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Charles Towne Belles #1
The Red Siren
Can ladies be pirates? In 1718 Charleston, there are few other choices left to women in need of large sums of money. And Faith Westcott needs such a fortune to protect her two sisters from forced marriages or their aloof and often-absent admiral father will do just that upon his return from overseas. The only problem is, he has assigned a naval officer to keep guard over Faith and her sisters while he is away—a very handsome naval officer, and one whom Faith recognizes as a victim of her piracy from long ago.
Dajon Waite longs to make a success for himself in the British Royal Navy, not only to cover a host of past sins but to prove to his father and brother that he isn’t the wastrel they accuse him of being. When he is stationed in Charleston, Carolina to rid the nearby seas of pirates, he is thrilled to meet up with his long-time mentor, Admiral Westcott. But Dajon must pass a test before receiving the promotion he desires: protect the admiral’s unruly and headstrong daughters! Not an easy task when Dajon’s past dealings with women ended in disaster and shame—including a run in with a lady pirate.
Dajon Waite longs to make a success for himself in the British Royal Navy, not only to cover a host of past sins but to prove to his father and brother that he isn’t the wastrel they accuse him of being. When he is stationed in Charleston, Carolina to rid the nearby seas of pirates, he is thrilled to meet up with his long-time mentor, Admiral Westcott. But Dajon must pass a test before receiving the promotion he desires: protect the admiral’s unruly and headstrong daughters! Not an easy task when Dajon’s past dealings with women ended in disaster and shame—including a run in with a lady pirate.
317 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
195 people are currently reading
2038 people want to read
About the author
MaryLu Tyndall
58 books994 followersA Christy Award finalist and winner of two Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards, MaryLu Tyndall dreamt of tall ships and swashbuckling heroes during her childhood years on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. She holds a degree in Math and worked as a software engineer for fifteen years before she penned her first novel. Now, with more than twenty-five books published, she makes her home in California with her husband, six children, four grandchildren and various stray cats. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. For more information, visit her website at marylutyndall.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
October 10, 2018
2 1/2 Stars
What drew me to this one of course was it having a lady pirate in it.
While the whole story/plot could have worked, it was because of many unrealistic things that took place..or I should say "didn't" was what made it fall into the 2-3 star bracket for me.
First off.. its never explained just how Faith became a pirate...she just was and her crew followed her faithfully.
And although her character was feisty she just didn't quite pull it off ( the cover just didn't work either) does she strike you as a feisty lady pirate?.
But what really got on my nerves was her sister Grace who kept putting in her two cents with "preachy" advice.
I enjoy Christian/inspirational romances as long as they aren't overly "preachy" and yes, I understand that this genre will have that, but too much was thrown in here for this reader and I'm not sure I will read the next two.
I did enjoy her Paradise trilogy and I plan on reading more of her books as I enjoy this authors style.
But for this Pirate Wench...the lady pirate in this tale just didn't live up to my expectations.
What drew me to this one of course was it having a lady pirate in it.
While the whole story/plot could have worked, it was because of many unrealistic things that took place..or I should say "didn't" was what made it fall into the 2-3 star bracket for me.
First off.. its never explained just how Faith became a pirate...she just was and her crew followed her faithfully.
And although her character was feisty she just didn't quite pull it off ( the cover just didn't work either) does she strike you as a feisty lady pirate?.
But what really got on my nerves was her sister Grace who kept putting in her two cents with "preachy" advice.
I enjoy Christian/inspirational romances as long as they aren't overly "preachy" and yes, I understand that this genre will have that, but too much was thrown in here for this reader and I'm not sure I will read the next two.
I did enjoy her Paradise trilogy and I plan on reading more of her books as I enjoy this authors style.
But for this Pirate Wench...the lady pirate in this tale just didn't live up to my expectations.
February 3, 2017
I had so many problems with this story I just had to stop (after five or six shortish chapters). There are three problems I couldn't get past.
First, and most minor, the intrusive faith. The characters might as well have labels. Ex-sinner but devout man of God. Ex-faithful daughter bitter about losing mother. Autocratic worldly father. Deviant lecherous suitor. Each character had a clear and obvious relation to God and the trajectory they'd take in the story was pre-set to affirm the reader's presumed (mainstream Christian) faith. I don't know if there's a literary term for this, but it seemed intrusive with constant affirmations and prayer.
Second and middle-minor, the wooden writing. I had a hard time getting a sense of place or character as the action was both sparse in detail and rote in presentation. This lead to a certain unreal feeling that only heightened the third problem.
Which is a complete inability to believe one stupid word of anything I read. Faith is apparently poor (despite her father being a successful and honored Admiral in His Majesty's Royal Navy) and extracted the promise of her father that he wouldn't force her to marry a detestable bastard if she could achieve "financial independence" (apparently, the only eligible men he knows, let alone favors, are lecherous, controlling, and violently stupid). Never mind that the custom would be him providing a dowry so daughters not marrying should save him a ton of cash. Never mind that as an admiral he should not exactly be poor, anyway. And never mind that this completely misrepresents both marriage custom and traditional care of a father for his children, even in the 18th century (it was technically illegal and socially, er, disfavored, for parents to force their children into marriage. And if the husband turns out to be a cheating and abusive sot, that's going to reflect back very poorly on dear old dad (and this is exactly the case with Faith's oldest sister). Yeah, it wasn't until later that century that the actual court case formalized the rule that a parent couldn't supply the consent but even that literally couldn't have happened for a daughter who was 24 and thus legally of age in her own right).
No, before you even get that far, this story starts off with Faith (apparently at age 18) leading a band of pirates in taking over a fully-laden merchant ship from Dajon (the hero). So an 18th century band of pirates consents to being lead by a gently-born teen girl and they'd have a ship available and they'd take a fully-laden brigantine captive (no shots fired, as is apparently their modus operandi, I kid you not). Girl, how much money do you need!?! Two merchant ships, at least one of a relatively large size cash in at around £10,000 each. A full (and rich) cargo is about that again. So Faith is sitting on approximately £30,000 retail at the end of chapter one, that she can probably dump for a clean £10,000 even on a black market. Put that into conservative investments for an income (at that time) of £400-£500 a year which is way, way beyond genteel and nearing comfortably rich.
