What do you think?
Rate this book
Heart of India #2
Under Eastern Stars
In the exotic setting of the jungle frontier, betrayal and love lie just beneath the surface.
Dissent among the powerful Kendall Dynasty is threatening to erupt over Coral Kendall's determination to begin a school for India's forgotten children, the Untouchables. Lurking ominously in the background is Sir Hugo Roxbury, the influential and unrelenting ambassador of the East India Company, who is just as determined Coral not succeed.
Two very different men wait in the shadows: the adventurous Major Jace Buckley, whose knowledge of India's dark underworld could be the key to finding Coral's adopted son; and the handsome Dr. Ethan Boswell, who has offered Coral a safe and secure escape from the turmoil of her heart.
Coral must choose whom to trust and the decision will determine the course of her future.
The exciting sequel to Silk!
Dissent among the powerful Kendall Dynasty is threatening to erupt over Coral Kendall's determination to begin a school for India's forgotten children, the Untouchables. Lurking ominously in the background is Sir Hugo Roxbury, the influential and unrelenting ambassador of the East India Company, who is just as determined Coral not succeed.
Two very different men wait in the shadows: the adventurous Major Jace Buckley, whose knowledge of India's dark underworld could be the key to finding Coral's adopted son; and the handsome Dr. Ethan Boswell, who has offered Coral a safe and secure escape from the turmoil of her heart.
Coral must choose whom to trust and the decision will determine the course of her future.
The exciting sequel to Silk!
378 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1993
18 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Linda Lee Chaikin
47 books231 followersLinda Chaikin is a Christian fiction author with a focus on historical fiction. She sometimes publishes using the name L.L. Chaikin.
Linda was the youngest of 10 children and her father died shortly after she was born. She wrote her first full-length novel with pen and paper at the age of 14 - this novel was later rewritten as Wednesday's Child, part of the Day to Remember series.
She met her husband, Steve, in a Bible study, and they were married 6 months later. They both went to Multnomah School for the Bible, now known as Multnomah Bible College and Biblical Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Linda was the youngest of 10 children and her father died shortly after she was born. She wrote her first full-length novel with pen and paper at the age of 14 - this novel was later rewritten as Wednesday's Child, part of the Day to Remember series.
She met her husband, Steve, in a Bible study, and they were married 6 months later. They both went to Multnomah School for the Bible, now known as Multnomah Bible College and Biblical Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 28, 2018
I found this book so much more enjoyable than the first one. The romance and adventure really took off in this one, and there wasn't such a cloud of tragedy (still think the big tragedy in the last book was totally unnecessary and added nothing to the story but making me sad). And Jace and Carol were actually together a lot and the chemistry was undeniable. He was always her hero and she was always everyone else' champion- it was beautiful. Like the cover. Can't wait to start the next book.
August 29, 2012
"Under Eastern Stars" is a historical romance set in 1799 in India. It's the second book in the series. It picked up exactly where the author left off in the previous novel. To follow what's going on, you need to read "Silk" first.
Unlike the first book, this read like a romance novel: physical admiration, inexplicable attraction, constant rescues of the heroine, etc. But the hero realized he wasn't a good match for Coral. I agree with his choice for her perfect match, yet that character played an ever-dwindling role.
All of the characters felt that Coral was a devout Christian woman, yet I kept forgetting this was even a Christian novel despite the missionary references and periodic conversions. Why? With two exceptions (out of many instances), she wouldn't submit to any authority and didn't even think to trust God to work things out. If she encountered opposition, she forced her will--usually in the name of a noble goal--on everyone else even when it put other people in danger.
For example, she was willing to take a dangerous boat trip to get home. She was given her way even though it endangered those who would escort her, but that wasn't enough. To make sure her choice was seen as valid, she bullied her two sisters into taking the trip even though they didn't want to.
Coral was unrealistically naive. She suspected certain people of lying to her and having evil intent toward her. She even had proof. The hero--who was very clever and had the remarkable ability to always show up in time to save Coral from her foolish behavior--told her to not trust these characters, and suddenly she refused to believe anything bad against them. Huh?
