Tuesday, March 15, 2011

SURRENDER THE NIGHT - MaryLu Tyndall - Free Book

I'm thrilled to have MaryLu here with her new book. Welcome, MaryLu. How did you come up with the idea for this story?

I started doing research on the War of 1812 and found myself completely fascinated! I had never really learned about it in school, but it turns out to be quite an exciting and important war. And Baltimore, Maryland, was right in the thick of the excitement. Surrender the Night is the 2nd book in a trilogy set in Baltimore during the War of 1812. The theme of the series revolves around the things that keep us from finding God’s destiny for our lives and how do we find that destiny. I wanted to tell the story of what happened in Baltimore toward the end of the war through the eyes of a timid farm girl who happens to be in love with a British Naval Officer. Yikes! The tale culminates in Washington, DC, when the British troops march into the city to burn it to the ground.

Sounds really interesting. If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Ronie Kendig because she’s super cool. Ted Dekker because I want to find out if he’s as intense and bizarre as his books. Joel Rosenberg because of his knowledge about what’s going on in Israel and the Middle East. Brandilyn Collins because she frightens me with her stories. Camy Tang because there can’t be a party without Camy! And Tosca Lee because she writes stories that challenge my way of thinking.

And I'd want to be a fly on the wall at that party. Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Julie Lessman because she’s the sweetest thing on the planet. Julie Klassen because I hope some of her talent will flow into my brain by osmosis. Mary Connealy because she makes me laugh. Francine Rivers because I want to find out her secret to success. Laurie Alice Eakes because she’s a volume of historical information and a good friend of mine, and Louise M. Gouge because she writes with such finesse and she’s a charming lady. There’s so many more too!! Wish I could invite them all!

I love all of these authors, too. We are so blessed to know them. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

I don’t think it matters how many books you have published, the pressures are the same for all writers. Being published doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get another contract. I have to submit proposals and sample chapters just like everyone else. And I get rejections just like everyone else! But I do think there’s an extra pressure on an author who has several books published. And that is to not only keep producing excellent work, but to surpass the last book you wrote. I always feel the stress to produce better and better stories, and sometimes that’s hard to do each time. I praise God for the books He’s allow me to publish. But one thing I’ve learned, the grass on the other side truly isn’t always as green as it looks!

That is so true. Tell us about the featured book.

A timid American farm girl at the mercy of the enemy. . .
A wounded British sailor driven into hiding. . .
Both are about to change the course of history forever.

When British soldiers invade Baltimore amid the War of 1812, Rose McGuire, alone on her family farm, is easy prey for a brutal lieutenant. In the midst of the attack, she’s saved by British 2nd Lieutenant Alexander Reed. Will she now have to heal, as well as hide, this enemy soldier?

Alex hadn’t meant to kill his superior, nor get shot in the process. Now badly wounded, he’s at the mercy of this tomboy who obviously hates him. Can he trust her or will she turn him over to the Americans?

Rose is having trouble keeping Alex hidden from her family, the townspeople, and the man intent on courting her. Will the discovery of Alex’s presence force her to accept an abhorrent proposal?

As their love blooms, trouble looms, for the British are on the move again. This time, their target is Washington, DC. Will these young lovers at heart find themselves enemies at war?

I love it. Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter 1

Baltimore, Maryland, August 3, 1814

Gong. Gong. Gong. The evening air reverberated with warning bells from St. Peter’s church. Rose McGuire halted in her trek to the pigsty and gazed across the shadowy farm. Musket fire echoed in the distance. The British were on the move again. Punctuating the unrest crackling through the air, shards of maroon and saffron shot across the western sky, bringing into focus the line of cedar and pine trees that marked the end of civilization and the beginning of the dense forest of Maryland.

Gong. Gong. Gong. The eerie chime scraped a chill down Rose’s spine.

She glanced back at the brick house in the distance. Though she had yet to spy a redcoat anywhere near her farm, she should go back inside. Swallowing her fear, she emptied the bucket of slops into the pig trough, Grunts and snorts amassed in the putrid air above the enclosure, drawing her attention to her favorite pig, who waddled toward her to receive his evening scratch. Kneeling, she reached her hand in between the fence posts. “Hi, Prinney.” His moist, stiff hair bristled against her hand as he lifted his head beneath her caress and nudged against the wooden railings, while the rest of the pigs devoured their kitchen scraps.

