Wednesday, November 23, 2011

LOVE FINDS YOU IN FOLLY BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA - Loree Lough - Free Book


Welcome back, Loree. Since you’re being published regularly, what new avenues will your future books take?
First, let me thank you, Lena, for providing this opportunity to communicate with your blog's followers. You are such a generous, big-hearted lady, and I'm proud as I can be to call you Friend!

As for the avenues my future books will take? If more stories are in God's plan for me, I pray that the themes in each story will continue to highlight His mercy, forgiveness, and steadfast love for His children, even when they've strayed from Him.      

What conferences will you be attending this year? Will you be a speaker at any of them?
God willing, I'll attend ACFW and ICRS. No plans to lead workshops at either, but, I'm always available as a backup in case someone gets laryngitis or needs to cancel at the last minute!

If you were in charge of planning the panel discussion at a writing conference, what topic would the panel cover, and who would you ask to be on the panel, and why?         
I'd put together a panel that helps authors better understand "rights" clauses in their contracts, and I'd invite people in the know: One or two well-respected agents, a few people from publishers' legal departments, an entertainment attorney, and a couple of authors whose careers have demanded that they learn more about this hazy, confusing area of the industry.

Sign me up. I’m very thankful for the agent God brought to me. How important is it to you to be active in writing organizations?
It's paramount, for lots of reasons! For one thing, our work demands countless hours of solitude, and it's such a blessing to get together with others who spend the bulk of their days at the keyboard. For another, the workshops provide invaluable, up-to-the-minute information for writers, published and soon-to-be. Finally, getting involved in a writers' group—whether local or national (or even international!)—is a wonderful way to give back to those who've supported us over the years!

Where in the community or your church do you volunteer?
You usually won't see me "doing," because I love behind-the-scenes work, like baking for fundraisers, collecting and delivering used and new items for the needy, or cleaning, shopping, cooking for folks who are housebound, etc. Hospital and hospice visits, or "marching" to raise funds for the charities closest to my heart are about the only time I get out there in public!

Who are the five people who have made the most impact on your life, and how?
1. My husband, first and foremost, for his unwavering acceptance and support, in all the weird little adventures my "What if…?" brain takes us on;
2 & 3. my daughters, for being the best kids a mother could ask for…then growing into the most treasured friends a woman could have;
4 & 5. my parents, because both had a talent for writing and a love for God that was passed on to me.
(I didn't include our Lord and Savior, because I figured you were talking about ordinary humans, and there's nothing ordinary about Him! )

That’s the truth. What would we do without Jesus in our lives? If you could write the inscription on your tombstone, what would it be?
"Here lies Loree, who really did write until they pried the keyboard from her cold, dead hands!"

Tell us about the featured book.
First impressions, thank goodness, really can't be trusted! When marine biologist Holly Leonard agrees to help Parker Brant write a book on giant sea turtles, she expects a charismatic charter boat captain—not a straight-laced former soldier with a tight lid on his emotions. For his part, Parker is surprised to find that Dr. Leonard is not the matronly grandmother he'd imagined, but a blue-eyed beauty who's warm, fun—and totally clumsy. When she first breezes into his well ordered world, they seem completely incompatible, and only time will whether or not they're a perfect match.      

Sounds like a real interesting story is brewing. Please share the first page with us.

      Holly steered the sporty convertible onto Center Street, where the houses glowed with summery pastel hues and vibrant awnings shaded outdoor cafes and sidewalk sales. Everything about the charming South Carolina town whispered "Welcome," from the soft hiss of waves that lapped the sand to the briny sea-scent of the air. With every puff of the balmy breeze, palmetto palms swayed in syncopated rhythm—like tall dancers on a stage of concrete and cobblestone. Gulls soared overhead, shrieking as the swooped in to grab a discarded French fry or cookie crumb.

      A sense of belonging enveloped her, inspiring a quick and heartfelt prayer of thanks that she'd finally arrived. Folly Beach seemed like a perfect name for the town, considering all the foolishness she'd endured to get here. So much for her father's step-by-step directions and the loan of his GPS. If anyone back in Baltimore knew how far out of the way she'd driven—or how many times she'd been lost—Holly would never live it down.

      At least the weather had cooperated.

      Just outside of Richmond, where she'd stopped to top off the gas tank and get directions back onto the highway, she'd put down the convertible top. The sun on her face felt so wonderful that Holly almost forgot about the crazy detours.

      Almost.

      Yawning, she slowed for a traffic light. Tucking windblown curls behind her ears, she pulled down the visor mirror. "Rats," she told her reflection, "more freckles." As if she didn't already look more like a high school kid than a nearly thirty something scientist….

      Well, there wasn't a thing she could do about that now. The time for action had been at five-thirty this morning, when she'd been so preoccupied with packing shoes to match every outfit that she'd completely forgotten to apply sunblock.

      Stifling another yawn, she tapped the steering wheel in time with "The Beat Goes On." Hopefully, the song's lively tempo would keep her awake until she settled into her room at Coastal Cottage Bed and Breakfast. For the past ten miles, she'd thought of little else but the home-squeezed lemonade and fresh-baked brownies pictured in the colorful brochure. And a hot shower would feel nice right about—

      The blare of a car horn startled her enough to produce a quiet yelp. With one hand over her hammering heart, she stared into the rearview mirror.

      "Light's green!" the driver bellowed, pointing up.

      She started to say "Sorry," but he never gave her the chance. Instead, he sped by on her left, glowering. "Well, I never," she huffed, taking her foot off the brake. "Aren't you just the welcome-wagon poster boy?"

I love it. Bring it on!! Where can my readers find you on the Internet?
Facebook, Twitter, Shoutlife
Regular column (Loree's Lough Down) in Christian Fiction Online Magazine


Thank you, Loree. It was fun as it always is with you.


Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Love Finds You in Folly Beach, South Carolina


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

41 comments:

JJ said...

Happy Thanksgiving
gahome2mom/gmail/com

Roanna said...

Ah, sounds like a good and enjoyable read with some humor thrown in.

Please enter me. Thank you!

Roanna from Ohio

Unknown said...

i really like the Love finds you in... and have read a few of Loree's novels. i would love to win. Thanks, Lena

marianne[dot]wanham[at]gmail[dot]com

wintering in Arizona

Wendy Newcomb said...

Ohhhh, love the Love Finds You in books and this sounds like a really good one.

wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

scottsgal said...

what a pretty cover - sounds wonderful
cheryl in il
msboatgal at aol.com

Katie Marie said...

LFY in Folly Beach looks like a neat read. Do count me in.

Katie from Florida

Lorna Faith said...

Love the first page...would love to read this book:)


Lorna from Alberta

lornafaith@gmail.com

Unknown said...

All of Loree's books are winners...I've not been disappointed with one yet!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Christy from TN

Loree Lough said...

Hey you guys! Hope you aren't too tuckered out after getting ready for turkey day! I put in about 10 hours, cleaning, cooking, and baking for dinner tomorrow (and my fingernails and spine are saying "STOP. STOP RIGHT NOW!").

I pray you'll all enjoy a safe and happy holiday weekend.

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit on such a busy day! Yer ALL peaches!

Big hugs and lots of blessings,
Loree

Maggie Carr said...

I'm a hugh Loree Lough fan! I really enjoyed both LYF North Pole, Alaska and LFY Paradise, Pennsylvania. I'm sure LFY in Folly Island will be equally great!

Maggie in Northern Indiana

Lourdes said...

Love the cover, would love to win. I really do enjoy Loree's books.

Lourdes from Huntington NY

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read this novel :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
(from PA)

A.Jones said...

Sounds like an interesting romance:-) Thanks for the chance to win this! Please enter me in this giveaway!

I live in New York

Jess said...

Loved that first page! Thanks!

Jess (WA)

Jo said...

Happy Thanksgiving! Great interview! What a interesting book this sounds like. Has me hooked already.

Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona

Anonymous said...

Happy Thanksgiving!!!! angela from ky

CarlybirdH said...

I love Loree's books. I know this one will be terrific. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!
Carly in NC

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me I would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks and God bless!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

Coolestmommy said...

Happy Thanksgiving. Sounds like a wonderful book---and from one churchgoer to another, thanks for all the behind the scenes work. It's the people in the helps ministry that make a church run!!

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

apple blossom said...

Oh, I love LFY books thanks for chance to win this one.

I live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Angela - Bookaunt said...

Thank you for the chance to win. I am from Florida

griperang at embarqmail dot com

Ingrid said...

Thanks for the Interview, I hope you both had a good Thanksgiving, of course I ate too much, :-).
Please add me to your Contest, your book sounds amazing.

I live in S.Illinois
ingrids62448(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anne Payne said...

I've never read a LFY book. Sounds intriguing.

Anne in NC

Mama Cat said...

Sounds like a great book! I have not yet read one of Loree's books, so it looks like I would like to start! Would enjoy winning it - blessed Thanksgiving to you both! I live in Arizona.

Judy Cooper said...

I have enjoyed reading some of the Love Finds You novels and it would be nice to win. Please include me in the drawing. Thanks Judy C. in Louisiana

Bakersdozen said...

This book sounds fun. I have some of Loree's books and would love to read this. I live in S. CA.

Jackie S. said...

I would love to read this book! Please enter me. Thanks.
NE Georgia

Mary Preston said...

I absolutely love the last line you gave us of FOLLY BEACH - "Aren't you just the welcome-wagon poster boy?"
I'd read the book just for that.

QLD, AUSTRALIA

marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Cindy W. said...

I so love the Love Finds You books! Would love to win a copy of LFY in Folly Beach, South Carolina. Thank you for the opportunity.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Cindy W. said...

I forgot to tell you where I live. I live in a small town in Northeast Indiana.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

Please enter me in the drawing.
God Bless,
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.

Jackie Tessnair said...

I would love to win this book...love these love finds you books.I also love Loree's books.thanks...jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com

Merry said...

Love the little peek at LFY in Folly Beach, SC. Please add me!
Merry in TX

Courtney said...

Sounds like a great book!! Thanks for the chance to win it!!

Courtney from WA state
kcmelone at yahoo dot com

Susan H said...

I really like the Love Finds You books. I would love to add this one to my collection.

I'm from Texas

margie said...

As a life time South Carolina girl, I would love an opportunity to win this book. Folly Beach is a beautiful place for a love story! Thanks! margie at mijares dot net

Nancye said...

This sounds like a great book! I'd love to win a copy! Thanks for the chance.

Nancye in Kentucky

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

This sounds like a great book! I'd love to win a copy! Thanks for the chance.

Nancye in Kentucky

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Bethany said...

I would love to win a copy! I'm in Ohio :)

rubynreba said...

I really Love Finds You books. This one looks great!
Beth from Iowa

Deborah said...

always excited for new LFY books!

Deborah from VA