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Promise Me Happy
I don’t know if it’s possible for people to change, not really. The way you’re made up, the important stuff, I reckon you’re born with that . . . when it matters, when it really matters, we are who we are.Nate’s had it tough. An abusive father. His mother dead. He’s done things he regrets.But he’s never met anyone like Gem. She’s a tiny piece of wonderful and she’ll change everything he knows about himself. Is this the beginning of happiness? Or is there more hardship around the corner?
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2019
6 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Robert Newton
75 books23 followersRobert Newton works as a full-time firefighter with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. His first novel, My Name is Will Thompson, was published in 2001. Since then he has written four other novels for young people, including Runner, which was published by Penguin in 2005. He lives in Melbourne with his wife and three daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 14, 2019
Promise Me Happy is a coming-to-age contemporary set in the small fishing town of Oyster Bay, Australia. It is a story filled with grief, family, friendship and love that really showcase an Aussie way of life. For a large part of the book, it was a pretty average contemporary and I was about to give is a 2.5/5 stars. But the ending really got me emotionally so overall this book is a really strong 3/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 25, 2019
Thoughtful and full of feels.
June 29, 2019
Promise Me Happy - a moving, authentically Aussie coming of age story at its best. Perfect for fans of YA contemporary fiction about relationships, family and finding a place to belong, Promise Me Happy is a soothing, gently-paced and touching novel.
Nate knows this is his last chance. Leaving juvie to live with an uncle he doesn’t know, Nate has low expectations about this next phase in his life, yet it can’t be worse than returning to live with his drunk and abusive father and memories of his dead mother. But living with uncle isn’t at all what he expects, nor the charming little fishing town, the slower lifestyle, space to breath, quirky young neighbour, Henry or the intriguing, combat-boot and tartan-wearing Gem. It may be just the second chance Nate needs, if he can hang on to it.
Promise Me Happy is a beautiful story. Authentically Australian, poignant, with themes of belonging, family, bullying, prejudice and new beginnings. It is charming, relaxing and addictive. It took me a quarter of the book to really connect with the characters and the pace of the story, but once I did, I really enjoyed this book.
I loved Henry. He is quirky, charming and the perfect sounding board for Nate. He brings Nate out of himself and shows Nate that he has a really caring side, which is so important given his criminal history and relationship with his father.
While Nate’s relationship with Gem and the complications this bring, is a prominent feature of the story, it never overshadows the messages of second chances and growth of Nate’s character.
Nate is the narrator and main protagonist of Promise Me Happy. At the start of the book, there were a few times Nate said things that made him sound like a 50-year-old Aussie White guy, but by middle of the story he had really come into his own and reads as a realistic teen guy.
Promise Me Happy will be the perfect book to hand to teens who enjoy emotion-driven YA fiction and a nice addition to the group of many international titles that evoke similar themes.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
Nate knows this is his last chance. Leaving juvie to live with an uncle he doesn’t know, Nate has low expectations about this next phase in his life, yet it can’t be worse than returning to live with his drunk and abusive father and memories of his dead mother. But living with uncle isn’t at all what he expects, nor the charming little fishing town, the slower lifestyle, space to breath, quirky young neighbour, Henry or the intriguing, combat-boot and tartan-wearing Gem. It may be just the second chance Nate needs, if he can hang on to it.
Promise Me Happy is a beautiful story. Authentically Australian, poignant, with themes of belonging, family, bullying, prejudice and new beginnings. It is charming, relaxing and addictive. It took me a quarter of the book to really connect with the characters and the pace of the story, but once I did, I really enjoyed this book.
I loved Henry. He is quirky, charming and the perfect sounding board for Nate. He brings Nate out of himself and shows Nate that he has a really caring side, which is so important given his criminal history and relationship with his father.
While Nate’s relationship with Gem and the complications this bring, is a prominent feature of the story, it never overshadows the messages of second chances and growth of Nate’s character.
Nate is the narrator and main protagonist of Promise Me Happy. At the start of the book, there were a few times Nate said things that made him sound like a 50-year-old Aussie White guy, but by middle of the story he had really come into his own and reads as a realistic teen guy.
Promise Me Happy will be the perfect book to hand to teens who enjoy emotion-driven YA fiction and a nice addition to the group of many international titles that evoke similar themes.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
June 19, 2019
Not much has gone Nate’s way in life so far, his Dad is an abusive alcoholic and his Mum died not so long ago. Nate fell in with the wrong crowd and did some pretty stupid things. Things he’s not proud of which landed him in juvie. Nate has served his time and upon his release is surprised to find his Uncle Mick has come to pick him up. They don’t know each other, Nate’s mum has asked her brother to take him in. Mick doesn’t seem too pleased with the idea and Nate hates to think he is a burden.
Nate’s always been a city boy but Mick lives in the country and Nate sees this as a chance for a new beginning. He’s disappointed when some of the locals don’t seem prepared to give him that chance, some of them going out of their way to make him feel unwelcome.
Nate’s always considered himself numb, incapable of emotion until he meets Gem. As they get to know each other Nate finally starts to feel like his life is turning around, he is even starting to feel happy. But can it really last?
Filled with great characters that will make you laugh and cry in turns, this is a story about hope and second chances. Enjoy the simple things in life, learn to make the most out of what you have. Sometimes you might not be given as much time as you’d like, so it’s important to make whatever time you do have, count.
Nate’s always been a city boy but Mick lives in the country and Nate sees this as a chance for a new beginning. He’s disappointed when some of the locals don’t seem prepared to give him that chance, some of them going out of their way to make him feel unwelcome.
Nate’s always considered himself numb, incapable of emotion until he meets Gem. As they get to know each other Nate finally starts to feel like his life is turning around, he is even starting to feel happy. But can it really last?
Filled with great characters that will make you laugh and cry in turns, this is a story about hope and second chances. Enjoy the simple things in life, learn to make the most out of what you have. Sometimes you might not be given as much time as you’d like, so it’s important to make whatever time you do have, count.
March 12, 2020
Promise me happy is a touching read. It tells the story of Nate, a boy who has just been released from prison, who is ready to turn over a new leaf. We follow him as he meets new friends and learns who he truly is. Promise me happy has a lovely message of remaining positive amidst hardship and what it really means to live.
July 12, 2020
3.5⭐️
June 4, 2019
Really enjoyed this book and the emotions that were evoked.
Young boy coming out of juvenile and having to stay with his uncle in the country who he doesn’t know.
His mum has died and dad is a drunk and hasn’t had a stable upbringing.
But shows the power of compassion and the desire to do good in the world and appreciate the simple things.
He meets a girl - bit cliche - but their relationship builds the story and the elements within the story aren’t always predictable which make it a page turner.
Sad ending that had me in tears on the train. A sign that the book is a memorable one
Highly recommend
Young boy coming out of juvenile and having to stay with his uncle in the country who he doesn’t know.
His mum has died and dad is a drunk and hasn’t had a stable upbringing.
But shows the power of compassion and the desire to do good in the world and appreciate the simple things.
He meets a girl - bit cliche - but their relationship builds the story and the elements within the story aren’t always predictable which make it a page turner.
Sad ending that had me in tears on the train. A sign that the book is a memorable one
Highly recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2019
I don’t know what to write. So many unexpected emotions. I kinda want to be a High School TL so that I can share this amazing story with the English department and add it to a must read list on display as students walk into the library. It’s so important for kids, especially teens, to feel hope and trust in themselves. I loved listening to the heart of Nate as he grew into the him that was hidden behind grief for too long. So many important messages of hope, strength and courage to be who we want or need to be, not only for ourselves but also for others. Beautiful!
April 7, 2019
Newton never disappoints, loved this book. Review written and scheduled on my blog.
July 12, 2025
Be prepared to be mad, to laugh, and cry.
Promise Me Happy -
Is a coming of age story centred around eighteen year old Nate
Having just spent the past eighteen month in Juvie, for breaking and entering into a home of an elderly man, who later passed, …with a history of drug and alcohol issues, Nate is now being released into the care of his Uncle Mick, at the request of his late mother
Mick is her older brother.
The two, Uncle and nephew, as far as Nate is aware, have never met, so things are about to get awkward.
First impressions are not going well, however, things progress to full sentences once they start their long drive back to Oyster Bay where Uncle Mick lives.
( possibly thanks to the dulcet tones of Barry Gibb, and the Bee Gees )
This is a “coming of age” story about Nate learning how to reconnect with family, and his family, Uncle Mick, opening himself up to him, along with being confronted by the new characters in the town, that drift into his life while working for his Mick’s business:
Delivering groceries to several holiday islands up and down the river.
His companion during his learning curve is Gem.
His neighbour.
A half Scottish, half Chinese, purple haired, Doc Marten wearing, lover of tartan, tough as nails eighteen year old.
With her help, and interest in him, along with the persistence of his Uncle Mick, who hasn’t yet come to terms with the possibility that his wife, Malaya, might not be ever coming back, long with Gems quirky, little brother Henry, and a cast of colourful towns folk, Nate slowly, but surely begins to open up, and start to rebuild his life.
No longer having to deal with his alcohol abusing , inner city living father, Nate is coming into his own.
However!
Just as things start going so well for him, tragedy happens.
He soon learns that life is a b**stard at throwing curveballs at you, and Nate is going to have to deal with a heartbreaking one.
The Setting , in a small Australian Coastal town, Oyster Bay, was the perfect panacea for Nate, from the torment of Juvie, at Crowley and his previous inner city life.
The characters:
What a bunch of larrikins they were.
I loved this book
I loved Henry, Singlets, Karen, Gem, Mick, Barry ( the dog )
Even Buttons aka, Vulcan the snake.
A heartwarming book that will have you looking for the Bee Gees on Spotify ( or your favourite music app 😁👍)
Promise Me Happy -
Is a coming of age story centred around eighteen year old Nate
Having just spent the past eighteen month in Juvie, for breaking and entering into a home of an elderly man, who later passed, …with a history of drug and alcohol issues, Nate is now being released into the care of his Uncle Mick, at the request of his late mother
Mick is her older brother.
The two, Uncle and nephew, as far as Nate is aware, have never met, so things are about to get awkward.
First impressions are not going well, however, things progress to full sentences once they start their long drive back to Oyster Bay where Uncle Mick lives.
( possibly thanks to the dulcet tones of Barry Gibb, and the Bee Gees )
This is a “coming of age” story about Nate learning how to reconnect with family, and his family, Uncle Mick, opening himself up to him, along with being confronted by the new characters in the town, that drift into his life while working for his Mick’s business:
Delivering groceries to several holiday islands up and down the river.
His companion during his learning curve is Gem.
His neighbour.
A half Scottish, half Chinese, purple haired, Doc Marten wearing, lover of tartan, tough as nails eighteen year old.
With her help, and interest in him, along with the persistence of his Uncle Mick, who hasn’t yet come to terms with the possibility that his wife, Malaya, might not be ever coming back, long with Gems quirky, little brother Henry, and a cast of colourful towns folk, Nate slowly, but surely begins to open up, and start to rebuild his life.
No longer having to deal with his alcohol abusing , inner city living father, Nate is coming into his own.
However!
Just as things start going so well for him, tragedy happens.
He soon learns that life is a b**stard at throwing curveballs at you, and Nate is going to have to deal with a heartbreaking one.
The Setting , in a small Australian Coastal town, Oyster Bay, was the perfect panacea for Nate, from the torment of Juvie, at Crowley and his previous inner city life.
The characters:
What a bunch of larrikins they were.
I loved this book
I loved Henry, Singlets, Karen, Gem, Mick, Barry ( the dog )
Even Buttons aka, Vulcan the snake.
A heartwarming book that will have you looking for the Bee Gees on Spotify ( or your favourite music app 😁👍)
June 17, 2019
This isn’t a bad book, and the plot isn’t problematic or anything like that. It just wasn’t really for me. It didn’t grip me and make me want to read into the night. It was an easy read, and very quick, and the story was breezy. It had the right atmosphere for a book set in a beachside town, away from the city, where life is slow and calm. I liked that. And the characters were likeable, and garnered my sympathy. I liked Henry the most. It just didn’t change my life, you know? A bit average.
Also, I feel like the relationships kinda progressed too quickly. Perhaps there were too many plot points and so nothing was developed enough. But it was weird to me that Nate suddenly had a whole family of people he loved when they were just strangers a few days ago. It was too quick, really. And he came out of juvie, but he was very well-adjusted and laidback for the most part. He’s staying with this uncle he barely knows or likes and they don’t even butt heads. Not really.
Like I said, bit average. And I think maybe the storyline’s a bit overdone. It reminded me of that book Extraordinary Means. Very similar stories, so it was predictable. Overall, maybe. 2.5 stars because it wasn’t bad. Just not for me.
Also, I feel like the relationships kinda progressed too quickly. Perhaps there were too many plot points and so nothing was developed enough. But it was weird to me that Nate suddenly had a whole family of people he loved when they were just strangers a few days ago. It was too quick, really. And he came out of juvie, but he was very well-adjusted and laidback for the most part. He’s staying with this uncle he barely knows or likes and they don’t even butt heads. Not really.
Like I said, bit average. And I think maybe the storyline’s a bit overdone. It reminded me of that book Extraordinary Means. Very similar stories, so it was predictable. Overall, maybe. 2.5 stars because it wasn’t bad. Just not for me.
June 19, 2019
Authenticity, integrity and humour are the hallmarks of Newton’s novels and these qualities are on full display in Promise Me Happy. On being released from juvenile detention, teenager Nate goes to live with a distant relative (Uncle Mick) in the small coastal town of Oyster Bay. They have a very rough start and Nate is still grieving for his mother who died (was a victim of domestic violence by his father - but we never actually find out how she dies and his father is not in prison).
Shaking off his past isn’t easy – he was in for a violent robbery – but there is more generosity than judgment in this world and Nate is determined to stay on good footing. But it’s when Nate meets local girl Gem (‘She turns around when she hears me, and it’s like someone’s knocked the wind out of me’), life takes a new turn, and it doesn’t lead where you might expect.
Newton populates this laid-back fishing town with some devastatingly charming characters, not least Nate’s crusty bachelor Uncle Mick and the irrepressible Henry (and his snake, Buttons), a jack-in-the-box kid who brings instant sunshine to the page. And there’s a local gang who want to test Nate’s temper to see just how tough he is.
Nate and Gem quickly fall for each other and this helps stabilise Nate and helps him settle into Oyster Bay. At one stage, Nate is determined to wean his Uncle Mick off frozen dinners and he goes to the library and borrows healthy recipes because he thinks Mick might have leukemia. As it turns out, Gem has leukemia and it is devastating. However, she is determined not to wallow and live as normal life as possible. In fact, she insists that people will be happy around her and gets them to sign a contract hence, the title: "Promise Me Happy". It is incredibly poignant when Gem dies and Newton writes about this in a very real and sensitive manner. At her request, her ashes are thrown over the boat in one of her favourite bays and the story ends with Nate picking up his late mother's guitar and playing music.
Tender, funny and freighted with heartache, Promise Me Happy ensures that Robert Newton will remain a fixture for Australian readers now and in years to come. Highly recommended for readers aged 13
Shaking off his past isn’t easy – he was in for a violent robbery – but there is more generosity than judgment in this world and Nate is determined to stay on good footing. But it’s when Nate meets local girl Gem (‘She turns around when she hears me, and it’s like someone’s knocked the wind out of me’), life takes a new turn, and it doesn’t lead where you might expect.
Newton populates this laid-back fishing town with some devastatingly charming characters, not least Nate’s crusty bachelor Uncle Mick and the irrepressible Henry (and his snake, Buttons), a jack-in-the-box kid who brings instant sunshine to the page. And there’s a local gang who want to test Nate’s temper to see just how tough he is.
Nate and Gem quickly fall for each other and this helps stabilise Nate and helps him settle into Oyster Bay. At one stage, Nate is determined to wean his Uncle Mick off frozen dinners and he goes to the library and borrows healthy recipes because he thinks Mick might have leukemia. As it turns out, Gem has leukemia and it is devastating. However, she is determined not to wallow and live as normal life as possible. In fact, she insists that people will be happy around her and gets them to sign a contract hence, the title: "Promise Me Happy". It is incredibly poignant when Gem dies and Newton writes about this in a very real and sensitive manner. At her request, her ashes are thrown over the boat in one of her favourite bays and the story ends with Nate picking up his late mother's guitar and playing music.
Tender, funny and freighted with heartache, Promise Me Happy ensures that Robert Newton will remain a fixture for Australian readers now and in years to come. Highly recommended for readers aged 13
April 5, 2019
This book was sent to me by the publisher for my honest review.
Well this gave me a swift emotional kick that was completely unexpected. Honestly I am cruising along reading this wonderful uplifting story about second chances then bam, there's your heart on the floor Jodie. How did that happen? How did that happen?
This book is equal parts feel-good and sad. I waited a while after reading this book to see if my feeling resolved and they didn't. I think it is just one of those books that was enjoyable even though it was happy sad. I definitely recommend.
Well this gave me a swift emotional kick that was completely unexpected. Honestly I am cruising along reading this wonderful uplifting story about second chances then bam, there's your heart on the floor Jodie. How did that happen? How did that happen?
This book is equal parts feel-good and sad. I waited a while after reading this book to see if my feeling resolved and they didn't. I think it is just one of those books that was enjoyable even though it was happy sad. I definitely recommend.
May 22, 2019
This book was a silly choice to finish right before work! 4.5 stars
I loved how easy the flow of this book was whilst still being intricate with the development of each story line. it was so beautiful put together i devoured it in one morning. Usually i am not a fan of instant love situations but given the development of the characters and the twists it seemed to fit with this story. I loved however that the romance was not the key driver within the plot.
so many positives. this broke me =)
I loved how easy the flow of this book was whilst still being intricate with the development of each story line. it was so beautiful put together i devoured it in one morning. Usually i am not a fan of instant love situations but given the development of the characters and the twists it seemed to fit with this story. I loved however that the romance was not the key driver within the plot.
so many positives. this broke me =)
March 12, 2020
Loved this book. It's what YA should be. Filled with characters you can relate to, dealing with subjects that may be hard to experience in real life, but realistic in the approach. Funny but sad, too, so grab some tissues near the end.
"Nate wonders what really makes people who they are. Is it determined at birth, or is it a result of how you are raised? Either way, things are not looking good for him...." See the rest of review here: https://crewsreviews.edublogs.org/202...
"Nate wonders what really makes people who they are. Is it determined at birth, or is it a result of how you are raised? Either way, things are not looking good for him...." See the rest of review here: https://crewsreviews.edublogs.org/202...
June 27, 2019
Robert Newton has a wonderful writing style and one of the things I most appreciate is that he doesn't get carried away. Promise Me Happy has a lot of elements to it, but none of them ever begin to feel overwhelming or drawn-out. The characters are rich, vibrant and absolutely engaging. This book is absolutely beautiful and I will be recommending it often!
March 29, 2020
CBCA Noteable Older Readers 2020
Robert Newton is one of my favourite home grown authors for children/YA. This coming of age starring a moody teenage boy just out of jail, and a mysteriously edgy teenage girl with a big secret, was a solid read but didn't quite capture the magic of human interaction for me.
Robert Newton is one of my favourite home grown authors for children/YA. This coming of age starring a moody teenage boy just out of jail, and a mysteriously edgy teenage girl with a big secret, was a solid read but didn't quite capture the magic of human interaction for me.
March 9, 2019
This was so good. Loved the characters so much. Henry was just adorable. And really great how the love story didn't do the 'boy saves girl' thing. Gem was headstrong and sure about what she wanted. Feels galore.
July 9, 2019
Another fabulous read by Robert Newton. He writes with sensitivity & a laconic humour that has you laughing out loud and then crying on the next page. A touching story for young adults (& old adults!). Highly recommended.
September 5, 2019
I really liked this book I want to read it again in the near future, the author had a lot of thoughts for this and enjoyed every moment, I really thought I was apart of the book, or that the book was with me in the real world. great books.
January 29, 2021
I think this book had all the makings for a really great novel but was a severe let down. I went in with so much hope and left disappointed and often didn’t want to read the book because of the way it is written.
July 26, 2024
It’s just another sentimental, good-feeling story. I reckon I will forget it quickly because the plot is very similar to many other books I have read in the genre.
Nevertheless, it was good and easy to read.
Nevertheless, it was good and easy to read.
March 18, 2019
This is another gem from Rob Newton. An emotional read and like Robert’s other books, wonderfully difficult to put down.
May 12, 2019
A wonderful bitter-sweet young adult novel. A story of second chances, love and illness. Highly recommended.
May 23, 2019
once again have not disappointed another good read kids loved it
June 10, 2019
Loved this love story. Wasn't sure what to expect but I fell in love with Nate and Gem almost immediately. What a beautiful ending to a beautiful story
June 12, 2019
Lovely story! I enjoyed it right throughout, but the ending really got me. I love the tie-in references to The Old Man and the Sea.
July 2, 2019
loved this book, needed tissues!
July 14, 2019
A beautiful teen love story! Made me cry!
August 27, 2019
Really good read, couldn’t put it down. Recommend it to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews