Nun Better: An Amazing Love Story (Paperback or Softback)

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.

Joanie Lindenmeyer is a former Catholic nun and retired teacher and coach who enjoys playing and watching sports, traveling, fishing, gardening, playing guitar, listening to music, hiking and walking, baking treats and hanging out with family and friends. Filled with joy and hope, she believes Jesus is her best friend. In 1982, she met Carol Tierheimer and they married on August 5, 2020.Raised in San Diego, California, she taught Physical Education and Health in public high school for 25 years, after teaching Religion and P.E. for four years in Catholic elementary schools. She coached boys and girls sports teams for 20 years.Joanie worked at two nonprofits and a county Department of Health in areas of community health, addictions, teen pregnancy, sexuality, child abuse prevention, HIV/AIDS prevention, STI testing and counseling, and wellness. A San Diego State University graduate, she was a member of the university volleyball team and has a California teaching credential. She was a Catholic Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet, ministering in many ways. Her dedication shines to people of all ages, making their lives brighter, happier and healthier. She was committed to her one and only, lifetime lover and spouse of 40 years and is a recent widow. Joanie and Carol Tierheimer began writing Nun Better: An AMAZING Love Story together in the Brookings, Oregon home they shared for 31 years.

Carol Tierheimer was a former Catholic nun who devoted her life's work to spreading the joy and peace of Jesus while dedicating her heart and soul to her 40-year lovefest with Joanie Lindenmeyer.Carol loved the majestic beauty of Mother Nature, as well as wearing bright clothes, singing, dancing and embarking on adventures, near and far, with Joanie.Raised in Los Angeles, California, Carol graduated from St. Mary's Academy as a "blue tie" and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ), Los Angeles Providence. Then Sister Veronica Joseph (Carol) enthusiastically began ministry in elementary education. With her love of music and exceptional talent, she learned and taught guitar plus she developed youth folk groups in parishes and schools including Del Mar, Sonoma, and the Valley. Missioned to Lewiston, Idaho, St. Stanislaus Parish, she provided Adult Ed, RCIA, home-bound visitations, liturgy planning and marriage annulments, and served as the "parish Sister" where she did everything but say the Mass. Hand in hand with the Jesuit priests, she made a huge impact for all. She moved to Aberdeen, Washington as a parish sister and then Portland, Oregon, where she was the Jesuit Volunteer Regional Director for Alaska. In Brookings, she worked at South Coast Employment Center.Carol earned her Master's Degree from Fairfield University in Psychology, Counseling and Spirituality, her true gifts. She visited and cared for people in all kinds of situations, needs and circumstances. She was never too busy for a friend and everyone was her friend. Joy, confidence, and love were her daily devotions to all, from bishops to beggars. Carol loved and encouraged everyone to be their best. In 1982, she met Joanie Lindenmeyer and they married on August 5, 2020. Together they grew more in love with each other and life. Throughout Carol's life, she devoted herself to helping people to be their "very best self" through her kindness, compassion and joy. This devotion was evident in her actions, jobs and the myriad of organizations she was a part of. People witnessed her humility, wisdom and intuition through her personal relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Carol lived by Proverbs 3:5: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart." After Carol went to heaven on January 30, 2022, a rose garden was planted and continues to bloom in memory of her joyous, happy spirit in the front yard of the home she shared with Joanie for 31 years.

Elizabeth Ann Atkins is a best-selling author, award-winning TV host, actress, and journalist who teaches how to unlock one's infinite potential to live and love in peace and purpose. Elizabeth's and sister Catherine M. Greenspan created Two Sisters Writing & Publishing, which has written and published 32 memoirs, novels, business books, poetry books, and journals since its creation in 2016.The company also hosts monthly writing contests and the Two Sisters Writing Club, and showcases their blog, A Tale of Two Sisters. Elizabeth and Catherine have written and published dozens of books, including their mother's book, The Triumph of Rosemary: A Memoir, by Judge Marylin E. Atkins. Their mother wrote the book herself, chronicling her controversial, interracial marriage to former Roman Catholic Priest Thomas Lee Atkins. Elizabeth has a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University and a bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of Michigan.She has been a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, NPR, and many other programs. As America's Book Coach, she helps aspiring authors achieve their dreams of becoming published authors.The bestselling author of 40 books, Elizabeth also co-hosts MI Healthy Mind, a weekly TV show aiming to shatter the stigma of mental illness, addiction, and abuse. Elizabeth's new book, The Biss Tribe: Activating Your Goddess Power, inspired her popular podcast/YouTube show, The Goddess Power Show.She is also a certified meditation teacher and wellness advocate.