By Eastern Windows
“Fabulous and heartbreaking … fresh and authentic in every detail … it has to be the best book I have read about the British in India since M. M. Kaye’s `The Far Pavilions’ – Dr Aileen Keegan.
Set in the beauty of Scotland, the magic of India, and the hostility of China, peopled with memorable characters of all races, By Eastern Windows is the story of a young British soldier, Lachlan Macquarie, posted to India where he meets Jane Jarvis, a young girl from the Caribbean – beautiful, different and exciting – who becomes the greatest love, and the greatest tragedy, of his life.
It is also the story of the young men who travelled with him, far from home, serving their King in a country they came to love, while coping with the complex differences between East and West.
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5.0 out of 5 stars A Genuine Treasure, April 25, 2013
By Paul in St Louis – See all my reviews
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
Gretta Curran Browne pulls the reader is with descriptions so vivid and realistic one can smell the flowers` perfume and feel the warm evening breezes in faraway India. Do not mistake this page-turner for just a travelogue with a dash of history, though.
This tale has true romance mixed with exceptionally realistic scenes of Napoleonic era warfare. This one can definitely be shared between a couple and be thoroughly enjoyed by both genders.
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5.0 out of 5 stars I’d give this book six stars if it were possible, May 9, 2013
By Jack (State College, PA) – See all my reviews
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
This may be the best Kindle book I have ever read. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me angry, it made me sad. And with every beautifully crafted page, it kept reminding me why I love to read. I’m so glad to know this is the first book of a trilogy, because I know what I will read tomorrow.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Horatio Hornblower meets Pearl Buck, April 24, 2013
By hereswhatithink (Sanford,NC USA) – See all my reviews
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
Masterful storytelling!
I picked this up on Amazon (thank you, Amazon!!) and was engrossed straight away. The settings are palpable and the characters completely fleshed out. I particularly like Maquarie’s ‘helper’ Mackenzie, such a hoot!
I havent even finished this book yet but I am enjoying it immensely, its a novel you don’t want to end. One reviewer said it was “forgettable”. Don’t listen to him. This is an amazing book; there’s nothing “forgettable” about it.
If I was to give it a TV rating I supposed I would choose PG-13. There’s some scenes that while respectfully done are too mature for young readers. There is also some cussing in it of the “British kind”. It may offend you, it may not.
Well worth a read!!I’m very much looking forward to the next in series and have already downloaded the sample on my kindle so I’m sure to find it again….
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5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning!,May 3, 2013
By MimiZ – See all my reviews
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
Ms. Browne, I applaud you. This book was one of the best I’ve read in a long while. Beautifully descriptive, yet not gushy or syrupy. Graphic but tasteful. If PBS and BBC are smart, they’ll grab this one and do a mini-series. I think this would give “Downton Abbey” a run for it’s money. Well done, VERY well done!
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5.0 out of 5 stars I laughed, I cried, October 27, 2013
By Ellen Kulhanek (Ypsilanti) – See all my reviews (REAL NAME)
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
Totally believable adult emotion written into every character. Well researched cultural and historical data. Very enjoyable read that I couldn’t put down!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Great Novel about a great man October 31, 2012
By a4skyhawk1
Format: Kindle Edition
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I’m Australian and Lachlan Macquarie (The Father of Australia) was THE man who had the vision, drive and determination to steer Australia away from its origins as The Dumping Ground for British Trash (one of whom was an ancestor of mine). The author has beautifully captured Macquarie’s spirit in this novel and gives the reader a wonderful insight into Lachlan Macquarie in the days and years before he came to Australia. The book appears to be accurate, is very readable and extremely entertaining.
I have now purchased the follow-on and am looking forward to reading it – I just hope I can put it down when it’s time to sleep!!
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5.0 out of 5 stars A GREAT STORY!, October 27, 2013
By Hilda – See all my reviews
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
I have really enjoyed reading this story . What a talented author Ms. Browne is! how she has described events in history entwined with a very beautiful love story was quite a thrill for me to read. Can not wait to start reading the next book of the series!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Totally hooked!!!, January 27, 2013
By JoKatrina – See all my reviews
This review is from: By Eastern Windows (Paperback)
One after the other I have read them all…well written, interesting, absorbing and never ever boring…I loved them all, but cant find the third book of the series Javisfield its listed on my kindle but cant seem to find it. Has anyone else read it.???
Dont suppose Gretta Curran Browne ever gets to read these reviews but if she does I just wish to say God has given you the most wonderful talent…and I do hope many more books for us to enjoy.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Macquarie’s great journeys March 29, 2013
By H. G. Driessen “Theta Girl” (GC, Australia) – See all my reviews (REAL NAME)
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
Getting to know this man was an honour. I do love historical novels. His character was being built through the loves and tragedy he experienced in India and China. Great tasks were set for him, which he brilliantly completed and was rewarded for them, giving him the respect and love by all that served under him as well as those he served.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Great historical fiction June 21, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition
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What was it like to be a British soldier from Scotland in the early 19th century? Lachlan Macquarie has come home from the war of rebellion in America. He left a boy and returned a man. But he has a mother and brother to support, so he ships off to India. There he encounters all kinds of adventures and we the reader get a glimpse into the world of the British Colonists. Social status and making money are even more important, because it’s a colonists ticket to recognition and status back home. The characters and the events in the book were compelling. I didn’t want it to put the book down and I didn’t want it to end. Thank heaven there is another book in the series so we can follow the accomplishments of Lachlan Macquarie and his adopted son George Jarvis.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, October 25, 2013
By dusty rose – See all my reviews
This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
I really enjoyed this book and feel five stars isn’t enough. It was written so that I felt as if I were in Scotland, India and England. I felt as if I was there and knew these characters. If you like history and romance then read this book. I can’t wait to read more.
