Tyndall (Central Park Rendezvous) introduces her Escape to Paradise series with the sailing of the New Hope from Charleston. The Civil War has ended, and Colonel Blake Wallace finds no shortage of passengers wishing to abandon their ravaged homeland. Having lost everything when Sherman burned Atlanta, Wallace organizes an expedition to Brazil, where he and his cohorts will establish a new colony. Eliza Crawford is southern by birth, but briefly a Yankee by marriage, her husband having died in the war. Despite becoming a Confederate battlefield nurse as atonement for her matrimonial mistake, she fears repercussions should her true identity be discovered. Secrets and sabotage plague the voyage, and the motley group’s misfortunes seem to be the result of more than just bad luck. The book is written from a Confederate point of view, and Tyndall spares no sympathy for northerners as she details the harms some imposed on southerners as retribution for the war. The cast of characters is vast and many assume aliases to avoid the detection of wartime activities. Confused readers may need to refer to the brief description of major players provided at the front of the book. (Mar.)
Emotional, action-packed, riveting and inspirational are just some of the thoughts I had about this romantic adventure. As always, Ms. Tyndall’s detailed accounting of landscapes, sunrises and sunsets to the inter-workings of a ship of this era are tantalizing keeping you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. Characters’ diverse personalities, skill-sets, strengths and weaknesses are blended well bringing them to life, if only in your imagination.
Once Upon a Romance - Trudy
Just when I thought MaryLu could not possibly top her last book, she totally blows me away with another! This book is utterly fantastic, and I had a terrible time putting it down. Not only does the plot surround the hero and heroine, but there are also fascinating subplots involving the secondary characters aboard the ship. ...Very well written with realistic characters, an utterly compelling storyline, and tremendous use of imagery, I can honestly say...MaryLu Tyndall has crafted a masterpiece here! I simply can't wait for Book Two in this series!
Sharing Stories of Faith and God's Healing Power - Diana Flowers
This book grabbed my attention from beginning to end. I could not put it down. I knew Marylu was a FANTASTIC writer, but this book has only further shown what an amazing, talented author she is. I, as with all her books have found a renewed faith through her writing. This one especially. Her way of stepping into the character and trying to understand what life would be like for them is nothing short of amazing. She makes the character come alive in a way that many authors before her would have failed at. It is a very good read and I will suggest this book a hundred times over.
Book Bargains and Previews - Shawna A
Oh, where do I begin? I’ve read four other books by MaryLu Tyndall, but this one- this one was certainly the best out of all of those of hers I’ve read. I’ve always loved larger-than-normal casts of characters, where intersecting stories combine into one great plot. My own writing tends towards this direction, but I haven’t read a lot of novels like this. I think that’s why I liked this book so much.
A Tree, A Book, and a Breeze - Hayden Wand
The forces of good versus evil are apparent throughout "Forsaken Dreams," and I am intrigued and motivated to read the next book in the series. There is no doubt that MaryLu Tyndall is a talented author who writes stories with unique settings that offer powerful messages of love, forgiveness, redemption, and peace.
Ramblings of 2 Readers - M. Banton
MaryLu truly knows how to captivate her readers with her powerful stories of love and forgiveness. In my review of her last novel I wrote that it was MaryLu’s best yet, but I have to say that this new one is even better – if possible! Yes, her writing gets better and better. You won’t be sorry when you pick up a novel by this master storyteller. Highly recommended.
Each and every book by MaryluTyndall is pretty much guaranteed to be an adventure. Forsaken Dreams , her latest high seas set novel is just that. With her trademark flair for romance and characters with deep-seeded faith Tyndall tells a tale that won’t soon be forgotten.
Radiant Lit - Elizabeth Olmedo
Ms. Tyndall has done it again with "Forsaken Dreams". I would highly recommend this title. I believe this is my favorite so far. But than I enjoy seafaring adventure and all that it entails,the danger,and the romance of it all. A job well done!
My Book Addictions - April Renn
I found myself sucked into the story.
I enjoyed the way MaryLu wrapped history into this story, the rich characters, and the overall story line. If you've read her books before, this is another adventure on the high sea and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Steps: Bookshelf Friday - Susan Tuttle
With each book written, MaryLu Tyndall is unceasing with the way she develops such fascinating characters and a whirlwind of adventure. I've loved every novel of hers so far, and this most recent most of all. Tyndall intertwines a spiritual depth and storyline that I greatly appreciated, as it is a unique aspect in books these days.
Sweet Peripety - Amy Russell
Marylu Tyndall is an incredible author. Her writing is clear, easy to read, realistic and descriptive. She writes in a way that makes me fully believe the story and she always makes me want to sail on a ship! Her ships are romantic, beautiful and exciting. Forsaken Dreams is no exception!
With humor and lightness, Marylu Tyndall addresses deep spiritual truths, personal revelations and relational issues. Challenges to pray, trust God in all things and rely on Him are always evident in her stories!
Forsaken Dreams is a book full of adventure, love, history and plenty of amazing drama!
Reviews by Jenilee - Jenilee Goodwin
Forsaken Dreams is yet another masterfully written and engaging story by MaryLu Tyndall that will sweep you off your feet and plunge you into an exciting sea-faring voyage full of danger, mystery, romance, and faith! Exceptionally written with such crisp and dramatic visualizations, you’ll need to get your passports in order!
This phenomenal story will have your eyes flying over the pages with its fast-paced action and your pulse galloping as you hold your breath in anticipation. It will have you aching for the characters to have their dreams realized and will easily provoke you to dissolve in a flood of tears. But you will also rejoice in faith, soar in hope, and your heart completely captured with the intensity of love expressed in this dramatic and powerfully emotive tale!
Ahoy mateys! A wild adventure on the high seas awaits readers with Tyndall’s new Escape to Paradise series. There is romance, deep secrets, intrigue and a chance at having happiness after the horrors of war. Strong characters and a few surprises will make this a favorite of historical fans and make it a part of their keeper shelf.
RT Book Reviews - Patsy Glans