Monday, April 1, 2013

Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall--review and giveaway

MaryLu  Tyndall can't seem to write a bad book. Each new series  she pens brings fresh material and settings to life. And being a fanatic of all things Civil War, I thought I had read everything on the subject. Decidedly not so. Because this newest release explores a part of post-Civil War history I never knew.


This book kept me up into the wee hours on several occasions to see what would become of its wonderful cast of characters on their perilous journey. To say that Ms. Tyndall leaves you gripping the edge of your seat is an understatement. My recliner has claw marks in it, thanks to her superb, suspenseful writing and intriguing plot twists. And yet, Forsaken Dreams is not primarily a suspense, but a romance. And it is that romance that kept me reading to the very last page, longing and aching for the hero and the heroine to overcome the impossible odds against them and find their happily ever after.
I would give away my gently used copy but I am selfish. LOL  The copy I own has a personal note written to me from the author that means a great deal to me, so alas! I cannot offer this copy to anyone. But I do have a $10 Amazon gift card that will buy someone's very own copy. Just leave your comment with your email addy, and one lucky commenter will receive this terrific book in either kindle edition or paperback, winner's choice. 
If you sign up to follow this blog, that is an additional entry, and two more if you share on facebook and twitter. 



Eliza Crawford holds a secret that she prays the passengers of the New Hope never discover. An expedition to Brazil gives these displaced southerners a new chance at living the rest of their lives in peace after the bitter defeat of the Civil War. They seek a fresh start after the home they love is no longer a welcoming place, and dauntless Colonel Blake Wallace is just the man to lead them.


The war has left a toll on Blake--health, sanity, family, fortune, career. . . even his very life if they had captured and tried him as a southern war criminal. The last thing he wants is a reminder of all the North has taken from him. Smooth sailing to Brazil and the affection and care of a lovely nurse promise to heal him. Until everything is turned upside down.


Once again, the plot, characters, and rich writing of this author held me in their charms to the very last satisfied sigh. The spiritual elements create tension, sometimes spine tingling, and always ring true. Subplots and minor characters set up story questions for sequels, and make me want to know what becomes of them all. I am so glad I will not have to bid a permanent adieu to these heart-stealing people.



Giveaway ends Friday, April 5 8PM Eastern. Good luck!

39 comments:

  1. Would love to have the gift card. I am already signed up to receive your blogs. My email addy is bjgalloway37743@gmail.com
    Have a great day.

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    1. Thanks so much for the follow, BJ. Looks like you have two entries. Good luck!

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  2. would love to read this novel...thanks for the chance to receive a gift card.

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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    1. Hi Karen. Thanks for entering. Since you're a follower, you get two entries. Good luck on teh gift card. :D

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  3. How generous to give a gift card. I know how you feel about books...it's hard to give them up. I would love to read this. Thanks for the chance to win

    mitziUNDERSCOREwanhamATyahooDOTcom

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    1. hi, Marianne. So nice to have you visit. The signed books I can almost part with, but when there's a special note with it. .. ahhh. The story is a real treasure, too, and I wish you luck in winning this one!

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  4. Would love to win a gift card, I recently downloaded this book when it was free, but would love a paperback or another of MaryLu's books!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi, Patty! you're going to enjoy this read. Thanks for visiting today. Good luck on the gift card. :)

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  5. I would love to win this book! I read Veil of Pearls by MaryLu and really liked it.

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

    I'm also a follower!

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    1. hi, Marissa. Thanks for the follow. I have you down for two entries. Veil of Pearls was my favorite book last year. Stellar story, wasn't it?
      Good luck on this one!

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  6. Thanks for a chance to win. I love the Civil War era too.

    I am a follower.

    deamundy(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi, Deanna. Nice to see you here. I had never heard how certain southerners made a pilgrimage to South America. Fascinating history, and a fantastic cast of characters in this series. Can't wait for the next one to come out!
      Good luck, and I know you follow, so you get two entries.

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  7. Great review, Kathy! And I agree, MaryLu can't write a bad book! I loved this story. Just finished it this weekend. Don't include me in the drawing just stopped by to say hello!

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    1. hey, Debbie Lynne. Thanks for the visit. You read this fast!

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  8. I would love a chance to win this book. Thanks for having the giveaway. I also follow this blog by email.

    Rose
    harnessrose(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. hi, Rose. thanks for the follow and comment. You're going to love it when you get a chance to read this one. Good luck!

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  9. I would love to win both the book and the gift card but since I can't I will choose the book.
    Thanks for entering me in the giveaway.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. ha! I wish I could grant that wish for you, Janet, I know it would go to good use with the library. Thanks for entering here, and for being a follower. Two entries for you. :)

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  10. I understand you not wanting to give up your authographed copy! I wouldn't want to either. I love MaryLu's books and the gift card would be nice to use for one of her books. Thanks!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. hi Ruby. I am a sad and sorry curmudgeon. LOL But I loved this book so much, I wanted to share the love. Good luck on the giveaway. You'll love anything MaryLu writes.

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  11. I love to read MaryLu's blog. She is a fun person. I want really bad to win this book of hers. Just keep trying and may get lucky soon. Hoping so! This book of hers just sounds so good to me. And had never heard about so many people from the south going to Brazil. So, learned more history. Thanks for the chance to win the gift card so I can buy it. I am a follower. And, I also shared this on my Facebook page. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. hey, Maxie. Nice to see you today! MaryLu is a delight, isn't she? I hope this is your lucky entry. Thank you for sharing and following. You have three entries.

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  12. Oh, I KNOW how precious those personalized books are, Kathleen! So what a great idea to do a gift card instead. Would love to win this book via the gift card!

    beckydwriter (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. hey, Becky. Thanks for entering. Yeah, those notes make a great book precious. :D Good luck!

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  13. This book is on my wish list. I am looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the great review!
    may_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com
    I am a follower of your blog (different email address)

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    1. Thanks, Kay. I appreciate the follow. You have two entries.

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  14. Love the post...and thanks for the chance to get it myself. truckredford(at)gmail(dot)com

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  15. Thanks for the review and giveaway!

    seventysevensusieq[at]yahoo[dot]com

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    1. Thanks for entering, Suzie. Great to have you here.

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  16. Thanks for the drawing Kathleen, I would love to win a gift card so that I can purchase a copy of Forsaken Dreams. I also signed up to your website. Can't wait.

    Mary Duff
    missniceguy@hotmail.com

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    1. oh, thank you, Mary! That gives you two entries. So happy to have you here~

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  17. Since I'm from Northern New York, I look forward to reading this book! Lots of great history there!

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    1. hi, Linda! So nice to have you visit. I never got a chance to thank you for sending your book to me, so THANK YOU! twice! I am planning a big giveaway and review of it and Ruth Logan Herne's Christmas stories--possibly in July. (Christmas in July, right?) :)
      This book by Marylu is set en route to Brazil. Fascinating bit of history.

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  18. I would like the $10 Amazon gift card too! I am a Google Friend Connect friend [that's my little window up there with the little brown hearts hanging down] and receive your post notices on my e-mail.
    I can see why you wouldn't want to let go of your copy! Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall will certainly be a good read! Thank you for your offer and add me to the drawing, please. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    1. hi, half-Irish Kathleen! :D So nice to see you here today. Thank you for the follow. That means you get two entries. Best of luck to you on the giveaway. It really is a great book. :)

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  19. I've been wanting to read one of her books. Wouldn't it be wondrous to win it?

    godleyv [at]yahoo[dot]com

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    1. hey, Vera. Thanks for finding the post and leaving a comment. She is one of my absolute favorite writers. I know you'll love anything you read by her. Good luck!

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  20. And the winner is Vera Godley! Congratulations! Random.org selected your number. Thank you for entering and I will be emailing you shortly.

    Thank you everybody for stopping by this week!

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