Saturday, June 25, 2011

UNBRIDLED HOPE - Loree Lough - Free Book

How did you come up with the idea for this story?
Well, when I realized how Matt, the hero in Maverick Heart, was much more like a brother to Micah, the hero in Unbridled Hope, I needed to find a way to underscore their relationship. What better way than to have Micah make an ultimate sacrifice for the cousin who'd defended him from bullies? Then, one thing just led to another, and before I knew it, a steamboat had exploded, a boy went deaf, and an innocent baby was in need of a family!

Just like that? Huh? Sounds wonderful. If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Hmm…that's a tough one, because I have dozens and dozens of writer pals are fun and talented! I guess I'd have to put all of their names in a hat to choose just six of them!

Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
I'd have to do the very same thing for writers of historical Christian fiction!

You know you’d have to pick me for that one. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?
The biggest challenge I face—and I think it's a problem for every writer—is TIME. I sometimes wonder if I'll ever find a way to convince friends and family that working at home and having unlimited free time isn't synonymous! The other difficulty is making tough choices, between "doing the right thing" when a friend or relative needs me…and meeting a crushing book deadline.

Tell us about the featured book.
Life is a dream come true for pretty Callie Roberts—until her worst nightmare comes true. A steamboat boiler explosion kills her parents, her oldest brother, and her fiancĂ©. It also leaves her young brother deaf and carves a hideous scar across her face…a haunting reminder of the tragedy that she is convinced is all her fault. In an attempt to get on with her life, she and her brother settle in Eagle Pass, Texas, where, in no time, her shop becomes one of the most successful in town.

Life isn't quite as successful for the Neville family, whose Lazy N Ranch is struggling, following oppressive drought, an Anthrax epidemic, weevils, and prairie fires. Micah volunteers to go to San Antonio for fresh seed to replenish the silos, destroyed by a tornado, but his offer has an ulterior motive: His cousin Dan is in trouble, as evidenced by the letter Micah intercepted by mistake, and he intends to make things right!

It's a shock to everyone when Micah returns with a baby in tow. He's determined to do anything in his power to protect Dan's reputation, even if it means pretending to be the boy's father. He can handle gossip and judgmental glances just fine, and when Callie offers to help him take care of the child, gratitude quickly blossoms into love.

But will the misguided decisions these two have made keep them apart, or can they face the truth about themselves—and one another—and discover a love they could never have imagined?

Now it really sounds intriguing. Please give us the first page of the book.
           
Raw, unrelenting wind whistled across the deckboards, scattering newspapers and rattling the cleats as the steamboat chugged toward its next stop, Clear Fork. Callie cupped her elbows, wishing she'd thought to grab her shawl. She'd never liked weather like this, for it reminded her too much of the bitter Baltimore winter of '85 that nearly killed her mother…and prompted her father's decision to move the family west. Ever since, Callie had begun every day with a prayer for her mother's continued health, and ended by asking God to ease the ache of homesickness.

In time, the Lord answered the first prayer. The second, He'd granted in the form of a young seminary graduate who'd been hired to entertain guests with the soothing sonatas of Beethoven and Bach. And, just as the sunshine dispels nippy mists from the river, the music of Seth's love had turned her longing for Maryland into a dim yet melodious memory.

Tonight, her beloved beau would give his final performance for the tycoons, high rollers, and politicians who gathered nightly in the grand salon. His final, because, in twelve short hours, Callie's father—chaplain and owner of the Maybelline—would pronounce Seth and Callie man and wife.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
Before I answer that one, I'd like to thank you, Lena, for extending this invitation. You're a true joy and blessing to all who know you, and I'm proud and honored to call you friend.

Readers can find me at Facebook, Twitter, and Shoutlife, my blog (http://www.theloughdown.blogspot.com) and web site (http://www.loreelough.com) and my regular monthly column, "Loree's Lough Down," at Christian Fiction Online Magazine.

Such fun to have you here, Loree.



Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.


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

22 comments:

Judy said...

I enjoyed the interview with Loree. Her book "Unbridled Hope" sounds like a good read. Loree is a new author to me and I'm looking forward to reading her books.

Blessings,
Judy from IN

Patsy said...

Book sounds great! Would love to read it.
From the Bible Belt

plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Coolestmommy said...

Sounds like a wonderful storyline where people have to deal with their internal and external scars.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

Erin S said...

Really enjoyed the interview. The book sounds amazing and I can't wait to read it! Thanks for the giveaway!

From Southwest Virginia

emstclair{at}gmail{dot}com

Rebecca said...

Thank you so much for the chance to win this. This book looks amazing. I would absolutely love to read it. Thanks again.

I am from Oklahoma.
Rebecca

agent_beckster(at)yahoo(dot)com

Sarah said...

This looks like an amazing read.

It's definitely going on my must-read list!

Sarah H.
Oklahoma

Toyin O. said...

What a great interview, this sounds like a good book, thanks for sharing.

scottsgal said...

love the title of this book
cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com

Emma said...

Unbridled Hope sound wonderful.Please enter me in the giveaway.Thank you for the chance to win this.PA .

Unknown said...

Thanks, Loree and Lena for a great interview and post! Would love to win Unbridled Hope! mitzi_wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com from Peace River Country, Alberta

misskallie2000 said...

Hi Loree, I enjoyed your interview and can't wait to read "Unbridled Hope". I love stories that have sorry that turns into love and HEA. I know I will enjoy reading your book.

Please enter me in giveaway Lena.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Georgia

Ann Lee Miller said...

Thanks so much for the chance to win!
Ann Lee Miller
Gilbert AZ

Jo said...

Good interview. Looking forward to reading the book. Thanks for adding me in the giveaway.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Linda Cacaci said...

Hi,
This looks like a great read. Please enter me in the drawing!
Linda Cacaci
linCaca3@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Would love to read the book.
I'm from Michigan!

dancealert at aol dot com

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Krista said...

Sounds like a good read. Please enter me!

Krista from Gresham, OR

apple blossom said...

Please include me in this giveaway thanks.
I live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Kristie said...

Wow! A man pretending to be a dad. Too many guides run from fatherhoood, sadly. It's nice that the character is stand up guy. I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

Faith's mom/Ohio said...

Would like to win this book.
Faith's mom

Abigail Mitchell said...

Enter me
Abigail
Blanch, N.C.

lauriehere.com said...

Hi! Unbridled Hope sounds GREAT!!! I want to enter!!! Thanks for the giveaway!!!
Laurie Carlson
laurie is reading at g mail dot com