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50 Hours
Franco Allessi is a broken, lonely man who wants nothing more than to outrun the ghosts of his past. For years, he tries to numb the pain of his wife’s death with cheap beer and whiskey. When he’s convicted of drunk driving, the judge revokes his license for six months and orders him to serve fifty hours of community service. Franco chooses Savannah Falls Hospice for no reason other than it's walking distance from his dilapidated house trailer. On his first day on the job, he meets Aubrey Brewer, a woman whose time on earth is quickly ticking to a stop. Their unusual connection teaches powerful, life-changing lessons about friendship, acceptance, and the importance of appreciating that precious treasure called Life.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2017
5 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Loree Lough
133 books684 followersWith the upcoming release of the books in her new Kensington series, bestselling author Loree Lough will have 121 books on the shelves (8,000,000+ copies in circulation). Her writing style has been compared to Nicholas Sparks and Mary Jo Putney, and readers and reviewers often call her “a gifted writer whose stories touch hearts and change lives.”
With a long list of industry awards, it isn't likely this prolific author will ever retire...not even to her cozy li'l cabin in the Allegheny Mountains. She loves to hear from her readers and personally answers every letter sent to http://www.loreelough.com/.
Visit http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B000APRS7S to see some of Loree's available titles.
With a long list of industry awards, it isn't likely this prolific author will ever retire...not even to her cozy li'l cabin in the Allegheny Mountains. She loves to hear from her readers and personally answers every letter sent to http://www.loreelough.com/.
Visit http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B000APRS7S to see some of Loree's available titles.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 6, 2017
This is a really emotional and beautiful story that should be read by so many people, those touched by the grief and mourning, same as those who didn't experienced that kind of tragedy.
Franco is a man who can not reconcile with his loss even three years after the death of his wife. It seems that all that negative life-giving in which he was lost, instead of complete failure, leads to his emotional healing. Faced with two choices; a court sentence that could result in a job loss or volunteer's punishment in a charity, Franco chooses the latter.
Perhaps the last place where anyone could see the hope for his recovery, was precisely this. A hospice for chronically diseased and dying patients is where he finds a cure for his solitude, and slowly, piece by piece, rebuilds the small parts of his life.
This touching book was based on the Kevin James O'Neill's scenario, and the award-winning author Loree Lough tells this story in a great novel-dimension. The details of the blue bird that appeared at numerous key moments of the novel were very beautiful and sweet, and they enriched the whole story with a dose of mystery, painting it with the charms of nature that surrounds us. (I can not help, I'm weak on wildlife descriptions and those sweet animal characters).
"50 hours" is really a simple and beautiful story that will trigger your emotions even if you are a tough one, as I'm trying to pretend I am (though I show some tears from time to time). To read this book, you will not need 50 hours, not even close. A novel is read without much effort and is something you can indulge yourself in moments of relaxation. Well, take a break and fall into the story ... :)
Thank you Progressive Rising Phoenix Press and NetGalley for a chance to read and review this beautiful novel.
Franco is a man who can not reconcile with his loss even three years after the death of his wife. It seems that all that negative life-giving in which he was lost, instead of complete failure, leads to his emotional healing. Faced with two choices; a court sentence that could result in a job loss or volunteer's punishment in a charity, Franco chooses the latter.
Perhaps the last place where anyone could see the hope for his recovery, was precisely this. A hospice for chronically diseased and dying patients is where he finds a cure for his solitude, and slowly, piece by piece, rebuilds the small parts of his life.
This touching book was based on the Kevin James O'Neill's scenario, and the award-winning author Loree Lough tells this story in a great novel-dimension. The details of the blue bird that appeared at numerous key moments of the novel were very beautiful and sweet, and they enriched the whole story with a dose of mystery, painting it with the charms of nature that surrounds us. (I can not help, I'm weak on wildlife descriptions and those sweet animal characters).
"50 hours" is really a simple and beautiful story that will trigger your emotions even if you are a tough one, as I'm trying to pretend I am (though I show some tears from time to time). To read this book, you will not need 50 hours, not even close. A novel is read without much effort and is something you can indulge yourself in moments of relaxation. Well, take a break and fall into the story ... :)
Thank you Progressive Rising Phoenix Press and NetGalley for a chance to read and review this beautiful novel.
