way I wanted to. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
July 5, 2025
This book instantly appealed to me because I grew up on the YA road trip trope but also adored the 'Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants' series (the 5th is still my favourite) and Miller is one of my go-to sapphic writers. This should have been the perfect read for me and it really was just that.
The relationship between Audrey, Reid and Emma is complicated even before the passing of their forever fourth Sadie and their dynamic was really well written. Miller really captured the beautiful complexities of life long friendship, the difficulties of growing away as well as the fear of trying to make it back to one another.
I loved the way in which the story unfolded between the three of them as they completed Sadie's bucket list, the pacing was great and believable as each character faced their grief differently. The love story between Audrey and Reid was sweet but also super hot and I liked how Audrey was able to gain so much confidence by being in a safe space with her best friends. The Audrey from the beginning felt very surface and people pleasing but I really believed in her by the end of her story arc.
The only downside for me was that Emma felt a little like a third wheel by the second half of the book and I wanted her to have a little more of her own adventure or independent story line too. The whole premise, even though it begins with loss, conveys so much love and hope and is the perfect escapist pick for the summer.
The relationship between Audrey, Reid and Emma is complicated even before the passing of their forever fourth Sadie and their dynamic was really well written. Miller really captured the beautiful complexities of life long friendship, the difficulties of growing away as well as the fear of trying to make it back to one another.
I loved the way in which the story unfolded between the three of them as they completed Sadie's bucket list, the pacing was great and believable as each character faced their grief differently. The love story between Audrey and Reid was sweet but also super hot and I liked how Audrey was able to gain so much confidence by being in a safe space with her best friends. The Audrey from the beginning felt very surface and people pleasing but I really believed in her by the end of her story arc.
The only downside for me was that Emma felt a little like a third wheel by the second half of the book and I wanted her to have a little more of her own adventure or independent story line too. The whole premise, even though it begins with loss, conveys so much love and hope and is the perfect escapist pick for the summer.
July 15, 2025
As I didn’t remember the blurb I was shocked by the end of the first chapter. I was very keen to read on. In the first chapter I didn’t see each of the four characters clearly. It got easier as time went on but I felt pacing was very slightly off. The locations also didn’t quite stand out in 3D for me.
I’m not quite gelling the way I hoped. This is based on a previous novel by the writer I read. This is fine, pacing was very slightly on the back foot for me, but I thought a pivotal almost change in relationship was really well written, at least up to the point, the relationship physically changed.
There was a bit of teasing the reader but when the mains did get together…… well I liked the scenes that led to that, but not that scene. Total personal preference (as all reviews are!) but I am assuming the writer made a style choice with pretty much the only words the mains uttered, but while I don’t have a problem with that word, I did in this context. Well okay they didn’t only say that, but it did drown the rest out! It just kept pulling me out the scene. Admittedly it didn’t have far to pull as I just wasn’t that in to it!
You know when 77% in to a book and a main does something stupid and you shout at them?….. I guess I’m feeling more for the mains than I thought!!
That bit was well done and the tension from the romance blip was more the kind of writing I expected. As I say I was obviously more invested in the mains than I thought I was.
I’m not quite gelling the way I hoped. This is based on a previous novel by the writer I read. This is fine, pacing was very slightly on the back foot for me, but I thought a pivotal almost change in relationship was really well written, at least up to the point, the relationship physically changed.
There was a bit of teasing the reader but when the mains did get together…… well I liked the scenes that led to that, but not that scene. Total personal preference (as all reviews are!) but I am assuming the writer made a style choice with pretty much the only words the mains uttered, but while I don’t have a problem with that word, I did in this context. Well okay they didn’t only say that, but it did drown the rest out! It just kept pulling me out the scene. Admittedly it didn’t have far to pull as I just wasn’t that in to it!
You know when 77% in to a book and a main does something stupid and you shout at them?….. I guess I’m feeling more for the mains than I thought!!
That bit was well done and the tension from the romance blip was more the kind of writing I expected. As I say I was obviously more invested in the mains than I thought I was.
July 19, 2025
4.5⭐️
This was an incredibly emotional and beautiful read that brought tears to my eyes. It's a poignant story of grief, healing, and the enduring power of friendship, reminding us that light can be found even in the darkest times. The author's way with words was simply amazing, crafting a narrative that truly resonated.
The plot centers on Emma, Audrey, and Reid, who must complete a bucket list started 13 years ago with their late best friend, Sadie. Sadie was a character I wish I knee in real life. She made me laugh (her Urn.. really lol) Sadie leaves letters for her friends with begging them to finish what they started years before. This forces Audrey and Reid to confront their past, and perhaps, rediscover their connection on a road trip along Route 66.
I thoroughly enjoyed following their journey. At first I was unsure about the romance between Reid and Audrey given their lack of early chemistry and Audrey's recent breakup, their relationship progressed in a way that I appreciated the growth between them. The blend of angst, grief, and the friends-to-lovers trope was nicely portrayed through the strength of their bond and their shared commitment to Sadie's memory. The firefly story, in particular, was beautifully done.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review
This was an incredibly emotional and beautiful read that brought tears to my eyes. It's a poignant story of grief, healing, and the enduring power of friendship, reminding us that light can be found even in the darkest times. The author's way with words was simply amazing, crafting a narrative that truly resonated.
The plot centers on Emma, Audrey, and Reid, who must complete a bucket list started 13 years ago with their late best friend, Sadie. Sadie was a character I wish I knee in real life. She made me laugh (her Urn.. really lol) Sadie leaves letters for her friends with begging them to finish what they started years before. This forces Audrey and Reid to confront their past, and perhaps, rediscover their connection on a road trip along Route 66.
I thoroughly enjoyed following their journey. At first I was unsure about the romance between Reid and Audrey given their lack of early chemistry and Audrey's recent breakup, their relationship progressed in a way that I appreciated the growth between them. The blend of angst, grief, and the friends-to-lovers trope was nicely portrayed through the strength of their bond and their shared commitment to Sadie's memory. The firefly story, in particular, was beautifully done.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review
July 7, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this. I hadn't read any of this author's books before - although I kept meaning to.
This book was, in my opinion, more than I had been expecting. I knew it centred on friendship, loss and the bucket list. But I wasn't expecting to the expression of the portrayal of grief to be so real. Having read the acknowledgements I saw the author had bereavements while writing it, and she certainly was able to channel those feelings. Hopefully it was cathartic.
There were many nice touches, the many letters that are read while completing the bucket list and the redoing of the tattoos - who would want to be the last woman standing with 3 coloured in triangles?!?
There's a lot of knowledge in the book too - not just about bereavement and grief - but about wildlife and travel.
Given that this book was about loss and there are emotions on display throughout it, it is quite an uplifting story. But the story is not only about grief and loss, there is much about friendship and acceptance and love too.
There is of course an epilogue which takes them into 2026.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was, in my opinion, more than I had been expecting. I knew it centred on friendship, loss and the bucket list. But I wasn't expecting to the expression of the portrayal of grief to be so real. Having read the acknowledgements I saw the author had bereavements while writing it, and she certainly was able to channel those feelings. Hopefully it was cathartic.
There were many nice touches, the many letters that are read while completing the bucket list and the redoing of the tattoos - who would want to be the last woman standing with 3 coloured in triangles?!?
There's a lot of knowledge in the book too - not just about bereavement and grief - but about wildlife and travel.
Given that this book was about loss and there are emotions on display throughout it, it is quite an uplifting story. But the story is not only about grief and loss, there is much about friendship and acceptance and love too.
There is of course an epilogue which takes them into 2026.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2025
A Thousand Tiny Promises by Morgan Lee Miller is a heartfelt and emotionally resonant story that beautifully captures the enduring bonds of friendship, the weight of loss, and the healing power of love. Centered around four lifelong friends, the novel follows the journey of three women who are left to fulfill a series of promises made by their late friend Sadie—a task that brings both heartache and hope.
