The Promise

Isabel's Story, Book 1

By: Michelle Vernal

Narrated by: Katherine Press

From award-winning author, Michelle Vernal comes an utterly heartbreaking historical novel inspired by her birth family's connection with the Isle of Wight. Fans of Susan Sallis, Ella Carey and Fiona Valpy will absolutely love this captivating, unique story. 

1944 - The Isle of Wight: 16 year-old Constance’s life on the island is sheltered until the death of her brother brings the reality of war crashing down around her. He leaves behind his pregnant widow, Ginny. When Constance meets a handsome Canadian air force man, she’s eager to escape her grief and be swept up by first love. It’s a love which has ramifications she could never envisage. 

Present day: when young British backpacker, Isabel Stark, happens across a car accident on a lonely stretch of road in the South Island of New Zealand, her life changes forever. The sole passenger, Ginny Havelock asks her to make a promise before she passes away - to find Constance and to say she’s sorry.

©2021 Michelle Vernal (P)2021 W F Howes

Critic reviews

"The Promise found it's way into my heart, and the haunting story of Constance and Isabel stayed with me long after I finished." (Annie Seaton)

Beautiful story

This book was so lovely. I listened without stop. So well written. With lovely characters, beautiful history of lives finding one another. This brought me so much joy

Best Read in a long time

One of the best books I’ve read in a long time Thank you. Will be looking for other books by this author.

Intriguing story

The characters are well written, even Prince Charles, the pooch. All the "pieces" seemed to come together in a great ending but I'm sure I'll buy the next book in the series. Great narration too!

A Lovely Story full of hope…

… sweetly told both by author and narrator. A pleasure to listen to. Usually I’m not really interested in contemporary stories, why I think it is four stars and not five from my point of view

Refreshing

What a fantastic story. I haven’t enjoyed a book this much in a long time. Great character development & flow. Story is intriguing & writing smooth weaving past in to present. A bit of humor too. This will definitely be in my re-read folder!