She allowed the older girl to take her arm and escort her to the factory entrance where an aircraftman she recognised as one of Henry's chums waited. The grip with which he held his hat was white-knuckled. She knew the look on his face; her mind flew back to the awful day the news of Teddy's death had arrived. She'd seen that same look back then too...1944 The Isle of Wight - Sixteen-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 airforce 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.
Isabel, a lost soul, is haunted by her promise on her return to the United Kingdom and the only clue as to finding Constance lies within a conversation held at Ginny's funeral. It leads her to Isle of Wight.
When Isabel and Constance's paths finally cross will Ginny's last words be enough for Constance to make peace with her past? And in fulfilling her promise will Isabel find a place to call home?
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.
What Readers are saying about The Promise:
★★★★★ "A sweeping, breathtaking novel, The Promise is the story of how a young woman's life is changed forever when she makes a promise to honor the last wish of a dying stranger," Writer's Digest
★★★★★"A mesmerizing story that melds different themes into one: an adventure, a romance and a tale of closures. It's a journey of reconciliation and redemption. The Promise is engaging, delightful and hugely entertaining but what makes it stand out is the humanity infused into the characters." Five Stars - Readers' Favorite
★★★★★"A wonderfully heartwarming, touching and romantic story."- Tammy Robinson author of Differently Normal
★★★★★"Reading one of Michelle's books is like visiting old friends - the conversation is easy, the laughter and tears flow in equal quantities and you never want to leave. A real treat!" Vicki Marsdon, Literary Agent - High Spot Literary
★★★★★ Fabulous Read! Loved this book from page 1 until the end.
★★★★★I just loved this book. It was a great read!
★★★★★ Perfection. I had trouble putting it down.
