UPDATE:
The winner is
DEBRA DAWN SMITH
Entry #32
The winner is
DEBRA DAWN SMITH
Entry #32
!!! Release Day !!!
(November 1st 2013)
(November 1st 2013)
Elusive Hope
Escape To Paradise book 2
by MaryLu Tyndall
Embark on an exotic adventure in Book 2 of the Escape to Paradise series from bestselling author MaryLu Tyndall. 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. . . .
.
Interview with MaryLu Tyndall about her brand new release
Elusive Hope
.
#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
Elusive Hope continues the adventures of a group of Southerners who fled the South after the US Civil War and came to Brazil hoping to recreate a Southern Utopia. This second book follows the adventures of two rather colorful characters, a con-man and a spoiled Southern Belle, who create lots of sparks when they are thrown together! In fact, they must travel through the jungles of Brazil for five days to reach Rio de Janeiro. As fun as it was to torture them along the way, the real inspiration for the story lies with the heroine, Magnolia, who believes her only value comes from her good looks. Her father has told her that repeatedly, as well as many suitors, and she comes to believe it as fact. Hence, she is obsessed with her appearance and desperate to keep looking beautiful no matter what. I see many young girls these days falling into the same trap. They just want to be loved and cherished and valued, but they believe that comes from being beautiful. But beauty is fleeting and only God can give us the value and love we crave.
Elusive Hope continues the adventures of a group of Southerners who fled the South after the US Civil War and came to Brazil hoping to recreate a Southern Utopia. This second book follows the adventures of two rather colorful characters, a con-man and a spoiled Southern Belle, who create lots of sparks when they are thrown together! In fact, they must travel through the jungles of Brazil for five days to reach Rio de Janeiro. As fun as it was to torture them along the way, the real inspiration for the story lies with the heroine, Magnolia, who believes her only value comes from her good looks. Her father has told her that repeatedly, as well as many suitors, and she comes to believe it as fact. Hence, she is obsessed with her appearance and desperate to keep looking beautiful no matter what. I see many young girls these days falling into the same trap. They just want to be loved and cherished and valued, but they believe that comes from being beautiful. But beauty is fleeting and only God can give us the value and love we crave.
#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
It takes me about 6 months to research, write, and edit a book. That's working full time each day!
It takes me about 6 months to research, write, and edit a book. That's working full time each day!
#3. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
I love the hero, Hayden. He reminds me of Sawyer on LOST for those of you who watched that TV show. He's a con-man, a charmer, handsome, rugged, and very good at swindling people. Yet inside, he's very wounded by a father who abandoned him when he was a baby and left Hayden's mother to die. Now, all Hayden can think about is finding this man and killing him. Hayden is such a conflicted character. One minute, he's cruel, the next kind. One minute apathetic, the next passionate. He's really a good guy who shields his broken heart with a tough exterior.
I love the hero, Hayden. He reminds me of Sawyer on LOST for those of you who watched that TV show. He's a con-man, a charmer, handsome, rugged, and very good at swindling people. Yet inside, he's very wounded by a father who abandoned him when he was a baby and left Hayden's mother to die. Now, all Hayden can think about is finding this man and killing him. Hayden is such a conflicted character. One minute, he's cruel, the next kind. One minute apathetic, the next passionate. He's really a good guy who shields his broken heart with a tough exterior.
#4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I hope that people will first be entertained by Hayden and Magnolia's story and that the book will provide an escape from normal life. But I also pray that readers will see God's love strewn across the pages, that they will see how he woos people, how he pursues people to come to him and find rest and peace. I also pray that women (and men) will realize that their beauty comes from within and not without, and that how God sees us, what he thinks of us, is all that matters.
I hope that people will first be entertained by Hayden and Magnolia's story and that the book will provide an escape from normal life. But I also pray that readers will see God's love strewn across the pages, that they will see how he woos people, how he pursues people to come to him and find rest and peace. I also pray that women (and men) will realize that their beauty comes from within and not without, and that how God sees us, what he thinks of us, is all that matters.
#5. What made you choose some of the specific locations for this book?
My series is based on actual history. Nearly 20,000 Southerners fled to Brazil after the Civil War. This particular story takes place in the jungle just south of Rio de Janeiro, where one of the real settlements actually resided.
My series is based on actual history. Nearly 20,000 Southerners fled to Brazil after the Civil War. This particular story takes place in the jungle just south of Rio de Janeiro, where one of the real settlements actually resided.
#6. How did you name your characters?
It depends on the book. I search through historical records for names that were popular at the time and if I see one I like, I choose it. I also use an online tool that tells me the meanings of names, and I often like to choose names that mean something related to the character's personality.
It depends on the book. I search through historical records for names that were popular at the time and if I see one I like, I choose it. I also use an online tool that tells me the meanings of names, and I often like to choose names that mean something related to the character's personality.
Bonus. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
This book contains some spiritual elements that hint at spiritual warfare to come in Book 3. I've been a Christian for 20 years now and have rarely met another believer who is even aware of the dark side of spirit realm, let alone equipped to do battle. Many people seem unwilling or afraid to even think of the devil and his demons. It's a rare thing to combine spiritual warfare in a romance novel, but it is my hope that it may spur some people to do their own investigation into our role in this epic battle.
This book contains some spiritual elements that hint at spiritual warfare to come in Book 3. I've been a Christian for 20 years now and have rarely met another believer who is even aware of the dark side of spirit realm, let alone equipped to do battle. Many people seem unwilling or afraid to even think of the devil and his demons. It's a rare thing to combine spiritual warfare in a romance novel, but it is my hope that it may spur some people to do their own investigation into our role in this epic battle.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12 NKJV
Ephesians 6:12 NKJV
 MaryLu Tyndall | 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. |
Connect with MaryLu Online
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To enter the giveaway please use the Rafflecopter below.
Before entering please click the Terms and Conditions button at the
bottom of the Rafflecopter and read them.
Before entering please click the Terms and Conditions button at the
bottom of the Rafflecopter and read them.
PLEASE sign up to receive our emails OR follow us on our Facebook fan page, buttons are on the right.
I'd like to remind everyone entering the giveaway that
I will NOT be contacting the winner, it is up to the winner to contact me.
I will NOT be contacting the winner, it is up to the winner to contact me.
If you win please send your mailing address/email address to me at telltalebookreviews(at)gmail(dot)com, just replace the (at) with an @ and the (dot) with a . and I will get the info to the correct person.
