The Wedding Wish by Loree Lough A REVIEW

ABOUT THE WEDDING WISH
Stage IV cancer patient Leah Jordan has only a short time to see her last wish fulfilled—she wants her two best friends from childhood to marry and become the adoptive parents of her beloved two–year–old daughter, Fiona. The threesome was inseparable throughout high school, but they’ve since gone their separate ways: Jade Nelson is a dedicated nurse who recently broke up with a longtime boyfriend, and Riley Steele is a veterinarian who has sworn off women and marriage alike. With time running out, will there be a wedding and will little Fiona have a loving home?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A firm believer in the "what goes around, comes around" theory, Loree developed & taught numerous fiction & nonfiction writing courses for area colleges, writers' organizations, & the prestigious Writer's Digest Writing School. Through these efforts, she has mentored hundreds of students, & the list of those now published has passed 100. She also believes in dedicating a generous portion of her annual income to favorite charities & organizations. See the "Giving Back" page at her web site www.loreelough.com for a complete list.

Loree & her husband split their time between a humble home in the Baltimore suburbs & a cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, where she takes great pride in her "identify the critter tracks" skills.

Paperback: 188 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House; Reissue edition (July 9, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603745793
ISBN-13: 978-1603745796
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces

MY REVIEW
The Wedding Wish by Loree Lough was written several years ago, but one of my favorites this year. I have always enjoyed books written by Loree Lough, but this one is just fantastic. I love the idea of this book and think Loree did a tremendous job writing it.
  Leah is dying and has a precious daughter. She has two friends from childhood whom love each other, but they don’t think they can be loved by each other. So Leah takes things into her own hands. She wants her best friends to raise her daughter in a home full of love.  I like the way the author wrote this book and how compassionate it is and how full of feelings, love and tenderness. A book sure to lift your spirits and give you hope. I will be keeping this book as a favorite. Highly recommended.

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Thank you to Whitaker House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Pricilla Hires a Husband by Loree Lough A REVIEW

ABOUT PRISCILLA HIRES A HUSBAND
To Priscilla and Caleb, a marriage of convenience seems the only solution. She'll do anything to provide for her beloved grandparents; he needs her help to rescue his failing farm.

Despite her resolve to the contrary, Priscilla finds herself drawn to her new husband, a man she knows is still in love with his late wife Laura, who has been gone for eight years. Meanwhile, Caleb struggle to control the growing love he feels for Priscilla, as well as his consuming guilt.

In desperation, Caleb prays that God will give him strength to solve his dilemma: keep the precious vow made on the day he buried Laura or keep his newly spoken marriage vows with Priscilla.

Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (April 2, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603747214
ISBN-13: 978-1603747219
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces

ABOUT LOREE LOUGH
A prolific writer, Loree Lough has more than seventy books, sixty short stories, and 2,500 articles in print. Her stories have earned dozens of industry and Reader's Choice awards. A frequent guest speaker for writers' organizations, book clubs, private and government institutions, corporations, college and high school writing programs, and more, Loree has encouraged thousands with her comedic approach to learned-the-hard-way lessons about the craft and industry.

For decades, Loree has been an avid wolf enthusiast, and she dedicates a portion of her income each year to efforts that benefit the magnificent animals. She splits her time between a home in the Baltimore suburbs and a cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, and she shares her life with a spoiled pointer named Cash and her patient, dedicated husband, who has supported her writing and teaching endeavors throughout the years.

MY REVIEW
  Priscilla Hires a Husband by Loree Lough is a fun, inspiring read. Priscilla and Caleb both have a problem and only marriage to each other would solve those problems.
    Priscilla can’t inherit her aunts estate unless she marries and she desperately needs it to help her aging grandparents. They lost everything in a fire.  Caleb loves his small ranch, but he will lose it unless he gets money quickly.
   Neither want marriage, but it seems the only solution. So they get married and they are thrown into many circumstances.  You won’t believe the things they endure, but they also help each other. Will they fall in love or will this be a loveless marriage just for name only?
  Loree Lough is a fun, exciting author whom knows how to write and keep you reading. I recommend Priscilla Hires a Husband.

