What do you think?
Rate this book
Surrender to Destiny #2
Surrender the Night
Step into a breathtaking novel of adventure and romance set amid the War of 1812. During an assault by an enemy sailor, timid farm girl Rose McGuire is saved by the least likely of heroes—a British Naval Lieutenant. Now that he’s wounded, she’ll have to heal as well as hide him. Alex Reed is being aided and abetted by his enemy—albeit an innocent and attractive one. But he might be doing Rose more harm than good if his presence on her farm is discovered. As their love blooms, trouble looms. Will this couple survive another British invasion?
318 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2011
77 people are currently reading
1146 people want to read
About the author
MaryLu Tyndall
55 books978 followersA Christy Award finalist and winner of two Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards, MaryLu Tyndall dreamt of tall ships and swashbuckling heroes during her childhood years on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. She holds a degree in Math and worked as a software engineer for fifteen years before she penned her first novel. Now, with more than twenty-five books published, she makes her home in California with her husband, six children, four grandchildren and various stray cats. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. For more information, visit her website at marylutyndall.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
May 23, 2020
DNF at something ridiculous like 82% because I Just. Cannot. Anymore.
Alrighty folks, buckle up, because this is going to be a wild ride. Where do I even BEGIN.
I've read a few books by this author and absolutely loved her Escape to Paradise series. I read the first book in this series and liked it a lot, despite a few issues here and there. My main problem with it were the too oft random and sudden "revelations" of faith the characters experienced that were sort of thrown in here and there and slowed the plot down. There was also a really strong American bias running throughout, but it was rather well-done and sort of gave the book a different perspective without being too in-your-face-Americans-are-the-best-in-every-and-all-circumstances.
But in this book, oh boy, in this book, things were carried to such extremes that it just became laughable. Let me just clarify a few things first. This novel is set DURING THE WAR OF 1812. I am not American, and thus no doubt received a very different perspective on it at school. We Canadians are rather very proud of this war, even though Canada is not, you know, even a country in 1812. But, without intending to become all political (and mainly because I really don't know enough about the War of 1812), it wasn't necessarily the most brilliant moment in American history. That being said, I love getting new perspectives on historical events and seeing it from a different country's point of view. It's interesting, and I love learning new things about it.
I see nothing wrong with a novel written by an American author, who's clearly proud of her country and her people, delivering a work of fiction with a strong bias in favour of said country. To a certain extent, we're all biased. In the first book, Surrender the Heart, it worked fine because it gave the story a fresh look without blatantly branding the Americans as the Good Guys, and the English as the Bad Guys. Yes, the villains in that book were English, but line between specific characters being bad and calling an entire nation bad was respected. Just because there were English villains did not mean that the whole of England was bad.
In Surrender the Night, that is no longer the case. That line is not only blurred, it is carried out in very blatant and overly obvious ways. The Americans are Good, and the English are Bad. All bad, the whole lot o' them. And again, there is nothing wrong with writing a fictional story from this point of view. You want to make the Americans the heroes of the War of 1812, fine. That's fine. As the reader, I can understand the perspective.
My problem is with how this perspective was carried out. The very black-and-white portrayal of Americans vs. English, the endless generalizations that ALL Americans are good and fighting for freedom, and that ALL English people are rotten villains, who are either endlessly cruel in the military, or obnoxious and condescending if they happen to be rich, and they have absolutely NO idea what living a good, honest life is all about.
The hero of this book, Lieutenant Alex Reed, is the son of a Viscount and is British through-and-through. I really liked him, until he decided that being condescending towards his mother country was fine, but being condescending towards the Americans was Not Okay. He falls in love with American farm girl Rose while she tends to him and shelters him on her very American farm, and abruptly decides that everything English is now bad, and everything American is good.
Look, I can understand having a main character falling in love with both a country and a proud citizen of said country, but just because you decide that marrying a poor farm girl is not, after all, beneath you, and you suddenly prefer the oh-so-freedom-filled lands of America, IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT SUDDENLY EVERYTHING ENGLISH IS BAD. Alex literally realizes like, half-way through the book, that he is a very Condescending and Snotty British man, and that he needs to be more American. So he then proceeds to direct his snobbishness towards his own family and his own country. BRO, WHAT. A different country with different customs doesn't mean one is necessarily Bad and one is Good. I can understand a Brit falling in love with America and deciding to settle there (especially after falling in love with an American). BUT THAT DOESN'T MAKE ENGLAND ALL BAD.
The constant "all-English-people-are-high-and-mighty-and-don't-know-what-freedom-is" was the real problem with this book. The childish, over-the-top way in which you had American Heroes and British Villains. Alex Reed could have been an excellent person and remain British.
If this wasn't enough, the preachiness and random divine-revelation moments were amped up to the max in this one.
"Not only did the revelation burst in his heart, but it settled in his reason as if it were pure wisdom. God, are you telling me to become an American? Excitement heightened his steps."
ARE YOU KIDDING ME.
This does such a disservice on so many levels. What's wrong with being English? One doesn't just up and become American for goodness' sake!! THAT'S NOT HOW IT WORKS.
There's a difference between "yeah, I actually really like America and could see myself settling here" and "THAT'S IT I'M AN AMERICAN NOW, BECAUSE THEY'RE SO MUCH BETTER THAN US SNOTTY ENGLISH FOLKS, GOODBYE ENGLAND, GOODBYE WEALTHY FAMILY WHO DOESN'T UNDERSTAND FREEDOM, GOODBYE FOREVER I CAN NEVER GO BACK TO THAT FORSAKEN LAND OF VILLAINS WHO BRUTALLY PERSECUTE THESE POOR AMERICANS."
Not all Americans are good and not all English people are bad! Omg! This is not a hard concept to understand!
"He no longer felt like an Englishman. Instead he felt like an American."
NO, HE DOES NOT. This line occurs 82% of the way through, after our dear Lieutenanthas done some soul-searching received Revelations from Above telling him that if he embraces liberty and caring for the less fortunate, and stepping down from his high pedestal, that somehow makes him American because all Americans are like that, and English people could never grasp these very American concepts.
Because English folks don't know what freedom is, don't care about the less fortunate if they're rich (or heaven forbid! MEMBERS OF THE ARISTOCRACY!!!!), and they always, all of them, think they're better than everyone else.
Problem with this book is not the American patriotism, but the under-developed, black-and-white approach that brands Americans as Good, and the English as Bad, with literally no nuances. Having American characters being the heroes and English characters being the villains is one thing, but constantly calling out an entire nation and over-generalizing is another.
I had to stop reading this, because I just couldn't with it anymore, and this perspective completely killed the plot and the romance for me. There were some good scenes and cute moments on the farm, but by the time I got to 82% and Alex slammed me with his "SURPRISE I AM NOW AMERICAN" line, I was done. I also did not like Rose very much, who, surprise surprise, displayed some rather Unpleasant English Characteristics like thinking she was better than everyone else, but because she was poor and American, that was okay.
NOPE, NOPE, NOPE, AND RE-NOPE.
Alrighty folks, buckle up, because this is going to be a wild ride. Where do I even BEGIN.
I've read a few books by this author and absolutely loved her Escape to Paradise series. I read the first book in this series and liked it a lot, despite a few issues here and there. My main problem with it were the too oft random and sudden "revelations" of faith the characters experienced that were sort of thrown in here and there and slowed the plot down. There was also a really strong American bias running throughout, but it was rather well-done and sort of gave the book a different perspective without being too in-your-face-Americans-are-the-best-in-every-and-all-circumstances.
But in this book, oh boy, in this book, things were carried to such extremes that it just became laughable. Let me just clarify a few things first. This novel is set DURING THE WAR OF 1812. I am not American, and thus no doubt received a very different perspective on it at school. We Canadians are rather very proud of this war, even though Canada is not, you know, even a country in 1812. But, without intending to become all political (and mainly because I really don't know enough about the War of 1812), it wasn't necessarily the most brilliant moment in American history. That being said, I love getting new perspectives on historical events and seeing it from a different country's point of view. It's interesting, and I love learning new things about it.
I see nothing wrong with a novel written by an American author, who's clearly proud of her country and her people, delivering a work of fiction with a strong bias in favour of said country. To a certain extent, we're all biased. In the first book, Surrender the Heart, it worked fine because it gave the story a fresh look without blatantly branding the Americans as the Good Guys, and the English as the Bad Guys. Yes, the villains in that book were English, but line between specific characters being bad and calling an entire nation bad was respected. Just because there were English villains did not mean that the whole of England was bad.
In Surrender the Night, that is no longer the case. That line is not only blurred, it is carried out in very blatant and overly obvious ways. The Americans are Good, and the English are Bad. All bad, the whole lot o' them. And again, there is nothing wrong with writing a fictional story from this point of view. You want to make the Americans the heroes of the War of 1812, fine. That's fine. As the reader, I can understand the perspective.
My problem is with how this perspective was carried out. The very black-and-white portrayal of Americans vs. English, the endless generalizations that ALL Americans are good and fighting for freedom, and that ALL English people are rotten villains, who are either endlessly cruel in the military, or obnoxious and condescending if they happen to be rich, and they have absolutely NO idea what living a good, honest life is all about.
The hero of this book, Lieutenant Alex Reed, is the son of a Viscount and is British through-and-through. I really liked him, until he decided that being condescending towards his mother country was fine, but being condescending towards the Americans was Not Okay. He falls in love with American farm girl Rose while she tends to him and shelters him on her very American farm, and abruptly decides that everything English is now bad, and everything American is good.
Look, I can understand having a main character falling in love with both a country and a proud citizen of said country, but just because you decide that marrying a poor farm girl is not, after all, beneath you, and you suddenly prefer the oh-so-freedom-filled lands of America, IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT SUDDENLY EVERYTHING ENGLISH IS BAD. Alex literally realizes like, half-way through the book, that he is a very Condescending and Snotty British man, and that he needs to be more American. So he then proceeds to direct his snobbishness towards his own family and his own country. BRO, WHAT. A different country with different customs doesn't mean one is necessarily Bad and one is Good. I can understand a Brit falling in love with America and deciding to settle there (especially after falling in love with an American). BUT THAT DOESN'T MAKE ENGLAND ALL BAD.
The constant "all-English-people-are-high-and-mighty-and-don't-know-what-freedom-is" was the real problem with this book. The childish, over-the-top way in which you had American Heroes and British Villains. Alex Reed could have been an excellent person and remain British.
If this wasn't enough, the preachiness and random divine-revelation moments were amped up to the max in this one.
"Not only did the revelation burst in his heart, but it settled in his reason as if it were pure wisdom. God, are you telling me to become an American? Excitement heightened his steps."
ARE YOU KIDDING ME.
This does such a disservice on so many levels. What's wrong with being English? One doesn't just up and become American for goodness' sake!! THAT'S NOT HOW IT WORKS.
There's a difference between "yeah, I actually really like America and could see myself settling here" and "THAT'S IT I'M AN AMERICAN NOW, BECAUSE THEY'RE SO MUCH BETTER THAN US SNOTTY ENGLISH FOLKS, GOODBYE ENGLAND, GOODBYE WEALTHY FAMILY WHO DOESN'T UNDERSTAND FREEDOM, GOODBYE FOREVER I CAN NEVER GO BACK TO THAT FORSAKEN LAND OF VILLAINS WHO BRUTALLY PERSECUTE THESE POOR AMERICANS."
Not all Americans are good and not all English people are bad! Omg! This is not a hard concept to understand!
"He no longer felt like an Englishman. Instead he felt like an American."
NO, HE DOES NOT. This line occurs 82% of the way through, after our dear Lieutenant
Because English folks don't know what freedom is, don't care about the less fortunate if they're rich (or heaven forbid! MEMBERS OF THE ARISTOCRACY!!!!), and they always, all of them, think they're better than everyone else.
Problem with this book is not the American patriotism, but the under-developed, black-and-white approach that brands Americans as Good, and the English as Bad, with literally no nuances. Having American characters being the heroes and English characters being the villains is one thing, but constantly calling out an entire nation and over-generalizing is another.
I had to stop reading this, because I just couldn't with it anymore, and this perspective completely killed the plot and the romance for me. There were some good scenes and cute moments on the farm, but by the time I got to 82% and Alex slammed me with his "SURPRISE I AM NOW AMERICAN" line, I was done. I also did not like Rose very much, who, surprise surprise, displayed some rather Unpleasant English Characteristics like thinking she was better than everyone else, but because she was poor and American, that was okay.
NOPE, NOPE, NOPE, AND RE-NOPE.
May 4, 2012
Rose is a young lady who lives on her farm with her aunt and uncle. Her father died at war and her mother not soon after. Because of an event in her past she rarely leaves her farm because she is fearful for her safety. The year is 1814 and America is still at war with the British. The British are into ransacking and terrorizing the country side. The British Navy is helping and we once again run into Lieutenant Garrick and Lieutenant Reed.
Garrick attacks Rose and Alex Reed saves her but ends up to wounded to return to his ship. Rose hides him while he heals. Will these two over come all odds and find love or will the march on Washington cause them to lose everything?
I loved this book! I could not put it down. The author does a wonderful job of taking history and writing a novel that draws you in. Again I loved how she wrote about God in this book. It was so real so powerful. I also enjoyed seeing Noah and Marianne again and how they played a small role in this story as well. Again I was drawn into what the people of that time must have been feeling as their capital city was burned.
I liked Alex from the 1st book so I was excited to read about him in this book. I loved how he had such high honor yet still needed to trust in God.
Rose is faced with marring someone who she does not love but also faced with falling in love with someone she can not have. She to must trust in God to help her learn her Destiny.
The 3rd book of this series will be out later this summer and I can’t wait to read it as well. If you love Historical Fiction then you will love this series!
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Garrick attacks Rose and Alex Reed saves her but ends up to wounded to return to his ship. Rose hides him while he heals. Will these two over come all odds and find love or will the march on Washington cause them to lose everything?
I loved this book! I could not put it down. The author does a wonderful job of taking history and writing a novel that draws you in. Again I loved how she wrote about God in this book. It was so real so powerful. I also enjoyed seeing Noah and Marianne again and how they played a small role in this story as well. Again I was drawn into what the people of that time must have been feeling as their capital city was burned.
I liked Alex from the 1st book so I was excited to read about him in this book. I loved how he had such high honor yet still needed to trust in God.
Rose is faced with marring someone who she does not love but also faced with falling in love with someone she can not have. She to must trust in God to help her learn her Destiny.
The 3rd book of this series will be out later this summer and I can’t wait to read it as well. If you love Historical Fiction then you will love this series!
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
November 10, 2011
I love the theme of this book. The revolutionary era is a rich subject. The story line is really engaging, I just don't think the writing is altogether superb most of the time. It's super cliched sounding, making a lot of the characters stiff as a board, two dimensional people. Some of what happens seem utterly unbelievable, which kind of puts a damper on the whole story.
April 3, 2011
How does MaryLu continue to crank out these wonderful heroes and heroines? This story was full of suspense and romance. My favorite combination. I loved the history in this story, a war we don't hear a whole lot about, MaryLu brings to life. Rose is a woman who must overcome her fears, Alex is a man fighting his own wars. They are enemies and that proves to be one of the easiest hurdles for them to overcome. Tyndall has done a beautiful job developing these characters fully. They are three dimensional and interesting. The story moves along at a fast clip and never bogs down. It starts off at a jog and picks up pace the whole way through. I HIGHLY recommend Surrender the Night.
May 5, 2016
aah, refreshing!
July 25, 2011
Book Two, Surrender to Destiny Series
Baltimore, Maryland (1814)
With the British militia determined to claim American soil during the War of 1812, Rose McGuire has ample reason to despise the enemy. They killed her father, and thereby were also responsible for the horrors she endured after his death.
Living now with her aunt and uncle on a farm outside Baltimore, Rose is afraid of everything. The events of her life have defined who she is—an insecure girl who rarely leaves her home and is more comfortable with her horses, pigs and chickens than with people.
During a terrifying attack by a British sailor, Rose is rescued by British Naval Lieutenant Alex Reed. When the handsome enemy sailor is shot during the fight to keep her safe, Rose is honor bound to care for him until he can care for himself. Not even her aunt and uncle can know she’s hiding a member of the British militia on their property. If he is discovered, Rose and her entire family will be tried for treason.
Hailing from wealth and pedigree, Alex finds conditions on the farm only tolerable at best. But as he comes to know Rose and her family and friends, he discovers some surprising truths about the things that truly matter in life, and the things that aren’t so important, after all.
Despite Rose’s bitterness against the British and Alex’s contempt for Americans, the two find themselves drawn to one another, though any kind of relationship between them is utterly impossible.
Or is it?
Set amidst historically recorded events, Surrender the Night is a gripping, enthralling romance that keeps the heart pounding, the mind spinning, and all five senses sharply at attention. It deals with serious, difficult issues and handles each of them with ingenuity and aplomb. Number two in the Surrender to Destiny Series, this novel is the first Tyndall book I’ve read that is set entirely on shore, despite the hero being a naval officer. The author’s talents shine every bit as brightly on land as they always have at sea. She shows great insight into the difficult task of forgiving those who have terribly wronged you and brought chaos and destruction to your life…even when they show little or no remorse. It’s about trusting God and knowing He loves His children, even when bad things happen to good people. Absolutely amazing, insightful, un-putdownable read!
Baltimore, Maryland (1814)
With the British militia determined to claim American soil during the War of 1812, Rose McGuire has ample reason to despise the enemy. They killed her father, and thereby were also responsible for the horrors she endured after his death.
Living now with her aunt and uncle on a farm outside Baltimore, Rose is afraid of everything. The events of her life have defined who she is—an insecure girl who rarely leaves her home and is more comfortable with her horses, pigs and chickens than with people.
