The book starts out with a future event and then moves backwards to get background info. It took me a little bit to get adjusted to the “time thing”, but once I did, what a start it has! The writing was so detailed and captivating that you got caught up into the book right away. A storm at sea and I could almost feel the roll of the ship, the crash of waves, the thunder and the terror of drowning at sea!
It’s set in 1866 after the Civil War and some Southerners who were having a hard time adjusting for one reason or another, wanted a fresh start. And what better place for that was in Brazil close to Rio de Janeiro. Twenty two passengers, along with the crew set sail from Charleston to paradise. Or so they thought.
Colonel Blake Wallace, who put this expedition together, suffered from what we now know as PTSD from the Civil War. He needed to get away and start fresh in a new and wonderful land to try and escape the horrors of war that still haunt him. And Eliza Crawford was shunned from her family and friends when she “deserted the South” by marrying a general in the Northern army. When he was killed, after only one year of marriage, she had no place to go...so this trip was her last hope for a new life.
Mysterious Angelina’s past and what did Mr. Dodd know about it? Why was Mr. Scott so hard on his daughter, Magnolia? Had he always been that way or did something happen to change him? Will the “white folks” ever be able to forget their prejudice against the slaves and accept the freed slaves, Moses, his sister and her children?
James, the preacher (who used to be a doctor) sums up why God let’s bad things happen to Blake so well. The conversation starts on page 211 and ends on 212. I can’t quote that much, but here’s just a glimpse:
“No one can deny the existence of God when looking at such beauty.” (James)
“And what can one deny when they gaze upon severed limbs and spilt entrails upon the battlefield?” (Blake)
“One cannot deny that mankind is fallen and in desperate need of salvation.” (James) “Then why didn’t God save us? Why didn’t He stop the war, all the killing?” (Blake)
“Because He gave mankind a wonderful yet dangerous gift.”... “Free will. We are the ones who start wars, not God.” (James)

God’s love, grace and mercy are woven throughout this story, not preachy, not overpowering, but subtle reminders that God loves us, shows us mercy and grace beyond what we deserve and we should show that same forgiveness to others.
The end left me wanting more - a mystery yet to be solved. ( )

Forsaken Dreams is the first book I’ve read by MaryLu Tyndall but it will not be the last. It held me spellbound from the first page to the last. The underlying stories in this book of intrigue and romance are what gripped me the most. The subtle war of good against evil, the hatred between North and South as the shreds of America are gathered after Civil War and the fight to uphold prestige, power and status once it has been ripped from one’s grasp are compelling. The discovery of good within those whose heart’s were believed evil and the shock of the evil found lurking within those who appear righteous leaves the reader questioning all pre-conceived opinions.
This enthralling story takes us on the journey of Eliza Crawford, desperately trying to hide the mistakes of her past, from war torn America to the hope of a fresh start in a new country. It is also the journey of Colonel Blake Wallace, striving to escape the horrors of war still gripping his heart, fighting the love for a woman threatening to engulf him lest it destroy the shields barricading his heart from further pain. Travel with Blake and Eliza as they find joy, sorrow, fear, and hope, battling scars of the past and searching for healing of their wounded souls.
MaryLu Tyndall takes us aboard the New Hope along with characters strong and unique, each carrying their own burdens of the past and dreams for the future. Experience the hardships of their journey and the hope of their heartfelt prayers as you absorb the very real history of a country divided, North, South, slave and free. Discrimination, war crimes and intense hatred amidst courage and faith for the new beginning set before them spur them on and turn the pages as you become a part of their journey from Forsaken Dreams to New Hope for the future.
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest opinion.
( )

What I liked: this is the first civil war period novel that is told from the point of view of southerners (without making them sound like northerners), so that was really interesting to me.

The historical aspect was totally new to me; I had no idea that SO many of our people emigrated.

I appreciated the Christian themes on forgiveness.

I loved the way the story ended in uncertainty bathed in hope, rather just after a marriage.


What I didn't like:

The characters were so confused for most of the book, and so was I. The romance was constant back and forth, hot and cold. I didn't like the love at first sight aspect.

I didn't like the way that those who didn't like Eliza were wrong or evil. Unrealistic. And then, those who are wrong, Eliza eventually wins over. Also unrealistic.

I found Eliza's flawless, perfect personality and demeanor unrelatable much of the time. Even those of us with the best of intentions and the most loving hearts, even those of us who constantly immerse ourselves in God's word and spirit, are still human, still flawed, still hypocritical from time to time. Eliza never was. ( )

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. ( )

Two things drew me to read this story. One, the beautiful cover they put on this book and two, the author, who is a favorite of mine. She loves to write about adventure on the open sea and this book was another great adventure. I will say that at the beginning you are given a list of characters and it seemed daunting to me to keep track of everyone as I started to read. But keep going, because each character will become familiar to you and the further you read, the better the story gets.

Colonel Blake Wallace is leading and organizing a group of people to the country of Brazil to begin a new colony. The war between the North and the South has just ended and this is a group of Confederate people who no longer want to live under the rule of the Yankees. Eliza Crawford is a widow and was a Confederate army nurse who was married to a Yankee general (but no one knows that yet). There are a list of more people you will get to know but these two are the central part of this story. They both have strong feelings for one another but when it is discovered that she was married to a Yankee most folks on the ship want her thrown overboard. Eliza though is someone who is always willing to help those in need regardless of how she is treated. The Colonel has a hard time forgetting and forgiving and I appreciated the flawed characters and the way the importance of forgiveness was stressed in this story. There was no lack of adventure, danger, intrigue and romance in this story. It left itself wide open for other stories in this series as the colony lands in Brazil and begins their new adventure. Looking forward to reading more in this series.

The bio on this author at the back of the book says "her passion is to write page-turning, romantic adventures that not only entertain but open people's eyes to their God-given potential." I would say this books hits that mark! So come aboard and be prepared for some rough seas ahead. ( )