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Monday, March 4, 2013

Guest Review of MaryLu Tyndall's Forsaken Dreams by Diana Flowers

Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall


 Reviewed by Diana Flowers

~5 stars*****

Absolutely Riveting!

In Forsaken Dreams, author MaryLu Tyndall sweeps us away on a riveting, seafaring journey -- beginning in the ravaged, post civil war torn South to the lush beauty of Brazil -- a literal utopia with fertile soil, the sounds of tropical birds permeating the fresh air, a myriad of fruits, vegetables, and fish, and most of all -- HOPE.

Colonel Blake Wallace, a decorated war hero, embarks upon a journey to Brazil to begin a colony there, unable to deal with the atrocities that he witnessed during the war, not to mention the death of his entire family. It is aboard the ship, the New Hope, that he meets the widow, Eliza Crawford, a confederate nurse who signs on to give medical assistance to the new colonists when they arrive at their destination in Brazil.

Eliza, however, carries a deep, dark secret that threatens to ruin her dreams of a new life in Brazil, and her budding romance with Blake should he ever discover it. Each passenger on the New Hope has their own reasons for wishing to start life anew, and many are still struggling from the war's terrible after effects. As disease, deadly storms, and evil permeate the ship, will the passengers make it to their promised land? And will Eliza be able to keep her secret from Blake?...or will her hopes become "forsaken dreams"...forever?

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. 

MaryLu covers many heavy issues -- post traumatic stress disorder, alcoholism, anxiety attacks, etc. without sugar coating, and weaves a very strong spiritual thread throughout. Very well written with realistic characters, an utterly compelling storyline, and tremendous use of  descriptive imagery, I can honestly say...MaryLu Tyndall has crafted a masterpiece here! I simply can't wait for Book Two in this series!

I was provided with a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book may be purchased at CBDAmazon, and your local bookstore.

Question: Many Southerners chose to leave their precious homeland instead of trying to rebuild after the war's devastation. Would you choose to stay, or go to a land of wealth and promise -- and if so where would that be?

GIVEAWAY: A copy of any of MaryLu's books, winners choice of format (outside USA Ebook only.) Leave your email address. 



103 comments:

  1. Congratulations DIANA on your beautiful and stellar review of this magnificent story by MARYLU! Always such a special experience to read one of yours (and God's) masterpieces MaryLu!

    I would probably stay and struggle it out, but if I was unable to do that, the idea of going to a land of wealth of promise would certainly be alluring - and for that I'll have to say my homeland of Australia! :)

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    1. Thank you, NOELA, for your kind words!! I can't wait to read Book Two, can you?

      I would stay rather than braving that journey aboard ship. So much disease, terrible storms, and threat of pirates! The pirates would be the reason TERESA MATHEWS would choose to leave. lol

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  2. Great review, Diana! I, too, give it 5 stars; I'd give it more, if allowed. This series is one of MaryLu's best! I really want to know what happens next, but I guess we all have to wait. :(

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    1. Thank you, CHAPLAINDEBBIE, I'm with you! Can hardly wait for the next book in the series...MaryLu is so very talented!

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  3. I would probably leave. There would be far too many bad memories from the war. The "Promised Land" I would have left for would be out West. It was about the only place in the US mostly untouched by the war.

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    1. Yes, BOOKISHQUEEN, although even that would have been quite an arduous journey back then. Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. I am reading Forsaken Dreams now. It is so good. I love that MaryLu went out of the box so to speak, by making the setting unique, and bringing to readers a time period rarely written about, let alone about southerners leaving their homeland. She's brilliant to bring something 'new' to readers. This makes her book stand out and apart from among the sea of best selling Amish fiction and western romances.
    Congrats to MaryLu on another fine novel.

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    1. I'm a southerner, RITA, and never knew that many southerners migrated to Brazil after the war. That even fascinated my hubby. :) Yes, MaryLu went out of the box with this one and I found it wonderful!! Thank you, Rita, for coming by!

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  5. Great review. Beautiful book cover! I really enjoy fiction in this time period. Being a nurse, I want to find out more about the character Eliza and her nursing experiences.

    Depending on how extensive the rebuilding would be and if my family is with me I would stay and rebuild. If that is not an option, then I would leave for a new start somewhere more promising. Not sure I would like that long sea voyage though.

    Blessings, Tina
    tfrice@comcast.net

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    1. It would certainly be a difficult choice to make, MRS. TINA, for sure! But I'm too much of a chicken to brave that long voyage by sea so... Although a Caribbean cruise sounds pretty good right about now! :)

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  6. Oh, that's a good question....um, I think I could go either way. If my family chose to stay, that's where I'd be. Personally, it would be hard to leave somewhere I've called home for so long, but if it was the best choice, I guess I would have to start somewhere new. That's a tough one....

    Emreilly303(At)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Great to see you, EMILY! I actually traveled 2,000 miles from the west coast to the east coast about 25 yrs ago and it was hard even in this day and time. Can't imagine what it would have been like way back then. Some brave souls they were!

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  7. I agree with your comment earlier...I don't think I'd want to go a ship. lol! I'd definitely want to stay and rebuild. Thanks for the post...I really enjoyed it!

    Jreilly316(at)verizon(dot)net

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    1. Thank you for stopping by, DEBBIE! And for the kind words!

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  8. Oh, I would love to win this book! I own the rest of her books and can't wait to read this one.
    Battles2001@hotmail.com

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    1. MELISSA, you will be captivated, I'm fairly sure!

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  9. Such an interesting and little known part of our American history!

    I'm not much on change, so I probably would have stayed and struggled along. At least give it a shot before deciding to move on.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. I'm with you on that one, PATTY! Hubby had to practically drag me kicking and screaming to move from sunny CA to SC. lol I'm kidding, of course, but if I hadn't thought it was God's will for us, I would never have made that drastic change.

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  10. Interesting question. God's destiny ~ I asked a missionary couple how they met. She and a friend decided to go to Ireland when both girls had graduated. Aboard ship, she met her future husband, from Ireland. They both are missionaries in Ireland.
    My husband and I retired and were looking for a home in the middle of our children so we could visit them in a long day's drive in any given direction (in three states). We found our home and church on the internet with very specific direction we can point to; especially being a light on the hilltop and bringing others onto Him (Matt 5:14-16 Msg) “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." And we named our home Lane Hill House. We looked for 2-1/2 years and knew this was the one.
    Kathleen
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    1. Thank you, KATHLEEN, for sharing that story with us -- wonderful! He did call us to be lights...shining forth His love to a dark, sinful world.

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  11. I'm not actually sure what I'd do! I know that it would be hard to move, but if there was nothing keeping me from leaving, I think that I'd leave and go somewhere where there was a promise of a new beginning and prosperity. =)

    Thanks for the great giveaway! I'm looking forward to reading MaryLu's latest!

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. ELYSSA, thank you for sharing! You will love MaryLu's, Forsaken Dreams!

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  12. DIANA terrific review, isn't it fun writing a review for MaryLu's books? Forsaken Dreams is a fabulous book that will keep you sitting on the very edge of your seat, there was only one thing I didn't like about it....it ended way too soon! :) I can't wait for the second one!

    In regard to your question, one part of me would want to stay because I don't like change but if there were a chance of meeting pirates I'd be all for it! Especially if I could meet Cap'n Edmund Merrick Privateer/Pirate** I think I would love CHANGE! :) Colonel Blake Wallace was great but Cap'n Merrick captured me heart years ago. lol

    **For the ones who haven't had the chance to read all of MaryLu's books, Cap'n Merrick is a character from "The Redemption'. That book will always have a place in my heart, it's the first one I read by MaryLu and it's filled with PIRATES! :)

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    1. Ahem, MISS MATHEWS, it's just as I thought! Did you read my first reply above? LOL You and your pirates! ;) I love ALL of MaryLu's swoonworthy heroes!

      Yes, it was fun writing a review on this great book, although I'm afraid I didn't do it justice. Cannot wait for the second one, but guess I'll have to! :(

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  13. I think that I would leave my home if the opportunity presented itself and I was in that position. Anywhere my family is, that's where my home is, so I think that I would be able to do it- not without some tears, though! ;)

    jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com

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  14. I think I'd choose to stay! I love my home! ;) But I think that if God called me to leave, then I'd definitely go wherever He wanted me to be. =)

    Thanks for the great giveaway!

    thejesusfreak62(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. We would definitely have to make sure it was God, though, wouldn't we, THE JESUS FREAK? lol

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  15. Greetings, Everyone! Diana, what can I say?? You're always such a blessing to me!! I'm thrilled you enjoyed the book so much and thrilled with your fabulous review!! You definitely have a way with words... perhaps you should consider becoming an author?
    Anyway, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

    And thanks to all who left a comment! I'm having fun reading them. :-) Would I do what these brave Southerners did? Leave everything they knew and loved for a foreign country they'd never seen?? Hmm.. well, I'd like to say I would but honestly that's a pretty huge step!! LOL. However, perhaps I would if I had endured what they endured during the war. Both sides suffered so very much, I'm surprised the nation was able to heal at all. Thank God we did!

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    1. Thank so much, MARYLU, for your kind words! I have no problem coming up with words to talk about someone else's fantastic book, but alas, I have no imagination to think of great stories myself. :( I stunk in creative writing in school, and it was suggested I go into journalism instead. haha Which I never did...this is so much more fun and far more rewarding!

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    2. Well, I, for one, am glad you are reviewing books!! :-)

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    3. Me too, MaryLu! Thank you. :) And I'm glad you're the one writing them! lol

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  16. Diana great interview. I am now almost finished with 'FORSAKEN DREAMS" & I am loving it . MaryLu has done it again. Even though i am not finished I would rate it a FIVE STARS because it is that good.Thanks

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    1. ELIZABETH, thank you for your support of MaryLu's book! And make sure to drop by Amazon and CBD and let them know how much you loved the book! I know MaryLu would appreciate that -- even if you can only write a line or two!

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  17. OMIGOSH, this is soooooo cruel!!! My fingers are literally twitching now, dying to scoop up my copy of Forsaken Dreams and dive in, but ALAS ... I have several books I'm committed to read ahead of it!!!

    Diana, I have already been chomping at the bit for ML's latest, but you sealed the deal, my friend, and now I stare longingly at my copy of FD as it sits on my counter! Guess I'll have to hide it in the drawer so it doesn't taunt me ...

    Hugs,
    Julie

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    1. LOVE it, JULIE! lol I have a book I'm itching to dive into as well, but gotta keep those commitment reads first! :) But it WILL be well worth the wait, I promise you. ML just keeps getting better with each book she writes!

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    2. Julie, you always put a smile on my face, girl!! Love you!!

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  18. OH, that's a tough question. I don't know. I've moved a LOT in my life and now, I kind of like staying put. But more than likely, if I lived in the south during the war I'd want a fresh start away from the horror's of war.

    winterrose (at) comcast (dot) net

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    1. WINTERROSE, it would be a tough decision! The sea journey would make it much easier for me to choose, for sure!

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  19. As usual, your awesome review is going to make my TBR pile teeter and totter, DIANA! It's already about to fall off my vanity table :)

    I would go and do whatever my husband wanted because where he goes, I WILL follow ;)

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    1. I know the feeling about the TBR pile, ANNE! lol I don't blame you...you wouldn't want one of those lovely Brazilians to get your man! Me neither!!!!! :)

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    2. Speaking of Brazil -- I loved the descriptive imagery MaryLu used in the book concerning that lovely sounding place! Ohhhh my.

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  20. What a wonderful review--I'm going to add this book to my list right away!

    I would probably choose to stay and tough it out among the place I had always lived. Familiarity has always been something I have craved, but I can certainly see why some would choose to leave and begin anew somewhere else.

    Thanks for the fun giveaway!

    danandlyndaedwards(at)msn(dot)com.

