Welcome to Author MaryLu Tyndall's Website
Charles Town Belles 4
Suspected of killing her husband, Charity Westcott flees on the first ship out of Portsmouth, England heading for the colonies. Loathing all men after her abusive marriage, she hopes to reunite with her family in Charles Towne, but the ship’s destination is Nassau. When she spots her husband’s brother, who is intent on seeing her hang, boarding her ship, she jumps overboard.
Elias Dutton, missionary and son of the famous pirate, Rowan Dutton, must get to Barbados as soon as possible. His sister is in danger, and his parents have charged him with her safety. He cannot let them down—again. But after rescuing a madcap woman from the bay, he now finds himself tricked into masquerading as her husband so they both can procure passage to Barbados.
Pirates, storms, shipwreck and betrayal threaten to delay the couple in their journey even as sparks fly between them. With her brother-in-law in fast pursuit, the last thing Charity wants is help from a man, especially a religious one, but she has no choice. After Elias’ heart was broken by a sordid woman who nearly ruined his life, he seeks a godly woman pure as the virgin sands of the Caribbean. He believes he has found such a woman in Charity. Until he discovers she is a murderer and is now faced with two choices: letting her go or turning her in to the authorities.
Enter the World of Charity
What Others are Saying
Tyndall spins a riveting tale of betrayal, violence, trust, and honesty in this latest inspirational pirate romance. She vividly recreates Caribbean locales as they were in 1718, while the depth of her characters conveys just how complex we humans are. Cindy Vallar - Editor, Pirates and Privateers
No one writes high seas adventure stories like MaryLu Tyndall ... Charity's Cross opens with a bang, and the adrenaline-laced action doesn't pause until the final page is turned. Mocha with Linda Reviews
Charity's Cross is sure to keep you engrossed for hours, make you bite your fingernails at several points, make you smile, and leave you filled with satisfaction. Vickie McDonald, Best-selling author and reviewer
It has been a long time since I was gripped so totally by a novel. I read quite a few good books, this one was a true, couldn't put it down, good book. By midway through, I had to keep tissues at the ready. Kari Reviews
Excellent? Outstanding? Captivating? I simply can't find one word to describe what I felt when I finished reading MaryLu Tyndall's latest book, Charity's Cross. Lynn Mills reviews
This is a high-sea adventure packed with battle scenes, storms, pirates and a strong Christian message woven into the book. This is book 4 of the Charles Towne Belles series but can be read as a stand-alone. 4.5 Stars JW Book Reviewer
This is the first book I read but I have since bought books 1 - 3 because I enjoyed this one so much. Charity's Cross was fast-paced and well researched.The plot line was expertly written and easy to follow. The characters had depth and breadth. Simple Harvest Reads
Not only has MaryLu written a fascinating story, but readers will fall in love with her fantastic characters. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy fast-paced historical, Christian fiction Singing Librarian Books
My rating: 5 of 5 stars. It has been a long time since I was gripped so totally by a novel. I read quite a few good books, this one was a true, couldn't put it down, good book. By midway through, I had to keep tissues at the ready. The Editor's Note
I have to say that MaryLu Tyndall really knows how to tell a story. Vic's Media Room
Non-stop action. Epic setting. Dynamic characters. This book reminded me of Pirates of the Caribbean, but with a spiritual thread and a damaged main character. Heidi Reads Review
Charity's Cross held true to this reader-kidnapping, freezing me in place with the very first sentence: "Charity killed her husband." From there, I rode the waves of emotion, adventure, romance - even the beauty of grace - with this vivid cast of characters, brought to life under Tyndall's talented pen Reading is my SuperPower
This is my first MaryLu novel, and it won't be my last. With fast-paced action, unforgettable romance, and the bond of comrades, as well as redemption of past mistakes, readers are in for a ride Just Commonly
What an amazing romantic adventure on those swashbuckling high seas. This is a historic romance that you won't soon forget Cherylbbookblog
Charity' Cross is a read gem to read. I love MaryLu Tyndale's books, and each one gets better and better! Splashes Of Joy
The Main Characters
Charity Westcott (aka. Lady Charity Villemont)
At only 25, Charity feels as though she's already lived a lifetime. In order to escape the lonely and
ofttimes unhappy life as the daughter of an overbearing Admiral, Charity married the wrong man. Well, he seemed like the right man at the time. Lord Herbert Villemont had a title, status, and wealth. Everything Charity wanted from life--to have nice things and be someone important. But her plan backfired when her husband became abusive.
Now, having spent two years enduring unimaginable horrors, Charity has a wounded soul. She's bitter, angry at God and man, and desperate to make her own way in life without anyone's help. She trusts No One, especially not a man, and especially not a religious one, like her husband was. Yet, underneath her crusty heart lies a woman who simply longs to be loved, cherished, and protected. She is also very kind, charitable, full of mercy, and loves children. But will anyone ever break through the shield she has erected around her soul in order to get to know the real Charity?
Charity is petite, standing just over 5 feet tall, wiih long coffee-colored hair, and intense golden eyes.
Strengths: Smart, Independent, Loyal, Kind, Brave, Resourceful,
Weaknesses: Wounded, Bitter, Angry, Stubborn, Emotional, Irrational, Trust no one, Angry at God
Elias Dutton
Son of the notorious pirate, Rowan Dutton and connected by marriage to the famous Hyde family of missionary pirates, Elias has much to prove. At 25, he has spent most of his life at sea, first on his father's ship, but now captaining his own, the Restoration. As the eldest of eight siblings, Elias has always felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility for the protection of his family. He has a knight's heart and values family above all else. So when his sister lost her leg in an accident, he blamed himself entirely and vowed never to allow tragedy to strike his family again. Or to anyone under his care.
Raised in a Godly home, Rowan, however, spent a few years testing his skills as a pirate, but quickly came to his senses and returned to God. Since then he has become one of the Caribbean's most successful preachers to both pirates and natives alike
Elias is six foot tall, muscular, with stark blue eyes and chestnut-colored hair. He is trustworthy, loyal, merciful, wise, ship-smart, and honorable. The wooden cross he wears around his neck is made from a crate that struck his sister and is a constant reminder to remain diligent in his duties to keep his family safe. Bearing the weight of such responsibility, Elias often blames himself for everything bad that happens and also pushes himself much too hard.
Strengths: Smart, Brave, Loyal, Godly, Moral, Trustworthy, Honorable, God and Family come first
Weaknesses: Low Self Image, Pushes himself too hard, takes on too much responsibility, demanding, controlling