Saturday, October 26, 2013

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!!!!!!


Alien Pirate Clip Art



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?



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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!











36 comments:

  1. I already have the 1st book, but have not yet read it, and this sounds like a series that I will want to read all the way through! I also have the devotional that you two wrote together,, however, I have not yet read it either--just too many books in my TBR list--guess I need to get a moving on it, huh? Your giveaway has many fun items in it, and should I be the lucky one to win it, I would give the book to my mom (who would LOVE it), since I already have a copy. I would also re-gift the coffee, since I'm not a coffee drinker--the other gifts sound really fun! Thanks for giving us the opportunity to win these items--it is always fun to win something!
    Vicki

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    1. Ahoy Vicki! Yes, ye need to get crackin' on readin' those books. If ye read any of the devotional, do us a favor and post a review on Amazon. Ye didn't mention if ye have done any of the extra giveaway tasks. Let me know, so I can be sure and give ye the number of entries ye deserve.

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  2. Chappy, great reviews and awesome interview:) I can't wait to dig into Elusive Hope! I have already done all of the things on your list:)
    Rebecca
    Rebeccahartman07@ yahoo.com

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    1. Awesome, Rebecca! Ye make me a very happy Chappy! Do us a favor and post a review of our devotional on Amazon. And ye be having 8 entries, Matey!

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  3. Awesome reviews and interview, Debbie! LOVED your "off the scale" questions lol. I have done all but purchase Elusive Hope since I got mine in the mail yesterday!! :) But don't enter me in the drawing. I already have the devotional and probably wouldn't like the chocolate stuff. Haha. Beautiful box, though!

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    1. Hey Sarah! Thanks fer comin' aboard! Ye can still enter if ye wish. Ye can always re-gift the prizes to friends and family, Matey! Let me know if ye be in or out!

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  4. I have Forsaken Dreams but I haven't read it yet. I'm looking forward to reading it. I have done the first 3 things on your list :)

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    1. Hey Anita! Thanks fer comin' aboard! Ye be havin' four entries!

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  5. I love this review and interview. I have liked Marylu on facebook and I follow her blog. I purchased Forsaken Dreams this week, but have not had a chance to start it yet. since I have several Christmas books in my to be read pile, they will probably be read first due to the season, But that means I will be looking forward to reading it come January and will be at the top. I loved reading the Falcoln and Sparrow.

    wwchildren at gmail dot com

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    1. Wilani, Falcon and the Sparrow is one of my favorite books by MaryLu. Best of luck in the drawing!

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  6. I follow MaryLu's blog and have liked her Facebook page.
    This was an interesting interview with MaryLu. I love the covers of these books and look forward to reading them. I have the first book on my Kindle. I like to read series books one after the other, unless it doesn't make any difference in the flow of the story, so haven't read it yet.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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    1. Welcome aboard Pam! Thanks fer droppin' by! You are going to love this series, it has so much to offer! Good luck in the drawing!

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  7. I be followin' MaryLu's facebook page and blog. Ye ol' scavenger hunt be introducing me to this fabulous author. Arrrr you kidding me, chocolate and coffee be my most favorite things when accompanied by a book. Pure paradise for me!

    tinaturpin@hotmail.com

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    1. Ahoy Matey! Welcome aboard! Ye won't be disappointed wit' MaryLu's books, she be me favorite author and a great friend! Ye be in the drawin', so best of luck to ye!

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  8. chaplaindebbie, I already follow Marylu by blog and liked her facebook page. I have not read any of her books yet as I just recently learned of her writings. but I plan to add them to my list based on all the reviews I have read. Thanks for the great review and I am signing up as a follower on gmail as a follower of your blog. thank you.
    Jackie McNutt mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Hey Jackie, thanks fer comin' aboard! I am sure you will love MaryLu's books. I believe Forsaken Dreams is still free as an ebook until the 31st. So far ye have four entries. If ye share or tweet about this post, ye could get two more!

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  9. I did everything but Twitter. Thanks for the giveaway.

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    1. Ye be gettin' 6 entries, Matey! Good luck!

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    2. I pre-ordered Elusive Hope from Amazon (paperback) & already got it--it's SOOOO good!!!! I had read Forsaken Dreams & *loved* it, so I was enthralled with book 2. Now I'm eageraly awaiting book 3! I've read all of MaryLu's books, and she is an extraordinary writer...I can't recommend her books enough!

      Since I've already ordered multiple copies of both of these new books to give away, I don't need to be entered to get the prize--I want someone else to get it.

      ALL: Even if you don't win, buy MaryLu's books: you will be completely hooked by them!! :-)

      Lora

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    3. Hey Lora! So nice to meet another MaryLu fan! Just so you know, this giveaway isn't for the books, it is for the other goodies, so if you decide you want to enter, let me know!

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  10. Ahoy Mates! What a cute post! And great prizes. I am a fan!

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    1. Hello Sonja! Thanks for stopping by. Your name is in the drawing! Good luck!

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    2. Sonja.nishimoto (at) gmail (dot) com sorry, never remember to do that!

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  11. Great review and I have to say I loved the interview! Well done Chappy! You should do this blog thing more often! :-) Very excited about Elusive Hope and I think you said it well when you said you can't stop reading and want to keep going, chapter after chapter. MaryLu's writing is so well done. She truly has a gift and her love for the Lord shines through on the pages of her books. I have done the first 2 things. And will head off to try and do the third one.

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    1. Oops, forgot!
      Nancycooks4u(at)gmail(dot)com

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    2. Hey Nancy! Thanks fer comin' aboard! Thanks fer yer kind words, Matey, ye be havin' 4 entries! Good luck!

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  12. Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks for comin' aboard Janet! Good luck in the drawing!

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  13. Ok, here's my rundown. :) I love this interview!
    I follow MaryLu's Blog Cross and Cutlass
    I like MaryLu's Facebook Page
    I follow your blog (manually, is there an email to sign up to follow?)
    I have purchase your Devotional
    And I shared this post on Facebook

    mandyerog[at]hotmail[dot]com

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    1. Hey Amanda, thanks fer comin' aboard! Let me see, that gives ye 6 entries!

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    2. Coffee!!!!!!!! Ah, you do know how to do a giveaway! And the book sounds fascinating, I would so love to read it! I have never read anything by this author before. I followed your blog (love the name).
      bluegrassbirdie(at)gmail(dot)com

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    3. Ahoy Brittany! Welcome aboard. Thanks fer followin' me blog! Yer name be in the hat, Matey!

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  14. She is one of my favorite authors....cant wait to read this new book...the first in the series was such a good read! Thanks for the chance to win!

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    1. Ahoy Wilma! Thanks fer comin' aboard! Best of luck in the drawin'!

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