This second in the "Surrender to Destiny" series is entertaining but not nearly so much as the first. Set against the backdrop of the war of 1812, it lightly skims over the events leading up to the burning of Washington D.C. The Christian aspect is a little more heavy handed than in the first book but still not obnoxiously so. I think the downfall was the lack of depth in the characters. The romance just never came alive enough to be truly believable. Alex Reed held so much promise as a leading man when introduced in "Surrender The Heart", so it was disappointing not to be given a chance to really delve into the meat of this character. Rose McGuire, the heroine, was also more cardboard than not. Her nasty retorts and rude behavior through the first half of the book became really annoying. Even so, the story stands as a nice diversion on a Sunday afternoon when one is looking for something clean.
Jennifer F. (gilmoregirl) reviewed Surrender the Night (Surrender to Destiny Series #2) on + 5 more book reviews
During the War of 1812, America is experiencing tumultuous times. So is Rose McGuire. After some trauma, she has moved to her aunt and uncle's farm and is trying to forget her traumatizing past. One night that past comes back to haunt her with a vengeance, and a man who is supposed to be her enemy swoops in and rescues her. Alexander Reed is at a crossroads in his life, trying to decide which way to turn. As these two form an unlikely friendship, they try to keep each other and Baltimore safe from a looming British attack.
I thought this was a great book, with lots of details to make the story come to life and characters that you care about. I also liked that the author brought back a character I was intrigued by in Surrender The Heart, Alex Reed. Because he was in that book, he gets into some sticky situations in this one, which kept me on the edge of my seat while I read. Hard to put down, be prepared to stay up reading! :)
**Many thanks to Marylu Tyndall for providing a copy of the book for review purposes as a part of her Motley Crew membership. Cheers!**
I thought this was a great book, with lots of details to make the story come to life and characters that you care about. I also liked that the author brought back a character I was intrigued by in Surrender The Heart, Alex Reed. Because he was in that book, he gets into some sticky situations in this one, which kept me on the edge of my seat while I read. Hard to put down, be prepared to stay up reading! :)
**Many thanks to Marylu Tyndall for providing a copy of the book for review purposes as a part of her Motley Crew membership. Cheers!**
Rose McGuire is a Baltimore farm girl. Both of her parents died while she was young due to the British unrest which was leading up to the war of 1812. She lives with her Preacher Uncle and Southern Belle Aunt on a little parcel of 30 acres. During a raid on their small village, she is rescued from a fate worse than death by a British sailor, 2nd Lieutenant Alexander Reed. Reed is injured in the face off and Rose feels that she has no choice but to hide him in their barn while he regains his strength.
Rose is terrified, because if caught with him on their land, her entire family will be tried for treason. As soon as he is recovered enough to walk, she tries to push him out the door and back to his ship, but the stubborn man won't go! And what's worse, her uncle, not knowing his true identity, decides to hire him on as a footman. Rose still has not found the courage to tell her Aunt and Uncle who he really is and now it's too late. They are all guilty by association. When an American councilman finds evidence of Lt. Reed's British allegiance, he uses it to blackmail Rose into a proposal that she cannot refuse unless she wants to see herself and her guardians swinging from the gallows.
Sparks fly and the battle rages in this wonderfully romantic and historical tale of a simple farm girl and her unlikely match.
My thoughts: I loved it. If you have read any of MaryLu's other books and like them, you will love it too. It will definitely be one that I read again.
Rose is terrified, because if caught with him on their land, her entire family will be tried for treason. As soon as he is recovered enough to walk, she tries to push him out the door and back to his ship, but the stubborn man won't go! And what's worse, her uncle, not knowing his true identity, decides to hire him on as a footman. Rose still has not found the courage to tell her Aunt and Uncle who he really is and now it's too late. They are all guilty by association. When an American councilman finds evidence of Lt. Reed's British allegiance, he uses it to blackmail Rose into a proposal that she cannot refuse unless she wants to see herself and her guardians swinging from the gallows.
Sparks fly and the battle rages in this wonderfully romantic and historical tale of a simple farm girl and her unlikely match.
My thoughts: I loved it. If you have read any of MaryLu's other books and like them, you will love it too. It will definitely be one that I read again.
