Will Charity be able to trust again?
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Series: Charles Towne Bells, Volume #4
Author: MaryLu Tyndall
Publisher: Ransom Press
Publisher: Ransom Press
Release Date: January 16, 2016
ABOUT THE BOOK
Suspected of killing her husband, Charity Westcott flees on the
first ship out of Portsmouth, England heading for the colonies. Loathing all
men after her abusive marriage, she hopes to reunite with her family in Charles
Towne, but the ship ends up in Nassau. When she spots her husband’s brother,
who is intent on seeing her hang, boarding her ship, she jumps overboard.
Elias Dutton, preacher and son of the famous pirate, Rowan Dutton,
must get to Barbados as soon as possible. His sister is in danger, and his
parents have charged him with her safety. He cannot let them
down—again. But after rescuing a madcap woman from the bay, he now
finds himself tricked into masquerading as her husband so they both can procure
passage to Barbados.
Pirates, storms, shipwreck and betrayal threaten to delay the
couple in their journey even as sparks fly between them. With her
brother-in-law in fast pursuit, the last thing Charity wants is help from a
man, especially a religious one, but she has no choice. After Elias’ heart was
broken by a sordid woman who nearly ruined his life, he seeks a godly woman
pure as the virgin sands of the Caribbean. He believes he has found such a
woman in Charity. Until he discovers she is a murderer and is now faced with
two choices: letting her go or turning her in to the authorities.
MY THOUGHTS
Ahoy! When you think of pirates? Who comes to mind? Maybe Captain Hook from Peter Pan, or is it Once Upon a Time TV series, or Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise? Whoever it is, I can assure you, they are no where near swoon-worthy or simply worthy enough to be the hero in MaryLu Tyndall's Charity's Cross as Elias Dutton, pirate turned preacher is.
Elias bears his own guilt from his past, and how it affected his family. As he journeys back to Barbados to help one of his sisters, he rescues Charity Westcott, a woman with a tough exterior and spark that rivals any pirate. Yet, beyond that tough facade, Elias sees a certain frailty and pain that only our Almighty Father can heal, if only she lets Him.
"Thank God, He is in the business of not only forgiveness but restoration." (84)
Charity's experience and lack of judgement with men in the past have caused her not only her independence, but a life that is most dear to her. Even when she declares to ward off men altogether, she can't seem to get Elias' smile out of her mind, or any of his good qualities, or his claim that God is always near. Now that she's a fugitive, she needs God even more, but will she find it in herself to hear and trust Him?
"People have to know they need help before they ask it. God is a gentleman. He never forces himself on anyone. He just makes the offer and waits 'til they accept." (95)
This is my first MaryLu novel, and it won't be my last. With fast-paced action, unforgettable romance, and the bond of comrades, as well as redemption of past mistakes, readers are in for a ride as Charity and Elias travels the seas to reach not only Barbados, but towards each other's hearts. MaryLu tackled not only the issues of the heart romantically, but emotional and spiritual turmoil as well. Alcoholism, domestic abuse, the end of pregnancies and greed were all touched upon with honesty and grace as redemption made its presence. A great story on discerning and accepting God's will and be the tool to further His plans had me from the start, "Charity killed her husband." How will God use that? You'll just have to read and see.
Lastly, I would like to share this image and these verses with you, that I saw on MaryLu's website, Cross and Cutlass.
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| Taken from MaryLu Tyndall's website |
Give ear to my prayer, O God;
And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.
My heart is in anguish within me
And the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me,
And horror has overwhelmed me.....
“I would hasten to my place of refuge
From the stormy wind and tempest.”...
Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you;
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Psalm 55
NOTE: I received a complimentary ARC of this book through Celebrate Lit Publicity Tours for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning
author MaryLu Tyndall dreamt of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her
childhood days on Florida's Coast. With more than seventeen books published,
she makes no excuses for the spiritual themes embedded within her romantic
adventures. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be
brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. In a culture that
accepts the occult, wizards, zombies, and vampires without batting an eye,
MaryLu hopes to show the awesome present and powerful acts of God in a dying
world. A Christy award nominee and Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award winner,
MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, two grandchildren and
several stray cats on the California coast.
great review, Annie! And you are right - no other pirate holds a candle to Elias :)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness!! What an awesome review, Annie! Thank you for your kind words and for sharing the ship picture from my blog and all my other books! You are an absolute doll! Thank you. God Bless you for your kindness!
ReplyDeleteWonderful review Annie! If I didn't already want this book, I would after reading your thoughts on it :-)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, 'tis so sure. Ahhh...Elias... ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks MaryLu! I'm so happy to have finally read one of your books! I went out and bought the Escape to Paradise Trilogy! On my 2016 TBR list! =)
ReplyDeleteTRIXI!!! You are sooo SWEET!! Thank you!!! *HUGS*
ReplyDeleteLooks like a really great book Thanks for sharing
ReplyDelete