Review of Shayne Parkinson's series, Promises to Keep

 Promises to Keep, Shayne Parkinson’s four-book historical fiction series, gets 5 stars from me. It takes some good writing to keep a person engaged through four books. Parkinson builds the story from one book to the next while also allowing each novel to stand alone.

The books trace the lives of two friends—cousins—in a small New Zealand village. Despite very different personalities, the two women maintain ties through the years. The author expertly highlights their individuality as well as their love for each other while weaving in themes of domestic abuse, friendship, and societal expectations with careful consideration.

There is quite a bit of domestic violence in the second book, Mud and Gold. Despite the difficulty of the subject matter, Parkinson describes it without exaggeration or sensationalism.

The series can be purchased at most major outlets, including Amazon. Be warned—start one and you’ll be back for the next and the next.