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.

I am giving away two sets of the Heaven Intended series, courtesy of FQ Publishing (a “Catholic-friendly resource”), to two readers in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) about ways you encourage the teens in your life, and you will be entered into the drawing, to be held in three days, August 25.

Sally

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.”