Miller masterfully weaves together past and present, drawing readers into the shared history of these women while showcasing how grief can both test and strengthen the ties that bind. Each character is deeply human, and the emotions they experience—sorrow, joy, regret, and ultimately, acceptance—are palpable and relatable. The story is not only a tribute to friendship, but also a celebration of life’s most meaningful connections.
A Thousand Tiny Promises is a moving and uplifting novel that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a beautiful exploration of how even in the wake of loss, love and purpose can be rediscovered. A must-read for fans of character-driven stories with emotional depth.
Miller masterfully weaves together past and present, drawing readers into the shared history of these women while showcasing how grief can both test and strengthen the ties that bind. Each character is deeply human, and the emotions they experience—sorrow, joy, regret, and ultimately, acceptance—are palpable and relatable. The story is not only a tribute to friendship, but also a celebration of life’s most meaningful connections.
A Thousand Tiny Promises is a moving and uplifting novel that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a beautiful exploration of how even in the wake of loss, love and purpose can be rediscovered. A must-read for fans of character-driven stories with emotional depth.
August 4, 2025
I have this book 3.5 stars. Overall, the was a very emotionally driven book about 3 (past) best friends who are mourning the loss of their other friend. The friend who passes sort of sends them out on a "soul-searching" road trip that seems destined for failure. I think the author did really well tugging on your heart strings and making grief seem so real in her characters. This book lost some stars from me because I don't love the post-breakup spiral that one of the characters went through. I understand that some people deal with breakups differently, but the back and forth kind of annoyed me. Also, I wish we would have been more focused on the friendship of the group and not on just 2 of the characters. It seems like the 3rd friend was kind of just there sometimes. Even the friend who just died had more of character development then the friend who was with them on the trip. I also feel like the 2 characters got together really fast for 2 people who claimed they completely hated each other like a week prior, since this book really does not last over that long of a time period once they start the road trip.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2025
I enjoyed this story, and gave it four stars. It’s quite the emotional roller coaster you’ll go on while reading or listening to this. It starts at age 18 when a group of four best friends decide to write a bucket list of activities to do. It’s because they are finishing high school, and all traveling off to different colleges. This is a way to ensure they all want to come home in the holidays to be together.
We then just forward, and the group is meeting up at the funeral of Sadie. They’re 29 and the group has split because of something between our two main characters Reid and Audrey. But Sadie’s dying wish is that her three best friends complete the bucket list together.
It’s a story where you feel like you’re grieving with Reid, Audrey, and Emma throughout it. And I was really enjoying the tone, and pace of the story until something weird happens near(ish) the end that just felt off. I won’t spoil it for you, because I definitely still think this book is worth a read. I just wonder if elements from the authors note effected the end?
We then just forward, and the group is meeting up at the funeral of Sadie. They’re 29 and the group has split because of something between our two main characters Reid and Audrey. But Sadie’s dying wish is that her three best friends complete the bucket list together.
It’s a story where you feel like you’re grieving with Reid, Audrey, and Emma throughout it. And I was really enjoying the tone, and pace of the story until something weird happens near(ish) the end that just felt off. I won’t spoil it for you, because I definitely still think this book is worth a read. I just wonder if elements from the authors note effected the end?
June 28, 2025
This was an emotional read but also so endearing. To have such an amazing friend group that when one of them is dying, all she thinks about is how to get her old friends to reconnect after a falling out 6 years prior between Audrey and Reid. Despite that the book starts off on a very sad note, Sadie’s funeral just 11 years after graduation when they are just 29 years old, it is also a book about hope and how to mend old hurts and find happiness.
I loved to read about how Reid and Audrey slowly reconnected and started to see each other in a new way after both having horrible break-ups and thus have a lot of hang-ups. Sadie from the grave and Emma both have such a good influence on them, and you really see them grow during the trip and start to hope there may be happiness out there also for them.
