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In the Far Pashmina Mountains
An RNA Romantic Novel Award nominee.
From shipwreck and heartbreak to treachery and war: can their love survive?
Abandoned as a baby and raised in a remote lighthouse off the wild Northumberland coast, Alice Fairchild has always dreamed of adventure. When a fierce storm wrecks a ship nearby, she risks everything in an act of bravery that alters the course of her life.
Aboard the doomed vessel is the handsome John Sinclair, a Scottish soldier on his way to India. The connection between them is instant, but soon fate intervenes and leaves Alice heartbroken and alone. Determined to take charge of her destiny but secretly hoping her path will cross again with John's, she too makes a new start in colonial India.
Life there is colourful and exotic, but beneath the bright facade is an undercurrent of violence, and when the British invade Afghanistan, Alice is caught up in the dangerous campaign. When at last she hears news of John, she is torn between two very different lives. But will she follow her head or her heart?
From shipwreck and heartbreak to treachery and war: can their love survive?
Abandoned as a baby and raised in a remote lighthouse off the wild Northumberland coast, Alice Fairchild has always dreamed of adventure. When a fierce storm wrecks a ship nearby, she risks everything in an act of bravery that alters the course of her life.
Aboard the doomed vessel is the handsome John Sinclair, a Scottish soldier on his way to India. The connection between them is instant, but soon fate intervenes and leaves Alice heartbroken and alone. Determined to take charge of her destiny but secretly hoping her path will cross again with John's, she too makes a new start in colonial India.
Life there is colourful and exotic, but beneath the bright facade is an undercurrent of violence, and when the British invade Afghanistan, Alice is caught up in the dangerous campaign. When at last she hears news of John, she is torn between two very different lives. But will she follow her head or her heart?
543 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2018
1043 people are currently reading
1127 people want to read
About the author
Janet MacLeod Trotter
47 books364 followersJanet was brought up in the North East of England with her four brothers, by Scottish parents. She is a best-selling author of 24 books, including the hugely popular INDIA TEA SERIES, THE JARROW TRILOGY and a childhood memoir, BEATLES & CHIEFS, which was featured on BBC Radio Four. Her novel, THE HUNGRY HILLS, gained her a place on the shortlist of The Sunday Times’ Young Writers’ Award, and the TEA PLANTER’S DAUGHTER and IN THE FAR PASHMINA MOUNTAINS were nominated for the RNA Historical Novel Award. Her India-set novels, such as THE RAJ HOTEL SERIES, are inspired by her grandparents who lived and worked in India from the 1920s to '50s.
A graduate of Edinburgh University, she has been editor of the Clan MacLeod Magazine, a columnist on the Newcastle Journal and has had numerous short stories published in women’s magazines. Aged 18 she climbed on a bus and went to Kathmandu - the result was a mystery novel, THE VANISHING OF RUTH. Her second mystery, THE HAUNTING OF KULAH is set on the remote Outer Isles of Scotland. She has also written a Scottish historical novel, THE JACOBITE LASS, based on the epic story of Scottish heroine, Flora MacDonald.
A graduate of Edinburgh University, she has been editor of the Clan MacLeod Magazine, a columnist on the Newcastle Journal and has had numerous short stories published in women’s magazines. Aged 18 she climbed on a bus and went to Kathmandu - the result was a mystery novel, THE VANISHING OF RUTH. Her second mystery, THE HAUNTING OF KULAH is set on the remote Outer Isles of Scotland. She has also written a Scottish historical novel, THE JACOBITE LASS, based on the epic story of Scottish heroine, Flora MacDonald.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
September 10, 2018
I really enjoyed the first half of the book but I was so cross with Alice when she married her 2nd husband! The Afghanistan period rather dragged, and the end was too rushed, I wanted to know more.
July 21, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. I didnt realize a lot of it is based on real people and events. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
January 2, 2019
Do you remember the books that first got you excited about reading? I’m thinking about my mum’s library of books by Pearl S Buck and Nevil Shute, MM Kaye’s The Far Pavilions, Colleen McCullough’s The Thorn Birds – all of which might just have ignited my love of travel too, sweeping me away through time into their unfamiliar worlds, making me ache as I experienced every joy and agony of the love stories at their centres. In the Far Pashmina Mountains brought back to me those memories, of disappearing into the worlds they created, sometimes surfacing for food and air, but determined that nothing will deflect you from devouring the book to the very last page.
To some extent, this is a book of two halves, beginning in the early 19th century with the early story split between the young lives of Alice and John – two fascinating stories of hardship, determination and dramatic changes of fortune. The quality of the writing immediately drew me in – wonderful descriptions of the Northumberland coast and life in the lighthouse, the bitter cold of Skye, the complex characters, the family relationships, the day-to-day drama. And after the dramatic rescue and the ensuing betrayal that changes everyone’s lives, the second half of the story takes us to 1830s India, and from there to Afghanistan and the complexities of its invasion and governance, culminating in the harrowing story of the British retreat and the captivity of the women and children. And through it all runs the most wonderful love story, of twin souls destined to be together – but with so many obstacles, misunderstandings and wrong choices littering their way.