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Thank you to Whitaker House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Lone Wolf by Loree Lough BOOK REVIEW

ABOUT LONE WOLF
Released from prison for a crime he didn't commit, Kent McCoy finds himself without friends, family, or a single reason to believe in a merciful God. Like a lone wolf, he leaves Dodge City, Kansas, and heads east in search of a place where his past won't darken his future.

His wandering path collides with that of Abby Nelson, who, through a series of tragic events, has come to believe that love and happiness are beyond her reach. Life is a matter of existing from day to day on her last thread of strength–her faith in God's power.

Despite their tendencies to live on the fringes of life, Abby and Kent are strangely drawn to one another. But will suspicion, self–righteousness, and lack of faith cost them this chance at happiness in one another's arms? Or will they surrender to the love born from forgiveness?

Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House; Reprint edition (April 2, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603747230
ISBN-13: 978-1603747233
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
At last count, best-selling author Loree Lough had 98 award-winning books (more than 4,000,000 copies in circulation and 5 that earned book-to-movie options), 68 short stories, and 2,500+ articles in print.

An oft-invited guest of writers' organizations, colleges and universities, corporate and government agencies in the U.S. and abroad, Loree loves sharing learned-the-hard-way lessons about the craft and the industry.

Once upon a time, Loree (literally) sang for her supper, performing alone and "opening" for the likes of Tom Jones, Dottie West, The Gatlin Brothers, and more. Though she refuses to share the actual year when she traded her Yamaha 6-string for a wedding ring, she IS willing to admit that, every now and then, she blows the dust off her six-string to croon a tune or two. But mostly, she just writes (and writes).

Loree and her husband split their time between a home in the Baltimore suburbs and a cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, where she continues to perfect her taleant for identifying critter tracks. Her favorite passtime? Spending long, leisurely hours with her grandchildren...all seven of them!

She loves hearing from her readers, and answers every letter, personally. You can write her @ http://www.loreelough.com.

MY REVIEW
  Lone Wolf by Loree Lough is an excellent book. Kent and Abby are such lovable characters. Abby’s mom was very precious also.
  This book is full of love, peace and acceptance. You will find out in this book how God works in peoples lives. We may think everything is going wrong, but God is in control and working all things out.
   Kent and Abby have had very bad experiences in there past and aren’t looking for love, but God brings them together and with Abby’s moms help they find out love isn’t so bad.
  Loree Lough is a fantastic author and I haven’t read any of her books that I didn’t like. This one Lone Wolf is just fantastic. You will love it. I highly recommend Lone Wolf by Loree Lough.


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Thank you to Whitaker House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Loree Lough-author interview & BOOK GIVEAWAY

Thanks to Loree Lough for the interview and for donating a book to one of you. Here is the link for my review of her book Unbridled Hope. I love this books beautiful cover, don't you?

http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2011/06/unbridled-hope-lone-star-legends-book-3.html

Tell us about Unbridled Hope, the featured book.
Almost from page one (when a steamboat explosion kills Callie's parents, oldest brother, and fiance), there's action and adventure in this, the 3rd and final novel in the Lone Star Legends series. Like the first two books (Beautiful Bandit and Maverick Heart), the story focuses on truth, trust, family, and faith:


Micah, thinking the baby boy who's foisted on him by a female con artist, accepts responsibility for little Liam. Callie, who wrongly blames herself for the explosion, believes she doesn't deserve love, marriage, or a child of her own, volunteers to take care of the child. Soon, she's bonnet over boots in love with the baby and his "daddy."


Will they trust the Lord--and each other--with the secrets that have kept them apart, and discover a love like they could ever have imagined?

Can you tell us how many books you have in print in the Christian market?

At last count, there were 79 of my titles on the shelves. Unbridled Hope is #80.

Is there a particular book among those you've written that you would especially recommend to our readers? If so, why?

I'm really excited about the release of The First Responders series (Abingdon Press), partly because all of the novels pay tribute to those brave men and women who risked it all on 9/11...and those made the ultimate sacrifice to save others. All of the stories center around characters who were directly impacted by the tragedy, and show their struggles--emotional, physical, and spiritual--with the aftermath. Another reason I'm really excited to see this series succeed in a big way is because I've promised to donate a generous portion of my own proceeds to organizations that exist solely to assist and support first responders (police, firefighters, EMTs, soldiers, etc.).


The first novel, From Ashes to Honor, is scheduled for release in September, to coordinate with the 10th anniversary of the tragedy. (And yes, it's available for pre-order online, via Christianbooks.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.! )

The Christian fiction field has rapidly expanded over the past few years. What would you like to see happen in this field in the years to come?

My most heartfelt prayer for Christian fiction is that one of the stories--mine, a writer pal's, an author I've yet to meet--will become a HUGE hit as a book and as a movie. Not only would our Father in heaven find "lost sheep" among the readers and movie-goers, but the message would provide a healing balm for our nation, which is hurting in innumerable ways.

How can readers and fans encourage you as you pursue what is sometimes a challenging and solitary job?

I love interacting with readers at Twitter, Facebook, Shoutlife, and through my email and snail mail addresses. When they tell me how they identified with what one or more of the characters were going through, or found hope by reading about how the character(s) coped with a particular problem, I'm always humbled...because the situations come straight from God...proof to me that He wanted those specific readers to "get the message" in a very personal and profound way. So what they can do to encourage me is to keep on writing to let me know which elements of every story touched them...and why!

Many writers are also avid readers. Do you have any favorite authors? If so, could you name a few?

I have always loved Steinbeck, Twain, and C.S. Lewis. But my all-time favorite author, right from the get-go, is Jack London. Of all the books and stories he wrote, White Fang is right up there at the top of my "favorites" list.

If you could only take five books with you on a journey of ten years, which ones would you take?

Well, the Bible, naturally, and its trusty companion, the concordance. Then I'd bring a dictionary and a thesaurus, and my collection of Jack London stories. Yep. That would keep me happy for a long, long time!


If you had 48 hours to hang out with any TWO people (besides Jesus), alive or dead in the history of the world who would you hang out with and what would you do?

Thomas Jefferson, definitely! I'd ask him to tell me about every one of his inventions--why he was inspired to create them, and how long it took to perfect each. And then I'd just sit back and enjoy all the witty and profound things he said (that I love to quote, every chance I get) to find out which has been inaccurately recorded by historians!


And my Italian grandpa would join us, to share the amazing stories from his childhood (being gored by a bull as a boy, becoming a proud citizen of the U.S. by fighting for our country in WWI, etc.). I think the two men would have so much in common that they'd spend the entire 48 hours laughing and talking!

What three things are you most thankful for in your life?

First, I'm thankful that, by the grace of God, I am saved.
Second, I'm thankful for my family. (And yes, that includes all you in-laws! )
Third, I'm thankful that the Lord chose me to write. And write. And write!

What is the most fun thing you have ever done?

Wow. That's a tough one! I guess I'd have to say my Ocean City, Maryland honeymoon, because as a Midwest girl, transplanted to the East coast, I'd never seen the Atlantic. Yes, Lake Michigan is expansive and turbulent, but it pales in comparison to the ocean. Especially at sunset, when--if you're very, very lucky--you can see the astounding "green flash."


What are you writing now?

I'm working on book #3 in the First Responders series, An Honorable Man. This one features a former NYC firefighter, scarred inside and out on 9/11, who becomes a big-hearted, tattooed, pony-tailed, Harley-riding youth pastor who puts the heroine's "don't judge a book by its cover" mindset to the ultimate test!

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Before I answer that, I want to thank you, Wanda, for inviting me to share your blogspace!. Your generosity and big-heartedness is a blessing! I'd also like to thank all of your regular readers/followers for slogging through my answers to your questions; those who are so inclined can find me at Facebook, Twitter and Shoutlife, and people can also find me at http://www.theloughdown.blogspot.com, http://www.loreeloughcom, and by reading my monthly column, "Loree's Lough Down" in the "Berzerk" secion of Christian Fiction Online Magazine.


One of you will win the book Unbridled Hope by Loree Lough. It is a fantastic book that I loved.
Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.


Here are the ways to get extra entries:
~Be or become a follower +1
~Be or become an email subscriber +1
~Be or become a networked blog follower +1


Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. ENTRY DEADLINE July 8, 2011

Unbridled Hope (Lone Star Legends Book 3) by Loree Lough

Life is a dream come true for Callie Roberts—until her worst nightmare ruins the fairy tale. A steamboat boiler explosion kills her parents, her older brother, and her beloved fiancé. It also deafens her younger brother and leaves Callie with a scar from cheek to chin, a haunting reminder of the tragedy for which she was partly responsible. To put the past behind her, she settles in Eagle Pass, Texas, and launches a business that takes off.

The same is hardly true for the Neville family, whose nearby Lazy N Ranch is struggling. Micah volunteers to go to Lubbock for fresh seed, but his offer is not without an ulterior motive. A letter he mistakenly intercepted leads him to believe that his cousin Dan is in trouble. And Micah intends to set things right.

It's a shock to everyone when Micah returns with not only the seed but also a baby boy in tow. But he'll do anything to protect Dan's honor, even if it means pretending to be the father. He can handle the gossip and glances just fine, until he meets Callie and learns the meaning of love at first sight. Will the misguided decisions these two have made keep them apart, or can they face the truth about each other–and themselves–and discover a love they never could have imagined?


Paperback: 350 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (July 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603742271
ISBN-13: 978-1603742276
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces

A prolific writer, Loree Lough has more than seventy books, sixty short stories, and 2,500 articles in print. Her stories have earned dozens of industry and Reader's Choice awards. A frequent guest speaker for writers' organizations, book clubs, private and government institutions, corporations, college and high school writing programs, and more, Loree has encouraged thousands with her comedic approach to learned-the-hard-way lessons about the craft and industry.

For decades, Loree has been an avid wolf enthusiast, and she dedicates a portion of her income each year to efforts that benefit the magnificent animals. She splits her time between a home in the Baltimore suburbs and a cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, and she shares her life with a spoiled pointer named Cash and her patient, dedicated husband, who has supported her writing and teaching endeavors throughout the years.

MY REVIEW
Unbridled Hope by Loree Lough is the third book in the Lone Star Legends series and is a fantastic book. We follow another Neville man and his life on the ranch and finding someone to share his life.
I really like this book because Micah really loves the Lord. Callie is sweet also as she gives her whole life to help others. Especially her deaf brother and the baby Micah brings back to town. One of my favorite characters is Gus Applegate. He is an older man who was a Ranger turned to a Pinkerton agent. He was such a gentle, loving man, but some saw him as a rough, tough man. Even though Gus was a lesser character, he was tops in my book. I know you will want to read this book to find out why Micah left town and came back with a baby, Also why Callie doesn’t believe she deserves anyone to love.
What makes a great book? I think it is a little tragedy, sadness, forgiveness, peace, joy and love; this book has all of that and more. Unbridled Hope has a lot of adventure and fun mixed in with the tragedy and loss.
Loree is such a talented lady and has a fantatic sense of humor and it comes through in every one of her books. Even through this book is the third in the series it also makes a great stand alone book.
If you like a light hearted read with romance and adventure, this book needs to be on your to read list. I highly recommend Unbridled Hope by Loree Lough.

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Check it out at Whitaker House

Thank you to Whitaker House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Winners of Beautiful Bandit and Maverick Heart

to our two winners of the books

Beautiful Bandit and

Maverick Heart

Meredith
meredithfl at gmail dot com



Marianne
mitzi_wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com

Whom ever contacts me first may
choose which book they would like.

Thanks to all who have left comments and keep
coming back. More great giveaways ahead.

Thanks to Loree Lough for everything she has done for us!

Loree Lough-author interview & BOOK GIVEAWAY

Loree, thanks for taking the time to visit us today! I appreciate you answering these few questions. It will be fun to get to know you better.
Thanks so much for inviting me, Wanda! It’s truly a pleasure to be here.

Tell us a little about yourself.
Well, I share a humble little house in the Baltimore suburbs with my real-life hero, Larry. We have 7 grandkids and love to whisk them off to our teeny tiny cabin in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania. Once upon a time, I literally sang for my supper, but these days, I pick up the ol’ Yamaha guitar mostly to entertain my grandkids.
I’m 5’1” tall and weigh…
Oh. You mean my WRITING self, don’t you! hehehe.
I’ve been writing since the early 80s, but didn’t get published until 1988, when my first articles appeared in Richmond newspapers. My husband’s job transfer brought us back to Baltimore, where I continued writing for local, regional, and national publications…until a disturbing trend began to erode my enjoyment of the work: Editors, forced by their bosses to change facts to appease advertisers. I figured if I was gonna write fiction, why not take a shot at novels? And the result was Pocketful of Love for Barbour’s Heartsong Presents line, which earned “Best Contemporary” in 1994 when it was released. And the rest, as they say, is history.