And I could go on. Like where the heck does she hide a big ole pirate ship (and crew) when she lives in Portsmouth? Ditto when she lives in Charles Town? Maybe that's where her money is going? To invisible paint and booze for the crew while on the down-low? Must. Stop. Thinking. . .
Yes, this is me getting all irrationally rational on a story that's obviously supposed to be just for fun. I'm sorry. I just couldn't suspend disbelief that far. Pirates are a thing, I know. But a girl pirate captain is going to have trouble in 1718 and the very least of her problems is going to be the money.
First, and most minor, the intrusive faith. The characters might as well have labels. Ex-sinner but devout man of God. Ex-faithful daughter bitter about losing mother. Autocratic worldly father. Deviant lecherous suitor. Each character had a clear and obvious relation to God and the trajectory they'd take in the story was pre-set to affirm the reader's presumed (mainstream Christian) faith. I don't know if there's a literary term for this, but it seemed intrusive with constant affirmations and prayer.
Second and middle-minor, the wooden writing. I had a hard time getting a sense of place or character as the action was both sparse in detail and rote in presentation. This lead to a certain unreal feeling that only heightened the third problem.
Which is a complete inability to believe one stupid word of anything I read. Faith is apparently poor (despite her father being a successful and honored Admiral in His Majesty's Royal Navy) and extracted the promise of her father that he wouldn't force her to marry a detestable bastard if she could achieve "financial independence" (apparently, the only eligible men he knows, let alone favors, are lecherous, controlling, and violently stupid). Never mind that the custom would be him providing a dowry so daughters not marrying should save him a ton of cash. Never mind that as an admiral he should not exactly be poor, anyway. And never mind that this completely misrepresents both marriage custom and traditional care of a father for his children, even in the 18th century (it was technically illegal and socially, er, disfavored, for parents to force their children into marriage. And if the husband turns out to be a cheating and abusive sot, that's going to reflect back very poorly on dear old dad (and this is exactly the case with Faith's oldest sister). Yeah, it wasn't until later that century that the actual court case formalized the rule that a parent couldn't supply the consent but even that literally couldn't have happened for a daughter who was 24 and thus legally of age in her own right).
No, before you even get that far, this story starts off with Faith (apparently at age 18) leading a band of pirates in taking over a fully-laden merchant ship from Dajon (the hero). So an 18th century band of pirates consents to being lead by a gently-born teen girl and they'd have a ship available and they'd take a fully-laden brigantine captive (no shots fired, as is apparently their modus operandi, I kid you not). Girl, how much money do you need!?! Two merchant ships, at least one of a relatively large size cash in at around £10,000 each. A full (and rich) cargo is about that again. So Faith is sitting on approximately £30,000 retail at the end of chapter one, that she can probably dump for a clean £10,000 even on a black market. Put that into conservative investments for an income (at that time) of £400-£500 a year which is way, way beyond genteel and nearing comfortably rich.
And I could go on. Like where the heck does she hide a big ole pirate ship (and crew) when she lives in Portsmouth? Ditto when she lives in Charles Town? Maybe that's where her money is going? To invisible paint and booze for the crew while on the down-low? Must. Stop. Thinking. . .
Yes, this is me getting all irrationally rational on a story that's obviously supposed to be just for fun. I'm sorry. I just couldn't suspend disbelief that far. Pirates are a thing, I know. But a girl pirate captain is going to have trouble in 1718 and the very least of her problems is going to be the money.
January 20, 2009
I must preface this by saying I do not read romance novels. I believe love is a wonderful gift, but these sappy books full of unreal characters and too-good-to-be-true endings (after the conflict, of course) just don't do it for me. But I did win this book through goodreads.com, so I read it.
I made four predictions, and three of them came true. The fourth, well, I would have to read the next book in the series to find that one out, but I imagine it will work out the way I imagined. The predictions, without giving too much away, involve Faith's relationship with her father, Faith's true love (obvious, but nonetheless), Faith's lost faith in God, and Faith's aversion of marriage. It was the first prediction I have yet to see the conclusion of. So yes, the plot was incredibly obvious, which was really distracting.
My next problem had to do with the characters. These were some of the most cliche characters I have ever seen. The loving/knowing/sassy servant, the tough but sizzling man, the stubborn but vulnerable main character. And honestly, I couldn't really like anyone. Faith was annoying ... she was selfish, snobby, and foolish. I didn't like her at all. And honestly, she didn't really have a personality. She was always role-playing; either as a pirate woman or a woman playing dumb for the men in her life. She was supposedly sooooo unique that we should be proud, but instead, it's an insult. The romance was not real at all, and I didn't feel anything for this couple. The "evil" character is written just as one would imagine - a sinister laugh, a lecherous grin, a cold touch. I imagine him in a cape with red eyes and pointy teeth, as well. However, he only appeared on occasion, when the story needed to throw another wrench in the path of the lovers, so his evilness only existed for perhaps thirty of the three-hundred plus pages.
And I was just thinking about the annoying obvious name choices in this story: Faith has lost that very concept in her life (will she EVER believe in God again?!) And in the next books, if I were to guess, Hope has lost all Hope in her life and Grace will feel she is a curse? Chastity, the sister we haven't met who is married to an evil man, either has an ironic name or perhaps she is the most innocent of them all, trapped in a marriage to a man who raped her sister. I imagine that each of the following books will follow one sister and they will deal with their relationships with God and the men they love in a way that reflects their name. I am not ragging on the fact that this is a Christian Romantic Novel (if that is even a genre) but must it be so ... preachy?
My last complaint was the writing. Within fifty pages, I was noting annoying repetitive phrases such as "coy grin", "sinister grin", "sly wink", "sly look." I actually wrote these down, so yes, certain adjectives were being recycled. If I had the time, I would go back and count the word "grin" and "sigh" just to prove how annoying it was. This story was like a soap opera, with everyone sighing, gasping, grinning, blushing, every other line. People didn't say things, they shouted them. It was overly dramatic and that does NOT lead to the setting of a particular mood, etc.
I apologize to lovers of romance novels. They sell well, and there are thousands and thousands of different titles to choose from. However, I am sure that some of them are actually written decently and have plots worth caring about. I read the whole book because that was the point in winning it, but I have absolutely no intention of reading another one from this series.
I made four predictions, and three of them came true. The fourth, well, I would have to read the next book in the series to find that one out, but I imagine it will work out the way I imagined. The predictions, without giving too much away, involve Faith's relationship with her father, Faith's true love (obvious, but nonetheless), Faith's lost faith in God, and Faith's aversion of marriage. It was the first prediction I have yet to see the conclusion of. So yes, the plot was incredibly obvious, which was really distracting.
My next problem had to do with the characters. These were some of the most cliche characters I have ever seen. The loving/knowing/sassy servant, the tough but sizzling man, the stubborn but vulnerable main character. And honestly, I couldn't really like anyone. Faith was annoying ... she was selfish, snobby, and foolish. I didn't like her at all. And honestly, she didn't really have a personality. She was always role-playing; either as a pirate woman or a woman playing dumb for the men in her life. She was supposedly sooooo unique that we should be proud, but instead, it's an insult. The romance was not real at all, and I didn't feel anything for this couple. The "evil" character is written just as one would imagine - a sinister laugh, a lecherous grin, a cold touch. I imagine him in a cape with red eyes and pointy teeth, as well. However, he only appeared on occasion, when the story needed to throw another wrench in the path of the lovers, so his evilness only existed for perhaps thirty of the three-hundred plus pages.
And I was just thinking about the annoying obvious name choices in this story: Faith has lost that very concept in her life (will she EVER believe in God again?!) And in the next books, if I were to guess, Hope has lost all Hope in her life and Grace will feel she is a curse? Chastity, the sister we haven't met who is married to an evil man, either has an ironic name or perhaps she is the most innocent of them all, trapped in a marriage to a man who raped her sister. I imagine that each of the following books will follow one sister and they will deal with their relationships with God and the men they love in a way that reflects their name. I am not ragging on the fact that this is a Christian Romantic Novel (if that is even a genre) but must it be so ... preachy?
My last complaint was the writing. Within fifty pages, I was noting annoying repetitive phrases such as "coy grin", "sinister grin", "sly wink", "sly look." I actually wrote these down, so yes, certain adjectives were being recycled. If I had the time, I would go back and count the word "grin" and "sigh" just to prove how annoying it was. This story was like a soap opera, with everyone sighing, gasping, grinning, blushing, every other line. People didn't say things, they shouted them. It was overly dramatic and that does NOT lead to the setting of a particular mood, etc.
I apologize to lovers of romance novels. They sell well, and there are thousands and thousands of different titles to choose from. However, I am sure that some of them are actually written decently and have plots worth caring about. I read the whole book because that was the point in winning it, but I have absolutely no intention of reading another one from this series.
February 1, 2009
Great guns, this book was good! This may very well be my favorite Tyndall book yet. In fact, it was so stinking yummy I am still smacking my lips. I wish they'd release these books closer together because now I have to wait, and wait...sigh. At first I thought it seemed a bit far fetched that a woman heroine would be a pirate on the side. So I googled this info and whaddaya know, there were lady pirates in those days. So I went back to reading. And then I couldn't stop reading. Seriously.
I love romance that sizzles. This story has that. I love a romance with great conflict and seemingly impossible situations to get out of. This book has that, too. Best of all is the tension on the page. The story kept building and building and that even got my pulse racing. Isn't it great when you have a physical reaction to your character's peril?
Oh, and the conclusion was breathtakingly sweet! I can't tell you the details or it'll spoil the fun, but I can tell you it rocked my socks clean off because it was so hot - in a Christian sense, of course. And then the author leaves you with an issue that becomes the next book. Mwahahaha! I can't wait! I loved all three sisters. The author did an incredible job of showing their deep-rooted pain and thus, their motivations were believable. Though clearly fiction, these characters seemed real to me. Bravo!
I love romance that sizzles. This story has that. I love a romance with great conflict and seemingly impossible situations to get out of. This book has that, too. Best of all is the tension on the page. The story kept building and building and that even got my pulse racing. Isn't it great when you have a physical reaction to your character's peril?
Oh, and the conclusion was breathtakingly sweet! I can't tell you the details or it'll spoil the fun, but I can tell you it rocked my socks clean off because it was so hot - in a Christian sense, of course. And then the author leaves you with an issue that becomes the next book. Mwahahaha! I can't wait! I loved all three sisters. The author did an incredible job of showing their deep-rooted pain and thus, their motivations were believable. Though clearly fiction, these characters seemed real to me. Bravo!
September 1, 2010
First of all, I must say that I'm glad I don't typically judge a book by it's cover. The girl on this cover looks nothing like I would expect a bright red-headed girl from the 1700s to look like. The title sounds racy, but it's actually the name of a ship.
The story, however, was very good! Faith's father marries her sister off to a jerk. She feels that in order to "save" her sisters from a similar fate, she must resort to moonlighting as a pirate. Renouncing her faith, she becomes a lady by day and a pirate by night. I thought it was an interesting twist to have the leading lady in the pirate role.
Enter Dajon Waite. His ship was stolen by a lady pirate years ago and now he works for the British Royal Navy, vowing to protect the waters from pirates. He is asked by the Admiral (Faith's father), to be guardian over Faith and her sisters.
Full of adventure, suspense, and romance, The Red Siren was a satisfying read.
The story, however, was very good! Faith's father marries her sister off to a jerk. She feels that in order to "save" her sisters from a similar fate, she must resort to moonlighting as a pirate. Renouncing her faith, she becomes a lady by day and a pirate by night. I thought it was an interesting twist to have the leading lady in the pirate role.
