Will You Stay Another Day?

by Samantha Tonge

A totally uplifting Christmas story about finding what you’re missing, by the bestselling author of A Single Act of Kindness. Perfect for fans of Shari Low, Milly Johnson and Dani Atkins.

If you could spend just one more day with someone, who would it be?

When Lili sends a jokey ‘knock-knock’ message to her best friend Em, she doesn’t expect to hear back. Because – as Lili notices the chill in the air, and the little robin in her garden – she realises Christmas must be just around the corner once again. A whole year since she last saw Em.

But then this time someone replies. ‘Who’s there?’ It can’t possibly be Em, but Lili wants to believe it could be, and she hastily suggests meeting. 

However when she gets to the meeting place, there only one other person there waiting. A man. And not just any man. The most handsome man Lili’s ever seen, Dylan… And he is also waiting for someone he’s been missing.

As the days get shorter and Autumn turns to Winter, will two lonely hearts spend another Christmas without their loved ones? Or can they welcome an unexpected friendship? Or maybe even more, if they can just help each other to focus on not what they’ve lost, but what they’ve found…

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Womens Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 10, 2025

About the author

Samantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK with her husband and children. She studied German and French at university and has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris. She has travelled widely.
When not writing she passes her days cycling, baking and drinking coffee. Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines.
She is represented by the Darley Anderson literary agency. In 2013, she landed a publishing deal for romantic comedy fiction with HQDigital at HarperCollins. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2018 Forgive Me Not, heralded a new direction into darker women's fiction with publisher Canelo and in 2020 her novel Knowing You won the RNA's Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award.

http://samanthatonge.co.uk/

Reviews

[Srivalli Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

One Liner: Hopeful

Lili sends her best friend, Em, a knock-knock joke, not expecting a reply. After all, it’s Christmas time and almost a year since her bestie passed away. But someone responds, and Lili suggests a meeting.

There, she meets a man, a handsome stranger, Dylan, who has also been waiting for someone he’s missing. As they spend more time together, this could be their chance to heal and hope for a happier future.

The story comes in Lili’s third-person POV.

My Thoughts:

From the premise, you’ll know that the book deals with grief and mourning. Grieving a loved one is the central premise, so if that’s a trigger, you may want to be careful. That said, the book has some wonderful, heartwarming moments about learning to move on while honouring the dead.

I liked the cover right away, but I like it better after finishing the story. That little suitcase and the cover have a great significance in the plot.

It might take some time to get into the flow. Since we get the story from Lili’s POV, we have to remember that it shows her state of mind at that point. In fact, it’s the same throughout.

I wish we had at least a few chapters from the MMC’s perspective. He’s a sweet guy, but I can’t tell you a lot about him. Feels a bit 2D despite having a proper backstory and description.

Though it has romance (closed door), the focus is mainly on letting go and moving on. This applies on multiple levels. I like how both main characters’ professions align with the theme.

Some of the side characters are really good. I like Tommo and Megs right away. Glenda, too, of course. The community vibe is strong, and it brings out the snow-town feel and the seasonal spirit to the forefront.

The book discusses the Japanese tradition of showing respect to non-living items and honoring them the way we honor humans/ relationships. This reminded me of a video I recently saw on social media, where an old machine (in Japan) is being honoured for the service it provided. Link: https://x.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/...

The book starts a few months before Christmas, though it ends with the holiday season. So, this is not exactly a Christmas story, but it has some elements of it. The ending is hopeful and sweet.

To summarize, Will You Stay Another Day is a story of friendships, family, found family, relationships, and love. It’s a good read for a cozy autumn noon.

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley #WillYouStayAnotherDay

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lili is still mourning the loss of her friend Em.
One day Lili sends Em a knock knock joke and gets a reply back. Lili is still reeling from the possibility that her friend could still be out there when she agrees to meet.
This story was about grieving and learning to let go and live again. I thought it was a good story even with some of the sad parts.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lili and Em were inseparable – very different personalities, but as close as friends could be. But Lili has now survived a year alone – Em died in a houseboat accident, and she’s still struggling with life without her. Lili sometimes sends her jokey text messages, just like she always used to, knowing her phone number won’t be cancelled for a while – although she knows they’ll never be read. Until that day when her knock-knock joke gets a reply – and one that looks as if it could have been sent by Em. And when she follows through and arranges a meeting, she begins to wonder if – or perhaps just hope – Em didn’t really die but will be there waiting for her.