The story-telling is just magnificent – sweeping in its scale, but focused on individuals and events in their lives, against an enthralling backdrop of historical events that I previously knew so little about. It manages to be a small story – Alice and the twists and turns of her personal experience, the choices that you so hope she won’t make, her joys and sorrows – while stretching out to encompass world-changing events, military intelligence and social history, the complex relationships and alliances of rulers. As well as engaging your heart, it does call on your concentration: the “who’s who” in Afghanistan can be difficult to follow, distinguishing the good from the bad or the duplicitous, but I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The author has a fine emotional touch too – there are the many relationships, joyous and painful, but also the horror of the long walk out of Afghanistan, the heavy losses and their personal impacts.
The characters are wonderfully drawn. Alice’s drive and determination puts you firmly in her corner, however questionable some of her personal decisions may be – and John draws on the reserves of strength and integrity he built in childhood, and the love drawn from others. All the characters are superbly detailed, with minor characters sometimes moving to centre stage and playing a major role. And her “baddies” really are quite horrendous – cruel and villainous, but never crossing the line from believability.
And a final word about the sheer quality of the writing. I was totally blown away by the descriptions – whether it’s the interior of the lighthouse, the stark scenery of Skye, the Afghan mountain passes, the chaos of an Indian market – that draw on every sense to transport you. I loved this book – and have found another author to add to my “must read” list.
To some extent, this is a book of two halves, beginning in the early 19th century with the early story split between the young lives of Alice and John – two fascinating stories of hardship, determination and dramatic changes of fortune. The quality of the writing immediately drew me in – wonderful descriptions of the Northumberland coast and life in the lighthouse, the bitter cold of Skye, the complex characters, the family relationships, the day-to-day drama. And after the dramatic rescue and the ensuing betrayal that changes everyone’s lives, the second half of the story takes us to 1830s India, and from there to Afghanistan and the complexities of its invasion and governance, culminating in the harrowing story of the British retreat and the captivity of the women and children. And through it all runs the most wonderful love story, of twin souls destined to be together – but with so many obstacles, misunderstandings and wrong choices littering their way.
The story-telling is just magnificent – sweeping in its scale, but focused on individuals and events in their lives, against an enthralling backdrop of historical events that I previously knew so little about. It manages to be a small story – Alice and the twists and turns of her personal experience, the choices that you so hope she won’t make, her joys and sorrows – while stretching out to encompass world-changing events, military intelligence and social history, the complex relationships and alliances of rulers. As well as engaging your heart, it does call on your concentration: the “who’s who” in Afghanistan can be difficult to follow, distinguishing the good from the bad or the duplicitous, but I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The author has a fine emotional touch too – there are the many relationships, joyous and painful, but also the horror of the long walk out of Afghanistan, the heavy losses and their personal impacts.
The characters are wonderfully drawn. Alice’s drive and determination puts you firmly in her corner, however questionable some of her personal decisions may be – and John draws on the reserves of strength and integrity he built in childhood, and the love drawn from others. All the characters are superbly detailed, with minor characters sometimes moving to centre stage and playing a major role. And her “baddies” really are quite horrendous – cruel and villainous, but never crossing the line from believability.
And a final word about the sheer quality of the writing. I was totally blown away by the descriptions – whether it’s the interior of the lighthouse, the stark scenery of Skye, the Afghan mountain passes, the chaos of an Indian market – that draw on every sense to transport you. I loved this book – and have found another author to add to my “must read” list.
December 14, 2018
I'm giving this book 3/5 stars because I do believe there was a lot of research that went into this book, and I do think that deserves an extra star. Otherwise, I'd definitely lower my rating. (Along those lines, it was not completely historically accurate. Do yourself a favor and read something historically accurate first so you can be the judge.)
Overall, this book just wasn't quite good enough. It was disappointing. Ultimately, as a main character, Alice was aggravating with her constant dramas and romances. She was flaky. She was never her own person, but really influenced by the individuals around her but at the same time I hated that she could justify her relationship with John because he was her beloved and they had pledged themselves to each other and that pledge was stronger than either of the marriage vows she took. Naturally, John was a sympathetic and magnetizing character with his traumatic backstory (s). Their travels were fascinating, primarily the bit in Afghanistan. That was beautifully descriptive and intriguing, but it wasn't enough to redeem the book.
Overall, I was disappointed because of the high reviews and ratings I had read. 3/5 stars.
Overall, this book just wasn't quite good enough. It was disappointing. Ultimately, as a main character, Alice was aggravating with her constant dramas and romances. She was flaky. She was never her own person, but really influenced by the individuals around her but at the same time I hated that she could justify her relationship with John because he was her beloved and they had pledged themselves to each other and that pledge was stronger than either of the marriage vows she took. Naturally, John was a sympathetic and magnetizing character with his traumatic backstory (s). Their travels were fascinating, primarily the bit in Afghanistan. That was beautifully descriptive and intriguing, but it wasn't enough to redeem the book.
