Ruby’s life is about to change for ever…
After years of dating losers, cheats and one guy who did something unrepeatable to her kettle, Ruby has all but given up on romance. But then a stranger sits next to her on a train to London and explains his plan to propose to the woman of his dreams. Maybe true love does exist after all?
When the man accidentally leaves the engagement ring behind, Ruby is determined to save the day. But she hasn't counted on fellow passenger Curtis stepping in and insisting he should be the one to track the stranger down. As summer closes in, the unlikely pair make a promise to reunite the ring with its owner. But can they find their own happy ever after along the way?
Purchase Links
Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08R6Q4T66/
Universal Amazon link - http://mybook.to/ThePromiseOfSummer
The blurb for this book intrigued me and within a few pages it had me completely hooked. Ruby is likeable and engaging and I empathised with her propensity to become clumsy, ditsy and talk too much when she gets nervous. My life couldn't be more different to hers, so it was nice to find something that formed a connection to the character. The supporting characters were also instantly likeable and the development of their relationship was just as interesting and engaging as that between Ruby and Curtis.
The initial scenario felt a little far-fetched I admit. However, as it was entirely in-keeping with the style of the genre, the fact it's unlikely to happen in real life, didn't really bother me. However, I love the fact that later in the book, the reason for this unlikely situation is explained and it suddenly becomes utterly believable. What I also found very realistic, unfortunately, was the subplot involving Kim. Having researched this topic for my MA Dissertation story, I am only too aware that this happens far more often than people think. Like Kim, the victims are often intelligent but vulnerable women who are easy targets. Cordelia too is a familiar 'type'.
There were moments when I was reading this book where I felt a real gut-wrenching pain on Ruby's behalf and this took me by surprise. It's a reaction I don't often have to this genre of book - usually the knowledge that in a rom-com everything always works out in the end, shields me from that. However, in this case, even knowing she'd probably get Curtis in the end didn't help.
Curtis is an atypical romantic hero - he put me more in mind of pre-Elizabeth Mr Darcy with his awkwardness and lack of understanding of the basic social norms in relationships. That said, he and Ruby are absolutely right for each other and I definitely found myself wanting more at the end of the book. Hopefully, Bella Osborne might agree and there will be a sequel! If there is, I'll definitely be reading it.
Bella has been jotting down stories as far back as she can remember but decided that 2013 would be the year that she finished a full length novel. Since then she’s written seven best selling romantic comedies and she’s been shortlisted three times for the RNA Contemporary Romantic Novel of the Year Award.
Bella's stories are about friendship, love and coping with what life throws at you. She lives in The Midlands, UK with her husband, daughter and a cat who thinks she’s a dog. When not writing Bella is usually eating custard creams and planning holidays.
For more about Bella, visit her website at www.bellaosborne.com or follow her on social media.
Social Media Links –
Twitter - https://twitter.com/osborne_bella
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bellaosborneauthor/
Don't forget to check out the rest of Bella's blog tour - listed below!