Enter Dajon Waite. His ship was stolen by a lady pirate years ago and now he works for the British Royal Navy, vowing to protect the waters from pirates. He is asked by the Admiral (Faith's father), to be guardian over Faith and her sisters.
Full of adventure, suspense, and romance, The Red Siren was a satisfying read.
January 18, 2009
After her mother's death, and after her tyrant of a father marries off her eldest sister to a lecherous man who will ultimately inherit their estate, Faith Westcott turns to piracy in order to amass a fortune that will provide for her and her sisters. Early in her piracy career as the infamous Red Siren, she captures the ship belonging to Captain Dajon Waite.
Several years later, now living in colonial Carolina, Faith's father has arranged for her to marry Sir Wilhelm Carteret, a man she does not love, and a man who will do anything to win her, even plotting to eliminate his competition. It's is then that Faith again runs into Captain Waite, the man her father has appointed to be guardian of Faith and her sisters. Still a pirate in secret, Faith recognizes him at once, although he doesn't recognize her. He's a captain in the navy, patrolling the Carolina coast to protect incoming ships from thieving pirates, and very much aware of the infamous Red Siren.
While it starts off a bit slow, and it's completely unrealistic, the book is also quite enthralling. After her mother's death, Faith lost her personal faith and belief in God. Dajon, his life nearly ruined after Faith captures his father's ship, has reclaimed his faith in God.
Predictably, the story follows that Faith and Dajon fall in love. But, what will happen when he discovers her secret? Will her efforts to provide for her sisters ultimately drive them away from her? Faith isn't completely likeable, but she does grow on you. Dajon is too perfect, but he too grows on you as you follow his story. You want these two to finally get together, and the arrogant Sir Wilhelm to finally get what's coming to him!
This was the first MaryLu Tyndall book I've read. The book is left open for sequels of each sister, Grace and Hope. I believe the second book follows later this year.
Several years later, now living in colonial Carolina, Faith's father has arranged for her to marry Sir Wilhelm Carteret, a man she does not love, and a man who will do anything to win her, even plotting to eliminate his competition. It's is then that Faith again runs into Captain Waite, the man her father has appointed to be guardian of Faith and her sisters. Still a pirate in secret, Faith recognizes him at once, although he doesn't recognize her. He's a captain in the navy, patrolling the Carolina coast to protect incoming ships from thieving pirates, and very much aware of the infamous Red Siren.
While it starts off a bit slow, and it's completely unrealistic, the book is also quite enthralling. After her mother's death, Faith lost her personal faith and belief in God. Dajon, his life nearly ruined after Faith captures his father's ship, has reclaimed his faith in God.
Predictably, the story follows that Faith and Dajon fall in love. But, what will happen when he discovers her secret? Will her efforts to provide for her sisters ultimately drive them away from her? Faith isn't completely likeable, but she does grow on you. Dajon is too perfect, but he too grows on you as you follow his story. You want these two to finally get together, and the arrogant Sir Wilhelm to finally get what's coming to him!
This was the first MaryLu Tyndall book I've read. The book is left open for sequels of each sister, Grace and Hope. I believe the second book follows later this year.
March 22, 2009
The Red Siren is the first in the Charles Towne Belle series—and an action packed beginning it is. MaryLu Tyndall shows off her nautical finesse in the surprising twist of a lady pirate. With the imagery Tyndall incorporates into her writing, you can almost taste the salty spray of sea water and feel as though your own feet are planted on a heaving deck right beside Faith Westcott.
Besides imagery, I also like how irony is woven into the story’s fabric. An example would be how Faith worries about her younger sisters’ safety and doesn’t think twice about exposing herself to heaps of piratey danger. It gave me pause to reflect on where in my life I might be doing something as ridiculous.
Another Tyndall trait is establishing the grounds for hope in dismal situations. Captain Waite is faced with complete ruin, yet he puts his hope in God—who never fails us. This lesson in fiction is a good reminder to carry over in real life.
And speaking of Captain Waite…ooh-la-la. He’s a larger than life hero with a physique to match. Brave, strong, compassionate, everything a girl could want. Let me warn you, however, by the end of the book you will definitely be wanting more. It’s quite a cliffhanger.
Five bottles of rum and a rousing yo-ho-ho to MaryLu on another successful pirate tale. If you’re stuck in the winter doldrums, this is the book for you.
Besides imagery, I also like how irony is woven into the story’s fabric. An example would be how Faith worries about her younger sisters’ safety and doesn’t think twice about exposing herself to heaps of piratey danger. It gave me pause to reflect on where in my life I might be doing something as ridiculous.
Another Tyndall trait is establishing the grounds for hope in dismal situations. Captain Waite is faced with complete ruin, yet he puts his hope in God—who never fails us. This lesson in fiction is a good reminder to carry over in real life.
And speaking of Captain Waite…ooh-la-la. He’s a larger than life hero with a physique to match. Brave, strong, compassionate, everything a girl could want. Let me warn you, however, by the end of the book you will definitely be wanting more. It’s quite a cliffhanger.
Five bottles of rum and a rousing yo-ho-ho to MaryLu on another successful pirate tale. If you’re stuck in the winter doldrums, this is the book for you.
August 8, 2014
The Red Siren was set in historic Charles Town in 1718. A female pirate, a dashing military hero, and an evil villain are all excellent elements for an exciting romance adventure. But somehow the relationship between Faith and Dajon failed to captivate me. Perhaps fewer long descriptions and more dialogue would have helped to move the pace along. Faith was working very hard to provide for her two sisters who I found to be rather unsympathetic characters. I also found Faith's renewed faith in God to be rather convenient.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2019
BRILLIANT. Absolutely brilliant. I applaud Mrs. Tyndall for crafting such a fine and humorous book. This one deserves an award of some sort. I don't know why this wasn't on the New York Times Bestsellers List. You NEED this book. Badly. Your life hasn't began until you read it. Hurry!! Get it fast!!!
