VEIL OF PEARLS [Paperback]

MaryLu Tyndall (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2012

It is 1811, and the prosperous port city of Charleston is bustling with immigrants like Adalia. But she has a secret: her light skin belies that she is part black and a runaway slave from Barbados. She lives in terror that her owner will come looking for

Editorial Reviews

Review

MaryLu Tyndall can bring a character, a scene, a setting to life as few others can. In a few, well-placed words, she sweeps her readers into another time and place, transporting them from their own life into that of someone they might never otherwise have thought about, let alone taken the time to get to know. Veil of Pearls is no exception. This is more than just a nice historical romance. This is a story that will prick your heart and call you to examine your own conscience, as the heroine asks herself just how far she is willing to go to please the man she loves. Will she betray her roots, her ancestors…her very faith…to keep from losing the one who has captured her heart and introduced her to a life she never imagined possible? Aren’t we, as readers, tempted to do something similar at times? MaryLu Tyndall does more than entertain us in this well-written novel; she challenges us…and I applaud her for that.

***Kathi Macias (www.boldfiction.com) is the author of nearly 40 books, including Deliver Me From Evil and the Golden Scrolls Novel of the Year and Carol Award finalist, Red Ink.

 

One can expect two things when they pick up a MaryLu Tyndall novel--endearing characters and a plot that sweeps you away. Hidden within the entertainment is a spiritual message that whispers to the corners of your soul. Give yourself a treat by losing yourself in one of her enchanting stories.

Kim Vogel Sawyer--Bestselling author of My Heart Remembers

Oh my! Seldom has my heart ached more at the turn of a last page. MaryLu Tyndall is simply one of the best in Christian romance today and Veil of Pearls, her finest work yet. A pearl beyond compare, this is a love story that transcends era and class to race your heart and soothe your soul, leaving you breathless and longing for more. Absolutely one of my favorite reads ever!

- Julie Lessman, award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series.

4 1/2 Star Review & Top Pick from Romantic Times--You'll be instantly transported to the sights, sounds, and smells of 1812 Charleston, S.C., in Tyndall's latest.  Adalia, Morgan and their friends come alive, and you will experience their joys and sadness along with them.  It will take a moment to remember this is 2012, not 1812, when you put the book down.   --Cheryl Hanson, Romantic Times, August 2012

(Cheryl Hanson Romantic Times 2012-06-21)

Veil of Pearls is beautiful. It is a magnificent love story that manages to make your heart ache and sing in one sitting. It takes an unflinching look at the realities of slavery and the assumptions of its morality and permanence present at that time.

(Farrah Sayyed Imagine a World 2012-05-31)

A well written, jaw dropping, enlightening, frustrating, on the edge of your seat read. I'll have to ponder on this review. It must be worthy of this read. I LOVED it!

(Tawana Faciane GoodReads 2012-07-08)

I loved this story of opposite worlds colliding, and it was the first novel from the author that I had read. Based on the writing skill demonstrated here, it won't be my last. Highly recommended!

(Marie Burton Burton Book Review 2012-07-06)

Veil of Pearls by MaryLu Tyndall is a wonderfully complex, romantic love story about forbidden love and racial prejudice. At the heart of the tale is a strong, courageous woman who risks all for love. It is a poignant portrayal of the prejudices of slavery and its effect on white and black people alike. The characters have depth; Morgan and Adalia both experience inner struggles to shed their past. This is an enduring novel of great depth. Beautifully written, it explores how far the human spirit will journey for freedom and love. This story was a real pleasure to read. Highly recommended. 

(Mirella Patzer Historical Novel Review 2012-07-04)

A light historical that doesn't weigh the reader down with too many historical references, this novel has a familiar fairy-tale feel that brings a smile. Veil of Pearls is something of a Cinderella story that, while it doesn't necessarily land the Prince and his True Love in the castle, ends with them heirs to their own humble kingdom just the same.

(Serena Chase USA Today's Happy Ever After 2012-07-24)

MaryLu Tyndall has given me one of the best books she’s ever written. After several years of waiting, she has given me what I’ve been waiting for, a book that makes me remember why I love her as an author so much. If I have to wait several more years to get a book this good or better from her again, I will do it, but I feel like she has found her niche and will stay in it. I have loved seeing her improve and grow as an author and look forward to watching her grow and improve more.

(Danyelle Hunnicutt The Christian Manifesto 2012-08-02)

I loved this book. I had never read anything from MaryLu Tyndall before, but now I know I have to read more of her books. Everything about this book was fun and entertaining. The twists, the danger, the love – I found myself easily absorbed in the story and it didn’t take me long to finish at all. I loved Adalia. The courage she demonstrated and the fact that she stuck to what she believed is such a great example for us all. I would highly recommend this book to anyone loving a good historical romance.

(Jen Whitney Radiant Lit 2012-08-06)

This is a thought-provoking read about the perils of slavery. Tyndall doesn’t just write about human slavery but how we are all slaves to something in our lives. We are slaves to our positions in society, to our looks, to our money. Not surprisingly, Tyndall portrays these slaves as the non-Christians in her book. It’s an interesting thought and perhaps we need to take a look at ourselves and our own lives.

Ultimately, although this is a book about slavery it comes across as a swash-buckling romance with hints of Pretty Woman, My Fair Lady and Pirates of the Caribbean. The opening description of Althea’s escape hooks the reader and the novel is a pleasant enough way to pass an afternoon.

(Sally McComb Proverbial Reads 2012-07-25)

Veil of Pearls is much more than a historical romance.  It is a love story with wonderful depth and a reflection of real-life society.  The characters are deeply human.  They are flawed and imperfect.  But they are likeable.  You will find yourself cheering for both Adalia and Morgan, hoping for them to find happiness together and within themselves. 

(Helena Frank Romantid Historical Lovers 2012-08-13)

Wow!  I have ready many of MaryLu Tyndall's books, but Veil of Pearls is by far the best!

 

MaryLu Tyndall is a Christian writer, so the reviews bashing the Christian theme throughout the book are really silly.  This book is not preachy.  It is an addictive, inspiring read that I recommend to all historical romance lovers.

(Stephanie Rollins Book Reviews R US 2012-10-20)

Book Description

Charleston in 1811 is bustling with immigrants like Adalia, a runaway slave so light-skinned that no one guesses. She is terrified her secret will be discovered, but when the handsome son of a prominent family sweeps her into his glamorous world, the secret could be ruinous—for both of them.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc. (July 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1616265779
• ISBN-13: 978-1616265779
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (131 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #121,851 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Acclaimed author, M.L. (MaryLu) Tyndall dreamt of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her childhood days on Florida's Coast. After obtaining a degree in Math and working as software engineer for 15 years, she decided to test the waters as a writer. With now more than ten books published, she makes no excuses for the deeply spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures. As a follower of Christ, her stories often reflect her own journey and walk with God. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. In a culture that accepts the occult, wizards, zombies, and vampires without batting an eye, MaryLu hopes to show the awesome present and powerful acts of God in a dying world. A Christy award nominee, MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, and four cats on the California coast, where her imagination still surges with the sea.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging and Ultimately Uplifting July 8, 2012

By Amber C. Stokes

Format:Paperback

Sometimes the veil separating us from our dreams is one that seems too priceless to tear apart. But sometimes our dreams - and the veil itself - aren't what they appear to be. In Veil of Pearls Adalia and Morgan both find themselves on a journey of new and unexpected perspectives, a journey that is as engaging and ultimately uplifting as I've come to expect from a Tyndall novel!

After escaping a cruel master, Adalia simply longs for freedom and a chance to live in peace. But when rich and handsome Morgan Rutledge starts to pursue her, his interest opens the door to opportunities she never imagined she could have - as well as troubles she never imagined she would have to face. What once seemed so good is suddenly not enough, especially when hearts are on the line. Where do Adalia and Morgan really belong? And do they belong together?

Veil of Pearls is a story full of frustration and uncertainty, along with some enjoyable Tyndall trademarks: a little bit of seafaring excitement, a romantic hero, and an epic ending. And as it is a book "dedicated to everyone who has longed to be one of the 'in' crowd," I think many readers can relate to Adalia's struggles and/or Morgan's fears. Tyndall has written another pearl of a book, and I eagerly await the next addition to her lovely strand of stories!

*With thanks to author MaryLu Tyndall for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Work of Historical Fiction August 2, 2012

By Writer_for_Christ VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have been a fan of MaryLu Tyndall since I picked up the first title I found by her. Since that moment I've rejoiced each time her new novel hits my hands and this time was far from an exception.

Veil of Pearls combines so much into a solid novel. Historical controversy (in this case the plight of slaves pre-Civil War), strong characters that aren't afraid to grow and learn to embrace change. A love story that moves the depth of my heart with impassioned precision. And writing that completely grips me, painting word pictures upon my mind that only make me want to stop and savor the impact of their words.

Tyndall's novels have progressively improved to where I do believe, she is even better than when she started, though not to detract from her previous titles. The power of each word to build a story complex in emotion and plot is carefully built until at the end of the story I was disappointed to leave these characters behind.

Adalia and Morgan's love story is one that the reader can never escape from knowing it possibly cannot succeed. Adalia has come from a slave's descent and bears the marks on her very back. Knowing this the entire time I was reading the book kept an element of unease waiting to break lose.

Spiritual threads, romantic elements, wordsmithing! I truly adored this title. It's unique and different. Yet entertaining and compelling. Tyndall's latest is not to be missed!

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my copy to review.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A former slave and a son of plantation owner...fall in love? July 19, 2012

By Abigail Skott

Format:Paperback

Adalia Winston, a runaway slave who can hide her heritage, sails to Charleston and becomes a doctor's assistant. Morgan Rutledge is a slave to money and society, but his real love and purpose is sailing. Adalia hides who she is, but the more Morgan pursues her, the more she cannot resist him and what society offers; the more her jealous "friends" try to destroy her by ruining her character and exploring her past. Will Adalia be forced to become a slave again? Will Morgan love her once he finds out who she really is?
The tale of Adalia and Morgan is charming. I devoured this book. I couldn't put it down. I cried, laughed, I cheered. It was so real. The last chapter had me at the edge of my seat, I was so shocked! A must read. I finished the book and thought, "Best book ever!"