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20 March 2014

Noela Nancarrow reviews The Ransom by MaryLu Tyndall


The Ransom 
The Ransom (Legacy of the King’s Pirates)
Ransom Press (February 27, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****

Dare to take a heart-stopping, hair-raising, and breathtaking voyage with ‘The Ransom’ to a time and place where fierce and merciless pirates ruled the seas, capturing and plundering merchant ships, and spending their ill-gotten gains on women and spirits after anchoring their sailing vessels in the harbor.

Ruthless, scurrilous pirates and other depraved miscreants infest the town of Port Royal in Jamaica, causing it to go down in history as one of the most nefarious cities in Jamaica in the late 1600’s. With the copious seedy brothels and taverns littering the town near the wharves and feeding the sinful natures of those without God, this is not an area any unaccompanied woman should find themselves in when the sun begins to set, let alone a young lady of great beauty. But while searching for and helping a fallen friend, that’s exactly where the flaxen-haired Juliana Dutton finds herself on more than one occasion.

Feeling like God has abandoned her as she experiences one calamity after another, Juliana has never felt more alone or vulnerable. With an ailing father and drunken, gambling brother, it is up to Juliana to keep a roof over their heads by continuing to run the family’s shipping business. This charade is in dire danger of shattering should anyone find out it is a woman behind the helm. Juliana is particularly worried that a certain meddling and persistent suitor, could be just the one to discover her secret.

The dark-haired and charismatic Captain Alexander Hyde leads a secret double life... As the dangerously handsome, intimidating, and greatly-feared Pirate Earl, and also as the entertaining Lord Munthrope - an ostentatious and foppishly flamboyant man of society. Alex has loved Juliana from afar for some time, and so devises a plan when he realizes that Juliana is desiring to distance herself from her annoying and determined suitor. A plan that will also give him an opportunity to spend more time with her, albeit as high society's popular and pompous Lord Munthrope.

As Juliana comes to know the two separate identities of Alex, is she in danger of forming feelings for one or both of them? Will the Pirate Earl's greatest enemy finally capture him and have this elusive pirate hanged? And can Juliana continue to successfully run the family business without being exposed and lose the security she’s worked so tirelessly for?

As you read this artfully written tale where the words and phrases all bespoke of a much different time and place far removed from modern day, you’ll be captivated by this adrenalizing romantic adventure of the grandest swashbuckling type! From clashing sword fights and battles between ships, to earthquakes and fire, there is nary a dull moment leading up to the finale of this exhilarating story that will bring a lump to your throat, tears in your eyes, and praise for God in your heart. A story that is hugely unpredictable in its telling, yet completely predictable in the quality I've come to expect from MaryLu Tyndall. Fully trusting God even through the darkest valleys, and learning it isn't the sum of your charity and works that gains God's favor, are two lessons that are masterfully illuminated in ‘The Ransom’. Treasures that will long stay with you as they are buried in your spirit. I highly recommend this inspirational, pirate romance adventure!
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To err is human, to arr is pirate!
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This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble, and other bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: We are giving away TWO copies of this treasure this week!! One paperback copy of The Ransom, and one ebook copy. International winner ebook only.
Please remember to leave your EMAIL ADDRESS so we can contact you should you be one of the winners!

38 comments:

  1. Awesome! No need to enter me, since my copy is on the way :) Just wondering, when does the contest end?

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    1. Hi SARAH, great to see you here! The contest will end this weekend and when it is drawn Carrie will send the winner an email and then put up the winner's names at the top of the side bar. Happy reading times ahead for you with MaryLu's book Sarah!! ;)

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  2. This review is so awesome, NOELA, I want to read the book again! lol But my toppling over TBR stack is telling me NO! :P Such a wonderful read -- MaryLu really outdid herself this time!

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    1. Ohh if only we had time or two heads DIANA... there are a ton of books I'd love to read again too, and some of those are most definitely MaryLu's!! :) You better listen to your TBR stack for now Diana... it could be dangerous if it falls over! ;)

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  3. NOELA ~clap clap clap~ I am giving you a standing ovation for this wonderful review of MaryLu's obviously outstanding book! I can't believe I could even find the words to describe the joy it gave me to read it. Our dear friend MaryLu really outdid herself with this one and I didn't think that was possible. Everything she writes is truly a blessing and you can see the hand of GOD in it.

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    1. A blessing indeed TERESA... When reading one of MaryLu's stories, it's like finding a rare gem in a treasure chest of books! Not only does one get to read a masterpiece of writing and experience grand adventures and swoon-worthy heroes, but they also get uplifted by the inspirational message within! Man, I should have put THAT in my review, lol. Thank you also Teresa me mate, for your sweet words and support!

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  4. I've heard she writes action and adventure awesomely! Thanks for the double giveaway and great review!

