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22 May 2012

Diana's Corner: Review of Surrender the Dawn by MaryLu Tyndall


Surrender the Dawn : Surrender to Destiny

(Barbour, August 2011)

5 stars~ *****
Patriots and Privateers!

MaryLu Tyndall takes the reader away on a fantastic historical journey to Baltimore, Maryland, amidst the War of 1812. Cassandra Channing has lost her father, and both brothers to the war and must find a way to take care of her mother and the rest of her siblings. Her attempts at investing her money for a privateer is met with ridicule for the simple fact that she is a female, and therefore considered "bad luck" as a business partner. Out of desperation she offers a partnership to Luke Heaton, who having won a rotten, rusty ship in a card game, is in serious need of funding to make it seaworthy.


Cassandra knows Luke's reputation as a womanizer, gambler, and a drunk, but also knows he is a good privateer. Luke, having lost both of his missionary parents in a fire, feels bitter and worthless, and certainly has no use for God...but something about the beautiful, auburn-haired Cassandra stirs him as no woman ever has, and he finds himself wanting to become a better person because of her.


Cassandra is unwillingly drawn to the handsome, charming Luke, but knows she must guard her heart against this womanizing rogue. Cassandra also feels that God has forsaken her and hears not her prayers, for didn't He allow her father to die and her brothers to go missing? As Cassandra finally finds herself trusting and falling in love with Luke, what terrible discovery does she make about him - that rips them apart; perhaps forever.


As Cassandra, foolishly places her life in danger with the British, will she learn to trust God and His sovereignty? Will Luke? And what historical figure does Cassandra meet on the ship, and what song does he pen, when overcome with emotion he sees the American flag still flying over the fort after one of the most terrible battles in our country's history?


I found myself tearing up at the end; so proud was I of this great country in which we live, and of the men and women who fought and gave their lives that we might enjoy the freedoms we now oftimes take for granted. The storyline was very realistic...ML Tyndall's research was impeccable, the romance was exciting, and the conclusion was spectacular!


Note: This review was previously posted on Colonial Quills as a guest review.


MaryLu Tyndall's books are available for purchase through Amazon, as well as Christian Book Distributors, Barnes and Noble, and other bookstores.


GIVEAWAY:  One of our followers who is also a member of the ACFW BookClub is eligible to win a copy of this book.  Put BC on your comment.  (This is in addition to our giveaways this week of a Cathy Gohlke book and a MaryLu Tyndall book of your choice.)

35 comments:

  1. Great review, Diana! Haven't read the book yet, but I hope I will someday. :)

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  2. follwr but not sure how to be BC ? happily will do so if you want to let me know...:) TY!
    luv MaryLu. period.

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  3. Thanks, Carrie! FAITH HOPE CHERRYTEA, you have to be a member of ACFW Book Club, to be able to put BC. I am not a member either so that is a good question for CARRIE. How do you become a member and is it just for writers, Carrie?

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  4. Sounds like a great book! Hope to win!! ncmom@att.net

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  5. Hey, CAT! One of my favorite books written by MaryLu. That and her new book which takes place in Charleston, SC, Veil of Pearls. My review and a chance to win that one will be coming up next month, I believe, b/c it hasn't been released on the market, yet. Sooooo good!

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  6. BC member of yahoo groups thanks

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  7. HI, APPLE BLOSSOM! Thank you for coming by and got your name thrown in my cyber hat here, ;)

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  8. I always enjoy your reviews Diana. I have the book already but need to read it. I just don't have the energy right now. This is the first blog I have commented on in almost two weeks, but after reading your review, this just might be the book I read to get back into reviewing :)

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  9. ANNE, it is good to see you over here. We are all so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you. Hang in there.

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  10. ANNE, you just don't know what your comment means to me. I am touched beyond measure, that you would come over here first after all you've been through, and I know the "girls" will be, too. Blessings to you, dear lady.

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  11. Hi Ladies! Just dropping by to say THANK YOU so much to Diana for this incredible review! I learned so much when I was researching for this series and I must say it really heightened my patriotism. And of course I love the characters.. especially the town rogue, Luke.. wounded but with a heart of gold! Thank you again. And thank you ladies for your comments!

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  12. Diana wonderful review, as always. :) I adore MaryLu's books so I have to get busy so I can read this one. Veil of Pearls was fantastic too! Which of course I don't think I have ever read a book by Mz Tyndall I didn't LOVE!!!

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  13. You're welcome, MARYLU. It's always a pleasure to review a book such as this one. Luke was such a wonderful and memorable hero, to be sure!

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  14. I agree, TERESA! They are all good! As soft hearted as you are, I know Surrender the Dawn will melt your heart. My favorite book of MaryLu's, besides Veil of Pearls.

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  15. Anne it's so good to "see" you here. I'm still praying for you and your family. :)

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  16. I would love to read this book, or any of MaryLu's books. I enjoyed reading about this particular one. Thank you for offering this giveaway!
    Nancee, BC
    quiltcat26@sbcglobal.net

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  17. NANCEE, you are sure to enjoy this one by MaryLu. All of her books are wonderful, but this happens to be one of my favorites.

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  18. Anne, you and your family continue to be in my prayers. So glad you have MaryLu's latest, would love to see your comments on it when you've had the chance to read it :)

    Loved the review, Diana! Well done! As usual, MaryLu knows how to make the reader feel like they're right there in the action, wow :) Your enthusiasm for this book shines through beautifully with this review, nice!

    Thanks for the giveaways!
    Blessings,
    Kara
    wman4jc@aol.com

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  19. ANNE, so good to see you!! HUGS!

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  20. Thank you, KARA. What kind remarks to awaken to this morning! I've had company, so yes I slept in a little. lol! Eight o'clock is definitely sleeping in for me. Thank you again for stopping by with your kind words and good luck in the giveaway!

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  21. Hi! I'm not a member of the BC, 'cause I'm not a writer, but I do enjoy this blog, these books and meeting all you wonderful people.

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  22. You ladies are so sweet! You make me cry. Thank you so much for your prayers ♥

    DIANA, What better place to begin my healing journey than here on OTT, huh?

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  23. PWNMOM http://groups.yahoo.com/group/acfwbookclub/
    You do not need to be a writer to join the BC group!

    Am getting ready to draw the second winner of this fine book and I really would love to see the winner join in on the BC conversation!

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  24. ANNE, We are still lifting you up. The OTT-WGH "quartet" needs to sing you our new overcoming anthem, borrowed from Jeremy Camp.

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  25. You know I'm in the BC :)

    Sing away, ladies! I'll probably need some tissue.

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  26. I just drew our Surrender the Dawn winner and it is PWNMOM! CONGRATS!!! And we look forward to seeing you in the ACFW Book Club.

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  27. Congrats, PWNMOM! For winning and being a BC member!

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  28. Dark Night aka MURRAY-keep lurking. Another great review by Marian tomorrow!

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  29. ANNE, you are welcome here anytime; to cry on our shoulders, ask for prayer, and pray for us, too. We are all overcomers and you must hear our new OTT theme song "Overcome." We are all in this thing together!

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  30. I have the first two books in this series and absolutely can't wait to get to this one! Great review!

    ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com

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  31. Thanks, LIZ! I hope you get a copy asap!

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