Overall, I was disappointed because of the high reviews and ratings I had read. 3/5 stars.
February 5, 2019
Great Story but too long winded
This would have been 5 stars but it was so badly edited. I kept thinking to give up midway through the story as it went on with no real character development. I must admit, I was bored most of the second half but stuck with it. I feel I have just wasted too many hours on this book.
This would have been 5 stars but it was so badly edited. I kept thinking to give up midway through the story as it went on with no real character development. I must admit, I was bored most of the second half but stuck with it. I feel I have just wasted too many hours on this book.
August 10, 2019
Disappointing
This book started well but just dragged on and on. I found myself skim reading towards the end just to get to the end of the book and after all that I feel the author had the same thoughts as it just came to an abrupt end! It was like she decided that she couldn't be bothered anymore so just killed Vernon.. The end!
This book started well but just dragged on and on. I found myself skim reading towards the end just to get to the end of the book and after all that I feel the author had the same thoughts as it just came to an abrupt end! It was like she decided that she couldn't be bothered anymore so just killed Vernon.. The end!
October 23, 2020
The story has partly been told over and over again and offered nothing new: boy and girl meet and fall deeply in love; intrigue and lies keep them apart (both thinking the worst of the other one); they meet again, but can't be together as they're both married to other people; girl marries tyrant and suffers considerably before finally the long-awaited happy end (pretty much on the last 4 pages). That's the story that has been written about in countless books and I knew after less than a quarter of the book where this 'love part' of the story is heading.
Admittedly, the setting of the story is not as common: India & Afghanistan in the 1830s and 1840s.
Occasionally, I also had to question the rationale of the main character's (Alice) behaviour: she is so desperate for a child that she marries someone that everyone warned her about and she hardly knows? Call me a romantic, but usually you want to have a child with someone you love.
But of course I felt deeply for her when she suffers at the hand of one of the most despicable characters I have encountered in all the books I've read so far this year. I wished this abhorrent man could have suffered a bit more before being killed.
Also, what would have been nice if Alice and John had returned to Scotland at the end of the book as I would have liked to know what had become of Alice's and John's families there. All the characters that were so important in the first quarter of the book disappear completely.
The historical facts of the book are well researched, although I have to say that the story, especially the last 70+ pages is confusing and drags on. At some point I lost track who is actually fighting, who are allies, who are enemies, who is in charge etc. It's definitely too long, the descriptions in the last few chapters are too repetitive and one could easily cut 50 pages (if not more) from the story.
In summary, an okay book to read with a basic story that offers nothing new or surprising. However, the setting and historical background are interesting and not often told. I would rate it higher, but for me the end dragged on too much and descriptions were too repetitive.
2 - 2.5 stars.
Admittedly, the setting of the story is not as common: India & Afghanistan in the 1830s and 1840s.
Occasionally, I also had to question the rationale of the main character's (Alice) behaviour: she is so desperate for a child that she marries someone that everyone warned her about and she hardly knows? Call me a romantic, but usually you want to have a child with someone you love.
But of course I felt deeply for her when she suffers at the hand of one of the most despicable characters I have encountered in all the books I've read so far this year. I wished this abhorrent man could have suffered a bit more before being killed.
Also, what would have been nice if Alice and John had returned to Scotland at the end of the book as I would have liked to know what had become of Alice's and John's families there. All the characters that were so important in the first quarter of the book disappear completely.
The historical facts of the book are well researched, although I have to say that the story, especially the last 70+ pages is confusing and drags on. At some point I lost track who is actually fighting, who are allies, who are enemies, who is in charge etc. It's definitely too long, the descriptions in the last few chapters are too repetitive and one could easily cut 50 pages (if not more) from the story.
In summary, an okay book to read with a basic story that offers nothing new or surprising. However, the setting and historical background are interesting and not often told. I would rate it higher, but for me the end dragged on too much and descriptions were too repetitive.
2 - 2.5 stars.
October 8, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and AmazonCrossing UK for the eARC.
As a rule I don't read romance novels, but the promise of travelling to England, Scotland, India and Afghanistan in the 1800's was impossible to resist and I'm so pleased I read this wonderful book.
Alice and John fall in love after she rescues him from a shipwreck and takes care of him. But the fates are against them and throw spanners into their lives over the next thirty or so years. Many missed opportunities continue to thwart their love, frustrating the reader, but don't worry, the historic settings, the adventure and the descriptions of England's East India Company's forays into Afghanistan make for compulsive page turning...great stuff. So well written and researched, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Definitely recommended!
As a rule I don't read romance novels, but the promise of travelling to England, Scotland, India and Afghanistan in the 1800's was impossible to resist and I'm so pleased I read this wonderful book.
