Veil of Pearls

by MaryLu Tyndall

Overview

Romantic Times top pick!

She thought she could outrun her past. . .

It is 1811, and the prosperous port city of Charleston is bustling with plantation owners, slaves, and immigrants. Immigrants such as the raven-haired Adalia Winston. But Adalia has a secret: her light skin belies that she is part black and a runaway slave from Barbados. Skilled in herbal remedies, Adalia finds employment with a local doctor and settles into a quiet life, thankful for her freedom but still fearful that her owner will find her.

Born into one of Charleston's prominent families, Morgan Rutledge is handsome, bored-and enamored of the beautiful Adalia, who spurns his advances. Morgan's persistence, however, finally wins, and Adalia is swept into the glamorous world of Charleston high society.

But her new life comes at a high price-that of denying her heritage and her zeal for God. How far is Adalia willing to go to win the heart of the man she loves? And when her secret is revealed, will that love be enough, or will the truth ruin Morgan and send Adalia back into slavery?

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. Historical Novel Reviews

NOTE to Readers: This is a reprint of the original Veil of Pearls published in 2012

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780997167177
Publisher:	Ransom Press
Publication date:	04/26/2017
Pages:	368
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.76(d)

About the Author

MaryLu Tyndall, a Christy Award finalist and bestselling author of the Legacy of the King’s Pirates series, is known for her adventurous historical romances filled with deep spiritual themes. She holds a degree in math and worked as a software engineer for fifteen years before testing the waters as a writer. MaryLu currently writes full time and makes her home on the California coast with her husband, six kids, and four cats. Her passion is to write page-turning, romantic adventures that not only entertain but open people’s eyes to their God-given potential. MaryLu is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America.

Editorial Reviews

What a riveting plot! From the very first page I was invested in Adalia's story and sympathetic to her situation. The characters were very well written and complex, I completely understood why they did what they did and the struggles that they had to overcome and the dangers they faced.

NetGalley - Faith Oygard

Tyndall writes with passion and intrigue. This book captured me right away and didn't let me go. Adalia is a complex character who could have been even better developed. After being a slave for 7 years she transitions into the regular world with unbelievable ease. Morgan is both likeable and loathe worthy. The connection between the two is passionate and life-altering. While I had my eye rolling moments when the plot was so predictable I also had my "ah" moments and I really enjoyed this read. Tyndall is growing in depth as an author and I look forward to more from her. The view from a slave's perspective is particularly intriguing. Reading of life in Charleston in the early 1800's was very interesting. A good read that I recommend! 

— Melissa MacDonald

Random Refreshing Reviews

MaryLy Tyndall is a wonderful author with deep faith and the ability to write a novel to include the power of prayer and the amazing strength we have as a child of God. Her books are encouraging, challenging and thought-provoking. Not to mention full of adventure! The characters are very real and it is easy to relate to their feelings. As the reader, you will laugh and cry with them as they discover that their point of view might jaded. We walk with them as they learn more about people and we rejoice as they allow God to touch their hearts.  This is a well-written story that will open your eyes to history and will challenge you to see things from a new perspective.  This book is another incredible story from one of my favorite authors!

— Jenilee Goodwin

Our Goodwin Journey

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

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

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

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

The author takes on a generational social issue and tackles it beautifully in Veil of Pearls.  I simply could not stop reading, the characters were so charming, and the plot kept getting thicker!

— Kalyn Comings

Words with Books

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

From the Publisher

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

Romantic Times - Cheryl Hanson

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.

Imagine a World - Farrah Sayyed

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!

GoodReads - Tawana Faciane

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!

Burton Book Review - Marie Burton

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. 

Historical Novel Review - Mirella Patzer

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.

USA Today’s Happy Ever After - Serena Chase

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.

The Christian Manifesto - Danyelle Hunnicutt

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.

Radiant Lit - Jen Whitney

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.

Proverbial Reads - Sally McComb

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. 

Romantid Historical Lovers - Helena Frank

Wow!  I have read 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.

Book Reviews R US - Stephanie Rollins