(Review & Giveaway) Captivating! Charity’s Cross by: MaryLu Tyndall

Charity’s Cross by MaryLu Tyndall is a 328 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre. It was published by Ransom Press and released on January 16, 2016. To purchase your own copy, click here.

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.

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.

What better way to capture a reader's attention than to start with a BANG! Yes the book grabbed my attention right away as Charity is on a race for her life. Having suffered abuse at the hands of her husband, it was time to flee. Will she be accused of murder? Can she find freedom and redemption ? The story is an adventure on the high seas with a vast amount of  characters that are sure to draw readers in to the exciting story.  I was excited to be introduced to the charming and dashing Elias who will play an important role in Charity's life.

Elias is a strong character with a big heart and a man of honor. What secrets does he keep hidden from others? Will Chariry learn to trust him when she finds out he is not only able to steer a ship but is also a pastor? The story is such a joy to read with characters that are out to sabotage the ship to those who want freedom and perhaps forgiveness. Can Chariry find her way back to God? I loved Elias and his attraction to Charity. Boy does he have his hands full with her. It seems she changes her feelings like the weather which can change in a blink of an eye. I found myself laughing at Elias as he became exasperated with Charity at times. He allowed that green eyed monster  to slip in and found himself jealous which he had never been before. He wants to help Charity but she keeps pulling away. What is she afraid of?

One of my favorite things in the book was something that was so profound it made me think of how many of us are guilty of not realizing we need help and won't ask for it. " People have to know they need help before they ask God for it." There is so much packed in this story that I couldn't put the book down. Not only are there very prominent important people , but we run into pirates and natives with torches  wearing loincloths . There is something for everyone in this amazing adventure. I loved the way the story flowed and led characters to redemption, restoration, forgiveness and the unconditional love of God.

I received a digital copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit for an honest review.

Giveaway

Enter the Charity’s Cross giveaway here.

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