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Elusive Hope |
Barbour Books (November 1, 2013)
Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****
ELUSIVE HOPE showcases a magnificent kaleidoscopic
portrayal of a misty and steaming jungle, teeming with dangerous animals and a
plethora of beastly bugs and irksome insects. The darker side of the jungle
contrasts deeply with the stark beauty of beautiful sweet-smelling blossoms and
orchids, and with lofty palms parading a rainbow of birds flitting about in the
above canopy. This incredible immersion into the Brazilian jungle is
experienced by the reader as this exciting adventure takes us deep into the
jungles of Brazil during the year of 1866, as the New Hope colonists all endeavor
to either create or discover the path to a new and happier life for themselves.
Slithering snakes, thick-bodied spiders, and hordes of
insects are just a few of the horrors the jungle offers to Magnolia Scott - a
spoiled belle of the South more used to summer balls and slaves catering to her
every need. Forced to come here by her overbearing parents after the Civil War,
Magnolia can only think of finding a way home again and comes to see the
handsome and considerably masculine Hayden Gale as a means to that end.
However, as she follows him into the oppressive jungle on her way to hopeful
freedom, she sees him as nothing other than as an obnoxious brutish toad! Likewise,
Hayden finds her equally annoying, spoilt and whiny, and unpredictable, but
cannot deny her alluring beauty and discovers along the way that there just may
be more to the pampered princess than what he originally thought. Could love
possibly triumph in their circumstances and shared deception?
While Hayden and Magnolia are trying to reach their goals,
some of the other colonists are discovering more than they bargained for as
well. A dark and heavy oppressiveness is felt by all on the island. Not helping
matters is the half-gone mad Mr Graves who has begun exploring underneath an ancient
temple, seeking to release the evil it’s rumored to contain. Wiley Dodd is on
a greedy quest for gold and is also making one of the colonists very nervous.
And Angeline and James are attracted to each other but will they ever be able
to reach beyond their past and the secrets it contains?
As demonstrated, this novel is as bursting with intrigue and
fascinating story-lines as the jungle is with life! Expect also to be swept up
in the romance that MaryLu writes with such a skilfully expressive and
passionate brush of the pen, that you’ll find yourself totally immersed in the
jungle along with these multi-dimensional characters. Waiting with great
anticipation for the next book in this series!!
* * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * *
GIVEAWAY: We are giving away two copies of Elusive Hope this week (e-book to international winner) and we're also giving away a beautiful spun glass schooner ornament to one follower that watches the above book trailer for Elusive Hope. Make sure to leave in your comment that you have watched it! DON'T FORGET YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, we can't contact you without it should you be the winner!
I haven't finished the book yet but I will. The trailer made me want to drop everything and pick the book up. joyofchrist777@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteIt's a great trailer isn't it JACKIE?! You'll have to rush the first in the series 'Forsaken Dreams' so that you can dive into this one, and trust me, it's even better than you can imagine! :)
DeleteWow, GREAT review Noela!! Love that video (happy to watch it), it soo captures the essence of the book and makes me want to read this EVEN MORE :) It's also SUPER cool that Teresa endorsed it, love it :) The mirror is very interesting and would love to see what happens with it.
ReplyDeleteOne question, tho.....Noela, without giving any spoilers, is there descriptions of the spiders and insects throughout the story or just minor mentions? The story sounds so amazing, but I never considered that part of the adventure :) Please enter me and thanks so much for this giveaway, ornament and all, lovely!
Hugs to you Noela and my OWG sisters....and a special hug to MaryLu :)
Love to you ladies, Kara
Wman4JCatAOLdotcom
Thanks KARA, great to have you pop in and hugs back to you!! Yep it is very cool and we are all so happy for TERESA that one of her quotes was used as an endorsement for this amazing book, and author!
DeleteIn answer to your question, there are some descriptions of some of the creepy crawlies but nothing that will cause you to lose any sleep, and you take that as from someone with arachnophobia! Then again, it may be that you enjoy reading about them! ;) As you rightly surmise, this story is truly amazing, jungle spiders and all!!
Oh I am glad I followed the link I thought I was going to amazon. I Loved the first book and really want to read the second. I can only really read on kindle at present and would love to go in the drawing for the ebook. I need to know what happens next. Please enter me ausjenny at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteHey JENNY, it's nice to see you here on OWG. It's good to make mistakes sometimes obviously, lol. All the best with your entry Jenny, it's a story that's well worth following on with!
DeleteNOELA what an amazing review...great job!! This book is already on my list of top reads for 2013, It's going to be hard waiting on the next one to find out what happens! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks TERESA - Just shows you how good this book is, it's on my Top Reads list for 2013 also!! :)
DeleteGreat review! I've seen this trailer several times and the book is awesome! Please put me in the drawing for the ornament. debsbunch5(at)jesusanswers(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThank you DEBBIE and I believe you are now in the drawing! :) In agreement with you that this story is AWESOME! :)
DeleteI'm totally looking forward to reading this series! I have book one, but haven't read it yet...
ReplyDeletepattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi PATTY... something to look forward to, it's a journey you'll not soon forget!
DeletePatty if you come back, let us know if you watched the video so that you can be in the draw for the ornament!
It looks like a very interesting book....interested to see what happens! I actually saw the trailer some time ago. I believe Caleb Rexius made this one, and he always does such a nice job. Can't wait to see who the winner is!
ReplyDeleteemreilly303(At)gmail(d0t)com
It's a fascinating story EMMA, I know you'll love it! The video is very well done isn't it... I love watching trailer's for books! Thanks for dropping in Emma. :)
DeleteWow, what an amazing book trailer! I love Marylu's books. This one looks wonderful. godsreadergirl@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteBROOKE I was very impressed when I saw it the first time....I also was very humbled that MaryLu asked me to endorse it!! Thanks for stopping by, NOELA is in Australia so hopefully she is asleep right now!
DeleteOh my - I just watched the trailer - makes me want to run out & buy the book but I guess I will just wait to see if I win a copy :)
ReplyDeleteStimmer@familylife.com
LOL!! SHARON I just wish you had a little enthusiasm for that trailer!! :-) I'm teasing!! I felt the same way and I had already READ the book!!! Good luck in the contest!!
DeleteIt looks so interesting and as the reviewer said, "gripping"...would love to read it and review it!
ReplyDeleteinfo@melonyteague.com
Holding thumbs!
~grinning~ That reviewer would be me MELONY!! I sure hope you get to read it because there are so many things in it that kept me on the edge of my seat!! Thanks for stopping by!!
DeleteMELONY, congrats! Per random.org, you are our winner of one of ML's books! Will email you!
DeleteHi Ladies!! Hi Noela! Thank you for such an incredible review!!!!! I really appreciate it. :-) And thank all of you ladies for taking time in this busy season to drop by and watch the trailer. Yes, Emma, Caleb Rexius made it.. he's fabulous. He really captured the essence of the story. I think the visions the colonists see are far more creepy than the spiders and snakes!! Loved writing these two characters... the spoiled Southern Belle and the rugged con-man. What could possibly go wrong??? I thank the ladies here at OWT for having me!! Hugs to all.. and a very Merry Christmas!!!
ReplyDeleteHELLO CAP'N!! So good to see ya on here!! Our sweet Aussie is in dreamland but she'll be back in a while and I know she will be tickled to see you dropped by!! Thank you for this outstanding story, you had me hook, line and sinker from the very first page of not only this one but any of your books I have ever read! ~Hugs to ya~
DeleteThanks so much, Teresa! for your awesome endorsement and review too!!! I do pray that Noela is having a great night's sleep. LOL. Thanks for hosting me here.. and hugs back at you!!! So glad you're on me crew! ;-)
DeleteHi MARYLU, great to see ya!! I slept well enough but would've rather have been here - lousy time differences, lol!! Next time you have a ship sailin' this way Cap'n, pick me up and take me over to the US, I'll even scrub the decks! ;)
DeleteI LOVED the concept of the spoiled southern belle and the rugged con-man having to trek through the jungle alone together, and the chemistry between those two was palpable!! And yep, the visions would have been pretty scary, but as an arachnophobic, those spiders creeped me out way more, lol!! Thanks for such an amazing book!!! Hugs and a Merry Christmas!!
wow!! great review and trailer!! I really love mystery/suspense and MaryLu never fails to disappoint! Can't wait to read Elusive Hope..so guess I had better get busy reading the first one :D (and I would LOVE a glass schooner ornament..) :)
ReplyDeleteRUTH thanks for dropping by and sharing the exact way I feel about MaryLu's books! YES...better grab Forsaken Dreams and get it read because you never know you could be a winner on here this week! :-)
DeleteWatched the trailer; now to read the book. The trailer causes one to find it hard not to do so. Thank you for the contest.
ReplyDeleteGpk1946@gmail.com
PHYLLIS that trailer really does "grab" you doesn't it? If you aren't one of the lucky winners maybe you can put it on your Christmas list or do like I do to make sure I get it; I buy and tell my hubby THANKS!! hehehe
DeleteI watched the trailer and it was excellent! I have the first book on my Kindle but haven't had a chance to start it yet. I think it just got moved up in my TBR list!! I would love a chance to win Elusive Hope! It sounds like a great read based on your review! kosterbind (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteKELLY good girl moving FORSAKEN DREAMS up to the top of that TBR list!! I know you will love it!!
DeleteI have watched the trailer. This book is at the top of my want list. Thank you for the opportunity to win this great book. Have a wonderful Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to leave my email
Deletewwchildren at gmail dot com
WILANI thanks for dropping by, hopefully you'll get to read it soon or maybe be one of our winners!!! :-)
DeleteI watched the book trailer. Looks like a good book. Angelachesnut246@gmail.com name is Angela
ReplyDeleteGreat ANGELA, and you're spot on, it is really good book!! :)
DeleteI watched the trailer awhile ago, I think live action ones are the best.
ReplyDeleteI agree about the live action ones MELISSA, and they often, like this one, make me wish there'd be a movie made about the story. Wouldn't that be fantastic?!!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to read Elusive Hope soon SAVANNA, because it really is every bit as intriguing as the video indicates! All the best with your entry!!
DeleteOh man I can't wait to read this book!! MaryLu, Forsaken Dreams was so very good and I can't wait to get my hands on Elusive Hope. I watched the video and I'm all the more excited now!! Have a blessed holiday season.
ReplyDeleteKristie
kristie@connectionlifechurch.org
Thanks for stopping by KRISTIE! MaryLu would have really appreciated your kind words and she has written a group message for everyone below. Have a wonderful Christmas season also!
DeleteWow! Great video! Now I'm even more excited to read Elusive Hope! I've been eagerly anticipating it ever since I read Forsaken Dreams when it first came out. :)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your review, by the way. The wording makes it so much more interesting than most I've read and I enjoyed finding more about what the book is about.
My email is booklover1492[at]rocketmail[dot]com
Thanks!
~Sarah
SARAH, thank you SO much for your kind and encouraging words!! That was my aim in writing the review, so it's a blessing that it did that for you! And yes, what a fabulous video it was too!!! I really hope you get to read this amazing book soon Sarah! God bless!
DeleteNOELA, a fantabulous review, my dear friend! MaryLu's writing and descriptive imagery just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it? She is truly the BoMb at storytelling!
ReplyDeleteDear DIANA, I could not agree more!!! MaryLu's stories are something that grabs you with a force and keeps you entertained non-stop throughout! You know I love my words lol, so I really appreciate the visual imagery that's so generous in Elusive Hope!!
DeleteHave read and loved all of MaryLu's books, so I am really forward to this one as well! rmaney@firstarpchurch.org
ReplyDeleteThat's great REBECCA! You'll enjoy this one just as much, hope you get to read it soon! Blessings to you!
DeleteI would love to win a paperback copy of this book, Julie Lessman said it is so good ! As always love your reviews Noela and I cannot wait to see what books you choose this coming new year !
ReplyDeleteLinda Finn
Faithful Acres Books
http://www.faithfulacresbooks.com
faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com
Hi LINDA, do you know it was through Julie Lessman that I was first introduced to MARYLU?! What a great promoter she is of Christian fiction... there have been others she has introduced me to as well! :)
DeleteThank you also LINDA for your kind words, and believe me when I say there are some beauties coming our way next year!! ;) Hugs!
Noela - what a wonderfully, descriptive, review! Watching the trailer, & reading your review - certainly makes me want to read Elusive Hope! What a story of adventure, & suspense - to say nothing of the romance!
ReplyDeleteSUCH an exciting book, MaryLu - thanks for the giveaway opportunities!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you so much BONNIE, I'm so blessed to hear that the review helped to also whet your desire to read Elusive Hope! Adventure, suspense, and romance - 3 perfect words to describe MaryLu's books, Bonnie!! I sure hope you get to read it soon, I know you will LOVE it!! :)
DeleteForgot to mention that I DID watch the trailer - had seen it previously, also!
Deletebonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
OWG
What an exciting trailer! It certainly drew me in. Now to get my hands on the first book in the series so that I can read this one! koho143(at)hotmail(dot).com
ReplyDeleteYes HEATHER, get your hands on that first book 'Forsaken Dreams' asap, lol! It's also an incredible story and is the perfect backdrop to this amazing story!!
DeleteTotally loved the trailer. I usually try to avoid them so I can view the characters myself as I read. This was very well done and made it a must read for me. Sounds like an amazing book. ewe_r_merritt(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI can understand what you mean R MERR about the trailer - in that I'd prefer to read a book before I see the movie, although I found with this trailer, I still put my own images into the story lol. After watching this trailer both before and after the book, I had to laugh at how different the characters were in my head! But you're right, this is an excellently done review and makes it a must-read for everyone who views it!! :)
DeleteI've heard great things about her books- looking forward to reading them! Please enter me in the book giveaway!
ReplyDeletecolorvibrant at gmail dot com
Hello HEIDI, yes this is one author that her all her books are a must-read!!! Everyone here on OWG loves and HIGHLY recommends MaryLu's books! You're entered Heidi!! Did you get to watch the video?
DeleteWow.. thanks so much to everyone for your great comments!!! I'm blown away and wish I could answer everyone individually!!! Bless you, Noela for keeping up with everyone. Thanks to my regular readers!! Sending love and hugs! And blessings to those who haven't heard of me yet. I hope you enjoy my work. It's not your normal Historical Romance fare, but I'm pretty sure it will keep you riveted. Besides that, my prayer is that the stories bring you closer to God... cause He is the source of every story and every adventure!
ReplyDeleteLove and Hugs to the wonderful ladies who run this blog!!! Good friends all!!
They're great comments aren't they?!! I love all the lovely and encouraging people that come along to visit and to enter the competition. Very special people!!
DeleteI'm still 'waking' up, and yawning as I'm typing lol, but this is a great way to begin the day! I love what your books bring MaryLu... I know when I pick up one of your books, I'm going to get encouraged and inspired in my walk with the Lord, and I really appreciate gaining that along with an entertaining story. And the romance that you write should never be diminished... It's romance writing like yours that makes me smile and sigh and kiss my husband more! ;) LOTS of love and hugs to you too MaryLu! x
Wow, thanks for a great review and trailer! I love MaryLu's books and can't wait to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to all!
jacsmi75 [at] gmail [dot] com
Hi JACKIE, thanks and I know you'll love this one just as much as her others!! A very MERRY Christmas to you too!!!
DeleteGreat review and a fabulous trailer! I have the book, and have already read it, and the trailer still got my attention!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to all you wonderful ladies at OWG.
Betti
bettimace at gmail dot com.
Hi BETTI, thanks for coming by to read the review and see the trailer again! I agree, watching the trailer over and over is compelling viewing, and it makes me want to read Elusive Hope AGAIN!! :)
DeleteMerry Christmas to you too BETTI, may you have a very blessed Christmas season!
What a fantastic review, Noela! Reading your review and then watching the trailer certainly made me wish for a copy in my hand! I look forward to reading this amazing series!
ReplyDeletetexaggs2000 at gmail dot com
Thank you so much BRITNEY, bless you! I really hope you get one in your hand as well!! This truly is an amazing series!! Blessings to you!
DeleteWhat a fantastic review, Noela! Reading your review and then watching the trailer certainly made me wish for a copy in my hand! I look forward to reading this amazing series!
ReplyDeletetexaggs2000 at gmail dot com
^^ See above! :)
DeleteNoela, I watched the trailer and loved it. It portrays the story line so well.!
ReplyDeleteI already have a copy of the book which I am in process of reading. Love it so far. I would love to be in running for the ornament if I can. Thank you
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com
It's an awesome story isn't it JACKIE?!! Glad you came by - and you are in the running for the ornament! Many blessings to you Jackie!
DeleteI read the first book in this series and LOVED it. I'd love to be the recipient of this book. Please enter my name in the drawing.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com
There is no doubt that you'll love this one just as much too CINDI!! :) You are in the drawing my friend!
DeleteI just finished book one and cannot wait to start this one! Thanks to Karen Martin for introducing me to this wonderful author. Exciting trailer!
ReplyDeleteToyouohlord@aol.com
It's a real treat to read one of MaryLu's books isn't it DORI?! And now you have a chance to dive straight back into another one, what a blessing!! :) Your friend Karen Martin has great taste btw! ;)
DeleteAbsolutely!! Karen have me the book as part of a baby shower gift. She really does have great taste!
DeleteWOW! I wanted to read this before because the cover is very intriguing but now that I watch the trailer WOW! I REALLY need to know what happens! LOL! :D I love the music that's with it. It picked up the excitement of the descriptions nicely. :)
ReplyDeleteAmada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a)
amada_chavez{AT}yahoo{DOT}com
Glad you enjoyed the trailer so much AMADA!! You're going to have to get reading this book quickly I think to satisfy your curiosity! :) Bless you!!
DeleteLOL! :D And my curiosity is even worse than I expressed because MaryLu is one of my favorite authors!!! :) She's SO good and I can only imagine what she's come up with for twists and turns!!! ;) Thank you for your great review! I love your expressive way of writing! It made my skin crawl when I got to the snakes and insects! :D
DeleteHugs, Amada
Haha it made my skin crawl just WRITING about the snakes and insects AMADA, lol!! And then there's the creepy dark spiritual aspect to the book that's also among the pages... There's much to keep you on the edge of your seat for sure!!
DeleteYou're right about MARYLU making a book even more desperate to read simply by being such an amazing author. I agree wholeheartedly with that! :) Thank you also for your kind and encouraging words Amada, very sweet of you! Hugs back to you!
The trailer told me that I need to hurry & catch up.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Yep, that's exactly what it said MARY, lol!! You'll love 'em both!! :)
DeleteSounds like a fascinating read! I have the 1st book in the series in my TBR pile and hope to get to it soon! I've read several of MaryLu's other books and absolutely loved them!
ReplyDeleteThe trailer looked fantastic! Definitely one of the best (and most intriguing) book trailers I've ever seen! :)
aeputney [at] liberty [dot] edu
It sure is AMY!! Forsaken Dreams, the 1st in this series, must be burning a hole in your TBR pile Amy because it is fantastic!!! And definitely worth reading before Elusive Hope, which is just as fabulous of course! I'm sure MaryLu an the creator of the trailer must be so happy hearing all these very positive comments about the video! :)
DeleteI would like to win a print copy! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
ReplyDeleteOkay KATHLEEN, you're in the draw for this great book!! :)
DeleteI have previously seen the book trailer and watched it here too. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
ReplyDeleteAnd also for the lovely ornament!! Thanks for coming by to check it out! Blessings!
DeleteI'm currently reading the first book (had to stop because of finals coming up), but all of Mrs. Tyndall's books are wonderful. I loved the video, especially the music --it definitely felt like trailer! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeletejafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu
Good on you LADY DRAGONKEEPER for your self-control and dedication to your studies! Hope they all go really well, and you'll be able to reward yourself afterwards with finishing the first book and then reading the next one!! I made my hubby watch the trailer and he really liked the music that went along with the video also. :) All the best with your entry!
DeleteWOW, great trailer. My curiosity is seriously peeked about this book. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteMy bookclub hasn't read a book by Mary Lu, this may be the one. Can't wait to see.
RedeemedReaders@bellsouth.net
SHERYL, I imagine there would be heaps to discuss with this book in your bookclub!! It really is a great story so I hope you get to read it! 'Redeemed readers' - I like that! :)
DeleteMary Lu is one of my top five favorite authors! The trailer is intriguing and I'd love to win a copy of Elusive Hope! Thank you for the opportunity!
ReplyDeletekaren@fallotfam.com
Me too KAREN, you have great taste! ;) All the best in the competition Karen!
DeleteHow positively thrilling! Mary Lu is an amazing author!! Thank you for sharing with us. I enjoyed watching the trailer..:)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Juli
emeraldelena@hotmail.com
Yes she certainly is JULIANNA! We're thrilled to share with you about one of favorite people and her amazing new book! Big blessings back to you!! :)
DeleteI watched! how lovely and the music is a wonderful touch! Merry Christmas! Rhonda
ReplyDeleterhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net
Glad to hear you enjoyed it RHONDA! A very Merry Christmas to YOU too!!!
DeleteI watched the video and it makes it look very intriguing. Hope I win. The readmaster@me.com
ReplyDeleteGreat review Noela. I love visiting maryLu's blog. Always interesting. I would love to win. I can see that schooner on my tree. I think it would look good, don't you? Of course I'm a follower of this OWG group of gals. Love them all. Please put me in the drawing. Thanks and GOD bless! MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com
ReplyDelete