Shayne Parkinson

Biography

I write historical fiction set in New Zealand, starting in the 1880s and continuing through to the 1920s. I'm fascinated by social history, particularly that of my own country.

I live in a state of barely-controlled chaos; fortunately I share my life with an invariably calm and endlessly optimistic husband. I divide my time between an apartment in the city, in reach of good espresso, and a few acres in the country, where the rank grass in the orchard is kept under control by a small mob of sheep (and where we have our own espresso machine).

When I'm not writing, reading, or engaged in mundane activities, I play the piano rather badly.

Where to find Shayne Parkinson online

Books

Tom and George
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 253,620. Language: English. Published: December 17, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Historical » Australia & New Zealand
(5.00 from 1 review)
1899: Tom and George's father bequeaths his young sons £500 and the duty to care for their mother; money shared equally, responsibility all Tom’s. Tom: determined to honour his father's wishes as he strives to please a demanding mother. Headstrong George: equally determined to go wherever his thirst for adventure leads. Paths that increasingly diverge, but brotherly affection that never wavers.
After the Roses
Series: Daisy, Book 2. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 138,700. Language: English. Published: September 28, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Historical » Australia & New Zealand, Fiction » Women's fiction » General
The sequel to "Daisy's War". The Great War is over and the men are coming home. For a brief period, Daisy’s world once again seems a safe and settled one. But no one returns unscathed from such a war, although not all wounds leave obvious signs. And hard on the heels of the Armistice comes a new, invisible enemy that will strike much closer to home: a lethal epidemic of influenza.
Daisy's War
Series: Daisy, Book 1. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 101,210. Language: English. Published: May 13, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Historical » Australia & New Zealand
(4.83 from 12 reviews)
In 1914, Daisy lives in the quiet New Zealand valley where her family has farmed for generations. Her world seems a warm and safe one. But the Great War is casting its long shadow over New Zealand. Daisy watches in growing fear as more and more of the men leave to fight in Europe, and the War strikes ever closer to the heart of her family.
All I Want
Price: Free! Words: 4,910. Language: English. Published: August 19, 2010 . Categories: Fiction » Historical » Australia & New Zealand, Fiction » Historical » General
(4.84 from 19 reviews)
A short story. In the wake of the Great War, a soldier and his bride turn a wasteland into a home. A tale of hope and sorrow; of loss and enduring love.
A Second Chance
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 167,880. Language: English. Published: July 13, 2009 . Categories: Fiction » Historical » Australia & New Zealand, Fiction » Historical » General
(4.89 from 54 reviews)
Amy uses the second chance she had hardly dared dream of to make up for the wasted years. But a familiar face from long ago makes an unwelcome reappearance, threatening her new-found happiness. Payback has more than one meaning, and sometimes people get what they deserve. "A Second Chance" is the sequel to the three-volume work "Promises to Keep"
Settling the Account (Promises to Keep: Book 3)
Series: Promises To Keep, Book 3. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 218,570. Language: English. Published: May 13, 2009 . Categories: Fiction » Historical » Australia & New Zealand, Fiction » Historical » Victorian
(4.93 from 68 reviews)
Amy watches in growing fear the worsening confrontation between her husband and her son, until she realises that only one of them can survive it. How long can she keep them apart? The final volume in "Promises to Keep". It follows directly on from Book Two, "Mud and Gold".
Mud and Gold (Promises to Keep: Book 2)
Series: Promises To Keep, Book 2. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 206,290. Language: English. Published: March 11, 2009 . Categories: Fiction » Historical » Australia & New Zealand, Fiction » Historical » Victorian
(4.94 from 96 reviews)
Amy tries desperately hard to be a good wife and mother. She puts her whole heart into doing the best she can. But will her best ever be good enough for this man? "Mud and Gold" is the second book in the three-volume "Promises to Keep". It follows directly on from Book One, "Sentence of Marriage".
Sentence of Marriage (Promises to Keep: Book 1)
Series: Promises To Keep, Book 1. Price: Free! Words: 150,690. Language: English. Published: March 8, 2009 . Categories: Fiction » Historical » Australia & New Zealand, Fiction » Historical » Victorian
(4.76 from 74 reviews)
In 19th Century New Zealand, there are few choices for a farm girl like Amy. Her life seems mapped out for her by the time she is twelve. Amy dreams of an exciting life in the world beyond her narrow boundaries. But it is the two people who come to the farm from outside the valley who change her life forever, and Amy learns the high cost of making the wrong choice. Book 1 of "Promises to Keep".

Shayne Parkinson's tag cloud

Smashwords book reviews by Shayne Parkinson

  • The Death Trip on Nov. 17, 2009

    Speculative fiction that's disturbingly credible, with an exploration of philosophical and ethical issues that are genuinely thought-provoking. And the ending is very clever.
  • Whirl of the Wheel on Jan. 11, 2010

    This is a lovely blend of magic and realistic historical fiction. The period details feel convincing without ever being overdone, and the children are credible, with the sorts of fears and priorities that feel right for their age and situation. I was reminded a little of the "Green Knowe" books, with the shifting in time element and with the wonderful old house that's a character in its own right. This book has the charm of those classics, while having modern details (such as the World Wide Web) that perhaps make it more accessible to readers who find the classics distancing.