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5.0 out of 5 stars The One I Almost Didn’t Buy, July 7, 2013
By Julie Dunay – See all my reviews
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
I could not put this book down. I enjoyed reading about India. The author painted such a vivid scene with the landscape and the characters that you could see the foliage, smell the flowers and taste the exotic foods. It was frustrating to watch the main character have to deal with legal and societal issues that aren’t present in today’s society. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about historical events.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Good Read, June 27, 2013
By Mango Sunrise (Bellevue, WA) – See all my reviews
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
I enjoyed this historical romance novel. Learning more about the British in India and the lives of the soldiers. I felt the passion between Lachlan and Jane and look forward to reading Book 2 to learn more about Lachlan and Elizabeth’s relationship as well as his developing career.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Nice historic detail!, June 23, 2013
By M. Meder (Marietta, GA USA) – See all my reviews (REAL NAME)
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
The story is told with excellent historic detail about the lives of people in the various settings. I learned a lot, and enjoyed the process.
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5.0 out of 5 stars By eastern window, June 13, 2013
By Sr Helen Nordick – See all my reviews (REAL NAME)
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
The book was a great read. I learned a lot about. India. And the British. It kept me reading on to the end. Now I want to read her other books
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5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous, June 8, 2013
By grandkjabclt – See all my reviews
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
This book grabbed you from the first page and kept you on the edge of your seat until the end.
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4.0 out of 5 stars A lovable story, June 1, 2013
By Catherine J. Sutton – See all my reviews
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
A tender hearted story with no great looming plot. I truly enjoyed the kind and loving characters.A love story that isn’t mushy and sexual.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!, May 30, 2013
By katyintx – See all my reviews
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
just finish the series in Ireland she wrote and was so happy to find she wrote more. Although I was sad the leave the characters in the Ireland books. But his one did not disappoint. Again outstanding characters and I loved the story.
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5.0 out of 5 stars very interesting historical novel, May 28, 2013
By roy gilleland – See all my reviews
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
well-written and grabs your attention from the beginning. Definitely a page turner as well as being a history education. Superb.
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5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful love story intertwined with historical insights into British India, China, Scotland and the military, May 26, 2013
By Cordelia Neale (California USA) – See all my reviews
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
A book that was hard to put down and one I didn’t want to skip any one section. I learned a lot about 19th century British rule and the customs of India with the British influence, along with a beautiful love story with tragedy, sorrow and redemption. A must read
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5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Book!, May 23, 2013
By Peeps Widow – See all my reviews
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
Incredible journey with such incredible descriptive heartfelt writing. The main character is a true hero in every sense of the word and his passion, bravery, love, depth, heart, and soul are beautifully displayed in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it’s historical references. Well written and I look forward to reading more on these characters and more books by this amazing author.
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5.0 out of 5 stars A WELL WRITTEN ADVENTURE, May 19, 2013
By Carol W – See all my reviews
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
LOVED THE TRAVELS AND RELATIONSHIPS OF THE LEADING PEOPLE IN THE BOOK. THE LOCATIONS OF THE STORY WERE REAL AND EXCITING.
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5.0 out of 5 stars This book will get you hooked!, May 18, 2013
By Killeroo – See all my reviews
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
I would of liked more military action but the book was an exceptional depliction of going out and always doing the best you can. Can’t wait to read the next volumes!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to put down, May 1, 2013
By r starr “redhot mama” (Palm Springs, CA United States) – See all my reviews
This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
I really enjoyed the character studies in the book and how they all connected. It was a glimpse into the beginning of the 19th century and the customs of the times. I recommend this book as a historical romantic novel.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Loved the story, April 25, 2013
By J. Beach – See all my reviews
This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
Loved it, thought it was great. Browne brought India to life. The pain Lachan felt, and the hardships of getting his wife out of China was moving.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Great history of Scotland and India, April 24, 2013
By Jeannie Cooper – See all my reviews
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
Beautiful picture are painted of India and Scotland with words. Just a bit of info about the British in India and how the British helped and hurt the area in and about India at the end of the 18th century.
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4.0 out of 5 stars By Eastern Windows, February 28, 2013
By Barbara Treloggen – See all my reviews
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This review is from: BY EASTERN WINDOWS : (Book 1 in The Macquarie Series) (Kindle Edition)
Have not finished the book yet, but am loving the story. A story that has everything, history, action, true love. Lovely characters who come alive in the telling of the story……………
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