Tea Party for March - MaryLu Tyndall and J. M. Hochstetler

 Tea Party! 

Introducing fabulous Colonial books by J. M. Hochstetler and Bob Hostetler and MaryLu Tyndall.

Sail away to Port Royal, Jamaica, and join in the fun!

Welcome to Port Royal, Jamaica! One of the most important British Outposts during the Colonial Era.  

'Tis a bustling port town of nearly 3000 souls right in the middle of the Caribbean. Hundreds of ships sail in and out of the harbor each year, carrying precious tropical goods across the pond to England and then bringing their commodities here. By the way, you may notice a pirate or two walking about, but pay them no mind. They're only interested in gold and rum, but you might want to hide any jewelry you have on.

Mayhap you'd like to take a tour of a tall ship? Afterward, you can head on over to the Sign of the Mermaid tavern for some tropical spiced tea or fresh lemonade!

 Here's the captain's cabin on board the Vanity. Isn't it beautiful?

After you see the Vanity, sit down and enjoy a cool drink at The Sign of the Mermaid!

I know these fellows don't look too friendly but they won't bother you. I know the head pirate and he will protect us! I must tell you that the lemonade here is to die for. Besides, it's close to 90 degrees outside and rather muggy, so you will need something cool and refreshing to drink!

 

GIVEAWAYS!

Northkill, Book 1 of the Northkill Amish Series

by J. M. Hochstetler and Bob Hostetler

Drawn into the savage clashes of the French and Indian War, Jakob Hochstetler faces an impossible choice—and the irreversible consequences.

In 1738 Jakob Hochstetler and his family arrive in America, seeking sanctuary from religious persecution in Europe and the freedom to live and worship according to their Anabaptist beliefs, which include the doctrine of nonresistance. Along with other members of their church, they settle in the Northkill Amish Mennonite community on the Pennsylvania frontier between civilization and wilderness. They build a home near Northkill Creek, for which their community is named.

For eighteen years, the community lives at peace. Then, while the French and Indian War rages, the Hochstetlers’ way of life is brutally shattered. Early on the morning of September 20, 1757, their home is attacked by a party of Delaware and Shawnee warriors allied with the French. Facing certain death with his wife and children, Jakob makes a wrenching choice that will tear apart his family and change all of their lives forever.

Northkill is closely based on an inspiring true story well-known among the Amish and Mennonites. It has been documented in many publications and in contemporary accounts preserved in the Pennsylvania State Archives and in private collections. Book 2, The Return, will release in 2016.

Bob Hostetler is an award-winning writer, editor, pastor, and speaker who traces his descent from two sons of Jakob Hochstetler: Johannes and Joseph. He has co-authored eleven books with Josh McDowell and won two Gold Medallion Awards, among others. Bob is a frequent speaker at churches, conferences, and retreats.

J. M.Hochstetler is a descendant of Jakob Hochstetler’s oldest son Johannes. An author, editor, and publisher, she is the daughter of Mennonite farmers and a lifelong student of history. Her American Patriot Series is the only comprehensive historical fiction series on the American Revolution. One Holy Night, a contemporary retelling of the Christmas story, was the Christian Small Publishers 2009 Book of the Year.

Joan and Bob are offering two giveaways: a free copy of Northkill and a small box of delectable jams from Rise 'n Roll Amish Bakery in Middlebury, Indiana.

The Ransom by MaryLu Tyndall

Port Royal, Jamaica 1692

Living in a city deemed the wickedest in the world is no easy task for Miss Juliana Dutton. To make matters worse, with an ailing father and a drunken fool for a brother, she is forced to take over the running of the family business in order to survive. When a meddlesome suitor threatens to discover her secret and cast them all onto the streets, she agrees to a spurious engagement with the town buffoon, Lord Munthrope. She only hopes the man is trustworthy.

The Pirate Earl, Alexander Hyde, son of the infamous Captain Edmund Merrick Hyde, is the most feared pirate in Port Royal. Disillusioned with the religion of his parents and the pleasures of the world, Alex staves off his emptiness by leading a dual life to hide his deepest secrets.

A long-time enemy is out to destroy Alex and take Juliana for his own. Struggling to maintain her faith in the Divine, Juliana faces her problems bravely, but the harder she tries, the more it seems everything is working against her. Unwittingly, she and her weak fiancé become entangled in the hostility between  the Pirate Earl and his enemy, while even more dangerous forces are rising up to destroy them all.

Bio

Acclaimed author, M.L. (MaryLu) Tyndall dreamt of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her childhood days on Florida's Coast. With now more than fourteen books published, she makes no excuses for the deeply spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures. As a follower of Christ, her stories often reflect her own journey and walk with God. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure.  A Christy award nominee, MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, and four cats on the California coast, where her imagination still surges with the sea.

Giveaway entry:  To enter for Joan's prizes or for a copy of MaryLu's new novel (one winner will receive an ebook and another a paperback copy), leave a comment below. Those "in character" get 3 entries. If you are a CQ Follower put CQ on one of your comments and get an extra entry.