Of course, she isn’t there. The number was reallocated, and it’s a rather lovely man called Dylan, dressed as Dracula, because it’s Halloween – who also thought (yes, and hoped) that her messages were from someone else. But they gradually become friends, and she shares memories of Em that she’s never been able to share with anyone else – except with the robin in her garden that she’s now able to feed on the palm of her hand. And their relationship becomes stronger – but Dylan has secrets he’s not as able to share, and there are a lot more difficulties to come before any possibility of a happy ending.

It’s a book that deals very authentically – and particularly emotionally – with the impact of grief and loss, but that’s really nicely balanced with lighter moments. Lili inherited Em’s clapped out mini, complete with cassette player and collection of 80s mix tapes – and loves singing her heart out as she drives, one of the better memories of life with Em. She has a lot of positive energy, managing a charity shop and really believing in the ethos of recycling and reusing – and works there with some real characters (all so beautifully drawn) who each have their own issues and stories. And then there are the customers – and there are certainly some stories there too. And then there’s her little sideline, and it’s rather a lovely one – the ceremonies she holds to help people let go of cherished items when they feel ready to move on.

As always, the whole book is an absolute delight – lots of laughter and many tears, but so filled with love, warmth and hope. The relationship with Dylan, while only a part of the story, is beautifully handled – and, despite the secrets he was hiding and the hurt he caused, he won a place in my heart alongside the lovely Lili. And as for that little robin – rather special, and something that will resonate with many. Oh, and don’t worry too much about the Christmas setting – it certainly figures in the story, but this really is a book you’d enjoy whenever you read it. Very much recommended – I loved it.

[Rebecca Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how Samantha not only puts a great story together but also how she weaves everyday struggles that most people are experiencing or have experienced into her books, helping the reader resinate and feel comfort. This book takes you on a journey through the process of grief, through friendship and new beginnings.

My favourite quote is

"I'm passing on to you now. He said that how-ever bad things get, imagine yourself one year ahead, looking back on that difficult time. It won't seem as bad. I did that, and it got me through... Time might not make you forget, but it will teach you how to get through, and you'll be stronger as a result.'

Loved this story from the start, which is why I read it in one afternoon. Thank you, @SamTongeWriter for the heartwarming read. @NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks #WillYouStayAnotherDay?

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartbreaking story about overcoming loss.
Lili had a best friend, Em, who has passed away. Lili’s grief is all consuming. She likes to listen to texts from Em just to keep her close.
Now the text are being answered…..how can that be happening?
The story teaches us about finding joy in new beginnings, starting over is possible and letting go of the past is achievable.
Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will You Stay Another Day by Samantha Tonge is a heartbreaking story about overcoming grief and loss, how grief can affect us; not just grief from a death but also from loneliness. It is a story that teaches about finding joy in new beginnings, starting over is possible and letting go of the past is possible.

Lili lost her best Em in a boat accident. Em was not just her best friend, but her ride and die, her travel companion, her sister from another mister. Lili’s grief has devastated her, taking over her life; even as the one year anniversary of her death approaches. Lili finds that listening to texts from Em keeps her close. One day, Lili sends Em a text and when it is answered, believes that maybe Em is still alive. After going through every possibility, she decides to meet the person replying to the texts. It is not Em who she meets, but Dylan; drinking alone while also missing someone. As it happens, Em’s mobile number was given to Harry, Dylan’s brother, who is away travelling. Once the two start chatting, a friendship forms, one of fun, good food and shared secrets. Lili is secretly attracted to Dylan but keeps him at arm’s length as she is scared of losing someone again.

Lili is a kind soul and through her work at the local charity shop, she meets several people with baggage they need to let go of. With Lili’s help and support they learn that saying goodbye doesn’t mean all the doors to a new future should close. The hope is that Lili will apply the same techniques for herself as she does for others, to help her move forward and possibly open her heart to more than just friendship.

As the year progresses Lili has to choose to live again and with the help of her friends and little Bobbin the robin she has to let go of her grief to move forward. Hopefully, Dylan will be the one to help her, at least once he is able to open up and unburden himself of his secret.

