Charles Town Belles 3
A bitter French mercenary who has written off God
A self-righteous prude determined to change him
When Grace Westcott is kidnapped by a French mercenary, tossed aboard his ship, and told she will be sold to a Spanish Don, she can’t imagine what she did to deserve such a fate. She has spent her entire life serving God and helping the poor, Believing God sent her to preach to the vile captain and his crew, Grace’s attempts are rewarded with mockery. When her situation grows worse, she is forced to face her own weaknesses. But she isn’t prepared to face her biggest weakness of all—falling in love with the nefarious captain, Rafe Dubois.
Captain Rafe Dubois hates nothing more than religious snobbery. Fleeing a home of abuse and betrayal by a self-righteous father, he became a mercenary—willing to do any job, no matter how vile, in order to amass the fortune he needs to build a hospital in his home town of Port-de-Paix. That is, until he meets the saintly Miss Grace Westcott who continually berates his every move.
Kidnapping, betrayal, sorceries, dangers on sea and land continually threaten to devour Grace as she searches for God’s purpose in the madness. But what if that purpose is not to redeem the wicked Captain Rafe Dubois, but to change her own prideful heart?
What Others are Saying
4 Stars! Tyndall writes with such vivid detail readers will feel a part of the action and romance as they experience a historical event they won't soon forget. The message that God uses the unlikeliest people to carry out His plans will resonate. Chandra McNeil, RT Book Reviews
The Raven Saint is a swashbuckling story that will keep you glued to your chair. M.L. Tyndall doesn’t whitewash things, but tackles issues like slavery, revenge, and forgiving past hurts. The faith message is deftly woven in to every fiber of the story and will inspire readers.
Vickie McDonough - Title Trakk
MaryLu Tyndall’s THE RAVEN SAINT – CHARLES TOWNE BELLES is one outstanding novel! The Raven Saint is third in this highly popular series. MaryLu Tyndall writes the type of romance that you automatically fall in love with. The CHARLES TOWNE BELLES series is a magnificent tribute that showcases this highly talented author. Suzie Housley, Romance Junkies
This author has done it again! She has written a story I have thoroughly enjoyed. Sometimes when you read a series of books, one of them doesn't meet your expectations. Not so with this series. They have all been very enjoyable! Judy Glidden From ThatsANovelIDea
There are few books I look forward to with more anticipation that those written by MaryLu Tyndall. As an inspirational romance writer myself, I read tons of Christian romances, but for me, Ms. Tyndall’s are simply some of the best out there, the perfect mix of fast-paced romantic adventure for the heart, beautifully laced with a poignant spiritual message for the soul. She is, and continues to be, at the top of my list for a great read Julie Lessman, Best-selling author
MaryLu Tyndall's Charles Towne Belles is one beautifully orchestrated novel! The Raven Saint is third in this highly popular series. If you are a fan of historical romance, then you definitely want to put the name MaryLu Tyndall high atop your to buy list. This author writes with a passionate flare that captures the true essence of romance. Romance Junkies
The Main Characters
Grace Westcott
Brief Description: At twenty years of age, Grace Westcott is the youngest of four sisters. With raven-colored hair and eyes a deep shade of emerald green, she's been told she has beautiful exotic looks. But Grace closes her ears to such praises. Vanity only swells one's pride, and pride goes before a fall. And she cannot allow such idle flattery to deter her from her mission to ensure her sister's eternal salvation and attend to the poor in Charles Towne. Though not as petite as her sister, Hope, nor as tall as her sister, Faith, Grace tries to hide her medium, yet curvy, build beneath high-necked, loose fitting, plain gowns. There is no need to become a temptation to any of the men in Charles Towne. Not that she has received any unwanted attention-or any attention at all, for that matter. Besides, she is too busy aiding the poor and preaching to her sisters of the evils of sin, to have time for courting. If only they would listen to her, Grace is sure her sisters would save themselves a lot of pain and heartache. Yet despite Grace's self-righteous attitude, she is a kind, generous lady who loves God and who would gladly give up her last meal to help someone in need.
Strengths: Self-sacrificing, Generous, Clever, Strong Faith, Confidence
Weaknesses: Judgmental, Idealistic, Lacks compassion for sinners, Nosy, Stubborn
Quirks: Grace wears a cross around her neck which is usually tucked within her bodice. When she's nervous or upset, she pulls the cross out and rubs it. Also she throws a hand to her throat to cover up her exposed skin when she's nervous. She says "Mercy me" all the time and is very outspoken about other people's faults.
Inspiration: I love Grace's character. I've seen her in so many people around me. She's got a great heart, loves God, loves to help others, but she has one major flaw. She is too quick to judge everyone around her for any sin she sees in their lives. Since she has never had it rough in her life, since she's always had a home and food and love, she cannot understand why people commit sin: why they steal or cheat or lie or are immoral. She only sees the sin, the top of the iceberg and refuses to look beneath. As a consequence, she comes across as being very prudish and self-righteous when in reality she only wants people get to Heaven. More often than not, I find I can easily slip into this kind of attitude, judging the actions of others without truly knowing their heart. But wait until Grace runs into Rafe Dubois, the vile mercenary who kidnaps her from her home.
Captain Rafe Dubois
Brief Description: Tall, well-built with jet black hair and dark, smoky eyes, Rafe Dubois has no trouble attracting les femmes. That is, until he comes across Mademoiselle Grace Westcott. The son of Henri Dubois, a rich planter on the French island of Saint Dominique, Rafe, at age 26, has already amassed a fortune of his own by hiring himself and his ragtag crew out as mercenaries to the highest bidder-performing whatever dirty deed is required of them, without question. But Rafe has an oddity that baffles both his men and Mademoiselle Grace. Instead of spending his wealth on himself, he gives most of it away to the poor and sick in Port-aux-Paix, his home town. In fact, it is his ultimate goal to build a hospital in the poverty-stricken port for those who cannot afford quality care. In truth, Rafe wants nothing more than to infuriate his father, a man who mistreated Rafe from birth and who committed the ultimate act of betrayal. I picture Rafe looking a lot like Orlando Bloom in the pirate movies.
Strengths: Protective, Smart, Leader, Good heart, Intuitive, Risk taker
Weaknesses: Bitter, Arrogant, Rebellious, Loves Praise, Pessimist, Bad Temper
Inspiration: Rafe is the ultimate Bad Boy. And I love writing the bad boy! He's rude, extremely macho, and arrogant. Yet he is a true leader, a commander who inspires others to follow him. He walks on the wild side and has a dangerous look about him. But inside, he's a wounded warrior with a heart of gold. I think this is my favorite type of hero to write because bad boys are so deep, so passionate, and there's a lot of stuff going on beneath the surface. Rafe has lived a lifetime of abuse and neglect. Those he trusted and loved the most stabbed him in the back. Consequently, he hates God and hates women. He has no self value so he searches for it in the praises of others. Pretending to be altruistic, he is only satisfying his need for value and for revenge against his father-a father who has an outward appearance of piety that disgusts Rafe. Can you imagine the fireworks that are set off when Rafe meets Grace Westcott?