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com
    http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com

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    1. That she does HEIDI, and most awesomely too!! All the best in the draw Heidi, I hope you can come on the adventure of a lifetime soon! :)

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  5. I would love to win this book, never read this book before but would love too. MaryLu is my favorite author to read can't wait for new book to come out soon.
    oh.hello.hiya@gmail.com

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    1. G'day DANIE, I'm cheering for you to win this exciting book of MaryLu's!! This is MaryLu Tyndall's latest book to be released, but I'm with you in holding my breath until each new one comes out! ;)

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  6. Great review Noela. You really know how to bring out just enough of the story that those reading it want to know the whole story. Of course who doesn't want a book by MaryLu Tyndall? You OWG girls are great and sending ((Hugs)) your way. Pleasse4 add my name to the Pirate hat. Thanks for a job well done. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. Thanks MAXIE, I really do appreciate you saying that as I always worry I'll end up giving too much away... It's always something that's on our minds! :)
      Lol, who indeed wouldn't want a book by MaryLu Tyndall?!! Your name, me matey, is in the pirate hat! :)

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  7. :( Forgive my error. Saw it just as I hit submit. Maxie

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  8. What a fantastic review, Noela! I am eager to read MaryLu's pirate adventures!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thank you BRITNEY, here's to a grand pirate-y adventure for you! Along with a handsome swashbuckling pirate of course and found in MaryLu's novels!! :)

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  9. Your review has me convinced I need to read this book. I love the idea of a book about Pirates that is not only clean it brings the reader to praise for God.

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    1. Cool! I'm so happy to hear that JAN, and yes, MaryLu's books ALWAYS have great messages in them that brings the reader closer to God!

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  10. LOL -- love your quote, Noela!!! That is so cute!!! Thanks for the great review!

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    1. Haha thanks CARRIE... I saw that quote on the internet somewhere when researching a few pirate-y words, and HAD to use it! :)

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  11. Noela, wonderful review! Wasn't The Ransom fantastic? MaryLu sure kept me on the edge of my seat with this one. Loved Alex! He's already become one of my favorite heroes for 2014. You won't need to enter me in the drawing since I've already read the book. Just wanted to pop over and say 'Ahoy matey!' :)

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    1. Ahoy to you too matey! :) Thanks for sailing on over to my review ANGI, and absolutely yes, The Ransom was a fantastic read and Alex was a one of a kind hero, sigh, you gotta love his sense of humor dressing up and making fun of all the pompous dandy's of that time, lol!! ;)

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  12. Oh, Noela - what a wonderfully beautiful review!! The pictures it brought to mind had me feeling as if I was in a movie theatre, watching the coming attractions previews!!

    As with some of you ladies, I never pictured myself enjoying pirate stories - however, so many people have raved about MaryLu's pirate novels, I am anxious to "see what all the fuss is about"!! The adventures you describe truly sound like an action movie, and almost more than some hearts might be able to withstand!!

    I'm curious as to how MaryLu reconciles godly characters in such a violent, amoral, setting - however, it happened in the bible, so I know it can be done!! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of "The Ransom"!!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
    OWG

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    1. Likewise BONNIE, what a sweet and wonderful comment you left!! I reckon MaryLu's books could be made into movies quite easily... but they may need a rather large budget considering all the epic scenes involved! :) I can't wait for you to read some of MaryLu's books Bonnie and make sure when you do, you let us know what you think! Oh and yes, you will have to read The Ransom and MaryLu's others to see how she plays out her characters in such an ungodly setting,... My lips are sealed, lol! :-)

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  13. A wonderful review thank you.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. Thanks MARY, and thank you for coming by to read the review of The Ransom!

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  14. LOL - I'm giggling about that quote, Noela! :) And I enjoyed your great review. I really have to make time for this book soon.

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    1. It's a good one eh?!! :) When you can find some time MARIAN to read it, you'll be so glad you did!! :)

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  15. Great review! Sounds like a great book Cute quote too
    God bless All of u
    Chris
    granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet

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    1. Thanks CHRIS and yep, it is an exceptional story! You'll really enjoy it! God bless you too Chris, and thanks for coming by!

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  16. It sounds like a great read! I love the to "arr is pirate" quote, too. Haha :) Thanks for the chance to win!
    jennismith1983(at)gmail(dot)com.

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    1. It is at that JENNIFER, I hope you get a chance to read The Ransom soon! I found that quote on the internet Jennifer when I was doing a spot of pirate research for the review, couldn't resist using it! :)

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  17. WOW! The Ransom sounds like a great book and this review is wonderful--it just pulled me right in! Thanks so much for sharing! I really hope I win, but I look forward to reading The Ransom either way!

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    1. That's great KATHERINE, thanks! It's definitely a book that needs to be on our 'must-read list'! :) All the best in the draw Katherine... maybe you'll get to read it sooner than you think!!

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  18. Hi everyone! Sorry to be so late!! My daughter just gave birth to my first grandbaby, a girl.. and I was privileged to be with her in delivery. It was the most incredible experience of my life! But I was up for 24 hours and really tired. Anyway, THANKS Noela for such a wonderful review!!! I loved that you loved the story. Your eloquent review had me teary-eyed!
    Thanks to everyone who left a comment! I really appreciate your kind words and interest in my book! Hugs to all and have a great weekend!

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    1. CONGRATS again MARYLU on becoming a Grandma for the first time - an experience unlike any other! Being a Grandma for the first time myself, I'm still amazed at the depth of love we develop for our grandchildren... It's just as powerful as for your own!! I sure hope you've been able to catch up on your sleep now... I did the same thing for my best friend, with that same lack of sleep... I felt so 'drugged' until I was able to sleep again!
      So happy you enjoyed the review too MaryLu... For such an incredible story, I could do none other than put everything into the review! In other words, lots of time and polishing! ;) Bless you MaryLu, keep on writing, and enjoy your beautiful grand-daughter!!

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  19. Mary Lu's book sounds amazing....hope to win! Rhonda
    rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net

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    1. It really is RHONDA... a real treat!! Your entry is in the (pirate) hat!

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