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Heaven Intended #2
A Life Such As Heaven Intended
Heaven Intended Book #2 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 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... 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 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 of Rightfully Ours and Stay With Me
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 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... 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 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 of Rightfully Ours and Stay With Me
- GenresHistorical Fiction
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2018
31 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Lauer
19 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 14, 2018
Set in the Civil War era, this book is a real - page turner. The main character, Brigid McGinnis is a young woman who thinks she knows what her future will be, only to discover that many surprises lie ahead for her. This is a wonderful faith-filled historical romance that will appeal to both men and women of all ages. I loved it and could not put it down! Trust, forgiveness, love, and surrender to God are the themes which compose this beautiful story.
May 1, 2022
I inadvertently skipped this book in the Heaven Intended series, jumping from book one to book three. Although skipping around didn't affect my understanding of any of the stories, I definitely recommend first reading book one, A World Such as Heaven Intended. It think it best sets the tone for the series, and it also remains my favorite volume. Like the other books, A Life Such as Heaven Intended is a romance you can count on to bring together a likable and intriguing heroine and hero within the detailed context of war.
May 29, 2024
4 stars for an admirable attempt at a Catholic fiction novel!
Pros: it’s full of Catholic themes, moral values, and traditions. The characters are good and admirable, albeit a bit predictable. The story is engaging and suspenseful at times. Political subjects are tastefully woven throughout.
Cons: the author got religious life completely wrong! As someone who spent a few years in religious formation in an active community of Sisters, it was very annoying how many terms the author got wrong, the process of formation, novitiate, investiture vs profession, etc. and the most basic understanding of a religious calling. Also, the author explains how things are Catholic A LOT. It is touching that she puts this effort to evangelize into the story, but it feels forced and apologetic instead of easing along with the flow of the story. She also has her characters sum up situations word for word for others in the story - things that you as the reader although know.
SPOILER ALERT:
The climax of the love story has Brigid lined up with her fellow postulants before the altar to “receive the veil and make her vows” - did we skip the novitiate, or what? - and our hero love-interest approaches her from behind and places a wedding veil on her instead. He asks the bishop to marry them on the spot in the middle of the Sisters’ Profession Mass. And the crazy thing is, the bishop agrees to it happily!! Acccckkkkkk!!!
I almost gave this book 3 stars only, but I really like the idea and the effort on the part of the author to create a solidly Catholic book within the genre of Christian romances. -1 star for poor writing; -1 star for inaccuracies, but +1 for effort!
Pros: it’s full of Catholic themes, moral values, and traditions. The characters are good and admirable, albeit a bit predictable. The story is engaging and suspenseful at times. Political subjects are tastefully woven throughout.
Cons: the author got religious life completely wrong! As someone who spent a few years in religious formation in an active community of Sisters, it was very annoying how many terms the author got wrong, the process of formation, novitiate, investiture vs profession, etc. and the most basic understanding of a religious calling. Also, the author explains how things are Catholic A LOT. It is touching that she puts this effort to evangelize into the story, but it feels forced and apologetic instead of easing along with the flow of the story. She also has her characters sum up situations word for word for others in the story - things that you as the reader although know.
SPOILER ALERT:
The climax of the love story has Brigid lined up with her fellow postulants before the altar to “receive the veil and make her vows” - did we skip the novitiate, or what? - and our hero love-interest approaches her from behind and places a wedding veil on her instead. He asks the bishop to marry them on the spot in the middle of the Sisters’ Profession Mass. And the crazy thing is, the bishop agrees to it happily!! Acccckkkkkk!!!
I almost gave this book 3 stars only, but I really like the idea and the effort on the part of the author to create a solidly Catholic book within the genre of Christian romances. -1 star for poor writing; -1 star for inaccuracies, but +1 for effort!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2019
Volume 2 ::: "A Life Such as Heaven Intended" Published April 2018
This book also begins in the Spring of 1864. The leading ladies in these first two books are connected by friendship. But this second book is a completely separate story from the first book so you don't have to read the first novel prior to picking this one up.
As with the first book, the author not only weaves her catholic faith into her writing, but also puts alot of work into research to bring her story to vivid life for the reader. Brigid McGinnis lives at her family's estate near Dallas, Georgia. Her father, a bank owner, is asked by Jefferson Davis to be a member of his cabinet when he was elected president of the Confederate States.
Even though she had decided to become a nun, 17 year old Brigid finds herself opening her heart to Dominic Warner in this story. From the moment of stumbling upon this young soldier one morning, as he lay injured on her famly's lawn, to the twisting and turning journey they both end up taking which completely changes their lives. Beautiful and clean love story set among the horrific realities of Civil War.
This book also begins in the Spring of 1864. The leading ladies in these first two books are connected by friendship. But this second book is a completely separate story from the first book so you don't have to read the first novel prior to picking this one up.
As with the first book, the author not only weaves her catholic faith into her writing, but also puts alot of work into research to bring her story to vivid life for the reader. Brigid McGinnis lives at her family's estate near Dallas, Georgia. Her father, a bank owner, is asked by Jefferson Davis to be a member of his cabinet when he was elected president of the Confederate States.
Even though she had decided to become a nun, 17 year old Brigid finds herself opening her heart to Dominic Warner in this story. From the moment of stumbling upon this young soldier one morning, as he lay injured on her famly's lawn, to the twisting and turning journey they both end up taking which completely changes their lives. Beautiful and clean love story set among the horrific realities of Civil War.
April 2, 2018
Set amidst the waning days of the Civil War, A Life Such as Heaven Intended is 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.
Brigid's encounter with Dominic will change her, opening her eyes not only to the possibility of love and a future outside of the convent, but also to the harsh realities she has thus far avoided. 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. Highly enjoyable!
Brigid's encounter with Dominic will change her, opening her eyes not only to the possibility of love and a future outside of the convent, but also to the harsh realities she has thus far avoided. 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. Highly enjoyable!
July 25, 2019
I love how the book showed both sides (or beliefs) of history through the characters in the story- especially how it was portrayed in a romance novel.
Disclaimer: I received a copy, but all opinions are my own.
Disclaimer: I received a copy, but all opinions are my own.
July 25, 2019
Welcome to the second book in the Heaven Intended series by Amanda Lauer!
Brigid McGinnis is a friend and classmate of Lauer's A World Such as Heaven Intended heroine Amara. She lives outside of Dallas, Georgia, at her family’s estate. Her father, a bank executive in Dallas, serves the Confederacy as Secretary of the Interior. He’s frequently in Richmond, leaving Brigid, her mother, and two young sisters at home in the Georgia countryside. Brigid has begun to care for the home and the little girls as her mother has lost her own ability to do so. She’s not thrilled to be doing this, but it’s not really the main thing that’s bothering her. Her real worries are the noises she hears every night (at least when her father is gone) that nobody else seems to hear. Scrapings and creaks that sort of frighten her.
One morning Brigid rises to get water before the rest of the family was up, to prepare some faux "coffee." On her way back to the house she is shocked to see a soldier lying in the grass; an injured Confederate soldier, suffering from amnesia. He remembers that he is named Dominic (and in A World Such as Heaven Intended, we learned that he and his friend were pressed into army service against their wills). She brings him into the house where he sleeps all day. Then he wakes up to a soft, secretive noise outside his window. When he looks, he sees a group of people creeping across the yard: someone in a long, black cloak; and a group of black men, women, and children.
Brigid’s and Dominic’s journey will lead them from Georgia battlefields, along slave escape routes, to a convent, and to east Texas where Dominic started out at the beginning of the war. If they can survive all this and keep the people with them safe, will they ever find love with each other?
You'll love the sequel to A World Such as Heaven Intended, and you'll especially appreciate Brigid and Dominic and their attempts to make right a world that is so unjust.
And, there's one more book in the Heaven Intended series to read when you finish the first two: A Love Such as Heaven Intended.
#sponsored #partner
Brigid McGinnis is a friend and classmate of Lauer's A World Such as Heaven Intended heroine Amara. She lives outside of Dallas, Georgia, at her family’s estate. Her father, a bank executive in Dallas, serves the Confederacy as Secretary of the Interior. He’s frequently in Richmond, leaving Brigid, her mother, and two young sisters at home in the Georgia countryside. Brigid has begun to care for the home and the little girls as her mother has lost her own ability to do so. She’s not thrilled to be doing this, but it’s not really the main thing that’s bothering her. Her real worries are the noises she hears every night (at least when her father is gone) that nobody else seems to hear. Scrapings and creaks that sort of frighten her.
