Melanie M. Jeschke

It's 1964 and young American Kate Hughes anticipates finding knowledge--and perhaps love--at Oxford University.  She discovers possibilities in David MacKenzie, a young lecturer who carries on the legacy of his friend and mentor, C.S. Lewis.  But conflict arises when she also catches the eye of the dashing Lord Stuart Devereux. Kate's heart is torn between the two men, and her convictions are challenged as her vulnerability draws her to a rendezvous she may regret. Sprinkled with allusions to classic English literature, references to C.S. Lewis, and an appearance from Professor J.R.R. Tolkien himself, this wonderful first novel unfolds with grace into an endearing story that will delight both devotees of The Inklings and readers of romance. This new Harvest House edition of Inklings contains the original novel and an all-new sequel titled Intentions.

Two Love Stories Entwined Across Generations-from the Scottish Highlands to Peaceful Oxford Scottish RAF pilot Eric MacKenzie confronts the skies in a battle against the Nazis while wrestling with the demons of personal loss and deep-seated bitterness. Amidst the tumult of World War II, he finds refuge in his love for Annie, a beautiful American nurse evading air raids and uncertainty by seeking shelter and solace at the Kilns, the home of Oxford don C.S. Lewis. Confronted by unforeseen tragedy, unexpected pregnancy, and uncertain faith, Eric and Annie must navigate these challenging complexities as they search for lasting love. Decades later, they reveal their passionate and turbulent love story to daughter Natalie and suitor Lord Stuart Devereux, who are seeking guidance for their own unpredictable future. Evasions unfolds as a compelling prequel to Inklings and Expectations, interweaving themes of romance, resilience, and the enduring legacy of literary icon C. S. Lewis. This beautifully crafted tale will captivate readers who cherish deep love stories and rich historical narratives. "Step back in time and enjoy an enriching tale of Oxford, C.S. Lewis, and the characters Melanie Jeschke brings to life. You will feel as if you know them personally." Ruth Graham "Melanie Jeschke's meticulous period research is integrated seamlessly into a gripping and delightful yarn of love, faith, and loss set during the horror and terror of war. Playing a small but important part in the central story, C.S. Lewis and his immediate circle in Oxford come to vivid life." Colin Duriez Author of Tolkien and C. S. The Gift of Friendship and A Field Guide to Narnia

A captivating tale of passion and purity under the dreaming spires of Oxford David MacKenzie, Oxford don and leader of the Inklings Society, has a passion for purity. After turning away from his past indiscretions at Cambridge University, David determines to save his next kiss for his wedding day. But his own temptations, struggles with his new girlfriend, and the seductive schemes of his former fiancée all threaten his pursuit. Is purity in courtship really possible? Return to 1960’s Oxford and Cambridge, the universities of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, in this romantic sequel to Inklings, where the lure of contemporary indulgence challenges the charm of old-fashioned chivalry. “A warm tribute to Lewis’ life and legacy. The author’s intimate knowledge of Oxford and the Inklings’ old haunts make this an evocative read for Lewis lovers.” J. Stanley Mattson, Ph.D. President and Founder of the C.S. Lewis Foundation “Fascinating! As a C.S. Lewis fan, I couldn’t help but get involved…a great read!” Loree Lough Author of Fire by Night and Dream Seekers Melanie Morey Jeschke, adjunct professor of English, is the author of The Oxford Chronicles series, including Inklings, Intentions, Expectations, and Evasions, as well as Jillian Dare, the Oxford chapter of Rick Steves’ England guidebook, and numerous travel articles. Melanie Jeschke has studied at Oxford University and has traveled extensively in the UK where she sets her stories. A pastor’s wife, mother of nine, and former home-educator, she resides in Northern Virginia with her family.

"An unforgettable tale of dreams pursued in Tolkien's ""Oxford"" and romantic ""Paris"."" A beautiful autumn afternoon in 1965 finds Kate, David, Austen Holmes, and Yvette Goodman each on their way to the Eastgate Hotel to meet the others. Kate has just learned that she is pregnant. Yvette is struggling with her single status as her twenty-ninth birthday nears. Austen quickly pays a brief visit to the grave of his young wife. David is bursting with the good news that he has been invited to spend the winter term as a visiting lecturer at the American University in Paris. They all have longings, hopes, and dreams. Will God provide as they trust He will, or is His plan for each of them something far beyond their expectations?

From the links of St. Andrews, Scotland, to the blitz of London in World War II, RAF pilot Eric MacKenzie embarks on a dark journey of the soul as he battles the Nazis, personal loss, and bitterness. Evading the bombing raids and her own distressing realizations, American nurse Annie Little finds refuge and renewed faith at the Kilns, home of C.S. Lewis. Eric and Annie reveal their turbulent love story decades later when their daughter Natalie and Lord Stuart Devereux seek wisdom for their own future. Unforeseen tragedy, unplanned pregnancy, and undermined faith lead to hope, commitment, and restoration in this compelling prequel to Inklings and Expectations , that will enthrall romance readers, history buffs, and devotees of Lewis and Tolkien alike.