I have been meaning to read a Samantha Tonge book for a while now and what a superb book to start with. I have to say that the cover is stunning; it's very hard to tear your eyes away from it but, believe me, it's even better inside.

You would be forgiven (despite the book title) for thinking that you are about to read some lighthearted, hearts and flowers chick lit from looking at the cover of Forgive Me Not, however, that couldn't be further from the truth. Absolutely filled to the brim with heartrending emotion, I was surprised to find myself caring about every single character in the book and these feelings remained even after I had turned the last page. Samantha Tonge writes with such intense feelings that you can't help but become emotionally invested in the story and, with such high quality writing, I was more than happy to invest my emotions in the bank of Samantha Tonge.

Emma is our intriguing and complex main character. After leaving home under a cloud she returns to make amends, but the only welcome she receives is from the family's 3-legged dog, Dash. The reader is immediately drawn into the web of intrigue about Emma's past as you wonder what she did that was so bad that her family, friends and even the whole village don't want to know her. As the present day story plays out, the reader jumps on an emotional rollercoaster as we glimpse into Emma's past to fill in the blanks between then and now. When a family secret emerges that threatens Emma's recovery, she learns that forgiveness is a lot harder to give than she first thought, especially when you must also forgive yourself.

Forgive Me Not is a tremendously engaging, emotional and uplifting book. Emma's strength in adversity is both inspiring and heartbreaking as she carries so much weight on her shoulders and in her heart. It would be easy to turn away at the first hurdle but Emma shows great sense of character when she perseveres to show everyone that she has changed. They might not be able to forget what Emma has done but can they forgive her?

A deep and meaningful book that will definitely stay with you long after turning the final page. In fact, the final page just took the wind out of my sails and I can certainly say that I was completely blown away by Forgive Me Not.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion. ( )

Forgive Me Not by Samantha Tonge is a 2018 Canelo publication.

Emma has returned to Foxglove Farm hoping to make amends to her family and atone for her many indiscretions. While she hopes everyone will be happy to see her and she will be accepted back into the fold like a prodigal daughter, the reception she receives is hardly welcoming.

The story flashes back to the months leading up to her decision to return home and the present day, where Emma struggles to gain her sister’s trust and forgiveness and take care of her mother who has Alzheimer’s. No matter how hard she tries, no matter what good she does, her sister simply can not find it in her heart to forgive Emma.

Yet, Emma is determined to forge a new life for herself, to care for mother, and do her part to help her family. However, there is a dark pall hanging over her head. A secret she hasn’t found the courage to own up to, one that is eating away at her more and more with each passing day. Will Emma find the strength to face her worst fears and do the right thing?

This novel took me by surprise. The first book I read by Samantha Tonge was a super, light-hearted romantic comedy, and her other books seem to fall into that same category for the most part.

Although the synopsis makes it clear this book has a more serious tone, that delightful cover led me to believe any uncomfortable subject matter would be handled with a light touch.

While the author does keep the atmosphere carefully balanced, she doesn’t pull punches or water anything down. As a result, I was stunned by the weight of this story. This is really an incredible story of a woman who is determined to get her life back together and hopefully make amends to those she hurt.

It is a realistic portrayal, which offers hope and redemption, but also remains pragmatic, emphasizing that recovery is an ongoing thing, that no matter what, there will be moments of weakness and denial and forgiveness can't always be an automatic assumption. Some cuts are simply too deep.

Although Emma originally set out to right the wrongs of the past, in the end her personal growth is what stands out. This is a cautionary tale, but it is also a powerful story of forgiveness, not only of others, from others, but of yourself, as well.

This is also a story of gaining independence, of standing up on one’s own two feet, facing one’s demons, and finding an inner strength you didn’t know you had. It's about growing up emotionally, accountability, and acceptance.

I must say I am deeply impressed with this novel. Samantha Tonge has proven her mettle, writing on such a deeply poignant topic and tackling big emotional issues, which up to this point has not been her usual style. If this book is any indication, Samantha is hitting her stride. She’s shown depth and range with this novel. I’m looking forward to seeing what path her career takes from here.

4 stars ( )

Loved the book. I did not expect the last chapter and it was a complete surprise. It explained a lot and why Andrea couldn't forgive Emma. This book centers around family relationships and forgiveness. Emma and Stig were my favorite characters. I am talking about the Emma who shows up at Foxglove Farms after seeking treatment. Stig just seemed like such an all around good guy.

Emma returns home to Foxglove Farms after being gone for two years. Emma is an alcoholic and has returned home to make amends with all the people she hurt, which is pretty much everyone living in her village. Mainly she wants to apologize to her sister, mom and Bligh. Her mom is suffering from early-onset Alzheimer's and has no idea who Emma is when she arrives. The book alternates between the present and the months leading up to Emma returning home. Emma completely changed her life but her sister just doesn't trust or believe her. It was interesting discovering what happened the days leading up to Emma leaving her house and how the blood got on her car. I understand why Bligh and Andrea do not trust her and have a hard time forgiving her.

I loved the story, writing style and characters. I never warmed up to Andrea or Joe. Hated his reaction when he heard what happened to Emma. Andrea just seemed miserable. I loved reading about the farm Emma grew up on. It sounded like a wonderful place to live. I understand how Emma felt when she learned what her mom was hiding all those years. Now Emma can't even talk about it with her mom.

Definitely recommend the book. I look forward to reading more by the author.

Thanks to NetGalley, Canelo and the author, Samantha Tonge, for a free electronic ARC of this novel. ( )