One morning Brigid rises to get water before the rest of the family was up, to prepare some faux "coffee." On her way back to the house she is shocked to see a soldier lying in the grass; an injured Confederate soldier, suffering from amnesia. He remembers that he is named Dominic (and in A World Such as Heaven Intended, we learned that he and his friend were pressed into army service against their wills). She brings him into the house where he sleeps all day. Then he wakes up to a soft, secretive noise outside his window. When he looks, he sees a group of people creeping across the yard: someone in a long, black cloak; and a group of black men, women, and children.
Brigid’s and Dominic’s journey will lead them from Georgia battlefields, along slave escape routes, to a convent, and to east Texas where Dominic started out at the beginning of the war. If they can survive all this and keep the people with them safe, will they ever find love with each other?
You'll love the sequel to A World Such as Heaven Intended, and you'll especially appreciate Brigid and Dominic and their attempts to make right a world that is so unjust.
And, there's one more book in the Heaven Intended series to read when you finish the first two: A Love Such as Heaven Intended.
#sponsored #partner
August 2, 2019
First and foremost, I loved this book and this series!
Reading spiritual non-fiction books and bible studies accentuate your time with God in addition to time in the actual bible, but this book series has opened my eyes to how fictional writing can also accentuate your time with God. It achieved this, because it was clean, wholesome, and intelligent storytelling.
I don't often make/take the time to complete a book in 24hrs time, but this book grabbed me and I couldn't put it down -even amidst a crazy personal schedule.
Beginning this book, I had lower expectations for it considering I was so impressed with reading the first book in this series. At it's ending, it left me with joyful, happy tears!
How many fictional books can take you on a guided, invested journey with the characters and leave you completely soul-filled and at peace?! Nothing was left unresolved. Every aspect connected in the development of the characters and the plot in order for there to be the sensible, beautiful conclusion. Divine intervention was at work.
There is a lost level of morality today that is beautifully expressed and illustrated in these books. It is so refreshing to read these well-done books and be reminded and encouraged that we are not alone in the plight of morality.
This is the type of reading I will store up and keep on my bookshelves to share with future generations. This is how to conduct oneself, not the typical garbage messages that seem ever so prevalent.
This second book in the series built on the first book, and it was surprisingly even better than the first. I'm optimitistic and anxious to read the third book in this series.
In full disclosure, I appreciate receiving copies of this complete series directly from the publisher.
Reading spiritual non-fiction books and bible studies accentuate your time with God in addition to time in the actual bible, but this book series has opened my eyes to how fictional writing can also accentuate your time with God. It achieved this, because it was clean, wholesome, and intelligent storytelling.
I don't often make/take the time to complete a book in 24hrs time, but this book grabbed me and I couldn't put it down -even amidst a crazy personal schedule.
Beginning this book, I had lower expectations for it considering I was so impressed with reading the first book in this series. At it's ending, it left me with joyful, happy tears!
How many fictional books can take you on a guided, invested journey with the characters and leave you completely soul-filled and at peace?! Nothing was left unresolved. Every aspect connected in the development of the characters and the plot in order for there to be the sensible, beautiful conclusion. Divine intervention was at work.
There is a lost level of morality today that is beautifully expressed and illustrated in these books. It is so refreshing to read these well-done books and be reminded and encouraged that we are not alone in the plight of morality.
This is the type of reading I will store up and keep on my bookshelves to share with future generations. This is how to conduct oneself, not the typical garbage messages that seem ever so prevalent.
This second book in the series built on the first book, and it was surprisingly even better than the first. I'm optimitistic and anxious to read the third book in this series.
In full disclosure, I appreciate receiving copies of this complete series directly from the publisher.
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 Life Such as Heaven Intended is the second 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 Life Such as Heaven Intended is the second 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.
September 5, 2019
In her follow up novel to A World such as Heaven Intended, Amanda Lauer once again brings the reader deep into the inner workings of the Civil War and the lives of the people it affected. Brigid McGinnis struggles to hold her family together during tumultuous times. Secrets, betrayals, and intrigue swirl around her, all while she deals with her own dark past. Dominic Warner, a Confederate soldier fighting a mental battle of his own, lands in Brigid's yard, suffering from amnesia after a blow to his head. A Life Such as Heaven Intended follows Brigid's and Dominic's journey through war, both physical and mental, bringing them full circle to a place where they must make some tough choices.
I really loved this book as the battles described are from the city I was born in. Kennesaw Mountain, Pine Mountain, and Kolb Farm are all places I walked through as a child. To visualize the steps of Brigid and Dominic made the book so much more readable. I highly recommend this trilogy, particularly for lovers of Civil War history.
I really loved this book as the battles described are from the city I was born in. Kennesaw Mountain, Pine Mountain, and Kolb Farm are all places I walked through as a child. To visualize the steps of Brigid and Dominic made the book so much more readable. I highly recommend this trilogy, particularly for lovers of Civil War history.
August 10, 2019
This book is the second in the “Heaven Intended” book series by author Amanda Lauer. I did read the 1st book in this series called “A World Such as Heaven Intended”. I actually recoginzed a few of the characters in this second book were mentioned in the first one. I found that A Life Such As Heaven Intended was written much better, the storyline was better, and it was more interesting than the first book in this series. If you like history, romance, and celebrate your faith: this book is for you. It was not a complicated read and the story seems to fit well for the "civil war era." This book focuses on the two main characters Brigid McGinnis and a confederate soldier, Dominic Warner. Of course there is crushing, courting, and some hurdles to get over in order for these two to be together, happily ever after. The story is very believable. It was a simple, enjoyable novel to read and follow. I just started this week, reading the third book in the series. Thank you.
August 14, 2019
Book two in a series of historical civil war romans was a great follow up to A World Such as Heaven Intended. The book touches on issues of slavery (not surprising considering the era in which it focuses) and introduces new main characters while re-visiting some that we encountered in book one. The author is great at fleshing out the characters in a way that you feel you know them and does not leave any issues or questions unresolved by the end. Although part of a series, the books are well written to be read as a standalone.
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.
June 2, 2018
When Brigid discovers a Confederate soldier unconscious on her family's property, she takes great risks to hide and protect him until he can be brought to safety. These risks include opening her heart to the soldier, even though she intends to enter a convent soon. Brigid's inadvertent involvement in the Underground Railroad sets the stage for the two to meet again. This Civil War romance novel is packed with secrets, intrigue, and a dash of faith. It's the second in a series, but works as a standalone. (ARC received from publisher)
August 19, 2019
I like to plan my life out, so I connected with Brigid. When she stumbles across a Confederate soldier on her father's property, her plan unravels. Her family has suffered and, in her father's absence and her mother's deep depression, Brigid runs the household. And now, what does she do with this soldier? As she takes him in and nurses him, his lost memory heals along with his body. This starts a new chain of events that will take him, Dominic, and Brigid to unexpected places. Back to the life plan, I felt for Brigid when she had to adjust over and over to a very disruptive war and the challenges to her long-held beliefs. I wonder if I would fare as well? I was engrossed in this story.
October 4, 2018
Another wonderful book in this incredible series. As someone who has always been fascinated with the Civil War, I enjoy and appreciate the bits of history the author adds to her Civil War era books which make the stories even more engaging. If you're a fan of Lauer's A World Such as Heaven Intended, you'll be happy to see some of the characters from that book returning in this one. I hear a third novel is in the works - can't wait!
August 23, 2019
I loved meeting Brigid and Dominic in the second installment of the 'Heaven Intended' book series. Readers will become engrossed in their journey from Atlanta to Little Rock before finally deciding to settle in East Texas. Although it's set in the Civil War era, readers will feel as if they are interacting with a present day historical site as they watch the couple struggle to relinquish control of their life to a plan greater than their own.
May 27, 2024
4.5⭐
I liked A Life Such as Heaven Intended better than the first book.
I love Dominic! He and Nathan are my favorites.
The weddings in both books were weird. I wish they could've been beautiful, traditional weddings. Let's hope that if there's a wedding in the next book it'll be normal.
Dominic and Brigid are so cute! I love how he calls her Schatzie (darling or sweetheart in German), it's really sweet.
I liked A Life Such as Heaven Intended better than the first book.
I love Dominic! He and Nathan are my favorites.
The weddings in both books were weird. I wish they could've been beautiful, traditional weddings. Let's hope that if there's a wedding in the next book it'll be normal.
Dominic and Brigid are so cute! I love how he calls her Schatzie (darling or sweetheart in German), it's really sweet.
July 5, 2018
Get ready to enjoy another delightfully sweet page-turner from Amanda Lauer's Civil War romance series with A Life Such As Heaven Intended. Brigid and Dominic are just made for each other, and each faces down real fears in endearing ways and grows in real faith.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2018
Loved the second book in the Heaven Intended series. Brigid and Dominic's tale is a love story for the ages!
October 7, 2022
The Roman Catholic doctrine is overly prominent and ruined my enjoyment of the novel. I would have rated the story with 2 stars if that had been greatly toned down.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews