Promises


Romance - Historical
436 Pages
Reviewed on 06/21/2012
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Wendi is a graduate of Nassau Community College and Adelphi University, and holds a degree in Psychology. She decided to stay at home when her triplets were born.

Having always been an avid reader and adoring fan of Jane Austen, when the triplets were old enough that she was able to find a little time to herself, Wendi searched the internet and discovered a treasure trove of “fan fiction” written by fellow Janeites. At first, experiencing Austen’s stories from several different characters’ points of view caught her interest, but then she branched off into reading sequels, “what if” stories, and even modernized versions of Austen’s tales.

Though she had always aspired to become a writer, it was not until Wendi awakened from a dream and realized that the story could become a terrific tale that she made a serious attempt. In the midst of penning a number of short stories, in 2010, she posted her first draft of a novel-length Dreams & Expectations to several online forums. Wendi then went on to write another novel-length story, Promises, published in 2011.

Wendi continues to live on Long Island, New York, with her husband, her son, and two daughters.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Kristie Ingerto for Readers' Favorite

Wendi Sotis' novel "Promises" is a beautiful love story that takes the reader back in time to the characters in "Pride and Prejudice." Sotis begins her story in 1801 in London where the reader meets our two main characters at a bookstore. Fitzwilliam Darcy is fifteen years old at this time and Elizabeth Bennett is only nine years old; however, there is an immediate connection between the two of them. Their fathers have been friends for years. Elizabeth is very intelligent and wise for her age. As the years go by, love grows between them and they want to marry; however, Elizabeth is still young and they must wait for a bit. Will the waiting be too long or will they find a way to still be together?

This is a well-written story that puts a spin on a classic love story. I loved being able to read about Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth when they are younger children and really being able to watch the friendship and love grow between them. As in real life, the journey is not smooth and without trials and difficulties. The family relationships and connections among the characters add so much to the story and give it a realistic feel. Elizabeth states and also shows that there is no place she would rather be than right by William's side no matter what. This just sums up the sweetness of the story, a story of two best friends in love with each other, who will withstand the trials thrown in their path in order to be together.

Sylvia H.

"Promises" is set in the early nineteenth century when one’s class and wealth determined their place in society. It follows the friendship and romance of young Fitz William Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet throughout their early years. Young William, a member of the wealthy upper class, and young Elizabeth, a member of the middle class, fall in love despite their different stations in society. William’s father George Darcy, and Elizabeth’s father, Thomas Bennet, are long time friends having attended school together, and are thrilled to be in each other’s company again. William Darcy on his way to Cambridge University becomes enthralled with young Elizabeth who is a precocious child and is intelligent beyond her years. George Darcy and Thomas Bennett both agree that their children are perfectly matched for each other in every way except for class standing, and consent to the young couple marrying when Elizabeth comes of age. However, a tragic turn of events alters the paths of Elizabeth and William and threatens their relationship.

"Promises" by Wendi Sotis is heartwarming, spellbinding and wonderfully passionate. I enjoyed how she adapted Jane Austen’s characters, young William Darcy and young Elizabeth Bennet, as they met for the very first time and fell in love. The plot development is fascinating and riveting. As the intensity of the story increased and the plot thickened, I found myself not wanting to put the book down and found each chapter more exciting than the one before it. As both of the authors, Wendi Sotis and Jane Austen, imply in their novels, true love does conquer all despite harrowing and unforeseen circumstances. I really look forward to reading author of Wendi Sotis' novels, as I am quite sure it will touch me as much as "Promises" did.