How long did you write before you were published?
I wrote half a dozen novels during those early-80s years, and these days, I use them as examples when teaching writing classes or leading workshops: “How NOT to Write a Novel” has become one of my most popular lessons!

Tell us about “Beautiful Bandit" and "Maverick Heart,” the featured books.

Beautiful Bandit:

It’s June, 1888 when Kate Wellington is taken hostage by outlaw Frank Michaels. the sun is high in the Texas sky when he turns her into an unwilling accomplice in a robbery that leaves four men dead in a San Antonio bank.

After escaping, Kate sees her likeness on a wanted poster and realizes she’s wanted by the Texas Rangers and the cold-blooded killer. With nothing but the clothes on her back, she heads southwest on foot, hoping to find safety in Mexico.

One cold dark night, she stumbles hungry and exhausted into the campsite of Josh Neville, on his way home from bank business in San Antonio. His heart goes out to the terrified woman who calls herself Dinah and claims she doesn’t remember how she came by her cuts and bruises. His gut tells him to stay away from the secretive beauty, but his heart compels him to escort her to the border.

Along the trail, he finds himself torn between feelings of fondness and suspicion. When she’s injured during a ferocious storm, he feels duty-bound to bring her to his ranch to recover…and unwittingly lures the outlaw right to his door.

Trust and forgiveness are put to the ultimate test in this wild West adventure that’s rich with Texan vistas, laughter, tears, family loyalty…and danger….

Maverick Heart:

Boston-born nurse LEVEE O’REILLY and her doctor husband are headed to Mexico to open a medical clinic when their stagecoach is attacked. There on a barren stretch of Texas road, the infamous outlaw Frank Michaels kills Liam and leaves Levee for dead. All alone now, she makes her way to Eagle Pass, where she’s forced to trade her nurse’s cap for a teacher’s apron. In no time, she’s so completely devoted to her students that she has no time for romance.

Rancher DANIEL NEVILLE has battled doubts and distrust for most of his life. Wracked with guilt over the death of his twin sister, he believes the scars and limp sustained during a stampede are penance for the sins of his past. Dan dedicates himself to serving his family and working with the horses on the Lazy N. Marriage isn’t even on his to-do list, and he sees no reason to add it.

When a coincidental meeting brings Levee and Dan together, they’re awakened to a long-ignored desire for love and acceptance. Have they actually found it in one another’s arms? And can these two mavericks accept the plans God has for their lives?

Is there any person who has been a strong influence in your writing journey?
Without a doubt, our Lord and Savior! Every day, by the grace of His love, I’m guided in the crafting of stories and characters and situations that will bring His word to those who love Him, those He might want to call home, and those who haven’t discovered the power of His almighty love.

What message do you want to be clear to your readers?
I guess to answer that one, I’d have to repeat a version of the answer to the last question. I see what I do for a living as my missionary work; God knew when He made me that I wouldn’t be of any use to Him in dark jungles or dry deserts, because I’m scared of bugs and snakes and other creepy-crawlies. So He blessed me for a talent to write, and it’s through the words He inspires that I bring His message to His children, old and young, male and female, all across the world.

What are some of your likes and dislikes? Your hobbies, interests? Where do you like to vacation?
I love being around people who can “take it on the chin” even when life throws them mean, hard curve balls. I find that I avoid people who are whiny and weepy in the face of adversity. I like old movies like Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and The Sound of Music (though, surprisingly, I’m not a huge fan of musicals!), and could probably watch Somersby and Shadowlands a hundred times and never tire of the plot or the characters.
For fun, I love to garden (which explains my raggedy fingernails and dry, parched hands). I love to cook and bake, too (which explains my Lifetime Weight Watchers membership). I paint and draw and sketch, and given unlimited time and tools, I could probably devote hours to “art.”
I’m pretty much a homebody (some might say I’m a bit of a hermit). Whether that’s because I traveled so much during the years when I sang for my supper or because I’ve seen a little bit of the world thanks to invites from writers’ groups all over the globe, I can’t say. “Home” is my all-time favorite place, but I do enjoy our time at the cabin, where the mountains always provide a beautiful view and plenty of excitement in the form of black bears, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and too many other critters to list here!

Tell us a little-known fact about yourself that readers may not know.
I never learned to swim and I’m terrified of water!

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?
I’m up early…5-5:30 a.m. most days. After some TV news and a few mugs of coffee, I tidy the house and get myself presentable, then head down to my basement office, where I spend anywhere from 5-15 hours a day.
My daily word count varies, depending on the complexity of the stories I’m working on. I shoot for 5,000 words a day, and when I reach the goal, I’m always pleased. I don’t beat myself up if I don’t make it, though, because (to paraphrase Scarlet O’Hara), I figure I can worry about that stuff tomorrow.

What are you currently reading?
Too many deadlines right now, so I’ve promised myself that when I meet them all, I’ll reward myself with something from my To Be Read stack…which, if it actually stood in a stack, would probably be as tall as I am!

Do you grow flowers or vegetables? What are your favorite flowers?
My hubby’s in charge of the vegetables, and I take care of the flowers. I’m particularly fond of my roses (I have 12 bushes, different colors and varieties). Strangely, I can’t seem to grow daisies in this yard, which is a shame, because daisies are my favorite!

What are you writing now?
I’m putting the finishing touches on Unbridled Love, #3 in the “Lone Star Legends” series, and just sent An Accidental Family (#3 in the “Accidental Blessings” series) to my Love Inspired editor and the first novel in the “First Responders” series, From Ashes to Honor to the editor at Abingdon. Next up: Love Finds You in Folly Beach, South Carolina and the 2nd and 3rd books in the “First Responders” series.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
Web site: http://www.loreelough.com
Blog: www.theloughdown.blogspot.com
Monthly Column: Christian Fiction Online Magazine
Facebook, Twitter, Shoutlife.

And thanks for spending this time with us, Loree.
No…thank YOU for inviting me! It’s been a genuine pleasure, privilege and honor! May 2011 deliver joys and successes too numerous to count to all of you!
Blessings,
Loree

Loree is giving away two books to two winners.
The first two books in the Lone Star Legends Series.
Here are my reviews of these two wonderful books.

Beautiful Bandit
http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2010/09/beautiful-bandit-by-loree-lough-book.html

and Maverick Heart
http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2010/12/maverick-heart-by-loree-lough-book-2.html



Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.


Here are the ways to get extra entries:
~Be or become a follower +1
~Be an email subscriber +1
~Read and leave a comment on any post +1 for each
~Join Loree Lough’s Networked Blog +1
~Join my Networked Blog +1
~Friend Loree Lough on Facebook +1
~Friend me on Facebook +1

Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. ENTRY DEADLINE January31, 2011

These books are given generously by the author Loree Lough.

Thank you Loree Lough!

Maverick Heart by Loree Lough-Book 2 Lone Star Legends A REVIEW

ABOUT MAVERICK HEART
Nurse Levee O’Reilly and her husband, Dr. Liam O’Reilly, are headed west to the California Territory to practice medicine when their stagecoach is tragically attacked by the infamous Frank Michaels. All alone now and grieving, Levee makes her way to Eagle Pass, Texas. The local doctor cant afford to pay a staff nurse, however, and so she turns to the only other option -teaching. Devoted wholeheartedly to her students, Levee has little time for romance.
Daniel Neville has battled doubts and distrust for most of his life. Wracked with guilt over his twin sisters death and then punished with a limp from an injury sustained during a stampede, Dan dedicates himself to serving his family and working with horses on their ranch. Marriage is far from the top of his to-do list, and he aims to keep it that way. When a coincidental meeting brings Levee and Dan together, they’re awakened to a long ignored desire for love and acceptance by the realization that they might have finally found it. Can these two mavericks accept the plans God has for their lives?




Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Word Alive (January 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603742263
ISBN-13: 978-1603742269
Product Dimensions: 20.6 x 13.2 x 2.8 cm S
hipping Weight: 272 g

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A prolific writer, Loree Lough has more than seventy books, sixty short stories, and 2,500 articles in print. Her stories have earned dozens of industry and Reader's Choice awards. A frequent guest speaker for writers' organizations, book clubs, private and government institutions, corporations, college and high school writing programs, and more, Loree has encouraged thousands with her comedic approach to learned-the-hard-way lessons about the craft and industry.

For decades, Loree has been an avid wolf enthusiast, and she dedicates a portion of her income each year to efforts that benefit the magnificent animals. She splits her time between a home in the Baltimore suburbs and a cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, and she shares her life with a spoiled pointer named Cash and her patient, dedicated husband, who has supported her writing and teaching endeavors throughout the years.


Released Jan 2011

MY REVIEW
“Maverick Heart” is book two in the Lone Star Legends Series. Book one is called “Beautiful Bandit.” I read and reviewed “Beautiful Bandit,” here is the review link if you would like to read it. http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2010/09/beautiful-bandit-by-loree-lough-book.html As with book one in the Lone Star Legends Series I really loved “Maverick Heart.” It is full of emotions, like love, loss, happiness, sadness and finally peace and forgiveness.
One of my favorite parts of the story is when Levee goes on a trail drive with Dan and his hands as the cook. She doesn’t let her being a woman get in the way of her doing her job. She becomes a great help and asset to the group of others.
Levee is teaching school and really loves it, but she is a nurse and she helps the town out when the doctor isn’t available. She never quits even when she is exhausted.
Dan loves his horses and brothers and cousins children. He thinks Levee is the most beautiful woman he has met. I like the way he says Levee’s eyes are the color of lilacs. I’ve never heard of that before and it just brings to mind such beauty.
Levee and Dan become friends and share many things in life about their past and the way they are going in the future.
I really like “Maverick Heart” and I recommend you read it if you want a very enjoyable time. It is a book that is easy to read and lots of fun, with some serious moments.
Buy it today!

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Thanks to Whitaker House publishing company for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Beautiful Bandit by Loree Lough-Book one in the Lone Star Legends Series*A REVIEW

Joshua Neville is a quiet, even-keeled rancher who was just minding his own business when he witnessed a brazen bank robbery in San Antonio, Texas, that leaves three men dead. Even more shocking than the heist itself is that the ringleader looked like a woman!

Weeks later, when Josh is on the trail, a lost and confused woman stumbles upon his campsite. He agrees to take "Dinah" to Mexico, but soon their journey is hampered by harsh weather and wild animals. When Dinah breaks her ankle, Josh takes her to his ranch to heal.

As the two grow closer, Josh realizes he's fallen in love, even as he learns the truth about Dinah. But does he know the whole story? And, after the truth comes out, will he put his life at risk to keep her with him?


Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (July 3, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603742255
ISBN-13: 978-1603742252
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches

A prolific writer, Loree Lough has more than seventy books, sixty short stories, and 2,500 articles in print. Her stories have earned dozens of industry and Reader's Choice awards. A frequent guest speaker for writers' organizations, book clubs, private and government institutions, corporations, college and high school writing programs, and more, Loree has encouraged thousands with her comedic approach to learned-the-hard-way lessons about the craft and industry.

For decades, Loree has been an avid wolf enthusiast, and she dedicates a portion of her income each year to efforts that benefit the magnificent animals. She splits her time between a home in the Baltimore suburbs and a cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, and she shares her life with a spoiled pointer named Cash and her patient, dedicated husband, who has supported her writing and teaching endeavors throughout the years.

My review
Beautiful Bandit by Loree Lough is a wonderful book full of adventure, love, drama and suspense. I was captivated from the first page and never lost interest at any part of the story.
The characters in this book are so likable or mean and full of angry that you just love to read it.
I like the way Josh treats “Dinah.” When they meet she seems like a crazy person who wouldn’t tell him anything about herself, but Josh still helps her and takes care of her.
When they get to his families ranch everyone there is so sweet to her and take such good care of her. I love how Dinah and Josh’s grandmother get along. They have a sweet relationship.
The first part of Dinah’s life is full of many ups and downs and she doesn’t think God cares what happens to her, but in this book as in life we find that things happen to get us from one point to another, even bad things.
Read this book to see how Dinah’s journey goes from loving parents, going to church to abuse, being put in bad situations to having everything taken away from her. She gets into a circumstance that she doesn’t know how to forget. Travel with Dinah as she meets Josh and family and sees that God loves her and is always taking care of her.
I really, really love this book. I will be keeping this one and it will be one of my top ten of the year. Also loved the cover of the book. It’s unforgettable. I highly recommend Beautiful Bandit and can’t wait for the next in the series. A wonderful book to have of your own.



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This book was given to me from Whitaker House publishing company for review purposes only.