During a terrifying attack by a British sailor, Rose is rescued by British Naval Lieutenant Alex Reed. When the handsome enemy sailor is shot during the fight to keep her safe, Rose is honor bound to care for him until he can care for himself. Not even her aunt and uncle can know she’s hiding a member of the British militia on their property. If he is discovered, Rose and her entire family will be tried for treason.
Hailing from wealth and pedigree, Alex finds conditions on the farm only tolerable at best. But as he comes to know Rose and her family and friends, he discovers some surprising truths about the things that truly matter in life, and the things that aren’t so important, after all.
Despite Rose’s bitterness against the British and Alex’s contempt for Americans, the two find themselves drawn to one another, though any kind of relationship between them is utterly impossible.
Or is it?
Set amidst historically recorded events, Surrender the Night is a gripping, enthralling romance that keeps the heart pounding, the mind spinning, and all five senses sharply at attention. It deals with serious, difficult issues and handles each of them with ingenuity and aplomb. Number two in the Surrender to Destiny Series, this novel is the first Tyndall book I’ve read that is set entirely on shore, despite the hero being a naval officer. The author’s talents shine every bit as brightly on land as they always have at sea. She shows great insight into the difficult task of forgiving those who have terribly wronged you and brought chaos and destruction to your life…even when they show little or no remorse. It’s about trusting God and knowing He loves His children, even when bad things happen to good people. Absolutely amazing, insightful, un-putdownable read!
February 26, 2025
A gripping, page-turning romance set during a pivotal point in American history.
Tyndall starts things off with an impossible scenario, throwing her hero and heroine right into the middle of a volatile situation and – voila – immediate fireworks! The meet-cute is anything but – more like fraught with danger and loathing.
A relationship between Rose and Alex are doomed from the start which made for a deliciously anxious read for this romance lover. There are so many wonderful layers to their story. Both have struggled in their pasts and are now faced with an untenable situation. They need to learn how to trust – not just each other, but the God they feel has let them down.
A high action / high stakes adventurous love story with lots of tense moments but some comedic ones too which eased my romantical anxiety to a manageable level.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/02/26/s...
Tyndall starts things off with an impossible scenario, throwing her hero and heroine right into the middle of a volatile situation and – voila – immediate fireworks! The meet-cute is anything but – more like fraught with danger and loathing.
A relationship between Rose and Alex are doomed from the start which made for a deliciously anxious read for this romance lover. There are so many wonderful layers to their story. Both have struggled in their pasts and are now faced with an untenable situation. They need to learn how to trust – not just each other, but the God they feel has let them down.
A high action / high stakes adventurous love story with lots of tense moments but some comedic ones too which eased my romantical anxiety to a manageable level.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/02/26/s...
March 8, 2011
“Surrender the Night” swept me away on a tide of romance, valor and faith against the backdrop of the dramatic war of 1812.
When I started the book one night, I told myself only ‘one’ chapter. Yeah…right. This book begins immediately with little time to think of anything else. I love the depth of the characters. Rose’s fear claims her spirit, but not her strength, though she doesn’t believe in herself. Watching her bloom like the flower of her name carries great weight in the novel.
Alex Reed is an exceptional hero. My goodness, he took my breath and he just might have a run for one of my favorite heroes in MaryLu’s books. His valor and the depths of his journey blended with perfect tapestry into Rose’s journey.
But the icing of the story was the romance. As it blossomed I held my
breath. Every story is predicable, but it’s how you get there that makes it UNpredictable. This is one such story. The twists and turns, the beauty of the prose, the snappiness of the dialogue, the setting of the war of 1812, all combines into a tantalizing work of fiction.
I loved this book,it has a great faith message sure to speak to any heart and a romance for every hopeless romantic’s heart. Definitely a favorite of my MaryLu Tyndall collection!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my copy to review.
When I started the book one night, I told myself only ‘one’ chapter. Yeah…right. This book begins immediately with little time to think of anything else. I love the depth of the characters. Rose’s fear claims her spirit, but not her strength, though she doesn’t believe in herself. Watching her bloom like the flower of her name carries great weight in the novel.
Alex Reed is an exceptional hero. My goodness, he took my breath and he just might have a run for one of my favorite heroes in MaryLu’s books. His valor and the depths of his journey blended with perfect tapestry into Rose’s journey.
But the icing of the story was the romance. As it blossomed I held my
breath. Every story is predicable, but it’s how you get there that makes it UNpredictable. This is one such story. The twists and turns, the beauty of the prose, the snappiness of the dialogue, the setting of the war of 1812, all combines into a tantalizing work of fiction.
I loved this book,it has a great faith message sure to speak to any heart and a romance for every hopeless romantic’s heart. Definitely a favorite of my MaryLu Tyndall collection!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my copy to review.
June 8, 2022
Tyndall has done an excellent job of bringing the War of 1812 to life with this well-researched historical fiction novel. As the war continues in Maryland, can Alex Reed, a British Naval Officer who feels compelled to help Rose McGuire, a "rebel" learn the reasons the "rebels" are so staunch in their support of their new American country?
The connection between the books in this series is very well done, and Tyndall pulls you into this second book that continues characters from the first. It is a series that reads best in order. Filled with romance, a bit of swashbuckling, some deep Christian gems, and wonderful historical details. This is a delightful series.
"We live in a fallen world. But if you're God's child, everything serves a purpose--a good purpose. You remember that."
"What we call coincidences are actually God's mighty intervention."
The connection between the books in this series is very well done, and Tyndall pulls you into this second book that continues characters from the first. It is a series that reads best in order. Filled with romance, a bit of swashbuckling, some deep Christian gems, and wonderful historical details. This is a delightful series.
"We live in a fallen world. But if you're God's child, everything serves a purpose--a good purpose. You remember that."
"What we call coincidences are actually God's mighty intervention."
September 18, 2017
I learned so much about American history through the lives of MaryLu Tyndall's characters. 1814 is a dramatic time for American citizens and the new nation. I was enthralled from the first as I journeyed with the hero (a British naval officer) and the heroine (an American with a legitimate distrust of the enemy.)
January 18, 2011
Have you ever seen a person for whom it seems that things always go against them? They're beaten down by events or people. Don't you just love it when justice is served and the character begins to lean on God? It's a passion of mine and I have spent much time with God telling Him how it should be done, too. Thankfully, He worked on me and I now have a passion for watching Him do the avenging and watching people overcome. He is sooo much better at it than I "could ask or imagine". I love a good under dog story and this is one.
The main characters in this book have been injured by others, their families and life in general, all during the War of 1812. We see a few of the characters from Surrender the Heart, the first book in the Surrender to Destiny series, which I also like. It's like catching up with an old friend. Both the Surrender to Destiny books would make great movies in my mind....if only I knew someone who could get that done, hmm. I even have actors and actresses picked out (chuckle).
Another thing I really liked about this book was the history. I love history but American history is my have. To see people trying to carve out a life during those 'rustic' (spoken with a British air followed by a *sniff*) times without the conveniences of today gives me a much better feeling for how our forefathers felt about this country and the decisions they made. I was already a fan and very humbled by our forefathers and am more so after reading Surrender the Night, especially for the women of the time.
The adventure element of these books remind me of 'Captain Blood' with Errol Flynn for the Surrender the Heart book and 'National Treasure" with Nicholas Cage for this book. Loved it, folks. Can't say it enough.
I like reading romances that are a bit edgy and a bit spicy without revealing too much. It's a tall order, I know. I can't even begin to imagine how a writer goes about deciding on how much is too much... or too little for that matter. Also, so much of that decision must be based on the demand of the reader as it is the driving force behind sales. I say all this only to say, that I lament STN wasn't a bit spicier.
This book will be released on March 1, 2011. Look for it.
Thanks NetGalley for my ebook version but this is my opinion.
The main characters in this book have been injured by others, their families and life in general, all during the War of 1812. We see a few of the characters from Surrender the Heart, the first book in the Surrender to Destiny series, which I also like. It's like catching up with an old friend. Both the Surrender to Destiny books would make great movies in my mind....if only I knew someone who could get that done, hmm. I even have actors and actresses picked out (chuckle).
Another thing I really liked about this book was the history. I love history but American history is my have. To see people trying to carve out a life during those 'rustic' (spoken with a British air followed by a *sniff*) times without the conveniences of today gives me a much better feeling for how our forefathers felt about this country and the decisions they made. I was already a fan and very humbled by our forefathers and am more so after reading Surrender the Night, especially for the women of the time.
The adventure element of these books remind me of 'Captain Blood' with Errol Flynn for the Surrender the Heart book and 'National Treasure" with Nicholas Cage for this book. Loved it, folks. Can't say it enough.
I like reading romances that are a bit edgy and a bit spicy without revealing too much. It's a tall order, I know. I can't even begin to imagine how a writer goes about deciding on how much is too much... or too little for that matter. Also, so much of that decision must be based on the demand of the reader as it is the driving force behind sales. I say all this only to say, that I lament STN wasn't a bit spicier.
This book will be released on March 1, 2011. Look for it.
Thanks NetGalley for my ebook version but this is my opinion.
August 9, 2015
I loved this book! I have now added books 1 and 3 to my to be read list.
March 15, 2018
Pre American Revolution. Rose has been left alone on her family farm. Only an aunt and uncle left to live with and a lady's maid that needs taking care of. Alec tries to save Rose from an unwanted attack by his officer. With the officer dead and Alec wounded how does Rose hide him? Plus she has a body to hide to keep her family safe. With people thinking they recognize Alec when he goes to town as the hire help Rose has her hand full trying to keep anyone knowing he is actually a British officer.
MaryLu Tyndall is an author that will capture your attention in the first few pages and won't let go. There is plenty of action, some humor, a little romance and characters that will warm your heart. That doesn't mean that someone might not be hurt, or the animals that she brings into the storyline (they will make you smile). I started reading MaryLu Tyndall about 4 years ago and she has never disappointed me. I bought this book in a local bookstore and no one asked me to leave a review. All opinions are my own and I do highly recommend anything by this wonderful author.
MaryLu Tyndall is an author that will capture your attention in the first few pages and won't let go. There is plenty of action, some humor, a little romance and characters that will warm your heart. That doesn't mean that someone might not be hurt, or the animals that she brings into the storyline (they will make you smile). I started reading MaryLu Tyndall about 4 years ago and she has never disappointed me. I bought this book in a local bookstore and no one asked me to leave a review. All opinions are my own and I do highly recommend anything by this wonderful author.
June 11, 2019
Surrender the Night is the second book in the Surrender to Destiny trilogy. Although I had read the first book in the trilogy, it is not necessary to do so. I really enjoyed this historic romance set in Baltimore and Washington DC in 1814. I love both of the main characters, of which Alex is a most desirable hero, and Rose is definitely what could be called a heroine due to her immense courage. I believe that the faith elements greatly enhance the story.
November 24, 2019
Lovely
This is the second book in this series and even tho it was different than the first book, it still had a tiny glimpse of the previous characters in this series. It was another awesome book.
This is the second book in this series and even tho it was different than the first book, it still had a tiny glimpse of the previous characters in this series. It was another awesome book.
December 5, 2020
American farm girl Rose McGuire and British naval officer Alex Reed are thrown together by a combination of circumstances. As he recuperates from a wound in his leg, Alex rethinks his definitions of Family, Country, Love, and even God.
** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED **
** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED **
September 6, 2024
Marylu’s books always inspire. I loved this book with the mix of faith and historic events The couple grew in their faith and overcame fears, difficult circumstances, their past and pain to cling to God and trust Him for their future.
August 12, 2019
So tacky. The writing is and character development is very much lacking. It was hard to get into the story and enjoy it
January 18, 2020
Not quite as good as book 1 of this series, but I want to buy the entire set.
April 11, 2020
H.F. War of 1812. Rose tends to a British officer’s wounds after he rescues her.
April 25, 2021
Rose is a fearful woman who finds comfort in her farm and animals.
Alexander Reed is a British Naval officer with a sense of honor.
Alexander Reed is a British Naval officer with a sense of honor.
January 16, 2023
good mix
Good mix of romance alongside historical facts. The way faith was woven in as well without becoming to preachy was well blended into the story too.
Good mix of romance alongside historical facts. The way faith was woven in as well without becoming to preachy was well blended into the story too.
May 29, 2023
⛔️ (in notes)
April 6, 2011
I had the privilege of interviewing M. L. Tyndall, on our radio show "Kingdom Highlights", for her new book, "Surrender The Night", Book Two in her, "Surrender To Destiny" series published by Barbour.
This series is dealing with the War of 1812 and this particular book begins in August of 1814. The War will last until February, 1815 so it is coming to an end but there is still many battles left before it does. The story begins in Baltimore on the farm owned by Rose McGuire's uncle. Alone on the farm she is in the barn when she is attacked by Lt. Garrick from Book One. Before he can complete his attack Rose is save by Lt. Alexander Reed, also from the first book. In order to save her Reed must kill Garrick but before he does Garrick severely wounds him. Now Rose must hide, care and treat the British Naval Officer which is a treasonable act as the United States is at war with Britain.
Rose and Alex grow during his convalescence and when the uncle hires Alex to be their butler the relationship grows even stronger even though they are supposed to be enemies. Rose is a woman who, basically, is hiding on her uncle's farm from a previous trauma and she doesn't even like to go to town. Alex is a sailor who ran away to sea to escape his family who finds himself drawn to this land and the farm life with Rose. Certain events transpire that bring Alex into Washington, D.C. and the home of President Madison. In an effort to save Alex Rose must put aside her fears and travel to Washington just as the British launch their devastating attack on the nation's capitol city.
There are some great themes in this book. Both Alex and Rose are emotionally deeply wounded individuals who can only heal by the grace of God and by their relationship with each other. Neither one of them can go forward and embrace not only their future but the destiny that God has planned for them until they can turn over their deep-seated hurts to God for their healing.
If you haven't read the first book you have missed a great treat. Ms. Tyndall knows how to craft a great story filled with action, suspense and wonderful romance. A bit of trivia for you this is the first book written by Ms. Tyndall that never takes you to sea, all the action takes place on land. However, don't let that steer you away as this book is plenty exciting and will have you reading and flipping pages as fast as you can. This book is a suspense thriller as both Alex and Rose's lives are in serious danger from the beginning. Don't start this book late at night because it will be very difficult to put it down or stop thinking about it. I recommend this book highly and am greatly looking forward to the next book in the series.
If you missed the interview for "Surrender The Night" and would like to listen to it and/or would like to hear the previous interviews where we discussed this and another series please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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 series is dealing with the War of 1812 and this particular book begins in August of 1814. The War will last until February, 1815 so it is coming to an end but there is still many battles left before it does. The story begins in Baltimore on the farm owned by Rose McGuire's uncle. Alone on the farm she is in the barn when she is attacked by Lt. Garrick from Book One. Before he can complete his attack Rose is save by Lt. Alexander Reed, also from the first book. In order to save her Reed must kill Garrick but before he does Garrick severely wounds him. Now Rose must hide, care and treat the British Naval Officer which is a treasonable act as the United States is at war with Britain.
Rose and Alex grow during his convalescence and when the uncle hires Alex to be their butler the relationship grows even stronger even though they are supposed to be enemies. Rose is a woman who, basically, is hiding on her uncle's farm from a previous trauma and she doesn't even like to go to town. Alex is a sailor who ran away to sea to escape his family who finds himself drawn to this land and the farm life with Rose. Certain events transpire that bring Alex into Washington, D.C. and the home of President Madison. In an effort to save Alex Rose must put aside her fears and travel to Washington just as the British launch their devastating attack on the nation's capitol city.
There are some great themes in this book. Both Alex and Rose are emotionally deeply wounded individuals who can only heal by the grace of God and by their relationship with each other. Neither one of them can go forward and embrace not only their future but the destiny that God has planned for them until they can turn over their deep-seated hurts to God for their healing.
If you haven't read the first book you have missed a great treat. Ms. Tyndall knows how to craft a great story filled with action, suspense and wonderful romance. A bit of trivia for you this is the first book written by Ms. Tyndall that never takes you to sea, all the action takes place on land. However, don't let that steer you away as this book is plenty exciting and will have you reading and flipping pages as fast as you can. This book is a suspense thriller as both Alex and Rose's lives are in serious danger from the beginning. Don't start this book late at night because it will be very difficult to put it down or stop thinking about it. I recommend this book highly and am greatly looking forward to the next book in the series.
If you missed the interview for "Surrender The Night" and would like to listen to it and/or would like to hear the previous interviews where we discussed this and another series please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”
March 1, 2017
I liked this book, but not as much as the first one in the series. I felt like this one was a bit more preachy than the first book. I realize it's found in the Christian area, but it felt a bit too preachy for me. I also thought the main character was a bit blah if you will. I didn't like her because she didn't seem like a strong, independent type of woman (which I normally like in stories). I wouldn't say I hated it, because I did like the premise of the story and I will continue the series, but it wasn't my most favorite sequel.
June 9, 2011
My Review
Orphaned when she was a young child, most of her inheritance taken by her caretaker, and a horrible experience on the way to her aunt and uncle’s, life hasn’t been easy for Rose McGuire. She has lived at the farm for 5 years now, and loves farm life, and she makes the farm animals her pets. Being in midst of the war of 1812, it is not always safe being alone on the farm. British soldiers could attack at any time, and this is just what happened to Rose this one day in their family barn. Although Alexander Reed was there and saved her life, he was seriously wounded during the attack, so Rose had no choice except to hid him and nurse him back to health. Rose started feeling an attraction to Alex as she helped him, but then she hated him at the same.
Alexander Reed was a British 2nd Lieutenant and had no idea he would have to defend a young woman from his superior 1st Lieutenant Mr. Garrick, but he had no choice, it was either Garrick or the woman. Now he was here, in the enemy’s barn, the woman having removed a bullet from his leg, facing death if he was found. Yet as the story unfolds, he was later forced to be hired by Roses family as farm help, and he grew attached to the love and family he never had. And Rose was a huge attraction as well, that just kept growing.
Surrender the Night, with the historical setting in the war of 1812 was filled with love, forgiveness, family, war, hate, romance, suspense, and patriotism all blended with a cast of characters that pull you into the story and make you feel as though you are right there with them. This is my first book to read of Mary Tyndall’s; I can’t believe I haven’t found her books before now!! My heart went out to Alex, as he was trying to choose between a family that disowned him because he wasn’t good enough in their sight and Rose, a young woman he loved and adored, with a family that treated him like one of their own. And Rose’s grandfather was a great humble, wise gentleman, full of love, wisdom and knowledge for anyone that needed it. He was just a sweetheart! And I love how the author uses these characters to show that God is with us in each situation we face, even when we cannot feel his presence. And God can and will work each detail of our lives for our good and His glory. Just as Alex and Rose were at the right place at the right time, it is the same with our daily lives.
If you are a history buff and like historical fiction, run out and buy a copy of Surrender the Night by MaryLu Tyndall. You will not be disappointed. It will be well worth your read!
A huge thank you to the author MaryLu for providing me a copy of this book to read and review. I was not expected or required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are my own honest opinions.
Orphaned when she was a young child, most of her inheritance taken by her caretaker, and a horrible experience on the way to her aunt and uncle’s, life hasn’t been easy for Rose McGuire. She has lived at the farm for 5 years now, and loves farm life, and she makes the farm animals her pets. Being in midst of the war of 1812, it is not always safe being alone on the farm. British soldiers could attack at any time, and this is just what happened to Rose this one day in their family barn. Although Alexander Reed was there and saved her life, he was seriously wounded during the attack, so Rose had no choice except to hid him and nurse him back to health. Rose started feeling an attraction to Alex as she helped him, but then she hated him at the same.
Alexander Reed was a British 2nd Lieutenant and had no idea he would have to defend a young woman from his superior 1st Lieutenant Mr. Garrick, but he had no choice, it was either Garrick or the woman. Now he was here, in the enemy’s barn, the woman having removed a bullet from his leg, facing death if he was found. Yet as the story unfolds, he was later forced to be hired by Roses family as farm help, and he grew attached to the love and family he never had. And Rose was a huge attraction as well, that just kept growing.
Surrender the Night, with the historical setting in the war of 1812 was filled with love, forgiveness, family, war, hate, romance, suspense, and patriotism all blended with a cast of characters that pull you into the story and make you feel as though you are right there with them. This is my first book to read of Mary Tyndall’s; I can’t believe I haven’t found her books before now!! My heart went out to Alex, as he was trying to choose between a family that disowned him because he wasn’t good enough in their sight and Rose, a young woman he loved and adored, with a family that treated him like one of their own. And Rose’s grandfather was a great humble, wise gentleman, full of love, wisdom and knowledge for anyone that needed it. He was just a sweetheart! And I love how the author uses these characters to show that God is with us in each situation we face, even when we cannot feel his presence. And God can and will work each detail of our lives for our good and His glory. Just as Alex and Rose were at the right place at the right time, it is the same with our daily lives.
If you are a history buff and like historical fiction, run out and buy a copy of Surrender the Night by MaryLu Tyndall. You will not be disappointed. It will be well worth your read!
A huge thank you to the author MaryLu for providing me a copy of this book to read and review. I was not expected or required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are my own honest opinions.
February 20, 2017
I'm not entirely sure I can count this book as "read" since I'm afraid I started skimming the pages at around the half-way point, and then by the final third I was definitely skipping huge chunks and engaged in only minimal scanning necessary to get the gist of the story line. Which is disappointing because I think this narrative had, at it's heart, the potential to be a really great story. Unfortunately, the author's writing style weighed me down. For my preference, it was too much exposition and a terrible amount of rehashing of thoughts and feelings that I felt were all to well communicated the first several times they were introduced. Again, such is the disappointment, because the dialog, for the most part, made for a nice read and most of the characters has strong, appealing traits. There was even good chemistry between the leads. Alas, I just don't think Tyndall's style works for me.
June 2, 2011
Surrender the Night is the second book in the Surrender to Destiny series by MaryLu Tyndall. This book can be read as a stand-alone novel. I have not read the first book in the series and I had no trouble following the action in this book.
The year is 1814 and living in Baltimore has been rough during the British siege of the Chesapeake Bay. Young farm girl, Rose McGuire, prefers to stay on her farm with her animals and not get involved in things of the war. Much to her dismay the war comes to her.
While feeding her animals in the barn one night a rogue British naval officer attempts to assault her. Thinking her virtue is as good as gone, she is surprised when another British naval officer, Alexander Reed, comes to her defense and gets wounded in the process. Feeling obligated to the enemy who rescued her, she must now save his life as she hides him from everyone around.
Without meaning to, the two start to fall in love. Will their love survive the war? Can Rose get past thinking of Alex as her enemy?
My Thoughts:
Surrender the Night was interesting to me right off the bat because it was about the War of 1812. In my mind that's one of those forgotten wars in American history. We all know it was between us and the British but I don't have any idea what started it or what we were fighting about. So the fact that Tyndall wrote a book set in that time period was already intriguing to me.
The book has so many fully developed characters that I just couldn't pick my favorite. Rose is the opposite of the headstrong, don't-need-a-man type of heroine that I've seen in a lot of other historical romance novels. She is timid, scared of everything and unsure of herself. Yet she is loveable. Her uncle, another of my favorite characters, is an unrefined, thief-turned-pastor who is just delightful in the novel. He also provides some much-needed comic relief.
Overall the action in the book is engaging. There are a few times that the dialogue and action seemed a bit melodramatic. But, hey, I can put up with a little melodrama if it helps out the romance in the book.
After reading this book, I'd love to read the first book in the series and have already put it on my wish list on Amazon.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
The year is 1814 and living in Baltimore has been rough during the British siege of the Chesapeake Bay. Young farm girl, Rose McGuire, prefers to stay on her farm with her animals and not get involved in things of the war. Much to her dismay the war comes to her.
While feeding her animals in the barn one night a rogue British naval officer attempts to assault her. Thinking her virtue is as good as gone, she is surprised when another British naval officer, Alexander Reed, comes to her defense and gets wounded in the process. Feeling obligated to the enemy who rescued her, she must now save his life as she hides him from everyone around.
Without meaning to, the two start to fall in love. Will their love survive the war? Can Rose get past thinking of Alex as her enemy?
My Thoughts:
Surrender the Night was interesting to me right off the bat because it was about the War of 1812. In my mind that's one of those forgotten wars in American history. We all know it was between us and the British but I don't have any idea what started it or what we were fighting about. So the fact that Tyndall wrote a book set in that time period was already intriguing to me.
The book has so many fully developed characters that I just couldn't pick my favorite. Rose is the opposite of the headstrong, don't-need-a-man type of heroine that I've seen in a lot of other historical romance novels. She is timid, scared of everything and unsure of herself. Yet she is loveable. Her uncle, another of my favorite characters, is an unrefined, thief-turned-pastor who is just delightful in the novel. He also provides some much-needed comic relief.
Overall the action in the book is engaging. There are a few times that the dialogue and action seemed a bit melodramatic. But, hey, I can put up with a little melodrama if it helps out the romance in the book.
After reading this book, I'd love to read the first book in the series and have already put it on my wish list on Amazon.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
March 4, 2011
SURRENDER NIGHT by MaryLu Tyndall is an amazing inspirational Christian romance set in 1814 Baltimore,Maryland. It is the second in the "Surrender to Destiny", and can be read as a stand alone,although some of the characters return in this story. Book One, "Surrender the Heart".It is well written with depth,details,twists and turns. It has faith,love,romance,hope,forgiveness,a fearful past,redemption,betrayal,wartime,destiny,second chances, danger,adventure,finding family,love,and home,atrocities of war, making choices of the heart,and country.An American farm girl meets a British naval officer at a violent time and while trouble looms.This is an exciting story full of hope,faith and family. Can love bloom between a fearful American farm girl and a wounded British naval officer? Rose has had terrible events happen during her young life,she is fearful of
everything due to these events,is kind,dresses plain,compassionate,wants peace,find love and opens her heart to this British officer and to God. Alex,a British naval officer who saved Rose from being raped again by another office his wounded.He has longed to have his family,mostly his father to love him,forgiveness,and pride.He finds a family,home,peace and love.Rose finds peace,and love. This is an inspiring story of love,family,forgiveness,saving a country,finding your faith.coming to terms with your past and moving toward a future with hope,faith,peace and most of all love,a home and family.This story is for all historical romance readers and is full of adventure and danger with romance and love. Once again this author has made a story to treasure.It is a MUST READ and a keeper.This book was received for the purpose of review from the author, as a part of her "Motley Crew" and details can be found at Barbour Publishing and My Book Addiction and More.
everything due to these events,is kind,dresses plain,compassionate,wants peace,find love and opens her heart to this British officer and to God. Alex,a British naval officer who saved Rose from being raped again by another office his wounded.He has longed to have his family,mostly his father to love him,forgiveness,and pride.He finds a family,home,peace and love.Rose finds peace,and love. This is an inspiring story of love,family,forgiveness,saving a country,finding your faith.coming to terms with your past and moving toward a future with hope,faith,peace and most of all love,a home and family.This story is for all historical romance readers and is full of adventure and danger with romance and love. Once again this author has made a story to treasure.It is a MUST READ and a keeper.This book was received for the purpose of review from the author, as a part of her "Motley Crew" and details can be found at Barbour Publishing and My Book Addiction and More.
April 6, 2011
The second book in the Surrender to Destiny series, Surrender the Night reads among the best of Christian historical romance. Set in Baltimore during the War of 1812, the story's drama lifts off the page with invading British looking to pillage and plunder nearby farming villages. The unsuspecting heroine, Rose McGuire, tends her farm pets as the alarm bells sound and the menace draws dangerously near.
Alexander Reed, Second Lieutenant for her Majesty's Royal Navy, accompanies his First Lieutenant on a mission inland. He must choose whether to obey wicked orders or his conscience when the mission turns into an assault on an innocent civilian--the lovely and terrified young Rose McGuire. Alex defends Rose and takes a bullet his leg. Rose must overcome her terror and loathing of the British by whom she has suffered greatly, in order to tend Alex. By saving his life as he saved hers, she risks detection by those who would hang both of them.
Tyndall creates two endearing and sympathetic characters foist into uncommon circumstances, and the natural attraction which grows between them charges the book with as much tension as the ongoing war and imminent British invasion. While Alex must choose where his loyalties lie, Rose must overcome her past terrors and learn to trust both God and men again. Their obstacles are as imposing as the titanic force mustered against the fledgling country, and I was turning pages to see how either the romance or the American country would survive.
The dynamic climax of the book swept me away with the awe and power of Providence at work on our nation's behalf. Tyndall writes a gripping and factual account of events one would almost have to suspend belief to take in were they not historically true. It is a book not to be missed--a true classic of the genre.
Alexander Reed, Second Lieutenant for her Majesty's Royal Navy, accompanies his First Lieutenant on a mission inland. He must choose whether to obey wicked orders or his conscience when the mission turns into an assault on an innocent civilian--the lovely and terrified young Rose McGuire. Alex defends Rose and takes a bullet his leg. Rose must overcome her terror and loathing of the British by whom she has suffered greatly, in order to tend Alex. By saving his life as he saved hers, she risks detection by those who would hang both of them.
Tyndall creates two endearing and sympathetic characters foist into uncommon circumstances, and the natural attraction which grows between them charges the book with as much tension as the ongoing war and imminent British invasion. While Alex must choose where his loyalties lie, Rose must overcome her past terrors and learn to trust both God and men again. Their obstacles are as imposing as the titanic force mustered against the fledgling country, and I was turning pages to see how either the romance or the American country would survive.
The dynamic climax of the book swept me away with the awe and power of Providence at work on our nation's behalf. Tyndall writes a gripping and factual account of events one would almost have to suspend belief to take in were they not historically true. It is a book not to be missed--a true classic of the genre.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews