I enjoyed this novella that is part of a great series. Each of these characters in the series are wonderful. I love how we learn a little more about each person in this group of friends in each book. I am never disappointed in this author. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. These books make me laugh and cry. ( )

Promises of Tomorrow by Shelley Shepard Gray is a novella that is #4.5 in The Walnut Creek Series. I thought Promises of Tomorrow was well-written with steady pacing and developed characters. It is best that this series be read in order otherwise you will be lost plus it will spoil the previous books for you. The story begins with Mr. & Mrs. Warner having their annual “It’s December!” holiday party where it is Marie’s turn to share a tale about Andy. This side story is told in small parts before each chapter. I like how it had me laughing as it unfolded. The Eight which has changed since the series began, all meet to share a couple’s retreat weekend before the holidays begin. They encounter Beth Trainor who also rented a nearby cabin, but she became lost while walking. Because of the heavy snowfall and approaching nightfall, the group gets Beth to agree to stay with them overnight. It turns out to be what the group and Beth needed. They get a chance to help a woman in need which in turns helps them as well. The main themes in Promises of Tomorrow are grief and hope. I like how the group of friends lift each other up. There are two phrases from Promises of Tomorrow that I wanted to share. “Everything was easier with friends” is the first one. The second phrase was provided by Beth when she said, “That there is always, always the promise of tomorrow.” In this novella, we see that God puts us where we need to be when we need to be there. Promises of Tomorrow is an uplifting and inspiring story. ( )

A sweet Christmas Novella and we are back with the eight. Although, this is a short read, this story packs a lot into it, and it filled with love and compassion, who wouldn't want to be friends with group.
At the top of each chapter there is a small blip of a side story, but then we are gifted by this author of a read that resonates of the true meaning of Christmas, and when the last page is turned, I wanted more!
Can't wait for future stories of this wonderful group!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Gallery Books, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )

This novella is part of a series and I suggest you do not read this unless you've read the other books first. Because I had not read any of the others I was totally clueless, yet it did have something about it that made me keep reading and thinking that I may go and buy the first couple of books.

This series seems to deal with a past member of this group that has committed suicide - so if that may be a trigger to you - beware.

*ARC supplied by the publisher. ( )