It’s an incredibly tender, quietly powerful read. Samantha Tonge writes about grief in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally understood. Her storytelling doesn’t try to fix the pain of loss, but instead gently holds space for it; while offering a flicker of hope for what still lies ahead. I loved how the story reminds us that, although grief never leaves us, we can still find joy, connection, and even new beginnings. It’s not a traditional love story, but rather a story of human connection, understanding, and emotional rebuilding.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#WillYouStayAnotherDay #Boldwood #NetGalley

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lily's best friend Em passed away a year ago, and it's been a tough year without her. Now, as the anniversary of her passing is coming up. Lili decides to send an inside joke text to her Em's phone as one last good bye message. Imagine her surprise when she gets a response! Could it really be Em? When the person suggests a meet up. Lili finds that it's not Em but a cute stranger named Dylan, who has also been missing someone special. They spend time together and they both begin to heal the loss and look forward to the future without the ones they love.
There's an interesting Japanese traditional ceremony that Lili takes on in trying to move on and that was really interesting to me and it proved to be invaluable to her as well as some of the other support characters, who are also dealing with loss though in different ways and of different things but they come to mean a lot to each other as they walk the new season of life
This is a story of found family, friendship and love. It is fairly heavy because it is dealing with grief, but it does so lm a way that also gives hope. It's a good read to snuggle up with a cuppa for the afternoon.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ Will you Stay Another Day “ is a sensitively told story about grief and loss. A story that demonstrates that hanging onto the past can suppress aspects of your personality or inhibit your actions.

I loved reading this book. Samantha Tongue always finds a way to describe and understand the feelings and emotions others go through. Her storytelling is always cathartic. Even if you haven’t experienced loss through death, like the main character Lili, we have all experienced deep love of an object, memory, time or place that means trying something new can be scary or difficult. Every character that is introduced has a small part to play in the reader’s understanding of the theme “ Will You Stay Another Day?”. One more day reliving the past, one more day having fun together… I laughed, I cried and was completely absorbed by their experiences.

One day Lili sends a text to her best friend Em, who has been dead for over a year. She is sent into a spin when she receives a reply. Going through every possibility she decides to meet up with the sender. Em is not there but Dylan is. He is drinking alone, totally gorgeous and missing someone too. Lili reaches out to him, needing someone chat to rather than going home upset. From there Lili and he strike up a friendship, one of fun, good food and shared secrets. However, Lili is still very tied to her memories and everything she does relates back to Em and things she might think or feel.

Lili is a kind soul and through her work at the local charity shop, she meets several people with baggage they need to let go of. With Lili’s help and support they learn that saying goodbye doesn’t mean all doors to a new future should close. The hope is that Lili will apply the same techniques for herself as she does for others, to help her move forward and possibly open her heart to more than just friendship.

[Liz T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will you stay another day is dedicated, “For everyone who longs for just another day”and is a lovely, warm story with some wonderful characters.
It’s been a year since Lili lost her best friend Em in a tragic accident and I could feel and relate to her just getting through each day as best she could. She has reached the Anniversary of Em’s death which, as those who have lost someone knows, is an extremely difficult one. As Lili still can’t believe that Em has really gone forever she sends a “Knock Knock” joke to Em’s phone only to receive a reply. A stunned Lili arranges to meet “Em” at a pub on Halloween but in fact meets Dylan and it appears that Em’s mobile number was given to Harry, his brother, who is away travelling. Although Lili is secretly attracted to Dylan she keeps him at arm’s length as she is scared of losing someone again.
As the year progresses Lili has to choose to live again and with the help of her friends and little Bobbin the robin she has to let go of her grief to move forward. Is Dylan the one to help her or does he have secrets of his own?
I loved the setting of the book. Lili works in a charity shop in Mevagissey, Cornwall, a beautiful place where I spent a holiday a couple of years ago. This really helped me to imagine the scenes in the book. By coincidence, even more years ago, I also spent a wonderful holiday in Vietri sul Mare, the place where Dylan’s family are living. I love having places that mean something to me mentioned in the book I am reading.
This is the first book I have read by the author and I really enjoyed the message and comfort it gives to those who have lost someone. The fact that it was set around Christmas time pulled at the heart strings but it can be read at any time of year and be appreciated. Thanks to Boldwood books and the author for an advanced reading copy. This is my unbiased review.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I mean, it's a romance book and a Christmas book, what more could you possibly want?

Amazingly, I think this is the first of Samantha's books that I've read.

I read this during the spell of 31 degrees heat which made it feel a bit naughty - almost like going to bed while it's still light outside.

I remember after my Dad died, I just wanted to text him all the time, hopeful that it might have been a mistake and he was actually alive, so I felt for Lili throughout this book.

It's a great look at grief and how it can affect us. Grief in terms of death yes, but also in terms of loneliness It's so sensitively done and none of it feels too morose.

Lili is an interesting main character. She's very real. She's been burned in the past and tries to keep herself to herself, not wanting to risk heartbreak, but is that really living at all? Dylan I quite liked. Again he has his flaws and he's clearly hiding something but I really felt for him, as he seemed unable to talk honestly about his feelings.

There are many other characters, some more prominent than others, but they all work well. They all have their own story, but also work well to further Lili and Dylan's story.

My one tiny little issue is that I would have liked more Christmassyness. It's probably enough for most people, but as a 24/7/365 Mrs Claus, I wanted more. It is not until about halfway through that there's mentions of Christmas and that's not a negative look at what is there, because what is there is fabulous. But with the festive cover and title - and my constant love of the festive season - I'd have like just a bit more a bit earlier.

It's a really beautiful book, a really beautiful story, with such real and gorgeous characters that are flawed but familiar. There's highs and lows, happiness and sadness. I really loved it. Yes I'd have liked a bit more Christmassyness but that's just a personal opinion. But it is still a brilliant book and I really did enjoy it and thoroughly recommend it.

[Fordie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt and meaningful journey through love, loss and starting again, told in an upbeat and cozy manner. Love Bobbin the robin!! Normalising finding comfort in the everyday things, normalising letting go is hard but sometimes so needed. Like a big hug in mug on a cold winters evening!

[Carlina Kinch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to say thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book. I really appreciate it!

This is my second Samantha Tonge novel as with the first I'm blown away again! If you've ever lost someone who meant the world to you, or you might be close to it, as hard as this is to say you need this book. It feels like the characters are holding your hands and walking beside you well you feel the loss, the grief and the emptiness thats left behind and helps you to process it all in a way you might not expect.

Every one will need this book too regardless of how well it helps you feel less alone in the world of loss it's was fantastic. Both Lili, Dylan and the whole band of characters that are a part of their lives are so well done, each and every one of them feels like a real person you know and love. You will be sucked into their world, and made to feel as if you're one of them too and you're along for the ride. This book will break your heart, over and over again. Love each and every one of us has felt or will feel is behind that heartbreak though. But I promise you when you get through you'll love this book too and you might feel a little differently inside as well.

Without going into too much detail and spoiling things I just have to say I loved the fated moment, and Lili's ceremonies, I truly did. The ceremonies are a very incredible concept and they have so many other situations to apply them too besides their use here and I really loved the idea behind them! The full circle moment with the title at the end, I will be using from now on, I hope when you read what it means it might think of it too from time to time. Now I haven't gone into a lot of details here, but that's the magic I'm discovering that is Samantha Tonge. There's so much more to her stories than meets the eye when you read the book description. There's always a story within her stories, and you can't have the one without the other or they don't work. They never could, neither would feel as real as this does. This book is just as much, maybe a little more about the reader and their worlds, as it is about the world you will read. I love that more than you can ever know.

Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart again for allowing me the privilege of being able to read your work again. I truly appreciate it! I loved this book so much and I know I'll never be able to forget it! It found a place where it belongs.

[MoMo Book Diary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This past weekend I read Will You Stay Another Day?—my 94th book of 2025 and my first Christmas read of the year—and I already know it will stay with me for a very long time.

The book is dedicated "For everyone who longs for just another day," and that line captures the heart of this story so perfectly. If you've ever wished for one more conversation, one more laugh, one more hug with someone you’ve lost, this book will speak to your soul.

It’s an incredibly tender, quietly powerful read. Samantha Tonge writes about grief in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally understood. There’s a softness in her storytelling that doesn’t try to fix the pain of loss, but instead gently holds space for it—while offering a flicker of hope for what still lies ahead.

I found myself tearful at times—not from sadness alone, but from the comfort in being seen. The arrival of the robin was a particularly moving moment. So many of us believe that robins are signs from those we’ve lost, and this small but powerful inclusion added a deep layer of meaning to an already heartfelt narrative.

The characters are beautifully drawn, full of warmth and quiet strength. I found myself wishing that this version of the world—the one where strangers pause to help, where kindness is instinctive, and where healing begins in the most unexpected ways—wasn't just fictional.

What I loved most was how the story reminds us that, although grief never leaves us, we can still find joy, connection, and even new beginnings. It’s not a traditional love story, but rather a story of human connection, understanding, and emotional rebuilding.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me—without hesitation.

This is a book I’d gently place in the hands of anyone who’s feeling a little broken, or simply needs to feel less alone this Christmas.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say I love Samantha’s books. I’ve never been disappointed with any of them, and this one is no exception.

This story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I dived straight in without reading the blurb for this one and literally could not put it down as I began to find out Lili and Em’s stories. The author is very emotive in her writing, you feel for these characters, their losses, their difficulties, but also their love and their smiles as they navigate life.

There is always such a poignant meaning to these books, this one being living your life when you have lost someone very close to you.

The characters are all well developed and you really do want to get behind them and champion their determination to move on.

I don’t want to give anything away, but I loved the idea of what Lili does on a Sunday afternoon, this was really moving and an eye opener for me. It got me thinking deeply and truly understanding how inspiring what she does, is! Cryptic I know, but you need to read it to understand.

There is a wonderful sense of community throughout and the unlikely friendships between generations is something I love to see. Oh and I must mention Bobbin the robin, such an integral and important part of the story, again you need to read it to find out all about her!

The ending is perfect, I couldn’t have thought of a better way for it to end.

All in all another wonderful, memorable, meaningful book from Samantha which will stay in your thoughts long after you have put it down.

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming in its simplicity Will You Stay Another Day? takes readers on a journey straight to the heart of loss, life, love and the holidays. I have an appreciation for Samantha Tonge's writing style it feels authentic without any fussiness and still manages to convey warmth.

Lili's best friend Em died a while back and sometimes for comfort Lili will shoot a text to Em's old phone number. When she sends KNOCK KNOCK to Em imagine her surprise when she receives a WHO'S THERE? Could it be? Surely not, but oh how Lili wants to believe and asks to meet. When she arrives, Em is nowhere to be found, but there's a guy, Dylan. The two hit it off with chemistry and conversation. Lili has no intentions of anything beyond friendship but there's something about Dylan that makes her consider more. 🌃

The scenes when Lili would sit outside and feed the robin were my favorite. 🥹 There is a cardinal that tags along during my winter walks, for me it is both strange and comforting. 🐦

Tackling forward momentum through the rocky terrain of grief isn't easy because it's an individual process. Multiple characters throughout the story are dealing with the loss of a friend, family, or partner and are at different points in their personal journeys. I thought setting a novel like this during the holidays was fitting because the holiday season can bring up a lot of emotions and memories when a person is facing hardship. 💔❤️‍🩹

🎄A lovely read that examines new beginnings.🎄

Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing an ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Darla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who would be your "STAY ANOTHER DAY" person? Hopefully, your life is full of so many special people that it would be hard to choose.

For Lili, it was her BFF-- Em. The two were friends, roomies, and travel companions until an accident ended Em's life too soon. When a phone glitch leads Lili to Dylan, she falls into a one-night stand. (Not my favorite trope, btw). The two share a vision for helping folks clear clutter and recycle, so a business friendship blooms. Could Dylan be her new favorite person?

Here are three things I appreciated about this holiday read:

💖Lili makes friends with a robin and names it Bobbin. The bird eats a special mix of fruit, cheese, and nuts out of her hand.
👗Dylan helps tote away clutter from people's homes, sorting for trash and donations. Lili manages a charity shop called Ware & Care. Love thrift store shopping and a good clutter-clearing now and again.
🛫The two spend some time in Las Vegas right before Christmas. That would be a great season for seeing the strip at its best and avoiding the heat.

I'm sorry to say I was a bit underwhelmed by this one. The cover had me expecting more of a Shari Low experience and it wasn't. There was too much time spent on Lili's Sunday afternoon freedom ceremonies.

