What do you think?
Rate this book
Escape to Paradise #1
Forsaken Dreams
Embark on a seafaring adventure in a brand-new series from bestselling author MaryLu Tyndall.
They left everything behind to build a new Southern utopia...
After witnessing the death and destruction caused by the Civil War, Colonel Blake Wallace is eager to leave his once precious Southern homeland for the pristine shores of Brazil and the prospect of a new utopian community. Widow Eliza Crawford seeks passage on Wallace’s ship harboring a dirty secret—and a blossoming hope for a fresh start. But once the voyage begins, troubles abound. Dangers at sea and enemies from within threaten to keep Blake and Eliza from the new life—and love—they long for.
They left everything behind to build a new Southern utopia...
After witnessing the death and destruction caused by the Civil War, Colonel Blake Wallace is eager to leave his once precious Southern homeland for the pristine shores of Brazil and the prospect of a new utopian community. Widow Eliza Crawford seeks passage on Wallace’s ship harboring a dirty secret—and a blossoming hope for a fresh start. But once the voyage begins, troubles abound. Dangers at sea and enemies from within threaten to keep Blake and Eliza from the new life—and love—they long for.
313 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2013
123 people are currently reading
3099 people want to read
About the author
MaryLu Tyndall
58 books990 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
February 9, 2015
What did I think? I think that I have almost gone crazy over this series, because I have now finished all three books and am incapable of getting out of that world and moving on with other things. I mean, I've been reading another book for what, three days now, and I haven't even made it to page 100, because I simply cannot focus and still think about the wonderful characters I met in Escape to Paradise. Yes, it was that good. I couldn't put it down, and I wanted to shush everyone and everything around me so that I could just focus on this book (hard to do when you're on a plane, squeezed between strangers, but yeah).
And do you know, I almost, almost DNFed this? I know, what the heck, right?! I hate it when a book starts with a situation where the reader doesn't know what is going on, then it flashbacks to a few years ago, then forwards to a month before the story, then back again, and then finally re-jumps to time of the story and it's like WHAAA-!!! So, yes, I got impatient with the beginning and the writing was throwing me off, but as soon as it settled to one time frame and everything started to unravel, I got really into it, and two major things made me believe that I would really enjoy the book after all. The first was that the story takes place on a boat. I love everything sea, voyage, boats and storms, and I wasn't wrong in thinking that the novel would be a very adventurous, suspenseful and intense story. The second thing was...the character of Hayden. Those of you who know me are aware that I always fall for the rakes & rogues, so, surprise, surprise, Hayden stole my heart from the moment he was introduced trying to swindle a man in a tavern, and the second he got on the ship as a stowaway, I knew I was in for some good sport.
And I was right, boy, what a journey it all was! Colonel Blake Wallace has organized an expedition to Brazil, composed of Southerners who are either trying to escape their past, or who simply wish to start anew in a better place than war-torn America. I LOVED the fact that we met many of those travelers, and that the story didn't just focus on the H/h. The narration switches points of view many times, and we are privy to many people's points of view. Normally, that would be confusing, but in this case it worked superbly and it was SO interesting!
The main character is Mrs. Eliza Crawford, a widowed war nurse who married a General on the wrong side of the Civil War. Rejected by his northern relatives and disowned by her own Southern connections, Eliza has nowhere to go but on Colonel Wallace's ship and she hopes to start a new life in Brazil, where her past wouldn't matter to anyone. But try as she might, her past keeps resurfacing and threatens to destroy her budding romance with Colonel Wallace. Scarred by the war and suffering from severe PTSD, Blake is incapable or forgiving anyone who ever had anything to do with Yankees...so brace yourselves, because unbeknownst to him, he is falling madly in love with the widow of a Yankee General, one whose violence on the battlefield was well-known. The problems and misunderstandings between Blake and Eliza were predictable, but there were still suspenseful twists and turns, and scenes that make you want to tear your hair out in frustration, because argh, just get together already. It was a good romance though, and I loved the whole forgiveness aspect of it. Eliza was extraordinarily remarkable; selfless, generous, courageous, forgiving, charitable and always at the service of others. I really loved her and my heart honestly ached for her many times during the story. Blake was a good hero, although a little too commanding, imposing and awe-inspiring for my tastes. But Eliza loved him, so I liked him, and his ability to keep the colony together and getting everyone to work together to get to Brazil was truly remarkable.
Their long journey from Charleston to Rio de Janeiro was anything but tranquil, and as they are faced with misfortune upon misfortune, the colonists start thinking that their trip is cursed, and it really does look as though someone or something were trying to prevent them from starting their colony in Brazil. Some of the adventures they went through on the ship were a bit far-fetched and wtf-is-going-on type of thing, but others were really good and kept me riveted to the pages, frantically anticipating what was going to happen next(it's a miracle that I didn't peek). All the characters were interesting, and as I've said before, I loved that we got a lot of different points of view. We meet Angeline Moore, the colonist's seamstress, a beautiful young woman who harbors a painful secret and Sarah Jordan, the teacher, who is a widow and soon to give birth. Those two become Eliza's close friends and I loved seeing the strong bond of friendship develop between them. Then we have the Scotts, wealthy plantation owners who think they are King and Queen of the expedition, and their spoiled, irritating and selfish daughter Magnolia, who is as beautiful as she is annoying. There is also the handsome preacher-doctor James Callaway, who has a fear of blood and a dirty past of his own, Mr. Graves, the creepy politician who is always rubbing an amulet and watching everyone from a corner, Mr. Dodd, an ex-lawman obsessed with gold and women, and finally, my favourite, the good-looking stowaway Hayden Gale, a confidence man trying to find his father to make him pay for abandoning him when he was a young boy.
All the characters were interesting, and most of them all linked through a series of past bewildering events, although they all believe themselves to be strangers. The novel, Forsaken Dreams, tells the story of the colonist's journey to Brazil and ends just as they reach their final destination. My advice to you if you are considering reading it, MAKE SURE that you have the second and third book nearby, because once you start, believe me, you won't be able to stop. It's so engrossing and exciting that nothing else matters but this book when you read it.
Review of
: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review of
: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And do you know, I almost, almost DNFed this? I know, what the heck, right?! I hate it when a book starts with a situation where the reader doesn't know what is going on, then it flashbacks to a few years ago, then forwards to a month before the story, then back again, and then finally re-jumps to time of the story and it's like WHAAA-!!! So, yes, I got impatient with the beginning and the writing was throwing me off, but as soon as it settled to one time frame and everything started to unravel, I got really into it, and two major things made me believe that I would really enjoy the book after all. The first was that the story takes place on a boat. I love everything sea, voyage, boats and storms, and I wasn't wrong in thinking that the novel would be a very adventurous, suspenseful and intense story. The second thing was...the character of Hayden. Those of you who know me are aware that I always fall for the rakes & rogues, so, surprise, surprise, Hayden stole my heart from the moment he was introduced trying to swindle a man in a tavern, and the second he got on the ship as a stowaway, I knew I was in for some good sport.
And I was right, boy, what a journey it all was! Colonel Blake Wallace has organized an expedition to Brazil, composed of Southerners who are either trying to escape their past, or who simply wish to start anew in a better place than war-torn America. I LOVED the fact that we met many of those travelers, and that the story didn't just focus on the H/h. The narration switches points of view many times, and we are privy to many people's points of view. Normally, that would be confusing, but in this case it worked superbly and it was SO interesting!
The main character is Mrs. Eliza Crawford, a widowed war nurse who married a General on the wrong side of the Civil War. Rejected by his northern relatives and disowned by her own Southern connections, Eliza has nowhere to go but on Colonel Wallace's ship and she hopes to start a new life in Brazil, where her past wouldn't matter to anyone. But try as she might, her past keeps resurfacing and threatens to destroy her budding romance with Colonel Wallace. Scarred by the war and suffering from severe PTSD, Blake is incapable or forgiving anyone who ever had anything to do with Yankees...so brace yourselves, because unbeknownst to him, he is falling madly in love with the widow of a Yankee General, one whose violence on the battlefield was well-known. The problems and misunderstandings between Blake and Eliza were predictable, but there were still suspenseful twists and turns, and scenes that make you want to tear your hair out in frustration, because argh, just get together already. It was a good romance though, and I loved the whole forgiveness aspect of it. Eliza was extraordinarily remarkable; selfless, generous, courageous, forgiving, charitable and always at the service of others. I really loved her and my heart honestly ached for her many times during the story. Blake was a good hero, although a little too commanding, imposing and awe-inspiring for my tastes. But Eliza loved him, so I liked him, and his ability to keep the colony together and getting everyone to work together to get to Brazil was truly remarkable.
Their long journey from Charleston to Rio de Janeiro was anything but tranquil, and as they are faced with misfortune upon misfortune, the colonists start thinking that their trip is cursed, and it really does look as though someone or something were trying to prevent them from starting their colony in Brazil. Some of the adventures they went through on the ship were a bit far-fetched and wtf-is-going-on type of thing, but others were really good and kept me riveted to the pages, frantically anticipating what was going to happen next(it's a miracle that I didn't peek). All the characters were interesting, and as I've said before, I loved that we got a lot of different points of view. We meet Angeline Moore, the colonist's seamstress, a beautiful young woman who harbors a painful secret and Sarah Jordan, the teacher, who is a widow and soon to give birth. Those two become Eliza's close friends and I loved seeing the strong bond of friendship develop between them. Then we have the Scotts, wealthy plantation owners who think they are King and Queen of the expedition, and their spoiled, irritating and selfish daughter Magnolia, who is as beautiful as she is annoying. There is also the handsome preacher-doctor James Callaway, who has a fear of blood and a dirty past of his own, Mr. Graves, the creepy politician who is always rubbing an amulet and watching everyone from a corner, Mr. Dodd, an ex-lawman obsessed with gold and women, and finally, my favourite, the good-looking stowaway Hayden Gale, a confidence man trying to find his father to make him pay for abandoning him when he was a young boy.
