Set of six books in the Lockleys of Parramatta one-hundred-year saga. PLUS a novella (7 in total)

900,000 words - from 1800 to 1901 of Lockley Family stories

(the novella is the back story of the soldier who befriends Charles Lockley)

Unshackled Lives

A prequel to 'The Lockleys Parramatta' series

(Free novella with newsletter signup)

Set in England&Australia in the 1800s

Australian historical fiction of early colonial days

Ned Lockley is the second of four sons of the Duke and Duchess of Gracemere. As his mother's favourite, his childhood years were blissful, but he needs to grow up, and quickly.

A whirlwind romance is followed by a loved one's betrayal. The following emotional turmoil is hard for Ned to cope with, especially amid a collapsing, immoral society.

Ned can't stay as even his family is falling apart. His mother's words to remain true to himself and his faith make him leave everything he knows. How does Ned end up in New South Wales in charge of placing female convicts? Will he ever find happiness or discover who Charles is?

https://mybook.to/UnshackledLives

A 100-year, six-part Australian Colonial series

Lockleys of Parramatta

Hands upon the Anvil

A blacksmith’s life and love are more than work

Parramatta 1830s

Eddie Lockley’s parents were transported for their crimes. Can a steadfast lad rise above his origins and guide others to succeed in a land of opportunity?

Ten-year-old Eddie longs to help his mum and dad. Living in a convict town with his family, the keen youngster has been working with the local blacksmith since his sixth birthday. But when a lieutenant doesn’t stop abusing his older brother, the young boy yearns for the day when he can stand up and end the torment. Though he’s thrilled when his mentor offers to send him off to learn his letters, Eddie fears he won’t be around to watch his sibling’s back. But as he takes on the biggest adventure of his life, the brave believer soon discovers God is looking out for everyone he loves. Does this young man in the making have what it takes to change everything for the better?

ISBN 9780994578235 Ebook ISBN 978-0-9945782-5-9 Hardcover 9798496177368

Released 2021

https://mybook.to/HandsUponTheAnvil

Out Where The Brolgas Dance

Gold is found, and so is love

Parramatta 1840s

How can a question change so many people?

It’s the 1840s, and discoveries across the Blue Mountains continue. Major Mitchell’s new road is complete, and towns are planned and being built. Abundant land is available for those who want it.

William “Wills” Lockley, 18, has laid a solid foundation for a respectable career as a blacksmith, but the Lockley lust for adventure flows deeply within his veins. He dreads the monotony of work at the blacksmith’s forge and yearns for adventure in a new frontier. Wills meets six Englishmen who have the means to make his dreams come true. What they discover changes the Colony and their lives forever. Gold fever ensues. Now on the road West, Wills has to deal with an uncertain romance. Does she even want him?

ISBN 9780994578242 Ebook ISBN 978-0-9945782-6-6 Hardcover ISBN 9798755445504

Released 2021

Diamonds in the Dirt

Diamonds, love and money… but there is much more to life.

Parramatta 1850s

Luke, the youngest Lockley son, has completed University, and his life has no direction. No job, no money, and no love. Desperately alone, he prays for guidance. How can Luke trust that God has a plan for him if he can’t even find a job? He does the only thing he can … he prays. Within a week, life has changed … oh, how it has changed as his brother Wills turns up with a suggestion. Would Luke be interested in joining the expedition with John Evans? Reverend William Clarke needs assistance on a Government Mineral Survey. The challenge, adventure and finds are life-changing for many. However, it gives Luke meaning, purpose and direction. The condition of his heart problems also takes a turn. Can he walk away?

ISBN:9780994578273 Ebook ISBN: 978-0-9945782-8-0 Hard cover ISBN 979-8788011141

Released 2022

The Earl’s Shadow

Who or what is the ‘shadow’? How does it affect so many?

Parramatta 1860s

Charles is the Earl of Coxheath and spends his youth as a convict in Parramatta; he had no idea he was an Earl. He had minimal education and few social skills. His eldest son Charlie is no different.

Now faced with his own mortality, Charles has to work out how to live the remainder of his life after a near-death experience. He is called to step way out of his comfort zone in London. His action will change the world for many. The echoes from the past still haunt Charlie. London is calling the family, and they can’t postpone the trip. How does Jim, the Cobb and Co coach driver, fit in? And precisely what is ‘The Earl’s Shadow’ that he speaks about? What happens if the ‘Shadow’ is gone?

ISBN: 9780645110708 Ebook ISBN 978-0-9945782-9-7

Released June 2022

Once a Jolly Swagman

An old black Billy Can contain the secrets of an incredible life

An Australian Historical Novel

Set in 1870s Parramatta and Kent UK

Rick Lockley, battling his family’s expectations, runs away to become a swagman.

Jack, a jolly swagman takes him under his care. Even after years together, Rick knows little about the old man.

On his death, Jack leaves Rick his precious Billy Can; the contents reveal Jack’s identity. Stunned, Rick must travel to England to finalise Jack’s wishes. There he uncovers Jack’s life of love, betrayal and a link to his own family. Rick discovers there is much more to learn about this enigmatic man.

ISBN 9780645110753 Ebook ISBN 978-0-6451107-6-0

Released Sept 2022

https://mybook.to/OnceaJollySwagman

Jonty’s Journey

Gems, Love, Artists and a Golden Lion

Australia and South Africa 1880-1902

Sydney Jeweller, Jonty Evans’ passion for gems takes him to Africa at a volatile time. He finds the diamonds he wants and gets given a lion cub. Jonty gets all but kidnapped. His experiences in the Transvaal plunge him into questioning everything he knows of life. Soon nightmares haunt him.

On return home, he nearly messes up his love life with Lottie before it even starts, and he struggles to settle. Lottie’s father, Luke Lockley from Parramatta, takes him in hand and points him to someone who can help.

Jonty is then recalled to Africa as a liaison and reconnects with his lion, Chimbu, when he saves the life of his security detail. His life journey introduces him to the most amazing Heidelberg artists, politicians, poets, rebels, and the scapegoat soldier Harry Breaker Morant. Can Jonty bury the past and regain the peace he’s lost?

ISBN 9780645110777 Ebook ISBN: 978-0-6451107-9-1

Released Feb 2023

https://mybook.to/JontysJourney