ELUSIVE HOPE: by MaryLu Tyndall 5.2.14

Author:  MaryLu Tyndall
Publisher: Barbour Books Published: Nov 1st 2013 Pages: PB 319 Kindle 322 click to purchase Character Sketches: MaryLu Tyndall's blog Synopsis:

After years of all but selling his soul to track down his scoundrel of a father, Hayden Gale discovers his search must continue in South America, where his father is reported to be helping colonize Brazil. Hayden has nothing more to lose, certainly not a good reputation, and vows to keep pursuing--at any cost--the vile man who he believes killed his mother.

Magnolia is seeking a way out. Desperately.
She's in the jungles of Brazil against her will, but what choice does Magnolia Scott have? Her father insisted on uprooting their family to escape the uncertainty of Southern life after the Civil War. But how will she survive without all she holds dear--wealthy suitors, beautiful clothes, summer balls, and slaves waiting on her every whim? She vows to find a way to get back home--and attaches herself to handsome Hayden Gale.

As they journey toward Rio de Janeiro, they each seek to use the other for their own purposes. Deceptively. Falling in love was never part of their plans....  - Goodreads

* My Thoughts? "Perhaps life behind the gilded doors of the pampered elite wasn't as merry as they pretended..." - Hayden Gale

MaryLu Tyndall's book 2 of ESCAPE TO PARADISE series
ELUSIVE HOPE has enchanted me all this week. 

I returned to Brazil in this 2nd novel of MaryLu Tyndall's Escape to Paradise series, finding the beginnings of the disillusioned Americans' anticipated Utopia underway. Construction, fields, community and... controversy. Tyndall paints a clear picture of life in the exotic jungles of Brazil, creating their dreamed of utopian home, New Hope, in the midst of oppressive forces within and without the camp. Encompassing relational struggles for love and greed - surprise appearances of human and otherworld apparitions - there was a lot of action and intrigue, keeping my attention to the end. 

Hayden Gale and Magnolia Scott's rocky relationship heats up on the unexpected jungle trek, after Magnolia trails him too far to return to New Hope. But is dashed on those rocks when their deceptions of each other are revealed after a night on the town. 

Dodging the consequences of her own actions, Magnolia escapes down an alley, taking refuge in a church. Here she is confronted by an ancient woman who not only startles her, she speaks to Magnolia's vanity. "Here and henceforth..your reflection will reveal the true beauty of your heart, the way you appear to those who inhabit eternity. Take care to adorn yourself with jewels that last forever." What will this look like in Magnolia's life? It doesn't take long for her to find out..

Alternating with Hayden and Magnolia's stories is life at New Hope. Conflicts amongst community members intent on personal gain [and willing to kill for it] are those with eyes future focused,  hoping to keep their pasts covered. All serve to keep tensions high and emotions engaged! 

Gorgeous depictions of scenic beauty - plantlife, birds, waterfalls -  lush with colour and sensation that had me present and wanting to recreate the beauty.  My WIP, an ELUSIVE HOPE  pinterest board is the result!

The spiritual undercurrent of advancing evil is well drawn, leaving this reader entirely suspended at the book's close. Nothing will do but to now await that final release of book 3! *

to be published July 1st 2014 

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* Appreciation to Barbour Books for providing an ecopy for reading and review without obligation. *

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Brazil travelled for GiraffeDays Challenge

Review: Forsaken Dreams -author MaryLu Tyndall

Victoria Day.
Beginning the book as rain is furiously slashing and wind howling at my windows and what do I read? 
"The eerie whistle of wind through rigging tore at Eliza's remaining courage..." A book that provides sound effects?!
Definitely perfect timing for this read! 

Forsaken Dreams [Book 1 of Escape to Paradise]
by MaryLu Tyndall
published by Barbour Books 2013

"...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?"

~~~~~~~~

Based on the true aftermath of the American Civil War

when thousands fled their homeland hoping to find new futures and peace.

A book that kept my interest and connection with believable and varied characters in their struggles throughout a high seas journey to their expected utopia. Plenty of relational interaction between personalities, races and classes heated things up in the confined space onboard the ship. 

Ms Tyndall deftly handles characters and situations, building and releasing tension; pacing and timing the action to ebb and flow for a great reading experience.

Unjust actions of the passengers toward Eliza raised my ire, though I could well imagine the heightened responses of people who've been defeated by war. I was watching for mercy and relieved when it was evidenced. My emotions were definitely engaged in the story and its people. I was as relieved as the passengers when they arrived in Rio to find welcome, beauty and provision. 

Dark spiritual resistance to their efforts on land and sea was an unusual addition to the plot. Foundations have been well laid for further inclusion as we find Graves continuing with the band of refugees into the jungle at the book's conclusion and many secrets yet undisclosed.

The romance was delightfully inspired from its early introduction. I could well imagine the interest and longing as described between Blake and Eliza and was ready for some reprieve as love and forgiveness were severely and repeatedly contested. I longed for its resolution and MaryLu didn't disappoint with her excellent conclusion.







Thank you to Barbour Books for providing a copy to read and review without obligation.

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