Isabel's Story

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 - 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."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

Veronica and Gabe met when they were children at ballet class and by the time they'd reached their teens they knew they'd be dancing together forever. Only Gabe's mother had other ideas... Twenty something years later, Veronica no longer dances and life hasn't turned out how she thought it would. She's divorced with a needy ex-husband, monosyllabic teenage sons, a sister who fancies herself as a long in the tooth 'it girl' and a mother who's recently moved into a care home. When Veronica receives a letter, she never thought she'd get her past collides with her present. The time's come for her to share her secret with her family, but she's not the only one keeping a secret…