All the characters were interesting, and most of them all linked through a series of past bewildering events, although they all believe themselves to be strangers. The novel, Forsaken Dreams, tells the story of the colonist's journey to Brazil and ends just as they reach their final destination. My advice to you if you are considering reading it, MAKE SURE that you have the second and third book nearby, because once you start, believe me, you won't be able to stop. It's so engrossing and exciting that nothing else matters but this book when you read it.
Review of
: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...Review of
: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
November 24, 2015
I think Forsaken Dreams is my favorite novel by Marylu Tyndall so far. It was captivating, heart-rending, and fresh. A whole new story, but still with the usual ships, rough oceans, and sea battles that are always included in Marylu’s books.
I loved the character Eliza Crawford, and Blake too, even though his extreme bitterness at times made him a little unlikable. Their love story was a beautiful one about redemption, forgiveness, and most importantly, trusting God. It was thrilling.
I also very much enjoyed the secondary characters set in the story. Angeline Moore has me intrigued, and I can’t wait to read the next book in Escape to Paradise!! And James, I’m hoping for healing and blessings in his life too. Also, I am interested to see what Hayden and Magnolia’s attraction leads to; and how Sarah and Lydia cope with living by themselves. The rest of the characters also caught me up in their brief, yet stirring stories, adding fullness to Forsaken Dreams.
The only thing that bothered me a bit about this book, is Eliza’s lack of concern that Blake is not a believer when she is about to marry him. However, he does end up surrendering his life to Christ before their marriage.
Ultimately though, it was an enthralling read. Marylu Tyndall created a story of redemption and true love, bitterness swallowed up by forgiveness, and hopeless lives turned around by the everlasting and all-compassing love of Christ Jesus. A great thanks to Marylu Tyndall for writing a story that touched my heart and renewed my abundant love of reading! :)
I loved the character Eliza Crawford, and Blake too, even though his extreme bitterness at times made him a little unlikable. Their love story was a beautiful one about redemption, forgiveness, and most importantly, trusting God. It was thrilling.
I also very much enjoyed the secondary characters set in the story. Angeline Moore has me intrigued, and I can’t wait to read the next book in Escape to Paradise!! And James, I’m hoping for healing and blessings in his life too. Also, I am interested to see what Hayden and Magnolia’s attraction leads to; and how Sarah and Lydia cope with living by themselves. The rest of the characters also caught me up in their brief, yet stirring stories, adding fullness to Forsaken Dreams.
The only thing that bothered me a bit about this book, is Eliza’s lack of concern that Blake is not a believer when she is about to marry him. However, he does end up surrendering his life to Christ before their marriage.
Ultimately though, it was an enthralling read. Marylu Tyndall created a story of redemption and true love, bitterness swallowed up by forgiveness, and hopeless lives turned around by the everlasting and all-compassing love of Christ Jesus. A great thanks to Marylu Tyndall for writing a story that touched my heart and renewed my abundant love of reading! :)
March 4, 2013
Each of MaryLu Tyndall’s books gets better and better as new ones are published, which is saying a lot, because I have loved every single one of them!
Forsaken Dreams is no exception. It encompasses many page-turning qualities that I loved: adventure, romance, and a thrilling plot-line.
This story centers around a group of Southerners who leave everything they once lost home to start a new life in Brazil after the devastations of the Civil War. They hope to create their own Southern Utopia in the new land which is called a paradise. What is amazing is that this really happened in history. I never knew that before, but Southern colonists really went to Brazil in hopes of creating a utopia!
Colonel Blake Wallace, who lost his whole family in the war, leads this group, wanting the very same goal as them: a new life. He wants to escape his past and all the memories of the war and begin again. Blake suffers from PTSD and a limp, both resulting from the war. I really liked this character, and MaryLu Tyndall displayed his conflicting emotions beautifully. She has a true, God-given talent for creating amazingly real characters and edge-of-the-seat plots.
Eliza Crawford also goes on this journey to escape her past, one she doesn’t want anyone else to find out about. She was raised a Southerner, but after her mother died and her father became very protective, she became rebellious. She married a general in the Northern army before the war began, against her father’s bidding, and was disowned by her remaining family. When her husband died in the war, Eliza was rejected by both the North and the South, even after serving as a nurse for Southern soldiers. She goes in the voyage to escape her past and hide the secret of the man she married. Eliza was another character I enjoyed, and I was always eager to keep reading to discover her fate. And when she and Colonel Wallace begin to fall in love, she fears he could never forgive her for marrying the enemy.
This story is also filled with a full cast of well-developed minor characters who truly seemed like real people.
The colonist’s voyage is threatened, however, by countless events that seem to plague them. Mysterious fog, enemies chasing them, and terrible storms follow them all the way, but God is always with them.
I enjoy reading but I don’t say this very often: I literally felt like I was living inside of these pages because it was so wonderfully written.
I definitely recommend this to anyone; especially to readers who enjoy history, romance, adventure, mystery, or a sea-faring tale. You will not regret reading it.
Forsaken Dreams is no exception. It encompasses many page-turning qualities that I loved: adventure, romance, and a thrilling plot-line.
This story centers around a group of Southerners who leave everything they once lost home to start a new life in Brazil after the devastations of the Civil War. They hope to create their own Southern Utopia in the new land which is called a paradise. What is amazing is that this really happened in history. I never knew that before, but Southern colonists really went to Brazil in hopes of creating a utopia!
Colonel Blake Wallace, who lost his whole family in the war, leads this group, wanting the very same goal as them: a new life. He wants to escape his past and all the memories of the war and begin again. Blake suffers from PTSD and a limp, both resulting from the war. I really liked this character, and MaryLu Tyndall displayed his conflicting emotions beautifully. She has a true, God-given talent for creating amazingly real characters and edge-of-the-seat plots.
Eliza Crawford also goes on this journey to escape her past, one she doesn’t want anyone else to find out about. She was raised a Southerner, but after her mother died and her father became very protective, she became rebellious. She married a general in the Northern army before the war began, against her father’s bidding, and was disowned by her remaining family. When her husband died in the war, Eliza was rejected by both the North and the South, even after serving as a nurse for Southern soldiers. She goes in the voyage to escape her past and hide the secret of the man she married. Eliza was another character I enjoyed, and I was always eager to keep reading to discover her fate. And when she and Colonel Wallace begin to fall in love, she fears he could never forgive her for marrying the enemy.
This story is also filled with a full cast of well-developed minor characters who truly seemed like real people.
The colonist’s voyage is threatened, however, by countless events that seem to plague them. Mysterious fog, enemies chasing them, and terrible storms follow them all the way, but God is always with them.
I enjoy reading but I don’t say this very often: I literally felt like I was living inside of these pages because it was so wonderfully written.
I definitely recommend this to anyone; especially to readers who enjoy history, romance, adventure, mystery, or a sea-faring tale. You will not regret reading it.
January 15, 2016
A wonderful story that kept me entertained and had me flying through the pages! I loved the characters and enjoyed the plot -- I don't think I've ever read a book quite like this one.
Forsaken Dreams had me rooting for Eliza and Blake, but it seemed like things would never work out for them and so I was nervous for a majority of the story (especially near the end!).
All in all, a great book and I recommend it if you enjoy historical romance with some danger.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Forsaken Dreams had me rooting for Eliza and Blake, but it seemed like things would never work out for them and so I was nervous for a majority of the story (especially near the end!).
All in all, a great book and I recommend it if you enjoy historical romance with some danger.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
March 18, 2013
Forsaken Dreams is an amazing adventure full of trials, love, friendships, and storms. I was swept right into the story when we find the ship, New Hope, in the middle of a storm. We soon learn that this ship is full of Southerners who are on their way to Brazil to begin a new life after the Civil War ended. All of these Southerners are dreaming of a better life and hope to escape the pain of their pasts.
Blake was an officer for the South. He lost everything after the war so he put together a group of people to begin a new colony in Brazil where he hopes to build a new life.
Eliza is a war widow. She worked as a nurse during the war and she is trying to escape her past. Eliza’s deceased husband was a general for the North and she is rejected by both the North and the South, causing her to keep her past a secret from the rest of the passengers.
Most of the passengers are excited to embark on their journey and begin anew. However, they encounter many trials and hardships on the way, causing them to question whether this is what they really want to do. Different enemies try to keep them from their destination, whether those enemies be storms, Yankees, thieves or other kinds of weather.
With different secrets swirling around the ship, it’s hard to keep things hidden. When different passengers find their lives connected through the past, it’s even harder to keep the past in the past. Bitterness will rise as people become prejudiced against each other, and especially Eliza. If their colony is going to thrive, everyone must learn to overcome their bitterness and learn how to forgive.
I have read several of MaryLu Tyndall’s books and have greatly enjoyed each one. Forsaken Dreams was no exception. Each chapter left you with questions that you wanted answers to, so you kept reading, unwilling to put the book down! Just when you think you know what is going to happen or you think everything is going to be resolved, another twist enters the story, sending you on a new surprising path. I really enjoyed the historical part of the book and learning about Confederate soldiers who relocated to Brazil. I never knew about that until I heard about this book and it definitely makes for an interesting story! I thought MaryLu did a great job at capturing the bitterness of the South. I was shocked at how bitter and angry the Southerners could be in this book, but we can see that their lives have been turned upside-down and they are very upset about it. Overall, I thought this was a fantastic book. I was sad when it ended but I am happy to know that it is a part of a series and I have the next book to look forward to. I thought the book ended satisfying enough as it leads us into the next book but doesn’t leave us with a huge cliffhanger. As I said before, I loved this book very much and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for an adventuresome romance that will sweep them away!
Blake was an officer for the South. He lost everything after the war so he put together a group of people to begin a new colony in Brazil where he hopes to build a new life.
Eliza is a war widow. She worked as a nurse during the war and she is trying to escape her past. Eliza’s deceased husband was a general for the North and she is rejected by both the North and the South, causing her to keep her past a secret from the rest of the passengers.
Most of the passengers are excited to embark on their journey and begin anew. However, they encounter many trials and hardships on the way, causing them to question whether this is what they really want to do. Different enemies try to keep them from their destination, whether those enemies be storms, Yankees, thieves or other kinds of weather.
With different secrets swirling around the ship, it’s hard to keep things hidden. When different passengers find their lives connected through the past, it’s even harder to keep the past in the past. Bitterness will rise as people become prejudiced against each other, and especially Eliza. If their colony is going to thrive, everyone must learn to overcome their bitterness and learn how to forgive.
I have read several of MaryLu Tyndall’s books and have greatly enjoyed each one. Forsaken Dreams was no exception. Each chapter left you with questions that you wanted answers to, so you kept reading, unwilling to put the book down! Just when you think you know what is going to happen or you think everything is going to be resolved, another twist enters the story, sending you on a new surprising path. I really enjoyed the historical part of the book and learning about Confederate soldiers who relocated to Brazil. I never knew about that until I heard about this book and it definitely makes for an interesting story! I thought MaryLu did a great job at capturing the bitterness of the South. I was shocked at how bitter and angry the Southerners could be in this book, but we can see that their lives have been turned upside-down and they are very upset about it. Overall, I thought this was a fantastic book. I was sad when it ended but I am happy to know that it is a part of a series and I have the next book to look forward to. I thought the book ended satisfying enough as it leads us into the next book but doesn’t leave us with a huge cliffhanger. As I said before, I loved this book very much and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for an adventuresome romance that will sweep them away!
March 6, 2013
Escape To Paradise
Let me take you on a seafaring adventure in a brand new series from best selling author MaryLu Tyndall. This book had me drawn in on the first chapter. You think you can maybe stop at the end of a chapter, but when you get there you want to go on...I loved it.
Colonel Blake Wallace, A leader and organizer of the expedition to Brazil and decorated war hero wanted for war crimes by the union and suffers from post traumatic stress disorder. He has seen enough death to last him a life time and is eager to leave his homeland for the pristine shores of Brazil and the prospect of a new utopian community.
Eliza Crawford , Widow, was married to a general in the northern army. Eliza seeks passage on Wallace's ship as a nurse. She is harboring a dirty secret and not being wanted by the south or the north, not even her southern father.
Thoughts of Brazil, of its golden shores, lush jungles and fertile soil, caused tears to flood her eyes once again. Would she be a part of the new world these colonists were building, never have a chance at a new life, a new beginning. Forsaken for one mistake.. Would danger from the seas and man keep them apart from the peace and love of the land they long for ?? " Love does conquer all, " " and good does conquer evil ."
This book was so good i did not want it to end.. If you have, or have not read any of Mrs. Tyndall's books this would be a good one to start on,,, I rated it a five star because it was that good.. Don't forget to pick up the second book in this series November 2013..
Let me take you on a seafaring adventure in a brand new series from best selling author MaryLu Tyndall. This book had me drawn in on the first chapter. You think you can maybe stop at the end of a chapter, but when you get there you want to go on...I loved it.
Colonel Blake Wallace, A leader and organizer of the expedition to Brazil and decorated war hero wanted for war crimes by the union and suffers from post traumatic stress disorder. He has seen enough death to last him a life time and is eager to leave his homeland for the pristine shores of Brazil and the prospect of a new utopian community.
Eliza Crawford , Widow, was married to a general in the northern army. Eliza seeks passage on Wallace's ship as a nurse. She is harboring a dirty secret and not being wanted by the south or the north, not even her southern father.
Thoughts of Brazil, of its golden shores, lush jungles and fertile soil, caused tears to flood her eyes once again. Would she be a part of the new world these colonists were building, never have a chance at a new life, a new beginning. Forsaken for one mistake.. Would danger from the seas and man keep them apart from the peace and love of the land they long for ?? " Love does conquer all, " " and good does conquer evil ."
This book was so good i did not want it to end.. If you have, or have not read any of Mrs. Tyndall's books this would be a good one to start on,,, I rated it a five star because it was that good.. Don't forget to pick up the second book in this series November 2013..
March 5, 2013
Have you ever sat through a movie and it seemed to end way too soon? There was so much excitement going on, twists at every turn.........you think, Why oh why did it have to end so soon? That is exactly how I felt when I read the final sentences of Forsaken Dreams. I was so captivated by the characters and what they were going through, that I didn't want the book to end. I need to know what happens next in their adventure! But, alas, I must wait for MaryLu's second book in this series....sheer torture! Like in her other books, I found myself loving some of the characters and wanting to smack others. I refuse to go into any specific details because I really don't want to spoil anything for others who have yet to read Forsaken Dreams. I can say this, that MaryLu does an excellent job mixing history with fiction, letting you have a taste of what 'might have' happened to some Southerners during that time in history. I am in awe of the way MaryLu writes, how she seems to put you right in the middle of the story......bringing all of your senses to life. So, let's sum it up, shall we: adventure, romance, intrigue, all wrapped up with a gorgeous bow of God's presence. Need I say more?
"Though I was given a copy by the author to read, I was under no obligation to give a positive review."
"Though I was given a copy by the author to read, I was under no obligation to give a positive review."
January 10, 2021
Setting: The Civil War
Eliza Crawford wants only to start over and forget all the ugliness of the Civil War, in which she has lost everything.
Eliza is also carrying a terrible secret that could now affect how people will treat her if they find out, including Colonel Blake Wallace.
Blake is the person spearheading this adventure to Brazil and he is also recovering from the horrors of the War as well.
All Blake seeks is peace and quiet, but will the dangers of the high seas prevent this ragtag group going there from finding out what they are looking for?
Or will they discover more danger in their dreams of a utopia?
A great start to a new series by this author indeed!
This story will take readers on a wild adventure on the high seas with romance, deep secrets, intrigue and a chance at finally having happiness after the horrors of the Civil War.
Great historical detail of the time period, with strong characters and a few surprises thrown in. Beautiful cover art for these books and I look forward to reading book 2 "Elusive Hope" which is for my next read.
Eliza Crawford wants only to start over and forget all the ugliness of the Civil War, in which she has lost everything.
Eliza is also carrying a terrible secret that could now affect how people will treat her if they find out, including Colonel Blake Wallace.
Blake is the person spearheading this adventure to Brazil and he is also recovering from the horrors of the War as well.
All Blake seeks is peace and quiet, but will the dangers of the high seas prevent this ragtag group going there from finding out what they are looking for?
Or will they discover more danger in their dreams of a utopia?
A great start to a new series by this author indeed!
This story will take readers on a wild adventure on the high seas with romance, deep secrets, intrigue and a chance at finally having happiness after the horrors of the Civil War.
Great historical detail of the time period, with strong characters and a few surprises thrown in. Beautiful cover art for these books and I look forward to reading book 2 "Elusive Hope" which is for my next read.
September 24, 2014
If you are a person of color you might want to skip this one. I tried. I really did and got about halfway thru the novel. But the repeated glorifying of the South and by extension slavery was too much for me to handle. Over and over again the Union is painted as the real cause of the Civil War while the slave owners are depicted as innocent victims forced out of their country to seek a new Southern utopia where oppression is ok. In one culturally insensitive scene the novel suggests that because Eliza, a free white womam, has undergone some discrimination that she can fully understand the plight of those subjected to the Holocaust of slavery.
To make matters worse there are several references to spiritualism. Not ok for a book that pretends to be Christian. This is my first and last book by this author. Im deleting it off my Kindle immediately.
Like what you read? Visit me at my blog
To make matters worse there are several references to spiritualism. Not ok for a book that pretends to be Christian. This is my first and last book by this author. Im deleting it off my Kindle immediately.
Like what you read? Visit me at my blog
July 2, 2015
4.5 stars, Really liked it!
Forsaken Dreams is an intriguing blend of romance and adventure but it is very character driven. Eliza and Blake are very easy to like, and I loved the historical atmosphere of how they were all struggling with the aftermath of the Civil War. It's written very realistically and the voyage was both literal and spiritual. Although Brazil is mentioned as the ultimate utopia - and readers may think 'Brazil? I am not interested in Brazil' this is not a novel about Brazil. It is about survival on the seas, and survival from the effects of a war which stripped faith from those on this journey (and perhaps utopia could mean wherever God is..).
Blake's entire family was wiped out by Union soldiers, and just like many other Southerners after the Civil War, he seeks some peace of mind and peace of soul. The only way he can do that is to travel far away from the country who wronged him. Several travelers join in on his journey to Brazil, including Eliza, and former slaves. Eliza was a Southerner through and through - until she married a man from Pennsylvania. Even though that was before the war, no one can forgive Eliza, even after her Yankee husband is dead. No one wants to be around Eliza, and she attempts to keep her true identity a secret as she seeks new life in Brazil.
