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05 December 2013

Teresa Mathews Reviews Elusive Hope by MaryLu Tyndall

Elusive Hope by MaryLu Tyndall
Barbour Publishing

Reviewed by Teresa Mathews
5 Stars*****

Ms. Tyndall Takes Us To a Whole New Level

Once again master storyteller MaryLu Tyndall guides us back in time to the lush colorful jungle of Brazil in the year 1866. There we meet up with the war-worn Southerners who are trying to make a new life for themselves in this humid land that’s not quite the Utopia they had thought it would be. Some are doing better than others adjusting, some are being drawn to the beauty that reminds them of home. Others are being lured into a vile evilness that seems to be in the very air that surrounds this group of people, no one seems to be exempt from it.

Magnolia Scott, beautiful daughter of a plantation owner from Georgia, is one that hasn’t adjusted very well. Magnolia longs to be back in Georgia married to her fiancĂ© in a huge house filled with servants, she won’t give up until she finds a way to make this happen. When Magnolia hears that Hayden Gale is heading to Rio, she begs him to let her come along; Hayden thinks the poor girl has lost her mind. There is no way this spoiled woman could survive the grueling five day trek through the jungle to Rio de Janeiro. Despite Hayden telling her no, Magnolia follows him too far into the jungle for him to turn her away. Will they survive this trip, what perils will befall them in the jungle? What of the warning they receive in Rio telling them to beware of the evil that is coming?

Harmen Graves, the son of a senator, is another one that seems to be driven by a totally different hunger than the others that came on this journey. There is something dark and sinister locked away deep in the jungle that is reaching out to claim his very soul, will he be able to overcome it or will he unleash this ancient terror on every person in this new colony?

I have read a lot of outstanding books by Ms. Tyndall but this one is by far the most gripping. Not only does she seem to pick you up and set you down right in the middle of that lush jungle with her magnificent descriptions; she has you holding your breath while frantically turning pages to see what is coming next. Ms. Tyndall has taken this book to another level by adding a deeper spiritual theme than her other ones. I personally love that she decided to delve into what goes on in the spirit world; the continuous war over our very souls. Bravo Ms. Tyndall for taking that tremendous leap of faith! I can’t wait for the next installment of this thrilling series. 

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


You can find this amazing story at AmazonCBDBarnes and Noble and other bookstores.




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.  Be sure and watch until the end, you just might see a comment from "someone" you know! :-) Make sure to tell us 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!


46 comments:

  1. What a GREAT review, Teresa! Love MaryLu's books, but your comments only make me want this book MORE :) Never get tired of watching that book trailer, LOVE it! Thanks so much for the giveaway, blessings Teresa! Hugs to my OWG sisters and also to MaryLu, you are each a blessing to me :)
    Kara
    Wman4JCatAOLdotCOM

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    1. Hi KARA glad you loved the book trailer, it was amazing! Thanks for coming by OWG and making my day! Love you too and I'm sending you a ((Big Hug)) your way!!

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  2. I love your fantastic review, Teresa, and can't wait for this exciting adventure!


    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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    1. BRITNEY thanks so much for coming by! Hope you get to read this soon...maybe you'll win a copy! :-)

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  3. What an exciting review, TERESA! MaryLu's writing and use of descriptive imagery is just getting betterer and betterer! lol And mine is getting worser. ;)

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  4. This book is one I am really wanting to read. I watched the trailer. I hope you will have a wonderful Christmas!

    wwchildren at gmail dot com

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    1. WILANI so glad you dropped in!! Here's hoping you have a terrific CHRISTMAS!!

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  5. I'm so looking forward to starting this series! It sounds like quite the adventure. Thanks for your review and giveaway!

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

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    1. HEIDI I sure hope this is at the top of your TBR list, I promise you will love it!!

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  6. Totally loved the book trailer. I usually avoid them so I can picture the characters myself. However, that was really amazing. Sounds like a great read. ewe_r_merritt(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. R MERR I am so glad you liked the trailer, it is truly amazing! I hope you get to read this series soon! Thanks for dropping in!!

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  7. Wow, loved the book trailer Teresa. Thank you for a chance to win a copy.
    After reading the first book I am more than ready for this one.

    Blessings,Tina
    tfrice@comcast.net

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    1. MRS. TINA I was the same way after reading Forsaken Dreams, I could barely wait for this one to come out!

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  8. Watched the video and I can't wait to read the book! Her books are always fantastic.
    Melissa Battles
    Battles2001@hotmail.com

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    1. MELISSA you are so right, MaryLu's books are outstanding!! :-)

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  9. Hi Ladies!!! Hi Teresa! I feel like a princess here at OWG this week!! Thanks again for the incredible review!! Just warms my heart to read it and Noela's below! You both really "get" my writing, my characters, and the message I hope to get across to my readers. Thanks to everyone dropping by to comment and enter the contest!! I wish I could answer you all individually, but I'm enjoying reading your comments... from old readers and new. (not old in the aged sense, of course!) I truly hope you love Elusive Hope!! Thank you OWG ladies for posting these reviews and hosting this contest! Hugs to everyone! :-)

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    1. MARYLU it's always our pleasure here at OWG to have you own! Since that day I discovered ML TYNDALL's books I was loved everyone of them!! It's always a blessing to read them!! {{BIG HUG}} to you!! :-)

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    2. Hey MaryLu! You're definitely among friends here and your books are very special to us :) Merry Christmas and big time hugs to you!

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    3. Ah.... (blushing) Thank you both so much!! Big Hugs and Merry Christmas to you, too!!!

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    4. Hugs back, ML!!! I'm almost ready to read this wonderful new book myself! Love the cover! We're very happy to feature you this week.

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  10. Well, I thought I had already commented, but since I don't see it, I will add another one. :) I love the video, MaryLu! Now I'm even more excited to read Elusive Hope! I loved Forsaken Dreams and have been eagerly anticipating this one! :)
    Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
    Blessings,
    Sarah
    My email: booklover1492[at]rocketmail[dot]com

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    1. Hi SARAH so glad you loved the trailer! Thanks for dropping in!!

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  11. I'm not usually one for trailers either.,I like to use my imagination, but I must say I did enjoy this.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. MARY I'm with you I love to picture the characters in my mind, but this trailer was so good I didn't mind watching it! So glad you enjoyed it! :-)

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  12. TERESA my friend, what an awesome review you did in summing up this amazing book of MaryLu's!! I think you captured it perfectly and I'm still thrilled for you that your endorsement was shown in the video! :)
    What an amazing story Elusive Hope is, I hope everyone gets to read this amazing series. Like yourself, I can barely wait until the next book gets released!!!

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    1. NOELA thanks for the sweet words, I was honored that I could endorse this for the Cap'n! When I first read her books I didn't know if ML Tyndall was male or female, all I knew was I LOVED his/her books!! The pirate stories were so good I didn't think they could get any better but she has proved me wrong with every book, they just keep getting better and better!! :-)

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  13. Hi Teresa,

    I *LOVE* MaryLu's books!! I'm a huge fan & have read all of them, plus bought tons of copies to give to friends & family as gifts. So I'll let someone else win the prize.

    Your review of her book is spot-on...it's an INCREDIBLE book, and I'd recommend that everyone get a copy (or put it on your Christmas list) whether you win or not!

    Blessings,

    Lora D.

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    1. LORA that's so sweet of you to think of others, there is no gift I would love better than one of MaryLu's books! I'm so glad you stopped in!

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  14. What a great review for what looks to be a fabulous book! I watched the trailer and saw Teresa's comment. I'd love to win!
    Thanks for the chance.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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    1. PAM I would love for you to win, thanks for saying you saw my comment! I am so glad I could endorse this terrific book! Good luck in the drawing!!

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  15. Great review for a great book and great author! Love her books and can't wait to read this one!!
    Thanks for the giveaway.
    jacsmi75[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Hi JACKIE maybe this will be your lucky week and you win one of these books! Thanks for visiting with us!

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  16. I own every one of MaryLu's books and love them to pieces. I especially love how she never is afraid to include elements of spiritual warfare in her books. She writes a bold gospel and I absolutely applaud her for doing so. The trailer makes me want to read the book even more. I looked for it in my local Lifeway store the other day but they didn't have it. Maybe that means I'll win a copy???? Thanks for offering the book and your review sounds fantastic. My email is: TSL9Snodgrass@aol.com.
    Susan Snodgrass

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    1. SUSAN wouldn't it be great if you won? MaryLu is certainly not afraid of sharing the gospel in her books which is one of the reasons God blesses them! Thanks for coming by and who knows you just might win one of those books!! :-)

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  17. This is an incredible review Teresa. I can't wait to read the book. I loved the trailer and noticed that there was a portion of your review at the end of it. Very cool.
    debbiewilder (at )comcast (dot) net

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    1. DEBBIE thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed the review but even more the terrific trailer!! I hope you get to read the book soon, you will enjoy it immensely!

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  18. Hello Teresa. Great review and loved the Video. I love visiting MaryLu's blog, and yes she is good to tell of GOD's love for us and His forgiveness. I saw the name of our Poetress comment in the Video. Also think that Schooner ornament would look good on my tree. Thanks to MaryLu and the OWG gals for this give-away. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. HI MAXIE!! I'm so glad you dropped, it's always great to "see" you!! I was wondering if anyone would notice my endorsement on the trailer! Here's hoping for a win for you!! :-)

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  19. lovely book trailer! I love Christmas ornaments! Rhonda
    rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net

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    1. Hi RHONDA so glad you liked the trailer and you like Christmas ornaments! It would be great if you were one of our winner! :-)

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  20. Wonderful review, Teresa!!! Now I need to get reading. I want to read it earlier in the evening, though, since there are some fairly dark elements in it. Hugs!

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    1. Thanks CARRIE! It does have a little darker side but MaryLu handled it marvelously! I enjoyed every word of it!! :-)

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  21. Wonderful review, Teresa!

    Watched the trailer again (the 3rd time) - the music just ramps us the suspense, as if the book needed it (LOL)! I haven't read any of MaryLu's books, but am SO anxious to work my way down my TBR list to "Elusive Hope". The descriptions, suspense, romance, & adventure - sound out of this world, & I know I won't be disappointed in a book recommended by Julie Lessman!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

    OWG

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  22. Oh, WOW, just saw this as I'm 3 days behind, but LOVE the review, Teresa, and LOVE LOVE LOVE Elusive Hope!! The video gave me goose bumps!! MaryLu is TOP OF THE LINE in my book, and one of my TOP TOP favorite authors!! :)

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  23. I watched the trailer and I loved it!! So good! I've enjoyed the books of MaryLu's I've read so far. I need to get caught up a bit though on her newer releases. Thanks for the giveaway! kosterbind (at) gmail (dot) com

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  24. Yes, I saw that poetess name on the trailer I have watched three times before! I would like to win a print copy of Elusive Hope! Likely Miss Magnolia will need those coins she threw spoiled-ly (new word) on the ground. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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