Book Review: The Raven Saint

The Raven Saint (CharlesTowne Belles Book 3) by ML Tyndall (Barbour House 2009)

MaryLu Tyndall delivers a riveting romance on the high seas in a book that steams up the pages as much as the tropics it sails through. A master at creating conflict, she’s written a story about a hero who needs to sell the do-gooder heroine so he can raise money to do good.

Sure, Capt Rafe Dubois has his morals a tad confused but the sale of Grace Westcott is for a really good cause – the money is going to build a hospital for orphans. And she’s not just some random woman he picked off the street – her father was the British admiral who was responsible for his mother’s death. I felt the tension of Rafe's turmoil  when he looks upon the beautiful Grace. He loved his mother and wants revenge, yet he starts to feel things which have no place in his chosen life. He's made a promise to deliver Grace to the don and what is a man if he doesn’t stand behind his word?

A devout Christian, Grace Westcott isn’t afraid to speak her mind and advise someone when they aren’t on their way to heaven, like she did to her own sister. Grace believes God has placed her on the heathen ship to spread the gospel. She’s very good at picking out the sinners and she’s not afraid to tell them to kneel before the cross. And yet we see Grace desperately searching to find God’s calling for her life. She can’t see how perfectly pious she is until she accepts her own small existence in God’s vast universe and realizes God listens to the prayers of the lost as well as the faithful.

Part of the enjoyment in MaryLu's books is her accuracy for detail whether the reader is climbing the rigging of a tall ship, running through an 18th century immoral town or engaging in a swordfight. Swashbuckling action worthy of a major motion picture.

I received this book for free from the publisher. This review is similar to reviews of 3 other books from the same author which I paid for all on my own. I will buy anything this author writes but if they want to send me free copies – meh – I’ll take ‘em.

Heat Level: Sensual (nothing a teen couldn’t read)

Spiritual message: Strong

My Rating: Excellent - 5 stars (one to re-read; definitely a keeper)