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Heaven Intended #1
A World Such as Heaven Intended
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
The Civil War tore the United States apart and many friendships and families as well. In "A World Such as Heaven Intended," 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.
The Civil War tore the United States apart and many friendships and families as well. In "A World Such as Heaven Intended," 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.
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2014
About the author
Amanda Lauer
20 books84 followersAn avid reader and history buff since childhood, Amanda Lauer fulfilled a lifelong goal with the publication of her debut novel, A World Such as Heaven Intended, in October, 2014. A Life Such as Heaven Intended, A Love Such as Heaven Intended, and a Freedom Such as Heaven Intended were released between 2019 and 2021. The fifth book in the Heaven Intended series is scheduled to be released in 2023.
Lauer learned the technical aspects of writing as a proofreader in the insurance, newspaper and collegiate arenas. Over the last 22 years she has had more than 1,600 articles published in newspapers and magazines throughout the United States.
Lauer won Best Writer (Red Letter Awards) with her team for the movie The Islands and is the co-author of Celebrate Appleton, A 150th Birthday Photo Album and contributed to the books Expressions of ITP…Inside Stories, The Best is Yet to Come, The Catholic Grandparents Handbook, and Living Virtuously — Keeping Your Heart and Home.
Residents of northeast Wisconsin, Lauer and her husband John have been married 41 years. They are involved in their church and community and in their spare time travel for business and pleasure, play golf, bike, read, and further their education in the area of personal development. They are the proud parents of four young adult children, have two sons-in-law and a daughter-in-law, and are grandparents to seven stellar grandchildren.
Lauer learned the technical aspects of writing as a proofreader in the insurance, newspaper and collegiate arenas. Over the last 22 years she has had more than 1,600 articles published in newspapers and magazines throughout the United States.
Lauer won Best Writer (Red Letter Awards) with her team for the movie The Islands and is the co-author of Celebrate Appleton, A 150th Birthday Photo Album and contributed to the books Expressions of ITP…Inside Stories, The Best is Yet to Come, The Catholic Grandparents Handbook, and Living Virtuously — Keeping Your Heart and Home.
Residents of northeast Wisconsin, Lauer and her husband John have been married 41 years. They are involved in their church and community and in their spare time travel for business and pleasure, play golf, bike, read, and further their education in the area of personal development. They are the proud parents of four young adult children, have two sons-in-law and a daughter-in-law, and are grandparents to seven stellar grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 14, 2020
So perhaps I did have high expectations for this book, but either way, I was disappointed. The author is Catholic and she tried to naturally add that into her characters but it honestly disappointed me the way it came across. You felt like Amara did not actually love, embrace or honestly, even fully understand her faith. Also, I was disappointed at the low quality of the writing, it felt very flat and when she tried to add color to her characters she ended up making them sound stupid and clueless. All-in-all, it was a cute little ditty, the plot was cute and it picked up near the end, but I don't know that I would ever re-read it.
February 26, 2021
I enjoyed this novel. Next to the 1920s, the U.S. Civil War is my favorite historical setting. I appreciated, like with other such novels I've read, that the author shows the reader some good and some bad on both sides fighting the war. This story is a romance but with enough historical fact and food for thought included to make an interesting read for this history lover. It contains a lot of narration, which I prefer over too much dialogue, but occasionally the way the narration is written pulled me out of deep POV of the current POV character for a bit. That did not keep me from devouring the story, however.
September 2, 2022
I usually don't read Civil War stories, but this one is so well done I couldn't put it down.
Amara is a fiery Irish American who volunteers to work in her Uncle's Atlanta hospital. Although most of the soldiers crave her attention as she reads to them or writes letters, the rude Texan attracts her.
Massachusetts born Nathan thinks she is a debutante showering the men with attention so she can boast of her virtue to her friends. His only desire is to escape the Confederate army, which conscripted him at gunpoint from his Texas ranch, and join with the Union.
With the backdrop of General Sherman's march to the sea, Amara has to make a decision that will effect the lives of all around her. Will she betray the man she is growing to love and hold to her southern roots, or will she give her heart a chance to love an enemy?
Amara is a fiery Irish American who volunteers to work in her Uncle's Atlanta hospital. Although most of the soldiers crave her attention as she reads to them or writes letters, the rude Texan attracts her.
