This is a really beautiful book about grief and moving forward. Lili and Em were best friends when Em passed away. Lili still talks and texts her and suddenly she's getting texts back. Which brings her to Dylan and they are able to help each other overcome their losses. This was my first Samantha Tonge book and I really enjoyed it. Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my digital ARC!

Free courtesy of Netgalley

I have read Samantha Tonge books before and really enjoyed them, this one however was just not quite there for me. I found it boring and lacking in something that will make me want to pick my kindle up at every opportunity. This book made me feel like I couldn't wait for it to be over.

Set around Lily, who has lost her best friend in an accident. A year later she is still struggling to come to terms with her being dead, and convinces herself that she is still alive after receiving text messages from her old phone number. Could Em still be alive or is there another explanation?

I don't want to give any of the story away but it follows Lilly's path to acceptance

This is a well written book and it does tell a story, unfortunately it just wasn't for me this time

A quick read book that focuses on grief and the character's journey through it. .

A book about grief, letting go and moving on. The slow build romance between Lili and Dylan has a few surprises especially in Dylan's case. It was a quick, easy read with characters who feel real and kind. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A book about grief and loss, navigation to finding another place and a way of connection when life changes. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read an ARC of Will You Stay Another Day? by Samantha Tonge, in exchange for my honest review.

4 1/2 stars!

I really enjoyed this book! It was such a thoughtfully written story of the journey through grief and moving forward after the loss of someone who has been a significant part of your life.

Realistic and relatable characters with touching and heartwarming stories. There's also a little bit of Christmas, a little bit of romance, and so much growth and compassion.

I look forward to reading more by Samantha Tonge!

This book really stayed with me. It’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming, often at the very same moment. At its heart it’s a romance, but it also explores grief and how you somehow find a way forward after the unthinkable. Despite the sadness, it’s ultimately an uplifting and thought-provoking Christmas story about not just what you’ve lost, but everything you’ve gained along the way.

This review is only for NetGalley. I will not be posting to other sites.

I read 29% of the book. I do not wish to continue.

I love the book cover, I love the summary of the book. This book was sent to me by the publisher and I thought I would enjoy it. Not the case. It is much too young in attitude and behavior for my "over 65 year old mind". I cannot relate to the main character other then I understand her feelings of loss and missing a loved one. Other than that, I am too conservative to want to read more of this book. I am sorry that I accepted it.

This is just a notice to other NetGalley readers that may want to request this book. I think it will be a great book for you if you are under 35. If you are older and have a very liberal personality, you probably will like it also.

I do appreciate having the opportunity to read the ARC.

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Lili is missing her friend Em who died a year ago. She decides to send Em a jockey ‘knock, knock’ message she doesn’t expect to receive a reply. When someone replies ‘who’s there’ Lili starts to wonder if Em is still alive. She arranges to meet the person behind the message to see if it has all been a lie. When she gets to the meeting place there is only one person there a handsome man Dylan. Dylan is also waiting for someone who is missing. Will they help each other move forward and focus on what they have found not on what they have lost.

It is a novel that blends the emotional weight of grief with the hope of second chances and unexpected connections. At the center of the story is Lili, a kind, selfless young woman who gives so much to others in her small town yet struggles to open up about her own pain.

The novel kicks off with a spontaneous, emotionally charged moment: Lili sends a text to her late best friend Em, never expecting a reply. But when a response does come—from Dylan, a stranger with his own hidden grief—it marks the beginning of a transformative journey. Dylan is not only charming and skilled in the kitchen, but also carries a quiet sadness that mirrors Lili’s. Their connection feels fated, gently moving from chance encounter to something deeper and more meaningful. The romantic arc between Lili and Dylan is filled with sweetness, longing, and a touch of magical realism that adds a whimsical, almost spiritual layer to the story. Both characters are healing, and their growing bond becomes a testament to letting go of the past in order to embrace the future.

The novel shines through its heartfelt portrayal of love, loss, and human connection. With a strong focus on compassion and emotional healing, it gently explores the idea that sometimes, the universe—or something greater—intervenes when we need it most. Will You Stay Another Day? offers a tender, hopeful escape for readers who appreciate romance layered with quiet mystery and meaningful introspection.

A lovely feel-good read about two people who come together in the strangest ,and most unlikely ,of circumstances . Good characters , well written storyline, recommended.

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.

This is a book that will make you cry and smile in equal measures. It is written well as I’ve come to expect from the author. I read this in one sitting.

I’d recommend this to anyone. Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.

I love any good festive book, and that along with romance, what more could a girl ask for! All the festive vibes and feels in this story. Such gorgeous characters once again, a beautifully written story.

Lili's best friend has died. The friend she has had since childhood,the friend she lives with,the friend she has special jokes with and to whom she tells her deepest secrets. Lili is devastated . She still texts Em ,her deceased friend never expecting an answer until one day she gets one .
Lili texts some of the jokey texts that her and Em used and the reply throws her into thinking more and more that Em is still alive.
This is a lovely story . It's a story about grief and acceptance . Eventually you have to move on. I loved the introduction of the robin. I think everyone loves robins.

A moving and gentle book that's partly focused on romantic love but mostly about the deep love of friendship, and also of grief & loneliness.
I feel this book covers the array of emotions and complications from the grief of a friend, a grief that hasn't a name but is a deep and life-changing loss. Written sensitively and with a development of the characters and how they navigate their own inner hurt with the inevitable connection they feel, this was a gentle but impactful read

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.

This book pulled at my heartstrings with such a well written warm heartfelt story. A truly uplifting read to escape into.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Lilli and Em have been best friends since childhood and did everything together but sadly Em died in an accident. Lilly has a hard time dealing with her grief and she keeps texting Em‘s cell-phone. Until one day her text get‘s answered…
I loved reading this book: the story is about dealing with loss but still very entertaining and the characters are very relatable. I really liked Lilli‘s eclectic group of friends and the way they help each other.
This book is heartwarming and uplifting and leaves you in a perfect Christmas spirit.

It's a month before christmas and coming up to the first anniversary of lilis best friend em's death.
They had been best friends since primary school and been living together when she tragically died.
the girls used to send each other knock knock jokes and always finish them of with there own special meaning emoji that meant something to them.

Lili had carried on sending text messages when she first died just to talk to em and of course got no reply.
she decides to send one last knock knock text a year after em's death but this time she gets a reply and the emoji that meant something.

She has to get to the bottom of this.

This is a lovley story of love and hope and true loss of family and friends.