Alice and John fall in love after she rescues him from a shipwreck and takes care of him. But the fates are against them and throw spanners into their lives over the next thirty or so years. Many missed opportunities continue to thwart their love, frustrating the reader, but don't worry, the historic settings, the adventure and the descriptions of England's East India Company's forays into Afghanistan make for compulsive page turning...great stuff. So well written and researched, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Definitely recommended!
January 12, 2019
Audio version. I was hoping for something as good The Far Pavilions but this was a disappointment. Narration was horrible. The heroine turned into an idiot halfway through the story and I couldn't get behind any of her decisions.
November 10, 2018
Good book but very sudden ending
Thought quite good but very sudden ending. Parts of the story were obvious which spoilt it somewhat. Still a good read.
Thought quite good but very sudden ending. Parts of the story were obvious which spoilt it somewhat. Still a good read.
December 23, 2019
This started with such promise but dragged and dragged and dragged . . .
August 17, 2019
A highborn lady who is on the run to meet her lover leaves her baby behind. The child is raised by the poor family of the lighthousekeeper. She saves people when their ship has hit a nearby rock and one of the survivors will play an important part in her life. When she is a grown woman she joins her husband in India and ends up in the middle of the First Anglo-Afghan war. It was the first time in history the British conquered Kabul but it ended in a total disaster,
The lighthousekeeper's daughter part I did recognise as the real life story it was indeed inspired by but the Afghan disaster was new to me. It just made me realise that in our lifetime we made the same mistakes there.
I read that the author has been to India herself and that her ancestors were posted there. It is clear she did a lot of research in the subject.
The book makes a very interesting read because although it is a historical novel it still keeps pretty close to the historical facts and you really hope the best for the heroine.
This was the real lighthousekeeper's daughter who saved the people who were shipwrecked: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_D...
More about the Anglo Afghan war here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_A...
The lighthousekeeper's daughter part I did recognise as the real life story it was indeed inspired by but the Afghan disaster was new to me. It just made me realise that in our lifetime we made the same mistakes there.
I read that the author has been to India herself and that her ancestors were posted there. It is clear she did a lot of research in the subject.
The book makes a very interesting read because although it is a historical novel it still keeps pretty close to the historical facts and you really hope the best for the heroine.
This was the real lighthousekeeper's daughter who saved the people who were shipwrecked: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_D...
More about the Anglo Afghan war here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_A...
October 29, 2019
A love stroy
The book tell the story of Alice who was rejected by her mother , foster parents was inches of the light house. Her life took her into the war between the English and the angafan. A love story that I was disappointed with the briefs ending.
The book tell the story of Alice who was rejected by her mother , foster parents was inches of the light house. Her life took her into the war between the English and the angafan. A love story that I was disappointed with the briefs ending.
October 3, 2018
Outstanding story!
Having just spent the past two days and nights reading this mesmerizing story of a passionate and enduring love, I am, again, in awe of this author's skill in creating a masterwork.
The story begins in early 1800's and continues through the next three decades as two young people, a lighthouse keeper 's daughter and a soldier, meet after his ship is wrecked and she is one of his rescuers. The soldier John and his unlikely rescuer Alice fall rapidly in love as she assists in nursing him back to health after the harrowing rescue.
So many obstacles are thrown in their path causing separation of these two and missed opportunities which made me grit my teeth as I cheered them on. This is a wonderfully written book with well described characters and locations in Britain, Scotland, India, as well as Afghanistan. The scenes fill the senses and the action is adventurous and suspense filled. This was definitely a hard book to put down.
The history is interesting and obviously well researched especially Britain's East Indian Company 's campaigns into Afghanistan. Commendable and realistic storytelling.
This is a book worth reading and I highly recommend to readers of historical fiction and romance.
Having just spent the past two days and nights reading this mesmerizing story of a passionate and enduring love, I am, again, in awe of this author's skill in creating a masterwork.
The story begins in early 1800's and continues through the next three decades as two young people, a lighthouse keeper 's daughter and a soldier, meet after his ship is wrecked and she is one of his rescuers. The soldier John and his unlikely rescuer Alice fall rapidly in love as she assists in nursing him back to health after the harrowing rescue.
So many obstacles are thrown in their path causing separation of these two and missed opportunities which made me grit my teeth as I cheered them on. This is a wonderfully written book with well described characters and locations in Britain, Scotland, India, as well as Afghanistan. The scenes fill the senses and the action is adventurous and suspense filled. This was definitely a hard book to put down.
The history is interesting and obviously well researched especially Britain's East Indian Company 's campaigns into Afghanistan. Commendable and realistic storytelling.
This is a book worth reading and I highly recommend to readers of historical fiction and romance.
July 29, 2020
As I started reading this book, I just knew it would be my favorite! The author does an amazing job walking us through every moment of the characters’ lives from birth. It was beautiful and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Until.... Alice learns who she really is.
1. She suddenly forgets all the years the Browns were her family? She quickly starts an amazing relationship with her new Papa?
