I didn't realize this was a religious-toned book upon purchase. Being Christian, it shouldn't bother me, but characters can be rather one-dimensional in these types of books. I really loved the characters, though, and the plot/story was great! It didn't bother me until the last 25% or so when it gets a little preachy, but besides that I really enjoyed it. ( )

Two reluctant young people, engaged for all the wrong reasons.

He needed her money to further his family's business. She needed to marry to unlock her inheritance so she could save her beloved mother. Two hearts so intent on using the other for everything but love, can there be a reconciliation? Is it possible for two people so far apart to find the one thing they never expected?

Join Marianne as she chases loathsome Noah down after he deserts her and publicly humiliates her in front of everyone of importance. Watch in horror as a delightful set of circumstances abound to keep the two disinterested parties together - finally culminating in a heroic set of events that takes place in the War of 1812.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I had no desire to put it down. Ms. Tyndall has the ability to make you feel as though you were actually there in the thick of things by her spellbinding imagery. I look forward to reading more of her works, and highly recommend it to those who love historical fiction. ( )

I LOVED this book! The night I started it, I needed to get to bed early but found myself still reading into the wee hours of the morning. MaryLu Tyndall can really write a captivating story - so captivating, that I couldn't put it down.

I adored the main characters. Marianne was sweet and smart, but there were times I would become frustrated with her lack of consideration towards Noah. Her knowledge of finances didn't ring clear with some of the things she planned to get back home. Noah, on the other hand, was not only dreamy and intelligent, but a hurting soul, and his character was true to the part.

The storyline was fascinating and I found myself transported back to 1812. The unease of the time and the threat of war was very real, and I could easily place myself inside the story, feeling the fear and the pressure of the time.

Unlike most of the historical romances I've read, this one made me unsure how it was going to turn out. I really enjoyed the way the story unfolded and the twists that were incorporated throughout the story.

MaryLu Tyndall has been writing for 20 years, so how have I missed all her books for all this time? I'm anxious to get my hands on another of her stories, and especially her pirate series. I really want to read those! If her other books are as good as this one, she will certainly become one of my favorite authors!!! ( )

Marianne Denton needs her inheritance to pay for the medicine her mother needs. But in order to receive that inheritance she must marry Noah Brenin. Noah has always lived with the disapproval of his father and with their shipping business in trouble his father insists on the marriage to Marianne for her inheritance. So Noah decides to walk out on their engagement party and sail the cargo to England where he will make enough money not to have to marry at all and gain the approval of his father as well. Marianne, feeling humiliated, follows Noah to the Docks and boards the ship. When Noah finds out she's aboard they are too far out to sea to return her home. Then they are confronted by a British ship where Noah, Marianne and several crew members are impressed into the British Navy. They soon meet others on the ship who were impressed as well. One is a young boy named Daniel. So full of faith and hope. He helps Marianne and continues to remind her that the Lord is with them. As the situation grows more grave will they find the strength to believe God is with them or will they accept the fate that's been dealt them???

MaryLu Tyndall treats us to another high-seas adventure in Surrender the Heart. I could not turn pages fast enough to find out the fate our hero and heroine. Marianne was such a real character to me. Her feelings of being plain and ordinary to the point of feeling unworthy of someone as handsome as Noah was totally relateable. I liked how Noah, even when he was angry at her, still tried to understand Marianne's actions. One secondary character I found quite interesting was Luke. Noah's first mate. I hope to see more of him. MaryLu's latest tale is one you won't want to miss. I highly recommend it! A thank you goes to the author and publisher for this complimentary copy for my review! ( )

MaryLu Tyndall has done it again! She has created another great story on the open seas. It takes place as we begin the War of 1812. Marianne Denton is being made to marry a man she has known since childhood, and has disliked the whole time, so that she can get her inheritance to save her mother's life. Noah Brenin is being forced into this marraige by his family for the money, even though he also has despised Marianne all these years. At their engagement party Noah must leave to sail his cargo to England before war breaks out. Marianne chases him to his ship in anger and outrage at his leaving "their" party. What happens that finds Marianne sailing to England with Noah and how she finds ways of getting him to turn the ship around was amusing to me. But when one of her "tricks" gets them taken as prisoners of the British navy it turns ugly and dangerous for all involved.
I appreciated the struggles Marianne and Noah were both going through throughout this story. Letting go of the past, forgiveness, seeing God for who He really is; all these were important themes throughout this story. I felt the boy they both encounter named Daniel; he had the answers they were searching for. He taught them about ones destiny. It is easier for people to think of God as "aloof and distant" than that He has a plan, a destiny for each of us, if we would just accept the good with the bad and trust Him for the way He will work all things out for our good.
This was a great story, and I am anxious to read the next book in this series. I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and MaryLu Tyndall for sending me a copy for review! Keep up the good work! ( )