Nun Better: An AMAZING Love Story

“I wrote this book to show that love has no boundaries.” — Joanie Lindenmeyer

BOOK TRAILER

Watch and share the book trailer here!

NUN BETTER: An AMAZING Love Story by Joanie Lindenmeyer with Carol Tierheimer chronicles the courageous love and lifetimes of two women who as teenagers heard the call from God to serve as Catholic nuns. They met in the convent, fell passionately in love, and knew they ultimately had to make a decision: break the Church’s rules against same-sex relationships and pioneer an uncharted path toward a joyous, adventurous life—during the HIV/AIDS era of the 1980s when LGBTQ people could be killed for being gay and same-sex marriage seemed an impossible dream.

With Joanie’s high-energy writing style and exuberant outlook even during devastating experiences, the book aims to show readers of all backgrounds how beautiful, blissful and blessed life can be with a soul mate—regardless of gender. Joanie and Carol spent many years praying and lobbying the Vatican to allow gay marriage in the Catholic Church, but that has not happened, so they legally married with an Episcopalian priest.

“Carol went to heaven on January 30, 2022,” Joanie said, “and before she died, we vowed to share our story to encourage other LGBTQ people that they can find lifelong love and friendships, and that a deep, spiritual union is a holy gift that should be cherished and celebrated.”

This book is a powerful testament to listening to your heart and God, then finding the courage to change course toward the fulfilling and fun life you desire and deserve.

“NUN BETTER: An AMAZING Love Story will make your spirit soar as you laugh and cry both tears of joy and sadness,” says Elizabeth Ann Atkins, co-creator of Two Sisters Writing & Publishing® who coached Joanie through the book-writing process, then edited the manuscript.

The book cover was designed in collaboration with Illumination Graphics of Merlin, Oregon, and Lindenmeyer’s sister, Gail Baker, and the back cover features a rainbow painting by Lindenmeyer’s seven-year-old niece, Cami Schipke.

ISBNs

Hardcover: 978-1-956879-31-5

Paperback: 978-1-956879-32-2

eBook: 978-1-956879-33-9

CONVERSATIONS WITH JOANIE

Get more Joanie by watching the podcast interviews! Joanie and publisher Elizabeth Ann Atkins, twice nominated for an Emmy for her work on MI Healthy Mind, a talk show focusing on “all things Health and Wellness, particularly in the mental health and behavioral sectors,” continue the conversation sparked by Nun Better: An AMAZING Love Story.

• Joanie shares ways to live your truth as a gay person and find peace and love with God and religion despite rejection. Click here to watch and listen.
• How Joanie’s book explores courage for lesbian love despite church and society’s disapproval. Click here to watch and listen.
• Joanie shares tips to overcome the fear of coming out as gay. Click here to watch and listen.
• Joanie shares tips on how to cope with gay hate and rejection. Click here to watch and listen.
• Discover ways to find the courage to live as an openly gay person. Click here to watch and listen.
• Tips for adults to support, affirm, and guide LGBTQ+ young people. Click here to watch and listen.
• Joanie’s insights about being gay, loving God, and finding spiritual peace and love. Click here to watch and listen.

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I eagerly took the phone and heard the most unique and joyous voice. It was Sister Carol, and she said, “Merry Christmas, Joanie. I really am glad that you and I get to work together.”

Never in my life had my insides done backflips and cartwheels after simply hearing a voice. Soft, slow, gentle and happy, her voice struck me as a shooting star from the heavens, eliciting calm yet incredible joy deep within me. It’s still difficult to find words to describe the spirit of love circling me in that moment, lighting sparks that would later burst into flames.

After the call, Sister Carol’s spunky, joyous tone reverberated through my entire being, awakening something in the deepest crevices of my heart. I didn’t know what it was. It felt amazingly light, beautiful and holy, like guarding angels were looking over me. This blessed me with a permanent smile as her voice played over and over in my mind. And my heart said to trust in God with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5-6).

I believe that God had called me to religious life to meet Carol!  I believe God orchestrated the serendipitous circumstances for us to fall in love.

