A Love Such as Heaven Intended
Heaven Intended Book 3
ISBN 9781987970111
ASIN B07QD3KJJR
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 gave 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.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
Books by Amanda Lauer:
Anything But Groovy
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Heaven Intended Series:
A World Such as Heaven Intended
A Life Such as Heaven Intended
A Freedom Such as Heaven Intended
Contributed to:
The Best is Yet to Come by Lorene Hanley Duquin
Living Virtuously by Erin Harrison
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