"Elusive Hope" by MaryLu Tyndall

http://marylutyndall.com/books/elusive_hope

A Book Review of "Elusive Hope" by MaryLu Tyndall

Nothing but sparks fly when Hayden Gale and Magnolia Scott are within a couple miles of each other. Two people who are seeking something completely different, but somehow find a way to work together out of desperation to achieve their goals.

Magnolia Scott
What is a Southern belle doing in the jungles of Brazil and what would her fiance think if he saw her now, perspiring and swatting flies? Yuck! Magnolia doesn't intend to wait to find out. She is bound and determined to make her way back to everything she deems important; stunning gowns, gorgeous balls, and marriage to the man she thinks will save her.

Hayden Gale
Nobody but Hayden knows what he is doing in Brazil, and he would like nothing better than for it to stay that way. He is bound and determined to find his father and make him pay for the life that Hayden has to live. Hayden is positive that his father murdered his mother, and will do anything to bring him to justice, or is it revenge?

MaryLu Tyndall has done it again, she has captured her audience with a gripping tale of two people that professed to despise each other, but in reality aren't that different after all. They are both in a desperate search to find someone, Magnolia her fiance, and Hayden his scoundrel of a father; both will do anything necessary to reach that goal, including lying or possibly even stealing.

The moment I started reading her book I couldn't put it down. I am not saying this because I like to read, or because all of MaryLu Tyndall's books have turned out to be fantastic reads with deep biblical messages. Just the opposite. I loved her other books, but when I read a book I look for a difference in characters and a connection to the reader. One thing that I despise most is when the hero of a book, or the main male character, is alway the same. He reacts the same, says the same things, or makes the same decisions. Hayden Gale is quite a different character. He does everything opposite of a gentleman, because in all honesty, he isn't one.

I can always count on MaryLu Tyndall starting a book off with a splash, and in Elusive Hope, the second book in the Escape to Paradise trilogy, it literally is a splash! Her words gripped me in this telling tale in Brazil... and when I say gripped, I mean it. I started reading right before I went to bed, and ended up not falling asleep until I was finished. Suffice to say, it was a good thing I didn't have to work the next day.

I don't know how she does it but I could feel the sweat dripping off my back and the flies buzzing around my head as I read Elusive Hope. She also brought me so much closer to my relationship with God, really bringing home the message that God is our father, and that He cares intimately for each and every one of us. Both Hayden and Magnolia had difficult lessons to learn about God and His saving power and grace; MaryLu Tyndall is one of the best at painting that trying tale.

There is only one way you can really dive into Elusive Hope, and that is to find it somewhere, whether that is in your public library, in a book store, online to order a paper copy, or even an eBook version. I'm telling you it will be worth it!

For now I'm signing out,
Not-So-Princess Lizzy

“Forsaken Dreams” by MaryLu Tyndall

A Book Review of “Forsaken Dreams” by MaryLu Tyndall

http://www.marylutyndall.com/151

A budding romance that was doomed to fail from the start?

Have you ever wished you could leave everything behind? Have you ever wished you could start over? Build a new life? A life, where no one knows your past, your secrets, or your regrets? Colonel Blake Wallace , Eliza Crawford, as well as a whole ship full of passengers are trying to do just that…

Colonel Blake Wallace has gone through so much more than any of us could imagine. He lived through the death of all those he loved and held dear. All he wants now is to escape both the memories of their deaths and the unforgettable images from the war. He decides it is time to leave his home, a home now taken over by the North, a home so far gone from the beauty it once was. His plan includes creating a new colony in a land of hope; Brazil. Blake not only is escaping from haunting memories; he is wanted for “war crimes” by the Union. With his life in danger, this is his last chance to fully live his life, but can he let go of the past enough to really live?

Eliza Crawford has more secrets than anyone can imagine. Just like any of us, she tells little white lies to disguise the truth, but will those lies come back to bite her? She has grown up a pampered Southern Belle, and has known luxury her whole life. She threw that away for “true love,” only now she wonders if it really was. Her late husband was a general in the Northern army, and man she left her life for, and gave her allegiance to, only to find that he was not who she thought he was. She now has become an outcast from her Southern roots as well as being discarded by her Northern ties. The only way for her to be accepted is to once again leave life behind with a hope for the future, but has she chosen the right ‘hope’? Has she found a place to truly call home?

MaryLu Tyndall has done it again. She takes a scene, a page from the history books, and gives it life. She adds colorful characters, flowing waters, a ship sailing the ocean, and a mysterious land. Readers can’t help but be drawn into this vivid journey. With a wide diversity of characters it is hard not to relate to one, if not all of the passengers embarking on this grand adventure in hopes of a new future. When you think the book is finished, there is one more twist, one more heart wrenching experience that one can’t help but feel drawn into.

There are people that you can’t help but dislike, but at the same time you are almost drawn to them as well. You can somehow relate to them, feel their pain, and want them to grow in their faith to fully become the people they should be. Normally there are the antagonists and the heroes in a novel. MaryLu has created a world in which the antagonists can have a new future too, if they only decide to start fresh on new soil with a changed heart.

Will Blake and Eliza move past the secrets that seem to build up between them? 

Can the other passengers find a way to work together and become the colony Colonel Blake had desired for them to be? 

Can God’s love triumph in the lives of this colony?

The only way you can find the answers to these questions is to pick up the book and read. I could not put it down, and I will bet you won’t be able to either. 5 out of 5!

Readin' like crazy,

Not-So-Princess Lizzy

Asparagus Risotto

I tried this tonight, and was extremely happy with it. I had to modify the recipe, because for some reason they didn't have any herbs or spices in it... there wasn't even salt or pepper. So here goes.

Asparagus Risotto

1 T.     Olive oil
1/2 c.   Chopped onion
1 c.      Sliced fresh mushrooms

1 1/2 c. Arborio rice, uncooked (I used basmati  and it worked fine, I just had to add more liquid)
2 t.       Grated lemon peel

2 1/4 c. Condensed chicken broth (I used Presidents Choice Organics Chicken Broth)
1 1/2 c. Water
1/2 c.    White wine (I didn't have any, and therefore used more water)
3 c.       Cut fresh asparagus, 2 inch (2.5 cm) pieces

1/3 c.    Water
1 t.        Salt
1 t.        Pepper
1 t.        Basil leaves
1 t.        Greek seasoning
1/2 t.     Garlic powder
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Heat oil in large non-stick skillet or wok. Saute onion and mushrooms for 5 minutes until mushroom liquid is evaporated.

Stir in rice and lemon peel.

Combine chicken broth with first amount of water and wine. Add 1/2 cup broth mixture to rice. Cook, stirring constantly, until broth is absorbed. Add another 2 1/2 cups broth mixture, 1/2 cup at a time. Add asparagus. Add remaining 1 1/4 cups broth mixture, in 2 additions. Cook, stirring constantly, until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender and creamy. Ensure that the asparagus is tender. If it isn't, continue stirring on heat until they are.

Add second amount of water. Add the salt, pepper, basil leaves, greek seasoning, and garlic powder; stir. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately. Makes 5 cups.

Cookin' up a storm,
Not-So-Princess Lizzy

Turkey Apple Burgers

Alrighty everyone, I have a new recipe, something I tried tonight and I just have to share it. They are really good! Turkey Apple Burgers. It kinda seems a little strange, but they are so good.

Turkey Apple Burgers

1 lb.    Lean ground turkey

1        Large egg, beaten
1 c.     Finely crushed soda crackers (I used 3/4 c. PaneRiso Rice Bread Crumbs)
1        Finely chopped onion (I recommend using a food processor)
1        Garlic clove, crushed
1        Red apple, with peel, finely diced (I recommend using a food processor for this as well)
1 T.      Chopped fresh parsley
3/4 t.   Salt
1/2 t.   Pepper

Combine all 9 ingredients in large bowl. Form into 6 patties. Broil 4 inches (10 cm) from heat for 10 minutes per side, or grill over medium heat on barbecue. (I pan fried them on medium - high heat for about 4 minutes per side).

I added some stuff to the meal of course. I didn't have any buns, but you can definitely eat these burgers as an actual hamburger patty. I made some Herbed Baby Potatoes. Check out the link to find the recipe.

I also made some tomato salad. This is something my mom used to always make. Super easy. You take a couple tomatoes (depending on how much salad you want), cut them up like you were making Greek salad. Then take some parsley, Italian seasoning, a  Tablespoon of Olive oil (or grape seed oil) per tomato  Then add some salt and pepper and stir it up. You can add more seasoning or herbs if you would like, but that is pretty much it. So delicious.

You guys have a great day, and perhaps enjoy these delicious meal ideas.

Cookin' Up A Storm,
Not-So-Princess Lizzy

Herbed Baby Potatoes

This is a recipe that you can use all the time and takes no prep time. Tastes delicious and is really easy to do.

Herbed Baby Potatoes

2 lbs.  Red (or white) baby potatoes (about 40), unpeeled
2        Small onions, cut lengthwise into wedges
1 T.    Hard margarine/butter (I use Earth Balance Soy Free)
1 T.    Olive oil (I used Grape Seed Oil)
1 T.    Lemon juice
1 T.    Italian seasoning
1/2 t.   Salt

Cut any larger potatoes in half to make all uniform in size. Place in greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Add onion.

Melt the margarine in small saucepan on medium-low. Add next 4 ingredients. Stir. Pour over potato mixture. Toss until potato mixture is evenly coated with herbs. Cover tightly with foil. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes. Remove foil. Stir. Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender and golden.

A little herby,
Not-So-Princess Lizzy

Moving Out, and Moving On

Alright, so I originally named this blog A Girl's Step Up because I wanted to move on from the past. Take the few steps needed to get out of the the garbage dump that had become my life. That was when I went to school... and after college I moved back home, I, for the sole purpose of assisting others, willingly jumped back into the mire. I felt God call me to be at home, and it was a learning process that I in turn was blessed by. The time came though, when my dad was released from prison into a halfway house an hour from where I lived with my mom and brother, that I knew it was time to move out and move on.

So what does that mean? Move out and move on. Sounds so final. So unforgiving. It wasn't that at all. I love my family, and even though they put me through hell, and have scarred me for life with issues that I will have to work through, I would move mountains for them.

In reality, all I mean by that statement is leaving the past in the past. Not allowing it to decide our future. My situation could have a double meaning as I did move out of my parents house, and am now living on my own, which I recommend for everyone to do before they decide to get married. I am also moving out of the mind set of accepting my life for what it was, and not actively pursuing a change. I had no idea the amount of damage I had hidden in my heart until I was forced to confront it. A really important person in my life pulled me aside and told me that they had to actively restrain themselves from getting mad at those in my family for the way they treat each other and me. I had no idea there was a better option. I didn't know my family could have tackled life differently.

I had grown up with the thought that people showed love through their love language (whatever that may be) and that they couldn't really change that. This person kindly, but forcefully showed me that I wasn't being met, I wasn't being filled because no one in my family was giving love to me in my love language. They were too caught up in accepting the love that they received to notice that they weren't returning the favor of stepping out of their comfort zone, and perhaps showing love in a way that was different for them.

The transition between Spring & Summer - reminding me that
when we move on, we get to see more beauty. Spring
is more than just cleaning, it is also a glimpse at the beauty
to come. 

This wasn't an easy process, and it can't say that my eyes stayed dry, or have been completely dry for weeks now. I decided to get a counselor, which has been so helpful! I have never been so challenged spiritually, emotionally, & relationally, as I have been the last few weeks working through issues that have plagued me my whole life.

I have been learning all over again that I really do need to give everything to God, and trust in Him. I need to find my encouragement in Him and to do that I need to work through the past and look to the future. As I am working through these issues, such as boundaries and abandonment, I am discovering more of who I am as a person, and what I want my future to look like. This verse really impacted me earlier when I read it, and I just wanted to share it with you guys.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints." - Ephesians 6:10-18

Satan will constantly strive to bring us down, to not let us MOVE ON, but we can't let him. We have to stand strong in God, and to do that we need to be prepared. So everyone, drop your past, your sins, your weights that are holding you back. See a counselor or someone that you can truly confide in if you need to, but you got to get rid of that extra baggage if you are going to be able to fight to the end, to finish the race strong.

Feelin' rejuvenated,
Not-So-Princess Lizzy

Zucchini Patties

Hey everyone!

I just discovered an amazing recipe and I had to share! They are so good, even though they look quite weird and a little bit disgusting to be honest with you. I had a friend tell me they looked like moldy pancakes. Tehe. These are to die for, especially if you have a chutney sauce. I used a mango chutney sauce my mom made last year, and I am going to have to get that recipe from her because it just made these amazing. So here goes.

Zucchini Patties

3 c.       Grated zucchini, with peel

1/4 c.    Finely chopped onion
2           Egg whites, fork-beaten
2/3 c.    Dry fine bread crumbs (I used 1/2 c. PaneRiso Rice Bread Crumbs - less because rice crumbs becomes really crumbly when there is too much)
1 tsp.    Low-fat salad dressing (I used mayonnaise)
2 tsp.    Whole wheat flour (I used Jeanne's Gluten Free Flour Mix)
1           Garlic clove, minced
1/8 tsp.  Dried oregano (I used Italian Seasoning
1/8 tsp.  Dried sweet basil (I used Greek Seasoning)
1/2 tsp.  Salt
1/8 tsp.  Pepper

Combine all 12 ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well to moisten bread crumbs. Form into patties, using 1/4 c. for each. Heat lightly greased frying pan or skillet until hot (medium-high heat). Cook patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until crisp and golden. Makes 12 patties.

Gettin' Healthy,
Not-So-Princess Lizzy