Surrender the Heart

I Recommend this Book!

Although historical fiction is plentiful, few of these are set during the War of 1812, and even fewer still are of this high caliber. Marianne, the protagonist of Surrender the Heart, may think she's just an average girl, but this is definitely not an average book! I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a patriotic piece of American history.

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I loved this book. The story was clever and woven in with histor

I loved this book. The story was clever and woven in with history of that time! The chemistry between the two main characters was exceptional and amusing at times. I could not put this book down! A delightful and fun read with lots of action.

An Awesome Historical Fiction Read

Surrender the Heart Marianne Denton needs to marry Noah Brenin so she can get her inheritance. This is the only way she can afford the medicine her mother needs. But either Noah or Marianne is very excited about the wedding, why Noah even walked out on his own engagement party! If Noah could make enough money from the cargo he is taking to England maybe he won¿t have to marry this woman he doesn¿t even like. But little did he know that Marianne would follow him to the ship, only to get stranded there when the ship sails. And of course when she was found, the ship was too far out at sea to take her back. To Noah¿s horror, running out on his engagement party was not so smart after all! Oh! What a tangled web we can weave! I absolutely loved this book! Noah and Marianne¿s journey as their adventures at sea started captured me from the very beginning. Not knowing a lot about cargo ships, I really enjoyed the bit of information I learned about ships, shipmates, pirates, and all of the other workers and stuff involved in running a ship. MaryLu has a way with weaving details of the story together with romance and the importance of living Godly lives that makes a most interesting and enlightening story for her readers. In my opinion, MaryLu is just one of the best! I strongly encourage you to grab a copy of each book in this series to read, enjoy and pass along to others for their enjoyment. You will not be disappointed! 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.

Intriguing history, interesting characters, exciting adventure

Being English, I grew up with stories of naval battles, Hornblower, Bolitho and co. Being a girl, I mourned the lack of female role models in such tales of valor. And being an avid reader I just borrowed my brother¿s books. MaryLu Tyndall creates a fun heroine in her historical naval romance, Surrender the Heart, though there were times when I could wish the reluctantly betrothed Marianne were a little less headstrong. For someone afraid of water she¿s dangerously careless on board ship, but she has her reasons. Perhaps a lifetime of feeling devalued makes her unable to see how much harm, or good, she can do. The changing relationship between childhood foes, rich Marianne and Noah the merchant¿s son, is nicely done. Both face secret hardship and haunted memories. Their world of ship and shore comes to vivid life, and the danger of war at sea is scarily real. The British are bad guys of course, since this is an American novel, but only a few play the part of irredeemable blackguards. The Americans are good, but not perfect. Meanwhile love and trust win through. Marianne, who can trust no-one, learns to identify herself with the Biblical Esther. Noah, who trusts only himself, learns of friendship and heaven. And a still small voice speaks subtly over the storm. This is a Christian, American, historical novel, well-researched, intriguing, written with convincing characters and appropriate faith, and a really good romantic read. Disclosure: I met the author on gather and was delighted at the chance to read and review a free ecopy of this novel.

A delightful read!

I've heard a lot of great things about MaryLu and her books, so when I won this book, I was looking forward to reading it. What a fun adventure! Marianne was great to get to know through the course of this book and I laughed out loud on occasion with her and Noah's banter. What fun!

The Christian content in the book was greatly appreciated. I loved watching both Marianne and Noah grow and mature in Christ. Very realistic!

I enjoyed every moment I spent in Surrender the Heart. Can't wait to see what happens in the rest of the series! Keep it up, MaryLu!! You've crafted together a wonderful beginning to this series. Very well done!

An AWESOME Start to the Series!!!!!

I found this book to be a great start to the Surrender to Destiny series. I thought it was great that MaryLu Tyndall created an average character, Marianne; because most people find themselves average! However, this book was anythign bu taverage! I admired both her and Noah and had a lot of fun watching as their story went on. I found myself unable to stop reading and was quite anxious to see what would happen at each twist and turn. All in all, I thought this was a wonderful book and a good start to a new series. I would defiantly recommend this to any friend or family member.

Brilliant!

I have read few authors that have mastered the art of creating tension in a book; you know, that "I can't put it down after this chapter like I thought I would because I really need to go to bed...but I have GOT to read just a little bit more." From the onset of the first chapter, MaryLu invites you into a world of happenings that swirl around and don't let go until the last pages of the book. The characters are real. The challenges each character goes through are real. Surrender the Heart is a brilliant read that is Christian without the cheesiness so often found in Christian novels.

Loved this book

Don't think you will be disappointed...couldn't put it down!

Another Great Tyndall Seagoing Romance

How does MaryLu Tyndall keep writing these seafaring romances with romance and page-turning elixer poured into each tale? Surrender the Heart is a delightful, entertaining, educational tale rooted in the War of 1812.