Massachusetts born Nathan thinks she is a debutante showering the men with attention so she can boast of her virtue to her friends. His only desire is to escape the Confederate army, which conscripted him at gunpoint from his Texas ranch, and join with the Union.
With the backdrop of General Sherman's march to the sea, Amara has to make a decision that will effect the lives of all around her. Will she betray the man she is growing to love and hold to her southern roots, or will she give her heart a chance to love an enemy?
March 3, 2018
This is a sweeping love story set during the darkest time of our nation’s history – the civil war. Ever since I was a little girl and watched “Gone with the Wind”, I’ve had a bit of a fascination with this era. Back then it was the beautiful gowns and huge plantation houses that I found fascinating. But since then I’ve visited several Civil War battlefields and the stories of the horror that unfolded on them between fellow countrymen is unfathomable.
A World Such as Heaven Intended (such a beautiful title) is about Amara, a young lady living in Atlanta who decides to help her Uncle and the confederate soldiers at his makeshift hospital. One of her patients is a handsome young soldier named Nathan, who was forced into service for his country.
This book does a wonderful job of showing several difficult aspects to the war. Through Amara, we see the tragedy of the injuries and the unthinkable medical conditions at that time. Nathan shows us how the lines of good and bad could easily be blurred. It’s easy now to look back at the Civil War and break it down to a discussion on slavery but it’s not that simple. Seeing the conflict from the perspective of these two individuals highlighted that point.
I also loved the interaction between Amara and Nathan, especially in the second half of the book. Amara’s strong will and Nathan’s sarcasm made for some fantastic scenes that made me laugh out loud. This is a fabulous book that will sweep you away and provide some fantastic discussions.
A World Such as Heaven Intended (such a beautiful title) is about Amara, a young lady living in Atlanta who decides to help her Uncle and the confederate soldiers at his makeshift hospital. One of her patients is a handsome young soldier named Nathan, who was forced into service for his country.
This book does a wonderful job of showing several difficult aspects to the war. Through Amara, we see the tragedy of the injuries and the unthinkable medical conditions at that time. Nathan shows us how the lines of good and bad could easily be blurred. It’s easy now to look back at the Civil War and break it down to a discussion on slavery but it’s not that simple. Seeing the conflict from the perspective of these two individuals highlighted that point.
I also loved the interaction between Amara and Nathan, especially in the second half of the book. Amara’s strong will and Nathan’s sarcasm made for some fantastic scenes that made me laugh out loud. This is a fabulous book that will sweep you away and provide some fantastic discussions.
August 1, 2019
Intending to convey a sincere compliment, this book is like combining Francine River's book "Redeeming Love" with Margaret Mitchell's "Gone With The Wind". It has been a while since I read a book and was reminded of the sentiment that the book is always better than the movie version. Though this isn't a movie, it was so entertaining to read that I finished it in only a couple of days time! The first couple of chapters I admit were slower forming, but it quickly picked up speed and was such a page turner. It is a wholesome read encompassing the history of the civil war, faith and how God works in our lives, and pure, clean love. It's true that this is the type of love story that I would encourage my young daughters to read in due time as a guide post in their vision of what wholesome love is, instead of what the mainstream culture wants them to envision.
In full disclosure, I appreciate having received the complete trilogy set of Amanda Lauer's books from the publisher.
In full disclosure, I appreciate having received the complete trilogy set of Amanda Lauer's books from the publisher.
November 5, 2014
I really enjoyed this romantic adventure that took me on a journey through two lives which would eventually intertwine. Amanda Lauer obviously did her home work for the plot details were very believable. Unlike some romance stories, there was nothing in here that made me feel I could not share it with my teenage daughters. A well written and enjoyable story.
August 5, 2019
Volume 1 ::: "A World Such as Heaven Intended" Published in 2014.
The first chapter opens in the spring of 1864 in Atlanta Georgia. The protagonist, Amara McKirnan, is a beautiful and fiesty young redhead. Her father, an Irish Catholic businessman, came to america to make a life for his family. They are a blended family and Amara has her struggles with her step mom and sister.
She quickly discovers she has something to offer the hurting men who are bunked up in the makeshift confederate hospital her uncle has set up in his Atlanta home. Proud that she is not like other girls her age, she is disarmed by the feelings that begin to rise up between her and her uncle's extremely rude patient, Nathan Simmons.
They both share the same faith but very different views on the war that is waging and threatening to tear the country apart. This book is a beautiful love story that unfolds among the heartbreak of war.
The first chapter opens in the spring of 1864 in Atlanta Georgia. The protagonist, Amara McKirnan, is a beautiful and fiesty young redhead. Her father, an Irish Catholic businessman, came to america to make a life for his family. They are a blended family and Amara has her struggles with her step mom and sister.
She quickly discovers she has something to offer the hurting men who are bunked up in the makeshift confederate hospital her uncle has set up in his Atlanta home. Proud that she is not like other girls her age, she is disarmed by the feelings that begin to rise up between her and her uncle's extremely rude patient, Nathan Simmons.
They both share the same faith but very different views on the war that is waging and threatening to tear the country apart. This book is a beautiful love story that unfolds among the heartbreak of war.
August 6, 2019
This historical fiction, set in Civil War times was a “hard to put down” book for me. I finished it in one night. Amanda has obviously done her research and made the characters and context come alive. I grew up in this area and could see in my mind each of the places she described. A World Such as Heaven Intended is the story of Amara, an Irish Catholic southerner and Nathan, a Texan who has been drawn into a war he did not want to take sides in. Their journey towards finding peace in the middle of an ugly, brutal conflict is a beautiful reminder that God’s providence will prevail in every circumstance.
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August 19, 2019Quite honestly, I was initially drawn to this series as a work of fiction with a mix of romance, all in the context of a clean read. Admittedly, I'm not much of a history buff, although my husband is an avid and voracious reader of all things Civil War. Sheepishly, I decided to pick this up in an effort to gain a nod from my husband who's always encouraging me to read and share in his love of history. My curiosity was piqued as the story takes place both in East Texas and Atlanta, Georgia, both of which I'm from, and subsequently grew up. I'm thrilled to say Amanda Lauer's authorship did not disappoint! Amanda's writing style painted an intriguing and realistic picture of war-torn Atlanta, drawing me in with characters Amara and Nathan, begging me to forge on ahead page after page through all 3 books in this well-written series. Pick it up, you won't be disappointed!
July 25, 2019
A book that incorporates history and romance is definitely a favorite for me. I love when books are written in a way that you can picture the story line as it would happen.
Disclaimer: I received a copy, but all opinions are my own.
Disclaimer: I received a copy, but all opinions are my own.
October 25, 2021
I guess this is more like 3.5 stars rounding up. There were two main ways the book did not live up to expectations. The first is the romance aspect. It barely existed. The main characters are together for maybe a quarter of the book at most. By far the largest part of the story is descriptions of a civil war hospital, not my favorite place to visit. The other letdown was the Catholicity. Many of the mentions of God or Mary feel more like disrespectful exclamations than representations of faith.
On the other hand, the reader does get to see some growth in Amara. She seems a bit shallow when she first volunteers at the hospital, wanting to help more for her own ego, but later appears to find purpose in doing what she can to help. Nathan's backstory, told mostly in flashbacks, is interesting and admirable. I wanted to see him get home, and bringing Amara along was a little bonus.
On the other hand, the reader does get to see some growth in Amara. She seems a bit shallow when she first volunteers at the hospital, wanting to help more for her own ego, but later appears to find purpose in doing what she can to help. Nathan's backstory, told mostly in flashbacks, is interesting and admirable. I wanted to see him get home, and bringing Amara along was a little bonus.
May 10, 2017
From the first pages, A World Such As Heaven Intended hearkens back to the pinnacle of epic Civil War romances, Gone With the Wind. The narrative alternates between the gritty realism of the bloodiest battles on American soil and the light-hearted treatment of the Amara and Nathan's romance.
Amara has spunk, Nathan has honor, and they share the same Catholic faith, but a war looms around them, and despite their attraction, circumstance and misunderstanding work against them. In the midst of tragedy, their fates become inextricably intertwined, sending them on a cross-country trip. They travel in disguise, which not only adds a light touch to the story, but also gives them ample opportunity to fall in love.
A World Such As Heaven offers a sweet story and a pleasant escape for those who enjoy Civil War romance.
I received an advance reader copy for an honest review. The author is a fellow member of the Catholic Writers Guild.
Amara has spunk, Nathan has honor, and they share the same Catholic faith, but a war looms around them, and despite their attraction, circumstance and misunderstanding work against them. In the midst of tragedy, their fates become inextricably intertwined, sending them on a cross-country trip. They travel in disguise, which not only adds a light touch to the story, but also gives them ample opportunity to fall in love.
