Getting to Know THE MAN SHE KNEW by Loree Lough & Cerella Sechrist

"Getting to Know THE MAN SHE KNEW" by Loree Lough and Cerella Sechrist | "We Talk to Ourselves…a Lot!"

Well gosh and guess what…it’s Loree’s birthday and Mothers’ Day! To celebrate, we’re going to offer a cool prize package as our gift to you, and everyone who comments below will automatically be entered in the drawing (to take place on May 20th).




On June 30th, we’ll have yet another reason to celebrate: Loree’s 115th published book, THE MAN SHE KNEW, will be released. She’s pretty excited about this one, because she wrote it while battling Multiple Myeloma (incurable bone/marrow cancer). “I’m grateful to my editors,” she says, “for being so patient and understanding with the constantly shifting deadline, thanks to twice-weekly chemo treatments, followed by a stem cell transplant, followed by follow-up chemo. (I can barely follow that, can you?)”

Plenty of people have asked why in the world Loree wanted to write about an ex-con, of all things. Loree explains: “For some-odd reason, I kept hearing stories about how difficult it is for the newly released—men and women—to return to normal lives. From reuniting with family to finding a job, they meet obstacles of every variety. Now, I’m no Pollyanna…I realize some of these people are hardened criminals that will return to their old ways and probably end up right back in prison. But some of them want to leave that life behind, and do everything in their power to start fresh and stay on the right path. So I wrote a story featuring a guy like that, who made a stupid mistake—and paid for it—and wanted little more of life when he left prison bars behind than to prove himself a changed man.”

But how tough is it, folks wonder, for the friends and families of these individuals? Loree says, “It’s a challenge, to be sure. They want the best for their loved one, and in most cases, will move heaven and earth to help with the readjustment. In the case of Ian Sylvestry, hero in THE MAN SHE KNEW, he was blessed to have a caring father and a loving aunt waiting on the outside.”

What about reunions with ‘old loves’? “That,” Loree insists, “is probably one of the highest hurdles ex-cons must leap. Maleah Turner, heroine in THE MAN SHE KNEW, hasn’t forgotten the man Ian had been before his run-in with the law. His crime shocked her, and rocked her world. In an attempt to ‘get over it,’ Maleah threw herself into her studies, earning numerous degrees that provided a solid reputation and a great career. It wasn’t until a surprise reunion of sorts that she realized she hadn’t left him in her past, after all…”

You’re probably wondering about this prize package, aren’t you! Well, here’s the list of things you might win by commenting, below:

1 - $20 Amazon e-gift card
1 – signed copy of THE MAN SHE KNEW
1 – beautiful silver necklace



Comment below for a chance to win!

Here’s hoping all the moms out there enjoyed a restful and relaxing Mothers’ Day!

And now, the traditional Cerella-Loree recipe that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your house!








Loree’s “Everybody’s Favorite” Angel Food Cake

Ingredients:
  • 2 cups egg whites (approx.. 16 large eggs)
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 2 cups cake flour
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pure almond extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325̊.

2. Beat the egg whites at medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and salt and beat until stiff peaks form. Beat in 2 1/2 cups of the sugar, a few tablespoons at a time, until smooth and glossy, about 4 minutes.

3. Transfer the egg whites to a large, wide bowl. Using a fine sieve, gradually sift the flour over the egg whites, gently folding in the flour with a spatula. Fold in the vanilla and almond extracts. Scrape the cake batter into a 10-inch angel food cake pan. Using a table knife, slice through the cake batter several times to release any air bubbles. Tap the cake pan once or twice on a flat surface.
Bake the cake in the center of the oven for 20 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 350̊ and bake an additional 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Invert the pan onto the neck of a wine bottle and allow to cool completely.
To loosen the cake, run a thin-bladed knife around the side and tube of the pan. Unmold the cake and transfer to a platter.

Cut the cake into wedges and serve with berries and whipped cream

Enjoy!

Comments

  1. Looking forward to reading all of your comments...and putting your names in my trusty winners hat!

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    1. The necklace is so pretty, Kristal, that I went back and forth: Include it in the drawing, keep it for myself, include it in the drawing... LOL If you win it, you'll love it. It's adorable! Enjoy your weekend!

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  3. Congratulations on your 115th book, Loree! I can't quite wrap my head around that. You're truly an inspiration and a shining example of perseverance. Yay you!

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    1. Well, Jill, when you're my age, and have spent most of it parked in front of a computer... LOL Seriously, thank you for your kind words! Hope your weekend is wonderful!

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  4. The book sounds wonderful. I know I enjoyed writing my own book about an ex-con. Will have to see if i can get this one, this side of the pond.

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    1. It's always available through Amazon, Clare! If you find it, I hope you'll enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Have a happy weekend!

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  5. Congratulations, Loree! That cake sounds so luscious...

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    1. It's by far the best angel food cake recipe I've found, Liz, and the family seems to agree! Wishing you a lovely weekend!

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  6. I am so excited for you for your 115th release, Loree . . and for me, since I only have to wait a couple more weeks for my copy of THE MAN SHE KNEW to arrive!

    Since I recently finished reading an advance copy of 50 Hours and absolutely loved, LOVED it, I have to mention that it will be released at the end of June!

    Best wishes to everyone entering the giveaway.

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    1. Thanks for your kind words, Kate, and for the plug for 50 Hours! I hope when your copies of the books arrive, you'll enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them! Wishing you the best weekend, ever!

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  7. Happy Birthday, Loree! 115 books?? WOW! That is so awesome. The Man She Knew sounds amazing, and that guy on the cover is a HUNK! Thank you for the recipe. I love angel food cake.

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    1. Thanks for the birthday wishes, Stephanie, and for your kind words about the book (and the books total). I agree 100%: Ian on the cover is some kinda handsome, isn't he! Wishing you a happy weekend, and if you try the recipe, I promise you won't be disappointed!

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  8. Happy Birthday Loree and Happy Mother's Day to all mothers!
    THE MAN SHE KNEW sounds amazing, the “Everybody’s Favorite” Angel Food Cake
    sounds delicious (angel food cake is my absolute favorite cake by the way) and the giveaway is most generous. Thanks for the chance!

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    1. Thanks for the birthday wishes, Kate, and I have to admit: the guy on the cover of the book is as luscious as the angel food cake! Good luck in the giveaway, and enjoy your weekend!

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  9. Happy early birthday, Loree! And congratulations on book #115!

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    1. Thanks, m'friend! Wishing you a happy weekend and luck in the giveaway!

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  10. Congrats on the 115th book - wow that is awesome and love the from scratch angel food cake recipe too!

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    1. If you try the recipe, Teresa, I think you'll love it. Thanks for the books total kudos, and good luck in the giveaway! Happy weekend!

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  11. Loree, you are my hero for all you've endured and always with grace, a smile and readiness to help others. Like Kate, I just finished 50 Hours and I'm still in awe. It was nothing short of fabulous. So, I really can't wait for my copy of THE MAN SHE KNEW. And you and Cerella truly spoil us with these recipes! Happy Birthday! Make it great!

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    1. Hearing words like that from an author as talented as you, Catherine, is truly an honor. I hope you'll enjoy THE MAN SHE KNEW, too! Thanks for the birthday wishes--you can bet I intend to make it great! Have a beautiful weekend, my beautiful friend!

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  12. Loree, you are amazing--115 books. And the ones I have read are wonderful. Thanks for giving us great reading material!

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    1. Thank you, Carol! Wishing you luck in the drawing and a wonderful weekend, too!

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  13. Wow, I can't even imagine 115 books! What a wonderful achievement, Loree, and your new book sounds intriguing. I can see that it would be a challenge to balance the good and the not-so-good in a hero who's an ex-con. I look forward to reading it. Happy Birthday and thanks for that yummy recipe, Cerella.

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    1. Thank you, Janice, for the birthday wishes! I hope you'll enjoy reading the book as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you try that recipe, I guarantee your family will like it as much as mine does! Good luck in the drawing, and have a wonderful weekend!

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  14. 115 books!! I can't imagine what that must feel like, nor writing while battling illness. You're an inspiration. Congratulations on your upcoming release. I like the premise of an ex-con finding love again.

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    1. Thanks for your kind words, Laurie! Life's challenges have a way of testing a person's mettle, and my goal is to meet each with stubborn determination...and a big goofy smile! Have a beautiful weekend!

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  15. Congrats on another release!!! 115 is a number to be proud of.

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    1. You're so right, Katie, and I count my blessings every time I sit down at the computer. Good luck in the drawing, and have a terrific weekend!

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  16. Happy Birthday to you!! I'm happy you're doing well. Congratulations on your new book. It sounds like a good one. Blessings!

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    1. Thank you, Gail! Here's hoping your weekend will be wonderful!

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  17. Congrats on 115th book. Happy Mother's day and birthday.

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    1. Thank you Beverly! Wishing you good luck in the drawing and a very happy weekend!

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  18. Happy Birthday! Excited for the new book...love the cover. :)

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    1. Thanks, Janelle! I love the cover, too (but don't tell Larry)! LOL Have a wonderful weekend, m'friend!

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  19. Loree, Happy Birthday & Congratulations! The premise for this one sounds so intriguing. I'm as curious to find out how the heroine handles getting involved with an ex-con as I am to see how the hero handles being one. Thanks for gifting the world 115 books packed with your brilliant story-telling talent.

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  20. Can hardly wait to read this book...it is a topic near & dear to my heart...plus my youngest granddaughter shares your heroine's name...only hers is spelled MiLeah!! Happy Birthday and congratulations on completing your treatment....cake recipe looks amazing and so does your prize package. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!

    Can't access my google account right now so I am leaving this as anonymous...but I am actually Margie Mijares...

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    1. Thanks. Margie! Happy Mothers' Day to you, too! Wishing you a happy weekend and good luck in the drawing!

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    2. CONGRATULATIONS, MARGIE! Your name was selected from my trusty winners hat! Please send me your mailing address (via Facebook Private Message or email at loree@loreelough.com) and I'll get your prize package to you, asap!

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  21. Ooh, this sounds like a heart-string jerker of a book. Happy birthday and many further blessings to you, Loree!

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    1. Thanks for the birthday wishes, Patricia Hope your weekend is wonderful and you have great luck in the drawing!

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  22. Well, I'll raise a mother's day cup of coffee or tea and offer a toast to good health--and to angel food cake. And birthday wishes, too. Thanks so much for this post and congratulations on this new release!

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    1. I'm gonna take you up on the coffee, Virginia! Thanks for the birthday wishes, and good luck in the drawing. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  23. A hundred and fifteen books! AWESOME! And you make your own angel food cake from scratch. Wow. Can't wait to read The Man She Knew.

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    1. That cake is delicious, Patricia! Have a terrific weekend!

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  24. Thanks for the awesome giveaway and I LOVE angel food cake. One of my all time favorites!!!
    Dianemestrella at gmail dot com

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    1. If you try this recipe, Diane, you won't be disappointed! Hope your weekend is great, and much luck in the drawing!

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  25. 115???? You really ARE super woman! The story sounds amazing and I can't wait to read it. My son's best friend spent a year in prison for a DUI accident that killed one of their friends. (My son was also a passenger in the car.) It's been tough watching him struggle and try to figure out who he is and what he wants to do with the rest of his life while trying to come to terms with the guilt he feels as well.

    I hope you both have a fantastic Mother's Day and I can't wait to try out Cerella's recipe. YUM!!!

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    1. Glad your son is all right, LeAnne. Adding his friend to my prayers... If you try the recipe, you won't be disappointed! Happy weekend!

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  26. 115. That's on my bucket list but I'm more likely to kick the bucket before I get to fifty books :)
    The book sounds awesome. I might have to move it to the top of my pile.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Pamela! Enjoy your weekend!

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  27. That cake looks so yummy. Thank you for this chance.
    Cheryl Baranski

    CherylB1987 AT hotmail DOT come

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    1. Glad you stopped in, Cheryl! Good luck in the drawing and have a great weekend!

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  28. Such an inspiration...both on the professional and the personal front. So glad to hear you're doing better and LeAnne is right. You are SuperWoman! <3

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    1. Thanks, Anna! Maybe Goofy Gal instead of Superwoman... 😊 Have a beautiful weekend!

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  29. I'm absolutely delighted you are a survivor...I've been associated w Marrow Drives/LLS events for many years because I've known so many people similarly afflicted. Congratulations on your 100+ books, too!
    Kathleen Bylsma h5apby@yahoo.com

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    1. Thanks for popping in, Kathleen! Not quite a survivor...yet, but I'm in a remission of sorts. Hope you enjoy a beautiful weekend, and good luck in the drawing!

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  30. I love this type of story. Reunions, connecting with old friends, especially old boyfriends. I'm about to go to a reunion next weekend. However, it's with my college girlfriends.

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    1. Well, Shirley, sometimes a girls-only reunion is more fun than one that includes boys! Wishing you a happy Mothers' Day and a great weekend!

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  31. The book sounds amazing, but I have to say that cake looks to die for! I might just have to find an excuse to make it!

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    1. Here's your excuse: YOU WANT TO! heh heh heh Seriously, if you try it, you'll like it, guaranteed! Have a great weekend, and good luck in the drawing!

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  32. So excited for THE MAN SHE KNEW, Loree!! And I love the necklace you've included in this giveaway. Congrats on your 115th release, my friend! <3

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    1. All achievements great and small are due in no small part to the caring and support of friends like you, Cerella. I'm blessed to know you, and doubly-blessed to partner with you in this blog! And you're right: The necklace is so dainty and feminine; I went back and forth a couple-a times...keep it, share it, keep it, share it... I lost! LOL Have a beautiful weekend, m'friend!

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  33. Happy birthday, girlie �� I've never met a book of yours I don't like. I want the necklace---and the cake��

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    1. Thanks for the birthday wishes, Peggy! And thanks for the kind words about my books, too! If you win the necklace, you're going to LOVE it. And if you bake that cake? Well, not to be redundant, but you'll love it, too! Enjoy your weekend, and good luck in the drawing!

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  34. Congratulations on your 115th book Loree and this one sounds like a winner. I have been reading your books for years and always enjoy them. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy and the necklace looks so pretty.

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    1. Thanks for the congrats and kind words, Stella! If you win the drawing, you won't believe how much prettier the necklace is than in the photo. I was tempted to keep it for myself! LOL Good luck, and enjoy your weekend!

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  35. WOW 115 that is so wonderful and there's no doubt in my mind that this one is going to be fantastic. As are all your other books. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday and a Happy Mother's day!

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    1. Thank you, Lourdes! I'm looking forward to a celebratory weekend, for sure! Wishing you luck in the drawing and a wonderful, happy weekend!

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  36. You have never disappointed me with your writing, baking and just being an amazing person. Love you. Hope you have a happy Mother's Day!!!

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    1. Thank you so much, Jen! Wishing you a happy Mothers Day, too! Have a great weekend, and good luck in the drawing!

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  37. Loree, you are such an inspiration to me. Gosh, I can never read enough of your penned works and this one looks just fantastic. What a beautiful message to share. Brings to mind the prodigal child. We are all prodigals trying to find our way home. We are all sinners in need of grace. Love the message you are sharing!! Happy Birthday and Happy Mother's Day, my friend. XOXO

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    1. Thanks so much, Robin! Wishing you the best of Mothers Days, and a happy weekend, too! And good luck in the drawing!

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  38. Great gift ladies🙂

    Happy Birthday Loree!

    My Mom's birthday and Mother's Day sometimes fall on the same day.

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    1. Thanks for the birthday wishes, Patty! Yep...my birthday and Mothers Day have often fallen on the same day, too. A happy birthday to your mom! Wishing you a wonderful weekend and good luck in the drawing!

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  39. I love second chances because I get them all the time if I accept them. So happy to see them happening in your life, Loree! As a sidenote to your comment about how hard it is for prisoners to reintegrate into the outside world, I watched a Netflix series on prisons. One show featured a prisoner set for release who was scared, scared, scared of the outside world. He ended up back in jail a few weeks after his release. He just didn't how to be anything other than a criminal.

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    1. I must have seen the same series, M.K. Very eye-opening stuff, for sure. Hope you'll enjoy The Man She Knew and that you'll have a grand weekend! And good luck in the drawing, too!

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  40. Congratulations upon your 115th book, Loree! All 3 prizes sound wonderful! I am partial to silver jewelry, so that necklace looks sooo pretty! A gift card is always welcome, and another signed book would be super to win! I am so glad you have recovered so well. Take good care of yourself, Loree.

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    1. Thanks, Susan! Wishing you a wonderful weekend and lots of luck in the contest!

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  41. oops! I commented but must have clicked on wrong thing as comment is gone! so I try again! anxious for book!
    hugs!
    glenda kremer

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    1. LOL Glenda! Thanks for stopping by. Hope you'll enjoy reading the book as much as I enjoyed writing it. Have a beautiful Mothers Day,a nd good luck in the drawing!

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  42. That's amazing achievement to write 115 books Loree! Congratulations!!!!
    Always glad to hear you are doing well !! Happy Blessed Mothers Day and I hope you have an awesome Happy Birthday!!!!!!🎂
    jennydtipton at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks so much, Jennifer! Wishing you a beautiful Sunday (and good luck in the drawing)!

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  43. I've never made Angel food cake. Is it tricky? One q: no prep for baking pan? I have one I've not used from my mother's kitchen. I'm wondering if you grease the pan. Guess not because there's no shortening in recipe.

    Happy mothers day!

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    1. Oops! You're right, Laura! I forgot to add that you need to grease and lightly flour the (angel food or spring-form) pan! Guess I've been baking for so many years, I do it without even thinking! Thanks for pointing it out, and here's hoping you have a beautiful Sunday!

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  44. Happy Birthday to you Loree!! Congratulations on your 115th release, you sure must have a very active mind to come up with such great stories for us to enjoy!! I continue to keep you in my prayers <3 Happy Mother's day to everyone and thank you for another wonderful giveaway!!!!

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    1. Thank you for the birthday wishes, Darlene! As for my mind...it's been said if my skull was see-through, a person could get exhausted, just watching the comings and goings of all the ideas! LOL Hope you enjoyed a beautiful weekend, and good luck in the drawing!

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  45. Happy birthday Loree! 115 books? Wow, congratulations! That's amazing. Also, congratulations on your new book!

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    1. Thanks for the birthday wishes and congrats, Jackie! I have two wishes for you: A happy weekend and good luck in the drawing!

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    2. Thanks! I hope you have a great weekend as well.

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  46. The book sounds fantastic and well that cover is not hard to take either.... LOL The cake looks delicious!! and the the necklace is oh so pretty! I love birds...I hope everyone reads your book, I know I want too..I've read several of yours...Raising Connor, Devoted to Drew, A Man of Honor to name a few, all wonderful....

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    1. Wow, Kat, thanks ever so much for your support! I'm glad to hear you liked my other Heartwarming titles, and hope you'll enjoy reading this one as much as I enjoyed writing it. Wishing you a lovely weekend and much luck in the drawing. (The picture does NOT do that necklace justice, I tell ya! )

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  47. I am SO looking forward to this book Loree....can't wait to read it! Congrats on it's release, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I MISSED telling you as I was off line for a few days. Hope it was as special as you are.

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    1. Happy to see that you're back online, Tressia! I'm pretty psyched about the June 1 release of The Man She Knew, too. Thanks for the birthday wishes...it was a fantastic day in every way. Have a great weekend, m'friend, and good luck in the drawing!

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  48. Loree, my cousin has been in prison for a long time. Not for anything horrendous like murder but something bad enough to go to prison for evidently. He got out a year and a half ago. He absolutely did NOT know how to live outside of those prison walls!

    My mom gave him a place to live but he still kept doing stupid stuff. I told her, "He doesn't know how to live in our world, he only knows prison world." I don't even remember how many times he ended up back in jail for stupid stuff.

    I had him coming to church with me. He seemed to be getting better at life.He got married and stayed with one girl after a series of failed relationships.

    Unfortunately, instead of continuing to follow Jesus he found some "friends" that have lead him father and father astray.

    Please pray for my cousin. Thankfully, he is NOT in jail at the moment!

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    1. See, Angel, stories like that inspired me to write THE MAN SHE KNEW. Ex-cons try--they try hard the majority of them, anyway)--to reenter society and live 'the straight and narrow' life. It breaks my heart to hear that, even with the love and support of family and friends, your cousin was one of those whose choices cost him, big-time. Count on me to pray that this time, his memories of living the good life make it worth the effort to stay home, for good! I'm praying for you and other family members who are helping, so you'll know what to do and say...and when.

      Wishing you a fantastic Friday, m'dear, and a wonderful weekend, too. And good luck in the contest!

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  49. Great looking prize pack. I'd like to read your new book, too!

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    1. You stopped by just in time, Leo! I'm just about to choose a winner...and your name is IN the hat! Hope you enjoyed a great weekend!

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  50. Ladies I am looking forward to reading this! My dear husband had a degree of this when he left prison. He is not the man he was many years ago.

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    1. Hi, Kathy! Thanks for stopping by. Hope your weekend has been wonderful, and good luck in the drawing!

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  51. Looking forward to reading this book. Thank you

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! Here's hoping you're having a great weekend...and good luck in the drawing! I hope you'll enjoy reading the book as much as I enjoyed writing it!

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  52. I've been looking for this recipe! Thank you

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    1. You'll love this cake, Domanae! I know my family gobbles it up every time I make it...

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  53. I've been looking for this recipe! Thank you

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  54. I'd like to be entered if I'm not too late. Love the cake. looks great.

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    1. You made it in, just under the wire, Connie! I'm going right now to select the winner! If you try the cake, you'll love it. I know my family does!

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