Loved this book. After being forced to carry out community service in his local hospice, it deftly shows the relationship built between Franco and terminally ill Aubrey. It is a story about friendship. Yes, it is sad but also so uplifting.

This was an excellent book about loss, regret, and ultimately....living life. Not trite, cloying or oversweet. Simply sad and beautiful.

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 ... :)

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 decide 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 commuity 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.

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.

*I was given a preview copy of this book by the publisher via Net Galley. My opinion is my own.

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.

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.