Oh, and my person to spend one more day with would be my favorite guy and husband of 36 years -- Russell! So glad he is still with me every day.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will You Stay Another Day? by Samantha Tonge

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

If you could spend just one more day with someone, who would it be?

When Lili sends a jokey ‘knock-knock’ message to her best friend Em, she doesn’t expect to hear back. Because – as Lili notices the chill in the air, and the little robin in her garden – she realises Christmas must be just around the corner once again. A whole year since she last saw Em.

But then this time someone replies. ‘Who’s there?’ It can’t possibly be Em, but Lili wants to believe it could be, and she hastily suggests meeting.

However when she gets to the meeting place, there only one other person there waiting. A man. And not just any man. The most handsome man Lili’s ever seen, Dylan… And he is also waiting for someone he’s been missing.

As the days get shorter and Autumn turns to Winter, will two lonely hearts spend another Christmas without their loved ones? Or can they welcome an unexpected friendship? Or maybe even more, if they can just help each other to focus on not what they’ve lost, but what they’ve found…

My Opinion

An emotional but entertaining read. Samantha Tonge has once again written a delightful book that I would highly recommend. Lili is grieving the loss of her friend, when she receives a text message from Em’s number. A powerful, must-read novel.

Rating 4/5

[Lisa Hemming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who wouldn’t want to spend one more day with someone we are missing in our life? The storyline of ‘Will You Stay Another Day’ captured my heart and allowed me to dream about what might have been! Lili was the kind of young woman we all want to be friends with. She works hard, is devoted to her colleagues, and takes care of people in her small town who are feeling down and out. But who did Lili have to confide in when she was feeling sad? A spur of the moment, silly text sent to her best friend, Em, resulted in a life-changing experience for Lili. When Lili received an answer to her spontaneous text, her heart beat faster, and she began to shake.

On the other end of the phone was Dylan, a handsome and charismatic young man whose Italian cooking would end up winning Lili’s heart. Dylan had a busy life but Lili noticed sadness in his eyes which was reminiscent of what she saw when she looked in the mirror. Lili tried to push Dylan out of her life but he was just too hard to resist. She wanted to be happy and letting go of the past was the only answer. Dylan fell for Lili from the moment she sat down next to him at the pub. His pursuit of her affections was romantic and magical because he couldn’t imagine a life without her! Dylan knew that Lili was his future but sometimes fate and otherworldly forces step in to give you a little nudge!!

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Lili sends a jokey knock-knock message to her best friend Em, she doesn't expect to hear back. Because - as Lili notices the chill in the air, and the little robin in her garden - she realises Christmas must be around the corner once again. A whole year since she last saw Em. But then someone replies "Who's there?" It can't possibly be Em, but Lili wants to believe it could be, and she hastily suggests meeting. However when she gets to the meeting place, there's only one other person there waiting. A man. And not just any man. The most handsome man Lili has ever seen, Dylan.... And he's also waiting on someone he's been missing.

This story will mess with your emotions. Lili's best friend Em had passed away. She reads her texts. Now her texts are being answered. It has been a year since Em passed away.

This book shows how grief can affect us. The characters are flawed. The book is dedicated "For everyone longs for just another day." The story tells us to live your life when you've lost someone close to you. The ending is perfect.

Published 11th August 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #SamanthaTonge for my ARC of #WillYouStayAnotherDay in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley Cohoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 out of 5 stars)

Will You Stay Another Day? is a warm and emotional read that really surprised me. It follows Lili, who’s still grieving the loss of her best friend Em. On a whim, she texts a knock-knock joke to Em’s old number—only to get a reply. That one message sets off a beautiful, bittersweet journey that introduces her to Dylan, a stranger also carrying his own grief.

This book explores loss in a way that feels tender and real, but it’s not all heavy. There’s a lovely balance of quirky side characters, cozy community vibes, and even a little slow-burn romance. I especially loved the way Lili finds meaning in her work—helping others let go of sentimental items with mini “goodbye” ceremonies. It was such a thoughtful touch.

While I wished we got a bit more depth from Dylan’s perspective, the story still worked well through Lili’s eyes. The ending left me feeling hopeful, and I really appreciated how it honored grief while still making space for joy. If you’re looking for a comforting read with heart, humor, and a dash of holiday spirit, this one’s worth picking up.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this emotional and heartwarming new novel from Samantha Tonge, readers follow Lili as she grieves her friend Em and tries to move on by texting her one last knock-knock joke. However, someone texts her back, and even though it can’t be Em, Lili desperately hopes it could be. However, the arranged meeting introduces Lili to Dylan, who is also waiting for someone he is grieving. As time passes and the seasons change, both Lili and Dylan have to come to terms with their grief in time for the holiday season. Detailed and incredibly emotional, readers will sympathize with Dylan and Lili’s emotional journeys and their struggles with the grieving process. The characters are definitely the stars of the book, and their relationships with their loved ones and each other change in some interesting ways over the course of the book. Tonge has really nailed the emotional storyline in this book and captured the complexities and depth of Lili and Dylan’s emotions as they change over the book. Packed with detail and powerful character development, fans of Tonge’s other books will love this latest one for its emotional depth and incredibly written characters just in time for the holiday season.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Colin Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Lili sends a text to her best friend Em she was surprised to receive a reply as she hadn't seen her for a year. When she suggests that they meet up Em isn't there, instead a man waiting to meet somebody else.
This story is about dealing with grief and loss, however don't think that this is downbeat and depressing, rather showing a more positive view of friendships helping with this. It is also set in Cornwall and Mevagissey in particular, my favourite place in the world, which makes it easy to see in my minds eye. There is also a visit to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, which I am lucky enough to have seen and can therefore place myself in. In summary don't look upon this story as full of grief, more the positive side of help that you can receive from those around you. There is also a description of a Japanese ceremony for saying farewell to items that you wish to clear from your life, I'm clearing my loft from years of accumulated "stuff", however I'm not being quite so formal.....
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will You Stay Another Day? was a really sweet romance with so much more. I really loved learning about freedom ceremonies, that was honestly my favorite part. As someone who has trouble letting go of things this idea feels approachable. I really loved Bobbin - again this is something that feels real. I always think of my grandmother when I see cardinals. So it is just a really sweet element in this story. The relationship between Dylan and Lilli is cute. Funny at times and ultimately really sweet. I know I have used that word a few times but it feels this most accurate for this story. You do still typical romance elements like a miscommunication/break up that I don't love. But ultimately an enjoyable read. It's also really crazy to me to be reading Christmas or winter themed books in August when it is easily 90 degrees everyday. I should also add that I loved the supporting characters and Lilli's relationship with her dad. Those both added to the story significantly.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding a partner in grief📱😓

I found Tonge's tale of two young adults dealing with the loss of close loved ones moving and inspirational. And there's even a bit of magic realism and fate woven in as Lili and Dylan learn more about their deceased BFF Em and brother Harry, respectively, and a possible link between them that Dylan and Lili never even contemplated.

The story has more than a few sad moments, but there are happy memories, too, and the building romance between Lili and Dylan. And the Sunday ceremonies for letting go of possessions that were holding people back: loved the concept and how acquaintances like Callum, Jack, Tommo, Glenda and Megan, even Dylan, finally worked up the courage to move on. The robin's appearance in Lili's garden was touching. All good reading, but I did feel the story's pace slowed down a bit too much after the Las Vegas section.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lili is still reeling about what happened to her best friend Em so when she decides to send a final message to her she does not expect a message back. Everything comes flooding back to Lili and she is holding out hope it really is Em, but when they arrange to meet she cannot believe what is going to happen, this is when she meets Dylan little does she know he is going through the same thing as she is. But as the pair bond together could they both help each other to heal the pain? I don't think I have ever read any of Samantha's books and I am really questioning myself why. This book literally took my breath away, I felt emotionally attached to the pair of them and couldn't believe how much pain they both must be in. I loved the idea of the robin and it's meaning especially when you have lost someone, it means a great deal when you see one. I just loved the connection between Lili and Dylan and how the story wrapped up in the end. This is definitely a winner in my eyes and a bit of a tearjerker too. I cannot wait to read more of Samantha's books now.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a totally beautiful and amazing book this is.

It warmed my heart as much as it tried to break it. It's just top quality writing from one of my many favourite authors.

We start with a mystery and a bit of hope, and it turns into a fledgling new friendship, and from there its just brilliant.

I don't really want to say too much about Lili and Dylan, but you get to know them really well, and also we get to know their favourite people in the world very well too. And there are just some wonderfully touching moments throughout.

I especially loved Lili's regular Robin visitor named Bobbin.

It's about hope and loss, and recovering from it. It's also the sort of book that you just want to curl up with, forget the outside world exists and devour from start to finish in one sitting if time allows.

This is a special book and one that I am very glad that I was able to read.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Hyggenookandbook · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully crafted, poignant, & ultimately uplifting story that explores themes of grief, hope, unexpected connections, & the enduring power of friendship.

The writing style is warm & evocative, drawing the reader into the emotional landscape of the story. Samantha handles the sensitive subject of loss with compassion & tenderness, avoiding melodrama while still allowing the full weight of the characters' emotions to resonate.

A profound exploration of how we cope with absence & how new relationships can help us move forward without forgetting those we've lost. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of light, new connections, & the chance to embrace a future we never anticipated. Readers looking for a truly heartwarming & emotionally satisfying read will find much to love in this touching novel. Another one of Samantha's books that will stay with me long after I've finished it!

[Ashli Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Will You Stay Another Day by Samantha Tonge🎄📖

This book is everything I love about cozy Christmas reading—✨emotional, hopeful, and full of little moments that make your heart ache in the best way.

Lili never expected a simple “knock-knock” message to stir up the kind of magic that only happens this time of year. But when a reply comes—and it leads her to a handsome stranger, Dylan—what follows is a story about grief, love, and finding someone who understands the quiet ache of missing someone deeply. ❄️💌

Set against a backdrop of chilly walks, robins in the garden, and that unmistakable feeling that Christmas is coming, this book gave me everything I want in a seasonal read: gentle healing, unexpected connections, and the reminder that even in the loneliest seasons, something beautiful can still bloom. 🕯️❤️🌨️

If you love cozy, comforting holiday reads that also tug at your heart—this is the one. A new favorite for my winter rotation. 🎅🏼📚

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you can perhaps gather from the book title, this is an emotional read that deals with loss and grief, but not in a way that weighs on your emotions, but replaces that loss with the more powerful feeling of hope.
Initially, we meet Lilli and learn about her loss. Her best friend, Emma, had died a year ago, and Lilli still hadn’t accepted her death. Having discovered that mobile phone companies didn’t reallocate numbers until sometime after the owner had passed away, she had continued to message Emma whenever she felt the urge to contact her. However, when she receives a reply, she begins to believe that she will see Emma again as they arrange to meet in a pub. What she didn’t expect was to meet the gorgeous Dylan or to discover that he had been responding to her messages, assuming they were from someone else.
The way this story is crafted drew me in, and I found myself hoping for a happy ending, despite the clues to the contrary. Lilli was an absolute joy, and her positivity was a source of delight. Having started her life over, several hundred miles from her home in Manchester, she was heavily involved in recycling and upcycling items donated to the charity where she worked. I particularly enjoyed her commitment to her donation ceremonies, where a funeral was held as a final farewell to a cherished item. From the awkward to the heartwarming, some of the eulogies gave me pause and caused me to reconsider my bond with inanimate objects.
Dylan took me a little longer to connect with, as the story is created in a way that doesn’t reveal everything immediately. Still, once I was able to see him clearly, I was invested in the potential of their shared future, if only they could find their way to the same page.
This gorgeous book starts with flashes of hope and then becomes completely hope-filled as the characters begin to share their stories, and my tears gently rolled down my cheeks. Whilst this may not be Sam’s most emotional offering, it still captured my imagination and left me quietly hopeful with a belief that there is a way to recover from grief. I hope you enjoy this book and also the robin...

[Pam Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story with a festive flavour contrasts the joys of that season with the loss and grief that some live with following tragic circumstances. Em and Dylan's paths cross and as the weeks pass, you see their friendship develop. The past is never far from Em's thoughts but she shows courage and determination in the way she tries to carry on and live a fulfilling life.

There is a wide variety of supporting characters who Em meets through her job in the charity shop and her kindness and thoughtfulness shine through. This is not a story which lays the Christmas elements on thickly but nevertheless, you see people's struggles as the time looms nearer and how they all plan to celebrate it in their own way. This is a thought- provoking book which has some touching moments and an underlying sense of hope and enduring affection.

In short: grief, loss and new beginnings
Thanks to the publisher