"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. ( )

Very good, clean book. Easy, quick read (short story). Emotional book. Story about a couple brought together after the Great War and trying to make a life and family on their farm. I will definitely read more Shayne Parkinson books. ( )

This was a bittersweet story about a couple in New Zealand after the Great War, trying to make their farm and start their family. In such a short story, the author managed to bring their little corner of the land to life, and to weld your sympathies with her main character. I really liked this story and look forward to reading more from Shayne Parkinson. ( )