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14 March 2013

Teresa Mathews Reviews Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall

Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall
Barbour Publishing  

Reviewed by Teresa Mathews

5 Stars*****


Come Along to 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. 

You can purchase this and other MaryLu's books at Amazon, CBD,
BAM and other stores.

Thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion.


Giveaway:  Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of MaryLu's book this week!  

Question--are you a Goodreads member and if so give us your link for an extra entry count!

PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO WE CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU ARE OUR WINNER! 

64 comments:

  1. No need to enter me in the contest. Just wanted to stop by and read your review. Great job! Forsaken Dreams is a wonderful adventure, as are all of MaryLu's books. God bless.

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    1. CHAPLAINDEBBIE thanks for coming by. Yes the Cap'ns book are a wonderful adventure! :)

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  2. Absolutely WONDERFUL review dear TERESA, of an incredible story!!! It's always such an exciting journey and adventure when reading one of MaryLu's books - I hope everyone will pick this one up to read!!

    Yes I am with Goodreads, have you seen me on there? I'm trying to get back in the habit of going there more often to keep up to date!

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    1. NOELA thank you and I agree 100% when reading one of MaryLu's book it's like you are right there in the middle of everything. She knows just how to pull you in and keep you there right up until the end! SOOO GOOD!

      I'm on GoodReads too but still haven't figured out everything on there. :)

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  3. This sounds like a great story!! I've never heard of Southerners going to Brazil either.

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. MARISSA thanks for coming by. I loved that not only was this an intriguing and exciting story I learned something new from it too. :)

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  4. Thanks for the review Teresa. Good one! Yes, I'm a member on Goodreads, but i only know about having my name on there. But shows me as a member, Maxie Anderson. I sure hope I can win MaryLu's book. I had never heard in my many years about the many thousands of people from the South going to Brazil. Surely I would remember that. Please put me in for two chances. OWG
    Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. MAXIE thanks for coming by and I hope you get a chance to read this wonderful book by MaryLu it's amazing! As I said in the review I learned something new when I read about all the Southerners leaving for Brazil. When you pick up one of MaryLu's book you are always in for a great adventure. :) As for GoodReads I'm still learning too. :)

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  5. Great review--I also, did not know about ppl going to Brazil. And I am on Goodreads too, so please throw my name in the pot twice, as well. thanks everyone, both reviewers & authors for giving us the opportunity to win such great Christian books!
    Vicki OWG
    Vmarney(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. You're welcome, VICKI! Throwing your name in the hat -- TWICE! lol

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  6. Excellent review, TERESA. Can't wait to read this one. I didn't realize so many southerners left after the war, either!

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    1. Here's my Goodreads link - http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5252799-anne

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    2. Hubby was born in the South and never knew it either, ANNE. He said he has always been interested in Brazil for some reason, though! Maybe he has some ancestors there. ;)

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  7. Wonderful review, TERESA, of a wonderful book! Hope everyone that doesn't win it here will order it.

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  8. Sounds like a wonderful book! I'd love to win it.

    amberthereader@juno.com

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  9. I love MaryLu's books and your review just whetted my appetite for this new one! Great review and thanks for the giveaway!

    sherrinda (at) gmail (dot) com

    www.goodreads.com/sherrinda

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    1. TERESA did a jam up job on this review, I agree, SHERRINDA! Put this one at the top of your wishlist!!

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  10. Hi Teresa!!! Wow!! As usual.. your reviews always bring tears to my eyes.. (And Diana's too) Thank you so much for your well-written, thoughtful words!!!!!!!!. I, too, found this piece of lost history fascinating!! And believe me, these characters are in for a lot more adventure when they settle in the Brazilian jungles!! They thought the ship voyage was wild... just wait till they see what I have in store for them on land. Mwaaaaaa...

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    1. Cap'n MARYLU I know I didn't detect a devious laugh there!! lol I can't wait to see what's in store, I have never been disappointed in one of your books that's for sure!! :)
      You have an amazing God given talent for writing.

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    2. I can't wait for the Brazilian jungles...love that setting! My hubs is fascinated with Brazil - wouldn't it be amazing if he read one of your books, MaryLu? Trust me that's saying a mouthful for a man who only reads articles on politics! lol

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  11. Looks great...can't wait to read it!!


    truckredford (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. I can't wait for you to read it, ELIZA! Thanks for stopping by OWG!

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  12. I so want this book and only wish I could buy it! It looks so amazing and I love Marylu's books! I keep seeing all these great reviews on it and it makes me want it more! :) I can't wait to learn more about this history. I didn't realize Southerners left the country after the war and went to Brazil! Wow!

    I'm a member of Goodreads, my URL: www.goodreads.com/bgibson

    brpchristiangirl@charter.net

    Bianca Gibson

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    1. I so hope you get a chance to read this, BIANCA! Maybe a win here?! Isn't that such an interesting historical tidbit?

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  13. Ahoy Teresa , just wanted to stop by & say great review of Forsaken Dreams. This was a very good read. Can't wait for the next book. My Blessing to you :)

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    1. HMMM...ELIZABETH must know TERESA is a pirate lover (the ahoy gave it away.) lol Thank you for sharing your support of MaryLu's book and yes, TERESA did a great job on this review, as always!

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  14. I would love to win and read "Forsaken Dreams". I am so in love with this cover and the story line :D Yes, I am a member of goodreads. Here is the link to my profile:

    http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7654399-heather

    winterrose (at) comcast (dot) net

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    1. Ahhh, so you are Winterrose, LOUISE! I mentioned to you on a previous post how pretty I thought that was, but I didn't realize it was your email. The content is even better than the cover if that's possible! Lots of luck!

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  15. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of MaryLu's new book! I love using goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5773715-karen-fallot

    God bless,
    Karen

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    1. KAREN, you're so welcome! I signed up for Goodreads and it seemed so busy I didn't have time to figure out how to do anything! :(

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  16. Sound like a good book. Thanks for a chance to win. I am a member of goodreads.

    http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/10848565-sarah

    superstarsarah94(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. It's an awesome book, SARAH! Hope you get a copy in your hands ASAP!

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  17. SORRY I WAS OFF HERE FOR A LITTLE WHILE, I HAVE BEEN SICK FOR ALMOST 3 WEEKS FINALLY WENT TO THE DOCTOR THIS MORNING. THANK YOU DIANA FOR WATCHING OUT FOR ME WHILE I WAS GONE!! :)

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    1. My pleasure, sweet T! Now just get better! <3

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    2. Theresa... so sorry you've been sick!!! I hope it's nothing serious.. praying right now for your health!!

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    3. Of course I spelled your name wrong. ugggg.. sorry

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    4. Cap'n I'm the silly person that spells both names "wrong" Teresa with no "H" and Mathews with only one "T". lol

      I have bronchitis and sinusitis, I got two shots and an rx for an antibiotic and something for the cough. After all that I should be better in a few days. Thanks for the prayers sure can use them. :)

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    5. Oh no!! Sounds horrible. Well, at least you're on the mend... praying those antibiotics kick in soon! :-)

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  18. One thing I like about MaryLu's writing is she manages to write 'out of the box'. Her characters are so interesting, such as in her pirate books. Forsaken Dreams is post-Civil War, which we don't see a lot of in Christian fiction which is flooded with westerns and Amish novels. And to bring to readers the fact that southerners left the south to start a new life in Brazil is a fabulous premise and setting.
    I am reading Forsaken Dreams now. I'm enjoying it so much. And what about that cover? Wow!

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    1. RITA the past month was some wonderful reading for me. Beyond the Valley and Forsaken Dreams, both are going on my 2013 Reading List. :) Thank you ladies!!

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  19. TERESA, I am such a goof--just today I realized my copy of ML's book HAD arrived!!! I found it tucked in my bookcase and I shook my head (hard lol!) at myself! It is a gorgeous cover. You really have me wanting to read it and I will--as soon as I am past my deadline! Hugs all around!

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    1. CARRIE you have had a lot of things on your plate lately so I'm not surprised you forgot. Now that you have found it and you have some free time after working on that project you'll be able to fully enjoy it and enjoy it you will!! :)

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  20. This book (again) has all the elements to a great read!

    missionwife@hotmail.com

    http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/10689806

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    1. MELODY you are so right! Thanks for stopping by and giving us your Good Reads address! :)

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  21. I post reviews at goodreads ~ http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6047227-kathleen-e
    would love to win this and read Eliza's story!
    Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House

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    1. oops, got so excited to enter, I forgot to leave my contact info lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    2. KATHLEEN I know you will love this one, and thanks for leaving your Good Reads info, so you will get TWO counts in the drawing, :)

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  22. The cover of this book catches my attention every time I see it somewhere. Just stunning.

    Please enter me in the contest to win a copy of Forsaken Dreams

    I am also a goodreads member - here's the link...
    http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/11128724-cindi

    My email addy is cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. CINDI I agree 1000% about the cover being STUNNING!!! Inside is just as good as the outside too! Thanks for leaving your Good Reads info.Good luck in the drawing! :)

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  23. Thanks everyone for your interest in winning my book! I have to agree that my publisher outdid themselves on the cover!!! When I first got a glimpse, I squealed in delight!! Plus it has a sort of romantic, mystical feel I was hoping for. I wish you could all win and read it! It's not your typical Christian fiction.. that's for sure. :-)

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    1. EVERYONE even if you don't win a copy on here PLEASE PLEASE grab a copy...it will be well worth your money. :)

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  24. Good review - wanting to read the book. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the book.

    bonnieroof60@yahoo.com

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    1. BONNIE thanks so much, it was easy to write a review for this book, when you have an exciting book you want to share that in your review. :) Thanks for stopping by!

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  25. This book sounds so interesting! I've seen it around the blogosphere quite a few times and can't wait to read it! I am on Goodreads also...

    http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4656200-patty

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. PATTY thanks for stopping by and sharing your Good Reads info. Good luck in the drawing. :)

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  26. oops left it at wrong post
    yes, I'm goodread account

    http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1765146-abi

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    1. APPLE BLOSSOM Thanks! We have you for two counts! :)

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  27. I am a Good Reads Member. I would love to win a copy of MaryLu's book, "Forsaken Dreams". We have her books in the Church Library.
    Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. JANET that's wonderful you have MARYLU's books in the Church Library. Thanks for coming by.

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  28. I am not on Goodreads, but I would love to win a copy of MaryLu's book. Thanks for the give away.

    chellb[dot]chellb[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. ANONYMOUS thanks for coming by, good luck in the drawing! :)

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  29. I'm on Goodreads, but don't know how to provide a link? I'd love to win! shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Great to see you here, VERONICA! The luck of the Irish to you in the drawing! :)

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