A World Such As Heaven offers a sweet story and a pleasant escape for those who enjoy Civil War romance.
I received an advance reader copy for an honest review. The author is a fellow member of the Catholic Writers Guild.
November 4, 2014
“A World Such as Heaven Intended” by Amanda Lauer is sure to please anyone who enjoys a Catholic historical romance. During the heat Civil War, Amara McKirnan must take on a new role as nurse to the wounded soldiers. Helping her uncle, who is a physician who has set up a temporary hospital in his grand Southern home, she encounters many soldiers, but one in particular sticks in her mind. Corporal Nathan Simmons from Texas both aggravates and intrigues her from the start. They go their separate ways, but are destined to meet again – this time with Corporal Simmons wearing a Northern uniform!
“A World Such as Heaven Intended” is engaging and well-written and will keep you turning pages until its satisfying conclusion.
“A World Such as Heaven Intended” is engaging and well-written and will keep you turning pages until its satisfying conclusion.
November 3, 2014
Lauer brings us a well-developed setting, a neatly paced plot, and characters that live and breathe whom I couldn't help but love. In fact, instead of an Atlanta debutante, our heroine Amara is, well, kind of a nerd... which I LOVE! The reality of the shared faith of these two characters is completely organic, never obvious. Their Catholicism is not flagrant but just a normal part of who they are and what makes them make the choices they must. The settings are detailed without being burdensome or boring. The action builds to a great pace. The ending is sweet and satisfying. All in all, I'm going to go ahead and call this book heavenly!
January 11, 2015
Really enjoyed this Civil War historical fiction - just the right mix of humor, romance, twists, surprises and interesting descriptions and characters. The characters' faith is woven through the story in a very natural way - not sappy, contrived or preachy. The author has a good eye for detail, and by the conclusion had tied up loose ends that I had almost forgotten. Very enjoyable and satisfying read!
July 6, 2015
A satisfying read- full of romance, suspense, and history.
December 25, 2014
Praiseworthy
It was refreshing to read a story that lauded morals and faith. The story was very predictable, but an easy read for a lazy day.
It was refreshing to read a story that lauded morals and faith. The story was very predictable, but an easy read for a lazy day.
April 27, 2021
This historical romance has some nice twists and turns between the Yankee and Rebel characters. The situations that develop are very believable and well done. Good read!
December 31, 2014
Loved this book, great read.
October 28, 2020
3.5 stars. I liked this, and might look into the "sequels" (which look more like parallel stories than a continuation of this one). I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I was able to snag the kindle copy (I like to have it on hand) with Kindle Unlimited. With online school right now, I was fairly involved with helping my son learn about the Civil War. When I saw that this was in that setting, I was intrigued to read a historical fiction and to see what things we'd studied made it into the book. There was a bit ... names of Generals, towns, battles, along with some general feelings about the war and how and why it was being fought.
I must admit, I was a bit hesitant about this because of the religious feel (title, blurb) ... but it wasn't overly Christian or preachy. Some of the characters would pray, there was a preacher who helps, but it really wasn't overly integral to the storyline.
The narrator was pretty good. A few odd pauses or inflections here and there. The main narration was unaccented, which made the Southern accent of Amara and others feel stronger (and a little over the top). When Amara's father was talking, I was like "um, wait, that's an Irish accent!" but then he was from Ireland ... one of those things the narration gives away before the text does (although I guess Amara's last name is a clue there too).
There were some stretches in the storyline - but suspension of disbelief and all that. It's harder to remember with audio (reading myself I can stop and highlight, make notes, etc). I referred to the Kindle copy at the beginning ... I had a little trouble getting into the story to start. It was jumping around in time, as Amara would be in the present, then have a memory, then a different memory. Just was a tad hard to follow jumping right into the book.
I had some major technical issues which could have been user error and my pulling the Kindle copy up ... my audio would jump back chapters and it was so frustrating trying to find my place again! Once I did see a little notice on my Audible saying something like "you are at a different spot on another device - going there" NO! Don't just automatically go there. Kindle always brings that up and gives me a yes/no option. So that doesn't necessarily have anything to do with this book, except that it might have affected my attitude toward it a bit ;)
I made a note of Grayson County (Grayson is Hub's name ... It's just one of those things I happen to latch onto in books).
