I SPY WIT' ME LITTLE EYE...SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!!!!

Ship's Log  10.26.2013

CONTEST IS OVER, WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MONDAY!!!!

REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY!!!!!!

Ahoy Mateys! It be time fer me I SPY WIT' ME LITTLE EYE post. This week I be celebratin' the release of ELUSIVE HOPE, Book 2 in MaryLu Tyndall's Escape to Paradise series. Let's get right to it, shall we? Oh, and may I just say that the covers of this series are GORGEOUS!!!

Forsaken Dreams

by MaryLu Tyndall

I know what you are thinking, "Didn't she say that she was promoting Elusive Hope?" Well, in order to understand where Elusive Hope takes off, you need to know the back story. And that is where Forsaken Dreams comes in. This is Book 1 in the Escape to Paradise series and for those of you who have not read it yet (for whatever crazy reason) you can get the ebook version for free until October 31st over on Amazon.com..Just click HERE. 

Here is a description of Forsaken Dreams:

They left everything behind to build a new Southern utopia. . ..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 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.

Here is my review:

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?

Sounds very intriguing, doesn't it? Well, that is just the beginning of this great series. Book 2, Elusive Hope, takes off where Forsaken Dreams ends. The colonists are now in Brazil, in the thick of the jungle and must face many obstacles. Let's check out Book 2:

Elusive Hope

by MaryLu Tyndall

There is so much I can say about this book, but I am afraid I would give away spoilers. So, I am simply going to share a description and my review. I can say this, you will not regret getting caught up in the lives of the characters in The Escape To Paradise series. 

Here is a description of Elusive Hope:

In the fledgling colony of New Hope, their friends struggle to create a Southern utopia in Brazil soon after the Civil War. But Hayden is seeking revenge—relentlessly. And Magnolia is seeking a way out—desperately. They both seek to use the other for their own purposes—deceptively. Falling in love was never part of their plans. . . .

Not much to go on, I know, but you don't want anything to spoil it for you. Here is my review:

Romance....adventure....darkness....laughter....intrigue....

Enough words? These all describe Elusive Hope, book 2 in MaryLu Tyndall's Escape to Paradise series.
MaryLu has out-done herself with this book. She has shown that she can write stories that not only have you smiling, but stories that awaken ALL of your senses.
I tried my best to read this book slowly, to savor every morsel. But, it was so hard to slow down. Each chapter ended making me want to read more. I kept waiting for a lull in the story, so that I could have an excuse to stop reading for awhile. But, alas, a lull did not come. The sad part now is that I have to wait for what seems like forever for the third book in the series. Oh, pure torture!

Whether they are trekking through the jungles of Brazil, hanging out in the New Hope colony or exploring old temple ruins, the characters in Elusive Hope will have you experiencing a lot of emotions. I simple love the banter between Magnolia and Hayden. Talk about your odd couple.....a princess and a toad? Who would have thought? Then there are those characters that you just want to smack. And those that make you cringe at times. So much juicy things going on in this book and so wonderfully written.

I must add that MaryLu Tyndall did an excellent job with the spiritual warfare sections of this story. At times, I believe she actually channeled Frank Peretti. I truly cannot wait to get my hands on Book 3....I need to see where she takes this story.

If you haven't read Forsaken Dreams, Book 1 in the series, I recommend you buy it along with Elusive Hope. Forsaken Dreams tells how and why the characters went to Brazil.....Elusive Hope continues the story in the jungles of Brazil.

Right now, Elusive Hope is at a low price. I suggest you buy a copy before the price goes up. You can order your copy HERE.

Who is MaryLu Tyndall?  Well, MaryLu is one of the sweetest ladies I have ever had the pleasure knowing. MaryLu was nice enough to answer a few questions for me to let you know a few things about her. These questions aren't your ordinary *Author* questions...I went off the scale a bit. 