Marianne does not want to be married. Period. And definitely not to her fiance, Noah Brenin, who teased her unmercifully when they were children. But if she marries this man, he will take care of her mother and little sister. How will they survive without him?

How did she accidentally end up on Noah's ship? How did she manage to destroy his cargo and get herself, Noah and some other men captured by a British ship? How do they get out of their predicament and safely back on Noah's ship? Tyndall creates the conflicts and before book's end she resolves everything for her usual well-finished book.

I loved the references to Marianne's faith, and Noah's faith. The young boy Daniel and the cat added special elements to the story.You'll want to grab this novel from a practiced, creative author whose creative well never goes dry.

Highly Recommended

As soon as I received this book from a friend as a gift, I read it in one sitting. Then, I passed it around to all of my friends. Everyone that reads it loves it. The characters are great. They clash and bond, and somehow make you laugh and cry at the exact same time. Well done.

Great, Awesome, Thrilling!

MaryLu Tyndall has done it once again in writing such a great read! She always has a way of writing a book that will keep you on your toes, and make you want to turn the next page. This book is about Marianne Denton and the Captain Noah Brenin. Marianne is a young woman who is doing her best to scrape up a living for her mother and younger sister. She will do anything she must to raise money to help her ailing mother, even if it means marrying her despicable childhood enemy, Noah. Captain Brenin is trying his best to keep his merchant fleet afloat, and prove to his father that he is a worthy son. He doesn't want anything to do with the snooty rich girl, Marianne. These two people are thrust into the begginings of the Revolutionary War. In the midst of all the heartache and tragedy, they will find a love. Not only a love in each other, but a love that lasts forever with God.

Great read!

Surrender the Heart is a great story, full of unique and interesting characters, exciting plot twists, and high seas adventures. This book really kept me on my toes, because every time I thought everything was figured out, something else happened. If you love adventure, romance, and the ocean, you will definitely love this book!

Inspirational

If you've ever struggled with understanding what your destiny is in life than you'll thoroughly enjoy this book! Marianne is a young woman who finds herself engaged to the man that as a child drove her insane with his taunting of her. She is suffering to marry him because she needs her inheritance money to help take care of her sick mom and younger sister. She doesn't feel as though this is her destiny because she knows the marriage will not be based on love and she can barely stand the sight of him.

Noah is also not thrilled with the engagement to his snobby childhood friend Marianne. He has no desire to marry her but he is trying his best to please his father by taking her as his wife and investing her dowry in to his family business. He feels he has no destiny and that he is never able to please his father since the death of his older brother Jacob.

When Noah embarrasses Marianne at their engagement party she follows him on to his boat and while saving a cat she gets knocked out cold. When she wakes up she finds out they've taken to the seas. The struggles are just beginning as Noah and Marianne learn to find their destiny on the brink of the War of 1812.

I really enjoyed this book! I got sucked in to the characters stories and lives right from the start, my heart just ached to help them. MaryLu Tyndall has proven to be an amazing author with Surrender the Heart; the way she intertwines faith, inspirational romance, with adventure and history is delightful. This is a stirring historical romance with a lot spiritual threads throughout the story.

I felt there was quite a bit of topics about faith, God and destiny, sometimes it was the right amount at the right time but other times I felt it took too much out of the story. That is my only complaint, it didn't take away from the whole rest of the story though and I thought the inspirational message was great; I'm excited to read the next book in the Surrender to Destiny series.

Delightful!

Two reluctant young people, engaged for all the wrong reasons.

He needed her money to further his family's business. She needed to marry to unlock her inheritance so she could save her beloved mother. Two hearts so intent on using the other for everything but love, can there be a reconciliation? Is it possible for two people so far apart to find the one thing they never expected?

Join Marianne as she chases loathsome Noah down after he deserts her and publicly humiliates her in front of everyone of importance. Watch in horror as a delightful set of circumstances abound to keep the two disinterested parties together - finally culminating in a heroic set of events that takes place in the War of 1812.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I had no desire to put it down. Ms. Tyndall has the ability to make you feel as though you were actually there in the thick of things by her spellbinding imagery. I look forward to reading more of her works, and highly recommend it to those who love historical fiction.

Wonderful Christian Fiction

"Surrender the Heart", the first novel in the Surrendered to Destiny Series, is a wild, page-turning adventure from the first turn of phrase. MaryLu Tyndall creates vibrant characters that set sail on sparkling seas and into the hearts of her audience. Marianne Denton is not your typical wealthy American girl. She is being forced to marry Noah Brenin to unlock her inheritance so that her mother may receive much-needed medical care.

Noah's circumstances aren't much better. He lives in the shadow of a brother's death and a father's resentment. His only desire is to make a name for himself and be Captain of his own destiny. Presently, he will have to settle for being Captain of his father's merchant ship, Fortune. But Noah has plans to win respect and his lady's heart.

