Nun Better

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

— Joanie Lindenmeyer

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

####

 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 in Southern Oregon:

·     More Events Coming Soon