2. Were all the experiences she had with Vernon necessary for us, the readers? The violent sex and drugs?
3. I appreciate the author's extensive knowledge on what occurred in real life with the British and the Afghans. However, I found the heaps of details overwhelming and hard to keep up with. I don’t think that as a reader, I needed to know each political detail.
4. Sadly, John ends up with Alice in the last couple of pages. All that storyline, lengthy at that, just to get a few sentences of their “happily ever after?!”
The first half of this book is a 5 star. The second part is a 3. For me.
Until.... Alice learns who she really is.
1. She suddenly forgets all the years the Browns were her family? She quickly starts an amazing relationship with her new Papa?
2. Were all the experiences she had with Vernon necessary for us, the readers? The violent sex and drugs?
3. I appreciate the author's extensive knowledge on what occurred in real life with the British and the Afghans. However, I found the heaps of details overwhelming and hard to keep up with. I don’t think that as a reader, I needed to know each political detail.
4. Sadly, John ends up with Alice in the last couple of pages. All that storyline, lengthy at that, just to get a few sentences of their “happily ever after?!”
The first half of this book is a 5 star. The second part is a 3. For me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2019
I despise weak, spineless and stupid women. And this is what the main character Alice was from the first moment I read about her. She couldn’t see the bad in her brother Danny. I read on thinking she was just a child and would mature into a strong independent woman but unfortunately she just became stupider instead of wiser despite more life experience.
John, on the other hand did have a lovely transformation from a scared and traumatised child into a strong, confident young man almost singlehandedly saving the British in the end in Afghanistan. His only flaw was liking Alice.
This authors tea series is a lot better and I’m shocked that she has written this
John, on the other hand did have a lovely transformation from a scared and traumatised child into a strong, confident young man almost singlehandedly saving the British in the end in Afghanistan. His only flaw was liking Alice.
This authors tea series is a lot better and I’m shocked that she has written this
May 12, 2020
Well this novel started off not too badly, but got progressively long and winded and the heroine of it was such a weak person, influenced by many , and not showing enough determination to make something more of her life.
I love stories from India, having The Tea Planters books which I really enjoyed, but this one left me totally unimpressed. The only good thing about was the description of the countries involved.
I am moving to another book by this author and hopefully I will not be disappointed.
Michele Zito
I love stories from India, having The Tea Planters books which I really enjoyed, but this one left me totally unimpressed. The only good thing about was the description of the countries involved.
I am moving to another book by this author and hopefully I will not be disappointed.
Michele Zito
November 7, 2018
For me this book started well but half way through I lost the plot a little. I think all the tiny details about the war and the relationships between the English Army and India and surrounding countries were lost on me a little and I found myself wishing I had listened more in my history lessons.
The main character drove me slightly nuts with her different relationships and though I have read other books by this author before I didnt really enjoy this one.
The main character drove me slightly nuts with her different relationships and though I have read other books by this author before I didnt really enjoy this one.
November 3, 2018
I was enjoying the story that brought John and Alice together until the last 25 % of the book. When the setting changed to India and surrounding area, the story became quite tedious and slow, bogged down by trying to keep track of which foreign names were on whose side in the skirmishes. I kept going, thinking the pace would pick up, but it did not.
November 23, 2018
Northumberland coast. Lighthouse. Effie Brown (Arnold’s wife) had just helped Mrs. Charlotte Fairchild (mother) deliver her daughter Alice Fairchild.
The father of Alice Captain Eric Nielsen (Danish, Charlotte’s lover) would probably never come back to get the 2 of them as he promised.
Effie agreed with Charlotte to keep Alice until she could provide better care for her.
Effie knew the mother would never come back.
1818, Black Harbour Island. Effie wanted Alice to help with chores.
Daniel “Danny” Brown (15, son/brother/step), & Sam Brown (13, son/brother/step) were off for another daily adventure.
Arnold Brown (husband, Lighthouse keeper) put his foot down with the wife & told Alice (8) to go play.
Isle of Skye, Scotland. Mairi Sinclair (wife/mother) asked if her husband John Sinclair Sr. (father, gardener, former Scottish soldier) could take their son John “Johnny” Sinclair Jr. (5) with him.
Foxton estate garden. The 2 of them worked most of the day filling the wagon with produce.
Another storm was brewing.
CRACK! A tree came crashing down on John Sr.
Jeremiah Fox (East India Co. cloth importer) was truly heartbroken for the family & to lose a very valuable gardener.
Brewis (estate mgr.) would see the family got a few needs & send them on their way.
Ramanish house. Mairi passed away. Grandfather Norman MacAskill (boatman), Aunt Morag, & Great-Great-Grandfather Carlos (Spain, former soldier, Jacobites) would take care of John Jr.
Fast forward Danny (20) helped at the lighthouse.
He was also spending to much time at the Black Harbour Inn.
The parents were not happy about that.
1 day the lighthouse had caught fire. There was nothing left.
The family would have to move.
George Gillveray (Black Harbour House, horse breeder, botanist, traveler, amateur inventor) took it upon himself to help the family out.
Trinity House would build a new one.