March 2, 2009
I won this book as one of the Goodreads First Reads and was really excited to dig in, in spite of the incredibly tacky cover with some prudish girl in a southern belle dress leaning against a porch rail, on the cover. I am known for always finishing the books I read, whether they be horrible or not, but allow me to digress and say that I couldn't get 70 pages into this book before I was utterly annoyed, throwing the book across the room in a fit of rage. Well maybe not rage, but you get the idea.
The story begins with two ships at sea, and some chick pirate who overcomes this guy's ship. Being Christian fiction, there are some moral dilemma thoughts that run through her mind, but she pretty much steals the dude's ship. Ok, sure.
Then 3 years later, he's all ashamed and in the Navy when some admiral is going out of town and wants him to look after his daughters. GUESS WHAT?! Yep, that's right. The fiery red head who stole his ship is one of the girls. Her annoying younger sister keeps saying cliched little Christian phrases that succeeded in pissing me off because they had no bearing to the story whatsoever. It was too much for me. It had all the typical Christian fiction platitudes where the guy feels all tempted when he sees the low cut of some chick's dress, etc etc etc BLAAARRGH PUKE.
Guess you can judge this book by its cover.
The story begins with two ships at sea, and some chick pirate who overcomes this guy's ship. Being Christian fiction, there are some moral dilemma thoughts that run through her mind, but she pretty much steals the dude's ship. Ok, sure.
Then 3 years later, he's all ashamed and in the Navy when some admiral is going out of town and wants him to look after his daughters. GUESS WHAT?! Yep, that's right. The fiery red head who stole his ship is one of the girls. Her annoying younger sister keeps saying cliched little Christian phrases that succeeded in pissing me off because they had no bearing to the story whatsoever. It was too much for me. It had all the typical Christian fiction platitudes where the guy feels all tempted when he sees the low cut of some chick's dress, etc etc etc BLAAARRGH PUKE.
Guess you can judge this book by its cover.
August 27, 2010
I feel a bit hypocritical in writing this review. First, let me firmly state that I believe in a loving God. I believe that he is a God of miracles and that He loves all of his children. I believe in the power of prayer. This is the way I try to live my life and is the core of who I am.
On this book those beliefs didn't resonate with me. It felt a bit preachy to me and I felt a bit uncomfortable. ( I probably need to repent from something.)
I had a slight problem with the plot. I guess I have a hard time believing that a parent and family could be so clueless to a child moonlighting as a pirate.
At times the pace was a bit slow. This is not a book that I could not put down.
It is a decent read. It is clean. Those are strong positives for me.
On this book those beliefs didn't resonate with me. It felt a bit preachy to me and I felt a bit uncomfortable. ( I probably need to repent from something.)
I had a slight problem with the plot. I guess I have a hard time believing that a parent and family could be so clueless to a child moonlighting as a pirate.
At times the pace was a bit slow. This is not a book that I could not put down.
It is a decent read. It is clean. Those are strong positives for me.
October 2, 2013
It was fun. But man did Faith have a sweaty back. Ewwww.....
March 17, 2024
Well. This wasn't as amazing as I'd hoped, but I did begin to enjoy it more near the end.
Maybe some people are into super cheesy... there are parts in here that absolutely define extra cheese 🤣 The constant metaphors are just too much and many times don't make a lot of sense. I laughed out loud at some of them, and it struck me that during those times the moment was supposed to be serious!
The author also had a thing for repetition things. I read at LEAST 10 times how a bead of sweat went down Faith's back. Probably the same amount of times or more on how her eyes were auburn (I've never heard that description before for eyes....).
The story could've done so much more. In a way it was boring during some parts and predictable in others. As much as I loved Waite, he didn't seem overly pious or 'rule following' as they kept saying he was. I'll try to read the second book, but this one wasn't as great as I hoped.
Maybe some people are into super cheesy... there are parts in here that absolutely define extra cheese 🤣 The constant metaphors are just too much and many times don't make a lot of sense. I laughed out loud at some of them, and it struck me that during those times the moment was supposed to be serious!
The author also had a thing for repetition things. I read at LEAST 10 times how a bead of sweat went down Faith's back. Probably the same amount of times or more on how her eyes were auburn (I've never heard that description before for eyes....).
The story could've done so much more. In a way it was boring during some parts and predictable in others. As much as I loved Waite, he didn't seem overly pious or 'rule following' as they kept saying he was. I'll try to read the second book, but this one wasn't as great as I hoped.
June 7, 2023
Why? Why do I do this to myself? I have a huge TBR stack, and yet I push through to finish crummy books. I should have stopped at 100 pages when I first realized, then again at the halfway point, and even 3/4 of the way through when I was rolling my eyes. This book is udderly cheesy (see what I did there). Sorry, but this book deserves that. The storyline was cliché, and the faith part of the book was so forced that it could not even redeem the story.
Oh, and the author LOVES the word salacious! Can we not come up with another word?
Oh, and the author LOVES the word salacious! Can we not come up with another word?
August 25, 2019
Super good love story it's a must read
May 5, 2011
The Red Siren by M.L. Tyndall
The Red Siren is the first book in M.L. Tyndall's series, Charles Towne Belles.
It is also the first book I have ever read by M.L. Tyndall.
The Red Siren is historical fiction and has a fun twist because there are pirates intertwined in the story!
Faith Westcott is a lady by day, the daughter of a man determined to marry her off into money, whether or not the man is nice.
By night, Faith is a pirate, trying to get enough wealth from pirating to save herself and her sisters from the same fate as their eldest sister: married to a horrible lecherous man who mistreats them.
Faith's father wants to see her married off to Sir Wilhelm Carteret. A repulsive, and rather smelly, man who is determined to take her as his wife.
Faith's father goes out of town for many month, and has made it clear that upon his return she will be married off, against her will or otherwise. Faith is desperate to save herself, and takes the opportunity to pirate as much as possible. But Faith has a new impending danger with her pirating: the man that her father has made the guardian of herself and her sisters while he is away, Captain Dajon Waite, is in charge of catching all pirates and bringing them to justice. He doesn't know it, but he has a pirate living under his nose, the notorious Red Siren.
While Faith can use his information about ships coming in with much wealth that need protection, she also has a greater risk with pirating because he is supposed to keep track of her whereabouts at all times.
What will happen if Faith is discovered by Captain Dajon Waite, especially when he starts to have feelings for her?
Read The Red Siren to find out!
It was definitely a unique read, but it wasn't my favorite. I had a hard time getting into it, and wanted to give up a couple of times. It is strange because normally I really do like pirates, but in this case I just couldn't feel it.
I love the general idea of a woman pirate because it breaks away from the norm, especially for the time period when women were really just supposed to be decorations at home, rather than actual people who contributed anything to society but having children, but I feel like it just wasn't pulled off quite right.
If you love the premise, you may very well love this book. Especially if you like Christian fiction that is a bit more pushy with the Christian ideals. It almost felt like I was being preached at quite a few times, and for some reason Faith's conversion to find God just wasn't as believable as I would have liked. Maybe it was how pressed her denial was beforehand that made her change seem really jarring and unrealistic.
I also didn't love the cover of the book. Faith is described as a fiery redhead who I pictured as very attractive. Not that the cover model wasn't, but she looks far too sweet and peaceful, I would have loved to see redder hair and a woman with fire in her eyes. It also may have been more intriguing if there was more pirate-y themed stuff on the cover, such as Faith on her ship.
All in all, 2.5 out of 5 stars. I'm not sure I'll continue this series.
The Red Siren is the first book in M.L. Tyndall's series, Charles Towne Belles.
It is also the first book I have ever read by M.L. Tyndall.
The Red Siren is historical fiction and has a fun twist because there are pirates intertwined in the story!
Faith Westcott is a lady by day, the daughter of a man determined to marry her off into money, whether or not the man is nice.
By night, Faith is a pirate, trying to get enough wealth from pirating to save herself and her sisters from the same fate as their eldest sister: married to a horrible lecherous man who mistreats them.
Faith's father wants to see her married off to Sir Wilhelm Carteret. A repulsive, and rather smelly, man who is determined to take her as his wife.
Faith's father goes out of town for many month, and has made it clear that upon his return she will be married off, against her will or otherwise. Faith is desperate to save herself, and takes the opportunity to pirate as much as possible. But Faith has a new impending danger with her pirating: the man that her father has made the guardian of herself and her sisters while he is away, Captain Dajon Waite, is in charge of catching all pirates and bringing them to justice. He doesn't know it, but he has a pirate living under his nose, the notorious Red Siren.
While Faith can use his information about ships coming in with much wealth that need protection, she also has a greater risk with pirating because he is supposed to keep track of her whereabouts at all times.
What will happen if Faith is discovered by Captain Dajon Waite, especially when he starts to have feelings for her?
Read The Red Siren to find out!
It was definitely a unique read, but it wasn't my favorite. I had a hard time getting into it, and wanted to give up a couple of times. It is strange because normally I really do like pirates, but in this case I just couldn't feel it.
I love the general idea of a woman pirate because it breaks away from the norm, especially for the time period when women were really just supposed to be decorations at home, rather than actual people who contributed anything to society but having children, but I feel like it just wasn't pulled off quite right.
If you love the premise, you may very well love this book. Especially if you like Christian fiction that is a bit more pushy with the Christian ideals. It almost felt like I was being preached at quite a few times, and for some reason Faith's conversion to find God just wasn't as believable as I would have liked. Maybe it was how pressed her denial was beforehand that made her change seem really jarring and unrealistic.
I also didn't love the cover of the book. Faith is described as a fiery redhead who I pictured as very attractive. Not that the cover model wasn't, but she looks far too sweet and peaceful, I would have loved to see redder hair and a woman with fire in her eyes. It also may have been more intriguing if there was more pirate-y themed stuff on the cover, such as Faith on her ship.
All in all, 2.5 out of 5 stars. I'm not sure I'll continue this series.
August 9, 2010
M.L. Tyndall is home. The Christy Award finalist has returned to her beloved sea and pirate novels. As if to reflect her homecoming, the title of Tyndall’s newest novel returns to the name of a ship: The Red Siren.
The Lady Em is a merchant vessel returning from the Gold Coast with a load of Ivory, gold and pepper. After surviving the African pirate-infested waters of 1713 all the way to Portsmouth England, Captain Dajon Waite encounters a burning ship. This son of a successful merchant seeking Dad’s approval ignores his father’s standing rule—stop for no reason—when he gives orders to assist the smoking vessel, and save a seemingly distressed red-headed beauty on deck. After all, no sane pirates would work the British navy’s home waters.
The red-head turns out to be a pirate captain, whose gimmick is feigning trouble with a smoking burn-barrel on deck, tricking merchants into pulling alongside for the raiding. Not only is Dajon’s cargo pillaged, the Lady Em is transformed into the pirate’s newest ship. While the action pacing of Tyndall’s fifth novel is more sedate than her rollercoaster Legacy of the King’s Pirates trilogy, all of the above takes place in Chapter one.
Disgraced but still called by the sea, Dajon Waite joins the navy. By 1718 he has become a Christian and is captain of the HMS Enforcer, assigned to protect New World waters off the Carolina coast. Hungry for promotion, Waite is also charged with a personal favor for Charles Towne resident Admiral Westcott: protect his three lovely daughters while Daddy’s ordered to sea. Faith Westcott, the eldest daughter and a red-head, captures Dajon’s eye.
Dajon fails to recognize Faith as the woman pirate who stole the Lady Em. Charles Towne rumors of The Red Siren and her red-headed woman-pirate captain plundering their waters fuel Captain Waite’s search, and our woman pirate hides her true identity as long as possible.
Tyndall, as usual, satisfies fans of character and plot driven fiction. Even though the New World setting is sixty years before the Revolutionary War, readers find themselves in scenes reminiscent of movies like The Patriot and Pirates of the Caribbean thanks to Tyndall’s vivid description.