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    1. LYNDA, wonderful to see you here! Thank you for the kind words and for sharing your thoughts with us. Good luck in the drawing!

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  22. This story sounds so fantastic, as I know all MaryLu's books are! Thanks for the review, Diana, and the recommendation. Congratulations on another great book, MaryLu! I'm looking forward to reading it.

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    1. YW, LISA! This is one you don't want to miss out on! I start salivating when I think about the second one coming up! Not very ladylike, but I can't help it! lol

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    2. Thank you, Lisa!! When is your next one coming out?

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    3. Yes, LISA! MaryLu and I would like to know when your next one is coming out and enquiring minds want to know a little something about it! :)

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  23. Very enjoyable interview. Ü

    Please enter me in the contest.
    Thanks!!

    cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com

    ~Cindi

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  24. Thank you so much, CINDI! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Lots of luck in the drawing!

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  25. Diana, this was a great review—you gave me enough detail to wet my appetite without telling me what happens!! Now I MUST get this book —altho I was planning on it anyway. ;-) Love this cover!

    I was blown away by learning that many Southerners moved to Brazil! Never heard that before. MaryLu, you are amazing! Congrats on what is sure to be a best seller!

    And would I go to Brazil under these circumstances? Not by boat! LOL! I think I might move further west inland if I felt I needed a new beginning, rather than risk an ocean voyage. Nice question though to make one think. :)

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    1. Thanks Elaine... it was fascinating to research. Not many people have heard of this history. You would risk Indians and snakes over a nice ocean cruise? LOL

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    2. Thank you for your kind words, ELAINE. My husband is southern born and bred and he had never heard that interesting facet of southern history. He is fascinated by Brazil anyway, so maybe I can get him to read ML'S next book? ;)

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  26. Beautiful cover, please enter me in this giveaway,
    sonflower277 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thank you for coming by, SONFLOWER! I love this cover, as well! And the content is just as beautiful!

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  27. If my family was alive, I would follow them, no matter if they stayed or moved on. If I was all alone, my first choice would be to stay. I tend to be hesitant to leave my comfort zone. I also have realized that everywhere you go has its positives and negatives. Leaving may bring new blessings, but it might also bring new curses as well. We always think the grass is greener on the other side! But, if I felt a strong calling to move on, I would. But if I am to be honest, I would probably complain and be an emotional wreck the whole time! Thanks for the giveaway! :)

    emmamalissa(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, EMMA! And that's so true, there are positives and negatives to anywhere you live. Good luck!

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  28. Another great review, by my friend Diana! Would I stay or go? I like you Diana, made a cross country move with my family, TWICE! One from sunny Cali (as Diana's neighbor) to 15 min. outside of Washing DC, in Rockville, MD where I knew NOBODY! That was very difficult for me, but because I had my husband & family of 3 children (at that time), we did it and survived. Then less than a yeaar later (9 mo. to be exact) we decided to move back to the West coast to be nearer to our families. What made that move more difficult, was had no no job to go to and had no idea where we would live or work or HOW we would make it work. but once again, God was with us through a "on the road" move with 2 toddler girls in the car w/ me (packed to the gills!) and our 2nd grader s in the big Rider tuck with Dad (also packed to the gills!). I think that would probably be the closest to a modern "move across the country of olden days", minus the covered wagons. But the again, those who know me best, know me to be an adventurer. ;-)
    I would love to win one of MaryLu's wonderful books!
    Vicki

    vmarney(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. VICKI, I do believe you would have made a good pioneer lady. You seem to have always been able to go with the flow. Course your bestie here did move 2,000 miles away from where we were...but me a traveling pioneer woman?...I.Don't.Think.So! :)

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  29. Not sure I could have left America, even back ten. I would love to win MaryLu's book. Not been lucky yet. Thanks Diana for doing the review. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. Me neither, MAXIE! Nice to see you here and hopefully your luck will change this time! :)

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  30. Meant then, not ten. Wish these comments had an edit by them like on FB. I try to edit mine, but as soon as I hit submit, I see this error. LOL
    Maxie

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  31. Wow, what an awesome review, Diana! I'm hoping to read it soon -- maybe next? I want to read it NOW, but...I just started another great book. I think I'll have to hurry with that one - the sooner I can get to MaryLu's. :)

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    1. Thank you, MARIAN! What an awesome book TO review! Yes, do move it right to the top of that toppling over TBR stack of yours. lol

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  32. I'd love a chance to win & read MLT. She's an author I keep looking at, but haven't dove into her work yet. Looks great, thanks for the review!

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    1. ANNE, you have so missed out! But the good news is -- it's not too late! lol Hopefully you will win this one and get the opportunity to read your first ML Tyndall book!

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  33. can't wait to read MaryLu's latest novel :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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    1. I can't wait for you to read it, KAREN! Thanks for coming by!

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  34. I cant wait to read this book, please pick me as the winner
    Shirley Blanchard
    jcisforme@aol.com

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    1. Hi, SHIRLEY! Good luck in the giveaway! Do you have an answer to our question above?

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  35. Finding Hope Book Club spoke to Marylu last month as we talked about her book Veil of Pearls. We had a blast discussing the book and talking to Marylu. THANKS for the memories Marylu. I'd love to win a copy of your new book.

    Nora St.Laurent
    TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

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    1. I simply loved VoP, NORA! And this one is just as good so move it to the top of your wishlist!

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  36. I can't wait to be captivated by MaryLu's book...........she is a great writer and I have loved all her books.

    Your question.....I think I would STAY and tough it out!

    Thanks for the giveaway~
    Jackie Smith
    jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net

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    1. You will be captivated by this one for sure, JACKIE! I'm with you...would rather rebuild than start over in a strange land!

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  37. I cant wait to read this book! It looks and sounds SOOO good!!
    A little part of me would want to stay, its my home.
    But I have always loved traveling, so I think I'd end up leaving.
    As for where I would go, I'm not sure! There are so many wonderful places to see. Maybe Ireland. (I've always wanted to go there!)
    Thanks for this giveaway!
    dymesich(at)juno(dot)com

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    1. LEAH, back in those days the Irish were coming here...well not during the war but waaay after it was all over with, I think. ;) You'll love this book, and Brazil does sound Heavenly the way MaryLu describes it. I can see why they went there!

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  39. It totally depends on if God wanted me to move or stay. Up to me I would stay. I am a homebody. Vacations are nice, but I always feel out of my element and want familiar surroundings.

    I just read one of MaryLu's books and enjoyed it very much. I should have read her books sooner!

    nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

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    1. Good answer, NINA! We should all seek to do what God wants and not we ourselves.

      I'm sure you will enjoy this book and ALL of MaryLu's great books!

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    2. I'm sorry if I got your name wrong, SYLVIA. I saw NINA down at the bottom of your comment.

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    3. Diana, that is perfectly fine. Nina4 was a nickname I had as a child. I used it for my e-mail address!:)

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  40. Watching my dad (who is not a Christian) reestablish his and his father's farm was such a struggle and all the memories I have of them - they were always in the field. We were offered my granddad's farm (as newlyweds and newly Christians) but after much prayer knew that we couldn't accept. Though our hearts were in the soil, we also knew as Christians (eventually pastor, then missionaries) we couldn't give the farm what my daddy expected because God came first.

    I love, love, and love some more - MaryLu's books!

    missionwife@hotmail.com

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    1. It definitely is hard work, MELODY, and I'm glad you chose to follow God's pathway for your life instead. Many people don't and miss out on so many blessings!

      I love me some MaryLu Tyndall, too! The lady and her books!

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  41. What a great review. Diana, of MaryLu's Forsaken Dreams. I can't wait to read it. PTSD has been a subject near to my heart for many years before it was identified as such and will be an element in an upcoming story of mine. Thank you, MaryLu, for addressing this subject.

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    1. Thanks so much, JANET! MaryLu did a great job covering that terrible disorder and several others.