I must admit, I was a bit hesitant about this because of the religious feel (title, blurb) ... but it wasn't overly Christian or preachy. Some of the characters would pray, there was a preacher who helps, but it really wasn't overly integral to the storyline.
The narrator was pretty good. A few odd pauses or inflections here and there. The main narration was unaccented, which made the Southern accent of Amara and others feel stronger (and a little over the top). When Amara's father was talking, I was like "um, wait, that's an Irish accent!" but then he was from Ireland ... one of those things the narration gives away before the text does (although I guess Amara's last name is a clue there too).
There were some stretches in the storyline - but suspension of disbelief and all that. It's harder to remember with audio (reading myself I can stop and highlight, make notes, etc). I referred to the Kindle copy at the beginning ... I had a little trouble getting into the story to start. It was jumping around in time, as Amara would be in the present, then have a memory, then a different memory. Just was a tad hard to follow jumping right into the book.
I had some major technical issues which could have been user error and my pulling the Kindle copy up ... my audio would jump back chapters and it was so frustrating trying to find my place again! Once I did see a little notice on my Audible saying something like "you are at a different spot on another device - going there" NO! Don't just automatically go there. Kindle always brings that up and gives me a yes/no option. So that doesn't necessarily have anything to do with this book, except that it might have affected my attitude toward it a bit ;)
I made a note of Grayson County (Grayson is Hub's name ... It's just one of those things I happen to latch onto in books).
June 26, 2021
Come check out more of my reviews of clean wholesome books at:
https://gdonahue23.wixsite.com/books/...
Thank you so much, Amanda Lauer, for sending me a complimentary copy of World Such as Heaven Intended! I was happy to read and receive this book. My review is entirely my own. A World Such as Heaven Intended is a Catholic book about the Civil War times for teens. It follows the stories of Amara McKirnan and Nathan Simmons as they struggle and fight for what they believe in. The storyline is a fabulous original narrative that kept me entertained so much that I could not put the book down and finished it in two days! The writing was excellent, and the history intertwined so that I was actually excited to learn more about the Civil War. My favorite character in A World Such as Heaven Intended is Amara. Her situation reminded me of Cinderella at times with a mean stepmother and sister and a kind of absent father. Amara always tried to find the best in a person and was never rude or mean.
So I love romance in books and between main characters but I didn't really see it between Amara and Nathan. I thought that they were both excellent and strong Catholics, but they didn't really have any romance between them. I could see them as friends but not as a couple. They didn't even know or really talk to each other until the last 50 pages of the book. And even after their romance began, I didn't think they were right for each other. I have to say that the cover for this novel is one of my favorite covers ever. It is so beautiful that it almost makes me want to be in that time too. And I also LOVE the title. It is so unique and exciting that it immediately captured my attention. All in all, I thought A World Such as Heaven Intended was a delightful Catholic book that I hope you will all enjoy.
Things to Mention: There is one "holy sh..." written in that exact way. Nathan is tempted by a woman to do something bad but refuses. There is violence, including people being shot, talk of lynching a person, someone being decapitated during battle, people being killed, and some other minor things. There were two kisses with no detail.
https://gdonahue23.wixsite.com/books/...
Thank you so much, Amanda Lauer, for sending me a complimentary copy of World Such as Heaven Intended! I was happy to read and receive this book. My review is entirely my own. A World Such as Heaven Intended is a Catholic book about the Civil War times for teens. It follows the stories of Amara McKirnan and Nathan Simmons as they struggle and fight for what they believe in. The storyline is a fabulous original narrative that kept me entertained so much that I could not put the book down and finished it in two days! The writing was excellent, and the history intertwined so that I was actually excited to learn more about the Civil War. My favorite character in A World Such as Heaven Intended is Amara. Her situation reminded me of Cinderella at times with a mean stepmother and sister and a kind of absent father. Amara always tried to find the best in a person and was never rude or mean.
So I love romance in books and between main characters but I didn't really see it between Amara and Nathan. I thought that they were both excellent and strong Catholics, but they didn't really have any romance between them. I could see them as friends but not as a couple. They didn't even know or really talk to each other until the last 50 pages of the book. And even after their romance began, I didn't think they were right for each other. I have to say that the cover for this novel is one of my favorite covers ever. It is so beautiful that it almost makes me want to be in that time too. And I also LOVE the title. It is so unique and exciting that it immediately captured my attention. All in all, I thought A World Such as Heaven Intended was a delightful Catholic book that I hope you will all enjoy.
Things to Mention: There is one "holy sh..." written in that exact way. Nathan is tempted by a woman to do something bad but refuses. There is violence, including people being shot, talk of lynching a person, someone being decapitated during battle, people being killed, and some other minor things. There were two kisses with no detail.
July 23, 2019
I absolutely LOVED this book!
My favorite genre of romance is historical fiction and this book certainly fits this category.
Amanda Lauer is an amazing writer and really knows her history. I've learned more about the Civil War than I did when I was in school and it was interesting reading about it in this story.
Amara is 17 when she is thrust into a world that that she did not want. A world where her very own country was cut in half to fight with each other for duty, honor, and the rights of their states.
In order to feel useful, she volunteers to help out at the hospital that is located in her uncle's home. Although she had been aware of the war around her, she'd never been so up close and personal as she was helping and aiding wounded soldiers. To many of these soldiers, she was an angel, but to one in particular who just happened to be the one who caught her eye and whose opinion meant most to her, she was a joke.
Nathan didn't want to be a part of the war. He wanted to stay on his ranch which was his dream to build. However, when some soldiers showed up on his doorstep and told him to enlist or else, he and his ranching partner had little choice but to join the war that they had been avoiding because their allegiance lay with the north where both were born and raised, but because they started their ranch in Texas, they were forced to sign up for the confederates.
Nathan doesn't want to be on the side that could fight his family in the north so he has to risk fighting his brothers or risk getting caught as a deserter or as a traitor. War is never simple.
From the moment I picked up this book I couldn't put it down until I had finished it. It's a great read and I highly recommend it!
My favorite genre of romance is historical fiction and this book certainly fits this category.
Amanda Lauer is an amazing writer and really knows her history. I've learned more about the Civil War than I did when I was in school and it was interesting reading about it in this story.
Amara is 17 when she is thrust into a world that that she did not want. A world where her very own country was cut in half to fight with each other for duty, honor, and the rights of their states.
In order to feel useful, she volunteers to help out at the hospital that is located in her uncle's home. Although she had been aware of the war around her, she'd never been so up close and personal as she was helping and aiding wounded soldiers. To many of these soldiers, she was an angel, but to one in particular who just happened to be the one who caught her eye and whose opinion meant most to her, she was a joke.
Nathan didn't want to be a part of the war. He wanted to stay on his ranch which was his dream to build. However, when some soldiers showed up on his doorstep and told him to enlist or else, he and his ranching partner had little choice but to join the war that they had been avoiding because their allegiance lay with the north where both were born and raised, but because they started their ranch in Texas, they were forced to sign up for the confederates.
Nathan doesn't want to be on the side that could fight his family in the north so he has to risk fighting his brothers or risk getting caught as a deserter or as a traitor. War is never simple.
From the moment I picked up this book I couldn't put it down until I had finished it. It's a great read and I highly recommend it!
July 25, 2019
Are you a fan of Civil War fiction? You might truly enjoy Amanda Lauer's thoughtfully written, engaging series in the Heaven Intended trio.
Amara lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Daughter of an Irish-American and her newish stepmother who doesn't like any of her stepchildren much, she is a devoted Catholic and Confederate at the same time. She has two brothers (one who was desperately wounded in battle and has lost a leg, and another who the family hasn’t heard from in months). Although Amara's devotion to the Confederacy is more based on where she lives and the boys she grew up with who are now fighting; her family is interested in states’ rights and are not slaveowners. When Amara volunteers to help at her uncle’s hospital, she serves the injured and dying. She meets a man, Nathan, with a strange accent (he claims it's a Texas accent). Yet he has a secret which will get him killed if anyone discovers it; one that will impact Amara if she has anything further to do with him. They're about to embark on a journey of love, of immense change, of fear, of possible execution, and an ending neither could imagine. If they can just get safely to that point.
If you like historical romances that you could share with your own teen daughters, check out this book! You won't be disappointed. This book is the first in its series; there are two more that you'll want to read when you're finished with this one!
#sponsored #partner
Amara lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Daughter of an Irish-American and her newish stepmother who doesn't like any of her stepchildren much, she is a devoted Catholic and Confederate at the same time. She has two brothers (one who was desperately wounded in battle and has lost a leg, and another who the family hasn’t heard from in months). Although Amara's devotion to the Confederacy is more based on where she lives and the boys she grew up with who are now fighting; her family is interested in states’ rights and are not slaveowners. When Amara volunteers to help at her uncle’s hospital, she serves the injured and dying. She meets a man, Nathan, with a strange accent (he claims it's a Texas accent). Yet he has a secret which will get him killed if anyone discovers it; one that will impact Amara if she has anything further to do with him. They're about to embark on a journey of love, of immense change, of fear, of possible execution, and an ending neither could imagine. If they can just get safely to that point.
If you like historical romances that you could share with your own teen daughters, check out this book! You won't be disappointed. This book is the first in its series; there are two more that you'll want to read when you're finished with this one!
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August 2, 2019
A World Such as Heaven Intended was my second historical romance book I have read. It was a slow start but eventually half way through the book, the storyline picked up a bit. I love history so I was curious how this book played out. The story revolves around the two main characters, Amara and Nathan. She is a volunteer helping her Uncle who is a doctor. Nathan is a patient wounded in the war under Uncle's care. They are both smitten with each other but neither one will say it. Their paths cross again and their love story truly begins. There's intrigue, romance, faith, and hope throughout the entire book. The religious references are not overly done in this novel and it can be enjoyed by anyone who likes reading historical romances. The author seems to do an accurate job with writing about the civil war era. The book is well written although, I have hard time believing some of the "big fancy" words and phrases used by the characters were actually used in that time era so very long ago. If GoodReads and Amazon would have let me, I would have given this novel a 3.8 stars rating. I just started the author's second book in this series A Life Such As Heaven Intended this week. Overall, this first book in her Civil War Series was a decent read. Thank you.
August 4, 2021
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
A true dystopian series. It amazes me how the main plot lines of dystopian novels can be predictable but the actual story and events and worlds that are created are magical.
A space exploration where kids are selected to the executioners and their tech is the judge and jury. Many things can be accomplished through technology. Things that are good and evil in nature. It all depends on who is in charge and what their motives are.
I have read a few dystopian series and I enjoyed this one just as much as them.
I also really enjoyed the emotional aspect of the book and how data points are chosen because of their “lack of emotions”. Which glade figures out it’s not because they don’t have emotions. Their emotions are just wrapped up so deep that they don’t know them nor how to use them.
Finding love and understanding the different kinds of love was a wonderful exploration into the many decisions that glade has to make.
It you liked the hunger games, or maze runner, or other dystopian type series you will enjoy the adventure in this series.
A true dystopian series. It amazes me how the main plot lines of dystopian novels can be predictable but the actual story and events and worlds that are created are magical.
A space exploration where kids are selected to the executioners and their tech is the judge and jury. Many things can be accomplished through technology. Things that are good and evil in nature. It all depends on who is in charge and what their motives are.
I have read a few dystopian series and I enjoyed this one just as much as them.
I also really enjoyed the emotional aspect of the book and how data points are chosen because of their “lack of emotions”. Which glade figures out it’s not because they don’t have emotions. Their emotions are just wrapped up so deep that they don’t know them nor how to use them.
Finding love and understanding the different kinds of love was a wonderful exploration into the many decisions that glade has to make.
It you liked the hunger games, or maze runner, or other dystopian type series you will enjoy the adventure in this series.
September 2, 2019
It has been some time since I took the time to enjoy a historical romance; however, with the summer ahead of me, including a couple of surgeries, this series seemed like an enjoyable way to spend some of my recuperation.
I was happy for the opportunity to receive and review these works by author Amanda Lauer; all opinions are my own.
A World Such as Heaven Intended is the first in a three volume series and it set both the tone a pace for the remaining two books.
I've always enjoyed fiction centered around the Civil War and appreciated this particular series not only for the period it covered, but also because of a consistent theme of faith central to the development of the characters, and because it was a novel I wouldn't be ashamed to have my daughter pickup and read. What I also enjoyed about these stories was the author's ability to develop a sense of the character's faith from the aspect of a relationship with the Father - rather than merely a depiction of "religion." I also found the female characters strong and likable - something I greatly appreciate.
I was happy for the opportunity to receive and review these works by author Amanda Lauer; all opinions are my own.
A World Such as Heaven Intended is the first in a three volume series and it set both the tone a pace for the remaining two books.
I've always enjoyed fiction centered around the Civil War and appreciated this particular series not only for the period it covered, but also because of a consistent theme of faith central to the development of the characters, and because it was a novel I wouldn't be ashamed to have my daughter pickup and read. What I also enjoyed about these stories was the author's ability to develop a sense of the character's faith from the aspect of a relationship with the Father - rather than merely a depiction of "religion." I also found the female characters strong and likable - something I greatly appreciate.
August 1, 2022
Full disclosure, I met the author before knowing about her books. This is a 4 1/2 star book for me partly because of our new friendship and partly because I couldn’t put the book down after a certain point.
Although it started slow for me, I found myself drawn into the characters and their interactions. There are elements in the setting that called to mind Margaret Mitchell’s GWTW Atlanta, including a strong Irish feminine character. However Amara would never say “fiddle-dee-dee.” This girl knows her mind and faces her place in this war with a helpful practical dedication, choosing the right path over the easy one.
I also found myself enjoying Nathan’s story. We got a glimpse into the thoughts and motivations of this Massachusetts-born turned North Texas rancher conscripted to the CSA. You really can’t help liking this strong man of morals.
Must resist the urge to start right away into the sequel because some things just need to get done today. But I have it at the ready.
Although it started slow for me, I found myself drawn into the characters and their interactions. There are elements in the setting that called to mind Margaret Mitchell’s GWTW Atlanta, including a strong Irish feminine character. However Amara would never say “fiddle-dee-dee.” This girl knows her mind and faces her place in this war with a helpful practical dedication, choosing the right path over the easy one.
I also found myself enjoying Nathan’s story. We got a glimpse into the thoughts and motivations of this Massachusetts-born turned North Texas rancher conscripted to the CSA. You really can’t help liking this strong man of morals.
Must resist the urge to start right away into the sequel because some things just need to get done today. But I have it at the ready.
June 16, 2019
Reads like a good western!
Recommended by a colleague, I was skeptical at first, because it has every appearance of a romance. Boy was I surprised! It actually reads like a good western, and is historical fiction to the core. The author has clearly researched the Civil War era, building robust characters and settings that make you feel like you are there. And while it is a man-meets-woman story, it doesn't labor on that, instead crafting a saga from multiple perspectives with twists, turns, and intertwined stories that both: keep you guessing and make you want to read more.
Being a John Wayne fan, I could not help picturing Nathan as him, and Amara as Marueen O'Hara. So if you are a fan of Civil War stories, The Quiet Man or McLintock, treat yourself to this!
Expertly done, and a nice find!
Recommended by a colleague, I was skeptical at first, because it has every appearance of a romance. Boy was I surprised! It actually reads like a good western, and is historical fiction to the core. The author has clearly researched the Civil War era, building robust characters and settings that make you feel like you are there. And while it is a man-meets-woman story, it doesn't labor on that, instead crafting a saga from multiple perspectives with twists, turns, and intertwined stories that both: keep you guessing and make you want to read more.
Being a John Wayne fan, I could not help picturing Nathan as him, and Amara as Marueen O'Hara. So if you are a fan of Civil War stories, The Quiet Man or McLintock, treat yourself to this!
Expertly done, and a nice find!
August 14, 2019
The first in a series of three civil war romances, this book walks through the lives of two main characters who fall in love amid the conflict of sides. This book is an easy read and flows well from love story with fantastic historical research. I found the first few chapters to be a little slow, but it did pick up and sail along for a wholesome love story that was truly entertaining. I would recommend it as a great readalong with your pre-teen daughter. Although written from a Catholic perspective, I think anyone interested in a clean read of any faith would enjoy and connect with the strands of faith, hope and love that abound in this book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 17, 2019
I love history and this story delivers. I saw the horrors of the Civil War through the eyes of Amara McKirnan, a young Catholic girl in Atlanta GA during the Civil War. She grows up fast. Her younger brother lost a leg while serving in the Confederate Army and her family struggled. With an interest in medicine, she soon joins her uncle and works in his hospital. Nathan is a wounded soldier with secrets that draw Amara in. Both are pulled into the intrigues. Through help from their Catholic priest, they are able to move through the dangers. In spite of my love of history, the story slowed when the author taught history rather than let the characters (and reader) experience it. However, I still enjoyed this book and history buffs will love it.
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