“You’ll miss your dinner, Prinney. Better get some before it’s gone.” Rose stood and dabbed her sleeve over the perspiration on her forehead. A light breeze, laden with the smells of hay and honeysuckle, brushed her golden curls across her face. Flicking them aside, she drew in a deep breath, hoping the familiar scents would calm her nerves.

Men and their wars. She hated the war, hated the alarms, hated the violence. But most of all she hated the fear. Two years was far too long to live in constant terror of being overrun by a ruthless enemy.

Picking up her bucket, she hastened to the barn, gazing at her tiny garden as she went. Even in the dim light, she could make out the patches of red and yellow of the nearly ripe tomatoes and the spindly silk atop ripe ears of corn. She smiled. Despite the war, life went on.

Musket shot peppered the air. Pop. Pop. Pop. Somewhere close by, soldiers were being shot at or a settler was defending his land—somewhere close by people were dying. Fear prickled her skin. Just a few more chores and she would go inside. Rose began humming a song her father taught her when she was young. She could still hear his baritone voice as he sang the words—words that always seemed to calm her.

Oh fare the well, my little turtle dove,
And fare thee well for-a-while;
But though I go I’ll surely come again,
If I go ten thousand mile, my dear,
If I go ten thousand mile.

Setting the bucket down on the dirt floor of the barn, Rose eased beside Liverpool, her milk cow. Why the song allayed her fears she could not say, for it was nothing but a lie. Her father had not even gone ten thousand miles away. Yet he had never returned. Rose shooed a fly from the animal’s face and planted a kiss on her nose, eliciting a moo from the friendly cow and a jealous neigh from Valor, Rose’s filly in the adjoining stall.

“Don’t vex yourself, Valor. I’ll take care of you next.”

“Rose!” Aunt Muira’s voice rang from their home across the small yard.

Rose needed no further encouragement. She would attend to the animals later. “Coming!” she shouted as she made her way through the barn, nearly stumbling over Georgiana, one of her chickens. Squawking, the bird darted across the hay-strewn floor.

Gong. Gong. Gong.

Alarm gripped Rose’s stomach. Did the signal mean what she thought? Surely the British would not come this close to Baltimore.

Wow! How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.mltyndall.com/
http://crossandcutlass.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/marylu.tyndall

Thank you for dropping by again, MaryLu.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.



Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

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45 comments:

Naasom André said...

This novel souds like a wonderful story. I'd like read it. Please enter me.

letrassantas at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

This sounds intriguing. i would love to win Surrender the night. Thanks for the chance to win. mitzi_wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com
Marianne in Arizona

EJ said...

Thanks for the interview - this sounds like a good book to read.
rejordan79@msn.com
Elaine in Iowa

Coolestmommy said...

I loved the first page. Can't wait to read this one.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
ne

MaryLu Tyndall said...

MaryLu here... just dropping by to say thank you to Lena for having me on her blog. I had the privilege of spending a fair amount of time with Lena in February and she's an absolute treasure and a true godly woman! Anyway, thanks for your comments, everyone. Feel free to ask me any questions. I'll drop by later on in the day. Be Blessed!

Giveaway Lady said...

Please enter me!! I have read the first one in the series and really want to read this one:) Thanks!
Nauvoo, IL

esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

Debbie Mitchell said...

I have read this novel and it is wonderful! MaryLu has such a talent of taking an actual historical event and incorporating her own characters into that story, as if they were actually there. She informs, intrigues, touches the heart, gives you hope in a hopeless world and even makes you laugh. Anyone who reads this novel, or any other novel by MaryLu, will NOT be disappointed. You will, however, lose some sleep, because her novels are really, really hard to put down. Good luck to everyone! God bless.

grannyvon said...

I live in Alabama and I still enjoy books set way...up...North, I would love to win this one. ybutler at oppcatv dot com

Claire Koenig said...

Sounds good! I like the concept of getting encouraged beyond my comfort zone ... would love to read this.
Claire in California

Bluerose said...

I have been seeing nothing but GREAT reviews for MaryLu's books, so I'm a bit jealous I haven't read them! ;) I would love to be entered.

Alabama

Sandy Jay said...

Count me in. Michigan

forwhlz at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

This novel sounds like it would be good. I would love to win a copy.
Angela from KY

Katie Marie said...

Ohhhh! I've been wanting to win this one since it came out. Please count me in for the giveaway!!

~ Katy
from Florida
agirlslegacy(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I've read the first book in this series and can't wait to get started on this one. It's even more special since I'm from Baltimore!
kellyw622@gmail.com

MaryLu Tyndall said...

Thanks everyone for your interest. Honestly I found the War of 1812 to be one of the most interesting and patriotic wars in America. And Baltimore was a HUGE thorn in Britain's side. So much so that the British called the city a "nest of pirates!" I love that. Some historians have gone on to say that without Baltimore's contribution, the US may now be under British rule. Anyway, interesting facts aside, I love the characters in this story. A backward American farm girl falls for a stuffy pompous British soldier. Talk about fireworks!

Linda Kish said...

I would love to read this book.

Linda in California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Jasmine Ruigrok said...

I haven't read any of ML Tyndall's books yet, but I have been meaning to! Is this open to different countries?
BushMaid - Australia

windycindy said...

The war of 1812 is something that wasn't stressed during my time in
school...I would love to read MaryLu's book and I enjoy her writing style...
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
Illinois

Judy Cooper said...

Here in Louisiana I always enjoy Marylu's books, and look forward to another great one. Please enter my name.

-petit said...

This novel seems to be really good! I would love to read it! :D

I live in Brazil x_x'

Patsy said...

I know MaryLu's writings are good. We have some in our church library. I need to read the first book of this series. Would enjoy reading this one also.
From the Bible Belt

plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Unknown said...

Looks like a wonderful read! Historicals are SO interesting! Thanks for the chance to win!
Kari in ORegon

Diana Flowers said...

Marylu is a wonderful writer and person! Please enter me! I'm from Columbia, SC.

dianalflowers@aol.com

rbooth43 said...

Sounds interesting!
A NC Lady!
rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com

Melissa Jagears said...

what a great contrasting hero and heroine set up!

ks

Jackie S. said...

I'm a big fan of MaryLu's books!!! Please enter me....from Georgia.
Thanks!!

Charlotte Kay said...

It sounds like a great read!
I am honored to be considered for this book giveaway!
Thanks for this wonderful opportunity!
Charlotte Kay
charlovesmark at gmail dot com

Charlotte Kay said...

I forgot to state that I am from OHIO!

Pam K. said...

I don't think I've ready many novels set in 1812 so that would make the book even more interesting. The conflict/love interest between an American woman and a British soldier sounds very intriguing too.
I'd love to win this book!
Thanks for the interview and give away.

pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Kansas

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

Please enter me. The book sounds like an interesting read.

dancealert at aol dot com

Jaedyn said...

This one is most definitely on my wishlist - I'm really excited about reading it!

kindredspiritreviews at gmail dot com
(Pacific Northwest)

Anonymous said...

I cant WAIT to read this book!
I LOVED the first one and I have been looking forward to reading this one for a long time!
Please enter me.

dymesich(at)juno(dot)com

karenk said...

please count me in...thanks :)

karenk...from pa
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Ann Lee Miller said...

I haven't read MaryLu yet and would love to.
Ann Lee Miller, Gilbert AZ

Judylynn said...

Please enter me in this giveaway.

Judylynn in Tennessee

Brenda Hurley said...

Thursday, March 17th,
"Evening, MaryLu".
I would love another chance to try and win a copy of "Surrender The Night". I "know" it will be an excellent read .. once again, as always !!!
I live in the city of Welland, in the Province of Ontario, in the country of Canada.
My e-mail is: brennie7@hotmail.com
Take care, and, God Bless,
Brenda Hurley

misskallie2000 said...

I love stories about wars in America and the history of our great country. This story sounds like one I would love to read.
Thanks for the oopportunity to enter.

I live in Georgia

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Diana Flowers said...

I have tried to win this book 3 times! So it's either third time is the charm or 3 strikes you're out! Hope it's the former! LOL

dianalflowers@aol.com

A J Hawke said...

Intriguing first page. Surrender the Night is one to put on my reading list. Please enter me in the giveaway, thanks.

A J Hawke
Texas

Michelle said...

Sounds wonderful. I would love to read this one.

mchapman (at) windstream (dot) net

Kentucky

Cindy W. said...

Surrender the Night looks like a wonder read. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W. from Indiana

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Dana said...

Can't wait to read more! Please enter me.
Dana - Jackson area MS

Lora said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lora said...

Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!

crochetsisters[at]earthlink[dot]net

New York