This is a book I really recommend if you want an emotional read.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave a review voluntarily.
I loved to read about how Reid and Audrey slowly reconnected and started to see each other in a new way after both having horrible break-ups and thus have a lot of hang-ups. Sadie from the grave and Emma both have such a good influence on them, and you really see them grow during the trip and start to hope there may be happiness out there also for them.
This is a book I really recommend if you want an emotional read.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave a review voluntarily.
July 21, 2025
I received an ARC from NetGalley and writing this review voluntarily.
I loved this book. It is heartwarming, funny, and with so much suffering. I cried whenever we missed throughout the journey with Reid, Audrey and Emma. I can connect to the pain of losing a friend because I do lost a dear friend to cancer within two month of diagnosis. So, seriously, I knew how difficult it would be to read this. But, you know, it was catharsis for me as well.
I would recommend this book if you want to read about friendship, love, loss and then realisation of our dreams, grief of loving someone and having to let them go but knowing in our heart that the person will be with you even, maybe, not in the same way of once having them on the same planet once they were, but yeah, you got the gist.
I would recommend this book. Read. Come back to oath you once taken in your youth to complete something you left it undone.
I loved this book. It is heartwarming, funny, and with so much suffering. I cried whenever we missed throughout the journey with Reid, Audrey and Emma. I can connect to the pain of losing a friend because I do lost a dear friend to cancer within two month of diagnosis. So, seriously, I knew how difficult it would be to read this. But, you know, it was catharsis for me as well.
I would recommend this book if you want to read about friendship, love, loss and then realisation of our dreams, grief of loving someone and having to let them go but knowing in our heart that the person will be with you even, maybe, not in the same way of once having them on the same planet once they were, but yeah, you got the gist.
I would recommend this book. Read. Come back to oath you once taken in your youth to complete something you left it undone.
July 1, 2025
Wow, just wow. This was one hell of an emotional read. I should have suspected it considering the blurb, but it's not always done well. This one exceeded my expectations. From chapter 1, this book pulled me in and didn't let go until the end.
This follows a friend group wanting to finish a bucket list they made when they were teenagers after the death of their friend Sadie. They had a fallout years prior between Reid and Audrey. This was still a book mending past relationships and a hope for the future. The only romantic relationship in the book was between Reid and Audrey and them mending fences before becoming more. Emma and Sadie both help and its interesting to watch the dynamic unfold.
I recommend this book, but before you do, be prepared. You will have all the emotions.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This follows a friend group wanting to finish a bucket list they made when they were teenagers after the death of their friend Sadie. They had a fallout years prior between Reid and Audrey. This was still a book mending past relationships and a hope for the future. The only romantic relationship in the book was between Reid and Audrey and them mending fences before becoming more. Emma and Sadie both help and its interesting to watch the dynamic unfold.
I recommend this book, but before you do, be prepared. You will have all the emotions.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2025
This story was pretty predictable, and honestly, I was expecting more. The premise sounded great, and I've really enjoyed other books by this author. But it just didn't live up to my expectations. I found it repetitive, especially since the whole love-hate thing between two of the friends, Reid and Audrey, was so obvious from the start. Emma, the third friend, felt like a minor character, even unnecessary at times Even the road trip and them checking off that bucket list they made in high school before college didn't really grab my attention. Honestly, the story was a bit bland for my taste It might've been because I just didn't care much for any of the main characters, especially Audrey. Not sure, maybe a little bit of everything
Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to send me a copy via NetGalley for an honest review
Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to send me a copy via NetGalley for an honest review
June 30, 2025
I promised myself I wouldn’t read this in one sitting and truly failed. This was such a heartwarming read. The book explored grief in a raw, emotional way, showing how it impacted both relationships and friendships.
I loved the special bond between Reid, Audrey, Emma and Sadie, even in death, as they completed the bucket list from their teenage years. It was heartwarming to read, whilst still being fun and full of banter.
Both Audrey and Reid had emotional damage that we got to explore both through their reconciled friendship and beginning of their relationship. I loved both characters and reading their development as they confronted their pasts and supported each other was beautiful.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books for an ARC in return for an honest review!
I loved the special bond between Reid, Audrey, Emma and Sadie, even in death, as they completed the bucket list from their teenage years. It was heartwarming to read, whilst still being fun and full of banter.
Both Audrey and Reid had emotional damage that we got to explore both through their reconciled friendship and beginning of their relationship. I loved both characters and reading their development as they confronted their pasts and supported each other was beautiful.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books for an ARC in return for an honest review!
July 6, 2025
Wow, if you need some perspective on the value of friendship this book will do it for you. This story will definitely have you in tears, but it will also warm your heart. Three long-time friends come together to find a way to grieve the loss of their best friend. A sweet story filled with lots of loving memories shared between friends. What a wonderful thing life would be if everyone had a friend group like these women. Emma, Audrey, and Reid are each dealing with the loss in their own way, but they have each other to be vulnerable with provide comfort, be sad and cry, and also be happy while remembering all the amazing times they had together. This is a truly wonderful story.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and this is my voluntary, honest review.
September 10, 2025
What an emotional read. Four childhood friends that reconnect in their early 30s. Sadie, Reid, Audrey and Emma were very close but due to lack of communication and differences of opinion, the friend group drifted apart. One thing they did do upon graduation was create a bucket list. The group falling apart caused them not to complete much of the list. Then Sadie passes away at the age of 29 and due to the impact of the loss and letters from Sadie left behind, the three remaining friends agree to take the trip and work on completing the bucket list. Really liked the places they visited and the reconnection of the friend group. There is a love story and the reader can feel it coming. NICE!
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
January 9, 2026
Oof do not read when you are grieving. It also hits home when you are not grieving to be honest. But what a book!
I loved our 4 MC's so much. It's not easy developing enough character background and personality for all of them to feel like rich characters. I've read books where authors struggle to just do so for the 2 main leads. But not this one.
We get some background info on the 4 friends when they create their bucketlist with fun items each of them adds to the list. Then the funeral is just gruesome. I can feel the grieve coming off the pages like tidal waves. Even I grieved Sadie. She seemed like such a great person.
If you want a story that will get you in your feelings, this is the one for you.
An ARC was given to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
I loved our 4 MC's so much. It's not easy developing enough character background and personality for all of them to feel like rich characters. I've read books where authors struggle to just do so for the 2 main leads. But not this one.
We get some background info on the 4 friends when they create their bucketlist with fun items each of them adds to the list. Then the funeral is just gruesome. I can feel the grieve coming off the pages like tidal waves. Even I grieved Sadie. She seemed like such a great person.
If you want a story that will get you in your feelings, this is the one for you.
An ARC was given to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
June 26, 2025
This was perfect.
I mean nothing is really perfect but this is close. It had me tearing up from chapter 1 and it never let me go. It was a great journey to take with these characters and it’s a journey I will reread multiple times.
The writing felt real and the way the characters interacted felt natural to who each of them was. They had moments I laughed with them, moments I cried, times I was annoyed, and times I just wanted to hug them and tell them it would all be ok.
I couldn’t stop reading. It’s a book that will stay with me. One of the best books I’ve read this year.
Thanks to NetGallery and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
I mean nothing is really perfect but this is close. It had me tearing up from chapter 1 and it never let me go. It was a great journey to take with these characters and it’s a journey I will reread multiple times.
The writing felt real and the way the characters interacted felt natural to who each of them was. They had moments I laughed with them, moments I cried, times I was annoyed, and times I just wanted to hug them and tell them it would all be ok.
I couldn’t stop reading. It’s a book that will stay with me. One of the best books I’ve read this year.
Thanks to NetGallery and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
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