COMP CLOSED | Book Giveaway | To Distant Shores

A gripping historical novel set in the 1840s that goes from North America to Aotearoa, New Zealand

The decades after the War of 1812 were years of introspection for the fledgling American republic. Having twice prevailed against the military might of Great Britain, there was now no power on Earth ready, willing, and able to take on the United States.

As America entered the 1840s and began expanding its dominion over North America and opening lucrative overseas markets in Asia and elsewhere, all that was needed to secure its place on the world stage was an alliance with a like-minded nation with the naval resources to guarantee the integrity of global trade routes and the financial rewards accruing to both parties of such an alliance. In pursuit of this goal, Captain Richard Cutler commands the new United States steam frigate Suwanee on a mission to the South Seas and the distant shores of New Zealand.

While To Distant Shores is part of The Cutler Family Chronicles, it is a stand-alone read. It is written by an internationally published author who has worked in the book publishing industry his entire career. The author is also an amateur historian and sailing enthusiast who has been a resident in New Zealand for the past six years.

‘A seamless blend of history, a page-turning plot and unforgettable characters. To Distant Shores is an unputdownable, entertaining read that will appeal to anyone who enjoys a well- written novel that engages the heart and mind.’ NZ Booklovers

Author’s Note:

‘In 1998, I began research for A Matter of Honor, the first volume of what was to become, to date, a seven-volume series. The novels combine my love of sailing, history, and the sea with my passion for writing.

In 2016, I moved to New Zealand and brought with me the idea for a new contribution to the series based in New Zealand. In developing this novel, my New Zealand-born wife and I travelled extensively from Dargaville in the North, across to the Bay of Islands, and southward to Auckland doing research and conducting numerous interviews. The end result of all this pleasurable search in my effort to “get it right” and to honor the rich history of New Zealand is…To Distant Shores.’

About the author:

WILLIAM C. (“BILL”) HAMMOND was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up in Manchester-by-the-Sea on Boston’s North Shore. Since graduating with a B.A. degree in English and history from the University of North Carolina in 1970, he has held various positions in the book publishing industry including sales representative, sales manager, publisher, and editor. In 1984 he received a master’s degree in business administration from Babson College.

In subsequent years Bill served as a publishing consultant, ghostwriter, literary agent, and writing coach, in addition to his work on the Cutler Family Chronicles. He now lives in New Zealand with his New Zealand-born wife, Sheree.

Terms and conditions

1. 1. You must be a GrownUps member and receive our newsletter to be eligible to win.
   2. Competition closes on the 9th May 2023, winners will be notified via email by 11th May 2023.
   3. It is your responsibility to ensure you correctly enter a New Zealand postal address where the prize can be couriered. GrownUps will not take responsibility for prizes sent to incorrect addresses.
   4. Winners are drawn at random by the GrownUps administration team.
   5. GrownUps employees and family are not eligible to enter.
   6. By entering the giveaway, you approve for GrownUps to use your name on social media as winner of the competition.
   7. One entry per household.
   8. Prize is non transferrable.
   9. You must reside in New Zealand – the prize will only be posted within New Zealand.
   10. You must be over 50 years of age to enter, check your details are correct in your membership dashboard.