Book 4 of the Heaven Intended Series! A Freedom Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer
A Freedom Such as Heaven Intended (Heaven Intended #4) by Amanda Lauer Coming October 7
Heaven Intended #4. Despite her royal heritage, Alice is the third generation of women in her family to be enslaved — and the last, if she has any say in it. The only thing standing between her and freedom is a certain Confederate soldier, First Lieutenant Marshall Kent. Follow Alice and Marshall’s story as suspicions turn to trust and a sense of admiration turns to something more as they navigate life during the last year of the Civil War.
Reviews:
Amanda Lauer’s Heaven Intended series continues with this fourth tale full of intrigue, deception, compassion, and love. I have been a huge fan of this series for years, so I anxiously awaited the newest book. It was definitely worth the wait. Lauer once again seamlessly intertwines fascinating bits of history into her compelling story. Each book focuses on a different couple drawn together amid the tumultuous Civil War. A Freedom Such as Heaven Intended adds a captivating new dimension to this hard-to-put-down series! Leslea Wahl, award-winning author of The Perfect Blindside
Amanda Lauer’s latest ‘Heaven Intended’ book follows a group of runaway slaves as they begin a perilous and uncertain journey to freedom. Plenty of historical detail leaves the reader immersed in the world of Civil War-era Georgia, as characters struggle to discern whether to risk their lives in the service of others. Faith plays a role, in often surprising ways, in the twists and turns of the plot of this compelling novel. Barb Szyszkiewicz, author of The Handy Little Guide to Prayer
This is my favorite of the series. A Freedom Such as Heaven Intended is the first of Lauer’s acclaimed Civil War YA novels to feature an African American as the female lead role: Alice, the mysterious fugitive discovered by Brigid in A Life Such as Heaven Intended, tells the story of her own enslavement, a tragic-but-royal past, and the tiny infant she must care for as she attempts the heroic journey to freedom. Lauer lends a unique voice to each of her characters. Catholic, law-abiding First Lieutenant Marshall Kent must choose between his religious beliefs and his sworn duty to defend the Constitution of the Confederate States. Jeanie Egolf, award-winning author
Once again a great Civil War novel by Amanda Lauer. Lively and lovable characters, an engaging plot and just the right amount of history and romance; the honest and true Catholic faith of Alice and Marshall makes their storylines interesting and truly enjoyable. An amazing read! Sophie Habsburg-Lothringen
Book 3 of the Heaven Intended Series! A Love Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer
In A Love Such as Heaven Intended, budding Civil War socialite Josephine Bigelow is inspired by the words of Louisa May Alcott to make a name for herself as an investigative writer covering the plight of Confederate soldiers held in Federal prisons. Little did she know that one of the inmates she would encounter was her brother’s roommate from West Point Military Academy.
Even though her father is a Union brigadier general, Josephine’s infatuation with the handsome Confederate soldier Michael McKirnan is rekindled. As captivating as Josephine is, the last thing Michael needs is to entangle that beauty into his life of intrigue. The strong-willed Josephine will not be deterred and their lives become intertwined as they embark on a journey of a lifetime, trying to stay one step ahead of the military and a madman bent on revenge. As they journey from Washington, D.C., to St. Louis, Atlanta, and finally East Texas, the two of them discover what love, faith, compassion and loyalty truly mean.
Reviews:
“A Love Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer is a sweet love story that history lovers are sure to appreciate. I enjoyed the first two books in the Heaven Intended series, so it was fun diving into the third book. We even get a glimpse at characters from the previous two books. Fans of historic fiction are going to love this!” Theresa Linden, award-winning author
“Thoroughly enjoyable! This book abounds with the virtues of faith, hope and love. Lauer shows us that even during times of war, love wins.” Virginia Lieto, Author, Editor and Public Speaker
“A Love Such as Heaven Intended is a sweeping love story that is nearly impossible to put down. With equal parts intriguing adventure, fascinating history lesson, and blossoming romance, Amanda Lauer has another hit on her hands.” Leslea Wahl, Author of The Perfect Blindside, 2018 Catholic Press Association winner
“The third installment in Amanda Lauer’s Civil War romance series matches beautiful and determined Josephine with Michael, a West Point Military Academy graduate who seems to be on the wrong side of the conflict. Filled with historical and military detail and a unique setting for a Civil War novel, A Love Such as Heaven Intended will please both fans of history and of romance.” Carolyn Astfalk, Author, Stay With Me and Rightfully Ours
Book 2 of the Heaven Intended Series! A Life Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer
In A Life Such as Heaven Intended, the Civil War rages around her, yet Brigid McGinnis has her life planned out. That was, until she stumbles across an unconscious Confederate soldier on her father’s property.
A blow to the head stole Dominic Warner’s memory. The beautiful fraulein who nurses him back to health steals something even more important — his heart.
For political and societal reasons, Brigid and Dominic must go their separate ways. They each get caught up in the war and put their lives on the line to remain true to the values and faith they share. Follow Brigid and Dominic from the battlefields surrounding Atlanta, along slave escape routes, to Little Rock, and eventually to the plains of Eastern Texas, as they learn to trust, forgive, love, and surrender to a plan greater than their own.
A LIFE SUCH AS HEAVEN INTENDED received the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval in 2018.
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Reviews:
“A sweet historical romance between a German-born soldier and a young Southern lady blissfully unaware of both her father’s and servants’ clandestine actions. With secrets galore, flip-flopping loyalties, and Brigid’s imminent profession of religious vows, the reader is taken on a rollicking ride from war to peace and from subjugation to freedom.” Carolyn Astfalk, author, Ornamental Graces
“A civil war romance that blends heroic choices with faithful love.” A.K. Frailey, author, Last of Her Kind
“A moving love story set during the Civil War, Amanda Lauer’s newest novel is packed with historical details from actual battles to the type of shoes the soldiers wore, and even the novels and candy popular in that period. Lauer brings to life different perspectives, fears, and hopes of people on both sides of this terrible war. Faith plays a beautiful part in this story, as the protagonists face trials, choices, and self-evaluation. I highly recommend A Life Such as Heaven Intended for lovers of historical American fiction.” ~Theresa Linden, author of award-winning Battle for His Soul
“A Life Such as Heaven Intended provides a combination of history, romance, adventure, and a touch of mystery which will keep you turning pages. You’ll enjoy going back in time with this engaging novel. ” Patrice MacArthur, author
WINNER, 2016 Catholic Arts and Letters Award, Young Adult Fiction
A WORLD SUCH AS HEAVEN INTENDED by Amanda Lauer (Heaven Intended #1)
Amara McKirnan and Nathan Simmons share a devotion to their Catholic faith but their loyalties lie on opposite sides of the conflict. Dedicated to the Confederate cause, Amara offers to help out at her uncle’s makeshift hospital in Atlanta. Fate brought Nathan to their doorstep and into Amara’s life. Little does Amara know that the wounded soldier she cares for harbors a secret that will not only jeopardize his life but hers as well.
Follow Amara and Nathan’s story from the heart of war-torn Atlanta to the Northern Georgia battlefields to the plains of East Texas as their lives become intertwined in a way that shatters the separate worlds they once knew.
A WORLD SUCH AS HEAVEN INTENDED also received the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval in 2014.
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A World Such as Heaven Intended Sell Sheet (US Prices)
Reviews:
“Amanda Lauer brings history to life in this fast- paced, emotionally charged, splendid tale. Extremely enjoyable.” May McGoldrick, author
“The South of 1864 springs to life in A World Such as Heaven Intended. Rich in details of language, setting and social mores, Lauer takes readers on the journey of her protagonist, Amara McKirnan, a strong woman ahead of her time who wrestles with her blended family and the horrors of the Civil War to find the peace and happiness she is convinced awaits her.” Marni Graff, author, The Nora Tierney Mysteries
“A World Such as Heaven Intended is a fast- moving historical romance which will keep you turning pages until the very end! An excellent read.” Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur, Author, The Catholic Baby Name Book “A charming romance with well-drawn characters
“A charming romance with well-drawn characters and clear imagery, offering the reader a chance to slip away to another era and come home refreshed.” A.K. Frailey, Author, The Deliverance Trilogy
Excerpt:
May 30, 1864
She was ill-prepared for the sight her eyes beheld as she stood in the entryway to the sizeable room. Cots filled nearly every square inch of the space that had once been a grand ballroom. Scanning the area from end to end, the surreal fog she had been living in for the last three years was whisked away like a sheer curtain being torn from a window. The godforsaken men lying upon makeshift beds became very real to her—no longer just souls spoken of discreetly behind fans held in the fingertips of Atlanta’s ladies of good quality.
Amara had been in this room many times before but under far different circumstances. She could recall an incident from her childhood where she stood on this very same spot. After tiptoeing up the curved stairs to the entryway, she had peeked around one of the massive double doors to observe countless duos sweeping across the gleaming wooden floor in perfect synchrony. As the small orchestra performed a waltz, one couple in particular stood out. The stately gentleman covered the space agilely, an enchanting woman in his arms. She was cloaked in a beautiful aqua gown that flattered her slender figure. The two were entranced in each other’s gaze, oblivious to their daughter’s loving perusal.
That was one of many fond memories tucked deep away in Amara’s mind. Fresher, much less pleasant snippets filled her head to the point where Amara began to wonder if the good days had ever actually existed. As if on command, the recent recollections of her mother came to her—watching her fade away over the course of several months as the consumption drew the life out of her. Although it had been four years ago, the sense of helplessness and despair felt so real that it could have happened yesterday. Shaking her head, Amara refocused on the scene before her and realized what she witnessed in her mother’s last days paled in comparison to the view before her at this moment.
“They’re the fortunate ones,” said the orderly, after clearing his throat to get Amara’s attention. “These fellas are the ones who stand a chance of survival and, if it’s the will of God,” the man paused to swipe the cap off his head and hold it over his heart, “they’ll live to rejoin their Confederate units. The fate of the soldiers in the rooms below, I won’t lie to you, Miss, it’s grim. I can show you around down there when you have a few minutes.”
Amara shook her head in the negative. There was only so much she could handle at once. She was already doing her best to quell the urge to pick up her skirts and scamper back down the stairs and out the front door she had just stepped through minutes before. What in the world have I gotten myself into?
“No, thank you, sir. But I appreciate your kind offer. I’m sure I’ll see everything in due time.
