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Castaway Christmas #2

Promise of Tomorrow

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He’s the humble son of a chauffeur. She’s a prisoner in her father’s mansion. Can he break her free from her ivory tower or will darkness prevail?

Millicent Cashmere appears to have the life of luxury. But inside the walls of the Cashmere Manor darkness and family secrets permeate every aspect of young Millicent’s life. A prisoner in her own home, she’s forbidden to have friends or go to school. She has only books to keep her company.

For years Teddy Hill admired pretty Millicent from afar with no idea of the difficulties she endured from her abusive father and his evil housekeeper. When a tragic turn of events changes everything, Teddy must find a way to protect naïve Millicent from a world that wants to cast her aside.

Can these unlikely lovers forge a life together in the worst of circumstances? Historical romance fans will love this turn of the century story about forbidden love, family secrets and second chances.

In this second installment of the Castaway Christmas Series, readers will revisit old friends Wesley, Luci and Sadie as Teddy and Millicent find themselves in Castaway. A heartwarming tale of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love and community!

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 18, 2021

59 people are currently reading
102 people want to read

About the author

Tess Thompson

118 books1,729 followers
Tess Thompson Romance...hometowns and heartstrings.

Tess Thompson is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary and historical Romantic Women’s Fiction with over 60 published titles. When asked to describe her books, she could never figure out what to say that would perfectly sum them up until she landed on, Hometowns and Heartstrings.

She’s married to her prince, Best Husband Ever, and is the mother of their blended family of four kids and five cats. Best Husband Ever is seventeen months younger, which qualifies Tess as a Cougar, a title she wears proudly. Her Bonus Sons are young adults with pretty hair and big brains like their dad. Daughters, better known as Princess One and Two, are teenagers who make their mama proud because they’re kind. They’re also smart, but a mother shouldn’t brag.

Tess loves lazy afternoons watching football, hanging out on the back patio with Best Husband Ever, reading in bed, binge-watching television series, red wine, strong coffee and walks on crisp autumn days. She laughs a little too loudly, never knows what to make for dinner, looks ridiculous kickboxing in an attempt to combat her muffin top, and always complains about the
rain even though she chose to live in Seattle.

She’s proud to have grown up in a small town like the ones in her novels. After graduating from the University of Southern California Drama School, she had hopes of becoming an actress but was called instead to writing fiction. She’s grateful to spend most days in her office matchmaking her characters while her favorite cat Mittens (shhh…don’t tell the others) sleeps on the desk.

She adores hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to say hello or sign up for her newsletter:
http://tesswrites.com/. You’ll receive an ebook copy of her novella, The Santa Trial, for your
efforts.

Much to her father’s horror, you can find her everywhere on social media.
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2esOcrn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessTh...
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2vClTfX
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tesswrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tesswrites
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tessielouwrites

Please note: Tess is not affiliated with the writing duo of Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Susan Peterson.
1,997 reviews381 followers
December 22, 2021
Heartwarming

Promise of Tomorrow is an endearing story of courage, faith, and love. Millicent and Teddy are a wonderful couple, and the rest of the characters (with a few exceptions!) were wonderful, as well!
769 reviews17 followers
December 19, 2021
“ Our mistreatments form us more than the good “

Millicent Cashmere has not only led a sheltered solitary life, she has lived an emotionally and physically abused one.

Teddy had fallen for her when he was twelve, just by seeing her in the window.

Millie has been very sheltered, she gets into a situation out of her control and Teddy steps in to help her. Can they ever be more than friends?
I have to admit Teddy just became my new book boyfriend!!!

Written as beautifully as only Tess Thompson can write! I look forward to many more books in this series.
Profile Image for Lisa Wetzel.
565 reviews28 followers
December 19, 2021
Promise of Tomorrow by Tess Thompson is the second book of The Castaway Christmas Series. This is a beautifully written romantic tragedy that tells the story of Teddy and Millicent. It is a heartwarming story of forbidden love, family secrets, second chances, tragedy and romance. Tess Thompson writes historical romances that pull at your heartstrings. She does not disappoint with this one. A wonderful and perfect book for the Holiday Season.

Thank you Tess Thompson for an advanced copy of this sweet book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
#promiseoftomorrow #tessthompson #arc #historicalromance
Profile Image for Linda Smith.
257 reviews24 followers
January 29, 2022
I was so excited to see this book arrive! The main characters are Millicent and Teddy, both from different rungs in society.
It was a joy to see Luci and Wesley return even if they weren't the main characters as they were in the first installment. I love it when authors have recurring characters. Thank you, Tess!
I have long been a huge fan of this author. Her Cliffside Bay Series was my introduction to contemporary fiction. The Emerson Pass Series which alternates between contemporary and historical fiction has been a delight.
I can't wait to see what she comes up with next! @tessthompson
Profile Image for Sheri P.
1,140 reviews24 followers
December 24, 2021
Tess Thompson’s writes sweet and tender historical romance. In The Promise of Tomorrow we find charming characters and readers head back to Castaway, Maine. I like how the book starts with Teddy and Millicent as children, and then picks up with them as adults. Millicent is an inspiring character, filled with an inner strength that helps her overcome her traumatic upbringing and a horrific incident. If you enjoy historical romance you’ll want to pick this one up.
Profile Image for Elaine .
1,035 reviews65 followers
December 29, 2021
Promise of Tomorrow.
By Tess Thompson.


This is Book two.
And This series is my Absolute Favorite books of this author's.

Truly a wonderfully written book.
My my Tess Does a Fabulous Job. Her stories pull at your heart strings. Big Fan here..these books I can't say enough about. Except definitely pick up these .Books. Book one is
Come Tomorrow. And then this wonderful Book 2 Promise of Tomorrow ..

Millicent Cashmere,
Born into a family were there's no love. Only the prison of her room and of course the help..
A child deprived of school.
Food and so much more.
Until she reaches age 18 things change for millicent. Things Aren't always what they seem.


Teddy Hill.

Just a boy, a helpers boy
Always there to help his dad.
Then the day comes when everything changes..
Decision have to made. Time to move on .Teddy is always doing what's best for everyone.
A turn of events happen for Teddy and Millicent.

This Historical story about forbidden love. Is one of the Best Books I have read this year. Thank you Tess Thompson..for another Beautiful written book.
Profile Image for Andrea.
728 reviews22 followers
January 3, 2025
In this installment of this beloved series, we have another pair who come from opposite sides of the tracks, if you will, yet are completely drawn to each other. I had slight VC Andrews flashbacks with Millicent being forced to basically stay hidden in her room all the time and being abused by her father and his horrible housekeeper. Then we have the dear sweet Teddy, whose father is the gardener. The two meet by chance when they are young and instantly connect. Fast forward several years later and the unspeakable happens to Millicent. Teddy is determined to take care of this poor naive girl and so they make their way east to the town of Castaway and we reconnect with Luci and Wesley and their families.

One would assume that Millicent would be the worldly one, having grown up in a home of riches and that Teddy would have been more sheltered due to his societal status. In fact, it is the opposite. Millicent only knows of the world through books and is so naive otherwise. Teddy is the one who is able to introduce her to the simple things in life and has all the wisdom. He is so protective of her. I lean into his character as that sort of big brother that I always wanted. Millicent is the sweet girl I want to take under my wing. I'm so happy that they have found each other. They both really come a long way, with Millicent finding an inner strength that she never knew existed.

Plenty of other characters in this book will also tug at your heartstrings. And there are a couple of other bad eggs. A couple of twists and family secrets add to the intrigue.

There are so many other characters in this series whose stories I would love to catch up on. I hope one day Tess is inspired to come back it and tell them.
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,147 reviews25 followers
December 19, 2021
I loved this second escape to Castaway!

Like the first book, Come Tomorrow, this story starts with a child trapped in a horrible family situation who is rescued as an adult and starts over in the charming oceanside community of Castaway. Teddy and Millicent have also known each other since childhood, but it's only when they're adults that they're able to take the steps necessary to escape to a better life.

I adored the way this book built on the HEA from the previous book. The surprise twist in that story paved the way to establishing the haven that becomes the foundation of this story. I loved reading about all the various characters and how they supported each other through all of life's triumphs and tragedies.

The romance wasn't as strong as I'd have liked, but then I've never been a fan of indecisive heroes. Teddy's conflicting emotions are the only obstacle to his finding happiness with Millicent, and while it might have been culturally appropriate for the time I felt it showed that he didn't really value her for all that she was.

The strength of this story is in how Millicent finds her confidence and learns to trust herself instead of the destructive voices in her past. She had a lot of trauma to overcome, yet she blossoms beautifully into a strong but gracious young woman. I was hoping to see more closure with those who had traumatized her, but it's just left that she had no way to hold them accountable so she simply moved on. Again, probably true to the times but a bit unsatisfying nonetheless.

All in all, it's a beautiful story and a lovely revisit with Luci, Wesley, and Rose. I'm looking forward to reading more about this endearing community. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Stormi Ellis.
338 reviews9 followers
December 29, 2021
Promise Of Tomorrow
By: Tess Thompson

5 Stars

Wow. What can I say? This book was another AMAZING book by an AMAZING author. In this story, we meet Millicent, a young woman kept locked away by a mean father and an even meaner housekeeper. We also meet Teddy. Teddy meets Millicent as a young boy. When they are older, he takes his fathers place as the driver to Millicents father. He becomes a protector of sorts after he finds Millicent in harms way. He helps her escape the prison her father has her in. While they are on their journey they find something they both needed and didnt even realize.

I loved this story. Millicent stole my heart. She is a reader, locked away like a prisoner. I can totally relate. Some bits of her story were so relatable to me and my childhood, that it made being drawn into this story, so very easy. While Millicent lives a life of solitude and torment, she still grows into a strong brave young woman. Teddy from the beginning is drawn to Millicent. This leads him on a journey he never planned, but grows to love and need. Both of these characters are faced with hard choices, but together with friends, they habe a good start. The little town of Castaway is one that you want to be real. It has a group of people that anyone would love to know.

This story had amazing characters and an amazing story line. All I can say, without giving away too many spoilers, is that Tess did it again. This story was so well written. It had heartache, drama, romance, family, and community. Honestly, this was just the heartwarming story I needed at this time. I can't wait for the next Castaway novel.

Stormi Ellis
Profile Image for Jennifer Lara.
1,140 reviews4 followers
December 7, 2023
Promise of Tomorrow by Tess Thompson is the second book of the Castaway Christmas series. Millicent Cashmere appears to have a life of luxury as the only child of the wealthy family. However, she is a literal prisoner in her father’s mansion. She is forbidden to have friends or go to school. Her only company is books. Teddy Hill is the humble son of the Cashmere chauffeur. He admired Millicent from afar for years. When a series of tragic events brings them closer Teddy is determined to protect Millicent and rescue her from her prison. As family secrets reveal themselves, can she finally break free from the darkness that has filled her life? Can they find a way to forge a life together in the face of the worst circumstances?
Promise of Tomorrow is a historical fiction about forbidden love, family secrets and second chances. It is a story of resilience and the power of love and community. I wanted to reach through the book and rescue Millicent myself. As the attitudes of the time, the book takes place in 1914, daughters were property of their father, with very little voice. I cheered as Teddy stepped up and helped Millicent out of a horrible situation. Seeing their slow growing love story was wonderful. I enjoyed visiting Castaway Cove and the characters from the first book, Come Tomorrow. Readers do not need to read the first book to enjoy Promise of Tomorrow, however, I highly recommend it as it is another wonderful story. I highly recommend Promise of Tomorrow.

Promise of Tomorrow is available in paperback and eBook.

Profile Image for Kathy.
136 reviews4 followers
December 16, 2021
There was never a time in Teddy’s life that Millicent wasn’t knit into his consciousness. He, the son of a chauffeur, she, the daughter of a wealthy man who kept her locked in her tower room unable to go to school, have friends or walk about freely. This was a wonderful Christmas book because it had a little bit of everything. Some of the characters were absolutely loveable while others were evil and mean. I especially liked that each chapter was told by a different character, either Teddy or Millicent. The story begins in 1906 and spans many years. Although it is the second book in the Castaway series, it can be read as a standalone because the author writes in a way that brings the reader along easily into this new story. I really hope there is another Castaway story SOON! I absolutely recommend this wonderful Christmas story! Thank you to the author for an ARC, all opinions are my own.
1,703 reviews13 followers
December 22, 2021
Set in a time where you didn’t date outside of your station and women were looked down on if they found themselves in the family way without being married, Teddy and Millicent had all the cards stacked against them. He always envied her for having the life he thought she had. She always envied him for being able to have a life outside of her four walls. When they finally talk, they realize that they would be friends I given the chance.
Over the course of the book, they go through ups and downs but find they are connected through that long ago conversation. When something horrible happens to Millicent, Teddy helps her and ends up finding his calling as well. I loved this book and the connection they had. I also enjoyed reading how he came to realize he loved and wanted to be with her.
I highly recommend this book, the series and hope to read more about the characters. I received an ARC in exchange got an honest, voluntary review.
Profile Image for Pam Fleming.
1,043 reviews
December 24, 2021
Great book, the second one I the Castaway Christmas series. Teddy, the driver/gardener’s son connects with Millicent, the daughter of the wealthy Eli Cashmere. Millicent, has basically been imprisoned, and locked up her entire life, with barely enough food. Time passes and Teddy goes off to college. When she is “introduced” at a party designed to get her a wealthy husband, her naïve lifestyle leads her to a disastrous encounter with a wealthy young man. She is cast aside and months later plans to kill herself. Teddy rescues her and takes her to the village of Castaway to a special home. Millicent finally feels love and acceptance in her new home. The potential to learn a trade allows her to finally look to the future.

The author weaves in descriptions and emotions to allow the reader to get a glimpse into history. You also reconnect with characters from book one in the series.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Jaime.
511 reviews36 followers
December 27, 2021
Promise of Tomorrow is the second book in the Castaway Christmas series, and I was so glad to see that a sequel was released. I fell in love with Luci and Wesley in the first book, and was glad to see them in the second book, even if they are no longer main characters.

This book is centered on Millicent and Teddy, who grew up in the same house though they might as well have lived on different planets. Based on some events that occur, the two find themselves in need of help and eventually end up in the town of Castaway.

As usual for a book by Tess Thompson, the characters really shine in Promise of Tomorrow. Teddy is a good man trying to do the right thing, and despite her background, Millicent is strong and curious about the world around her. The side characters are all great too!

This book was a fantastic welcome back to Castaway, and I hope the series will be continued!
Profile Image for Barb McDaniel.
63 reviews10 followers
January 20, 2022
Hope. It is something that we all think about and yearn for. Wishes and dreams are made upon hope. We want to believe that good will prevail. Tess Thompson’s novel, ‘Promise of Tomorrow’, proves to us that hope is possible. Millicent and Teddy are drawn to each other from the moment they set eyes on each other. They both come from extremely different backgrounds, but they never give this a second thought. As they mature, they lose touch with each other for a time but when reunited their bond is as strong as ever. Will this bond be strong enough for each of them to hope upon? I highly recommend that everyone read this book as it brings forth a strong positive light that is needed in our very unsettled current world! Thank you, Tess Thompson, for an advanced copy of this amazing book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Malinda Wilson.
49 reviews7 followers
December 31, 2021
Always have hope for a promise of a better tomorrow

From the very beginning of this book, I find myself hating Mrs Snow and Mr Cashmere and that only gets stronger as I continue to read. Teddy reminds me of Wesley from the first book in this series and I hope throughout the book that we will see the same ending. My heart continues to break for poor Millicent all throughout the story and I can’t wait for her to find her happily ever after. We see in this book that no matter how dark the world seems that we should always have hope. With hope one can keep going even under the worst of circumstances. With hope, our own story, just like Millicent and Teddy’s will get better.
I loved every single chapter of this book and could not put it down. I ended up reading it in one day and was sad to see it come to an end. I hope Tess writes the next book soon. I strongly recommend this series to anyone, teenage to adult, especially someone who needs to see that your circumstances do not define you. Also for anyone who needs to see happy endings are always possible.
Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,834 reviews57 followers
December 30, 2021
Promise of Tomorrow is one of those reads you do not want to miss out on. I was drawn in from the very start when it came to Millicent and Teddy. Millicent is an innocent girl that is so strong and endearing with everything she goes through. Teddy is sweet and wonderful. I love how Teddy steps up and helps get Millicent a way and to a place she can grow. There are a few emotional parts that will pull at you as Millicent and the other girls in Castaway are forced to grow faster. I'm in love with the Castaway Christmas series. You get so much out of these stories that may bring tears to your eyes, pull at those heartstrings and even a smile on your face. Teddy and Millicent are wonderful together as they find their place in Castaway. I loved every moment of this one.
47 reviews
January 6, 2022
This book is a historical fiction about Millicent Cashmere and how she gets out of her trapped childhood life. Teddy has always watched her from afar, but becomes her only friend who helps her to become her own strong person. The story line is not hard to follow and is probably fairly true based on how events happened during that era. It is nice to watch her develop into her own person and how Teddy helped her. I wish we would read about if there was punishment for those who hurt her. The end of the book leaves me happy for Millicent and Teddy but wanting to know more about their wedding details and the soon birth of her baby. Maybe that is in a possible next book. I hope so!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. My opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
127 reviews
January 16, 2022
Adoption or not

This book is about a young girl that was locked in her bedroom all of the time other than for about an hour when she was able to visit the family garden. Her mother died in childbirth and her father was cruel. Her mother was fat according to him so they died feed her well and she was starving all of the time. Her father did have a coming out party for her. She didn't know anything about social etiquette. She was drugged and raped that night.
One of the young farm hands found her and helped her. He later helped her escape her prison when she found out she was pregnant. They moved several states away. As the book goes on they fall in love and plan to marry.
Read the book because there is a lot more to the story than this.
Profile Image for Michelle Stuck.
181 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2022
I fell in love with Millicent (maybe not as much as Teddy did but I did nevertheless)! Poor Millicent Cashmere has been locked away and mistreated by the very people that should have been loving and protecting her. Instead, she has lived a sad, solitary life. My heart broke for her as she was treated so poorly. The staff at her home tried to help her although that help was limited. When Millicent is taken advantage of in a horrible way, Teddy is there to save her. Thank Goodness he was there at the right time. Millicent is brought to Castaway Cay by Teddy. Both of them are able to make a new life there surrounded by people that love them. I thought that the book was fabulous. A perfect book to read over Christmas.
Profile Image for Laila Nelke.
370 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2021
Inspiring tender historical romance story

Another fascinating and beautifully written historical romance story that pulls at your heart and soul. Such a tender but strong at once approach to the women’s role and rights in the society just 100 years back.
Millicent and Teddy’s innocent love story takes us back in the world of abuse to women physically and moral both. I can only adore the inner strength of Millicent. She’s a survivor! And Teddy is just the perfect one for her. All the emotions involved with this story but I won’t say anything more because that’s up to you to figure it out and make your own thoughts and feelings about it. I absolutely loved it.
350 reviews6 followers
December 29, 2021
Millicent has been raised in a beautiful home. Locked in her room for most of her life. Reading and looking out the window of the world, lonely and lost. Being told she is stupid and simple, never knowing any different. Teddy, the son of the hired help thinks she as is all. That she is pampered and protected. He has heard rumors from the help, and after she is brutally attacked at her coming out party, they flee to keep her safe. Along the way Millicent finds that not all people are bad, that there is good in the world, and that love does find a way. Promise Of Tomorrow-Tess Thompson-Five stars.
Profile Image for Tammy.
71 reviews
January 9, 2022
Millicent Cashmere has lived the life of privilege, or so it appears to outsiders looking in, but in reality she has been emotionally abused and neglected her entire life. When an introductory “celebration” to introduce Millicent to proper suitors goes awry, Teddy Hill, her father’s hired driver’s son, is there to help her pick up the pieces and give her a chance. Teddy has watched Millicent from afar for years. Teddy helps Millicent and in turn helps himself to start anew. What ensues is a transformation for Millicent to learn to trust people and to know that there are choices she can make to change her destiny.
36 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2024
Enjoyable

I got come tomorrow free, I was skeptical, I usually skip historical romance books,I'm so glad I didn't !!! I couldn't put it down, I had to get promise of tomorrow!! Again I couldn't put it down... All that luci endured, Wesley helpings is her...& millicent, oh my!! & teddy rescuing her!! The ppl of castaway r mostly wonderful, but there's always rotten apples in the bunch, isn't there...?wonderfully written, ( I've read several of tess's books , loved them all, hard to put down), please read these 2 books if u get the chance, u won't be disappointed.... thank you ,
2,311 reviews11 followers
December 19, 2021
Perfect!
This is another tender and touching romance from the pen of Tess Thompson. It is perfect for this time of the year (or any time, actually) as it has all the ingredients of an engaging and entertaining read.
I couldn't help but love both Millicent and Teddy who crept into my heart and stayed there. Then there were all the other supporting characters who did their utmost to help. This a story to be told, not only for today, but tomorrow too.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) and my very voluntary and unbiased review is recorded above.
427 reviews6 followers
December 19, 2021
Book 2 is the Castaway series is a pure delight. Teddy, the chauffeur’s son, grew up watching Millicent locked away in her ivory tower, much more a prisoner than a princess. After Teddy’s father dies, and Millicent finds herself in dire straits with nowhere to go, the two embark on a journey to Castaway, Maine that will change both their lives. Tess Thompson’s beautiful words make these two characters come alive and I’m pretty sure you’ll be just as invested in their story as I was. Another beautiful story by a talented writer!
103 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2021
Promise of Tomorrow by Tess Thompson is the latest book in the Castaway Christmas series. It can be read as a stand alone but is even better read after book one. I enjoyed meeting the characters in this book, as well as getting caught up on previous characters' lives.
Ms Thompson has created a new group of characters that I want to be friends with and continue to visit! This was another great read and can't wait to read more of the Castaway books.
Thank you to Ms Thompson and the publisher for granting my request for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Stephanie Hause.
25 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2022
Young Millicent lives in Cashmere Manor, but her life does not match the beauty of the estate. With a terrible father, a wicked housekeeper, & a tragic party, Millicent doesn’t see how or why to continue living.

Teddy is the son of the help at the Manor, and he has always admired Millicent from afar. Teddy knows the events of the party, and takes Millicent to a small community called Castaway.

This book is another historical WIN for Tess Thompson and I look forward to. Re in the series.

Thank you to the author for the ARC. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Tricia.
15 reviews
December 17, 2021
Another heart tugging story from Tess Thompson. After having an awful childhood, Millicent is surprised when Teddy wants to help her and be her friend. The relationship that builds between them is so sweet. And watching Millicent learn more about the world and the kindness that can be found is heartwarming. This is a great read for Christmas time or any time! Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC at my request. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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