You’ll be gasping for air in this seafaring romance by popular author and Christy Award nominee MaryLu Tyndall. Baltimore’s Cassandra Channing will do anything to provide for her family—even if it means hiring the town rogue as a privateer. Luke Heaton is a handsome rake with a tortured past who is blackmailed by the British into selling supplies to their ships just off the coast. Cassandra and Luke’s worlds collide as they are drawn into danger, secrets, romance, and war. But when the British begin to bombard Fort McHenry, how long can they protect their love—and each other?
A good old-fashioned historical packed with rich, beautiful details launches the Surrender to Destiny series with pirates, swordplay and lots of romance. The characters are so much fun, readers will not want the book to end. Tyndall is a gem, and her characters are bold and believable.
— Patsy Glans
With her third installment in the Surrender to Destiny series, MaryLu Tyndall has once again delivered a novel that is packed with just the right mix of adventure, suspense, and romance. Through vivid descriptions and strong characterization, Tyndall has a true talent for bringing these characters to life and pulling her readers into the action.
I always love reading Tyndall's books; and since they are set on the coast, I find them to be perfect summer reads. I highly recommend Surrender the Dawn; and if you have not had a chance to read any of her other books, please pick up a copy. You will not be disappointed!
— M. Banton
Swordplay, swashbuckling and sweetness. . .Tyndall’s newest book combines fascinating history, adventure on the high seas and the taming of the town rogue into a novel packed with excitement and delivering on romance.
~T.L. Higley, author of Pompeii: City on Fire
StaceyNV
Posted June 14, 2012
M.L. Tyndall’s “Surrender the Dawn” is a wonderful read filled with lots of seafaring action, suspense and intrigue, romance and the struggle to believe in God because of tragedy. Cassandra is trying to provide for her family: her mother and two sisters. Taking their last bit of money, she wants to invest in a privateer but no one will take on a woman investor. Luke Heaton just won a ship gambling. It is a broken-down vessel that needs lots of work and he has no money to fix her up or he would endeavor to become a privateer. Destiny brings these two together and it seems to be a perfect business arrangement.
Cassandra has a difficult time trusting Luke because he is a drunk, a gambler and a womanizer. She is also wounded spiritually by her father’s death. But Luke actually makes strides in changing his ways and has some success as a privateer. And it doesn’t hurt that her heart flutters whenever she sees him or hears his name. So, when her money is stolen, Luke saves the day once again, endearing himself even further.
Luke, on the other hand, feels that he is worthless. He feels responsible for his parents’ deaths. He believes that he is so far beneath Cassandra that he shouldn’t even entertain thoughts of a future with her. But he can’t get her out of his mind. When his circumstances change for the worst, he struggles mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Will both come to terms with the fact that their struggles should bring them closer to God? I absolutely loved how this story is intertwined with the previous novel in the series. Although this can be read as a standalone novel, it is more enjoyable when you already know the supporting characters. Also, the dramatization of the inspiration for the Star Spangled Banner brought tears to my eyes. The plot led me to discover deeper ideas that I used in prayer as well. So, I am praying that Jesus will continue to give M.L. Tyndall ideas for books and that her writing will reach people for Christ.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 9, 2012
Surrender the Dawn is the third book in the Surrender to Destiny series.
Cassandra Channing has been driven by desperation to hire a privateer with the last of her family's money. Luke Heaton is the "town rogue" but deep down he is a good man. Cassandra ends up hiring Luke as a privateer. But the British do everything to stop Luke from succeeding. Cassandra starts to fall for Luke, and Luke has always admired Cassandra.
This book is amazing. I've read it twice. Some things I missed the first time, which actually had me confused. This book, and the second book in the series, happen at the same time. Also, I don't know who the woman on the cover is, but it's not Cassandra Channing. Cassandra has RED hair. Anyway, if you read any of MaryLu's books, this is the one.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.CinnamonG
Posted October 14, 2011
Surrender the Dawn is the perfect conclusion to Marylu Tyndall's Surrender to Destiny Series. I have loved each book along the way, and I definitely recommend all of Marylu Tyndall's books, but this one can stand alone. Cassandra and Luke make the perfect pair, and their younger siblings are adorable! I will definitely be watching for new books from this author!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.CoopTroop
Posted March 7, 2013
Finally read the last book in "Surrender to Destiny" series "Surrender the Dawn", MaryLu Tyndall has brought this book to a fantastic thrilling end! Cassandra Channing, a determined woman, who tries to find a way to support her family without marriage, though finds it extremely hard for a woman as herself to hire a privateer, to only finds herself she hires the town rogue. Luke Heaton, the town rogue, who spends his time drinking and gambling, because he carries around an enormous guilt from his past which feeds into his insecurities and traps him in a cycle of uneasiness, that is until Cassandra walks into his life.