Meet the Author

MaryLu Tyndall

1.  Do you have any pets? If so, tell us something about them.

Yes! I have cats. We used to have six cats but most have gone on to heaven. We usually take in strays that show up on our door or cats that other people don't want. Currently we only have two but I'm thinking of going to the shelter and rescuing another!  My daughter rescued Hershey, our girl cat, from the shelter over 8 years ago. She was going to be euthanized the next day and my daughter couldn't stand it so she took her home and we sort of adopted Hershey from her.  Buster, our boy cat, showed up on my doorstep 5 years ago nearly starving to death. He was very skittish and frightened and wouldn't let me come near him so I started feeding him outside. Eventually he grew to trust me and now comes inside the house and hangs out with us most of the time. He still enjoys wandering around the neighborhood.  Interesting thing about Buster is that he has a guardian angel.  We live in a neighborhood where coyotes run rampant and very few cats survive ever going outside. Though I've tried to keep Buster inside all the time, he's just too wild a kitty to be happy living inside, so whenever I let him out I pray for God to send a guardian angel to protect him. In 5 years, Buster always comes home safe and sound!

2.  Do you like your given name? Did you ever wish you had been named something different?

I've always hated my name.  How did you know?  Mary is too common and MaryLu sounds too much like a country girl's name.  Not that there's anything wrong with that except that I've always lived in the city.  But my Mom named me for my two grandmothers, Mary and Lucille.  Here's some names I would have rather had:  Morgan, Charlisse, or Alexandria.

3.  What’s the craziest thing you and your hubby George have done in public?

Hmm.. well, my husband is not the type of guy who does crazy things in public.  We are talking a very logical, brilliant scientist who rarely expresses emotions.  However when we went to Jamaica last year for our 20th anniversary, we both did go Ziplining through the jungle. The reason that was crazy for us was because we are both afraid of heights! My husband's fear is much worse than mine and there was one point in the journey where we were standing on a platform over 200 feet in the air suspended only by cables  and his face turned the color of snow! He could hardly move his feet!  I was really worried we'd be stuck there until a ranger or someone could rescue us, but he eventually shuffled over to the edge where the workers hooked him into the swing for the next ride.

4.  Have you ever locked yourself out of your house/car?

Yes. Of course! Who hasn't?  I've locked myself out of both my house and my car. Thankfully not at the same time!  And also thankfully, I had given extra keys to family members so all I needed to do was give them a call.  

5.  If you could switch places with someone for a day, who would you choose and why?

This may sound weird but I think I'd love to switch with someone who had a lot of visibility, someone like a famous musician or movie star or model, someone who a lot of people idolize and look up to. Why? Because I would use that one day and their platform to tell my fans that no amount of money, beauty, sex, or fame will ever make them happy. That they will only find love, purpose, value and eternal life if they turn their lives over to the one true and living God and receive the sacrifice Jesus made on their behalf.   Wouldn't that be crazy?? Think of the people I could influence for God! 

Final Question:

You are going to be a brand new Grandma soon. Can you give us your thoughts on this? (and by the way, I think you are going to be a fantastic Grandma!)

Thanks so much!  It's been 31 years since I've held a baby and cared for a little child, and back then I was too young to really appreciate it. So, as you can imagine, I'm very excited about this new baby! There's something about a child that sets your priorities straight in life. I imagine that when my grandbaby comes over, suddenly all the things on my list won't be so important to get done. Suddenly, spending time with this new child and teaching and loving him or her will overshadow everything else. It will be nice to have a child's innocence and laughter filling our home again. Can't wait!

Here is MaryLu's author profile:

Acclaimed author, M.L. (MaryLu) Tyndall dreamt of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her childhood days on Florida's Coast. After obtaining a degree in Math and working as software engineer for 15 years, she decided to test the waters as a writer. With now more than ten books published, she makes no excuses for the deeply spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures. As a follower of Christ, her stories often reflect her own journey and walk with God. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. In a culture that accepts the occult, wizards, zombies, and vampires without batting an eye, MaryLu hopes to show the awesome present and powerful acts of God in a dying world. A Christy award nominee, MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, and four cats on the California coast, where her imagination still surges with the sea. (I will add an update: her children are all grown and she now only has 2 cats)

So, there you have it, Mateys! The books and the lady behind them. What say you? Are you going to join in the adventure or just pass it on by? Yer choice......

Choose wisely, says I.......

Yep, it is time fer the giveaway, Mateys! One lucky commenter will be walkin' away wit' some nice prizes. MaryLu has graciously offered to give away the followin' :

Brazilian coffee and chocolate covered Brazil nuts!!!

I will be addin' to the prizes an e-copy of me and MaryLu's devotional, along wit' a special Exploding Box that I made just fer this giveaway:

(Exploding Box: Dimensions are 4"x 3.5"x 3.5".....There be 12 spaces fer yer special pictures, Mateys!)

Okay, here be the rules fer the giveaway, Mateys! Everyone who comments below will automatically get one entry. Here are other ways to get extra entries:

Follow MaryLu's Blog  Cross and Cutlass

Like MaryLu's Facebook Page

Follow me blog

Purchase Elusive Hope 

Purchase our Devotional 

Share this post on Facebook and/or Twitter 

That be 8 chances to win, Mateys! Make sure ye put yer name and email address in the comments, so that I will know who to contact. The giveaway will end on Friday, November 1st, which just so happens to be the official release date for Elusive Hope! Giveaway is for the US only...sorry. I will be announcin' the winner on Monday, November 4th. 

Thanks fer comin' aboard, Mateys! And best of luck to all of ye!

Fields of the Fatherless Review

Ship's Log   10.24.2013

Ahoy Mateys! Elaine Cooper's book Fields of the Fatherless has released and I wanted to help spread the word. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.

  Fields of the Fatherless

by Elaine Cooper

Description:

In the early months of 1775, war is brewing in the American colonies. Although frightened, eighteen-year-old Betsy Russell of Menotomy Village, Massachusetts, wants to be prepared in case of attack by British troops. Her father, prosperous farmer Jason, is the fourth generation of Russells on this land yet their very rights as British Colonials are being stripped away one by one. Will the King of England take their land as well? Tensions are growing here in the countryside west of Boston and the outbreak of battle seems a certainty. Jason desperately wants to protect his family his wife, children and grandchildren and their future. Betsy makes every attempt to be prepared for the worst. But not even the American militia could have predicted the bloody massacre that was about to occur right on the Russells doorstep. If Betsy loses everything she holds dear, are the rights of all the Colonists endangered? Based on a true story.

Meet the Author

Elaine Marie Cooper

Elaine is a great lady with a wonderful God-given talent for writing fascinating stories. Here is her author bio:

Novelist Elaine Marie Cooper is the author of "The Road to Deer Run," "The Promise of Deer Run" and "The Legacy of Deer Run." Her passions are her family, her faith in Christ and the history of the American Revolution, a frequent subject of her historical fiction. She grew up in Massachusetts, the setting for many of her novels. "Fields of the Fatherless," a novel set during the American Revolution, will release October 2013. Visit her website at: http://www.elainemariecooper.com

Elaine is a contributing writer to "Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home" by Edie Melson, and "I Choose You," a romance Anthology. Her freelance work has appeared in both newspapers and magazines, and she blogs regularly at http://ColonialQuills.blogspot.com, http://AuthorCulture.blogspot.com and http://www.NovelPASTimes.com

Now I would like to share my review of this book with you:

After reading this epic tale, I immediately sat down to write my review. I had to get it down while this story was fresh in my mind.

I am totally spent after reading The Fields of the Fatherless, all my emotions are either at the surface, or have spilled over. Elaine Marie Cooper has truly shown what it was like during this terrible time in history. I found myself vividly envisioning such unthinkably, vivid scenes, yet I kept reading because I needed to ‘witness’ it until the end. 

