After finishing this book, this song started running through my head and stuck with me the whole night. I think it sums up the whole theme of Surrender the Heart perfectly.
Surrender the Heart
MY TAKE:
I've always loved a good princess and the pirate tale, but Surrender the Heart is so much more. MaryLu took on that theme with a wink and a grin, and then created something so much larger. Noah and Marianne are amazing characters that in the beginning you'd just like to strangle because they're so perfect for one another and yet too tied up in their own issues to see it. Strangle them and want to hug them, too. It's so easy to see a reflection of myself in each of them. Despite the realistic drama in each of their lives, they're also FUN. Both characters are spunky and determined and completely and irritatingly charming. You can't help but fall in love with Noah and cheer for Marianne and her grit.
Surrounding the charming hero and heroine are a cast of characters you won't likely forget. Daniel and his special messages from God and unshakable faith. Lieutenant Reed and his honor among a den of thieves parading as soldiers. Luke, Matthew and Agnes. You'll see what I mean.
I think the part that touched me the most was the interwoven message that through all the mess and uncertainty, each character learned that God is always there, His love is ever present and no matter how insignificant we feel - each of us has a purpose. Just as Esther was born for "such a time as this", we never know when we'll be called upon to fulfill our destiny for Jesus.
Little Daniel said it best. You can't know that God won't turn your mess into good, because you haven't reached the end of the story yet. Just like a good tale, yours isn't over yet, so hold onto your hope and faith and remember you may have been born for such a time as this.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
For the sake of her ailing mother, Marianne Denton becomes engaged to Noah Brennin---a merchantman she despises. But as the War of 1812 escalates, Jonah's ship is captured by the British, and the ill-matched couple learns vital information that could aid America's cause.
Relive the rich history of the War of 1812 through the eyes of Marianne Denton and Noah Brenin, who both long to please their families but neither one wishes to marry the other. Noah is determined to get his cargo to England before war breaks out, and Marianne is equally determined to have a wedding so that her inheritance can be unlocked and her destitute family saved. When their stubborn games get them captured by a British warship, can they escape and bring liberty to their country—and growing love?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Surrender the Heart, go HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
After college, she married and moved to California where she had two children and settled into a job at a local computer company. Although she had done everything the world expected, she was still miserable. She hated her job and her marriage was falling apart.
Still searching for purpose, adventure and true love, she spent her late twenties and early thirties doing all the things the world told her would make her happy, and after years, her children suffered, her second marriage suffered, and she was still miserable.
One day, she picked up her old Bible, dusted it off, and began to read. Somewhere in the middle, God opened her hardened heart to see that He was real, that He still loved her, and that He had a purpose for her life, if she'd only give her heart to Him completely.
She had written stories her whole life, but never had the confidence to try and get any of them published. But as God began to change her heart, He also showed her that writing had been His wonderful plan for her all along!
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