Reading through "Surrender the Dawn" this books showed me between two characters how one did not believe anymore that God existed and with the other that God basically left like a few other family members left. Luke has grown up through life with nothing going right for him. His parent's died by Indians burning their home down of who they ministered to, though him and his younger brother made it out of the home. Now tending to his brother who has a disease called Rickets, which crippled the boy. Luke doesn't blame God for all that has happen, just can't believe He exists in a world he is living. Cassandra has grew up in a family where her parents were unhappy in their marriage leaving her to run wild as she pleased. She became independent with a hint of temper and rebellion within herself. When her father now long dead and her brothers off fighting in a war, she felt it was her duty to take care of her family. She starts to feel abandoned by her father and brothers, which she puts blame on God, which she feels He has left her as well. Read and see how God works through the two lives and their relationship grows. How Luke just didn't see how God could help him through his life, that you can't do things on your own strength, and with Cassandra that God never abandoned her, that she just needed to allow Him to guide her through life. Plus this book is filled with lots of action, adventure, drama, and a love story that truly made me want to keep reading more to see what happened next!
Danielle_Johnson1
Posted June 18, 2012
Really good book. I am glad that it incorporated all the characters from the series! The characters were fantastic! Luke and Cassandra came from different worlds but there goals were really the same. The way the history of the war of 1812 was played out in this book really made it come alive. The drama and suspense were palpable! I love how MaryLu Tyndall takes a story and make it so intriguing that you can't put the book down because you want to know what will happen next!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.partisan1776
Posted June 6, 2012
In "Surrender the Dawn", Ms. Tyndall has done it again! With a particular sensitivity to the characters' personal conflicts: (Luke Heaton, and his descent into drinking and gambling in order to forget the loss of his parents and the part he played in their tragic deaths-- and Cassandra Channing, no less desperate to save her family from loss of income.
I've read all of Ms. Tyndall's books and find that she consistently maintains excellent story quality; her characters have depth and richness, written with a special sensitivity to their plights. And if you want to have that "swept away" sense of adventure, these are the books for you. As a retired school teacher I've recommended her books to friends, family and students for an uplifting read--even learned something about early American history and sea-faring life in the process! (I'd love to see these books in high school libraries as well). I can't wait for her upcoming story "Veil Of Pearls". Her historicals are great reads--especially for summer!
Because all the men in her family have left to fight in the War of 1812, Cassandra Channing must financially support her family. She desperately decides to invest the rest of the family’s money in a privateering ship captained by the town rake Luke Heaton. Because she is forced to trust someone outwardly untrustworthy, she is forced to come to grips with the fact that not everything is as it seems…and sometimes she should have more faith. This is the third book in the Surrender to Destiny trilogy, but I read it as a stand-alone book. (It works fine that way.) However, I liked it so much, I’m planning on reading the first two in the series, as well…just so I can get a complete picture of all the characters. This book is a sweet romance with an interesting historical backdrop. It definitely has a religious message, but it is never preachy. I think it was just what I needed at the moment.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 19, 2012
I love this book! It's exciting and romantic but I absolutely LOVE the history that's added!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.CFPagels
Posted February 17, 2012
Cassandra Channing has known affluence and comfort, both of which are rapidly slipping away. When she is refused the opportunity to invest in a privateer, and what she feels is her last chance to obtain a return on her money (and support for her widowed mother and her siblings) she turns to the town rake. Cassandra resists God's pull at her heart, angry that she has been loaded with burdens that are not of her own making.
Luke Heaton struggles with a desire to prove himself worthy as he also tries to kick his reliance upon alcohol to solve his troubles. He has provided for his younger brother and refuses to give God the credit for any of his successes. But an error in judgment endangers those he holds most dear.
Against the backdrop of the War of 1812, these two all-too-human characters find that they must surrender to God and His will for their lives before their love can be realized.
Luke is a very appealing hero. I loved his dry wit. This may be MaryLu's best hero yet (once he kicked his bad habits!)
Anonymous
Posted November 29, 2011
It amazes me how authors like MaryLu Tyndall can take a small piece of history and reproduce it in such vivid and imaginative detail. The amount of research and practice that goes into a book like this must be incredible.
I enjoyed the other books in this series and couldn¿t wait to get my hands on this one.
The hero had me laughing until tears came to my eyes. With his inebriated swaggering and snide comments I couldn¿t help but picture Jack Sparrow. But never fear, Tyndall¿s characters always learn their manners. So hang on for the ride and see how the heroine gets this handsome womanizer to sober up.
From the back cover:
Baltimore¿s Cassandra Channing will do anything to provide for her family¿even if it means hiring the town rogue as a privateer. Luke Heaton is a handsome rake with a tortured past who is blackmailed by the British into selling supplies to their ships just off the coast. Cassandra and Luke¿s worlds collide as they are drawn into danger, secrets, romance, and war. But when the British begin to bombard Fort McHenry, how long can they protect their love¿and each other?
ibjoy1953
Posted November 13, 2011
Surrender the Dawn¿ By MaryLu Tyndall With her father and brothers gone from home, Cassandra Channing is taking care of her family. She wants to invest her money into something reliable, but no one wants to take investments from a woman. That is until Luke Heaton comes into the picture. Luke won a ship while gambling and he needs money to restore it, but with his drinking and gambling, can he be trustworthy? Will Cassandra turn all of her money over to Luke for the ship fixer upper? And it doesn¿t help matters when Cassandra and Luke start having feelings for each other as they spend time together. Read this wonderful historical story to find out these answers. In Surrender the Dawn, MaryLu Tyndall writes another page-turning historical romance. The unique characters were so real I felt like I knew them personally. And I love that she so professionally weaves the characters from all three book together in this last book in the series. I will miss reading about these charming and fun characters. This is my first series by MaryLu to read, and I am hooked! I love the passion she has for writing historical fiction, and the way that passion comes to life in her writing. Another thing I almost forgot is the message in her stories of the importance of living Godly lives. Of course these characters are just like people today, they struggle daily with difficult issues, causing them to turn their backs on God, but MaryLu so consciously teaches through her writing that when we let God control our lives, things are not perfect for us, but God will be there for us, carrying us through our difficulties. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy Christian Fiction of any kind. You will not be disappointed in either book in this series! A huge thank you to the author MaryLu for providing me a copy of this book to read and review. I was not expected or required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are my own honest opinions.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.LadyKaty
Posted October 26, 2011
I just love a good, swashbucklin' adventure set on the high seas! Recently, I've found a gem of an author in MaryLu Tyndall. While Surrender the Dawn doesn't spend too much time ship-side, there's still plenty of adventure, tension, and romance packed within these pages. Hold onto your hats--there are rough waters ahead! But rest assured that all will come to a beautiful and satisfying conclusion with Captain Tyndall at the helm!
Cassandra Channing was a really strong character that I grew to respect and admire. She had a pretty big independent streak in her, but if it weren't for that, her family would've suffered much more than they did. Cassandra is what held them together. After getting to know Luke Heaton in Surrender the Heart and again seeing him briefly in Surrender the Night, I was really excited when this book came out. He was a deep character that needed his own story! The things he hid so well behind a smiling face and amiable manner in Surrender the Heart were laid bare in this newest book, Surrender the Dawn. I loved watching Luke grow and change!
With realistic characters, complex situations, and heart-stopping moments, Surrender the Dawn was a very easy read for me. From the first pages, my attention was grabbed and I flew through the book. One of my favorite scenes is probably when Luke and Mr. Crane both had dinner with Cassandra and her family. Oh boy! The banter and insinuations that bounced back and forth had me laughing out loud!
Not only did the storyline and characters hold my attention, but MaryLu's writing style made it easy to get lost in the story. From the difficulty for a woman to hold a business position to the attack on Fort McHenry, she vividly brought the scenes to life and transported me back in time. And besides a few heated kisses, Luke's problem with drinking, and a comment or two of loose women in the taverns that Luke visits, there is nothing I need warn readers about!
For those who have read the first two in this series, Surrender the Dawn is a wonderful and satisfying conclusion. Though it is kind of sad to say goodbye to this fun cast of characters! I am really looking forward to reading more of MaryLu's wonderful adventures in the near future.
I reviewed this book for the publishers, Barbour Books. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Broadwayphan902
Posted October 16, 2011
I loved this book so much! It was a great ending to the Surrender to Destiny series. I was very excited throughout the whole story to see if Cassandra and Luke would surrender to their own destinies. I loved Cassandra; she was a brave fiery heroine, and Luke was an awesome character. When I read it, I noticed I was feeling the similar emotions to the characters, so I know it was beautifully written. I liked Luke's little brother a lot. I definitely couldn't wait to finish this book to see what happened to all of these exquisite characters. I can't wai tfo rmore books from this author, and I would certainly recommend this awesome read to all of my friends and family!!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.JGraumann
Posted October 15, 2011
I love the piece of history that MaryLu Tyndall chose to weave into Surrender the Dawn! She is a brilliant writer that will captivate your heart, mind & soul.
You wont want to put this book down! But start at the beginning with Surrender the Heart and don't miss Surrender the Night. You will love how the three books weave into one amazing story in time!
Queen_Lizzie
Posted October 15, 2011
I just finished reading and I am sitting here numb. With every book of MaryLu Tyndall's that is published, there seems to be a better story line, more defined characters, and more of a biblical pull.
Luke and Cassandra are so much like me, and everyone else our there. They have flaws, but in the end they embrace those flaws and five them to God rather than use them as a barrier to stand in between us and a relationship.
Whether the thought of someone we loved leaving, causing us to doubt in God, or our own failures staring us in the face, God shines through. We can all find forgiveness, no matter how bad our sins are. This was shown beautifully in this novel.
The romance to me seemed real, I felt the connection. The pain they felt I could feel lashing through my chest. A stunning novel, one that I will read many times over.
sarahjmcbride
Posted October 14, 2011
I Also Recommend:
I know it's cliche'd, but it was so hard for me to put this down! This is definitely my favorite of all of MaryLu's books!
Set in 1814 Baltimore, this story has everything from action to romance, tavern brawls to full-on battles, sailing and plundering to attending balls and entertaining guests over dinner.
This is the perfect conclusion to the Surrender to Destiny series, as it brings together the characters from all three books and ties up any loose ends. I very highly recommend Surrender the Dawn, and the entire trilogy!
Ausjenny
Posted September 18, 2011
This is the final of the Surrender to Destiny series and a great final book. We are still in Baltimore during the war of 1812 and this time Cassandra is needing help to provide for her family. Her father has died and her brothers are missing after going to Canada to fight. Her mother has no concept of managing money and its left to Cassandra to find a way to provide for her family. Luke has his own demons to fight and is the town rouge. He has a ship but its needing repairs. When a encounter happens they end up partners when Cassandra hires Luke as a privateer. As mentioned in the blurb Luke ends up being blackmailed by the British and this leads to some interesting happenings. I do love this story and the way we learn about history. Cassandra is a strong, determined lady which can sometimes get her into trouble. Luke is caring a lot of guilt from something that happened when he was a child but children often find a way to blame themselves for things that are not there fault. I love how Mary Lu deals with this issue and shows why Luke feels like he does. Great read and I really wish there were going to be more in this series.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.How Does MaryLu Tyndall do it?? Once again she has out done herself! It is amazes me when I think of how her imagination works! She has successfully combined swashbuckling adventures, patriotism, and romance; and wrapped them all into another amazing story! Cassandra Channing is a young woman who is determined to save her family from destitution and as a last resort she turns to the town rouge for help. She places her family's fate and fortune in the hands of the ever so handsome Luke Heaton..... and so begins the romance! With both characters struggling with their faith in God, MaryLu paints a beautiful picture of God's love and demonstrates how God uses everything in life and works them together for His glory! I have personally read EVERY BOOK Mrs. Tyndall has written and she never fails to give you everything you could possibly want in a historical romance! Set during the final days of the war of 1812 MaryLu Tyndall expertly incorporates colorfurl, fictional characters with historical facts! This is a book for anyone who loves adventure on the high seas, romance, and american history! I promise you if you purchase this book you will NOT be disappointed!! :o)
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Christine_Lindsay
Posted September 12, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed another tender romance set on the high seas by MaryLu Tyndall. Surrender the Dawn is an excellent example of this author's talent for telling a fast-paced and romantic tale. She always manages to fill her stories with realistically flawed characters who live and breathe and that you begin to root for from the very first page.
Cassandra Channing is a head-strong heroine who has to care for her family of younger sisters and her mother who prefers to bury her head in the sand, or in this case a bottle of laudanum. Cassandra takes a huge chance when she invests the last of their family money with a privateer sailor, Luke Heaton. She figures she has to take a chance or the family will starve.
Everyone is outraged that Cassandra would trust their few last dollars with the town rogue who has a penchant for the rum bottle. And her mother continues to push Cassandra into the arms of a man who has the money to support them.
But things seem to be going well when Luke makes good on Cassandra's investment. That is until he's forced into treason against his fellow Americans in The War of Independence. The tables turn quickly and the stakes get higher.
What I love about MaryLu Tyndall's stories is the real struggles her characters face that people face today, such as alcohol addiction in the face of great stress. I also love the families she sets her heroes and heroines in. Altogether a delightful fun read.
amb32
Posted August 30, 2011
MaryLu Tyndall delivers another exciting adventure on the high seas with this third book in her Surrender to Destiny series. Definitely a page-turner with everything from battles during the War of 1812 to the sparking chemistry between the hero and heroine, the book is hard to put down and even better than the second one in the series. I enjoyed the depth of her characters and appreciated the apparent research that Tyndall did on the time period, especially with the insertion of characters like Sir Francis Scott Key. I would highly recommend this novel!
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Overview
You’ll be gasping for air in this seafaring romance by popular author and Christy Award nominee MaryLu Tyndall. Baltimore’s Cassandra Channing will do anything to provide for her family—even if it means hiring the town rogue as a privateer. Luke Heaton is a handsome rake with a tortured past who is blackmailed by the British into selling supplies to their ships just off the coast. Cassandra and Luke’s worlds collide as they are drawn into danger, secrets, romance, and war. But when the British begin to bombard ...