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The Promise of Wonder
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jun 26A tragic accident. A misguided accusation. Are some mistakes unforgivable?
England, 1889. In her family’s rambling manor house in Dorset, fifteen-year-old Theodora Hallewell dreams of magic, adventure, and Toby Meriwether. As Toby prepares to leave for university, Theo plans a midnight gathering—one last chance to make Toby notice her. By dawn, a tragic mistake will shatter the world as they know it.
Years later, Toby has built a respectable life in London, scarred by the past but determined to put it behind him. Theo, struggling with the aftermath of what happened, has begun to fear that the life she has built is more fragile—and far more dangerous—than she ever imagined. Both live under the shadow of that fateful night—until a startling discovery casts what happened in a whole new light, and offers a chance to right the wrongs that have haunted them for so long.
Spanning three decades, The Promise of Wonder is a spellbinding story of lost love, atonement, and the long journey towards forgiveness.
England, 1889. In her family’s rambling manor house in Dorset, fifteen-year-old Theodora Hallewell dreams of magic, adventure, and Toby Meriwether. As Toby prepares to leave for university, Theo plans a midnight gathering—one last chance to make Toby notice her. By dawn, a tragic mistake will shatter the world as they know it.
Years later, Toby has built a respectable life in London, scarred by the past but determined to put it behind him. Theo, struggling with the aftermath of what happened, has begun to fear that the life she has built is more fragile—and far more dangerous—than she ever imagined. Both live under the shadow of that fateful night—until a startling discovery casts what happened in a whole new light, and offers a chance to right the wrongs that have haunted them for so long.
Spanning three decades, The Promise of Wonder is a spellbinding story of lost love, atonement, and the long journey towards forgiveness.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 1, 2026
About the author
Katherine Webb
24 books747 followersI was born in Kent in 1977 and grew up in rural Hampshire before reading History at Durham University. History remains a passion, and I write character-led mystery dramas, often with historical settings. I love to explore the way past events can reverberate in the present, and I'm fascinated by the vast grey areas in human morality and behaviour.
My debut novel 'The Legacy' was voted viewers' choice for Best Summer Read on the Channel 4 TV Book Club in 2010, and was nominated for Best New Writer at the National Book Awards in the same year. Subsequently, 'The Unseen','A Half Forgotten Song' and 'The Misbegotten' were all Sunday Times Top Ten bestsellers, and my books have been translated into 24 languages around the world.
My debut novel 'The Legacy' was voted viewers' choice for Best Summer Read on the Channel 4 TV Book Club in 2010, and was nominated for Best New Writer at the National Book Awards in the same year. Subsequently, 'The Unseen','A Half Forgotten Song' and 'The Misbegotten' were all Sunday Times Top Ten bestsellers, and my books have been translated into 24 languages around the world.
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May 12, 2026At first, the story was a bit hard to get into but I hung with it and found it to be pretty intriguing. However, when I came to the end, I was honestly angry - it feels like a money grab to me (as I saw in another review). In the past, when I have read trilogies, they either continued on with the same characters, or at least picked up at some future point. This ending was abrupt and very unsatisfying. I will not be reading the rest of the trilogy and will be hesitant to read this author again.
May 12, 2026
Disappointing ending!
Such a disappointing ending! Do I have to read the sequel?! I loved the story and the characters but was left with no resolution!
Such a disappointing ending! Do I have to read the sequel?! I loved the story and the characters but was left with no resolution!
May 12, 2026
I found this book to be reflective of its time in terms of the justice system and the treatment of women. I’m sure by the end of the trilogy the protagonists will have achieved justice and their desired outcomes but, for me, this was far too depressing. I kept reading expecting some lighter moments but these did not materialise; I will not be tempted to seek out the ending.
May 9, 2026
disappointed
Ending???? Truly disappointing. It felt like jumping off of a cliff with no real reason or literary purpose relative to the plot
Ending???? Truly disappointing. It felt like jumping off of a cliff with no real reason or literary purpose relative to the plot
Want to Read
May 2, 2026*May 2026 Amazon Prime First Read
Review of advance copy
I picked this up almost on a whim through Kindle First Reads, fully expecting a pleasant but forgettable historical novel, and ended up completely absorbed by it.
This was one of those books that quietly snuck up on me. The pacing was excellent. The novel never rushed its many storylines, instead taking the time to carefully build the world, relationships, and social tensions in a way that felt natural and deeply immersive. By the second half, I flew through it.
What worked especially well for me was the complexity of the characters and their circumstances. I did not always like every character, but their decisions, flaws, and growth consistently felt believable and rooted in the realities of their lives. The book made room for people to evolve over time rather than forcing dramatic transformations or easy resolutions, which made me even more invested in where the story was taking them.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the depth of the themes woven throughout the novel, particularly women’s suffrage, class rights, the ethics of medical experimentation, and shifting social dynamics.
What impressed me most was how purposeful the novel felt. Nothing seemed gratuitous or superfluous. The themes, character arcs, and historical details all emerged naturally from the story rather than feeling imposed on top of it. The book trusted its readers enough not to be heavy-handed, and the result was a story that felt immersive, emotionally grounded, and deeply coherent.
I have seen some readers describe the ending as abrupt, but that was not my experience at all. This is clearly the opening movement of a larger story, and the novel ends at a moment of emotional and thematic transformation rather than neat resolution. The characters arrive at new understandings of themselves, their circumstances, and the systems shaping their lives, and I found that deeply satisfying.
More importantly, the ending left me genuinely eager to continue with the trilogy, not because of artificial cliffhangers, but because I am now deeply invested in these characters and the lives unfolding around them. I want to see what choices they make next, who they become over time, who else enters their worlds, and how these storylines continue to evolve across the larger arc of the trilogy.
After several recent reads that felt more interested in twists or atmosphere than coherence, this was such a satisfying reminder of how compelling a well-constructed story can be.
Very much looking forward to the next book in the trilogy.
This was one of those books that quietly snuck up on me. The pacing was excellent. The novel never rushed its many storylines, instead taking the time to carefully build the world, relationships, and social tensions in a way that felt natural and deeply immersive. By the second half, I flew through it.
What worked especially well for me was the complexity of the characters and their circumstances. I did not always like every character, but their decisions, flaws, and growth consistently felt believable and rooted in the realities of their lives. The book made room for people to evolve over time rather than forcing dramatic transformations or easy resolutions, which made me even more invested in where the story was taking them.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the depth of the themes woven throughout the novel, particularly women’s suffrage, class rights, the ethics of medical experimentation, and shifting social dynamics.
What impressed me most was how purposeful the novel felt. Nothing seemed gratuitous or superfluous. The themes, character arcs, and historical details all emerged naturally from the story rather than feeling imposed on top of it. The book trusted its readers enough not to be heavy-handed, and the result was a story that felt immersive, emotionally grounded, and deeply coherent.
I have seen some readers describe the ending as abrupt, but that was not my experience at all. This is clearly the opening movement of a larger story, and the novel ends at a moment of emotional and thematic transformation rather than neat resolution. The characters arrive at new understandings of themselves, their circumstances, and the systems shaping their lives, and I found that deeply satisfying.
More importantly, the ending left me genuinely eager to continue with the trilogy, not because of artificial cliffhangers, but because I am now deeply invested in these characters and the lives unfolding around them. I want to see what choices they make next, who they become over time, who else enters their worlds, and how these storylines continue to evolve across the larger arc of the trilogy.
After several recent reads that felt more interested in twists or atmosphere than coherence, this was such a satisfying reminder of how compelling a well-constructed story can be.
Very much looking forward to the next book in the trilogy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5 Stars rounded up!
Oh, man! It happened again. After reading this story and getting to the end, I was surprised at how abrupt the ending felt. Then I discovered that this is the first book in a series of 3- the other two still need to be written. So...
Theodora and Toby were friends in their childhood. As they get a little older (but still in their teens) they begin to have deeper feelings for each other. One night before Theo is to leave for university, tragedy occurs and the two are separated and dealing with the trauma of that night.
There is a lot of guilt, lies and deception in this book. It has a very heavy and dark atmosphere. There is a bit of a mystery in discovering what happened. As the two main characters lives go forward in different directions, I was interested to see if they would meet again. But the journey to the end of the book was long and very heavy, and seemed to continue in this dark vein with little to no moments of levity. I feel that the characters needed a little more rounding out so we could get a real feel about who they were. Was I interested in what would happen? Yes! But by the time I got to the end, I was left with a lot of questions and no answers! Not sure that I will read the other two that are coming.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Oh, man! It happened again. After reading this story and getting to the end, I was surprised at how abrupt the ending felt. Then I discovered that this is the first book in a series of 3- the other two still need to be written. So...
Theodora and Toby were friends in their childhood. As they get a little older (but still in their teens) they begin to have deeper feelings for each other. One night before Theo is to leave for university, tragedy occurs and the two are separated and dealing with the trauma of that night.
There is a lot of guilt, lies and deception in this book. It has a very heavy and dark atmosphere. There is a bit of a mystery in discovering what happened. As the two main characters lives go forward in different directions, I was interested to see if they would meet again. But the journey to the end of the book was long and very heavy, and seemed to continue in this dark vein with little to no moments of levity. I feel that the characters needed a little more rounding out so we could get a real feel about who they were. Was I interested in what would happen? Yes! But by the time I got to the end, I was left with a lot of questions and no answers! Not sure that I will read the other two that are coming.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rounded up from 2.5 stars
Rather than ending the story, "The Promise of Wonder" just stops. No resolution, nothing. I get that it's a trilogy, but most books I've read that were part of a trilogy were to some degree self-contained; I walked away at least somewhat satisfied with where things stood as well as intrigued as to what was next. The abruptness of this ending provided no satisfaction and feels more like a cash grab than anything else.
If the book had been more pleasurable to read, maybe I wouldn't feel shortchanged regarding the effort I took to finish it. It's not a bad book, and the setting kept my interest, but protagonist Toby was a damp squib, with Theo somewhat more engaging. Again, I understand depression and passivity often result from trauma and that presenting these in a way that's interesting without being sensationalistic is a challenge. However, when presented in such a monotonous way, as it is here, I don't really want to read about. The book could easily have been tightened, which probably would have heightened the emotional impact—though it then probably couldn't be sold as three books (see "cash grab" above).
Thank you, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rather than ending the story, "The Promise of Wonder" just stops. No resolution, nothing. I get that it's a trilogy, but most books I've read that were part of a trilogy were to some degree self-contained; I walked away at least somewhat satisfied with where things stood as well as intrigued as to what was next. The abruptness of this ending provided no satisfaction and feels more like a cash grab than anything else.
If the book had been more pleasurable to read, maybe I wouldn't feel shortchanged regarding the effort I took to finish it. It's not a bad book, and the setting kept my interest, but protagonist Toby was a damp squib, with Theo somewhat more engaging. Again, I understand depression and passivity often result from trauma and that presenting these in a way that's interesting without being sensationalistic is a challenge. However, when presented in such a monotonous way, as it is here, I don't really want to read about. The book could easily have been tightened, which probably would have heightened the emotional impact—though it then probably couldn't be sold as three books (see "cash grab" above).
Thank you, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was drawn into the world of Theo right from the first page. I felt the writing was truly evocative and created a beautiful setting and well drawn characters, even minor characters were described so beautifully that I was able to truly escape into the Hallewell world and the incidents that transpired. I appreciated that the characters were all flawed and that made it far more realistic than many other books I've read. I particularly loved Uncle Crudge - how lucky Theo was to have him as he watched over her - as she grew up and when she really needed him later on. I felt the descriptions of both the justice system and medicine during the late 1800s was very well handled and never to the point that the reader felt bogged down in them.
My only grudge was the ending. I wish that things were wrapped up more neatly. I felt quite frustrated not getting a happy (ish) ending. However, it doesn't take away from my overall appreciation of the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was drawn into the world of Theo right from the first page. I felt the writing was truly evocative and created a beautiful setting and well drawn characters, even minor characters were described so beautifully that I was able to truly escape into the Hallewell world and the incidents that transpired. I appreciated that the characters were all flawed and that made it far more realistic than many other books I've read. I particularly loved Uncle Crudge - how lucky Theo was to have him as he watched over her - as she grew up and when she really needed him later on. I felt the descriptions of both the justice system and medicine during the late 1800s was very well handled and never to the point that the reader felt bogged down in them.
My only grudge was the ending. I wish that things were wrapped up more neatly. I felt quite frustrated not getting a happy (ish) ending. However, it doesn't take away from my overall appreciation of the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such an emotional and enthralling read!
I feel like I lived this time along with the characters, and to watch their lives unfold and see how the repercussions of one childish mistake stayed with them and how the impact of it sent ripples into the future lasting for years afterwards was fascinating.
The level of detail, first describing the tragedy itself and then the time following was incredible and really allowed me to become fully absorbed in events. And although the ending may have seemed quite abrupt, I feel like it was actually the right way to finish as to me it represented a fundamental change in these characters whole perception of what had transpired, and allows the next book to start examining the impact that knowing the true version will have.
It has left me both excited and impatient for book 2!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for the opportunity to read this book.
I feel like I lived this time along with the characters, and to watch their lives unfold and see how the repercussions of one childish mistake stayed with them and how the impact of it sent ripples into the future lasting for years afterwards was fascinating.
The level of detail, first describing the tragedy itself and then the time following was incredible and really allowed me to become fully absorbed in events. And although the ending may have seemed quite abrupt, I feel like it was actually the right way to finish as to me it represented a fundamental change in these characters whole perception of what had transpired, and allows the next book to start examining the impact that knowing the true version will have.
It has left me both excited and impatient for book 2!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for the opportunity to read this book.
May 23, 2026
2⭐️ - I went back and forth between 2 and 3 stars. But I think ultimately it leans toward a 2. The story started out great. It was entertaining and the characters were interesting. I enjoyed the sense of wonder Theo had, and how kind she was to her friends, despite her mom being awful. But then the tone of the story changed, and I kept reading in hopes there would be a redemption story or some sort of resolution. There was none. Instead, I read the characters having the same interactions with each other over a decade. Theo became a shell of a character, no longer interesting. Toby’s storyline was so slow, I found myself skimming page after page. 400 pages and I am suppose to read another book to get answers? I am no longer interested.
I do want to give credit to the author… I think her writing ability is excellent. The book was well written, and the language the characters used felt true to the time. For me, I just did not enjoy the story or the way it ended (or rather didn’t end).
I do want to give credit to the author… I think her writing ability is excellent. The book was well written, and the language the characters used felt true to the time. For me, I just did not enjoy the story or the way it ended (or rather didn’t end).
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Not my favorite book by any means. I found the writing difficult at times, the characters unrealistic with abnormal behavior and thoughts, the romance side was far-fetched, and over all the story was a slow read - found myself having a difficult time getting engaged in it. And then, worst part, the story really doesn't end - it simply stops. Suffice it to say I'm not intrigued enough to read the next book to figure out what happens.
The historical part was not what I generally look for in an historical fiction. It depicted general life in the era - with some interesting observations like Toby's first impression of London. The treatment of women and the laws were really distressing - although likely accurate. I enjoyed reading the type of food they ate, and to some degree the differences between the wealthy and the poor.
The historical part was not what I generally look for in an historical fiction. It depicted general life in the era - with some interesting observations like Toby's first impression of London. The treatment of women and the laws were really distressing - although likely accurate. I enjoyed reading the type of food they ate, and to some degree the differences between the wealthy and the poor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
My prime reading choice for May and while I knew this was the first of a trilogy, I expected a complete story that would be part of an overarching theme. This is not what I got.
It is actually a single book being published in three volumes and so not only is there no resolution to any plot point, there isn't even an ending. The whole thing just stops abruptly.
This has left me frustrated and given I didn't love it enough to read two further as yet unpublished volumes I guess I will never know what happens.
The book follows Theo and Toby over the course of several years. Theo is the more interesting story as she starts to uncover the truth about events, but overall neither character is really that interesting.
As a whole the book makes some good points about the criminal justice system at the time, but the whole thing left me feeling flat.
A disappointing read.
It is actually a single book being published in three volumes and so not only is there no resolution to any plot point, there isn't even an ending. The whole thing just stops abruptly.
This has left me frustrated and given I didn't love it enough to read two further as yet unpublished volumes I guess I will never know what happens.
The book follows Theo and Toby over the course of several years. Theo is the more interesting story as she starts to uncover the truth about events, but overall neither character is really that interesting.
As a whole the book makes some good points about the criminal justice system at the time, but the whole thing left me feeling flat.
A disappointing read.
May 14, 2026
First of all, this is the first book in a trilogy. I would not recommend reading it unless you commit to reading the series, or at least book two, because this book just stops. No ending, no conclusion, no solution… I the story seems to drag, mostly due to unnecessary details near the beginning, and repetition later in the book. I also found it difficult to read at first since the writing was more like 19th century prose than modern day fiction. It is a good book to help build your vocabulary, especially with words rarely used today. All that said, the story does express life in the Victorian age where women and the poor are second class citizens, and laws were black & white with no leniency.
May 9, 2026
I enjoyed this book until I reached the end and there was no resolution. When I read trilogy, I assumed three characters over a number of generations. Not sequels, which was disappointing.
I also felt the number of times Theo and Toby almost crossed paths over the years was quite ridiculous. I found myself thinking that if they had even spoken to each other once in the 15 years it would have made the story far more believable.
I also felt the number of times Theo and Toby almost crossed paths over the years was quite ridiculous. I found myself thinking that if they had even spoken to each other once in the 15 years it would have made the story far more believable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2026
I received this book free from Goodreads First reads! I can't believe I have to wait for the next book to be published to find out how this will all transpire. At first, I thought this was a YA novel, then it some intense and sad events. The book covers womens issues, legal rights for the poor and general life in England in the 1800s. I think I know what is going to happen, but I wanted to see how.
May 20, 2026
A Great Read
At first I was unimpressed by this book. It took me awhile to get interested. After several chapters it was difficult to. Put down. Now I'm anxious to read book 2. It takes place during the late 1800's. It begins with a tragic accident which happened during a childish escapade.
The consequences of the accident result in years of struggle and unhappiness for the main characters. I highly recommend.
At first I was unimpressed by this book. It took me awhile to get interested. After several chapters it was difficult to. Put down. Now I'm anxious to read book 2. It takes place during the late 1800's. It begins with a tragic accident which happened during a childish escapade.
The consequences of the accident result in years of struggle and unhappiness for the main characters. I highly recommend.
Review of advance copy
Picked this up as my Amazon Prime First Read and I am so glad I did! The storyline was absolutely mesmerizing, and Katherine Webb brought a time and place to life that I had never explored in my reading before. Theo and Toby's stories pulled me in completely. Already looking forward to the second book in the trilogy! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 8, 2026
Engaging read
Historically set in the vivid Hallewell, this story follows Theodora and Toby and their unrealised romance. Obstacles, deaths and lies litter the plot and coming to the end was a surprise and a disappointment. I so wanted to read on and was intrigued as to what would happen next.
Looking forward to the sequel.
Historically set in the vivid Hallewell, this story follows Theodora and Toby and their unrealised romance. Obstacles, deaths and lies litter the plot and coming to the end was a surprise and a disappointment. I so wanted to read on and was intrigued as to what would happen next.
Looking forward to the sequel.
May 12, 2026
Although I enjoyed this book, the ending has left me wanting - and not in an a good way. I understand that this is part of a trilogy; however, I expected a least some resolution or some change. Neither happened (although Toby's realisation was welcome, it was not enough). And rather than making me want to read the next instalment, whenever it may appear, I no longer trust the author to deliver.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an intense well written book for its time period. It’s book one in a series and I’m not sure I liked it well enough to read the next one. It started off interesting and incredibly sad. I didn’t care for Theo’s husband at all. I felt sad and mad on Theo’s behalf.
I have to agree with the others about the ending too.
I have to agree with the others about the ending too.
May 25, 2026
I’ve given this book three stars. I wanted to give it one star, but I couldn’t because it was a decent read. Normally, I would have rated it four stars. However, I hate novels that end in a cliffhanger, requiring the purchase of a sequel or multiple sequels to learn the ending. This book is such a book.
May 9, 2026
NEVER ENDING STORY
I have been reading for over seventy nine years and have not had to wait for another novel to learn the ending. That’s why I only rated it three stars! I will not be reading anymore.
I have been reading for over seventy nine years and have not had to wait for another novel to learn the ending. That’s why I only rated it three stars! I will not be reading anymore.
May 13, 2026
Entertaining but Incomplete
Good storytelling, but I feel cheated as the book ended without a real conclusion. Maybe it’s just a trend for new books, but it feels more like disappointing bait and switch than a good read.
Good storytelling, but I feel cheated as the book ended without a real conclusion. Maybe it’s just a trend for new books, but it feels more like disappointing bait and switch than a good read.
May 18, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, it stayed with me for a while after. The different characters portray shame, guilt, despair, possessiveness, greed, ambition, duty, loyalty and love. The story is set in a time when the legal system was in need of change. I was disappointed that it was part of a series and having to wait until September for the next book.
May 17, 2026
I Can't Even
This book builds around so many stories, and after reading over 400 pages, NOT ONE of those stories even comes close to some sort of conclusion. I have to purchase the next book to hopefully find out anything.
This book builds around so many stories, and after reading over 400 pages, NOT ONE of those stories even comes close to some sort of conclusion. I have to purchase the next book to hopefully find out anything.
May 26, 2026
Would have given 5 stars if book didn't end so abruptly. Also disappointed that the next book in trilogy will not be available until September. First read by this Author but look forward to reading some of her other books.
May 13, 2026
This book went on and on for ages, and then just ended. Very depressing, with no hope even at the end.
May 14, 2026
Excellent
Just excellent ! Intense ,thoughtful, pained, characters to believe in and an awful time to be a woman ! Thoroughly gripping
Just excellent ! Intense ,thoughtful, pained, characters to believe in and an awful time to be a woman ! Thoroughly gripping
Review of advance copy
This one started a little slow and ended with no resolution. But the story and characters were good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews