For An Australian to be able to lay claim to one First Fleeter in the family is a source of great pride. To be able to claim three...well! that's worthy of a book and what a great book it is! Of Angels and Eagles is a seamless blend of fact and fiction that vividly brings Australia's white beginnings to life.  Here is a book that entertains, enlightens and is as distinctive as the country and people it captures so beautifully. Even if there were no great southern land named Australia, no naval captain named Arthur Phillip and no fleet of eleven ships filled with convicts, this would still be a magnificent book!

-David Westgate-

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I loved it from page 1 and I can't wait for Book 2 to be released. So interesting and written in such a way that captures the imagination immediately and keeps you wanting to turn the pages. Great read.

-Penny Louw-

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A lovely inspiring read with interesting well drawn characters.  An effortless way to learn about out history.  I found myself wanting to pit i up and find out more of the story.  Looking forward to reading the next in the trilogy.

'Louise Cardenas-

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Loved this book from the moment I turned the first page.  Love reading about our history. Knowing the places that they go to makes it more intriguing.  Loved the characters.  Just love love loved it.  Great writer.  Can' wait for her next novel.

-Raelei Kennedy- 

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An insightful portrayal of 4 wonderful characters and their journey to the new land of Australia and their roles in settling this vast land, telling of their life in helping to build a wonderful country.  This book captures the ups and downs of first fleeters in an accurate time line with a slight romantic twist.  I found it an easy book to read and it kept me wanting more.  What a wonderful way to touch on our heritage and get to know a little of the people form whom I am descended.  The book left me with high spirits.  I cant wait for the next one.

-H Jackson-

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From the first page of reading Of Angels and Eagles I was absorbed.  I learnt so much following the lives of the four main characters, coping with the hardships of being first settlers arriving at Botany Bay, then transferred to Norfolk Island.  The empathy that one felt for these characters and being in this land stayed with me throughout my days of reading and long after.  I am so looking forward to the next book in the trilogy, 'Perseverance'.  This book comes from a writer with insight and empathy of the great hardships early settlers endured both physically and emotionally.

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This book was recommended to me after my husband and I spent a week on Norfolk Island and fell in love with it.  I read Of Angles and Eagles in record time for me.  I just couldn't put it down, reading well into the early hours of the morning following the lives of Susannah the Prostitute, Jacob the silk weaver, Edward the farm boy and Ann the urchin, from crime-ridden London to a life of so many difficulties and hurdles to overcome on Norfolk Island; eventually becoming farms, boat builders and parents and outstanding member and leaders of the Norfolk Island community.  The writer sustains the reader's interest from start to finish and I can't wait now for the 2nd book of the Garth Trilogy.

-Carol Rothwell-

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I thoroughly enjoyed reading Of Angels and Eagles as it brought to life the facts in a very real way.  I had completed my ancestry in 1980, visited Norfolk Island and Tasmania and when I read this book I was able to 'see' the places and understand the hardships encountered by the convicts sent to Botany Bay and then very quickly to Norfolk Island.  Beautifully written and I am now looking forward to reading Book 2 Perseverance.

-Noel Garth-

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I was intrigued by this book from the moment I started reading.  The stories of the main characters leading them closer together, during a very unsettled time, were realistic.  It was quite easy to picture each of them in the squalid ship, and the hostile land they settled on.  Thought no completely factual, it is based upon real people who have come to life again, through the magi of print.  Gives a brand new vision of our ancestors and the early colonies. Highly recommended.

-Amazon Customer-

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What a great way to learn of the history of my country via the lives of convicts. Brings to life the struggles of coming from 'civilised' England to the founding of the new colony.  I'm sure my forebears had similar experiences. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to the next installment.

-Amazon Customer- 

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A wonderful read. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

-Amazon Customer-

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I just finished Of Angels and Eagles.  I could barely put it down. You are such a talented writer.  I can't wait for the next two! 

-Sue Morony-

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Australian author Lynette McDermott has done an amazing job bringing to life the convicts' voyage to the Great Southern Land with her novel, Of Angels and Eagles, specifically the incredible hardships and triumphs encountered on Norfolk Island. There are no c!nts or f@cks so it's not easy for me to admit how great a book this is but Lyn has written an exceptional novel and one that provides excellent insight into the harsh realities of both the voyage to Australia in 1787 as well as the day-to-day perils and joys in a time that was truly unforgiving yet so full of hope. Get yourself a copy.

-Liam Carroll-

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My VERY favorite read in 2016 was, 'Of Angels and Eagles' Book 1 in the Garth trilogy by Australian Authoress Lynette McDermott, her Book 2 is due out very soon and as it is a novelised version of the history of the 4 original convicts who are Lynette's Australian ancestors. 
A fabulous read and a page turner. Hope you are able to go on line are access a copy worth every cent!

-Michele, Sandy Pages Coolum-

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Both my boyfriend and I read this book and couldn't put it down.
A lovely way of learning Australian history. I became so absorbed in the story, I felt as though i was right there on the first fleet with the characters.

-Amazon Reader review-

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Really enjoyed reading book one of the Garth Trilogy.
What an insight into the lives of our convicts and how they fared in difficult conditions.
Looking forward to reading book 2 of the trilogy.

-Amazon read review-

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I love history and I love a good story and Of Angels offered both. In a world where every second story is supposedly 'based on a true story' Of Angels genuinely is, and what a story it is. Written by a direct descendant of First Fleeters, and the main characters of the book, I can happily recommend it as a must-read for any Australian or anyone interested in Aussie history - or just anyone looking for a well written, great historical story!

-David, Amazon reader review-

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Of Angels and Eagles kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next to these 2 families, convicted to voyage to a very small island a long way from home in the late 18th century.
It's all based on historical fact, but the convict characters and their activities really come to life in this story. There is drama, dangers of the waves and a tough way of life. But also some touching humour along the way. It"s a rollicking adventure, as well as the true story of the author's convict ancestors. I really enjoyed it, and am waiting for Book 2 to arrive!

-Nona, Amazon reader review-

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This is the kind of book you look forward to picking up at the end of each day. I just really enjoyed every moment.
The story is based on real events and characters (which makes it even more remarkable), but they are mainly about three things: love, hope and survival. If you are into Australian or ancestral history, the book offers an extraordinary insight into the lives and dreams of some of the first convicts who were shipped off to the “Great South Land” from Great Britain - but above all, it’s an enjoyable read!

- Amazon reader review-

                                                                               

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I really enjoyed the early Australian history, all the characters and the page-turning drama in Of Angels and Eagles.  Hurry up with no.2! Thanks!

-Carolyn Kearney-

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I loved ‘Of Angels and Eagles’ and look forward to Book 2 of the Garth Trilogy.   Having been to Norfolk Island last year it was really interesting how I was able to relate to certain situations throughout the book.  Such as standing on the cliff looking out over Emily Bay -  the chickens roaming and running freely around the island – the beautiful Kingston.  Watching the boats coming in and knowing exactly (or close to) where they were standing at that time.   I could actually feel myself there with them…… Most of all, I think it is wonderful that your long, and I’m sure tiring research has been able to provide you so much to be able to write this story about your great, great, great, great grandparents.   How rewarding and fulfilling for you and your family

-Carol Rothwell-

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Thank you, the book arrived Friday and I must admit to sitting down and reading it that afternoon and finished it the next day. I class a good book as one you can see in your mind's eye what the author has written and you achieved this…. hope I am on the list for the second and third parts of the trilogy

-Ida Tevelein-

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I loved the book and can't wait for the next one...  Thanks also for the great introduction to Norfolk Island.

-Kim Whteman-

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Loved the first book! Can't wait for the next one!

-Leanne Booth-

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Just finished of Angels and Eagles, thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one.  Your ancestors were truly real pionneers.

