Forsaken Dreams - Pre-release Party, Week 2!

Welcome to week 2 of my pre-release party for Forsaken Dreams, which will be out in stores on March 1st! In celebration of this grand event, EVERY Friday in February, I'll be posting something about the book and giving away a FREE copy!!

The winner of last week's drawing is KARA!!  Congratulations, Kara. I'll be sending a signed copy of Forsaken Dreams to you ASAP.  And many thanks to everyone who entered. I really enjoyed your comments. But don't despair, you have another chance to win this week! 

So, share this post, tweet it, post it on facebook and join the party! Without further ado, here's a peek at the cover and a teaser about the story.

They Left Everything Behind to Build a New Southern Utopia

Colonel Blake Wallace has seen enough death to last a lifetime. Weary and disillusioned, he slumps beneath the weight of defeat and loss. With his entire family murdered by the North and his name appearing on a list of officers wanted for war crimes, Blake organizes a shipload of southerners who, like him, long to escape the horrors of war and start a new life in a verdant land called Brazil.

Eliza Crawford can barely remember the days of her youth spent in opulence and comfort at her Georgian home. She can't help but wonder how different her life would be had she not met her late husband, Stanton Watts, a general in the Northern army. Now a war widow, Eliza is rejected by both North and South. Desperate to keep her marriage a secret and escape her past and pain, she longs to start over again in Brazil.

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.

Order from Amazon,  Order from CBD.com, Order from BarnesAndNoble

Last week, we learned about the heroine in the story, Eliza Crawford. This week, we will learn about the hero,  

Colonel Blake Wallace

Brief Description: Blake Wallace is a true warrior. Standing at just over six feet tall with jet black hair, stormy gray eyes and  a muscular build honed by war, Blake’s commanding presence offers no doubt as to his profession. A profession he used to love until the war. Now, Blake has seen enough death to last a lifetime. Weary and disillusioned, he slumps beneath a weight of defeat and loss. Son of a wealthy Atlanta merchant, Blake attended WestPoint before the war and worked his way up through the American Army to become a colonel. A career officer, he loved the structure and discipline of the military, and he was proud of his role in the defense of his great nation. So, when the Southern states seceded from the union and declared their independence, Blake didn’t hesitate to lead the charge to protect his homeland from the North. But as the war dragged on and Blake realized that men lived and died based on his decisions, his zeal began to fade. He lost several close friends in his regimen, but it wasn’t until his younger brother was killed that Blake began to loathe the North. As soon as the war ended, he hastened home to his mother, father and sisters, only to find they’d all been murdered during the burning of Atlanta.  Now, angry at God and man, and with nothing to keep him home and with the North inflicting chains of punishment around the South, Blake decides to organize a shipload of southerners who, like him, long to escape the horrors of war and start a new south in a succulent land called Brazil.

Strengths: Courageous, Honorable, Chivalrous, Leader, Resolute, Idealistic, Structured

Weaknesses: Demanding, Merciless, Bitter, Unforgiving, Austere

Quirks: Blake walks with a limp due to a war injury to his right leg. He suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome and is prone to blackouts, nightmares, and visions.  Three deep lines furrow on his brow when he’s angry or frustrated.

Inspiration:  I love the character of the Warrior/King! This is a man who is physically and mentally prepared to protect and defend his nation, his family, and his lady love.  He’s the character we see in our favorite movies like The Gladiator, The Patriot, Rob Roy, and Robin Hood. The fearless adventurer who places honor, loyalty, and doing one’s duty for God and King above anything else. Yet along with those great qualities comes a harsher side—a man who holds others up to the same standard to which he holds himself. Mercy and grace do not factor into his way of thinking. Mistakes never go unpunished. Especially not when he’s the one who made them. Consequently, when Blake fails to save his brother and his entire family in the war, he takes all the guilt and the anger upon himself. That is, until he finds a scapegoat for his hatred, a secret Yankee on board the ship!

What are your thoughts on Blake? Are you the type who expects as much of others as you do of yourself? Do you feel guilt when you mess up? Is it hard for you to get over your own weaknesses and faults?  I know I possess some of these qualities. Though I don't consider myself courageous or a warrior, I hold high expectations of myself and therefore of others and I can be critical and unforgiving at times. How about you?

To enter the contest, please leave a comment with your thoughts (And with your Email, please! so I can contact you if you win) 

BONUS ALERT. A wonderful friend of mine is also offering the following in conjunction with my giveaway this week:   Ocean Blue Gift Giveaway includes: A lovely hand-made Victorian doll in a blue gown with lace shawl, a blue silk fan, an 11" X 15" basket of violets print suitable for framing (Feb. flower of the month), Godiva chocolate--and a copy of MaryLu's book Forsaken Dreams. 
If you're interested, head on over to her blog and leave a comment there too!  http://amhisbooks.blogspot.com/ 

 I'll announce a winner from this blog next Friday when I'll reveal some of the history behind the story and the cool video trailer!! 

Read More

Wordless Wednesday!

Pirates can be Gentlemen, Too!

Read More

Longing for His appearing?

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Tim 4:8 NIV


I'm always amazed when I meet "Christians" who aren't really excited about the return of Jesus. They don't think about it, don't plan for it, don't meditate on Eschatology Scriptures, don't read the signs of the times. They are just too caught up their current lives, in planning their futures. They concern themselves with education, getting a job, buying a house, vacations, cars, getting married, having kids, raising kids, grandchildren, what's on TV...etc.  NONE of those things are wrong in themselves. They are all good things God has given us to enjoy in this world.   And we have to do some of them to survive. But the question is, are they our entire focus? Do we shove God into a little 15 minute devotional in the morning and an hour service on Sunday? Are we LONGING for Jesus's Appearance?  Or is a part of us hoping He doesn't come back for awhile so we can live our lives?  

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them 1 John 2:15 NIV

I used to feel that way. I was young, wanted to get married and have a family, experience life before Jesus came back.  Was that wrong?  Not wrong but foolish. Foolish because I had NO IDEA (and still don't in many ways) how wonderful eternity was going to be--far better than anything this earth has to offer!  And foolish also in that when I put my desires and my focus on this world, it becomes my god, and I slowly drift away from the real God. Which is exactly what I did!!!  I ended up in a HUGE mess in my 20s and 30s, even to the point, I believe, that I was no longer saved.  (Yes I do believe we can lose our salvation by an act of our own will, but that's another topic) 

What is the first thought that comes into your mind when you wake up? Is it.."Today could be the day I meet my Savior"  or is it what you're going to have for breakfast, or all the tasks you have to complete that day, or problems with kids, friends, etc... just pouring into your mind like a waterfall.  I recently heard a pastor say that every morning as soon as his mind wakes and all those problems and tasks start flooding in, he shuts them off and lays in beds and focuses on God. He thanks the Father for a new day and then asks if there's anyone he can pray for right then. Then he gives the day to God and asks God to use him that day to bring Him glory. 

I'm going to try to do this from now on. Because, one thing I believe with all my heart is this: We are NOT put on this earth to please ourselves. We are put here to bring glory to God. That's it. Pure and simple. When we get to Heaven, we won't give a rat's behind whether our laundry is done or we got that promotion at work or how much savings we have in retirement or if that man broke our heart. We won't care if our house is clean or our yard mowed or whether we can afford a new car. In fact, I believe what most of us will be thinking is this:  Why did I waste so much time on unimportant things?? Why didn't I spend more time with God? Learning about Him, listening to Him and following Him?

Jesus spoke often about this Himself. He told many parables about being on the alert for the Master's return, about keeping oil in your lantern (a symbol of the Holy Spirit), of using your talents for God's glory, of being a good steward of your Master's belongings because you never knew when He would return.  Is Jesus coming back soon?  I happen to think so. Whether or not you agree is irrelevant. He could come back for you today, this minute, in fact. Our lives are like grass, here one day, and gone tomorrow.  So are you longing for His appearance?


Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 2 Tim 2:3-5 NIV

Read More

Forsaken Dreams Pre-Release Party!! Week 1!

Yay! It's finally here! Well, almost. My next release, Forsaken Dreams, (My 12th published novel!) will be out in stores on March 1st! In celebration of this grand event, EVERY Friday in February, I'll be posting something about the book and giving away a FREE copy of the book!!

So, share this post, tweet it, post it on facebook and join the party! Without further ado, here's a peek at the cover and a teaser about the story.

They Left Everything Behind to Build a New Southern Utopia

Colonel Blake Wallace has seen enough death to last a lifetime. Weary and disillusioned, he slumps beneath the weight of defeat and loss. With his entire family murdered by the North and his name appearing on a list of officers wanted for war crimes, Blake organizes a shipload of southerners who, like him, long to escape the horrors of war and start a new life in a verdant land called Brazil.

Eliza Crawford can barely remember the days of her youth spent in opulence and comfort at her Georgian home. She can't help but wonder how different her life would be had she not met her late husband, Stanton Watts, a general in the Northern army. Now a war widow, Eliza is rejected by both North and South. Desperate to keep her marriage a secret and escape her past and pain, she longs to start over again in Brazil.

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.

This week, we will take an in-depth look at the heroine of the story, Eliza Crawford (or is that her real name? Hmmmm)

Eliza Crawford 

Brief Description: At age 22, with hair the color of maple syrup, glistening golden eyes, and an athletic build, Eliza feels like she’s already lived a lifetime. She can barely remember the days of her youth spent in opulence and comfort when she lived at her parent’s upscale hotel in Marietta, Georgia. If only she hadn’t met Stanton Watts, she wouldn’t be in such dire straits. But she was young and in love and her zest for freedom and adventure made her throw caution, convention, and her family’s disapproval to the wind, and follow her heart. Unfortunately it led her to a miserable year of marriage to a man who was hardly ever home. Brigadier-General Stanton Watts, killed in action, December, 1862 during the Battle of Fredericksburg. She could still see the handwritten post that changed her life forever and sent her from Pennsylvania back to Georgia and eventually to the rebel front lines as a nurse. Even after her husband’s death, her family would not forgive her for marrying a Union soldier. Now, rejected by people on either side of the war, Eliza finds herself alone in the world, without friends, family, or means to provide for herself. She sells her remaining jewelry and possessions and procures passage on the NewHopeheading for Brazil. Perhaps there, with her secret hidden, she can escape her past, her pain, her rejection and start over.

Strengths:  Courageous, Generous, Kind, A free spirit, Fearless, Dreamer, Doer not a talker

Weaknesses: Rebellious, Stubborn, Impulsive, Self-willed

Quirks:  Eliza is a take charge kind of woman not easily frightened by new challenges. She possesses an independent spirit that craves freedom and therefore she often has trouble following any rules or direction if it goes against what she wants.  Outwardly, this manifests itself in her unruly hair which she can never seem to keep pinned up in a coiffure dictated by proper etiquette.

Inspiration: Eliza is the type of heroine we often see in film and in books. She’s the fearless conqueror who takes life by the horns and fights for her way.  She’s the woman who defies conventions and rules and lives by the impulses of her heart. She’s the artist, the dancer, the actress, the free thinker. Her zest for life and her huge heart are truly gifts from God, but like all  gifts, they can be used either for good or evil. Unfortunately, Eliza tosses away God’s healthy restraints on her zeal and ends up making a huge mess of her life. 

So, what do you think of Eliza? Can you relate to her at all? Are you a free spirit, a dreamer, courageous and independent or do you tend to play it safe, obey the rules and draw within the lines?  (Which is more the way I am!)  And why is it that most of us seem drawn to the strong, independent heroine? 

Leave a comment, along with your email, and you'll be entered in a contest to win a copy of Forsaken Dreams!  I will announce the winner next Friday when we another sneak peek at the book, in particular, Colonel Blake Wallace. (Who I think you're going to love! hubba hubba )  

 

Read More