The fellow passengers on the ship New Hope have secrets as well, and they unravel slowly during the voyage. Each character lends to a bit of a truth to the atrocities of the war, and puts a face to those who suffered, even the former slaves. Tyndall boldly portrays the story as historically accurate as possible with regards to how the Southerners relate to having the former slaves sharing their space with them, and I felt it was told with as much truth as possible. Slavery was a way of life that was an integral element to the Southern plantations, and after the war there was little hope of carrying on with those plantations without help.
It is these former slaves and southerners - with pasts littered with transgressions such as thievery, alcoholism and prostitution - that make up this hopeful voyage as they yearn for a new beginning. The struggle with faith is a leading factor of this story as Eliza and Blake desperately try to make their peace with each other and with what God has thrown at them. Deftly portrayed, we can feel empathy even for the worst voyagers on the ship, though we really would like to know their secrets. There are some creepy and frightening moments aboard New Hope, and I can only imagine what is going to happen in Brazil. The minor complaint with this novel was the time shifts in the very beginning, but soon enough things evened out and I was able to invest myself fully in the story.
Forsaken Dreams is the perfect novel for those who are interested in seeing if romance can survive very extreme circumstances - and for those ready for a voyage with some intriguing characters! This is book one in a series, so there will be some things left unsaid which will make you want to read book two, just as I am eager to. I enjoyed this story for not being a predictable 'boy meets girl and sees the light' type of christian historical, as the author offers a plausible, well written drama that kept me intrigued throughout the novel. Even as we are left longing for book two, my fellow readers will come away with knowledge of the hopeful message of faith that satisfies any Christian reader.
Original from: http://www.burtonbookreview.com/2013/...
Forsaken Dreams is an intriguing blend of romance and adventure but it is very character driven. Eliza and Blake are very easy to like, and I loved the historical atmosphere of how they were all struggling with the aftermath of the Civil War. It's written very realistically and the voyage was both literal and spiritual. Although Brazil is mentioned as the ultimate utopia - and readers may think 'Brazil? I am not interested in Brazil' this is not a novel about Brazil. It is about survival on the seas, and survival from the effects of a war which stripped faith from those on this journey (and perhaps utopia could mean wherever God is..).
Blake's entire family was wiped out by Union soldiers, and just like many other Southerners after the Civil War, he seeks some peace of mind and peace of soul. The only way he can do that is to travel far away from the country who wronged him. Several travelers join in on his journey to Brazil, including Eliza, and former slaves. Eliza was a Southerner through and through - until she married a man from Pennsylvania. Even though that was before the war, no one can forgive Eliza, even after her Yankee husband is dead. No one wants to be around Eliza, and she attempts to keep her true identity a secret as she seeks new life in Brazil.
The fellow passengers on the ship New Hope have secrets as well, and they unravel slowly during the voyage. Each character lends to a bit of a truth to the atrocities of the war, and puts a face to those who suffered, even the former slaves. Tyndall boldly portrays the story as historically accurate as possible with regards to how the Southerners relate to having the former slaves sharing their space with them, and I felt it was told with as much truth as possible. Slavery was a way of life that was an integral element to the Southern plantations, and after the war there was little hope of carrying on with those plantations without help.
It is these former slaves and southerners - with pasts littered with transgressions such as thievery, alcoholism and prostitution - that make up this hopeful voyage as they yearn for a new beginning. The struggle with faith is a leading factor of this story as Eliza and Blake desperately try to make their peace with each other and with what God has thrown at them. Deftly portrayed, we can feel empathy even for the worst voyagers on the ship, though we really would like to know their secrets. There are some creepy and frightening moments aboard New Hope, and I can only imagine what is going to happen in Brazil. The minor complaint with this novel was the time shifts in the very beginning, but soon enough things evened out and I was able to invest myself fully in the story.
Forsaken Dreams is the perfect novel for those who are interested in seeing if romance can survive very extreme circumstances - and for those ready for a voyage with some intriguing characters! This is book one in a series, so there will be some things left unsaid which will make you want to read book two, just as I am eager to. I enjoyed this story for not being a predictable 'boy meets girl and sees the light' type of christian historical, as the author offers a plausible, well written drama that kept me intrigued throughout the novel. Even as we are left longing for book two, my fellow readers will come away with knowledge of the hopeful message of faith that satisfies any Christian reader.
Original from: http://www.burtonbookreview.com/2013/...
June 27, 2015
Is it possible to start over after a terrible war has taken everything from you? Colonel Blake Wallace believes there is always hope, and he is determined to make his dreams come true. He wants to be the first member of a new colony in Brazil, and forget all the tragedies the Civil War caused to his family. Other people will join him in this exciting and dangerous adventure. Eliza Crawford, a young widow with a dark secret, is one of them. Will they make it to Brazil? Will they have a new chance at life?
What a whirlwind of emotions! Suspense, fear, anguish, anxiety, hope and I could add more! This novel was a fantastic journey, literally. I was on that ship the whole time. I was near Eliza when she feared for her life and the lives of those she loved. I was with Blake when he wanted to give the woman he loved another chance, but was too scared to let go of the past. I witnessed the exciting relationship between Magnolia and Hayden. And I saw the scary faces of Mr. Dodd and Mr. Graves. I was on board of the New Hope and I loved it!
This was the first time I had read a book by Ms. Tyndall. Though at first I had some difficulty because I had no knowledge of the navy terms, I loved how she described all the things and events that took place on the New Hope. I particularly liked the descriptions of the storms and dangers that her characters had to face basically every day. They had never a moment to relax! The dangers were everywhere and they always needed to be prepared for the worst. I would not define this story relaxing, because when everything seemed calm, something happened and everybody risked their own lives. But I am one of those persons that enjoys a little bit of mystery and thrilling situations in her reads, so I appreciated those moments where I was worried about the future of my favourite characters!
Eliza won me over immediately, from the first moment she set foot on the ship. I loved her fiery determination and compassion. Though her past actions were debatable, all the things she did for the others during their journey made up for the wrong decisions in my opinion. As for the hero, Colonel Blake Wallace, I loved to see him struggle to accept his fate. That might sound odd, but I really loved to read about his feelings, his complicated emotions, and the way he fought against his own mind and heart, because unwilling to accept any kind of help to move on. Sometimes it was quite frustrating to see how often he changed his mind, but how beautiful it was to see him finally making his decisions by listening to God and following his heart!
“Forsaken Dreams” is a story about forgiveness and new beginnings, with a strong religious message, that will take you all to a new world and will make you hope for all those characters to make their dreams come true. I cannot wait to dive into the second book in the series, Elusive Hope!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
What a whirlwind of emotions! Suspense, fear, anguish, anxiety, hope and I could add more! This novel was a fantastic journey, literally. I was on that ship the whole time. I was near Eliza when she feared for her life and the lives of those she loved. I was with Blake when he wanted to give the woman he loved another chance, but was too scared to let go of the past. I witnessed the exciting relationship between Magnolia and Hayden. And I saw the scary faces of Mr. Dodd and Mr. Graves. I was on board of the New Hope and I loved it!
This was the first time I had read a book by Ms. Tyndall. Though at first I had some difficulty because I had no knowledge of the navy terms, I loved how she described all the things and events that took place on the New Hope. I particularly liked the descriptions of the storms and dangers that her characters had to face basically every day. They had never a moment to relax! The dangers were everywhere and they always needed to be prepared for the worst. I would not define this story relaxing, because when everything seemed calm, something happened and everybody risked their own lives. But I am one of those persons that enjoys a little bit of mystery and thrilling situations in her reads, so I appreciated those moments where I was worried about the future of my favourite characters!
Eliza won me over immediately, from the first moment she set foot on the ship. I loved her fiery determination and compassion. Though her past actions were debatable, all the things she did for the others during their journey made up for the wrong decisions in my opinion. As for the hero, Colonel Blake Wallace, I loved to see him struggle to accept his fate. That might sound odd, but I really loved to read about his feelings, his complicated emotions, and the way he fought against his own mind and heart, because unwilling to accept any kind of help to move on. Sometimes it was quite frustrating to see how often he changed his mind, but how beautiful it was to see him finally making his decisions by listening to God and following his heart!
“Forsaken Dreams” is a story about forgiveness and new beginnings, with a strong religious message, that will take you all to a new world and will make you hope for all those characters to make their dreams come true. I cannot wait to dive into the second book in the series, Elusive Hope!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
February 22, 2013
5 STARS*****
Utopia, have you ever dreamed of such a place? A place where there is no war, no hatred, no prejudice, a place where you can leave your past behind and start your life anew. If so, then come along with MaryLu Tyndall in her latest series, Forsaken Dreams; Escape To Paradise; Book One.
The year is 1866 and the United States is just beginning to rebuild after the horrific Civil War. The Yankees are still in full force in the South and there is vast devastation everywhere you look. Southerners are longing for the days of prosperity and wealth that once defined them, so when Colonel Blake Wallace organizes an expedition to Brazil, a land of new beginnings, he has no trouble finding people eager to go with him looking to start their lives anew. People like Confederate army nurse Eliza Crawford, James Callaway, former army doctor turned Baptist minister along with a vast mixture of people from all walks of life, carpenters, farmers, plantation owners and even former slaves each and every one of them is seeking a new start in life.
