Friday, March 8, 2013

EASTER BUNDLE GIVEAWAY !!!!!!



Ship's Log  03.10.2013



Easter Clip Art



Ahoy Mateys! Today I will be sharing a very special interview and having a giveaway featuring FORSAKEN DREAMS by MaryLu Tyndall!!









Let's start things off with an interview with MaryLu Tyndall. She was gracious enough to take the time to answer my questions. And I am totally impressed by her answers. So, without further ado, here is the interview:









MaryLu, I want to thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions. 




1. Forsaken Dreams is said to be a bit different from your previous novels. How so?

    Forsaken Dreams is the first book in a trilogy that deviates both in character, location, and theme from my previous books in a number of ways. One, all of the main characters have major parts in all three books, so readers will not only enjoy a new romance between characters in each book, but they'll follow the lives of characters they've fallen in love with in other books from the series. Consequently, there's quite a few characters to keep track of, but I've included a character chart in the beginning of each book to help.
Secondly and more importantly, Forsaken Dreams and the other books in the series, contain a prominent and powerful spiritual warfare theme which I haven't attempted in my prior novels. Odd happenings that can't be explained start on the journey from Charleston to Brazil and continue in frequency and weirdness once the characters get to Brazil, ending up sending the characters into a supernatural battle that, if they lose, could release great evil on the earth.  I know, it sounds weird, but the story line reveals the awesomeness of God orchestrating things behind the scenes, bringing people together for a purpose that is far beyond them.
 



2. Which character in this new series was the hardest to capture in describing him/her? Why?

Magnolia Scott. She's the young, beautiful daughter of wealthy plantation owners who has been spoiled her entire life. She has a very snobbish attitude toward others and comes across demeaning and rude most of the time. Having never been wealthy or thought of myself as being above others, it was quite a challenge to put myself in her shoes and try to imagine growing up with every luxury and being fawned over by servants and suitors who catered to my every whim.  Of course, now she is being dragged away from all that and forced to travel to a place she considers to be nothing but a barbaric outpost, Brazil. It's been fun to watch her react to her new life!



3. God is prominent in your novels. Do you consider this a top priority as you write or do you simply add religion to appease the masses?  

If I wanted to appease the masses in this day and age, I'd never mention God in my stories!!  He doesn't seem to be a very popular topic among most people these days. No, I wrap my stories around a Godly theme because He is the Creator of all things. He is the giver of life and goodness and mercy and grace and light. Without Him, there would be no stories, no romance, and no adventure. He is the creator of all those things and He gave them freely to us for our enjoyment. To leave God out of a story would be like leaving the artists name off a painting. He is the reason I write. He gives me a message to tell the world, and I can only hope that I manage, in my human weakness, to deliver it in an understandable way. 



4. What do you hope readers will get from Forsaken Dreams and the entire series?

Oh.. there's so many themes running through this series.  I'll name just a few here that pertain to this first book. One is that you can't run away from your problems, and you especially can't run away from God!  Another is that God doesn't cause war and suffering and death. People do. He gave us free will and He won't interfere in our choices. Third and most importantly, hatred and bitterness will keep you in chains of destruction, but forgiveness will set you free!



5. Do you ever use experiences from your own life or someone you know to inspire your writing? If so, can you give an example?

I use lots of experiences from my own life in my writing. I think every author has to. How else can we truly describe a feeling, a longing, a need unless we have been there ourselves. The best example I have from my books is from my first book, The Redemption. I grew up without a Father. Not only was he absent but he rejected me. Consequently I spent years suffering from a lack of self-worth while searching for a Father's love in all the wrong places.  In The Redemption, the heroine, Charlisse suffers from the same condition, abuse and neglect and no loving father. So, she sails to the Caribbean in search of her dad, hoping to find that unconditional love she craves. What she finds is that her Dad has become a monster and the only man who can help her is a reformed pirate! But that's another story.



6. One last question. If Forsaken Dreams were to be picked up as a movie one day, who would you want playing the roles of Eliza Crawford and Colonel Blake Wallace?

Hmm.. I don't know the actors names, but I'll post two pictures here that depict how I see both characters.


      
                               


Well, MaryLu, I have no idea who the gentleman is, but I believe the lady is actress Mandy Moore. 


Thank you, again, for such great answers to my questions.




Paper Pencil Clip Art



Here is my review of Forsaken Dreams:




Have you ever sat through a movie and it seemed to end way too soon? There was so much excitement going on, twists at every turn.........you think, Why oh why did it have to end so soon? That is exactly how I felt when I read the final sentences of Forsaken Dreams. I was so captivated by the characters and what they were going through, that I didn't want the book to end. I need to know what happens next in their adventure! But, alas, I must wait for MaryLu's second book in this series....sheer torture! Like in her other books, I found myself loving some of the characters and wanting to smack others. I refuse to go into any specific details because I really don't want to spoil anything for others who have yet to read Forsaken Dreams. I can say this, that MaryLu does an excellent job mixing history with fiction, letting you have a taste of what 'might have' happened to some Southerners during that time in history. I am in awe of the way MaryLu writes, how she seems to put you right in the middle of the story......bringing all of your senses to life. So, let's sum it up, shall we: adventure, romance, intrigue, all wrapped up with a gorgeous bow of God's presence. Need I say more?


"Though I was given a copy by the author to read, I was under no obligation to give a positive review."




Description Clip Art



Before we get on to the giveaway, here is the description and video trailer for Forsaken Dreams:



They Left Everything Behind to Build a New Southern Utopia.



Colonel Blake Wallace has seen enough death to last a lifetime. Weary and disillusioned, he slumps beneath the weight of defeat and loss. With his entire family murdered by the North and his name appearing on a list of officers wanted for war crimes, Blake organizes a shipload of southerners who, like him, long to escape the horrors of war and start a new life in a verdant land called Brazil.
Eliza Crawford can barely remember the days of her youth spent in opulence and comfort at her Georgian home. She can't help but wonder how different her life would be had she not met her late husband, Stanton Watts, a general in the Northern army. Now a war widow, Eliza is rejected by both North and South. Desperate to keep her marriage a secret and escape her past and pain, she longs to start over again in Brazil.
But once the voyage begins, troubles abound. Dangers at sea  and enemies from within threaten to keep Blake and Eliza from the new life—and love—they long for.  







Okay.....now on to the giveaway.
 





Smiling Bunny Clip Art                                                                 
                                   







I will be giving away an Easter Bundle for one lucky visitor. It consists of one of my ships (yes, it be a pirate ship), a journal, sticky notes, notecards, a small mirror, a mechanical pencil and a signed copy of Forsaken Dreams. Me Cap'n MaryLu also included a magnet with the book and I included a special "Too big to miss" book mark I had made. To enter into the drawing, just leave a comment below along with your email address....sorry US residents only. Contest ends Wednesday, March 13 and the winner will be announced on my Friday blog, March 15th .



 Good luck, Mateys! God bless.



76 comments:

  1. I have heard nothing but the best about this book and Mary Lu's book all around. I can't wait to read this one! I love books that follow the same characters, so its even more intriguing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne, thank you so much for coming over to my blog. Yes, this book is fantastic, but like YOUR book, I must wait to read what happens next.....did you want your name put in the drawing?

      Delete
  2. I am a new fan of Mary Lu's and have just finished her second series, Charles Towne Belles...I have all three of her "Surrender" series on hold at the library and can't wait to start them! Thank you for the chance to win your Easter bundle!
    karen@fallotfam.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen, thank you for stopping by. I am so happy that you are enjoying MaryLu's books. Her Surrender Series is wonderful, you won't be disappointed. I put your name in the drawing...good luck..

      Delete
  3. I'm reading Surrender the Heart right now. Would love to have another MaryLu book to move on to next!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Patty, isn't Surrender the Heart great? Thanks for stopping by...your name is in the drawing..good luck..

      Delete
  4. I love MaryLu's books and have been wanting to read her newest! I absolutely love the cover :)
    hannahpeasha@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, the cover is gorgeous, isn't it? It is actually in a contest right now...and winning .. I put your name down..good luck .

      Delete
  5. I so can't wait to read this book and every time I see a post about it... I get more excited! I Hope to get picked, but enjoyed the interview! :)

    Bianca
    brpchristiangirl@charter.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Bianca, MaryLu did a great job answering the questions, didn't she? You are entered..good luck..

      Delete
  6. Excellent post & such a neat giveaway! Forsaken Dreams sounds like a great start to an intriguing trilogy.

    Beth
    bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Intriguing, indeed, Beth..thanks for stopping by and good luck in the contest .

      Delete
  7. I can't wait to read this book! It looks so good and the story line is so intriguing!
    Nancycooks4u@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It will not disappoint, Nancy...I added your name..good luck..

      Delete
  8. This was a wonderful interview! I love MaryLu Tyndall and her books. I am reading Forsaken Dreams now. Hopefully I will have time to finish it soon. Good luck to all who enter the drawing! Great post Debbie!

    ReplyDelete
  9. You have done a wonderful job on your review and the interview! What a gorgeous giveaway Chaplain! Great Job!

    Blessings!
    Jasmine <><

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jasmine..I really appreciate the Cap'n taking the time to answer my questions..

      Delete
    2. Ok, so I am going to throw my name in the hat too, just for fun...and that cute ship!)
      Jasmine A.
      montanamade(at)gmail(dot)com

      Delete
    3. You got it, Jasmine, you are entered....good luck..

      Delete
  10. I would never want to miss out on a giveaway that included MaryLu's books. Her books are annointed of God and so uplifting in spirit. Please count me in.
    jrs362 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You've got it, squiresj...you are entered...good luck..

      Delete
  11. MaryLu's books are wonderful! There aren't many books in the adult section that are safe for teenagers to read, but I trust her all the way. All of her novels are fun, uplifting, and carry the message of God's love and redemption. I love her books!

    amberthereader@juno.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, Amber, thanks for stopping by...good luck..

      Delete
  12. I can't wait to read this book! Mary Lu Tyndall's books are always wonderful. Thanks for the giveaway. Enter me please. chellb[dot]chellb[at]gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Ahoy Chaplain - please do not enter me into the giveaway since I already have the book, but I wanted to comment on your blog as I enjoyed your post. Someone will be a lucky winner of your giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Angela..see ye back on the ship, Matey.

      Delete
  14. Wow, great post and great giveaway! Can't wait to read MaryLu's latest book! The cover looks awesome! I've heard that this really grabs you right from the beginning.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, you can say that about all of MaryLu's books, Carrie. But, yes, it grabs you and doesn't let go...I hate that I have to wait to read the second book.. thanks for stopping by..

      Delete
  15. Replies
    1. Hey Tammy, thanks for stopping by. Did you want to enter into the contest? I need your email address if you do...

      Delete
  16. Ahoy Chap. Debbie , Good interview .. I have just joined MaryLu's crew this year & I am loving her books & It is just great to be on her crew. I have finished FORSAKEN DREAMS & it was Awesome.... Am awaiting the second in the series , hope I can wait that long. Haha. Your give away is nice .Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Liz...did you want to enter into the drawing? I need your email address if you do..

      Delete
  17. I love MaryLu's writing but I hate having to wait for each new book of her series! To have to hang on....makes me want to walk the plank!

    missionwife@hotmail.com

    Chaplain Debbie...I didn't know u had a blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Melody..I only just started my blog, still learning my way around..good luck in the drawing..

      Delete
  18. I have always enjoyed MaryLu's books and would love to win Forsaken Dreams. You can be sure I will pick up my own copy if I'm not the winner. The interview definitely has me intrigued.

    pam [at] daysong [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great Pam, it's nice to know you will get it no matter what..good luck..

      Delete
  19. Debbie that would be nice yes go ahead.
    Elizabeth Dent
    lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I would love to read this book. You are on my wish list. I hope I will win the package because then I will get to read the book quicker as I am on limited income. Have a great day!

    Wilani Wahl wwchildren@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wilani, thank you for stopping by...good luck in the drawing..

      Delete
  21. Wow... Hello everyone!! What a joy to drop by this morning and read all your comments! Thank you for the kind words. They truly mean the world to me. And thank you, Chaplain Debbie for having me on your blog! I wish I could answer everyone individually, but I'm off to spend some time with family. Sending a blessing to each one of you and praying you all have a wonderful weekend! Hugs... MaryLu

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahoy, me Cap'n...thank ye again fer doin' this fer me..ye be the best Cap'n to ever sail God's seas...hugs...

