Forsaken Dreams - My Review

MaryLu Tyndall's books always surprise me.  I don't know what I originally expect, but they always blow my expectations and this book is no different.  It is set after the Civil War and is about people escaping the South trying to build a new south so to speak.  They are heading to Brazil to build a new life trying to escape different things. 

Colonel Blake Wallace is trying to escape the Yankees who want him dead. He has nothing left in the his southern home, no family, no plantation and no hope of a future as long as he is always looking over his shoulder.

Eliza Crawford, a former Civil War nurse, has nothing to call her own after to war tore apart her family.  She longs to begin fresh where no one knows her past. 

There are numerous other characters from all walks of life that make up this voyage to Brazil. Each one has his or her own purpose in the new colony that Wallace is heading up.  The different personalities and roles make for some very interesting story lines.

The main story is the back and forth between Eliza and Blake.  Can they look beyond their pasts and the deep rooted loyalties to find a true love. 

I think the part that fascinates me the most about this story is the true historical aspects of it.  Southerners really left the South and fled to Brazil because they refused to live under the government of the United States of America.  I never learned that in history class.  I learned so much reading this book and really enjoyed this book too!  I look forward to the next book and am curious who the story will be about. 

Good job MaryLu!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for my review.

Swept Away - My Review

I love Mary Connealy and will read everything she ever writes!  I can always count on a good fun read full of surprises and a sweet romance.  I was so excited to start a new series!  I don't know how I missed it but this is somewhat of a spin off of the Kincaid Brides Series.  It is a totally stand alone series, but I find myself wondering if there will be a series connecting the two series like Mary has done in the past.  Hmm... 

Luke Stone is a former Civil War soldier who is headed home to reclaim his family's ranch that was stolen.  He has carefully plotted and planned with his war buddies how to regain control of the ranch.  He has to be smart and maintain his long running plan.

Ruthie McNeil is swept away from her wagon train by the rushing river, but she is not sad to lose the family that has took her in years ago.  They never treated her as family and took advantage of her.  Luke happens upon Ruthy and can't just leave her there, but his plan can't be changed or delayed.  He had to take her with him. 

Luke heads home to town and meets up with his buddies "the Regulators".  They have a plan to take back his ranch and its a good thing Ruthie is there to help them fight. 

This is another winner by Mary Connealy.  I liked the book and look forward to her other books.  I laughed outloud as always and the romance was sweet.  It's not my favorite Mary Connealy book, but is a great start to a new series.  I look forward to the continued development of the other characters.

I was given this book for free by NetGalley in exchange for my review.