Waite is driven mad by red-heads of the WEAKER sex. The reader is driven onward by secrets dredged up by the antagonist—a powerful local lord accustomed to getting what he wants. While Sir Wilhelm’s Machiavellian plans must be overcome, the real action in The Red Siren are the struggles that Tyndall’s heroes fight within themselves.
While Barbour Publishing insists on shelving Tyndall’s incredible fiction on the romance shelf, alternate history fans would love her literary art. Just like the Legacy of the King’s Pirates trilogy, if The Red Siren is romance, so is Robin Hood. Maid Marion wishes she was half the swordswoman Faith Westcott is. If this novel doesn’t land M.L. Tyndall a Christy Award, it will be a travesty of literature.
The Lady Em is a merchant vessel returning from the Gold Coast with a load of Ivory, gold and pepper. After surviving the African pirate-infested waters of 1713 all the way to Portsmouth England, Captain Dajon Waite encounters a burning ship. This son of a successful merchant seeking Dad’s approval ignores his father’s standing rule—stop for no reason—when he gives orders to assist the smoking vessel, and save a seemingly distressed red-headed beauty on deck. After all, no sane pirates would work the British navy’s home waters.
The red-head turns out to be a pirate captain, whose gimmick is feigning trouble with a smoking burn-barrel on deck, tricking merchants into pulling alongside for the raiding. Not only is Dajon’s cargo pillaged, the Lady Em is transformed into the pirate’s newest ship. While the action pacing of Tyndall’s fifth novel is more sedate than her rollercoaster Legacy of the King’s Pirates trilogy, all of the above takes place in Chapter one.
Disgraced but still called by the sea, Dajon Waite joins the navy. By 1718 he has become a Christian and is captain of the HMS Enforcer, assigned to protect New World waters off the Carolina coast. Hungry for promotion, Waite is also charged with a personal favor for Charles Towne resident Admiral Westcott: protect his three lovely daughters while Daddy’s ordered to sea. Faith Westcott, the eldest daughter and a red-head, captures Dajon’s eye.
Dajon fails to recognize Faith as the woman pirate who stole the Lady Em. Charles Towne rumors of The Red Siren and her red-headed woman-pirate captain plundering their waters fuel Captain Waite’s search, and our woman pirate hides her true identity as long as possible.
Tyndall, as usual, satisfies fans of character and plot driven fiction. Even though the New World setting is sixty years before the Revolutionary War, readers find themselves in scenes reminiscent of movies like The Patriot and Pirates of the Caribbean thanks to Tyndall’s vivid description.
Waite is driven mad by red-heads of the WEAKER sex. The reader is driven onward by secrets dredged up by the antagonist—a powerful local lord accustomed to getting what he wants. While Sir Wilhelm’s Machiavellian plans must be overcome, the real action in The Red Siren are the struggles that Tyndall’s heroes fight within themselves.
While Barbour Publishing insists on shelving Tyndall’s incredible fiction on the romance shelf, alternate history fans would love her literary art. Just like the Legacy of the King’s Pirates trilogy, if The Red Siren is romance, so is Robin Hood. Maid Marion wishes she was half the swordswoman Faith Westcott is. If this novel doesn’t land M.L. Tyndall a Christy Award, it will be a travesty of literature.
February 23, 2010
When you read the description of this book, it evokes the notion of “a lady pirate, how can that be a story line with a ring of truth?” But this story is not farfetched. Faith Westcott is struggling against God and man. Her father has no love to lavish and spends his time at sea, leaving his three daughters to their own devices, until a godly captain is asked to step in and be their guardian while their father is away for an extended time. The battles that ensue do not always include pistols and swords, but the struggles against the love of God. The devilishly handsome Captain Dajon Waite tries to help Faith see her spiritual faults all the while falling in love with the pirate he is trying to catch. This book was riveting- a story like all the rest of Tyndall’s books. Truly excellent- a story that will keep you up late and anxious to return, a wonderful escape. It’s filled with intrigue and adventure, but this author knows the delicate balance between too much adventure and the human emotions. The scale is balanced and a grand “huzza” is raised when you close the book. But you will certainly want to hurry and purchase The Blue Enchantress (book 2) it follows quickly on the heels of The Red Siren.
December 23, 2011
Not my favorite by Ms. Tyndall. I know this is so shallow, but I couldn't help but judge this book by it's cover. I did not like it at all, it was a bit of a turn-off. It's not how I would picture the main character in the book at all.
I found the whole she-pirate theme a bit unbelievable for my taste. It didn't mesh right. I did like the male heroine, but not her so much. I'm not sure if I'll continue on in this series because her sisters were no more appealing than she was from reading this book.
I'm not giving up on Ms. Tyndall, she's a wonderful author and I have loved her other books I have read. Very spiritual and uplifting for sure!
I found the whole she-pirate theme a bit unbelievable for my taste. It didn't mesh right. I did like the male heroine, but not her so much. I'm not sure if I'll continue on in this series because her sisters were no more appealing than she was from reading this book.
I'm not giving up on Ms. Tyndall, she's a wonderful author and I have loved her other books I have read. Very spiritual and uplifting for sure!
September 19, 2015
This was an absolutely delightful, humourous, adventurous novel! I loved how Faith and Dajon wove circles around each other: she trying to evade capture, he trying to capture the pirate known as the Red Siren, not knowing it was her all along. I loved how Faith and Dajon changed and grew during the course of the novel, and I think that the way the ending came together was just right.
That said, be aware that the epilogue ends with a bit of a cliff hanger. Though, since the other 2 novels in this series have been published, it's not like you (or I!) will have to wait overlong to find out what happens next! :)
That said, be aware that the epilogue ends with a bit of a cliff hanger. Though, since the other 2 novels in this series have been published, it's not like you (or I!) will have to wait overlong to find out what happens next! :)
June 3, 2011
This was a well written book. I loved that she was the bad guy, but with good intentions. It is a change. She was in charge of her life, and she had a reason for all of the stuff she was doing. In the end, I wished that I could have the kind of faith and courage that she had! Another good one by MaryLu Tyndall!
October 8, 2014
I just adore Mary Lu's pirate tales and this one is super! A lady pirate! What a tale she tells here. I've it twice, once when it came out and again preparing to read the secodn in the series.
Her heroes are amazing and her heroines true. I've always loved Mary Lu's spiritual warfare in her books and this one was no exception.
It's an amazing tale and deserves more than 5 stars.
Her heroes are amazing and her heroines true. I've always loved Mary Lu's spiritual warfare in her books and this one was no exception.
It's an amazing tale and deserves more than 5 stars.
April 29, 2016
I'm very interested in anything Charles Towne since my novel Hold Me Close takes place in the same place 50 years later.
The intrigue, piracy, and redemption are weaved together in a unique read. I can't wait to finish the next two.
The intrigue, piracy, and redemption are weaved together in a unique read. I can't wait to finish the next two.
August 5, 2016
3 1/2 stars really. I've gone with four stars because I really did enjoy it and it was a quick entertaining read. But there were too many little inconsistencies and unrealistic plot points.
November 17, 2019
Well-written novel that resulted in the impossible: a clean Christian pirate novel with a creative twist. Three motherless sisters with opposing personalities are left under the guardianship of a handsome British Captain while their Admiral father is at sea. The eldest, fearless Faith, is promised to a rich older aristocrat upon his return. Ironically, having pirated and stolen a ship from the Captain five years past in Britain, she has been using it for piracy riches to free her sisters from dependency on any future husbands in Charles Towne, never believing she would encounter its owner again. All the sisters have differing personalities; one a devout Christian, another a flirt and selfish, and Faith who has little dependence on anyone but herself. Needless to say, there is a growing attraction between Faith and the Captain which complicates matters right up to the conclusion. Mesmerizing and intriguing with interspersed Bible verses from beginning-to-end, this novel is a must read for anyone who enjoys this genre.
June 5, 2024
2.5/5
While I was so excited to start this book, it ended up being quite disappointing. There is a lot that didn't work for me. First and foremost, how in the world did Faith become a pirate, and why did these men follow her blindly at 18 years old? Now she's 24 and has a faithful crew, but there was nothing to explain how that happened. Another thing was how insufferable and self-righteous grace is. Obviously, there are some serious faith issues with Faith herself. She stopped believing, but my goodness, Grace doesn't stop. It turned so preachy and annoying. I enjoy Christian inspired novels and romances, but not when it's taken too far into preaching territory. I did like Dajon, but there wasn't much development with him. Again, like Faith, there was very little description of how he got to be where he was and why. Overall, the relationship between Faith and Dajon is actually sweet and had me laughing. He hunted "the red siren" and Faith is her. It just made for some very awkward and interesting interactions.
While I was so excited to start this book, it ended up being quite disappointing. There is a lot that didn't work for me. First and foremost, how in the world did Faith become a pirate, and why did these men follow her blindly at 18 years old? Now she's 24 and has a faithful crew, but there was nothing to explain how that happened. Another thing was how insufferable and self-righteous grace is. Obviously, there are some serious faith issues with Faith herself. She stopped believing, but my goodness, Grace doesn't stop. It turned so preachy and annoying. I enjoy Christian inspired novels and romances, but not when it's taken too far into preaching territory. I did like Dajon, but there wasn't much development with him. Again, like Faith, there was very little description of how he got to be where he was and why. Overall, the relationship between Faith and Dajon is actually sweet and had me laughing. He hunted "the red siren" and Faith is her. It just made for some very awkward and interesting interactions.
October 8, 2025
I love MaryLu Tyndall’s books, and The Red Siren is another winner. She does a fantastic job of immersing the reader in the era, and I could smell the sea, lamp oil, and food as I visualized each scene. The premise of a female pirate is intriguing, and one from a high-born family even more so. Faith is strong-willed and feisty as she seeks a way to control her own future at a time when women were little more than property. Her relationship with her sisters is difficult because they don’t know that what she is doing is for them. Dajon has lots to make up for in his past, and it drives his every decision and action. Full of integrity, he sometimes can’t get out of his own way. He’s drawn to Faith but doesn’t want to be. Circumstances shoved them apart, and I couldn’t figure out how the author would solve the problem to give them their happily ever after. You’ll have to read it yourself to find out, but the ending is fantastic. Highly recommended.
October 11, 2019
Wow! I was skeptical about this book at first. A book about pirates interlaced with Christian themes?
Well, Tyndall exceeded my expectations. Her book is not only well-written but also possesses complex characters and a complete plotline. All of the conflicts (both large and small) were present throughout the entire book and were believable! Some of my issues with Christian books, in general, revolve around unbelievable situations and too-good-to-be-true endings and resolutions. Tyndall broke that mold.
I definitely recommend this book! I am super excited to read the next one in the series.
Well, Tyndall exceeded my expectations. Her book is not only well-written but also possesses complex characters and a complete plotline. All of the conflicts (both large and small) were present throughout the entire book and were believable! Some of my issues with Christian books, in general, revolve around unbelievable situations and too-good-to-be-true endings and resolutions. Tyndall broke that mold.
I definitely recommend this book! I am super excited to read the next one in the series.
June 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this story of adventure and romance! It had a strong message of faith as the main characters struggled to trust God. I found both Dajon and Faith to be very believable characters and enjoyed watching them grow in their relationship with God as well as with each other. I love how the author never shy's away from portraying the characters' sins and the sins of those around them. Nothing was sugar-coated, but it was done in a tasteful way. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
June 26, 2020
3 STARS. I enjoyed it, but not as much as Tyndall’s other ones. I guess Faith’s character was a little lacking for me. For a pirate, I wanted her to be a little more kick-butt. A lot of the conflict stemmed from the guy who wanted to marry her, and I’ve just seen those kind of bad guys too many times. (I mean, even if he wanted to marry her, he doesn’t change his mind at all when she finds out she’s a pirate??) I dunno. This one just didn’t hit me in the same way. I am very excited for the other ones though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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