      Delete
  22. Hello Debbie and MaryLu. Thanks for this interview and chance to win this great gift package. maryLu. I love your comment about if you were adding GOD to appease the masses, you would need not to mention. So sad, but true. Didn't think America would ever get this bad I guess. I couldn't make it without Him in my life. I have been hard to win this book of yours. I am so interested in it. Can't believe I had never heard about bunches of our southerners going to Brazil. And, I've been around awhile. Gotta read this. Please enter me for a win.
    Maxie mac262(at0me(dot)com Debbie, I am a follower.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Maxie, welcome to my blog...this is truly a wonderful book..you are entered..good luck..

      Delete
  23. I love MaryLu's books and own them all, including this one. But if I win, I'll donate this one to our Women's Missions Union. She's a great writer!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Susan...thanks for stopping by...yes, anyone who already has the book can gift it..good luck...

      Delete
  24. What a giveaway, Debbie!! Beautiful! I love the extra little stuff to go along with the book! I have also enjoyed the book as well! Wonderful and inspiring writing MaryLu Tyndall has worked through this novel of hers!

    In Christ,
    Tracy

    Blog: http://poetics-of-life.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tracy, thanks for stopping by...See ye on the ship, Matey!

      Delete
    2. I put you in the drawing...good luck..

      Delete
  25. Awesome book! Thanks for sharing all of this...that is a wonderful giveaway!!!
    hbroadwayphann(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hey Heather..thanks for dropping by...you are entered...good luck..

    ReplyDelete
  27. Would love to win !
    likesmusic2@consolidated.net
    thank you

    ReplyDelete
  28. Count me as another lover of MaryLu's writings!! I just can't seem to get enough of sailing, ships and pirates! Awesome blog post Debbie!! Best wishes to all who enter!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by Ladette and for sharing my blog...

      Delete
  29. Chap - I finally made it :) Hope I am not too late!
    Wonderful job as usual!

    ReplyDelete
  30. This is a wonderful prize! So full of goodies! :)
    mandyerog(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Amanda, thanks for stopping by...good luck, Matey..

      Delete
  31. Hey Aunt Debbie! Love the blog. I have read some of your recomended books. I can't wait to read this one.
    mgeaves@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Marilyn, so glad you visited my blog and so happy that my recommendations helped you to find some good books. You are entered...good luck my lovely niece...

      Delete
  32. Hi Debbie. I couldn't resist leaving a comment! :) And I am now a follower of your blog. You are doing a great job with it. I am not sure I would have the creativity to start one!

    My email is darrylnbarb@juno.com

    Barb :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Barb, it doesn't take much to start a blog, I am still learning..thanks for following me and good luck in the drawing..

      Delete
  33. Hi Debbie!

    Yay! I'm catching up! Please add me for the lovely drawing....and I will certainly see that the book gets passed on.

    I have to add to Barb's comment--this is an absolutely GORGEOUS (and easy-to-read) blog! <> Pat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahoy Pat..thanks for stopping by my blog and entering the contest..good luck, Matey..

      Delete
  34. Shared for you from two twitter accounts, lol! Great giveaway!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Marie....did you want to enter? Let me know so I can add your name to the list...

      Delete
  35. Hi my name is Norma I will be honest I have never read any if the books but it looks like it would be interesting. I would love to win your contest so I can read one. Thanks God Bless
    rcnmallen@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. What an awesome giveaway you are doing! I am going to give a copy of the Cap'n's book to my secret pal - I know she would love it. :) If there is still time - I would love to be entered and bless someone I know with this! Love your blog - although I may not always comment. :)
    farmygirl at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, Sue, thanks for stopping by...good luck in the drawing..

      Delete
  37. Norma says: Hi my name is Norma I will be honest I have never read any if the books but it looks like it would be interesting. I would love to win your contest so I can read one. Thanks God Bless
    rcnmallen@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Norma, I don't know why your comment didn't post. Good thing I saw it in my email. LOL You are entered and good luck...

      Delete
  38. Fun contest for an amazing book!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Heidi, thanks for dropping by..Yes, this book is amazing..

      Delete