I know I wrote a review for MaryLu Tyndall’s Elusive Hope, the second book in her Escape to Paradise Series. Since I can’t seem to find it (though I found
part of it), I’m going write another review.
From the
back of the book:
In a colony named New Hope, while their friends are seeking
a Southern utopia. . . .
Hayden is seeking revenge. Relentlessly.
After years of all but selling his soul to track down his
scoundrel of a father, Hayden Gale discovers his search must continue in South
America, where his father is reported to be helping colonize Brazil. Hayden has
nothing more to lose, certainly not a good reputation, and vows to keep
pursuing--at any cost--the vile man who he believes killed his mother.
Magnolia is seeking a
way out. Desperately.
She’s in the jungles of Brazil against her will, but what
choice does Magnolia Scott have? Her father insisted on uprooting their family
to escape the uncertainty of Southern life after the Civil War. But how will
she survive without all she holds dear—wealthy suitors, beautiful clothes,
summer balls, and slaves waiting on her every whim? She vows to find a way to
get back home—and attaches herself to handsome Hayden Gale.
As they journey
toward Rio de Janeiro, they both seek to use the other for their own purposes.
Deceptively. Falling in love was never part of their plans. . . .
Even though this is the second book in the series, it can be
read without reading the first book. Yes, the characters are introduced in the
first book, but there is enough information that Elusive Hope can be read as a stand-alone book (though I don’t think
this will be true for book 3). I do recommend that you read the first book, Forsaken Dreams, to get the whole
story.
As the colony of New Hope is being established in the
jungles of Brazil, things are not what they seem. There is a darkness present
that will test everyone’s faith. Some of
the colonists are having haunting visions. This subplot of Elusive Hope will probably be concluded in book 3 – Abandoned Memories – due out in June
2014.
The main plot of Elusive Hope centers around Hayden Gale, a scoundrel
of his own making, who is seeking revenge on the father that left him and his
mother penniless. The other main character is spoiled rich girl Magnolia Scott,
who not only has a drinking problem, but a fiancé back in the states that she
desperately wants to return to and marry. As Hayden and Magnolia make their way
through the jungle, I just had to laugh. The adventures and situations the two
of them find themselves in cracked me up. Hayden lets go of his hate as Magnolia
realizes that inner beauty is much better than outer beauty….and the two of
them get close. I won’t spoil it.
I don’t want to give away too many details, but MaryLu does
a great job describing the jungle and the hardships Hayden and Magnolia go
through. It left me wanting them to stay in the jungle and never arrive at
their destinations. Magnolia changed the most, going from a spoiled, rich brat
that I wanted to slap, to a woman that is no longer under her daddy’s thumb and
can stand soundly on her own two feet.
Bravo MaryLu for creating a world in 1866 that I wish I
could visit! I also wouldn’t mind challenging Magnolia for the handsome Hayden
(yes, I realize I’m married…it’s called a book fantasy). I anxiously await the
next installment of the Escape to Paradise Series.
Oh my! Oh me!