June 22, 2017
"Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review"
3.5 stars
Heartwarming and moving story about friendship, love, terminal illness and death. There’s no romantic couple but I didn’t miss it, there’s a web of other significant and sometimes unexpected relationships. There’s some inevitable sadness but the general tone is optimistic and even lyrical (the blue jay).
I loved the hero, Franco, a middle-aged widower still grieving his wife’s death, his integrity, and how he overcomes his problems getting involved with Aubrey and with projects that make him feel good about life again.
Loree Lough’s writing style is smooth and fluid and this was a very pleasurable read.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Progressive Rising Phoenix Press, and NetGalley for providing a free copy
3.5 stars
Heartwarming and moving story about friendship, love, terminal illness and death. There’s no romantic couple but I didn’t miss it, there’s a web of other significant and sometimes unexpected relationships. There’s some inevitable sadness but the general tone is optimistic and even lyrical (the blue jay).
I loved the hero, Franco, a middle-aged widower still grieving his wife’s death, his integrity, and how he overcomes his problems getting involved with Aubrey and with projects that make him feel good about life again.
Loree Lough’s writing style is smooth and fluid and this was a very pleasurable read.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Progressive Rising Phoenix Press, and NetGalley for providing a free copy
August 10, 2018
50 Hours by Loree Lough
I so enjoyed the depth of characters in this book. Loree Lough has produced a story-line that not only captured my heart but sent my emotions in all directions as I read this remarkable story. She adapted the screenplay, 50 Hours, by Kevin James O’Neill into a poignant story that brings the characters to life.
What does Franco Allessi, a broken and lonely man, expect from the judges’ order to serve fifty hours in community service? I think he first went as a way to stay out of jail but the residences of Savannah Falls Hospice soon change his mind and his heart. How can healing come from a Hospice facility when those there may be facing a soon-to-be ending to their lives here on earth? Well, healing does take place in very unusual ways.
The residence of Savannah Falls Hospice are as unique in their reasons for being there as well as the other life-changing challenges they face. Aubrey Brewer is one such residence who soon befriends Franco at a time he most needs it, as does she. Aubrey is one spunky and feisty lady. I admire the way she faces the challenges before her, but she does need a good friend. I don’t think either of them realize the impact they are about to have on each other’s lives. They have an unusual connection that I believe to be God-designed. This connection teaches them both powerful life-lessons that will change them forever. That special bonded friendship is tested when Aubrey asks Franco to do something she desperately needs done soon as her time is short, however, if he does comply with her wishes he could end up in jail. What will he do? You will have to read the book to find out.
As a retired Oncology RN with Hospice training, I found this story to be especially moving. Loree Lough easily captured the essence of the emotional roller-coaster ride those facing life-altering illnesses experience. A remarkable story.
I so enjoyed the depth of characters in this book. Loree Lough has produced a story-line that not only captured my heart but sent my emotions in all directions as I read this remarkable story. She adapted the screenplay, 50 Hours, by Kevin James O’Neill into a poignant story that brings the characters to life.
What does Franco Allessi, a broken and lonely man, expect from the judges’ order to serve fifty hours in community service? I think he first went as a way to stay out of jail but the residences of Savannah Falls Hospice soon change his mind and his heart. How can healing come from a Hospice facility when those there may be facing a soon-to-be ending to their lives here on earth? Well, healing does take place in very unusual ways.
The residence of Savannah Falls Hospice are as unique in their reasons for being there as well as the other life-changing challenges they face. Aubrey Brewer is one such residence who soon befriends Franco at a time he most needs it, as does she. Aubrey is one spunky and feisty lady. I admire the way she faces the challenges before her, but she does need a good friend. I don’t think either of them realize the impact they are about to have on each other’s lives. They have an unusual connection that I believe to be God-designed. This connection teaches them both powerful life-lessons that will change them forever. That special bonded friendship is tested when Aubrey asks Franco to do something she desperately needs done soon as her time is short, however, if he does comply with her wishes he could end up in jail. What will he do? You will have to read the book to find out.
As a retired Oncology RN with Hospice training, I found this story to be especially moving. Loree Lough easily captured the essence of the emotional roller-coaster ride those facing life-altering illnesses experience. A remarkable story.
June 26, 2017
Franco Alessi has been numbing the pain of his wife's death with alcohol for years. When he's convicted of driving drunk, the judge sentences him to 50 hours of community service. He chooses a hospice house only because it's within walking distance of his run down house trailer.
Aubrey Brewer is in the last stages of brain cancer and lives at Savannah Falls, the hospice house where Franco is doing his 50 hours. They connect in such a sweet way, not romantic, but just a precious relationship.
This novel was very moving and poignant and just a joy to read. We all have something to learn from this one. It drew me in quite easily and as the relationship between Franco and Aubrey deepened, it was difficult to put down. It is heartrending and at the same time, joyful. I enjoyed it very much.
*I was given a preview copy of this book by the publisher via Net Galley. My opinion is my own.
Aubrey Brewer is in the last stages of brain cancer and lives at Savannah Falls, the hospice house where Franco is doing his 50 hours. They connect in such a sweet way, not romantic, but just a precious relationship.
This novel was very moving and poignant and just a joy to read. We all have something to learn from this one. It drew me in quite easily and as the relationship between Franco and Aubrey deepened, it was difficult to put down. It is heartrending and at the same time, joyful. I enjoyed it very much.
*I was given a preview copy of this book by the publisher via Net Galley. My opinion is my own.
June 25, 2017
Loree did an amazing job writing this book. It's a story of hope, second chances, and friendship. I would recommend the book to anyone.
Aubrey is facing a situation no one wants to face but she does it with grace and dignity. I love her spunk and feisty attitude. We should all face trials with a fun attitude
Franco has a troubled past and never dreams of the adventure he is about to take with Aubrey. He doesn't realize the impact he has on her life and she doesn't realize the positive changes he makes because of her. In the same way, we don't always realize the impact we have on another person's life.
To read more about Aubrey's situation and their adventures, and to find out what changes Franco makes...... you have to read the book.
Aubrey is facing a situation no one wants to face but she does it with grace and dignity. I love her spunk and feisty attitude. We should all face trials with a fun attitude
Franco has a troubled past and never dreams of the adventure he is about to take with Aubrey. He doesn't realize the impact he has on her life and she doesn't realize the positive changes he makes because of her. In the same way, we don't always realize the impact we have on another person's life.
To read more about Aubrey's situation and their adventures, and to find out what changes Franco makes...... you have to read the book.
June 30, 2017
According to Amazon this is classified as medical fiction. Personally, I'd also put it in the genre of women's fiction, although obviously guys will like it too. (Jack Watts wrote one of the accolades for Amazon.) Put me down as one enthusiastic fan.
Franco Allessi is a bummed-out ne'er-do-well who'd rather drink his memories away than live, resulting in a DUI conviction with a judge who commands fifty hours in community service rather than jail time. Savannah Falls Hospice seems the perfect place. At least he enjoys the yardwork. He used to own a landscaping company before his wife died, and it's within walking distance of his barely livable trailer house.
At the hospice on the first day he meets Aubrey Brewer and breaks a cardinal rule: under no circumstances is he to enter a patient's room. The problem is a contract employee in her room who is bullying Aubrey. He's forty hours into his service completion when she suggests the impossible. If he does what she wishes, he'll go to prison.
Ohmygoodness! You really have to get this book and help them out of this precarious position--please! Amazon or Barnes and Noble, quick! (While you're at it, buy a box or two of tissue--even if you're a guy.)
I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an endorsement
Franco Allessi is a bummed-out ne'er-do-well who'd rather drink his memories away than live, resulting in a DUI conviction with a judge who commands fifty hours in community service rather than jail time. Savannah Falls Hospice seems the perfect place. At least he enjoys the yardwork. He used to own a landscaping company before his wife died, and it's within walking distance of his barely livable trailer house.
At the hospice on the first day he meets Aubrey Brewer and breaks a cardinal rule: under no circumstances is he to enter a patient's room. The problem is a contract employee in her room who is bullying Aubrey. He's forty hours into his service completion when she suggests the impossible. If he does what she wishes, he'll go to prison.
Ohmygoodness! You really have to get this book and help them out of this precarious position--please! Amazon or Barnes and Noble, quick! (While you're at it, buy a box or two of tissue--even if you're a guy.)
I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an endorsement
June 22, 2017
50 Hours
Franco has to do community service and ends up doing it a hospice home. He forms a special friendship with a coupe of the residents. One of which is Aubrey. Franco wasn't always like he is now, but changed and really changed after meeting Aubrey. Love how he makes her last days so special. Love this quote from the book: "Hug the people who matter to you. Tell them you love them, while you can." This book is a real blessing, it can make you cry but at the same time make you happy that you read it. Franco does a lot of things really special for Aubrey but one will put his future in jeopardy. How will it all work out, read and see, you won't regret it. I received this book from Book Unleashed for my blog for my honest review. I definitely recommend this book.
Franco has to do community service and ends up doing it a hospice home. He forms a special friendship with a coupe of the residents. One of which is Aubrey. Franco wasn't always like he is now, but changed and really changed after meeting Aubrey. Love how he makes her last days so special. Love this quote from the book: "Hug the people who matter to you. Tell them you love them, while you can." This book is a real blessing, it can make you cry but at the same time make you happy that you read it. Franco does a lot of things really special for Aubrey but one will put his future in jeopardy. How will it all work out, read and see, you won't regret it. I received this book from Book Unleashed for my blog for my honest review. I definitely recommend this book.
June 25, 2017
While pursing Net Galley for something to read I came across "50 Hours" by Loree Lough. Never have I read any books by this author, I decided to give it a try. I am glad I picked this book to read. This is a heartfelt book about a man down on his luck and goes to do his community service at Savannah Falls Hospice. Here he meets a number of people who our living out their last days. His attitude on life changes and even though the ending is sad, it has good life lessons also. The book is a quick read, one to read on a airplane or waiting for one. I really enjoyed this book. I will check out other books by this author. Thanks Net Galley for the advanced copy
July 4, 2017
Best book I've read in a long time
The author captured so many emotions in this story. The grief, the friendship, the love and the knowing of what's to come! Two people in different worlds collide to form a friendship that will never be forgotten! This book is amazing ! Is it sad ? Yes it is sad but not in the way you think it may actually be. It gives us all hope! It shows us how important our friendships are! Thank you for writing such a fabulous book! ❤️
The author captured so many emotions in this story. The grief, the friendship, the love and the knowing of what's to come! Two people in different worlds collide to form a friendship that will never be forgotten! This book is amazing ! Is it sad ? Yes it is sad but not in the way you think it may actually be. It gives us all hope! It shows us how important our friendships are! Thank you for writing such a fabulous book! ❤️
December 16, 2025
50 HOURS by Loree Lough is the awe-inspiring, heart-tugging story of Aubrey Jane Brewer, terminally ill, and Franco Allessi, sentenced to community service, and how their lives connect, intertwine and will never be the same.
Franco is a shell of who he once was after the tragic death of his beloved wife. He turned to drink to dull the pain. Drunk driving has him standing in from of one of the toughest judges and sentenced to no driver’s license for six months and fifty hours of community service. No license almost cost him his job, but instead had him doing the jobs no one else wanted to do. It’s his AA sponsor that suggests Savannah Falls Hospice for his community service. Seems like the perfect fit since it’s with walking distance of home.
Aubrey is 44 and has an inoperable glioblastoma brain tumor. After everything they threw at it hadn’t worked, she’s chosen to spend her remaining days at Savannah Falls. Without her controlling mother’s knowledge, she is refusing any other treatment. She doesn’t want to spend her remaining days in a medicine fog or as some zombie. She’s got a soft spot for the young teenager that has his own sentencing diagnosis. She’s determined to cheer him up if possible. Her other way of filling her last days is painting nature’s beauty. Her dream is to see and capture the beauty of the fall colors.