I appreciate Elaine’s writing so much, as she doesn’t hold anything back. She not only tells the story, but she ‘shows’ the story through her words. 

This story is based on fact and Elaine did a great job incorporating her own imagination into it all.

I simply love this quote from the story…it spoke to my heart.

“T’would not have mattered, if I had died doing the right thing.”

She paused. “If I did not do the right thing, it would mean something

inside my soul had died. Nothing is worth that. Not even my life.”

Such powerful words and so true. 

Whether you are a history buff or simply enjoy a great novel, I highly recommend this book to you. You will find yourself totally immersed in the time…..and find yourself learning a very important lesson in forgiveness and what if truly means to show compassion and love to everyone…including your enemies. 

Thank you, Elaine, for writing this story. And thank you for including your Author’s note. It added to the impact of this story. 

Where can you find this book and other books written by Elaine? You can find them HERE. 

Finally, I wish to congratulate Elaine on her newest release! 

Thanks fer comin' aboard, Mateys! I hope ye will be givin' this book a try! Feel free to congratulate Elaine in the comments below.  God bless.

FREE!!!FORSAKEN DREAMS!!!FREE!!!

Ship's Log   10.17.2013

Ahoy Mateys! This be a special announcement about Forsaken Dreams, Book 1 in MaryLu Tyndall's Escape to Paradise series. 
Between the dates of 10-17 and 10-31, Forsaken Dreams will be free!

Such a gorgeous cover and a great adventure! Book 2, Elusive Hope is on sale now, so this is a great opportunity to get the 1st Book in the series for free and then buy Book 2!!!!

Here is a description of Forsaken Dreams:

They left everything behind to build a new Southern utopia. . ..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 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.

Sounds pretty good, eh? Why not get your own copy and join in the adventure? You can get your free copy: 

HERE (Barnes & Noble)

HERE (CBD) 

and it should be free over on Amazon.com now or soon.

That's right, this is only Book 1 in the series. Don't forget to order a copy of Book 2 in the series, Elusive Hope. It is the continuing story......

 In the fledgling colony of New Hope, their friends struggle to create a Southern utopia in Brazil soon after the Civil War. But Hayden is seeking revenge—relentlessly. And Magnolia is seeking a way out—desperately. They both seek to use the other for their own purposes—deceptively. Falling in love was never part of their plans. . . .

You can order a copy  HERE

Let me tell you, Books 1 and 2 do not disappoint! I am on pins and needles waiting for Book 3 in the series! 

Head over and get both books and get swept away in the adventure of a lifetime!!!!!

God bless.

And the winnin' caption be........

Ship's Log   10.17.2013







Okay here be me favorite caption, Mateys!

Chap Debbie: "Me only be havin' two hands, so me had to do something with the 3rd grandbaby!"

Cecelia: (looking up at her Grammie in confusion) "Couldn't you figder out somethin' better than a box for my cousin Luke--I wanted to meet him too!" 
Luke: "How'd me get stuck inside this box?" 
Tate: "OK mates--I'm bored with all this--time for a nap!"

Congrats Jon and Vicki Marney! Thanks fer playin' along, Mateys!

Thanks fer comin' aboard.....come back next week fer some more!!!!!   God bless.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH A TWIST

Ship's Log  10.16.2013

Ahoy Mateys! It be me WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH A TWIST post.

Ye know what to do........

Caption this:

In honor of the birth of me two new grandbabies, (Cecilia and Tate) I be choosin' this here picture to be captioned, Mateys!  Use yer imagination....Both babies have an expression on their faces ye can work wit'....even Pirate Lucas (on me shirt) be havin' his own funny face. What say you? Give 'er yer best shot! I will announce me favorite on tomorrow's post.

Thanks fer comin' aboard, Mateys! God bless.