BR: Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall (January 2016)

[Melanie, ✞Moderator, Avid Reader, & Blogger ✞]

Embark on a seafaring adventure in a brand-new series from bestselling author MaryLu Tyndall.

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.

[Bess]

I love the way MaryLu starts off a book! It is riveting and sucks you right into the story. This was interesting too; she starts in the middle of the squall, then chapter 2 is like a rewind.

[Melanie, ✞Moderator, Avid Reader, & Blogger ✞]

She does start books to where you get into the story right away.
I'm about to start this one :)

[Bess]

Oh, good. I'm not that far into it! : )

[Melanie, ✞Moderator, Avid Reader, & Blogger ✞]

End of chapter 1
(view spoiler)[Wow! That was an intense ending to the chapter. I was so nervous she was going overboard -- thankful that "strong hand" saved her. Can't wait to read the next chapter(s) to find out who it was! (hide spoiler)]

[Melanie, ✞Moderator, Avid Reader, & Blogger ✞]

Bess wrote: "I love the way MaryLu starts off a book! It is riveting and sucks you right into the story. This was interesting too; she starts in the middle of the squall, then chapter 2 is like a rewind."

I guess it might be awhile before we find out who saved her, because of the story going back 19 days.

[Melanie, ✞Moderator, Avid Reader, & Blogger ✞]

29%

(view spoiler)[I feel so bad for Blake. To lose his brother who was so young and the rest of his family too -- just terrible and heartbreaking. (hide spoiler)]

This is so good!

[Bess]

22%

I'm loving it too. One question, who's Grant? Chapter 3? Can't find him before or after this one mention...

[Bess]

Melanie wrote: "29%

[spoilers removed]

This is so good!"

Yes, he is so strong in the midst of heartache and loss. Such bravado. I wonder why he sees his episodes as weakness instead of reminders that God protects. But I only know of war from history books. I've never endured it personally. I hope he receives healing.

[Melanie, ✞Moderator, Avid Reader, & Blogger ✞]

Regarding "Grant" I think that's a typo (maybe Blake's name in an earlier draft was Grant), because from the rest of the paragraph it seems like he's Blake. Lol! ;)

[Melanie, ✞Moderator, Avid Reader, & Blogger ✞]

51% done

(view spoiler)[Wow! I can't believe how horribly they are treating Eliza (although knowing the times, I can believe it, but it's still horrible).

I like how even though Blake is angry with her, he still injured himself as a way to prove to the people that she is necessary for them to keep -- their doctor can't stand the sight of blood, so only she can sew up injuries. Still, it doesn't look like that convinced them to let her stay.... (hide spoiler)]

[Bess]

Melanie wrote: "51% done

Wow! I can't believe how horribly they are treating Eliza (although knowing the times, I can believe it, but it's still horrible).

52%
I like how even though Blake is angry with her, he sti..."

I liked that too. I wish he'd use his heart over his head in this case. But I do think him very gallant anyway!

I keep wondering what did Angeline do?!! :D

[Bess]

52%

(spoilers)

The whole idea Eliza is "bad luck" because she was married to a Yankee is ridiculous! I think Blake wants to believe it but feels he would be harboring feelings towards those who killed his family and can't in good conscience.

So, she wasn't welcome with Stanton's family after he died. She was disowned by her own family when she married Stanton. And now the voyagers won't let her stay either! What a pickle!! :|

[Melanie, ✞Moderator, Avid Reader, & Blogger ✞]

I agree -- it is a ridiculous idea!

And, yes, what a conundrum!

This story is definitely moving quickly and I'm loving it!

[Melanie, ✞Moderator, Avid Reader, & Blogger ✞]

91%

***serious spoilers below!***

(view spoiler)[Just when it looked like things might be getting a little brighter for Eliza and Blake, THIS bombshell is revealed. Cannot believe it was her husband that killed Blake's brother! I know she didn't have a part in it, but I don't know how Blake will get over it (since it already took so long for him to move on from her Yankee past).

Do you think she actually saw her husband or was it just her imagination? I feel like it can't be real, but then again I've been surprised by other things in this book. ;) (hide spoiler)]

[Bess]

I had a feeling that it was her husband that killed his brother. It makes for a great situation they have to overcome!

[Melanie, ✞Moderator, Avid Reader, & Blogger ✞]

Oh, I didn't mean to spoil it for you! :/ Sorry if that was the case.

But I didn't think that at all! You're a better guesser with this book than I have been ;)

[Bess]

No, I love the discussion! You can't spoil a book for me!! :D

[Melanie, ✞Moderator, Avid Reader, & Blogger ✞]

Phew! So glad I didn't spoil anything ;)

[Bess]

You could have told me the ending and it won't spoil it for me...I'm one of those people. :) Not to worry!

[Bess]

76%

After Angeline trying to commit suicide and Blake corners Eliza in the hall, I'm thinking he finds out her husband killed his brother by the pocket watch. There hasn't been mention of it since she was about to be stranded on the island. But with all the affection he looks at her, it is the only tell-tale sign of possible betrayal, in my mind.

[Bess]

87%

I love Sarah's audacity while she speaks with Blake. "You came here for freedom, did you not? Then forgive and be free."

Two words, shock and awe!! :)

[Melanie, ✞Moderator, Avid Reader, & Blogger ✞]

Yes -- love it! The message of forgiveness was really powerful :)

[Bess]

Great novel! Great ending and fabulous messages and morals!!

[Melanie, ✞Moderator, Avid Reader, & Blogger ✞]

It was!! I loved it! I was so nervous near the end when things started to not look so good and it seemed like Blake was going to stay angry with her (even though I assumed things had to end happily, I wasn't sure).
So happy with how everything turned out!

I had fun discussing this with you! Do you want to read the next book together? If not, no problem, but if you do when would you like to start?

[Bess]

I had fun too! Yes, I would love to tackle another book. You're a much faster reader than I but I would like to get the 2nd book going!!

Looks like you started another book, so you can decide when to start; today, tomorrow, a couple days from now? I'm flexible! :)

[Melanie, ✞Moderator, Avid Reader, & Blogger ✞]

Does starting Friday work? :)

[Bess]

Yes, it does! Sounds perfect!! :)

[Melanie, ✞Moderator, Avid Reader, & Blogger ✞]

Thread is up :) https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Sorry for the delay!

[Bess]

No worries....

: )