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  42. I am really looking forward to read this book! It is on my Wish List. I imagine that I would stay and try to start a new life in the South. I love the South and can't imagine moving to a different country.
    may_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com

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    1. I love the South, too, KAYM! Good luck in the drawing!

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  43. Diana, I am praying you are feeling better soon! I dk how you have held up so well over here! Must be God's doing! Thanks again for giving us one of your wonderful reviews for CQ. I need to get that rocking chair a nice new pad for the seat and the back and another lap quilt because a winter storm seems to be heading to VA. Big hugs!!!

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    1. Thank you, CARRIE! Yes, He gives us strength when we are weak! I could use another lap quilt...this fever has me freezing and it's warm in here! You Quillers don't need to put anymore logs on the fire. ;) Big hugs back atcha!!

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  44. Beautiful cover !!! Fascinating review !!! It is hard to choose whether to stay and start a new life after the wsr's devastion or move to a Promised Land. I would like to stay where my roots came from. I was thinking the movie, Gone With the Wind or move to a Promised Land if it is God's Will. Very hard to choose but to follow God's Will. Would love to win this book.
    JKTerrazas09@aol.com

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    1. Hey, KIM! Exactly what we must do...I think both situations would be very difficult. After Sherman came through and burned whole towns I know the devastation in the South was much more than we can even imagine.

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  45. I am going to toss my hat into the ring, as well, because I was enjoying all the backstory that Ms. Tyndall posted on her blog throughout February! I have such a feel for the characters, that I'd be honoured to win a copy of the book! I must say, I would have gone with them to Brazil! After everything they went through, why wouldn't I? Of course, I know theoretically I wouldn't have been in their predicament as I know where my family line was during the War, but evenso! Had we been in a position to stay or exit the country, I'd set sail for Brazil, take a few possessions with me, and create a new life! :) Afterall, everything was destroyed, why stay and rebuild!? Why not forge ahead and take a chance at something that could be even better than you hoped?! I loved learning how the real Southerners who settled there found their own piece of happiness in real life. It might not have been the future they envisioned but they dared to make a resounding difference in each others' lives, after such a soul wrecking experience as surviving the Civil War! I think we can all applaud their efforts, their sorrows, and their triumphs!

    There are moments where you have to be bold enough to change your stars, pick up your petticoats, and dare to believe that what is around the corner is better than what you left behind!!

    Thank you for this bookaway!
    inkand-bookaways(at)usa.net
    //Florida

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    1. JORIE, I love your attitude and your interesting response! You remind me of a brave woman who would climb a mountain just b/c it's there! :)

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  46. Hard to say --I think it would depend on my family, but I would probably choose to stay and rebuild. Destruction gives the opportunity to start afresh --but you don't necessarily have to leave to make a new start.
    I didn't know that some southerners went to Brazil --thanks for the chance to win Marylu Tyndall's new book!

    jafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu

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    1. I live in the South, LADY DRAGONKEEPER, and I had no clue some migrated to Brazil either. My hubby was born and raised here and he was so fascinated by that fact he actually WANTED to read my review! lol Good luck in the drawing!

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  47. Would love to win this book!! I've been excited about this new release for a while and I've heard tons of great things about it! :)

    inspiringdaring (at) yahoo (dot) com

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    1. RACHELLE, if you don't win here (which I hope you do!) do yourself a ginormous favor and order it! As Loreal says, "Because you're worth it!" ;)

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  48. I just finished reading Veil of Pearls. SO good! I also just read All Things New by Lynn Austin which was about a family trying to rebuild after the Civil War. They struggled so much. I think I would leave or maybe move to the West.

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Thanks for your input, MARISSA! I have heard Lynn's is a good book as well! Good luck in the drawing!

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  49. Oh, that's a tough question. I think it would depend a lot on what or who I had left, on how that war had personally scarred me. If my husband had lived through it all, I might prefer to work alongside of him in the places we'd always loved. Though if I had lost a lot of family and friends, I suppose the pain of staying would make starting over somewhere else look like a good option.
    bskaggs(at)zoominternet(dot)net.

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  50. I think I would leave and have an adventure! shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com

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