50 HOURS is the phenomenal story that takes place over a very brief period of time, but packs a lot of emotion and depth. There’s so much personal growth, compassion, understanding, and love within those 50 hours. Loree Lough managed to portrays Aubrey and Franco in such a way that the reader is immediately pulled into the story. I felt the growing friendship as if I was part of the emotional pairing. I admired Aubrey’s desire to not leave her mother with lingering doubts and hurt, but also to live out her remaining days the way she wishes them to be. To see how Franco came out of his funk after losing all that he loved to become the man willing the risk becoming a fugitive in order to make a dying woman’s wish come true was inspiring. It shows how we can not only overcome, but go forth striving to be a better person. It’s a prime example of how we should altruismly be willing to lend a helping hand to someone in need. The faith thread will give you pause to think, learn that possibly you too might need to change and possible even cry, like I did, at the end. 50 HOURS is absolutely FIVE STAR reading and I highly recommend it to everyone! It’s going into my permanent library so I’ll have it to share and to enable me to read again.
I received a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#50Hours #LoreeLough
Franco is a shell of who he once was after the tragic death of his beloved wife. He turned to drink to dull the pain. Drunk driving has him standing in from of one of the toughest judges and sentenced to no driver’s license for six months and fifty hours of community service. No license almost cost him his job, but instead had him doing the jobs no one else wanted to do. It’s his AA sponsor that suggests Savannah Falls Hospice for his community service. Seems like the perfect fit since it’s with walking distance of home.
Aubrey is 44 and has an inoperable glioblastoma brain tumor. After everything they threw at it hadn’t worked, she’s chosen to spend her remaining days at Savannah Falls. Without her controlling mother’s knowledge, she is refusing any other treatment. She doesn’t want to spend her remaining days in a medicine fog or as some zombie. She’s got a soft spot for the young teenager that has his own sentencing diagnosis. She’s determined to cheer him up if possible. Her other way of filling her last days is painting nature’s beauty. Her dream is to see and capture the beauty of the fall colors.
50 HOURS is the phenomenal story that takes place over a very brief period of time, but packs a lot of emotion and depth. There’s so much personal growth, compassion, understanding, and love within those 50 hours. Loree Lough managed to portrays Aubrey and Franco in such a way that the reader is immediately pulled into the story. I felt the growing friendship as if I was part of the emotional pairing. I admired Aubrey’s desire to not leave her mother with lingering doubts and hurt, but also to live out her remaining days the way she wishes them to be. To see how Franco came out of his funk after losing all that he loved to become the man willing the risk becoming a fugitive in order to make a dying woman’s wish come true was inspiring. It shows how we can not only overcome, but go forth striving to be a better person. It’s a prime example of how we should altruismly be willing to lend a helping hand to someone in need. The faith thread will give you pause to think, learn that possibly you too might need to change and possible even cry, like I did, at the end. 50 HOURS is absolutely FIVE STAR reading and I highly recommend it to everyone! It’s going into my permanent library so I’ll have it to share and to enable me to read again.
I received a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#50Hours #LoreeLough
January 26, 2018
I'll start out by saying this: this past January, I celebrated 24 years of uninterrupted sobriety through the grace of God. As a person who knows what it means to drink your pain away, this book was really touching to me. Franco Allessi is drowning in the sorrow of losing the love of his life, his wife, by drinking his life away. He has lost his business, he's resorted to doing jobs he never thought he would do, he lives in a run-down trailer, and now, in case it can't get any worse, he's stuck doing court-ordered community service for - you guessed it - 50 hours. His AA sponsor "encourages" him to serve his 50 hours at a local hospice for chronically diseased and dying patients and he agrees since he can't drive, along with the fact that the center is within walking distance.
.....and then there's Aubrey Brewer - a woman who - you guessed it - has 50 hours to live. As much as you would think the two of these people and the title of the book are predictable, let me stop you right now and let you know that is not the case. Nothing about this story is predictable in fact.
The two main characters are really the bulk of the story, but there's also a cool little added "character" - a blue jay who appears at several key moments in the story. The details of the bird are really sweet and it really added a bit of "mystery" to the story. It's not a love story either - there's love, but it's God's love shown through the characters.
Of course, due to the subject matter involved in the story, there's some sadness. There's also some happy tears involved as the story shows the unlikely pairing of friends and the healing in helping someone else achieve something they love. I never write spoilers, so it's a little hard to really share the story without sharing the story.
What I can tell you is this: you will be disappointed if you miss out on this great book. I loved the characters, I loved the story line, and I especially loved the healing in Franco's life thanks to him staying sober and doing the next right thing. I've never read any other books by Loree Lough, but I can promise you I will be reading them in the future!
.....and then there's Aubrey Brewer - a woman who - you guessed it - has 50 hours to live. As much as you would think the two of these people and the title of the book are predictable, let me stop you right now and let you know that is not the case. Nothing about this story is predictable in fact.
The two main characters are really the bulk of the story, but there's also a cool little added "character" - a blue jay who appears at several key moments in the story. The details of the bird are really sweet and it really added a bit of "mystery" to the story. It's not a love story either - there's love, but it's God's love shown through the characters.
Of course, due to the subject matter involved in the story, there's some sadness. There's also some happy tears involved as the story shows the unlikely pairing of friends and the healing in helping someone else achieve something they love. I never write spoilers, so it's a little hard to really share the story without sharing the story.
What I can tell you is this: you will be disappointed if you miss out on this great book. I loved the characters, I loved the story line, and I especially loved the healing in Franco's life thanks to him staying sober and doing the next right thing. I've never read any other books by Loree Lough, but I can promise you I will be reading them in the future!
December 14, 2017
50 Hours is not a romance, but it is definitely a love story. When Franco is ordered to complete fifty hours of community service, the nearby hospice house is a logical choice—close to home, since he’s lost his drivers licence, and he and his wife (deceased) used to own a landscaping business. When he meets Aubrey, he makes assumptions about her. After all, Savannah Falls is an exclusive, beautiful hospice. But her physical weakness compels him to protect her, and a friendship, albeit shaky, is begun.
This story was difficult for me to read, and I had to take breaks several times to calm my emotions. One of my closest friends is currently fighting stage 4 cancer, and I’ve lost several loved ones to that dread disease. Author Loree Lough’s personal journey with cancer is evident in her writing—so poignant, so real—hit hard, but the love growing between Franco and Aubrey pulled me back. Touches of humor sprinkled throughout the story lightened the load of impending grief and created even more realism. I loved the secondary characters, too, as Aubrey’s example of acceptance of death becomes a type of healing for them.
Faith is not clearly defined, but it is present and growing in all the main characters. Love is the main theme of this story, the kind of love Jesus lived. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.” (John 15:13) 50 Hours earns five stars, and I highly recommend it.
This story was difficult for me to read, and I had to take breaks several times to calm my emotions. One of my closest friends is currently fighting stage 4 cancer, and I’ve lost several loved ones to that dread disease. Author Loree Lough’s personal journey with cancer is evident in her writing—so poignant, so real—hit hard, but the love growing between Franco and Aubrey pulled me back. Touches of humor sprinkled throughout the story lightened the load of impending grief and created even more realism. I loved the secondary characters, too, as Aubrey’s example of acceptance of death becomes a type of healing for them.
Faith is not clearly defined, but it is present and growing in all the main characters. Love is the main theme of this story, the kind of love Jesus lived. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.” (John 15:13) 50 Hours earns five stars, and I highly recommend it.
November 10, 2017
I had the pleasure of reading 50 Hours by Loree Lough Author. As a woman living with chronic pain this book was inspiring and made my heart sing.
Needless to say...I did not want it to end.
Franco Allessi is a man who is trying to figure out how to live again after losing his wife in an car accident. At the moment that "solution" has been found in a bottle. On one occasion at the bar he ends up in a fight and then before a judge. Since he has never been in trouble with the law the judge gives him 50 Hours community service...at a Hospice center.
Aubrey Brewer was a woman in her early 40's and on the last stage of her battle with cancer. She still had hope in life and believed that being positive was essential to living the remainder of her life in the best way possible.
Franco is at the center doing maintenance, gardening and whatever else that is needed to be done. A friendship blossoms between he and Aubrey and neither were expecting it. As they navigate around the fact that she does not have long to live they also realize that love can come in many forms.
Thank you Loree Lough Author for allowing me to read this beautiful story. I have loved your books for quite a few years and look forward to many more years with your stories.
Needless to say...I did not want it to end.
Franco Allessi is a man who is trying to figure out how to live again after losing his wife in an car accident. At the moment that "solution" has been found in a bottle. On one occasion at the bar he ends up in a fight and then before a judge. Since he has never been in trouble with the law the judge gives him 50 Hours community service...at a Hospice center.
Aubrey Brewer was a woman in her early 40's and on the last stage of her battle with cancer. She still had hope in life and believed that being positive was essential to living the remainder of her life in the best way possible.
Franco is at the center doing maintenance, gardening and whatever else that is needed to be done. A friendship blossoms between he and Aubrey and neither were expecting it. As they navigate around the fact that she does not have long to live they also realize that love can come in many forms.
Thank you Loree Lough Author for allowing me to read this beautiful story. I have loved your books for quite a few years and look forward to many more years with your stories.
November 20, 2017
Jenny’s review
Such an amazing story about how lives are impacted by how we treat others around us. Good job Loree! I loved 50 Hours allot and thank you for blessing me with a copy!
Franco Alessi has just been sentenced to 50 Hours of community service at a hospice home and he’s dreading every bit of it until he meets Aubrey Brewer. There is just something special about Aubrey that makes Franco want to be the man she believes him to be. They become close friends and that friendship is about to be put to the ultimate test.
I highly recommend reading this book because you will be truly blessed!
Such an amazing story about how lives are impacted by how we treat others around us. Good job Loree! I loved 50 Hours allot and thank you for blessing me with a copy!
Franco Alessi has just been sentenced to 50 Hours of community service at a hospice home and he’s dreading every bit of it until he meets Aubrey Brewer. There is just something special about Aubrey that makes Franco want to be the man she believes him to be. They become close friends and that friendship is about to be put to the ultimate test.
I highly recommend reading this book because you will be truly blessed!
June 27, 2017
50 hours is a beautifully written story of loss and friendship. I truly enjoyed the plot and the well developed characters. This book is both heart warming as well as heart breaking. I recommend having your tissues handy. I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my unbiased review.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my unbiased review.
November 10, 2017
50 Hours (5 stars)
I have to say, I was worried but excited to read this book. Lords Lough did an excellent job with describing all the feelings of each character. The sweet and sarcastic Aubrey to Franco's tough and tender heart. 50 Hours will have you laughing and crying, but at the same time, understand what it feels like to have the terminal diagnosis!
I have to say, I was worried but excited to read this book. Lords Lough did an excellent job with describing all the feelings of each character. The sweet and sarcastic Aubrey to Franco's tough and tender heart. 50 Hours will have you laughing and crying, but at the same time, understand what it feels like to have the terminal diagnosis!
March 21, 2020
"Fifty Hours" written by the talented and prolific author, Loree Lough, is based on a screenplay by Kevin James O'Neill. It is a touching story of how a depressed alcoholic learns to face life again by looking beyond himself. If you enjoy reading books with the theme of redemption then this one is for you!
November 25, 2020
In this gently touching novel, Loree Lough paints the growing relationships between Franco and Aubrey, and also the people around Aubrey, with extraordinary sensitivity. Not maudlin, not absurdly happy-ever-after, not harsh, not beating you over the head with religious insights. Just real and tender. You can feel the author's sweet heart beating in every paragraph.
September 30, 2019
50 Hours is a beautiful tribute to those who with cancer and their caregivers. Ms. Lough shows us the importance of friendship. I highly recommend this book.
I won a copy in a giveaway. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
I won a copy in a giveaway. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
November 9, 2020
Beautiful!
I laughed. I cried. I wept! Oh, Loree, I think only you could write a story like this.
Courage and strength in the face of suffering. The redemptive power of self laid down, poured out for others.
I laughed. I cried. I wept! Oh, Loree, I think only you could write a story like this.
Courage and strength in the face of suffering. The redemptive power of self laid down, poured out for others.
July 7, 2017
Great story. I loved the book. All of Loree Lough 's books are outstanding. Can't wait to read the next one after The Man She Knew.
July 9, 2017
Sad and beautiful
December 7, 2017
What a wonderful inspiring book to read. If I am ever in hospice, I pray someone like Aubrey Brewer is there with me. The way she embraces each day as if it’s truly a treasure is a lesson we could all use. In her dying days, she reaches inside the darkness Franco Allessi has imprisoned himself in. This is a book about true friendship and the lengths it is willing to go. This book will not only bring tears to your eyes and an ache to your heart, but also a warm glow of joy.
August 10, 2018
50 Hours by Loree Lough
I so enjoyed the depth of characters in this book. Loree Lough has produced a story-line that not only captured my heart but sent my emotions in all directions as I read this remarkable story. She adapted the screenplay, 50 Hours, by Kevin James O’Neill into a poignant story that brings the characters to life.
What does Franco Allessi, a broken and lonely man, expect from the judges’ order to serve fifty hours in community service? I think he first went as a way to stay out of jail but the residences of Savannah Falls Hospice soon change his mind and his heart. How can healing come from a Hospice facility when those there may be facing a soon-to-be ending to their lives here on earth? Well, healing does take place in very unusual ways.
The residence of Savannah Falls Hospice are as unique in their reasons for being there as well as the other life-changing challenges they face. Aubrey Brewer is one such residence who soon befriends Franco at a time he most needs it, as does she. Aubrey is one spunky and feisty lady. I admire the way she faces the challenges before her, but she does need a good friend. I don’t think either of them realize the impact they are about to have on each other’s lives. They have an unusual connection that I believe to be God-designed. This connection teaches them both powerful life-lessons that will change them forever. That special bonded friendship is tested when Aubrey asks Franco to do something she desperately needs done soon as her time is short, however, if he does comply with her wishes he could end up in jail. What will he do? You will have to read the book to find out.
As a retired Oncology RN with Hospice training, I found this story to be especially moving. Loree Lough easily captured the essence of the emotional roller-coaster ride those facing life-altering illnesses experience. A remarkable story.
I so enjoyed the depth of characters in this book. Loree Lough has produced a story-line that not only captured my heart but sent my emotions in all directions as I read this remarkable story. She adapted the screenplay, 50 Hours, by Kevin James O’Neill into a poignant story that brings the characters to life.
What does Franco Allessi, a broken and lonely man, expect from the judges’ order to serve fifty hours in community service? I think he first went as a way to stay out of jail but the residences of Savannah Falls Hospice soon change his mind and his heart. How can healing come from a Hospice facility when those there may be facing a soon-to-be ending to their lives here on earth? Well, healing does take place in very unusual ways.
The residence of Savannah Falls Hospice are as unique in their reasons for being there as well as the other life-changing challenges they face. Aubrey Brewer is one such residence who soon befriends Franco at a time he most needs it, as does she. Aubrey is one spunky and feisty lady. I admire the way she faces the challenges before her, but she does need a good friend. I don’t think either of them realize the impact they are about to have on each other’s lives. They have an unusual connection that I believe to be God-designed. This connection teaches them both powerful life-lessons that will change them forever. That special bonded friendship is tested when Aubrey asks Franco to do something she desperately needs done soon as her time is short, however, if he does comply with her wishes he could end up in jail. What will he do? You will have to read the book to find out.
As a retired Oncology RN with Hospice training, I found this story to be especially moving. Loree Lough easily captured the essence of the emotional roller-coaster ride those facing life-altering illnesses experience. A remarkable story.
June 25, 2017
Franco went on a downward spiral after his wife died in a car accident. He is sentenced to community service which he chooses to take at a hospice center for cancer patients like Aubrey who is dying of cancer.
The two of them become close friends in a very short period of time.
This book deals with the tough subjects of cancer and dying in a natural way. It shows how a few different ways people cope with being terminally ill, but most of all reminded me that they are people in need of love and support.
I couldn't put this book down once I started it. It is very well written and I was very glad I read it.
I received a copy free, but all opinions are my own personal thoughts.
The two of them become close friends in a very short period of time.
This book deals with the tough subjects of cancer and dying in a natural way. It shows how a few different ways people cope with being terminally ill, but most of all reminded me that they are people in need of love and support.
I couldn't put this book down once I started it. It is very well written and I was very glad I read it.
I received a copy free, but all opinions are my own personal thoughts.
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