Geoff Lawson

When Geoff Lawson was young he was fascinated with history and spent hours alone at the museum absorbing it all.

Geoff’s first foray into writing began when he was employed by the Whanganui Riverboat Trust to restore the PS Waimarie, New Zealand’s last surviving steam paddle vessel. He collated a booklet about the Waimarie restoration for the trust, and it is still in print.

When his work for the trust ended in the early 2000’s he became involved with the Whanganui Regional Museum for the restoration of the iconic  ‘Krupp Number Four,” New Zealand’s first trophy artillery gun brought home by returning New Zealand troops. This was also to be a booklet, but after seven long years of restoration and research, it became a book – ‘Our Gun, the incredible true story of Krupp Number Four and the Anglo Boer War’.

His next project was the novel ‘Forgiven’, which explores the hardships endured by soldiers of the period, Victorian views about relationships, and old family stories that highlight the Victorian age. Forgiven has garnered some prestigious international praise.

Geoff is now retired and both he and wife Wendy enjoy meeting their daughters for coffee. Geoff restored their 125 year old house and potters with his old Toyota Cressida. He is also writing another book.

‘Forgiven: a New Zealand historical novel

What does a farm boy do when he falls for a Victorian socialite? He goes to War!

Rachel and Richard face an insurmountable obstacle, Rachel’s father refuses to grant his blessing. As the patriach of a wealthy Victorian family, his blessing is essential, and he won’t allow his only daughter to marry low.

Richard rises to this challenge with a daring plan to win Rachels hand. He sees an opportunity, and joins the prestigious New Zealand Mounted Rifles, by volunteering to fight in the tumultuous landscape of South Africa. He knows that if he serves his Queen and country, Rachel’s father cannot refuse their wish to marry.

War is a gruelling test of Richard’s resilience, as he endures hunger and exhaustion, he unexpectedly encounters an aristocratic noblewoman, and surprised, he becomes her protector. He is thrust into a world of stark cultural differences, but when captivity binds them together, they must unite and trust one another – their survival dependent on a fragile alliance.

Meanwhile, Rachel faces her own trials. Unaware of impending danger lurking around her, she confronts a shocking revelation that stuns her family to the core.

Forgiven has garnered acclaim, earning a resounding 5 star gold award from the presigious “International Review of Books.”

Available from Wheelers, Neilsons, Writers Plot, The Underground Bookstore or direct from the author.

Our Gun – the incredible true story of the South African war and Krupp Number Four

Launch into an epic journey through British military history. Brace yourself for a saga that transcends the mere story of an antique artillery gun.

Number Four is the only surviving artillery gun that was involved in events that made headline news around the world. This profusely illustrated book is a sabre rattler about two small republics that dared to declare war on a superpower – Britain! It ‘s a story of success, defeat and loss that will make you gasp.

Now, fast forward to the 21st century. Number Four is not just an old artillery gun, nor even a relic, but a collectors gem that is the only surviving window into a near forgotten past. Prepare for the exceptional photographs that grace these pages, and don’t miss the engaging information waiting for you in the back.