Are the lessons about surrendering to God for the characters, alone? Or can the reader learn a thing or two about deepening their relationship with God? Personally, I believe this novel not only entertains but also conveys godly life lessons portrayed so vividly that they cannot be ignored.

Looking for your next fav book? THIS IS IT!

Be prepared to be "swept away" to a time where strife and war command the waters. Where two people find themselves, the Lord and each other! Marianne, a bold and thoughtful young woman whose life seems plain and unexciting, who must sacrifice her happiness for the sakes of her mother and sister finds herself "thrown" into the ride of her life onboard The Fortune. Noah, a courageous, witty and sincere young man whose dream is to prove his worthiness to his father, has endured much pain and neglected love at the hand of his father. Noah's longing for independence will make him think twice when he and Marianne are put together through their parents arranged marriage. Neither Noah nor Marianne can barely stand being in each others presence. Daniel a young boy who shows some of the crew on board The Undefeatable and The Fortune that by faith in Our One True God and by hope (when all seems hopeless) can change the present and the future. Along with some very personable characters makes this one book you won't likely be able to forget anytime soon. As the war of 1812 escalates its every man and woman for themselves. When Noah and Marianne and other members of the crew are captured and impressed onboard a British warship the crew quickly finds out how much they are despised by the British. The British apply heartless and painful tortuous punishment on their captives to get them to be submissive. While most of the officers are cruel there are some aboard the British ship "Undefeatable" who are honest and forthright and wish no harm to come to the Americans. The reader will feel as if they are onboard witnessing a great battle! A very faithfilled, entertaining, engaging and compeling read for anyone seeking adventure, romance and the love of the sea. Mrs Tyndall's vast knowledge of history and unlimited creative writing make this a novel to enjoy, savor and reread again! I am very eager to read the next novel in the series and long to once again become (a part in history!)

Wonderful Book & Lots of Adventure!

This is one of those books that is so good, I had to stop and wonder, will I ever be able to write like that? The characters are so real, their thoughts, pains, fears, situations, everything about them.

The story is intriguing, entertaining and adventurous. The characters are kept in impossible circumstances that leave you wondering how they will survive. The faith aspect was layered in perfectly, not too much, but just enough that it had me to thinking about my own faith walk. I loved the little boy, Daniel, and his prophetic role.

I can't imagine anyone wanting to put this book down and when it's over, you keep thinking about it, sorry it's over, tempted to reread it again. At least, that was my experience while reading, Surrender the Heart.

Fall in Love on the High Seas

I stand amazed that MaryLu Tyndall is able to write such endearing stories every time! She creates characters we both love and hate, conflicts that make us want to scream at the characters, settings on the high seas that make us long for journeys, romances that stir the need inside a heart for love, and above all else, she weaves faith into the very fiber of the stories.

In Surrender the Heart, we meet Marianne Denton and Noah Brenin, two characters with strong family loyalties that ultimately threaten to ruin their chances of happiness. The nation is on the brink of war and country loyalties are also challenged. Where does romance fit in all of this? Read it and find out! You'll not be disapointed. And, while you're shoppping, be sure to check out all of MaryLu's titles. hers is a talent worht following.

Riveting from beginning to end! LOVE the adventure!

About all I can say is, "My goodness, what an adventure!" I feel like I've just gotten off a scary roller-coaster! "Surrender the Heart" is one romantic, emotion-packed, adventurous ride! MaryLu Tyndall can weave a tale to turn your nerves INSIDE OUT! From beginning to end, Tyndall swept me away with her spell-binding narrative and historic detail, and I love the tension and drama between Noah and Marianne. GREAT characters. I'm ashamed to say this is my first MaryLu Tyndall read, but - NOW- after reading "Surrender", I'm off to find another of her books.

SHARLENE MACLAREN
AUTHOR

It is Definitely Worth Buying!!

Like all of MaryLu Tyndall's books Surrender the Heart is another thrilling adventure! She has a wonderful gift for telling stories! There are so many things that I can complement her on for this story, but also just in general. I think she has great dialogue, it brings the scenes to life. Which is what us readers want, right? The way she uses language and chronological order better builds the suspense, you can just hear and see the events happening. The best way to make a reader feel like they are in the story is to use first person point of view and she uses that perfectly. MaryLu will never bore you with to much detail, it is just enough for you to understand what she is getting across. For me I have noticed many authors dont "know" their characters, but MaryLu always figures them out making it a better read! Speaking of characters I find hers very likable; you almost always find yourself relating to one of the characters in the story(it isn't necessarily a main character). MaryLu pays attention to the surroundings, you will definitely get that feel of what is going on around the characters. I have a difficult time putting her books down, I even find myself thinking about her books afterward. Every book of hers has a totally new adventure to it. Though the stories are intense I always find myself laughing at one point. It keeps you guessing until you are just about to find out. All of MaryLu's books are impacting as well! I really liked Surrender the Heart and I hope you check it out soon, if not you are missing out on a great story and meeting a great author!! =)