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All I Want
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.
15 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2010
151 people are currently reading
468 people want to read
About the author
Shayne Parkinson
11 books363 followersI write historical novels 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 was born in New Zealand, and apart from two years in England have lived here all my life. I'm married to my childhood sweetheart, who grew up in the farming valley that's the inspiration for my imaginary one.
We have a few acres in the countryside, where we have an orchard and a large vegetable garden, and a small flock of sheep to keep the grass down. We make our own wine, cider, jams, jellies and sauces.
We have a few acres in the countryside, where we have an orchard and a large vegetable garden, and a small flock of sheep to keep the grass down. We make our own wine, cider, jams, jellies and sauces.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
February 15, 2020
"If I were to stand, I'd see the whole farm spread before me, a neat patchwork of paddocks wound through with the dark ribbon of the creek".
All I Want by Shayne Parkinson
I have to start by saying there is something so delicate about the writing of this short book. It just grabs you immediately.
This is a short and poignant story about love, loss and sacrifice. It is narrated by the wife of a dairy Farmer in New Zealand after The great war.
She takes the reader through her first meeting with her husband, the sadness of war, his return home and his desire to become a dairy farmer. She tells of their personal struggles in having a family and their enduring love. This is a short book but it contains alot of pain as well as much beauty.
I'd say this is a must read. There is something wonderfully intangible about this book. As she describes their house and their land, you can almost feel yourself out there with them, breathing in the fresh air and looking out to the beautiful land beyond.
The writing sparkles. There's really no other way to describe it. It's light and delicate and the book is like a rose petal bursting with color.
If you like Historical Fiction and want a short but precious read, add All I want to your list.
All I Want by Shayne Parkinson
I have to start by saying there is something so delicate about the writing of this short book. It just grabs you immediately.
This is a short and poignant story about love, loss and sacrifice. It is narrated by the wife of a dairy Farmer in New Zealand after The great war.
She takes the reader through her first meeting with her husband, the sadness of war, his return home and his desire to become a dairy farmer. She tells of their personal struggles in having a family and their enduring love. This is a short book but it contains alot of pain as well as much beauty.
I'd say this is a must read. There is something wonderfully intangible about this book. As she describes their house and their land, you can almost feel yourself out there with them, breathing in the fresh air and looking out to the beautiful land beyond.
The writing sparkles. There's really no other way to describe it. It's light and delicate and the book is like a rose petal bursting with color.
If you like Historical Fiction and want a short but precious read, add All I want to your list.
January 5, 2020
A short story, gentle and poignant, I loved it.
September 6, 2015
One of the best short stories I've read in awhile. It was published in 2010 but had the feel of something written 100 years earlier. I look forward to reading a full length novel by this writer. Four solid stars from me.
December 31, 2011
In "All I Want," Shayne Parkinson tells a gentle story of love, loss, and carrying on after loss. When I saw this book as a free download for my Kindle, I thought I'd give it a try. To say this was a good read is an understatement. Yes, this is a very short story - I finished it in under 30 minutes - but it is also a very complete story. This is the first time I've read her work, and I find myself eager to read more.
October 16, 2012
A very touching short (very short) story. I felt it was amazingly well-written to develop the characters and plot in so few pages. A woman tells the story of her life, including youth, meeting and marrying a husband, developing a farm and birthing and burying a child, but despite the brevity I really felt that I knew the characters and cared for them. Really the story was so complete I don't think it could have been improved by being expanded into a full novel.
December 23, 2012
This is a sad, melecolnic tale of a war bride from WWI. Life in New Zealand after the great war. The heart ache of looseing a child in still brith. The joy that comes through is that of a couple in love and committed to living their life together. Everyone needs a good cry sometime.
December 31, 2011
Sadly romantic. Touching. Very human. All of the previous words could describe this nice little short story, but therein lies the problem. It's a short story. As soon as you begin to feel an attachment to the characters they're gone, the story has ended. I certainly would have liked to explore these people farther.
May 22, 2019
All I Want
Great but sad commentary on a couple you would like to have as a neighbor. A woman's journal of her thoughts. She's not the (Belle of the Ball) & never has been. She's a sad human being in many ways, yet each of us can see ourselves in her. She has a man who loves her in his own way. Is it enough?
Well written, Read & Enjoy.
Great but sad commentary on a couple you would like to have as a neighbor. A woman's journal of her thoughts. She's not the (Belle of the Ball) & never has been. She's a sad human being in many ways, yet each of us can see ourselves in her. She has a man who loves her in his own way. Is it enough?
Well written, Read & Enjoy.
October 18, 2021
Short story
Short story that displays the work of this author. Her words carry me away. The simple descriptions are so vivid
Short story that displays the work of this author. Her words carry me away. The simple descriptions are so vivid
February 28, 2018
I loved this book!
All I want is just as good as any of Shayne Parkinson's full length novels. The "Promise" series is the best series I've read in a very long time.
All I want is just as good as any of Shayne Parkinson's full length novels. The "Promise" series is the best series I've read in a very long time.
February 20, 2016
A short story
What can I say about this book. Too short. Wanted more. Brought me to tears this 15 page book. This author has become a favourite of mine. Perhaps Shayne could continue but perhaps not as no children born to continue the line so the story would end. If you have not read this author perhaps this would be a good taster to start with.
What can I say about this book. Too short. Wanted more. Brought me to tears this 15 page book. This author has become a favourite of mine. Perhaps Shayne could continue but perhaps not as no children born to continue the line so the story would end. If you have not read this author perhaps this would be a good taster to start with.
March 19, 2011
Consider this a short story rather than a novella (only 15 pages), as it was described in one place. It is a very great story, but just as I was waiting for the story to develope further; it was over. This is why I have given it just 4 stars
December 26, 2012
One married couple after WW I in New Zealand picking up to make a life on a bare land as farmers. It works out so far but life brings out many hardships where Love alone, will not bring the peace back. A nice short story we can all take an example from.
June 21, 2013
This is a cozy novella. Man and woman meet, court for three years, and before they can marry WW1 started and he was called up. They both have dreams and get some of them. This is a story of love, hope, and faith.
April 23, 2020
It was short but was a good read. It gave a taste of the writer’s style. Although it is short, it brought me to the past and made me feel how life was in the old days.
October 5, 2019
Great short read
A very sweet story. I will be watching for more books written by Shayne. Keep them coming.......................,............................................... ☺☺☺😊😊😊😀😀😀😀😀😊😊😊😊😊😊☺☺☺☺☺☺☺😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😊😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇.................. ........................ 😃😃😃
A very sweet story. I will be watching for more books written by Shayne. Keep them coming.......................,............................................... ☺☺☺😊😊😊😀😀😀😀😀😊😊😊😊😊😊☺☺☺☺☺☺☺😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😊😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇.................. ........................ 😃😃😃
October 28, 2020
I love Ms Parkinson's stories.... New Zealand's farms, the era, the characters. Everything. This was a very bittersweet story. My only complaint is that I truly wish it was a longer version. The love and gentleness of her husband and their resignation to being childless was really sad. Maybe a longer version would have left me feeling a little less depressed.
March 3, 2017
Short but sweet
Anyone who has read Shayne's other books will find small nods to the series. While short and sad, the story is very sweet. Recommended after reading Sentence of Marriage and the subsequent books.
Anyone who has read Shayne's other books will find small nods to the series. While short and sad, the story is very sweet. Recommended after reading Sentence of Marriage and the subsequent books.
October 13, 2020
Very short story! But even in that short amount of time. You will feel your eyes over fill with tears. You want so much for the couple. There is satisfaction in the end for the couple. They are content in their union and they have loving and caring marriage!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2023
Short story set in New Zealand. I was introduced to Shayne Parkinson when I read the first book in her series, Promises to Keep (book 1 Sentence of a Marriage) and I wanted to read more by this author.
March 4, 2024
A sad story
A very short story and sad too. But it shows how life shapes us and we learn to live through tough times. I will miss reading Shayne’s books, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them all.
A very short story and sad too. But it shows how life shapes us and we learn to live through tough times. I will miss reading Shayne’s books, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them all.
January 15, 2025
A Hint of Sadness in the Best of Things
A short work of fiction. Good writing, and empathetic. A reader can understand the joys and sadness in the story, set in a time after a war when things are "supposed" to be good and peaceful. Nice for a quick read.
A short work of fiction. Good writing, and empathetic. A reader can understand the joys and sadness in the story, set in a time after a war when things are "supposed" to be good and peaceful. Nice for a quick read.
May 23, 2017
Good Short Story
I only wish it was longer. But nonetheless, it was easy to read and I felt the woman's pain at not being able to conceive. Sad but good.
I only wish it was longer. But nonetheless, it was easy to read and I felt the woman's pain at not being able to conceive. Sad but good.
June 18, 2017
Very short story but good!
December 21, 2017
I liked the writing style but I wish it had been a bit longer
April 30, 2018
A heartbreaking short story. Absolutely recommended.
August 1, 2018
A beautiful short story - sad and poignant but beautiful.
June 19, 2019
In great book shelf
April 20, 2020
A glimpse of the past
This is a very unique book, but gives much to think about. I enjoyed the glimpse into daily living a hundred years ago.
This is a very unique book, but gives much to think about. I enjoyed the glimpse into daily living a hundred years ago.
May 8, 2020
Short story giving a small glimpse of life in New Zealand around the time of the Great War.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews