Wednesday, June 21, 2017

THE MAN SHE KNEW - Loree Lough - One Free Book

Welcome back. Loree. Let’s do some fun questions first. What song most closely resembles your life?
Toby Keith’s “How Do You Like Me Now!” It’s a fun, upbeat tune that give the wink-wink to those who, when I was starting out, didn’t believe “my little hobby” could become a full time career.

I do understand that. I had those people, too. Now they have taken notice, big time. Do you have a favorite Bible verse? And why is it a favorite?
My go-to verse is 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” At several points in my distant and recent past, life sometimes threatened to become overwhelming. And each time, I only needed to read this verse to remind myself that no matter how dark life may appear at any given moment, the Father will bless me with the light that leads me to peace.

What is the one thing you wish you could go back and change in your life?
Anyone who’s over 25 (and I’m more than 2x over 25!) has a few regrets. But instead of seeing them as stumbling blocks, I look at them as stepping stones. Each time I was disappointed (or disappointed others) was a valuable life lesson that made me who I am today. That said, I wouldn’t change a thing!

I’m with you. I own all those mistakes and learned from them. What is the most important characteristic for a good friend to have?
A good friend must be loyal, above all. If I share a heartache, a secret, a bit of joy—and ask you to keep it to yourself—that’s exactly what I expect. And I’ll do the same for you. And since trust and loyalty go hand in hand, I must always feel a true friend can be trusted.

There are too many would-be friends out there. What extracurricular activities did you participate in when you were in school?
I held an assortment of odd jobs, beginning at age 14. Clocking 20+ hours a week while holding tight to an A-B average in school left no time for school-type extracurricular activities. When I could, I volunteered at church, babysitting kids while their parents attended services, or in the local hospital gift shop, delivering flowers and whatnot to patients’ rooms. In the community, you could often find me running errands or doing household and hard chores for elderly neighbors.

I can totally see you doing that, Loree. What is your favorite movie of all times?
Wow, that’s a tough one! I have a couple dozen favorites. The first that comes to mind at the moment is Secondhand Lions, an exciting, adventurous, wholesome story of the importance of family. Two other movies run a close second: Somersby and Shadowlands. Loved all three pretty much equally!

I haven’t seen the last two, but I love Secondhand Lions. Tell us about why you wrote this book.
After reading several articles and watching documentaries about the recidivism of prisoners, I grew curious; surely there were organizations that lent a helping hand to recently released convicts, to reduce the numbers that returned to penitentiaries. I’m blessed to know Linda O’Dell (Letters from the Lord) who routinely visits prisoners in her home state. She was generous with her knowledge of the system, and from conversations with her, I was able to compile a list of questions to ask the experts I interviewed (wardens, guards, psychiatrists/psychologists that work with prisoners), parole officers, half a dozen prisoners, and an equal number of family members who were forced to cope with the system before sentencing, during confinement, and after release. While it can’t be denied that some ex-cons seem incapable of changing, a large number work hard toward reformation. I wrote the book for those individuals and their families in the hope that the stigma of “having served time” could be overlooked on a case by case basis.

Please give us the first page of The Man She Knew.
“Maleah, you want to explain this?”

She placed the bowl of mashed potatoes on the dining room table. “Explain wh—”

When she saw what her brother held in his big hands, the words froze in her throat.

“Tell me you’re not still mooning over this low-life criminal!”

“Mooning.” She forced a laugh. “You’re picking up old-people talk from Grampa.”

“You can’t distract me.”

She’d made two mistakes: thinking the buffet’s silverware drawer was a good place to hide Ian’s photograph, and saying yes when Eliot offered to set the table.

“It’s no big deal.” Maleah shrugged. And there it was… Eliot’s I’m a decorated cop and I can tell when someone is lying look.

Maleah shoved a serving spoon into the potatoes. She and Eliot had gone round and round on this subject too many times to count, and she’d lost every round.

“Only one explanation makes sense. You’ve stayed in touch with him, even though whole family asked you not to, haven’t you?”

“First of all, no one asked anything.” Their relentless demands had been the primary reason she’d traded the comfort of her childhood room for a noisy, crowded dorm room at the University of Maryland. “How any times do I have to tell you I haven’t had any contact with him in…” Years had passed since she’d scrawled Leave me alone! Please! across Ian’s final letter. “Why won’t you believe me?”

He dropped the picture into the drawer and closed it, hard. “Maybe because that creep turned you into an OCD control freak. You can’t sleep with dishes in the sink. And name me one other person who alphabetizes the contents of her pantry and spice rack? Or color-codes and hangs stuff in her closet in order by length.”
Maleah didn’t bother to explain it was because she’d learned how much one mistake could alter a person’s life—and the lives of everyone close to them.

“So I like things neat and tidy. Last I checked, it isn’t against the law.”

He aimed his pointer finger at the ceiling, preparing to add to his big brother tirade, but she cut him off.

“Eliot, let’s not spoil Grampa’s birthday dinner, all right?”

“What. Ever.”
   
She knew Eliot: The subject was far from closed. Maleah could only hope he’d take her advice, and not make a scene on their grandfather’s birthday.

I’m eager to read the rest of the book. How can readers find you on the Internet?
Before I list the social networking sites, I’d like to thank you, Lena, for sharing your blog and your audience with me. You’re by far one of the most generous, big-hearted women I have the pleasure of knowing!
Facebook        --         https://www.facebook.com/LoreeLough
Twitter                        --         https://twitter.com/LoreeLoughAutho
Pinterest          --         https://www.pinterest.com/loreelough/
Instagram        --         https://www.instagram.com/loreelough13/
Website           --         http://www.loreelough.com
Blog                --         http://www.theloughdown.blogspot.com

Thank you for the kind words, Loree, and thank you for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Man She Knew (By Way of the Lighthouse) - Paperback
The Man She Knew (By Way of the Lighthouse) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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 Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

19 comments:

The Lough Down said...

Hey, you guys! I'm so glad you stopped by. I hope you'll let Lena know how much you enjoy her blog. It's a bright light in the sometimes overwhelmingly dark and negative world of social networking, don't you agree?

I'm looking forward to answering your questions...anything but "How much do you weigh, Loree?" LOL

Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday evening!
Loree

Lourdes said...

I love Lena's blog its so cool learning about different authors. Every interview is interesting and informative, and getting the scoop on the books is so very helpful. I for one am truly grateful for this blog. Thank you Loree for the opportunity to win one of your books. I have read several of your and love them.

Lourdes in Long Island, NY

Kay Garrett said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kay Garrett said...

I can't wait to read THE MAN SHE KNEW! The more I read about it and the author confirms that desire. Thanks for the interview, preview of the book and a chance to win a copy!
Mountain View, AR

SavingsInSeconds said...

This is a new author for me!
Dianna (in TN)

EJ said...

I love following Loree on Facebook & reading her books. And Lena thank you for doing this blog & introducing me to so many authors & their wonderful stories. Elaine in Wisconsin

Cindy W. said...

Hi Loree! I love the cover of your book. :) I can never find the Heartwarming books in my little town so thank you for the chance to win a copy.

May you be blessed.
Cindy W. from Indiana.

Vivian Furbay said...

I am interested in former inmates getting rehabilitized. There are ministries out there to help former inmates get the help they need. I've heard it's really hard for them to get jobs. I would love to win this book. Vivian Furbay from Colorado.

Pam said...

I LOVE Loree's books!! This one sounds like a definite must have. Would love to win it.

Pam in OH

The Lough Down said...

You guys are so terrific! Let me respond to each of you in order of your comments:

I love Lena's blog, too, Lourdes! She's one of the most generous ladies I have the pleasure of knowing. Thanks for your kind words about my books!

Looking forward to hearing what you think of the story, Kay. I'm so grateful to the Harlequin art department for doing such a stellar job of capturing Ian's likeness. Hope by now the Phoenix heat wave has eased up!

Here's hoping that after reading some of my stuff, Diana, you'll want to read more! Wishing you a happy weekend!

So happy to hear you enjoy my books, Pam! Wishing you a wonderful weekend and much luck in the drawing!

Hi, Vivian! A friend of mine (Linda O'Dell) regularly ministers to inmates. If you're not already aware of how to connect, I'm sure she'd be happy to give you some tips. It's definitely a worthy calling, isn't it!

Sorry to hear you're having trouble finding Heartwarming titles in your town, Cindy. You might want to try online bookstores (Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or even the Harlequin site) to order print or e-book versions of the novels... Meanwhile, good luck in the giveaway!

LOVE interacting with folks on Facebook, Elaine! Thankfully, the positive stuff outweighs the negative. Here's to Wisconsin, my home state!

Debra E. Marvin said...

I've seen this cover around a lot and it always catches my attention. I love the look on the hero's face. The backstory is compelling, Loree!
thanks for sharing it here.

Winnie said...

Thanks, Lena and Loree. It's fun getting to know a little about new-to-me authors. Although I've heard of you, Loree, and I've seen this book cover before, I don't believe I've read any of your books yet. It looks and sounds intriguing. Another book for my TBR list!

Winnie T from Utah

Red Headed Book Lady said...

Hi Loree and Lena!! I loved reading Lenas blog and I love reading Lorees books!
I hope to meet you wonderful ladies someday!

Connie Porter Saunders said...

This first page tells me that I need to read more. Thanks for this interview and giveaway!
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

Beth Gillihan said...

Sounds like an interesting book! This is going on my wish list. Thanks Lena for introducing new-to-me authors!

Beth in Montana

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.

The Lough Down said...

Hello again, everyone! Thank you so much for stopping by to visit with Lena and me!

Since I can't reply to your comments in-and-among your messages, I'll try to respond to each, in the order they were shared:

I agree Debra...the novel's backstory is fascinating, for sure! And so far, everyone I've heard from thinks the guy on the cover (Ian Sylvestry, the hero) is positively dreamy!

Well, Winnie, how fortuitous for both of us that we met here at Lena's blog! I'm looking forward to getting to know you better, and hope that once you've read THE MAN SHE KNEW, you'll want to read other novels I've written!

So good to see you here, Lori! It's always nice to hear that you enjoy my books, and I'm sure Lena feels the same about hers...and the blog, too! Here's hoping we WILL meet in person one day!

Connie, I'm tickled pink that the opening scene makes you want to read more!

Beth...you have no idea how honored I am to hear you've put THE MAN SHE KNEW on your wish list!

And Sharon, you can be sure your name will go into the Winners Hat!

I hope you'll all come back, with questions or comments, or just to say hey! Tell your friends to stop by...and suggest that while they're here, they should check out all of Lena's other great interviews!

Until I hear from you again, I'm wishing you luck in the giveaway. I'm also praying you and yours will enjoy a safe and happy Independence Day!

Hugs all 'round,
Loree

Paula Shreckhise said...

Really want to read this! Paula from Missouri. Thanks

Lena Nelson Dooley said...

Thank you,everyone for your kind words about my blog. It's a labor of love from me to the authors and my loyal readers.

Every time y'all tell someone about the blog that brings them here is a great blessing to me.