Robert Stevenson (Scottish engineer) had arrived.
The rebuilding process was steady but slow.
Bad weather caused a halt for a while.
Ms. Lambert school teacher) was teaching Alice (15), & her new friend Molly (dairyman’s daughter). Arnold, Effie, Sam (20) & Danny (22) all had jobs.
George had taken a fancy to Alice & was teaching her lots of knowledgably worldly stuff.
Thomasina Johnson (post office) & Danny got married.
Soon a child was on the way.
The school closed & George was off traveling again.
John Sinclair (18) left his foster family & was off to study law at Aberdeen U.
He didn’t last the yr.
Hercules, Aunt Morag, & Azlan (John’s foster father, Afghans/Khyber kingdom) were very unhappy with John (22).
Black Harbour Lighthouse. George was back & Alice had a request from him.
The Berwickshire (ship) had sank to the bottom of the ocean.
John Sinclair (Highlander) & others had somehow managed to survive. He was being taken care of by Alice.
1 day out of the blue Colonel David Fairchild (Alice’s father, French Wars vet, Tolland Park) to visit with the Brown family & Alice.
John was now a cadet (linguistics, engineer) in the Addiscombe East India Co. Army.
Tolland Park. Colonel David Fairchild had passed away.
1835, Calcutta, India. Ft. William. St Peter’s church. Alice was marrying George as Mrs. Emily Ayton (Sandy’s wife), & Captain Sandy Ayton (Scottish, husband, Lord Auckland’s aide-de-camp) watched quietly.
What will happen to Lieutenant Sinclair?
What will happen with Alice & Vernon?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written (historical fiction, romance, Dual timeline) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great romance movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A fabulous book. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Lake Union Publishing; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
The father of Alice Captain Eric Nielsen (Danish, Charlotte’s lover) would probably never come back to get the 2 of them as he promised.
Effie agreed with Charlotte to keep Alice until she could provide better care for her.
Effie knew the mother would never come back.
1818, Black Harbour Island. Effie wanted Alice to help with chores.
Daniel “Danny” Brown (15, son/brother/step), & Sam Brown (13, son/brother/step) were off for another daily adventure.
Arnold Brown (husband, Lighthouse keeper) put his foot down with the wife & told Alice (8) to go play.
Isle of Skye, Scotland. Mairi Sinclair (wife/mother) asked if her husband John Sinclair Sr. (father, gardener, former Scottish soldier) could take their son John “Johnny” Sinclair Jr. (5) with him.
Foxton estate garden. The 2 of them worked most of the day filling the wagon with produce.
Another storm was brewing.
CRACK! A tree came crashing down on John Sr.
Jeremiah Fox (East India Co. cloth importer) was truly heartbroken for the family & to lose a very valuable gardener.
Brewis (estate mgr.) would see the family got a few needs & send them on their way.
Ramanish house. Mairi passed away. Grandfather Norman MacAskill (boatman), Aunt Morag, & Great-Great-Grandfather Carlos (Spain, former soldier, Jacobites) would take care of John Jr.
Fast forward Danny (20) helped at the lighthouse.
He was also spending to much time at the Black Harbour Inn.
The parents were not happy about that.
1 day the lighthouse had caught fire. There was nothing left.
The family would have to move.
George Gillveray (Black Harbour House, horse breeder, botanist, traveler, amateur inventor) took it upon himself to help the family out.
Trinity House would build a new one.
Robert Stevenson (Scottish engineer) had arrived.
The rebuilding process was steady but slow.
Bad weather caused a halt for a while.
Ms. Lambert school teacher) was teaching Alice (15), & her new friend Molly (dairyman’s daughter). Arnold, Effie, Sam (20) & Danny (22) all had jobs.
George had taken a fancy to Alice & was teaching her lots of knowledgably worldly stuff.
Thomasina Johnson (post office) & Danny got married.
Soon a child was on the way.
The school closed & George was off traveling again.
John Sinclair (18) left his foster family & was off to study law at Aberdeen U.
He didn’t last the yr.
Hercules, Aunt Morag, & Azlan (John’s foster father, Afghans/Khyber kingdom) were very unhappy with John (22).
Black Harbour Lighthouse. George was back & Alice had a request from him.
The Berwickshire (ship) had sank to the bottom of the ocean.
John Sinclair (Highlander) & others had somehow managed to survive. He was being taken care of by Alice.
1 day out of the blue Colonel David Fairchild (Alice’s father, French Wars vet, Tolland Park) to visit with the Brown family & Alice.
John was now a cadet (linguistics, engineer) in the Addiscombe East India Co. Army.
Tolland Park. Colonel David Fairchild had passed away.
1835, Calcutta, India. Ft. William. St Peter’s church. Alice was marrying George as Mrs. Emily Ayton (Sandy’s wife), & Captain Sandy Ayton (Scottish, husband, Lord Auckland’s aide-de-camp) watched quietly.
What will happen to Lieutenant Sinclair?
