Monday, September 6, 2010

My Review of Surrender the Heart

Here's a description of the book from Barbour Publishing: "Relive the rich history of the War of 1812 through the eyes of Marianne Denton and Noah Brenin, who both long to please their families but neither one wishes to marry the other. Noah is determined to get his cargo to England before war breaks out, and Marianne is equally determined to have a wedding so that her inheritance can be unlocked and her destitute family saved. When their stubborn games get them captured by a British warship, can they escape and bring liberty to their country—and growing love?"

My Rating: Summer

My Review:

Ever since reading the Legacy of the King's Pirates series, I have been enthralled with MaryLu Tyndall's books. I anticipate each new one because I know that I am guaranteed a thrilling and inspiring story! Surrender the Heart more than lived up to my expectations.

What was rather different and wonderful about this book was the heroine. I found myself able to relate to her in her self-consciousness about her looks and her feelings about being "ordinary." Tyndall's dedication at the beginning of the book is both moving and motivating: "To everyone who has ever felt ordinary."

Marianne and Noah's journey is powerful, and I loved seeing the growth in their relationships with each other and with God. All of the characters were so real, and it was a humbling experience to see in part how the War 0f 1812 affected both the British and the Americans. Neither side was exempt from the hurt and sorrow that affects all of mankind.

And oh! the romance of this story was beautiful! I was touched by the love that came slowly and unexpectedly between the two main characters at first, until it finally shone forth in utter adoration and devotion. There are certainly many moments in this book that set the heart to fluttering!

Ultimately, the main message of the story is a grand one. The connections to Esther's story from the Bible are wonderful, and as the story progressed I felt encouraged to trust in God and in the plans He has for each of our lives. I loved the depth and the clarity of the lessons Marianne and Noah learned, made all the more vivid through Tyndall's excellent storytelling.

Surrender the Heart captivated me and reminded me of my need to surrender to God's will and let Him work through me to do extraordinary things for His glory. I look forward to reading the rest of the "Surrender to Destiny" series!

*With thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

8 comments:

Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot) said...

I have this to read! I can't wait MaryLu's books are always wonderful!

XOXO~ Renee

Amber Holcomb said...

Renee,

I'm so glad you'll be able to read it--MaryLu does not disappoint! She knows just what the reader wants and also what the reader needs to hear. :) I love her books, and I can't wait for Surrender the Night!

~Amber

Amanda Stanley said...

LOVE your review, Amber!! I'm so happy you finished it and so very happy you loved it- not that there was any doubt, with MaryLu holding the pen!!

And, you're right, she knows just what we our heart wants, and just what our soul needs. I loved that Esther connection, too. She writes the Bible into her stories so effortlessly and perfectly, it's almost like a devotional in a romance novel- but, never preachy, only ministering and identifiable.

Can't wait for book 2, and ESPECIALLY book 3 :D Wasn't Luke just AMAZING??!! Every time I saw his name on the paper my heart did a little flip *sigh* Can't wait to see how MaryLu is gonna write him!! The scar on his ear, his parents deaths, his grudge against God, his penchant for the ladies... we see so many layers to him and he didn't even have a POV in this book! Can't wait to see how all will be revealed, and witness his, no doubt, powerful conversion, AND, of course, how the beautiful Cassandra is gonna capture his heart so that it's beats for no one else, save God! Goodness, August 2011 can't come fast enough!!!

Blessings,
Amanda Stanley

Amber Holcomb said...

Amanda,

Thank you for being happy for me--the sweet sentiments of a true friend! :D There was certainly no doubt that I would love the latest MaryLu Tyndall book!

I love the way you describe her books: "it's almost like a devotional in a romance novel- but, never preachy, only ministering and identifiable." So true!

I definitely share your excitement for the next two books! It's so fun to know that we'll get to meet practically all-new heroines, as they were only mentioned at the very beginning of Surrender the Heart. :) And yes, it will be great to read more about Luke! You know, I'm actually really excited about reading more about Lieutenant Reed (I think he's the same one who will be the hero in Surrender the Night). His character certainly intrigued me!

I love that MaryLu has two new books out each year, so I don't have to wait TOO long between each book! ;)

~Amber

MaryLu Tyndall said...

Hey ladies! I happened upon your review of my book, Amber, and had to stop and say thank you so much!!! What a wonderful review and I'm so glad you enjoyed the book... and hey, I guess Luke Heaton made quite a splash? :-) I've just begun to write his story and I can already tell he's going to be quite the an interesting character...in fact, like the rebel he is, he's already starting to take over my plot!
God Bless...

Amanda Stanley said...

Amber!!! You GENIUS!!! I CANNOT believe I missed that about Lieutenant Reed!! OF COURSE he's the next hero- Lieutenant Alexander Reed in Surrender the Night!! There was something about him that I really loved, a depth, a kindness. And, I really enjoyed his interactions with Marianne. I just can't believe I missed the telltale signs of a hero brewing! And, I can't even count how many times I read the synopsis for that book, never even having the faintest clue! *blushing furiously* Goodness, I even pre-ordered it! Well, no matter- it's WONDERFUL news!!!!!

Thank you, dear friend, for making my night :D

Blessings,
The Goose

Amber Holcomb said...

MaryLu,

Your book is absolutely wonderful, as all of your books! I am so, so thankful for you sending me that personalized copy of the book--the message is such an great reminder of what's truly important in this life.

I can't wait to read the rest of this series, and I just know Luke will be quite the hero! ;) Thank you for writing such encouraging, inspiring, and engaging books!

~Amber

Amber Holcomb said...

The Goose (AKA Amanda),

You silly! Besides the fun of teasing you (hence calling you "The Goose"), you are really not a goose! ;) I'm pretty sure that both Lieutenant Reed's are the same, and I'm so excited to read more about him!

Happy to hear that I made your night. ;) I'm highly anticipating the next books in this series for sure! Doesn't the cover of Surrender the Night look fabulous? :D Definitely makes me want to read it even more! And I love the titles of these books--like Surrender the Night--and the title of the series, "Surrender to Destiny." LOVE them!!!

Talk to you later!

~Amber