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.
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.
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