Diana Flowers Guest Reviews MaryLu Tyndall's "The Ransom"

The Ransom

The Ransom by MaryLu Tyndall

Ransom Press, 2014

Reviewed by Diana Flowers (Guest Reviewer)

5 stars!*****

Shiver Me Timbers!

With quill in hand, MaryLu Tyndall has crafted a swashbuckling, seafaring adventure set in the wicked city of Port Royal, Jamaica, where nefarious villains and pirates roam the streets—and where an unescorted lady dare not!

Juliana Dutton is the daughter of one of the wealthiest shipping merchants in Port Royal. With a drunken gambler of a brother and an ailing father, Juliana must keep the business afloat single handedly—all while trying to help a fallen friend, and work at the orphanage as well. While seeking to stave off the affections of an intrusive would-be suitor – Captain Nichols – Juliana agrees to a fake engagement to the foppish Lord Munthrope, who perhaps may not be all he appears to be. He seems all too willing to help, but can he be trusted?

When Juliana is accosted by vulgar ruffians on her way to check on her friend, a most unlikely person comes to her rescue…the most feared and relentless pirate on the Spanish Main—Pirate Earl! The infamous Pirate Earl, Alexander Hyde, son of Captain Edmund Merrick Hyde, leads a dual life as he attempts to hide the dark secrets that plague his soul day and night. As her faint-hearted fiancé and Juliana's lives become intertwined with the fearsome Pirate Earl, an enemy follows and dangers ensue—especially those of the heart. For the virtuous Juliana simply cannot get the memory of the startling, piercingly blue eyes of a certain immoral, enigmatic pirate out of her mind…

MaryLu Tyndall has written an exhilarating adventure on the high seas and off, that will awaken your senses and heighten your emotions with her amazing descriptive imagery! With an intricate, heart racing plot guaranteed to cause the reader to chuckle and shed a few tears, this is certainly in my opinion, one of, if not the best pirate novels that has ever come from this writer's pen…er, quill that is. With a powerful thread of redemption and second chances, I drew a deep sigh at the satisfying conclusion, and tears formed in my eyes at that wonderful last sentence (but don't peek!) So get yer sea legs on, mateys—ye are about to set sail on a journey ye won't soon forget!

This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, Barnes & Noble, and your local bookstore.

Giveaway: An ebook copy or paperback of The Ransom. "Like" MaryLu's Amazon page and leave a comment about this post and telling us you liked it and your email address.   

Guest Post - Diana Flowers Reviews Thorns In Eden and The Everlasting Mountains by Rita Gerlach

Thorns in Eden

Thorns In Eden And The Everlasting Mountains
By Rita Gerlach, 2013

~5 stars*****
Reviewed by Diana Flowers

A Historical Masterpiece!

Rita Gerlach has once again penned a riveting, powerful saga beginning in the beautiful, lush, snow laden fields of England, with its magnificent manors---to the breathtaking beauty and dangers of the raw, savage land of colonial Maryland.

Due to the death of her father, Rebecah Brent lives with her uncle in Endfield Manor in virtual isolation. Because of past secrets, Samuel Brent does not hide the fact that he despises his niece, and plans to marry her off to a wealthy landowner. However, a glorious encounter with John Nash, a colonial who comes to visit his parents in England, forever changes the course of Rebecah's life.

As she follows after John to the colonies of America (not knowing whether he will have her or not), she has no idea of the dangers that lie in wait for her; testing her very soul, mind, and body. As the fear of Indian attacks and the onset of the Revolutionary War consume her and the colonists, Rebecah is faced with an even greater danger. John's worst enemy, a man seeking vengeance who has no allegiance to any tribe or nation, will stop at nothing to have her for his own. Is Rebecah and John's love doomed from the very beginning?

I have read and loved all of Rita Gerlach's books, but this one truly reinforced what I already knew. Rita Gerlach is one of the strongest voices and greatest talents in historical fiction today. Her extensive research and knowledge of colonial life, realistic fleshed out characters, and an intriguing, emotive, intense storyline established this as one of the best books I have read this year! My heart pounded as Rebecah sought to escape her Indian captors, and soared with the beauty of her and John's love story. Guaranteed to keep you burning the midnight oil, make sure to put this one at the top of your wishlist!

This book may be purchased through Amazon and is available in paperback and ebook format.

From Rita: Comment for a chance to win a free Kindle ebook copy.
 


Guest Review of MaryLu Tyndall's Forsaken Dreams by Diana Flowers

Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall

Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall

Barbour Publishing, 2013

 Reviewed by Diana Flowers

~5 stars*****

Absolutely Riveting!

In Forsaken Dreams, author MaryLu Tyndall sweeps us away on a riveting, seafaring journey -- beginning in the ravaged, post civil war torn South to the lush beauty of Brazil -- a literal utopia with fertile soil, the sounds of tropical birds permeating the fresh air, a myriad of fruits, vegetables, and fish, and most of all -- HOPE.

Colonel Blake Wallace, a decorated war hero, embarks upon a journey to Brazil to begin a colony there, unable to deal with the atrocities that he witnessed during the war, not to mention the death of his entire family. It is aboard the ship, the New Hope, that he meets the widow, Eliza Crawford, a confederate nurse who signs on to give medical assistance to the new colonists when they arrive at their destination in Brazil.

Eliza, however, carries a deep, dark secret that threatens to ruin her dreams of a new life in Brazil, and her budding romance with Blake should he ever discover it. Each passenger on the New Hope has their own reasons for wishing to start life anew, and many are still struggling from the war's terrible after effects. As disease, deadly storms, and evil permeate the ship, will the passengers make it to their promised land? And will Eliza be able to keep her secret from Blake?...or will her hopes become "forsaken dreams"...forever?

Just when I thought MaryLu could not possibly top her last book, she totally blows me away with another! This book is utterly fantastic, and I had a terrible time putting it down. Not only does the plot surround the hero and heroine, but there are also fascinating subplots involving the secondary characters aboard the ship. 

MaryLu covers many heavy issues -- post traumatic stress disorder, alcoholism, anxiety attacks, etc. without sugar coating, and weaves a very strong spiritual thread throughout. Very well written with realistic characters, an utterly compelling storyline, and tremendous use of  descriptive imagery, I can honestly say...MaryLu Tyndall has crafted a masterpiece here! I simply can't wait for Book Two in this series!

I was provided with a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book may be purchased at CBD, Amazon, and your local bookstore.

Question: Many Southerners chose to leave their precious homeland instead of trying to rebuild after the war's devastation. Would you choose to stay, or go to a land of wealth and promise -- and if so where would that be?

GIVEAWAY: A copy of any of MaryLu's books, winners choice of format (outside USA Ebook only.) Leave your email address. 





Guest Review by Diana L. Flowers of Rita Gerlach's "Beside Two Rivers"

Beside Two Rivers 

by Rita Gerlach
Book 2 in the Daughters of the Potomac Series 

Abingdon Press 2012

5 stars  *****

Riveting Historical Fiction!

In “Beside Two Rivers,” Rita has penned a gripping, beautiful, emotionally charged literary saga--that takes us from the waters of the Potomac River in Maryland, to the lush, green, sheep-filled hills of England.

Darcy Morgan lives with her kind aunt and uncle, and remembers little of her mysterious childhood, and the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of her parents. Filled with an adventurous spirit, Darcy loves her life along the beautiful Potomac River, filled with forests, bubbling creeks, and a vast array of wildflowers and raspberry bushes. Always giving vent to her exploring nature, she wanders too far out in the river and is swept away to certain death, until she is rescued by a handsome stranger, Ethan Brennan.

Ethan has come to Maryland from England to purchase a stallion, accompanied by his lady friend, Miss Roth, who clearly makes it known to Darcy that she and Ethan have an understanding. Ethan is quite taken with the lovely Darcy, however, and is shrouded in secrets concerning her that he cannot reveal. As he returns to his home in England, he takes Darcy's broken heart with him for she has quickly fallen in love with him.

Soon Darcy is summoned to her grandmother's home in England--Havendale, a place that is permeated with secrets. Who is the mysterious vagabond with the familiar eyes that Darcy keeps seeing around her grandmother's property?...and who is the beautiful lady living at Ethan's home?...who remains isolated within its walls. What evil and treachery wind its way around Darcy and Ethan, and will it prevent them from ever being together?

In this exciting, heart-pounding sequel to Before The Scarlet Dawn, Rita Gerlach has once again written a literary masterpiece, and is now among the top ten of my favorite authors! As always, Rita surrounds the reader with such beautiful imagery one is immediately drawn into another place and time, not wanting to come back until that last satisfying page is read.

Filled with the message of God's love and forgiveness, romantic tension, and heart palpitating excitement, this is one not to miss. Because it is a sequel, I would recommend (though not necessary), reading the first book as well, to get a better feel for all the characters in the book. And as with all of Rita's books, make sure to keep the tissues nearby...you're going to need them!

Fabulous, Rita Gerlach!

Thank you, Net Galley, and Abingdon Press, for providing a copy for review.  

Guest Bio: Diana L. Flowers is Senior Reviewer on Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help.  An avid reader, Diana's reviews have been quoted on numerous Christian fiction blogs.  Diana helps manage her husband's business and is a mother and grandmother. 

Rita's website: http://ritagerlach.blogspot.com

Before the Scarlet Dawn, book 1  
http://www.amazon.com/Before-Scarlet-Dawn-Daughters-Potomac/dp/1426714149/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316017147&sr=1-4

Beside Two Rivers, book 2
http://www.amazon.com/Beside-Two-Rivers-Daughters-Potomac/dp/1426714157/ref=la_B00279KETE_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348261739&sr=1-1

Beyond the Valley, book 3 (pre-order, release Feb. 2013)
 http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Valley-Daughters-Potomac-3/dp/1426714165/ref=la_B00279KETE_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1348261739&sr=1-4

Guest Diana Flowers Reviews Laura Frantz's "Love's Reckoning"

Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz

Love's Reckoning 

by Laura Frantz 

(Revell, 2012)
5 stars~ *****

Riveting Historical Fiction!

In Love's Reckoning, Laura Frantz has penned a gripping, literary saga of the Ballantyne Legacy--a legacy that begins with lies, deceit, and treachery, but ends with what many waters cannot quench--an undying love that knows no bounds.

Silas Ballantyne has come to York, Pennsylvania, to finish out his remaining time of apprenticeship under the tutelage of master blacksmith, Liege Lee. Liege insists that Silas marry one of his two beautiful daughters, with the underlying motive of having a second man of such talent working with him at the forge to obtain more wealth. Silas, carrying deep, hidden wounds from his native Scotland, only wishes to finish out his time and move west to Fort Pitt, and has no desire for a wife.

Eden and Elspeth Lee are as different as night and day; Eden with a quiet, gentle spirit, and beautiful Elspeth, who is plucky, seductive, and has a great head for business. Both feel drawn to the handsome, new apprentice, and soon jealousy and manipulation begins to rear its ugly head. Unbidden secrets come to the surface as both sisters fight for the man they love, but will Silas fulfill his dream and leave them both behind?...or will he finally find love and healing for his tormented soul? And when one of the sisters finds herself in terrible danger, that threatens to tear her very soul asunder, will her chance at love be lost forever?

Laura Frantz has done it again! This story is a literary masterpiece, that left me feeling almost unworthy to review. As in all of Ms. Frantz's books, there is that element of uncertainty...how can there ever be a happy ending here, or will there be one? With realistic characters, and a spiritual thread throughout this is a must read for all historical fiction lovers! I literally cried all the way (happy and sad tears) throughout this book, so be sure to keep the tissues handy. With its many twists and turns that Laura is so well known for, and a marvelous surprise conclusion, this is definitely one for your keeper shelf! Oh, and I almost forgot to mentioned the swoonworthy romance scenes that left me covered in goosebumps! 

Very nicely done--again, Laura Frantz!

Bio: Diana L. Flowers is the Senior Reviewer on Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help. Diana has shared many of her wonderful reviews with the Colonial Quills staff. Thank you Diana!!!

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of Laura's books, choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners will only receive the book in ebook format not as a paperback.

Guests Review of Rita Gerlach's "The Rebel's Pledge" by Diana Flowers

The Rebel's Pledge by Rita Gerlach (new version)

From the pen of Rita Gerlach comes a gripping novel that sweeps us from the cliffs of England, to the colonies in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. It is a beauteous land; lush with teaming forests, crab-filled marshes, and majestic cliffs, but under the guise of beauty lies the threat of Indians, slavery, and unscrupulous plantation owners.

Matthew Hale is imprisoned for being labeled a traitor to the King of England, and expecting the hangman's noose, instead is sent to the colonies to serve as an indentured servant for seven long years. He is bought on the auction block by a Godly plantation owner, Edmund Carey, and finds favor in the man's eyes. And in so trusting Hale, Carey asks a monumental favor of him---to return to England and bring his daughter, Lara, back to Maryland that he might see her before he dies.

Lara, raised all her life in privilege and wealth by her Uncle Phillip, is eager to escape an arranged marriage to a man she doesn't love, Grey Barrington, a wealthy landowner. But is she willing to travel all the way to the colonies to meet a man who has never really been a father to her? When accosted by a highwayman, and rescued by a handsome stranger she can't forget, she finds the course of her life forever changed. For neither pirates, savage Indians, a jealous suitor bent on revenge, nor prison bars, can keep her from her destiny...and the man she loves with all of her being.

I started this book after a long day of celebrating the 4th of July (what an appropriate read), and was halfway through before I went to bed that night! It was all I could do to put it down! Once again, Rita's use of imagery (which is second to none) drew me in to another place and time, and her exciting storyline held me there! I loved the main characters, the exciting twists and turns, and oh, the romance! With a satisfying conclusion, this book is a pageturner that will keep you burning the proverbial midnight oil! Once again-bravo, Rita Gerlach!

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of Rita’s books, choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners will only receive the book in ebook format not as a paperback.

Guest review of Kelly Long's "Arms of Love"

Arms of Love 

by Kelly Long

(Thomas Nelson, 2012)

4.5  stars~

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

Tale of Redemption and Forgiveness!

Kelly Long sweeps us away to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the year 1777; to a tumultuous time in the history of our country, where the Redcoats, loyalists, patriots, and Amish pacifists coexist. It is also a time of great political unrest, and persecution towards the Amish sect, who, in spite of their peace loving dictates, find their hearts rebelling against the injustices perpetrated in the colonies.

In spite of the political uncertainty surrounding her, Lena Yoder, a beautiful young Amish woman, can barely contain her joy. She is in the throes of love with the handsome Adam Wyse, and her mother is expecting another child. Unbeknownst to Lena, however, in just a short time a promise that her dying mother exacts from her beloved Adam, turns her world upside down, and she finds herself forced to turn to another for support, Adam's brother, Isaac.

Adam Wyse carries a dark secret of guilt and shame from being physically abused, and ponders joining the Patriot's cause to try to escape his problems, the worst of which is being unable to bear seeing his beloved Lena with Isaac. Can Adam ever overcome his demons?...and why does his father seem to delight in tormenting him so? Will Adam run off to war, and keep his promise to Lena's mother concerning her?...and is it too late for forgiveness and redemption between a father and son, and a lifetime of abuse?

This was the first book I have ever read by Kelly Long, but it won't be my last! She touches on some very heavy issues in this book; PTSD, child abuse, the controversial habit of unmarried Amish young people "bundling", to name a few. 


Kelly's characters are realistic and not flawless as in some of the Amish books of today, and I loved the inclusion of an older couple's romance, which lended a tender, heartwarming touch to this novel. This is truly a heartrending story of love, redemption, and forgiveness, with a very satisfying conclusion filled with twists and turns. Nicely written, Kelly Long! 

Diana Flowers, Is the Senior Review for Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help. She loves to read and review books and lives in South Carolina, where she enjoys life with her wonderful husband and family.

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email address for a chance to win a copy of Kelly Long's new release. 

Review of Love Finds You in Nazareth, Pennsylvania

Love Finds You in Nazareth, Pennsylvania by Melanie Dobson

Summerside (2011)

Reviewed by Diana L. Flowers

4-1/2 stars~

Enthralling Read!

Melanie Dobson sweeps us away on a spellbinding journey into the New World; a half untamed land fraught with strife and dangers on every hand, and pervaded with hidden, forbidden passions. Two couples in a Moravian community in Germany, are chosen by lot to marry, Christian and Susanna Boehler, and Catherine and Elias Schmidt. Although Susanna does not know Christian personally she accepts her lot, wanting only to travel to the colonies in America and share their faith in God with the Indians. The beautiful Catherine was raised into wealth and is not ready for the hardships that await her in this savage new land of Nazareth; and the separation from her new husband that is required by their religious sect.

Susanna and Christian's marriage is never consummated, for she becomes ill and he must travel to minister to the Indians without her, along with Catharine and Elias. Unbeknownst to all, Christian is in love with his friend's beautiful wife, and suffers torment day and night over her, and the fact that that his lot was chosen to marry Susanna, a woman he does not love. Even in his passion in ministering to the Indians, he cannot control his passion towards the beautiful Catherine, and falls into a web of deceit and betrayal. 


What happens when Elias discovers Christian's and Catharine's secret, and will Susanna's love for this stranger, her husband, ever be returned? Will their dedication to the Indians' salvation be rewarded, or end up in tragedy?

This was not your typical, lighthearted Love Finds You read, but was filled with complex relationships, and an intense plot that will keep the reader turning those pages well into the night. Melanie Dobson's research was impeccable and therefore lends to the realism of her characters and storyline (and some of it wasn't at all pretty), but she stays true to the times and the many dangers that were ever present. 


Some of this book will leave the reader heartbroken, and definitely more appreciative of what our ancestors went through for their faith and love of this great country we call home. The forbidden passions were handled with discretion and does not cross over the boundaries of Christian fiction. 


Great writing, Melanie Dobson! 


Bio: Guest Reviewer Diana Flowers is Senior Review on Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help. Diana loves reading historical Christian fiction and is a favorite reviewer for many authors.


GIVEAWAY:  Melanie is giving away a paperback copy of this book to someone who leaves a comment on this post.  Please leave your email address.

Colonial American Christian Fiction: Rita Gerlach's Before the Scarlet Dawn

Before the Scarlet Dawn 

by Rita Gerlach

(Abingdon Press, 2012)

5 stars *****




Guest Reviewer: Diana L. Flowers

Colonial Fiction At Its Finest!

In Before the Scarlet Dawn (available through Christian Book Distributors), Rita Gerlach has penned an emotionally gripping saga of the harsh realities of Colonial life; replete with the constant threat of Indians, terrifying blizzards, ravages of war, forbidden passion, and sin.

The beautiful and spirited Eliza Bloome of England, finds herself alone save for her servant and lifelong friend, Fiona, after the death of her father. Told she must vacate her home quickly, Eliza comes up with a daring plan...to become the wife of the wealthy Hayward Morgan and travel to the colonies with him. Eliza has been in love with the handsome Hayward since childhood, but he makes it clear to her that he does not return her affections, and that she is beneath his station in life. After a stinging rejection, however, from the lady Hayward has proposed to, he agrees to Eliza's plan, and together, with Fiona, they travel to the colonies.

Eliza falls in love with the beautiful Maryland, but is not prepared for the harshness of colonial life, and the isolation and loneliness that comes after Hayward goes to fight for the Patriot cause. Together, she and Fiona, fight for survival in this savage, but beautiful land, and when Hayward doesn't return for two long, lonely years, she must also fight off temptations of the flesh. Her handsome neighbor, Halston, makes it no secret as to his feelings towards the beautiful Eliza. Is her love and devotion to Hayward enough to withstand the temptation of a man who, unlike Hayward, is not afraid to declare his love for her? Will Hayward return from the war or become a casualty like so many others before him?

One of my favorite things about Rita Gerlach's novels is her use of imagery which is second to none, and I could actually see the beauty of the Potomac River, the green fields and lush forests, and smell the honeysuckle in the air. This story was heartbreakingly realistic as well, with the devastation of war, and characters who were not infallable, and filled with sin and selfishness. With as many twists and turns as the Potomac, and a VERY unexpected conclusion, I found myself not wanting to let go of this story even after I was done reading. I simply cannot wait for the next book in this series, and next time I will have the tissues handy! Very nicely done, Rita Gerlach!

* I received an ARC of this novel and was not required to write a positive review! The opinions expressed are solely my own.


Guest Reviewer's Bio: Diana L. Flowers is the Senior Reviewer on Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help. She is a mother and grandmother and loves to read Christian historical fiction!


Before the Scarlet Dawn is also available through Amazon.
Information for other reviewers is available at the "Daughters of the Potomac" series website, including a download of the first chapter of "Before the Scarlet Dawn".


GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Rita Gerlach's new release!

Fiction - The Chamomile by Susan Craft, Reviewed by Guest, Diana Flowers

The Chamomile (October, 2011)
by Susan Craft
Published by Ingalls Publishing Group

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

  

Adventure in the Colonies!

Susan sweeps us away on a colonial journey to British-occupied Charlestown, SC. in the year 1780, a time of danger and mixed loyalities. Even though the British require Lilyan Cameron and her brother Andrew to sign a document of loyalty to the British Crown, they are true-blue patriots...willing to give their lives if necessary, for freedom from oppressive British rule. Andrew ends up a prisoner on a notorious British ship, and Lilyan must somehow find a way to rescue him...with the help of one handsome, charming Nicholas Xanthakos, a scout with Francis Marian.

Lilyan becomes a spy, putting her life and those around her in much danger, including her life-long Cherokee friend, Elizabeth, who is almost raped by a British officer. Will she be able to rescue Andrew from the ship where starvation and deprivation rule?...and what huge role does the "chamomile" play in helping the Patriot spies to communicate one with another? As Lilyan escapes to the wilderness to avoid bounty hunters, will she be reunited with the one she loves?

I was truly impressed with Susan's knowledge of colonial-era history, and I feel like this book would appeal to Heartsong historical fiction lovers everywhere! I admit to being disappointed in the fact that Lilyan and Nicholas had barely had a conversation, and he was already addressing her in terms of endearment. The romance happened too quickly and appeared a bit rushed, but there is indeed such a thing as love at first sight! Nice job, Susan Craft!

This book is available in paperback through Amazon.

Thank you Diana for posting as our guest today on CQ!  Bless you!

Bio: Diana Flowers is a historical Christian reader and contributor to the blog "Overcoming Through Time."  She is a mother and grandmother and resides in South Carolina.  

Surrender the Dawn by MaryLuTyndall, Guest Review by Diana Flowers

Surrender the Dawn 

by MaryLu Tyndall 

5 stars~ *****
Patriots and Privateers!

MaryLu Tyndall takes the reader away on a fantastic historical journey to Baltimore, Maryland, amidst the War of 1812. Cassandra Channing has lost her father, and both brothers to the war and must find a way to take care of her mother and the rest of her siblings. Her attempts at investing her money for a privateer is met with ridicule for the simple fact that she is a female, and therefore considered "bad luck" as a business partner. Out of desperation she offers a partnership to Luke Heaton, who having won a rotten, rusty ship in a card game, is in serious need of funding to make it seaworthy.

Cassandra knows Luke's reputation as a womanizer, gambler, and a drunk, but also knows he is a good privateer. Luke, having lost both of his missionary parents in a fire, feels bitter and worthless, and certainly has no use for God...but something about the beautiful, auburn-haired Cassandra stirs him as no woman ever has, and he finds himself wanting to become a better person because of her.

Cassandra is unwillingly drawn to the handsome, charming Luke, but knows she must guard her heart against this womanizing rogue. Cassandra also feels that God has forsaken her and hears not her prayers, for didn't He allow her father to die and her brothers to go missing? As Cassandra finally finds herself trusting and falling in love with Luke, what terrible discovery does she make about him - that rips them apart; perhaps forever.

As Cassandra, foolishly places her life in danger with the British, will she learn to trust God and His sovereignty? Will Luke? And what historical figure does Cassandra meet on the ship, and what song does he pen, when overcome with emotion he sees the American flag still flying over the fort after one of the most terrible battles in our country's history?

In my opinion, this is MaryLu's finest book to date! I found myself tearing up at the end; so proud was I of this great country in which we live, and of the men and women who fought and gave their lives that we might enjoy the freedoms we now oftimes take for granted. The storyline was very realistic...ML Tyndall's research was impeccable, the romance was exciting, and the conclusion was spectacular!

Your best yet, MaryLu!

Reviewed by Guest Diana Flowers, a contributor on the Overcoming Through Time blog.