-Elaine Stewart-

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I read the book cover to cover in one sitting and enjoyed it very much! - waiting for Book 2

-James K-

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This was a wonderfully compelling book. Well done!

-Patricia T-

                                                                                 

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I've finished your book, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  Whilst being related to these people obviously gave the book a special connection for me, it's a book that I believe anyone would enjoy.  I found myself wanting to continue to read it at every opportunity. Well done and thank you.

-ViV Cannon-

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If you love Aussie history and great storytelling you'll love Of Angels and Eagles. It's written by a friend who has more First and Second Fleet blood in her than the rest of us put together. If you want to learn a little more about Australia's beginnings or just want to enjoy a wonderful story about perseverance and spirit don't miss it

-Amazon Customer-

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I have loved reading your first novel. I believe the sign of a good book is when you look forward to the next opportunity to pick it up and re-join the characters, and this was certainly the case with Of Angels and Eagles. Looking forward to number two! -

-Louise Cardenas-

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I have just finished your first book and really enjoyed it. As I need to know what happens next on Van Diemen’s Land, please publish Book Two without delay. Congratulations

- Rachael Wallbank-

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Having been to Norfolk Island many times it is like I am transported back in time. I can’t put the book down. Well done

- Christine Anne-

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I loved the book and can’t wait the for next two

- Nan Bosler-

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I started last night, so captivating and so well written, it is hard to put it down

-Margot Hallaran-

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Loving your book Lynette. My mum who is blind, comes over twice a week and I read to her. My "mini" book club

- Narelle Boland-

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Finished reading the book. Takes years of research and months of writing and 1 week to read!!! Very good and interesting and shows the difference between Family history and genealogy. You have made a good story of it all, congratulations. Looking forward to the next instalment

-Bill McDermott-

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I am up to Chap 11 and enjoying every word👍👍👍👍 one thumbs each up for the heroes and heroines… I am actually finished now. Waiting patiently for Book 2 (then 3) to compete the Garth family Saga. loved it😊😊😊👍👍👍

-Michelle Dix-

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It's a great read… you kept me enthralled linking dates and names kept my mind active while reading. A little romantic embellishment of their lives I’m sure. I perhaps have found the origins of my childhood boogy man in the reference to the Ya Ho lol loved it. Well done 😊 

-Anthony Bloomhall-

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I read a lot, and can tell very quickly whether or not I'm going to enjoy a book, and yours certainly passes. Apart from the story itself, I like your style of writing. Only one negative and that is that the other two books aren't ready for me to continue reading after I finish this one. This is genuinely a winner, and I am definitely enjoying reading it

- Pam Thorley-

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Congratulations you put it all together very well. I've always wanted to go to Norfolk, now I know why

- Kathy McCrae-

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Loving it! I wanted to take today off work so I could finish it... Sure is a labour of love, thanks for sharing your research through this medium - it's awesome.

- Nicky Maxwell-

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A great read. I couldn't put it down. I read it in two sittings

- Judith O’Shea-

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I loved this book.  It is such a moving, inspiring story and to think it is based upon fact makes it even more incredible.  It was such a pleasure to read.  I didn't even realise I was learnig so much about Australian History as well.  I became really involved in the characters' lives and again, loved that they were real people who I truly cared for. Highly recommended.

-Amazon Customer-

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Just finished reading your great book. I couldn't put it down when I started reading, it was so good. Can't wait for your next book to see how their lives continue. I loved your work.

-Pat Shepheard-

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I have just started reading this wonderful story - trying to string it out - otherwise I know I wouldn't be able to put it down. What a wonderful insight into the way our family ancestors started off a new life and new generations at the 'bottom of the world'.  A great novel - praise to Lynette McDermott for taking me on this journey.

-Margaret Schmidt'

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A family narrative nicely woven into the fascinating historical context of early convict Australia. A good read, it will be interesting to see what happened next.

-Amazon Customer-

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