Colonel Blake Wallace is a man haunted by the specters of war, scenes too gruesome to dwell on but some days they come rushing back to him with a furor so intense he loses himself in their memories. Blake is hoping that he can forget it all and have a new life in the beautiful tropical country of Brazil. But can you really rebuild your life with so much unforgiveness in your heart? Will he be able to let go of it before he loses the one thing in his life he values the most…Eliza?
Eliza Crawford, former Army nurse, is a young beautiful widow forsaken by her family and carrying a horrible secret that has made her want to escape to Brazil. If the people on this expedition knew it the most would want to send her to a watery grave. Will Eliza find a friend or maybe more in the handsome Colonel Wallace? In order to have the peace she seeks will she finally fully surrender her will to God but will it come at a price too high…losing the love of Blake?
I love the excitement of being on the high seas once again with MaryLu at the helm, what an adventure it always is and this time it was more than just a great read, I learned something I never knew and I have lived in South Carolina all my life. I had never heard of the thousands of Southerners starting over in Brazil. So not only has MaryLu once again created a story so intriguing I found myself lost in its pages, I learned an important history lesson. There may not have been pirates (always my favorite) but there were quite a few breathtaking moments. I also found my emotions being tossed to and fro like the stormy seas upon which these pilgrims sailed. The characters are so real I found myself feeling as if they are family. I can’t wait for the next installment of this tale of new beginnings to see how well my family is doing in their new Utopian Paradise.
Utopia, have you ever dreamed of such a place? A place where there is no war, no hatred, no prejudice, a place where you can leave your past behind and start your life anew. If so, then come along with MaryLu Tyndall in her latest series, Forsaken Dreams; Escape To Paradise; Book One.
The year is 1866 and the United States is just beginning to rebuild after the horrific Civil War. The Yankees are still in full force in the South and there is vast devastation everywhere you look. Southerners are longing for the days of prosperity and wealth that once defined them, so when Colonel Blake Wallace organizes an expedition to Brazil, a land of new beginnings, he has no trouble finding people eager to go with him looking to start their lives anew. People like Confederate army nurse Eliza Crawford, James Callaway, former army doctor turned Baptist minister along with a vast mixture of people from all walks of life, carpenters, farmers, plantation owners and even former slaves each and every one of them is seeking a new start in life.
Colonel Blake Wallace is a man haunted by the specters of war, scenes too gruesome to dwell on but some days they come rushing back to him with a furor so intense he loses himself in their memories. Blake is hoping that he can forget it all and have a new life in the beautiful tropical country of Brazil. But can you really rebuild your life with so much unforgiveness in your heart? Will he be able to let go of it before he loses the one thing in his life he values the most…Eliza?
Eliza Crawford, former Army nurse, is a young beautiful widow forsaken by her family and carrying a horrible secret that has made her want to escape to Brazil. If the people on this expedition knew it the most would want to send her to a watery grave. Will Eliza find a friend or maybe more in the handsome Colonel Wallace? In order to have the peace she seeks will she finally fully surrender her will to God but will it come at a price too high…losing the love of Blake?
I love the excitement of being on the high seas once again with MaryLu at the helm, what an adventure it always is and this time it was more than just a great read, I learned something I never knew and I have lived in South Carolina all my life. I had never heard of the thousands of Southerners starting over in Brazil. So not only has MaryLu once again created a story so intriguing I found myself lost in its pages, I learned an important history lesson. There may not have been pirates (always my favorite) but there were quite a few breathtaking moments. I also found my emotions being tossed to and fro like the stormy seas upon which these pilgrims sailed. The characters are so real I found myself feeling as if they are family. I can’t wait for the next installment of this tale of new beginnings to see how well my family is doing in their new Utopian Paradise.
January 26, 2016
First of all, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to MaryLu Tyndall and her publisher for sending me a copy of "Forsaken Dreams" to review for them. I am truly grateful for this generosity. I really appreciate the time, effort and expense it takes to make a reviewer copy available to me.
MaryLu Tyndall’s latest adventure casts a group of Confederates onto the high seas in search of a place to call home where the South can rise again after the Civil War. Eliza Crawford, a war widow and nurse, signed on to the ship bound for Brazil for a fresh start. Because she is the widow of a Union Officer, her Southern family wants nothing to do with her but this Rebel doesn’t belong among the Yankees, either. She’s just hoping she can keep her secret. Colonel Blake Wallace is accused of fighting for the North. But this Confederate officer bears the scars created by Yankee guns and swords. He hates everything having to do with the North.
“Forsaken Dreams” is a breathtaking adventure! MaryLu Tyndall crafts an exciting and thought-provoking tale that transports the reader aboard the ship New Hope sailing to Rio de Janeiro and encountering many thrilling and frightening events. Even though I did become a bit frustrated with the rocky relationship road traveled by Blake and Eliza, the book was immensely enjoyable. It was a difficult book to put down and kept me reading well past bedtime. I am anxiously anticipating future books in this series.
This novel was not merely an entertaining read. It opened my eyes to the climate of our country post Civil War. It also enlightened me on flaws in my own character and Christian walk. As I walked with Eliza through several trials, I realized that I would not be as peaceful or understanding or forgiving as she was. This experience brought me face-to-face with areas of my life where I need to be more like my Savior: slow to anger, abounding in love. I was also convicted of my tendency to ask God to bless my plans rather than asking to desire and do His will. Thanks, MaryLu, for bringing me to life-changing realization with your writing once again. I pray that this book will touch the hearts of everyone who reads it in a similar way.
MaryLu Tyndall’s latest adventure casts a group of Confederates onto the high seas in search of a place to call home where the South can rise again after the Civil War. Eliza Crawford, a war widow and nurse, signed on to the ship bound for Brazil for a fresh start. Because she is the widow of a Union Officer, her Southern family wants nothing to do with her but this Rebel doesn’t belong among the Yankees, either. She’s just hoping she can keep her secret. Colonel Blake Wallace is accused of fighting for the North. But this Confederate officer bears the scars created by Yankee guns and swords. He hates everything having to do with the North.
“Forsaken Dreams” is a breathtaking adventure! MaryLu Tyndall crafts an exciting and thought-provoking tale that transports the reader aboard the ship New Hope sailing to Rio de Janeiro and encountering many thrilling and frightening events. Even though I did become a bit frustrated with the rocky relationship road traveled by Blake and Eliza, the book was immensely enjoyable. It was a difficult book to put down and kept me reading well past bedtime. I am anxiously anticipating future books in this series.
This novel was not merely an entertaining read. It opened my eyes to the climate of our country post Civil War. It also enlightened me on flaws in my own character and Christian walk. As I walked with Eliza through several trials, I realized that I would not be as peaceful or understanding or forgiving as she was. This experience brought me face-to-face with areas of my life where I need to be more like my Savior: slow to anger, abounding in love. I was also convicted of my tendency to ask God to bless my plans rather than asking to desire and do His will. Thanks, MaryLu, for bringing me to life-changing realization with your writing once again. I pray that this book will touch the hearts of everyone who reads it in a similar way.
March 6, 2013
A land where dreams come true. That is what is promised in the first book of the Escape To Paradise series from MaryLu Tyndall. Forsaken Dreams is a fine telling of how there are always consequences to our actions whether they be good or bad.
After the destruction of the Civil War a group of war ravaged people set sail to Brazil, the land of new opportunities, but secrets and a supernatural power wrap each person in a grip that threatens to crush them before they reach their promised Utopia.
Eliza Crawford is a woman who knows what it is to regret a decision and when she sails on the New Hope she is hoping to leave behind the consequences of her actions and start anew. But secrets have a way of becoming known no matter how hard she tries to conceal them.
Blake Wallace knows what real loss is. After the Civil War stripped him of all he held dear he is determined to build a new life away from the dangers and memories that surround him. As his feelings for Eliza develop he finds his dreams taking on a new form.
The relationships among the characters felt real to life. From the feelings of betrayal to the longing for love even when one feels forsaken, the emotions will ring true for many people.
I really liked Eliza's character because she was strong without being annoying and I could understand her wanting to be loved and accepted for who she was, and not attacked for the mistakes she made in her past.
The cover is what first drew my interest, the misty mountain tells a story all its own and the cover does indeed match the story.
I love how the author can make one feel like they are sailing on the ship, hoisting sails, manning the guns. She paints such descriptive pictures that even people who are not well versed in nautical terms can understand and envision what is happening. All of MaryLu Tyndall’s stories are filled with historical gems and Forsaken Dreams is a fine addition.
MaryLu Tyndall has done a fantastic job, perhaps one of the best I’ve read, answering the question that so many people ask: Why didn’t God save us? The answer is a powerful one.
A story well worth reading.
After the destruction of the Civil War a group of war ravaged people set sail to Brazil, the land of new opportunities, but secrets and a supernatural power wrap each person in a grip that threatens to crush them before they reach their promised Utopia.
Eliza Crawford is a woman who knows what it is to regret a decision and when she sails on the New Hope she is hoping to leave behind the consequences of her actions and start anew. But secrets have a way of becoming known no matter how hard she tries to conceal them.
Blake Wallace knows what real loss is. After the Civil War stripped him of all he held dear he is determined to build a new life away from the dangers and memories that surround him. As his feelings for Eliza develop he finds his dreams taking on a new form.
The relationships among the characters felt real to life. From the feelings of betrayal to the longing for love even when one feels forsaken, the emotions will ring true for many people.
I really liked Eliza's character because she was strong without being annoying and I could understand her wanting to be loved and accepted for who she was, and not attacked for the mistakes she made in her past.
The cover is what first drew my interest, the misty mountain tells a story all its own and the cover does indeed match the story.
I love how the author can make one feel like they are sailing on the ship, hoisting sails, manning the guns. She paints such descriptive pictures that even people who are not well versed in nautical terms can understand and envision what is happening. All of MaryLu Tyndall’s stories are filled with historical gems and Forsaken Dreams is a fine addition.
MaryLu Tyndall has done a fantastic job, perhaps one of the best I’ve read, answering the question that so many people ask: Why didn’t God save us? The answer is a powerful one.
A story well worth reading.
March 8, 2013
In the years following the Civil War, nearly three million Southerners migrated from the former Confederate States of the loss and devastation of war and persecuted by the North. Many moved out west or to larger cities of the North in the United States and a mass number traveled to Canada and Mexico, but it is unknown to the amount traveled to Brazil. All Southerners had to do was simply board a ship and sail away with no requirement of a passport. In MaryLu Tyndall’s newest novel, “Forsaken Dreams”, a group of Southerners embark on a ship to Brazil as their destination to build a new Southern utopia!
Going back to around May 10, 1866 in Charleston, South Carolina is where Colonel Blake Wallace, a honored war hero, puts together a group to journey over to Brazil to begin a whole new colony for the Confederates. He has no more use for being in the United States with the Union officers wanting him arrested for war crimes and the North murdered his entire family. Aboard the ship, New Hope, young widow Eliza Crawford, a Confederate nurse, seeks passage on this journey harboring a dark secret in hope for a clean fresh start in Brazil. As for the other passengers as well are on this journey hoping and dreaming to start a new life that have been affected so badly from the Civil War.
Throughout the journey to Brazil, Blake and Eliza’s relationship grows through many turns of events. While out at sea the ship and everyone else aboard have to face many different trials from alcoholism, anxiety attacks, disease, deadly storms, post traumatic stress disorder, and much more. Read on to see how the many different trials and evil are fought off with those putting faith towards God, the Almighty. Will everyone arrive safely to Brazil? Can Eliza keep her secret hidden from everyone, especially Blake? When trials come, will forgiveness come easily or will there be a lot of mockery and shunning going on? You’ll need to read the book to find out yourself with all the action, adventure, drama, and suspense romance, which happens throughout the whole story!
Going back to around May 10, 1866 in Charleston, South Carolina is where Colonel Blake Wallace, a honored war hero, puts together a group to journey over to Brazil to begin a whole new colony for the Confederates. He has no more use for being in the United States with the Union officers wanting him arrested for war crimes and the North murdered his entire family. Aboard the ship, New Hope, young widow Eliza Crawford, a Confederate nurse, seeks passage on this journey harboring a dark secret in hope for a clean fresh start in Brazil. As for the other passengers as well are on this journey hoping and dreaming to start a new life that have been affected so badly from the Civil War.
Throughout the journey to Brazil, Blake and Eliza’s relationship grows through many turns of events. While out at sea the ship and everyone else aboard have to face many different trials from alcoholism, anxiety attacks, disease, deadly storms, post traumatic stress disorder, and much more. Read on to see how the many different trials and evil are fought off with those putting faith towards God, the Almighty. Will everyone arrive safely to Brazil? Can Eliza keep her secret hidden from everyone, especially Blake? When trials come, will forgiveness come easily or will there be a lot of mockery and shunning going on? You’ll need to read the book to find out yourself with all the action, adventure, drama, and suspense romance, which happens throughout the whole story!
March 12, 2013
Put tall ships, the sea, pirates, black magic, unexplained occurances, a little romance and lots of adventure together and you have the beginning of why this book is worth every moment it takes you to read it!
MaryLu Tyndall has done a fabulous job of starting this new series in grand fashion. Escape to Paradise is something we all dream of doing at times, I'm sure. This is the new series starting with this wonderful book, set just after the end of the civil war between the North and the South.
I found myself relating to first one character and then another, even disliking some of those less desirable. A little romance only increased the tension between the main characters, as well as several of the lesser ones.
The overall theme of learning to forgive and trust those whose path had followed a different course, created tension and an unwillingness to put the book down. Learning to follow the still small voice of the Lord is difficult for all of us.
A must read and I am looking forward to the second installment due to come out later this year.
MaryLu Tyndall has done a fabulous job of starting this new series in grand fashion. Escape to Paradise is something we all dream of doing at times, I'm sure. This is the new series starting with this wonderful book, set just after the end of the civil war between the North and the South.
I found myself relating to first one character and then another, even disliking some of those less desirable. A little romance only increased the tension between the main characters, as well as several of the lesser ones.
The overall theme of learning to forgive and trust those whose path had followed a different course, created tension and an unwillingness to put the book down. Learning to follow the still small voice of the Lord is difficult for all of us.
A must read and I am looking forward to the second installment due to come out later this year.
July 4, 2013
This book is absolutely amazing! I could not put it down. Forsaken Dreams is filled with awesome plot twists, daring adventure, beautiful romance, and a powerful message of forgiveness! You don't want to miss it! MaryLu Tyndall never disappoints!
June 24, 2019
Well-done.
September 14, 2020
Astounding story. Just when you think things might settle down, everything changes! Love this book. It's my first time reading a book by this author. Looking forward to the next one in this series!
July 11, 2022
This was my first book by MaryLu Tyndall--it was Ok/good. She's a decent writer, it was a fairly entertaining read and I appreciated the overall message (forgiveness). The Biblical doctrine was really solid. I loved the characters' relationship with the Lord, it was consistent throughout the book. I enjoyed the history and the time period too. Also, about 90% of the setting was on a ship and MaryLu did a good job at keeping it interesting with that limitation.
Overall, the story was a little slow and dragged at times. The relationship that developed between Blake and Eliza, the main characters, lacked development with depth and detail...but what really kept stumbling me was my dislike for Blake!
He was extremely immature with his swinging high/low emotions. His anger seemed really displaced and was not only unreasonable but hypocritical IMO. He was both cruel with his words when he was angry with Eliza and within seconds he was over the top emotional about his romantic feelings for her. I wouldn't like a guy like that!!!🚩 ... I found him and their 'romance' really annoying and it was hard for me to invest in their love story.
This is the first in a series so I may continue with it to see if I like the next one a little better. It ended on a 'cliffhanger' which has me curious.
Overall, the story was a little slow and dragged at times. The relationship that developed between Blake and Eliza, the main characters, lacked development with depth and detail...but what really kept stumbling me was my dislike for Blake!
He was extremely immature with his swinging high/low emotions. His anger seemed really displaced and was not only unreasonable but hypocritical IMO. He was both cruel with his words when he was angry with Eliza and within seconds he was over the top emotional about his romantic feelings for her. I wouldn't like a guy like that!!!🚩 ... I found him and their 'romance' really annoying and it was hard for me to invest in their love story.
This is the first in a series so I may continue with it to see if I like the next one a little better. It ended on a 'cliffhanger' which has me curious.
March 2, 2013
I'm a big fan of Gone with the Wind, and Scarlett O'Hara, love her or hate her, is a complex and well-written character. (If your only reference to GWTW is the movie, then I tell you now, READ THE BOOK!)
And if you're a fan of the Civil War-era stories and strong leading ladies, then MaryLu Tyndall has a new book you'll want to add to your to-be-read pile.
Forsaken Dreams, the first in her new series Escape to Paradise, introduces a group of Southerners, just after the Civil War has ended, who are looking to start over. They all pay for passage on a ship headed for Brazil to start a new colony. Among the passengers is Eliza Crawford, Southern-born widow of a Union general, and Colonel Blake Wallace, wanted for war crimes and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Eliza and Blake are the central characters in this book. In subsequent books, other characters will take center stage.
The story takes us along on their journey from Charleston, South Carolina, through the Caribbean and Atlantic waters to Brazil. Of course, nothing is easy, and the tension that unfolds from the beginning of the story until its end is gut-wrenching and soul-piercing. Tyndall crafts an action-packed story from the first page and it doesn't let up until the end. Even as I neared the final pages, I wasn't sure how things were going to turn out.
The characters in this story are well-developed and realistic. I especially liked Eliza. She had me at this line: "I fear I've always been too adventurous for my own good." I wouldn't say those words about myself, necessarily, but they stir something in me. Eliza is no wilting Southern flower. She is strong and capable and steps forward where others step back. She's described this way by Blake:
War has a way of stealing one's innocence. As well as strengthening their character. However, in your case, this pluck of yours seems more something you were born with than something acquired.
And Blake is a flawed hero--the best kind, really. He's not perfect. He often reacts with his instincts and his PTSD episodes are painful and frighteningly real. Eliza describes her attraction to him this way:
Yet something about him tugged on her, drawing her thoughts and heart like the needle of a compass to true north. And as with a compass, there seemed to be naught she could do to change its direction.
Perhaps my favorite part of the whole story is that it's based in history. An unknown number of Southerners migrated to Brazil after the war to create what they hoped would be a utopian society after the devastation of the Civil War. This is a piece of history I've never heard before. It makes for a compelling tale.
As Blake says to a fellow passenger, "Brazil is the last hope for many of us."
The second installment of this series releases in November, which seems a long time from now. I'll be waiting anxiously for the continuing story and a chance to journey further with this group. They feel like friends already.
In exchange for my review, I received a free copy of the book from the author.
And if you're a fan of the Civil War-era stories and strong leading ladies, then MaryLu Tyndall has a new book you'll want to add to your to-be-read pile.
Forsaken Dreams, the first in her new series Escape to Paradise, introduces a group of Southerners, just after the Civil War has ended, who are looking to start over. They all pay for passage on a ship headed for Brazil to start a new colony. Among the passengers is Eliza Crawford, Southern-born widow of a Union general, and Colonel Blake Wallace, wanted for war crimes and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Eliza and Blake are the central characters in this book. In subsequent books, other characters will take center stage.
The story takes us along on their journey from Charleston, South Carolina, through the Caribbean and Atlantic waters to Brazil. Of course, nothing is easy, and the tension that unfolds from the beginning of the story until its end is gut-wrenching and soul-piercing. Tyndall crafts an action-packed story from the first page and it doesn't let up until the end. Even as I neared the final pages, I wasn't sure how things were going to turn out.
The characters in this story are well-developed and realistic. I especially liked Eliza. She had me at this line: "I fear I've always been too adventurous for my own good." I wouldn't say those words about myself, necessarily, but they stir something in me. Eliza is no wilting Southern flower. She is strong and capable and steps forward where others step back. She's described this way by Blake:
War has a way of stealing one's innocence. As well as strengthening their character. However, in your case, this pluck of yours seems more something you were born with than something acquired.
And Blake is a flawed hero--the best kind, really. He's not perfect. He often reacts with his instincts and his PTSD episodes are painful and frighteningly real. Eliza describes her attraction to him this way:
Yet something about him tugged on her, drawing her thoughts and heart like the needle of a compass to true north. And as with a compass, there seemed to be naught she could do to change its direction.
Perhaps my favorite part of the whole story is that it's based in history. An unknown number of Southerners migrated to Brazil after the war to create what they hoped would be a utopian society after the devastation of the Civil War. This is a piece of history I've never heard before. It makes for a compelling tale.
As Blake says to a fellow passenger, "Brazil is the last hope for many of us."
The second installment of this series releases in November, which seems a long time from now. I'll be waiting anxiously for the continuing story and a chance to journey further with this group. They feel like friends already.
In exchange for my review, I received a free copy of the book from the author.
December 31, 2016
Yikes. That is my summary for this book. The writing style of Tyndall is smooth, but the words used are dreadful. By the third time the main character said, "oh fiddle!" I wanted to pull my hair out. That's not even the worst of it.
When I read "Southern Utopia" on the back when I picked this book out at a library sale, I had no idea it meant a utopia created by post-Civil War Southerns who feel the North has oppressed their way of life. This has led them to sail to Brazil where they want to recreate their Southern lifestyle, slaves and all.
I'm honestly surprised I was able to get through this book. Most of the it is spent cursing the North and glorifying the South. The freed African Americans (and one still enslaved without anyone caring) on the ship are background characters and are hardly mentioned or stood up for by the main character who believes slavery is wrong. Do not read this book if you are a POC.
Even the author's historical note gives no explanation of why she chose to show the South and it's slavery based "country" as heroes. Rather than explaining that Southerners may have felt this way following the war and saying she doesn't agree with their thought process, the author actively chose not to acknowledge the problems with the presented form of Southern identity.
When I read "Southern Utopia" on the back when I picked this book out at a library sale, I had no idea it meant a utopia created by post-Civil War Southerns who feel the North has oppressed their way of life. This has led them to sail to Brazil where they want to recreate their Southern lifestyle, slaves and all.
I'm honestly surprised I was able to get through this book. Most of the it is spent cursing the North and glorifying the South. The freed African Americans (and one still enslaved without anyone caring) on the ship are background characters and are hardly mentioned or stood up for by the main character who believes slavery is wrong. Do not read this book if you are a POC.
Even the author's historical note gives no explanation of why she chose to show the South and it's slavery based "country" as heroes. Rather than explaining that Southerners may have felt this way following the war and saying she doesn't agree with their thought process, the author actively chose not to acknowledge the problems with the presented form of Southern identity.
September 15, 2015
SUMMARY: Embark on a seafaring adventure in a brand-new series from bestselling author MaryLu Tyndall. After witnessing the death and destruction caused by the Civil War, Colonel Blake Wallace is eager to leave his once precious Southern homeland for the pristine shores of Brazil and the prospect of a new utopian community. Widow Eliza Crawford seeks passage on Wallace’s ship harboring a dirty secret—and a blossoming hope for a fresh start. But will dangers from the sea and from man keep them from the peace and love they long for?
REVIEW: I did not know that many southerners left the United States after the Civil War and traveled to Brazil to begin life anew and rebuild old dreams. I found the start of this book to be a bit slow and confusing; but once the action began, it was very enjoyable. The variety of characters in the band of colonists, as well as within the sailing crew, made for lots of interesting interplay between the characters. I also liked the contrast between the darkness of evil and the light of God's right. This was a book that pulled you from chapter to chapter wondering what would happen next to these travelers. This book definitely reflected on forgiveness and second chances during a time when hatred between peoples was definitely at an all time high. Full of danger, mystery, romance and faith, and well crafted writing, I look forward to reading the next in this series.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
"A prayer's a prayer, I don't suppose it matters who it comes from."
"I believe it hurts God a great deal to see us suffer from our bad decisions. Which is why He sent His Son to endure all the consequences, the punishment due for our sinful choices. But love isn't love if it's forced. That true slavery."
"Life is black and white. Good and evil. There is no middle ground."
"When God has forgiven me for everything, how can I not forgive others? ...Unforgiveness will only make you bitter and sick, Colonel. You came here for freedom, did you not. Then forgive and be free."
REVIEW: I did not know that many southerners left the United States after the Civil War and traveled to Brazil to begin life anew and rebuild old dreams. I found the start of this book to be a bit slow and confusing; but once the action began, it was very enjoyable. The variety of characters in the band of colonists, as well as within the sailing crew, made for lots of interesting interplay between the characters. I also liked the contrast between the darkness of evil and the light of God's right. This was a book that pulled you from chapter to chapter wondering what would happen next to these travelers. This book definitely reflected on forgiveness and second chances during a time when hatred between peoples was definitely at an all time high. Full of danger, mystery, romance and faith, and well crafted writing, I look forward to reading the next in this series.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
"A prayer's a prayer, I don't suppose it matters who it comes from."
"I believe it hurts God a great deal to see us suffer from our bad decisions. Which is why He sent His Son to endure all the consequences, the punishment due for our sinful choices. But love isn't love if it's forced. That true slavery."
"Life is black and white. Good and evil. There is no middle ground."
"When God has forgiven me for everything, how can I not forgive others? ...Unforgiveness will only make you bitter and sick, Colonel. You came here for freedom, did you not. Then forgive and be free."
March 24, 2013
WOW! What a Story!!!
To say that MaryLu Tyndall's books get better with each release, is an understatement. Forsaken Dreams far exceeded my expectations. Her attention to detail...every description, every thought, every word...draws the reader into the very story that is being told through the eyes of her characters. I loved how she used an actual historical event to base her story around, something she has done before in previous books, which in my opinion really enhances the reality of what people of that time could have gone through. And the fact that she weaves a strong spiritual thread through the story, in my book, is a plus.
The story opens in the year 1866, after the end of the Civil War, and a group of Southerners have embarked upon a journey to a new land, to begin again after losing nearly everything they own. Among them is widow, Eliza Crawford. Her prayer is that by boarding the New Hope, she will be able to keep her past a secret and start over again. What she doesn't count on is ever getting close to anyone ever again, especially the handsome Colonel Blake Wallace.
Colonel Blake Wallace is the epitome of strength and courage, and yet he struggles with the after affects of war. Anxious to get away from all that reminds him of what he went through on the battlefields, he leads this small group of people to Brazil, the place that will become their new homeland. Unfortunately, he is still dogged by continuous nightmares of the hellish war that he survived. While aboard the New Hope, he finds an unlikely friend in the beautiful Eliza Crawford. But will memories of the war be the one thing to keep them from having a true friendship, or maybe even romance?
MaryLu, once again, pens a beautiful story of the importance of forgiveness and God's love for each of us. I give this book five stars and two thumbs up!
To say that MaryLu Tyndall's books get better with each release, is an understatement. Forsaken Dreams far exceeded my expectations. Her attention to detail...every description, every thought, every word...draws the reader into the very story that is being told through the eyes of her characters. I loved how she used an actual historical event to base her story around, something she has done before in previous books, which in my opinion really enhances the reality of what people of that time could have gone through. And the fact that she weaves a strong spiritual thread through the story, in my book, is a plus.
The story opens in the year 1866, after the end of the Civil War, and a group of Southerners have embarked upon a journey to a new land, to begin again after losing nearly everything they own. Among them is widow, Eliza Crawford. Her prayer is that by boarding the New Hope, she will be able to keep her past a secret and start over again. What she doesn't count on is ever getting close to anyone ever again, especially the handsome Colonel Blake Wallace.
Colonel Blake Wallace is the epitome of strength and courage, and yet he struggles with the after affects of war. Anxious to get away from all that reminds him of what he went through on the battlefields, he leads this small group of people to Brazil, the place that will become their new homeland. Unfortunately, he is still dogged by continuous nightmares of the hellish war that he survived. While aboard the New Hope, he finds an unlikely friend in the beautiful Eliza Crawford. But will memories of the war be the one thing to keep them from having a true friendship, or maybe even romance?
MaryLu, once again, pens a beautiful story of the importance of forgiveness and God's love for each of us. I give this book five stars and two thumbs up!
April 13, 2013
A tale of romance, intrigue and God’s truth on the high seas.
The story has a hint of the “Lord of the Flies” simply because our characters are heading for a Utopian promise only to collide against everything *they* believe should be right. But the similarities end there.
The story captured me within the first chapter. It flipped between past and present and I loved the retrospective style of the chapter crafting. It was always very clear which present I was in, but it gave a delightful flavor to the novel that worked so well.
Since the very beginning of Tyndall’s career she has set her books on the seas. Her most recent releases though have been landlubbers, and I have to say it’s great to be back on the open sea. It’s the only way you’re going to get me out there, so as I sailed around the coast with the crew of characters I was taken into a completely different time and place.
Our characters have to come to a new faith and every moment of their journey felt nothing but authentic. The romance was sweet and enticed me to return to the pages over and over again.
A captivating story. Characters that grip your heart to an ending that simply made me sigh in delight. It’s that kind of historical novel that will only get better with subsequent readings. And left opened just enough to have this reader chomping for book #2!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my copy to review.
The story has a hint of the “Lord of the Flies” simply because our characters are heading for a Utopian promise only to collide against everything *they* believe should be right. But the similarities end there.
The story captured me within the first chapter. It flipped between past and present and I loved the retrospective style of the chapter crafting. It was always very clear which present I was in, but it gave a delightful flavor to the novel that worked so well.
Since the very beginning of Tyndall’s career she has set her books on the seas. Her most recent releases though have been landlubbers, and I have to say it’s great to be back on the open sea. It’s the only way you’re going to get me out there, so as I sailed around the coast with the crew of characters I was taken into a completely different time and place.
Our characters have to come to a new faith and every moment of their journey felt nothing but authentic. The romance was sweet and enticed me to return to the pages over and over again.
A captivating story. Characters that grip your heart to an ending that simply made me sigh in delight. It’s that kind of historical novel that will only get better with subsequent readings. And left opened just enough to have this reader chomping for book #2!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my copy to review.
June 12, 2013
This book had hooked from the very beginning! It was an amazing read and I enjoyed it very much!
I haven't read very many books where their is travel or a voyage through Oceans. I should really change that because I always seem to love them when I do. MaryLu Tyndall is known for her Inspirational Adventure Romance novels and it's not difficult for me to tell why. She is brilliant with the way she uses descriptions- from the way everything looks, feels, tastes, sounds, to smells. It's a wonder that she didn't live in these places herself.
I loved the way MaryLu started Blake's and Eliza's relationship and how it progressed through the book. Flawless!
The way that Blake reacted to everything was perfect in my opinion! Exactly the way I would probably react if I was in his shoes, but then he learned to forgive. Which is something I know I would have an issue with. However, he faced his obstacles bravely, even when he thought he wasn't and I learned forgiveness with him through the conversations he had with his fellow shipmates.
The only thing I had an issue with was the timeline in the beginning of the book. It was somewhat difficult to follow, and gave away something that happened in the middle of the story. I think putting something that should of been well into the story at the beginning was unnecessary to capture the readers. I would have still been hooked if it started naturally.
Visit my blog at: http://kissedbooks.blogspot.com/
I haven't read very many books where their is travel or a voyage through Oceans. I should really change that because I always seem to love them when I do. MaryLu Tyndall is known for her Inspirational Adventure Romance novels and it's not difficult for me to tell why. She is brilliant with the way she uses descriptions- from the way everything looks, feels, tastes, sounds, to smells. It's a wonder that she didn't live in these places herself.
I loved the way MaryLu started Blake's and Eliza's relationship and how it progressed through the book. Flawless!
The way that Blake reacted to everything was perfect in my opinion! Exactly the way I would probably react if I was in his shoes, but then he learned to forgive. Which is something I know I would have an issue with. However, he faced his obstacles bravely, even when he thought he wasn't and I learned forgiveness with him through the conversations he had with his fellow shipmates.
The only thing I had an issue with was the timeline in the beginning of the book. It was somewhat difficult to follow, and gave away something that happened in the middle of the story. I think putting something that should of been well into the story at the beginning was unnecessary to capture the readers. I would have still been hooked if it started naturally.
Visit my blog at: http://kissedbooks.blogspot.com/
March 6, 2013
Who hasn't done something that they wish they could take back? When are scapegoats not searched for? Do we all not first hate and then learn to forgive? A search for Paradise will always pull Shoel into our face. Satan will do what he can to keep us from Christ's forgiveness and our tendency for sin makes it difficult to fight back. It is easiest to pretend that we don't need to.
I found that Forsaken Dreams did a great job of expressing this. Beyond that, I was grateful that MaryLu did not try to make any side but God's (which is not that of man's) right. Both North and South had and still have their faults and committed their own wrongs. Thank you, MaryLu, for not sugarcoating!
My one complaint was the lack of a tangible villain. There were many who did wrong, and nature even took its turn beating on the passengers, but there was no one person to be thwarted. It took away a bit of the urgency.
To know what other books I back, go to my blog at http://backingbooks.blogspot.com/
I found that Forsaken Dreams did a great job of expressing this. Beyond that, I was grateful that MaryLu did not try to make any side but God's (which is not that of man's) right. Both North and South had and still have their faults and committed their own wrongs. Thank you, MaryLu, for not sugarcoating!
My one complaint was the lack of a tangible villain. There were many who did wrong, and nature even took its turn beating on the passengers, but there was no one person to be thwarted. It took away a bit of the urgency.
To know what other books I back, go to my blog at http://backingbooks.blogspot.com/
March 1, 2013
This book is the first in an unforgettable series. I couldn't put it down. The book is set when north and south were at war, Eliza has had a tough life and after losing her husband she sets off to forget her old life and she joined a group aboard the New Hope. Whose mission was to start over in Brazil. Along the way she never expected what was to come about. Secret identity's and a love/hate relationship are both unexpected and cause many problems, but with faith in God and determination to start over, they set out and have an interesting adventure. I can't wait for the next book. Way to go MaryLu! Two thumbs and big toes way way up.
December 5, 2014
Disclaimer: This ARC was given to me for free in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.
This was okay. Kind of predictable.
This was okay. Kind of predictable.
March 11, 2013
In 1866, the New Hope sailed out of the Charleston harbor toward Brazil…but instead of hauling heavy cargo, the ship was laden with the weight of dark secrets. In Mary Lu Tyndall’s newest release, Forsaken Dreams (book 1 in the Escape to Paradise Series) a group of defeated Southerners sail away from their American homeland dreaming of a better life in Brazil. But will un-forgiveness and prejudice destroy the peace and freedom they so desperately long for? Forsaken Dreams is the story of Colonel Blake Wallace and Eliza Crawford - one, a war nurse who seeks to cover up her youthful blunders by running away from her mistakes, and the other a bitter solider who can’t live another day in the country run by the side who murdered his family. As a result, Blake organizes a colony of Southerners and charters the New Hope to take them away from all of their troubles, but then trouble boards the ship in the form of Eliza Crawford…or so the colony claims. As uncommon mishaps begin to threaten the safety of the voyage a treacherous secret demolishes the growing affecting between Eliza and Blake. Can the two come to an understanding before they reach Brazil? Or will a mysterious pocket watch seal their fate as enemies forever?
I have read just about all of Mary Lu’s books, and just when I think she can’t write a more adventurous, heartbreaking, romantic story - she does! It would be easy to say this is a well written, suspenseful book with characters you’ll just fall in love with - but let me tell you why I think that. First of all, I had trouble putting this book down! There were no “low spots” in the story, every page had something exciting to tell. It held my attention 100% of the time! Secondly, the character development was superb. With a ship full of people, there were a lot more characters than just the hero and the heroine - but Tyndall weaved their stories together so well I in love with everyone before the last page…well, maybe not the bad guy, but I won’t spoil it for you! Truly, it was just enough to cause me to think, “Hmm, I wonder what her story, or his story is…” yet, not drawing away from Eliza and Blake. (Certainly, there is no one shallow on that ship!) Actually, it just makes me more intrigued what the next book in the series will hold for our characters! And last but not least, the spiritual theme of forgiveness shone through in every situation. There were some points where I couldn’t believe some characters would say “certain things”…yet they did, and it reminded me that no matter how clearly we (the readers) can see what they were doing was right and/or wrong, the seed of hatred can take others so far they can’t see anything else. Which challenges me to be a better person and less judgmental. I highly recommend this book, not just because it’s one of my favorite authors, but because within it you’ll sample the best of Mary Lu’s insight into people, culture and more importantly, the Lord God Himself.
I have read just about all of Mary Lu’s books, and just when I think she can’t write a more adventurous, heartbreaking, romantic story - she does! It would be easy to say this is a well written, suspenseful book with characters you’ll just fall in love with - but let me tell you why I think that. First of all, I had trouble putting this book down! There were no “low spots” in the story, every page had something exciting to tell. It held my attention 100% of the time! Secondly, the character development was superb. With a ship full of people, there were a lot more characters than just the hero and the heroine - but Tyndall weaved their stories together so well I in love with everyone before the last page…well, maybe not the bad guy, but I won’t spoil it for you! Truly, it was just enough to cause me to think, “Hmm, I wonder what her story, or his story is…” yet, not drawing away from Eliza and Blake. (Certainly, there is no one shallow on that ship!) Actually, it just makes me more intrigued what the next book in the series will hold for our characters! And last but not least, the spiritual theme of forgiveness shone through in every situation. There were some points where I couldn’t believe some characters would say “certain things”…yet they did, and it reminded me that no matter how clearly we (the readers) can see what they were doing was right and/or wrong, the seed of hatred can take others so far they can’t see anything else. Which challenges me to be a better person and less judgmental. I highly recommend this book, not just because it’s one of my favorite authors, but because within it you’ll sample the best of Mary Lu’s insight into people, culture and more importantly, the Lord God Himself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews