What happens when two women commit to serving the Catholic Church as nuns-Brides of Christ, taking vows of chastity-but fall passionately in love?
They must defy the Church's rules against same-sex relationships and blaze a bold trail for a joyous, adventurous life together-at a time when LGBTQ people could be killed for being gay and same-sex marriage was decades in the future.
Now Joanie Lindenmeyer and Carol Tierheimer are sharing their courageous and blissful, 40-year journey in NUN BETTER: An AMAZING Love Story.
Their breathtaking love story showcases the magic and miracles of love, and two women's unshakable devotion to spreading joy and peace in the spirit of God.
This electrifying saga begins with the first time young Joanie heard Sister Carol's voice over the phone, as she embarked on religious training in a convent run by Sister Carol, who was 15 years older.
Until then, while growing up separately in Southern California, both women had heard the call at a young age to serve God as nuns, and allowed parallel paths that merged in Lewiston, Idaho.
From the magic moment that they first looked into each other's eyes, their spirits danced with knowing that each had found her forever soul mate.
From there, they devoted themselves to religious life and training, while secretly cultivating an epic romance.
Finally, both women left the Church, embarking on a blissful life together in Washington state, then coastal Oregon. All the while, they created loving communities for gay and lesbian friends who felt safe and celebrated.
Meanwhile, Joanie and Carol petitioned the Catholic Church to allow gay marriage, but despite their fervent prayers, hope and requests of priests to perform their sacramental union, a Catholic marriage was denied.
Undaunted, they officially wed with an Episcopalian priest.
In the midst of their life of romance, adventures and travels, a health tragedy struck Carol, and Joanie's loving care of her life partner personified their wedding vow of "in sickness and in health."
Then, after Carol went to heaven, Joanie honored their dream of composing their story in a book to share with people everywhere.
Nun Better shares their trailblazing journey in a world where their forbidden love exploded like a sunburst of joy and peace for all who knew them. Now this book will do that for readers around the world, and can be especially affirming for LGBTQ+ individuals who are seeking hope and help to find love, peace and spiritual comfort.