“NUN BETTER: An AMAZING Love Story will make your spirit soar as you laugh and cry both tears of joy and sadness,” says Elizabeth Ann Atkins, co-creator of Two Sisters Writing & Publishing® who coached Joanie through the book-writing process, then edited the manuscript.

“Joanie’s fun, high-energy writing style escorts you on a magic carpet ride through 40 years of fun with her beloved Carol—as well as their parallel lives before the electrifying moment when they first met. As you read, you’ll reflect on the meaning of life, the power of love, and the undeniable hand of God that shapes us as individuals, guides us to find bliss with our soul mates, and together, enables us to light up the world with limitless love.”

The public is invited to meet Joanie Lindenmeyer and purchase autographed copies of Nun Better at book signings:

Here’s to fun times: Come celebrate 4 months on the Amazon top 100 as a best selling 2023 author and published book. Meet and greet with Joanie, get your signed paperback copy for $20 and the hard cover for $35. Think Christmas gifts.

Start 2024 with inspiration, courage, and joy as you read, laugh and cry with Joanie and Carol’s Amazing Love Story and hear about the progress of the next two books! YES, TWO More BOOKS!
Please and thank you for your support of the local restaurants and locations to make this a win-win.

Friday December 1, 2023
Hiouchi Cafe Restaurant
Hosted by Kevin Findlay, owner.
Hiouchi, California, 10 miles east east of Crescent City, California in the the redwoods, 2095 Hwy US 199,
2:00-5:30pm

Thursday January 4, 2024
First Chapter Coffee House
Hosted by Alyssa
29325 Ellensburg Ave
Gold Beach, Orgeon 97444
11:00am-1:00pm

Saturday January 6, 2024
Come Meet my Publisher and Author of The Veronica Series, the brilliant and super kind, Catherine Greenspan.
Chetco Community Library: Julie, Erik and staff as the hosts.
405 Alder St.
Brookings, Oregon 97415
3:00-5:00pm in the large Forest Room

Bentonville Arkansas
Date TBD, approx. Dec. 8-13, 2023
Hosts: William Burse, Brittany Poe and Carrie Burse
Check facebook: Joanie Lindenmeyer

Would you like to host a celebration in your area or with your book club or organization? Go for it!! Big or small, it’s exhilarating!

Scheduling will open January of 2024.
June of 2024 will be the launching of two more fabulous books—co-authored by best-selling literary powerhouse genius Elizabeth Ann Atkins and best-selling Nun Better author Joanie Lindenmeyer. These will rock the world alive. See us at Pride events or at your hosted events! Wowzer!!
Contact Elizabeth at twosisterswriting.com or message Joanie on Facebook to book your date. Looking forward to seeing you live or on Zoom.

Previous:
Thanks to Margie and Nicole.
Maple Ridge Senior Living
548 N Main St.
Ashland, Oregon
Location is in the activity room
Thursday, October 5, 2023
3-4:30pm

Where: Rebel Hearts Books
157 W. California Street
Jacksonville, Oregon 97530
541-702-2665
When: Friday October 6, 2023
Time: 1-3pm

First Presbyterian Church, 1615 Clark Ave., Ashland. Oregon
Sunday, October 8th, 2023
Meet and get your book autographed, presentation by Joanie and let’s discuss religion and LGBTQ+ life
Service at 10 a.m. Author session 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Open to all!!

Under the Umbrella Book Store.
Thanks to Kaitlyn and Jenny Leffler.
Book store location is:
511 W200 S
suite 120
Saturday, September 23, 2023
2-4 pm
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101

Monday, July 17, 2023
4-6 p.m.
Aberdeen Arts Center
200 W. Market St
Aberdeen, WA
Host Suzie Holt
Refreshments will be served
Nun Better: An AMAZING Love Story book celebration, reading, purchases and autograph signings. Come join in the fun. Carol and Joanie’s old stomping grounds during 1986-1992.

July 29, 2023
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pride in the Park Coos @ Boynton Park
North Bend, Oregon
Book signing at booth for NUN BETTER

October 7, 2020
SO Pride
Ashland, Oregon
Stay tuned for more information!