The other characters were realistic and interesting, though. The villians were fairly subtle and cleverly manipulative. There was plenty of historical detail, though some scenes felt like they occurred mainly to provide a lesson on Indian culture. Coral constantly wandered around dangerous areas unescorted, which would never have been allowed. It made me wonder how accurate the rest of the historical detail really was. Still, it was interesting to learn more about how the East India Company worked to spread their power in India and how missionaries started reaching out to the Indians.
There was no bad language or sex. I got very tired of Coral's willful, thoughtless behavior, but it's an interesting and even suspenseful story if you don't mind that.
Unlike the first book, this read like a romance novel: physical admiration, inexplicable attraction, constant rescues of the heroine, etc. But the hero realized he wasn't a good match for Coral. I agree with his choice for her perfect match, yet that character played an ever-dwindling role.
All of the characters felt that Coral was a devout Christian woman, yet I kept forgetting this was even a Christian novel despite the missionary references and periodic conversions. Why? With two exceptions (out of many instances), she wouldn't submit to any authority and didn't even think to trust God to work things out. If she encountered opposition, she forced her will--usually in the name of a noble goal--on everyone else even when it put other people in danger.
For example, she was willing to take a dangerous boat trip to get home. She was given her way even though it endangered those who would escort her, but that wasn't enough. To make sure her choice was seen as valid, she bullied her two sisters into taking the trip even though they didn't want to.
Coral was unrealistically naive. She suspected certain people of lying to her and having evil intent toward her. She even had proof. The hero--who was very clever and had the remarkable ability to always show up in time to save Coral from her foolish behavior--told her to not trust these characters, and suddenly she refused to believe anything bad against them. Huh?
The other characters were realistic and interesting, though. The villians were fairly subtle and cleverly manipulative. There was plenty of historical detail, though some scenes felt like they occurred mainly to provide a lesson on Indian culture. Coral constantly wandered around dangerous areas unescorted, which would never have been allowed. It made me wonder how accurate the rest of the historical detail really was. Still, it was interesting to learn more about how the East India Company worked to spread their power in India and how missionaries started reaching out to the Indians.
There was no bad language or sex. I got very tired of Coral's willful, thoughtless behavior, but it's an interesting and even suspenseful story if you don't mind that.
March 24, 2016
*Happy Sigh*. I love these books. I will say it over and over again. And more clearly, I love Jace. I adore Jace. I would like to marry Jace. Could that please happen??
But yes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Under Eastern Stars" for the second time. I think the first book in this series, "Silk" will remain my favourite, but I still adore this one. Though sometimes I wanted to kind of...kindly shout at Coral. I guess maybe I am more over-cautious than she is...but sometimes it just felt like she really needed to think just a tiny bit more. XD
Still though, I think she's a good character and love her and Jace. <3
As I said in my review of "Silk" I can "properly" review these because I hold such fondness for them.
But yes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Under Eastern Stars" for the second time. I think the first book in this series, "Silk" will remain my favourite, but I still adore this one. Though sometimes I wanted to kind of...kindly shout at Coral. I guess maybe I am more over-cautious than she is...but sometimes it just felt like she really needed to think just a tiny bit more. XD
Still though, I think she's a good character and love her and Jace. <3
As I said in my review of "Silk" I can "properly" review these because I hold such fondness for them.
October 9, 2011
Under Eastern Stars is book two of the Heart of India Trilogy. Coral is still searching for her missing son along with the help of army major Jace Buckley. Along for the ride is her cousin Ethan, an English doctor and the man Coral's family desperately wants her to marry. Overcoming Indian intrigue, assassination attempts, and other frights, Coral and Jace fight to find her son and uncover the mysterious threats against her.
August 9, 2017
I HATE Sir Hugo!!!! He is so awful!!! I'm almost positive he is responsible for Corals illness in London! And I think he is responsible for the spider also!!!!!! I love Jace and I don't like Hugo's puppet Ethan! I can't believe Coral let her jealousy get the better of her and I can't believe she slapped Jace!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2015
Book 2 in one of my favorite series. Sometimes the second book is a let-down after an exciting beginning, but not so in this case! I found this middle book to be just as enjoyable as the first one. It continues the story in an engaging way that doesn't feel like it is just a stepping stone to the final book. I have read this book many times and plan to read it again in the future.
April 11, 2012
So at first i just kept getting bored the end saved this book for me. Spoiler!!!!!!!!!!! THEY FINNALY KISSED!!!!!! END OF SPOILER!!! i got confused as to whom was whom but interesting i'm excited to read the final one
August 20, 2013
I enjoyed this book but it wasn't spectacular. I picked this book up secondhand not realizing that it was the second in a series. I've never read the first but I have read the third. The plot is fast and confusing. The characters are well developed. There's not much else to say about this book.
December 27, 2010
GET NEXT ONE! Leaves you hanging, exciting, suspenseful
Want to read
January 7, 20132
March 31, 2013
Tee hee!
October 3, 2013
Liked it. Can't wait to read the 3rd and final book in this series.
April 8, 2015
Great book! Couldn't put it down. (:
March 1, 2016
Excellent - easy reading - mystery and romance
June 8, 2024
What an interesting series this has turned out to be. So many secrets and intrigue! I'll be honest and say I don't fully understand all the politics but I do know that there are some very bad people working behind the scenes and I can't wait for them to be unmasked in the final book. How mean of the author to end the book on a cliffhanger!
The sequel is a much slower pace than the previous book yet I could not put it down, the anticipation of possible romance kept me on edge and reading (hence why I'm awake at 2am!). There wasn't much romance in the previous book so I knew to expect some in this one but boy does this book put a new definition on slow burn! At first I was worried this book would be a love triangle, which I hate, but it was more two rivals for Coral. And sweet Coral is so oblivious to both of them lol.
I have a feeling the final book is going to be so full on, so much to resolve and so much more romance needing to be had!
The sequel is a much slower pace than the previous book yet I could not put it down, the anticipation of possible romance kept me on edge and reading (hence why I'm awake at 2am!). There wasn't much romance in the previous book so I knew to expect some in this one but boy does this book put a new definition on slow burn! At first I was worried this book would be a love triangle, which I hate, but it was more two rivals for Coral. And sweet Coral is so oblivious to both of them lol.
I have a feeling the final book is going to be so full on, so much to resolve and so much more romance needing to be had!
January 19, 2017
Book two of the series. The saga continues with lots of family interactions aimed at destroying each other. Coral's passion for starting a school for untouchable children intensifies as well as her desire to find her abducted adoptee son, Gem. Wouldn't make much sense without having read book 1, "Silk". The first book is faster moving than this one. Some of the development in the middle of the book hinges on people's movements with the military and Coral trying to get home. That seems to slow the book down. Otherwise the intrigue continues. You have to read book 3 to have any of the conflicts resolved.
February 4, 2026
Wow, wow, wow… this book was so much better than the first, not that Silk was a bad book! Chaikin does a fantastic job immersing the reader in the jungles of India. From dangerous crocodiles and tigers, to athletic monkeys swinging through the trees, and even some creepy spiders, the setting truly feels alive. There was plenty of action and strong faith woven throughout, and I couldn’t put it down during certain parts. Right now I’m sitting at a solid 4 stars, but after some time to reflect, it just might jump up to 5. I can’t wait to finish the series!!
November 7, 2020
Solid second book in the series. Like others have mentioned, there’s defo more action in this one than in “Silk,” which I appreciated. Very interesting to watch the characters and intrigue develop, especially after years since I last read any of these. I remember certain things, but it’s almost like a new series all over again, which is awesome.
June 8, 2023
I remember enjoying this series so much more when I was younger. I need a break before I start the third book. Not many details of India this time, except for military rankings which I find hard to follow and boring.
May 20, 2019
So good!!!
December 12, 2020
Jace is great, like usual. Lol
I have to admit that I sorta hate Ethan. He's too perfect. Though technically you could say the same thing about Jace at times.
I have to admit that I sorta hate Ethan. He's too perfect. Though technically you could say the same thing about Jace at times.
January 6, 2021
A favorite read
September 27, 2022
Pleasant read but no meat in it to sinky brain into
May 30, 2023
#bookreviewfriday
#2023readingchallenge
#24recommendedbyafriend
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# 24 Recommended by a Friend
Book: Under Eastern Stars (Heart of India #2)
Author: Linda Chaikin
A strong 4 stars. I love Linda and her books continue to consistently deliver. This is book two in the India series, I previously read book one for a different challenge category.
In book two, Coral is more determined than ever to locate her lost adopted Indian son, and open a school for the untouchables. Meanwhile Jace has been coerced in to redonning his uniform.
In order to reach her home, Coral and Jace undertake an arduous trek through the Indian jungle.
In this book, Linda displays the tropes that draw me to her trilogies. An in-depth fascinating knowledge of a foreign culture, a sweet ingenue with a heart for God, an uncle plotting evil and most importantly a strong, manly leading man. 😂. Seriously though, her characters are always real and three dimensional.
Jace had a hard life but he uses his circumstances to make him a better man. His faith remains dubious, and I think that is the point. He's struggling to find what he truly believes.
Meanwhile Coral puts her faith first in all things. I love her heart, her courage and her willingness to follow God's plan.
A lot happens in this book to pull you towards the final destination of Coral's home on Kingscote, including a treacherous trek through the jungle and mysterious plot that begins to be revealed with Coral’s uncle Hugo at the center. The intrigue is palpable as Coral and Jace try to unravel the secrets and mysteries surrounding them.
The second book was table setting for the brewing storm that will ultimately take place in the third book.
I enjoyed the ride and can't wait to finish the trilogy.
Highly recommend Linda Chaikin, she's one of my favorite authors and I recommend this series.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/scriptl...
#2023readingchallenge
#24recommendedbyafriend
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# 24 Recommended by a Friend
Book: Under Eastern Stars (Heart of India #2)
Author: Linda Chaikin
A strong 4 stars. I love Linda and her books continue to consistently deliver. This is book two in the India series, I previously read book one for a different challenge category.
In book two, Coral is more determined than ever to locate her lost adopted Indian son, and open a school for the untouchables. Meanwhile Jace has been coerced in to redonning his uniform.
In order to reach her home, Coral and Jace undertake an arduous trek through the Indian jungle.
In this book, Linda displays the tropes that draw me to her trilogies. An in-depth fascinating knowledge of a foreign culture, a sweet ingenue with a heart for God, an uncle plotting evil and most importantly a strong, manly leading man. 😂. Seriously though, her characters are always real and three dimensional.
Jace had a hard life but he uses his circumstances to make him a better man. His faith remains dubious, and I think that is the point. He's struggling to find what he truly believes.
Meanwhile Coral puts her faith first in all things. I love her heart, her courage and her willingness to follow God's plan.
A lot happens in this book to pull you towards the final destination of Coral's home on Kingscote, including a treacherous trek through the jungle and mysterious plot that begins to be revealed with Coral’s uncle Hugo at the center. The intrigue is palpable as Coral and Jace try to unravel the secrets and mysteries surrounding them.
The second book was table setting for the brewing storm that will ultimately take place in the third book.
I enjoyed the ride and can't wait to finish the trilogy.
Highly recommend Linda Chaikin, she's one of my favorite authors and I recommend this series.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/scriptl...
June 13, 2016
I did not read book 1. Probably would have helped, for some of the things were difficult to follow.
Most of the characters had two or three names, which made for sifting through and remembering who was who. (I don't do that well.)
Some of the motives of the character were inconsistent and unpredictable, like why Coral would believe Ethan. while he sided with her uncle.
I enjoyed the author's descriptions.
Her setting in India was unique.
Her inclusion of real missionaries anchored me into the time setting.
SPOILER: The end came suddenly without real closure. (I do not like to be left hanging to run out to buy another book to have it finish.)
Most of the characters had two or three names, which made for sifting through and remembering who was who. (I don't do that well.)
Some of the motives of the character were inconsistent and unpredictable, like why Coral would believe Ethan. while he sided with her uncle.
I enjoyed the author's descriptions.
Her setting in India was unique.
Her inclusion of real missionaries anchored me into the time setting.
SPOILER: The end came suddenly without real closure. (I do not like to be left hanging to run out to buy another book to have it finish.)
May 7, 2022
3.5 stars
Re-read 5/6/22
Still as compelling as ever, but the overuse of passive voice about drove me batty.
Re-read 5/6/22
Still as compelling as ever, but the overuse of passive voice about drove me batty.
October 31, 2013
The sequel to a book I absolutely loved when I was younger.
March 3, 2023
See review for book 1
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews