Heaven Intended #3 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.
An 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.
Prior to reading this novel I had only read one short story by Lauer, her contribution to Treasures: Visible & Invisible. I greatly enjoyed that story, but most of her novels are not in a genre I typically read. Her writing is strong enough and compelling enough I have this one a try. I will be honest I was unaware it was the third in a series when I started reading it. That being said and not knowing the other three offerings in the series I can state easily this book can stand well enough on its own.
I am not American, and my study of the US Civil War has been limited to some general history courses in school. A few books about Military Chaplains. The TV Series The North and the South and a handful of movies. So I cannot commend on the accuracy of the historical setting. But I can state that it is well written, entertaining. It draws the reader in and keeps their attention. The story seems plausible enough, as historical fiction. And from what I know accurate enough for a historical fiction novel. The description of this novel is:
“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.”
Laurer does an amazing job writing her characters and having them express their Catholic faith. I loved watching socialite Josephine Bigelow faith grow and deepen throughout the book. To experience with her, the changes from staying at a convent and praying with the nuns. It was also interesting seeing how Michael McKirnan turned to prayer often. But he always trusts God with a stoic approach to many difficulties and circumstances. The twists and turns in this story were plentiful. And Josephine Bigelow seems to have a knack for finding trouble. And hopefully God and Michael with God’s direction can help protect her, even from herself.
This story has action, adventure, war battles, and yes, it is a love story. It was well enough written I will likely read the whole series. It reached a point where I just did not want to put the book down. And as it moved towards a conclusion I could not see how the different plots could all be resolved. As you are reading do not just focus on Michael and Josephine, pay attention to Josephine’s brother Hubert and Bernadette Taylor they younger girl she finds beaten, bruised, in a bad way and in jail.
Overall, a very entertaining read. A great story in what should be a very interesting series. It is another excellent read from Full Quiver. I look forward to trying the other books in this series and Laurer’s Anything But Groovy.
I bought this from the book description on Amazon. Having found it is the third in series (though it stands well on its own), I now intend to buy the first book. I enjoy relearning my civil war history in the well-researched A Love Such as Heaven Intended. You’ll recognize many of the famous names of real military officers in the campaigns that influence the hero and heroine. The plot builds slowly at first, but the pace soon begins racing to the end as the complications deepen. The heroine, Josephine, reminded me somewhat of Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind. She’s initially spoiled and too sure of herself. But she’s also compassionate and direct in her swift actions to help others in need, even to putting herself in jeopardy. The hero at first seemed anti-hero until his accurate circumstances were revealed, then he was truly valiant. Both characters evoked chuckles in this reader with some of their retorts in numerous scenes. I love wit. There were several times when I was so anxious for Josephine that I was afraid to turn the page, but she triumphs always. I will now pick up A World Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer to begin the trilogy.
Volume 3 ::: "A Love Such as Heaven Intended" Published April 2019
While the first books in Ms Lauer's series centers on the lives of two charming southern belles from Atlanta Georgia, this story takes a turn and focuses on the young coming of age daughter of a Union Brigadier General.
Chapter one opens up on a stifling hot day in the Spring of 1864. This time the location is Washington DC. The protagonist, Josephine Bigelow, sits with her fellow graduates from the Georgetown Academy for Young Ladies. They are there to hear Louisa May Alcott, an abolitionist, speak. Josephine is spellbound as she listens to the stories of Ms. Alcott's involvement with the Underground Railroad.
Inspired to make a name for herself as an investigative writer, Josephine sets out to write about the dangers the Confederate soldiers endured while being held in a Federal prison. She was unaware that one of the inmates was her brother's roommate at West Point Military Academy.
This is a love story that takes the reader through the trials and adversity of war. The love that develops between the strong willed Josephine and Michael McKirnan, a Confederate Soldier, is sweet and enduring.
This was a beautiful and insightful way to appreciate the civil war. Through the character's lives, we see how the war affected day to day life as well as how it affected an entire generation. I love how a book can showcase faith in God in action while also showcasing rich history. This was the third book in the heaven intended series, and like the others it captured my interest and I could not put the book down until I had completed it. Few book series garner that type of praise from me. I would enjoy reading additional installments to see how the characters lives continue on. What will life look like for them post-war? What will their beautiful, God-centered marriages look like post-babies coming into the daily grind of life? The characters are impressive, but not unfathomable, so it really would be intriguing to see how combining them all in one place now what positive things they can accomplish - especially with their faiths at their sides. In full disclosure, I appreciate having received copies from the publisher.
I unintentionally skipped book #2 and read this one, but this series can be enjoyed out of order. The heroines I've encountered so far are spunky and admirable, especially for their time, and they carve out lives of their own. I love history, but this novel might've had a little too much military detail for my taste. On the other hand, I think that would make the story more enjoyable for men who might ordinarily shy away from Civil War romances.
I really enjoyed this book as it made me think of my younger self through the main character. Reading and envisioning her determination and how she was inspired made me feel as if I took a step back in time to "witness history."
Disclaimer: I received a copy, but all opinions are my own.
A country embroiled in Civil War has to come to terms with loss of life on the battlefield. The Heaven Intended Series tackles the questions that must have plagued soldiers and civilians alike, as they tended to the wounded, mourned loss, and considered life after turmoil. Amanda Lauer has penned three books covering intricate details of Union and Confederate sides of the United States conflict. A World Such as Heaven Intended, A Life Such as Heaven Intended, and A Love Such as Heaven Intended. “Wisconsin resident Amanda Lauer has published nearly 1,500 articles in newspapers and magazines throughout the United States, plus she is the co-writer of the movie The Islands, scheduled for nationwide release this summer. Lauer has been offered a contract from an LA movie studio for her book A World Such as Heaven Intended for a major motion picture. In addition to her proofreading, copy-editing and writing career, Lauer is an actress and is involved in the health and wellness industry. She and her husband John have been married 38 years, have four grown children and five grandchildren.” The books are in the Young Adult fiction genre, and provide insight to life in the 1800’s. Amanda’s immense research and detail provides intricate scenes on the battlefield and off. She helps the reader see both sides of the conflict and ask questions about life in turmoil. “What would cause people to change sides?” “How would families be divided in wartime?” “How would politics turn neighbor against neighbor?” Those with a Catholic background will resonate with the regiments of sacraments and praying to the saints. As a Protestant, I found the references difficult to follow. However, the first two books have earned the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval. Though some of the details between books are inconsistent, the story line is interesting and imaginative. Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Blog Spot Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
A Love Such as Heaven Intended is a sweeping adventure about a love so great that even a civil war can’t stop it from happening. Josephine is a spoiled, self-absorbed daughter of a Brigadier General who lives a pampered life in Washington DC. Michael is a handsome West Point graduate, a friend of Josephine’s brother, and a Confederate soldier with some complicated secrets. A chance encounter draws them together, but circumstances beyond their control threaten to end things before any relationship can even begin. However, Josephine is determined to get the man of her dreams despite the circumstances stacked against them. I absolutely adored the character of Josephine. While she was spoiled and privileged, she had a beautiful, giving heart. Her feistiness was so much fun. I also really enjoyed the historical elements that the author includes in all her novels. Lauer has a knack for bringing history alive through these exciting, adventurous romances. Creating such a story set during one of the most difficult times in our history cannot be an easy thing to accomplish. The author weaves many factual items about the war and the era into the story. For instance, she mentions Josephine had seen a play that featured actor John Wilkes Booth. Josephine also discusses the “new” books that she had recently read, which are now classic pieces of literature. These added elements really brought the time period to life. Because of these historical parts, I think this book would be a fantastic supplement to lessons on the Civil War and would make for some interesting discussions. Whether you like adventurous novels, beautiful love stories, or historical fiction, this book is one you don’t want to miss.
In the third book of the Heaven Intended series, I met my favorite character of all the wonderful heroines!
Socialite Josephine Bigelow lives in Washington, D.C. One day, she hears a speech by Louisa May Alcott that quite effectively changes her life. Josephine decides to make a difference by reporting on the plight of Confederate soldiers housed in government prisons. Undercover, of course. She will serve by offering Corporal Works of Mercy (feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick and imprisoned, and bury the dead), wholly encouraged by her father, who decides to put her to work doing these services sort of against her wishes and certainly her preferences. Still, it does get her into the Old Capitol Prison. (Although not quite as the intrepid female journalist she's aspiring to be.)
On her first visit, she encounters a familiar face she’d never expected to see there as a prisoner–Michael McKirnan (brother of Amara). Michael, having been through scathing battles and having lost some of his memory, has no idea who the lovely woman is. He does not remember that her brother was a roommate of his at West Point.
Over the course of the book, he’ll eventually remember and their adventures begin. Rescue of a young woman from human trafficking, evading a crazy man, and travel from D.C., to St. Louis, Georgia, and the great state of Texas. Can the couple find love in the midst of such events?
You'll want to meet them both. Just read books #1 and #2 before you read this last one!
A Love Such as Heaven Intended is the third book in this civil war era series written by author, Amanda Laur. This is novel revolves around the two main characters, socialite Josephine Bigelow and confederate soldier Michael McKirnan, who was a roommate of her brother's at West Point. There is a touch of religious faith in this book but, it is not overly done. These two discover along the way what love, faith, compassion, hope, and loyalty truly mean. I did like the fact once again, the author intertwined some of the other characters in her previous two books into this one. If you enjoy history and romance you may truly enjoy this novel.
I have read all three of the books the author has written in this series. Too me, this third book was entirely too long compared to the other two books she had written previously. I believe some of this novel could have done without the extended details/other characters that made this novel longer. I noticed to, that there was spacing issues between words and sentences throughout the entire book. By the time, I got to reading this third book, it was basically the same storyline as the previous two books, but with different characters. It was all to predictable and boring. The story is plausable for it to have happened during that time era and the book was easy to read. Thank you.
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 Love Such as Heaven Intended is the third 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.
The final book of the Heaven Intended series, A Love such as Heaven Intended brings the reader to the final battles of the Civil War. Ferocious fighting, spies, and murder surround Josephine Bigelow and Michael McKirnan. Josephine, a spoiled socialite daughter, becomes enamored of her brother's college roommate, Michael. He, however, is fighting for the Confederate army, a detail that she finds meaningless. An arranged marriage, a murder, a girl running from her master, and an AWOL soldier weave a story that grips the reader from start to finish. Once again, Amanda Lauer brings detail and beauty to the story of the Civil War. The historical detail is spot on as well as the true stories of the war Amanda blends into the fiction. This trilogy is hands down one of the best historical fiction series that I have ever read.
Enjoyed reading about Louisa May Alcott's speech that was the catalyst for the heroine to change her spoiled way. In all author's books she manages to weave faith, facts and love throughout each of the books.
The three books are not overly Catholic, they are enjoyable for anyone looking for a clean love story with remarkable characters and intriguing plot.
Love Josephine's change of heart when she states, "Does the Bible not say we are creatures of free will? We have the power to choose our attitude no matter what happens in our life. I've decided to adopt a more positive outlook on life." So true!
This is the 3rd book in a civil war series which I found difficult to figure out since I got all 3 books together! This book weaves a love story through the trials of the civil war and couples a solid love story with some great historical background. The author’s historical knowledge is wonderful as she lays out the impact on friends fighting friends in North vs. South. The names of actual officials in the war campaigns are sprinkled throughout and the heroine a la Scarlett O’Hara is a strong character. This book is a great light read for someone looking for a clean love story set in the civil war era. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Josephine Bigelow is a wealthy socialite looking for a husband. However, men of any kind, are in short supply during the Civil War. But Josephine is undaunted. Determined to have her way, Josephine uses her feminine tricks on her father to gain access to a Federal prison where she thinks she will expose the horrors. She doesn't find that, but she finds her first love, a Confederate soldier, Michael, incarcerated. Her schemes are thwarted when he is transferred. How will she find him again? And will his secrets pose dangers to her? I had fun reading this story and found it interesting that I could follow this character even though I didn't like her. And, as with the first two stories in the series, I learned a lot.
As the final book in the 'Heaven Intended' series, readers will not be disappointed by the experiences the third couple in this historical romance series faces. Josephine and Michael appear to come from two different worlds when they meet inside the walls of a prison housing Confederate inmates. They will leave the social scene of Washington D.C. behind as they set their sights on East Texas. It is a journey that encompasses tests of loyalty, love and faith.
This was a wild tale! The things she got away with because of her father's status, or her bravado and acting were incredulous! I enjoyed this journey except for the despicable bad guy, and the fact that everyone seemed to be catholic. The narration was good! There were just a few times the characters voices seemed mixed up, but I enjoyed both the story and the narration.