What will happen with Alice & Vernon?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written (historical fiction, romance, Dual timeline) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great romance movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A fabulous book. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Lake Union Publishing; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
October 4, 2018
Love and history, great story!
I really enjoyed reading this book. I received it (thank you!!!) from a Goodreads giveaway and was hooked from the beginning.
Spanning about 40 years, the book follows the life of Alice and her adventures across the continent. Her life changes so drastically over the years that I never lost interest even though it's a slightly longer book. The characters are developed beautifully. MacLeod Trotter's writing is fluid, vividly descriptive and well edited.
Poor Alice, she goes through so much after she leaves home! There is plenty of kindness, betrayal, love story, horror, history, and native culture in her journeys.
MacLeod Trotter writes in her author's note about the amount of historical research it took to write this, and it shows. I won't pretend to know anything about early British involvement but the Afghanistan part was the most interesting to me.
I might have sacrificed some tribal conflict details to know a little more about what happened to Alice at the end ;) The book wrapped up quickly and neatly with a satisfying ending but it did feel rushed.
I would not hesitate to recommend this to any fans of historical fiction and romance! Thank you again to the author and Goodreads for my Kindle copy!
There is a slightly different version on my blog at https://onenursereader.wixsite.com/on... 🌞
I really enjoyed reading this book. I received it (thank you!!!) from a Goodreads giveaway and was hooked from the beginning.
Spanning about 40 years, the book follows the life of Alice and her adventures across the continent. Her life changes so drastically over the years that I never lost interest even though it's a slightly longer book. The characters are developed beautifully. MacLeod Trotter's writing is fluid, vividly descriptive and well edited.
Poor Alice, she goes through so much after she leaves home! There is plenty of kindness, betrayal, love story, horror, history, and native culture in her journeys.
MacLeod Trotter writes in her author's note about the amount of historical research it took to write this, and it shows. I won't pretend to know anything about early British involvement but the Afghanistan part was the most interesting to me.
I might have sacrificed some tribal conflict details to know a little more about what happened to Alice at the end ;) The book wrapped up quickly and neatly with a satisfying ending but it did feel rushed.
I would not hesitate to recommend this to any fans of historical fiction and romance! Thank you again to the author and Goodreads for my Kindle copy!
There is a slightly different version on my blog at https://onenursereader.wixsite.com/on... 🌞
November 1, 2018
I have always enjoyed this author’s books and chose this as part of the Amazon First programme. I’ve just finished reading Secrets from the Tea Garden so wasn’t planning to read this anytime soon but was drawn in by the descriptions.
I loved the settings of the book, particularly Scotland and Northumberland which felt so different from her other books that I’ve read
Some interesting historical events are woven into the book which illustrates some of the challenges in the region - and provide context for modern day politics. whilst it was engaging, the period of the book set in Afghanistan was too long and drawn-out, I lost track of where they were and the geography. A map would have been really useful to help understand the journeys that the main characters were experiencing.
I felt this was a book of 2 halves - very strong and characterful in the first half and more journey led in the second half, with an ending that felt rushed. It worked in places but for me it’s not as strong as JMT’s other novels. A good read 4*
I loved the settings of the book, particularly Scotland and Northumberland which felt so different from her other books that I’ve read
Some interesting historical events are woven into the book which illustrates some of the challenges in the region - and provide context for modern day politics. whilst it was engaging, the period of the book set in Afghanistan was too long and drawn-out, I lost track of where they were and the geography. A map would have been really useful to help understand the journeys that the main characters were experiencing.
I felt this was a book of 2 halves - very strong and characterful in the first half and more journey led in the second half, with an ending that felt rushed. It worked in places but for me it’s not as strong as JMT’s other novels. A good read 4*
March 5, 2019
Really enjoyed this book. I have read the Tea Planters stories from the same author and this story, although intricately researched, didn’t quite keep me riveted as expected. The story is a wide ranging epic from Northumberland’s rugged coast right through to the Indian continent. I recognised the reference to Grace Darling from the saving of John’s life by Alice which sparked off their love for one another. The dastardly Vernon proved to be the much hated villain throughout the whole story and I desperately wanted him out!! The only thing that spoilt the story for me, was the amount of pages that were devoted to place names, names of battles, tribal names, leaders of the tribe names etc. After a while, it all merged into one. The author’s knowledge of this history is commendable, but just too much. That’s why I’ve only given it four stars. Nevertheless, highly recommended for an epic tale!
October 21, 2018
Wow!
This is such an amazing book! The characters and storyline were so vivid I could see everything as if I was actually there, and the details were amazing. Set in the early to mid 1800’s, the story begins with the early lives of Alice and John, and how they first met...with Alice and her brother rescuing a wounded John and a handful of other passengers shipwrecked on the rocks during a terrible storm. Later, John joins the British army in India. Alice and her husband move to India where they study growing tea varieties. While there, Alice runs into John, and the love they felt for each other long ago still exists...but it’s too late. The story then moves into Afghanistan with the disastrous attempt of the British army to get a foothold in that country. I really enjoyed reading this book.
This is such an amazing book! The characters and storyline were so vivid I could see everything as if I was actually there, and the details were amazing. Set in the early to mid 1800’s, the story begins with the early lives of Alice and John, and how they first met...with Alice and her brother rescuing a wounded John and a handful of other passengers shipwrecked on the rocks during a terrible storm. Later, John joins the British army in India. Alice and her husband move to India where they study growing tea varieties. While there, Alice runs into John, and the love they felt for each other long ago still exists...but it’s too late. The story then moves into Afghanistan with the disastrous attempt of the British army to get a foothold in that country. I really enjoyed reading this book.
October 22, 2018
This book was longer than I expected (no bad thing, I like a long book) and a little slow to start with. It was worth persevering and I became very involved in the characters. The story line was a little predictable - you knew what was going to happen to the characters, the decisions they were going to make but perhaps that was because they were well written so you felt like you knew the people. I did get annoyed with some of their decisions, but the book just reminds you of the difficulties of making life decisions when communication takes months and is very limited anyway. We are so used to instant communication and it is actually very new. I would recommend this book to any one who like historical romances and sagas.
January 2, 2019
I have been looking forward to reading this book, but put it off because it is around 8 hours long and I wanted a good run of a few days to read it. Having done this, I love the way the author has really built up the story, describing the characters, locations and flora and fauna perfectly, making you feel as if you are actually there.
The historical facts seem to be accurate but then I have not researched them thoroughly, there is intrigue and in parts the story is pretty grim but overall the book is a thoroughly good read. There isa good amount of human savagery, heros and the people who are selfish.
I would highly recommend this book, to the romantics, those who like historical books and those who like intrigue.
The historical facts seem to be accurate but then I have not researched them thoroughly, there is intrigue and in parts the story is pretty grim but overall the book is a thoroughly good read. There isa good amount of human savagery, heros and the people who are selfish.
I would highly recommend this book, to the romantics, those who like historical books and those who like intrigue.
April 11, 2020
An epic tale that entertains and educates
The history of 19th century Afghanistan includes confusing conflicts that are not unlike the those of more recent times, but instead of the Soviet Union and the United States, the unrest centers around the United Kingdom. Great Britain's huge losses at the retreat of Kabul and the forced march of surviving women and children provide a backdrop to a very compelling and beautifully written novel. Afghanistan today remains a country full of complexity and confusion while in this story it provides a dramatic stage for a love story that is beset with pretense and deception. Best savored with a cup of tea and a Pashmina shawl around your shoulders, this book is highly recommended.
The history of 19th century Afghanistan includes confusing conflicts that are not unlike the those of more recent times, but instead of the Soviet Union and the United States, the unrest centers around the United Kingdom. Great Britain's huge losses at the retreat of Kabul and the forced march of surviving women and children provide a backdrop to a very compelling and beautifully written novel. Afghanistan today remains a country full of complexity and confusion while in this story it provides a dramatic stage for a love story that is beset with pretense and deception. Best savored with a cup of tea and a Pashmina shawl around your shoulders, this book is highly recommended.
February 22, 2019
In a moment of weakness I ordered this book as a light read during a stressy time. It was a light read & the historical side was interesting (although has further entrenched my view of British colonialism as a dreadful thing) but, dearie me, what a bunch of wimpy women! The main character Alice drove me nuts! She was supposed to be the strong one but was written as so submissive! Yuk! I also didn’t expect the formulaic romance story line... it was an insult to my intelligence! The worst bit is, I ordered 2 of her other books, based on glowing reviews! 😫 Not sure I can stomach anything else like this.
September 26, 2018
Really liked this book - it was reasonably well written and the story moved on well. I enjoyed the part of the story set in Afghanistan - it was fascinating to read about the history of this country (the book is set in the early 1800s). As usual I'm afraid the British were overbearing and tried to have it all their own way, similar no doubt to India, but the characters were very likeable and you felt for the main characters in their trials and tribulations. Slightly predictable in some places but that was fine.
October 27, 2018
Pashmina Mountains
Wow! What a fabulous story! Janet is a wonderful storyteller. This is the third book I've read by her, and I didn't want to put it down. Reading this book brought out many emotions, it is very intense. Alice was such an inspiration. She was so strong. I don't know many people who could have endured all that she went through. John was an honorable man.. I was so saddened at him losing his father and then his mother at such a young age. Thank you for a wonderful escape. Alice's descriptions of India and it's people are so good you feel like you are there.
Wow! What a fabulous story! Janet is a wonderful storyteller. This is the third book I've read by her, and I didn't want to put it down. Reading this book brought out many emotions, it is very intense. Alice was such an inspiration. She was so strong. I don't know many people who could have endured all that she went through. John was an honorable man.. I was so saddened at him losing his father and then his mother at such a young age. Thank you for a wonderful escape. Alice's descriptions of India and it's people are so good you feel like you are there.
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