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02 February 2016

Diana's Review Of Charity's Cross By MaryLu Tyndall


Charity's Cross By Marylu Tyndall
Ransom Press, 2016

Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 stars!~
(No Spoilers!)

Adventure And Romance On The High Seas!

Once again, author MaryLu Tyndall takes the reader off on a turbulent, exhilarating seafaring journey—from the perils of frothy, turquoise waters filled with swashbuckling pirates and a dangerous jungle replete with exotic birds, foliage, and uncivilized natives—to the beauties of the Caribbean with its warm breezes, swaying palms, sugar cane, and tropical fruits of the West Indies.

Charity Westcott, accused of murdering her abusive husband, desperately boards a ship attempting to flee England. Her plans are to reunite with her family in the colonies, but determined to see her hang her late husband's brother, Charles, follows after her. Upon spotting him, Charity jumps overboard and is rescued by Elias Dutton, missionary and son of the infamous pirate, Rowan Dutton. It is imperative that Elias go to Barbados as soon as possible to come to his sister's aid who may be in danger, and she has little choice but to sail there with him. After suffering horrific abuse at the hands of her husband, Charity loathes and mistrusts all men. But there is something about this enigmatic, rugged man with the kind blue eyes—who has playfully dubbed her "Mermaid"—that draws her. Braving storms, shipwreck, and vicious pirates bind them together, but Charles doggedness and Charity's lies and deception threaten to keep them apart...forever.

MaryLu Tyndall totally outdoes herself with each new book she writes! Her descriptive imagery heightens the readers' senses and emotions with every heart-racing word! I could almost smell the salty, briny sea air, visualize the nefarious pirates' spine-tingling battle upon the crashing waves, and breathe in the scented air of the sweet flowers in the Caribbean. And ooh, the romantic tension is sure to cause your heart to skip a beat or two! The author compassionately deals with the heartbreaking subject of spousal abuse and conveys a strong message of salvation and redemption without being "preachy." Full of surprises and as many twists and turns as a treasure map, best get yer sea legs on, mateys—ye are about to embark upon a journey ye won't soon forget!

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*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*


This book may be purchased through Amazon and Barnes & Noble,


GIVEAWAY: MaryLu Tyndall is generously giving away a paperback copy of Charity's Cross to one blessed commenter! **Outside of US e-book only!** To be eligible please leave your email address for contact purposes written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.


94 comments:

  1. Thank you, Diana for a wonderful review!! After this post just can't wait to dive into this story! :) Also wanted to say thank you to Marylu Tyndall for writing this adventure,looks like another winner!! Thanks also for the giveaway,please throw my name in. My e-mail is lynnefeuerstein(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. They say the early bird gets the worm, LYNNE, so since you even beat me over here this morning maybe you will. Get the book that is, not a worm. LOL! Another fantastic read by MaryLu Tyndall! Thx, Lynne, and good luck, mate.

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    2. Good morning Lynne! Thank you for dropping by. :-) And thank you for your kind words.

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  2. Wow DIANA, I think I love this review as much as I love MaryLu's books... And that's saying something! :-) You hit gold with that last line especially! I want to read this book SO bad!!

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    1. Thanks Noela, Diana does have a way with words, doesn't she? Maybe she should try her hand at novels?

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    2. I don't have enough imagination, MaryLu so I have to "borrow" some of yours for my reviews. ;) Thank you both for your kind words! NOELA, you will LOVE this book, mate! xoxo

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  3. Thank you so much, Diana, for such a glowing review so eloquently written. You make my stories shine!

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    1. It's such a delight to write reviews for your books, MARYLU! It's always a challenge to do them justice, but I do my best! You're so very welcome!

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  4. Diana I am looking forward to reading this book! thanks for the great review, Diana! MaryLu is so talented!

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    1. Thanks, Carrie! She certainly is and there is never a dull moment in this book, let me tell you!

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  5. I love MaryLu's books!! Would love to have this one too. Thanks for the giveaway and a great review! ConnieTroyer77(at)gmail(dot)com.

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    1. CONNIE, aren't they just the best!? Good luck, matey! ;)

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    2. Thank you, Connie!!! You all are making my day! :-)

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  6. Love all of Marylu Tyndall's book; can't wait to read this one next!
    Hshetrick23(at)cox(dot)net

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    1. I have your name in my pirate hat here, HANNAH! lol Good luck!

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    2. Thanks Hannah! I appreciate that. In the pirate hat, eh? LOL

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  7. I've only read one of her books and would love for this to be my second. Beautiful cover!!!

    Diane
    dianemestrella at gmail dot com

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    1. Only one, DIANE! Oh, you have missed out, my dear friend! Ok, we need to pray random number has mercy on you. lol

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    2. Diane, I pray this is your second as well! And that there will be a third, forth, and so on. LOL. God Bless!

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  8. Beautiful! You've nailed the uncertainty and mistrust of "Mermaid" and your lovely pirate talk! =) No need to enter me in the giveaway. I have a copy. =)

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    1. Thanks, ANNIE! I wish I could nail it like our lovely guest of honor! :)

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  9. Amen to "Charity's Cross" being a story the reader won't soon forget, Diana - and thanks for an exquisite review!! I could almost smell that salt air from your review, lol!! I can't find more eloquent words than yours to describe the excitement, beauty, romance, adventure, and inspiration of "Charity's Cross" - so will just say that I loved the romance and spiritual lessons, was kept on the edge of my seat during the suspenseful portions, didn't want the story to end, and personally feel it is MaryLu's most beautiful work yet!! The emotion touched my heart!!

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    1. You are so sweet, Bonnnie! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, dear friend. :-)

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    2. Well, Bonnie, I think you just did find more eloquent words. lol You are so precious and kind. Thank you!

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  10. Beautiful review! :) I'd love to win a copy it sounds SO GOOD! :)

    Hugs, Amada (a.m.a.th.a)
    amada_chavez(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hope you win, Amada! Beautiful name, by the way... and Chavez is my daughter's married name. :-)

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    2. Thank you, AMADA! I have grown to love not only your beautiful name but your sweet, godly nature on FB!

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    3. Thank you MaryLu! :) Sweet! Welcome to the clan! ;) LOL! It can get crazy sometimes! :D

      THANK YOU Diana! :) You just made my day! I love your friendship and can't remember what it was like without your posts that bring me encouragement or a good laugh! :)

      Many Blessings to you both! :) ~A

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    4. Aww...you just made my day, AMADA! Thank you! Blessings sent right back your way!!

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  11. I can't wait to read the new book! My favourite still remains The Falcon and the Sparrow though. :)

    Hannah
    hannah(dot)tay (at) hotmail (dot) com

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    1. I really love The Reckoning! And The Ransom. And The...oh, never mind, HANNAH! It's like trying to pick your favorite child. LOL! Tossing your name in my pirate hat here! ;)

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    2. Thanks Hannah! Falcon is one of my favs too. It's so different from my other books. :-)

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    3. I'll just need to have a few favourites then! :P thanks Diana :)

      MaryLu, I hope you'll always be writing books. They're such a blessing, and so are you! :)

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  12. Blue-eyed Elias? The book must be written about my son. Guess I have to read what he's up to now. Haha. Fine review Miss Diana. ;-)
    Luke

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    1. Thank you, LUKE. I KNOW what he's been up to, but I'm not saying a word. hehe Elias is such a neat name for a guy. You picked well. Thanks for coming by!

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    2. He's up to quite a lot, Luke. LOL Hope you get to find out! Thanks

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    3. Thanks. Elias is 26 and I still like his name.
      Luke

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  13. Veil of Pearls ~ my favorite :D please add me for this new novel, Charity's Cross. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    1. Loved, loved, loved that one, too, KATHLEEN! It went out the door under my daughter's arm never to be seen again. (frown) Good luck, matey.

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    2. Thank you, Kathleen! Veil is a fan favorite. :-)

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  14. I read MaryLu's Escape to Paradise series and loved it. This looks like another exciting book. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
    susanmsj at msn dot com

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    1. Oh, it surely is, SUSAN! Very much so! I hope you get a copy ASAP! Maybe here! :)

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    2. Thank you, Susan. Escape was a fun series to write. :-)

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  15. Wonderful review, Diana! I would so love to win this book! It sounds like MaryLu has outdone herself with another keeper :) Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
    bettimace at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks so much, BETTI! Indeed she has! Good luck, my friend!

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  16. I've read a few of MaryLu's earlier books, but nothing recently! Would love to change that.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. All of her books are great, PATTY, but The Ransom, The Reckoning, and Charity's Cross (her last three), have really made my boat float! Pardon the pun. lol

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  17. Thank you for this wonderful review and giveaway.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. You're welcome, MELANIE, matey! :-)

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    2. Thanks Melanie! I think Diana has the pirate lingo down pat. ;-)

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  18. Great review---would love to win the giveaway. Always ready to read a novel like this!!

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    1. You'll love it, SPANGLDLADY! Please do come back and leave your email addy for contact purposes! Thanks, me heartie. lol

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  19. So much going on in the story, can't wait to get my eyes in it! Still have a hard time convincing my husband that pirates can turn into good guys!

    missionwife AT hotmail DOT com

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    1. If you win, MELODY, you must let him read the book first! lol This book is jam packed full of excitement! Am hoping you get a chance to read it soon! After hubby. LOL

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    2. Hi Melody! If I can turn into a good guy, so can pirates. If you only knew me when....

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  20. This does sound fantastic.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  21. Sounds like another swashbuckling high sea adventure that MaryLu likes to give us!! Pirates...check...runaway damsel....check...danger.....check....oh AND the Caribbean?? Yep, it's got all the elements I love :-) How about that gorgeous red velvet dress....WOWSER!! Definitely makes me want to dive right into the pages me hearty!!
    Let the adventure begin.......

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Oh, the Caribbean is so spectacular, TRIXI! I may never go there, but I went there thru MaryLu's wonderfully descriptive writing! Yes, let the adventure begin!

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  22. Diana! Awesome review for an awesome book! I loved Charity's Cross. I had always wondered about the fourth Wescott sister. I'm so glad MaryLu decided to write Charity's story. And I thought Elias was SO sweet. Swoon-worthy indeed! No need to enter me in the drawing. I just wanted to stop by and support MaryLu. :)

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    1. ANGI, you are such a sweetheart. Thank you for coming by and showing your support of CC! It means a lot to me and I KNOW it will to MaryLu! Elias was indeed a hunky hero! Sighhh....

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    2. Angi, thanks for your friendship and support! Yup.. Elias is definitely swoon-worthy.. ;-)

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  23. Great review Diana!
    Congratulations on your book MaryLu!!

    I have the book and am reading it now, great so far.
    Blessings,Tina

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    1. Thanks so much, TINA! Happy reading, sweet lady!

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    2. Thanks for your congratulations, Tina. Glad you're enjoying the story!

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    3. MaryLu, there is one "problem" (a good problem) with your book...I am staying up way too late in the evening to read just one more chapter, then Oh, I can't stop there and read another chapter, repeating this over and over. Then I got up early this morning and read for another 2 hours. I don't want to put it down but have some things that I have to do that can't wait.
      Blessings,Tina

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    4. TINA, it sounds like we had the same problem. How do you stop reading when something exciting is going on at the end of each chapter? What a dilemma! LOL

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  24. Love the cover, and the story sounds AMAZING! MaryLu's books are full of adventure, I'm looking forward to reading her newest!

    lientjiehuman(at)yahoo(dot)com(dot)au

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  25. I've not had the chance to read any of MaryLu's books yet, but she has been on my wishlist for a while now. I love all her covers and the blurbs are always so intriguing! I will get my hands on one soon. Thanks for the chance to win! betherin02(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. BETH, I so hope you get a chance to read one ASAP. They are the BoMb!

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  26. I loved your review, Diana. Sounds like another winner! I love MaryLu's books and look forward to reading this one. :)

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    1. Thank you, MARIAN! Yes, you must take a trip to the Caribbean soon! Watch out for pirates, me heartie!

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  27. New author for me looking forward to reading her books. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.

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    1. Oh, KIM, you've missed a lot! Hope we can turn you into a ML Tyndall fan in short order!! :)

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  28. Sounds like a great book. I look forward to reading it. Thanks for your review and the opportunity to win a copy.
    Anne at Rightler dot com

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    1. You're so welcome, ANNE! Thanks for stopping by! :)

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  29. I can't wait to read this book! Thanks for your review, and thank you Mary Lu for the chance to win a free copy...

    svenable(at)westmont(dot)edu

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    1. Good luck, my friend. Tossed your email in my cyber pirate hat! ;)

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  30. Great review! =) Can't wait to get my hands on this book! =D

    smittyfan01(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Welcome to OWG, SMITTY FAN! Here's hoping you'll get a copy in those hands ASAP! Thanks!

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  31. Looks like such an Awesome read! Thanks for doing this for your readers! Have a Blessed day!
    swanphillips4(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. It surely is that, WENONA! Blessings right back your way!

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  32. DIANA, thank you for this STELLAR review! Congratulations Capt'n MaryLu on the release of CHARITY'S CROSS! I am ready for a grand adventure.

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    1. Tis a grand adventure indeed, Matey! Get ready to hoist the sails. ;) Thanks so much, CARYL!! You have just got to put this one at the top of your TBR pile. There's nobody who can write a seafaring novel quite like MaryLu IMO!

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  33. I'm so excited to read about another Wescott sister and be swept away!
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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    1. You'll be swept away and tossed and turned sailing over those waves with Charity, MERRY! Good luck!

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  34. Congrats to Patty who won a copy of Charity's Cross via random number!

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