Intended AudienceTrade
Reviews"Dreams in the Distance is a big juicy epic novel which spans decades in The Choice series and connects believable characters I grew to know, love, and admire as they navigated difficult choices. Strong heroes / heroines show bravery, depth - even faith - as they struggle through war, endure death, experience romance, and deal with other life circumstances which drive this intriguing plot. As a follower of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, I found the ties to these great authors as background characters to be fun and satisfying. is full of heart. I look forward to more from this author." Carolyn Curtis, award-winning journalist and author, whose latest book is Women and C.S. Lewis: What his life and literature reveal for today's culture (Lion Hudson plc, Oxford, England). "Nan Rinella's great love for C. S. Lewis and for modern British culture come together beautifully in the first of her historical novels, Dreams in the Distance, Book 1 of The Choice series. She takes you to Oxford in the early 20th century, where her characters rub shoulders with the likes of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien while dealing with the challenges from the war, the challenges to their faith, and the challenges of finding a lasting love. This story is entertaining, inspiring, and thought-provoking." Terry Glaspey, editor and author of a dozen books including C.S. Lewis: His Life & Thought; Not a Tame Lion: The Spiritual Legacy of C.S. Lewis and the Chronicles of Narnia; and 75 Masterpieces Every Christian Should Know: The Fascinating Stories behind Great Works of Art, Literature, Music, and Film. "Dreams in the Distance is a novel of love and war, faith and doubt, intellect and insight. Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis will be charmed by the interweaving of familiar Oxfordshire settings and by the appearance of these literary giants as secondary characters. Throughout, author Nan Rinella displays her passion for history and literature, and for the research that brings it together." Joy Jordan-Lake is a part-time professor and the author of the bestselling novel A Tangled Mercy, as well as the award-winning Blue Hole Back Home and other books "It was a pleasure to see the fruition of Nan Rinella's study of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and their works. She has breathed life into the memory of these spiritual giants. It was a joy to experience their company again as they acted as spiritual mentors to her characters. Dreams in the Distance should appeal to Lewis/Tolkien devotees and draw readers to further explore their lives and works." Steven Elmore is Vice President of Events & Communications, C.S. Lewis Foundation
Series Volume NumberVol. 1
SynopsisDreams in the Distance , Book One of THE CHOICE Series What voices influence your choices? 1952 Britain enjoys peace and renewed prosperity. However, after WWII personal battles rage for the souls of three veterans and two English ingénues. Listening to perverse inner voices instead of powerful whispers could derail their dreams. Former Seaforth Highlander, 6'6'' redheaded Master Sergeant O. C. Ogilvie, recipient of the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest military decoration for valor, confronts Guilt and Ridicule while struggling to overcome battle fatigue. His brother's voice attempts to destroy him, but Ollie's guardian angel-a wee chap in a bonnet and kilt- wants him to live and love again as he studies at Oxford. The intriguing former USAAF ace fighter pilot, Major Dan McCauley, recipient of a Distinguished Service Cross (2nd highest military decoration for heroism) lived to fly. But war wounds grounded him, stealing his dream. Blaming God, he listens to Self-Pity and chooses humanism in an attempt to find peace as a UCLA professor. During the war, handsome Royal Navy Lt. Commander Hugh Claiborne's exceptional intellect got him assigned to Naval Intelligence. That demolished his wartime sea-duty dream of glory. Now, based at Britain's embassy in Washington D. C., career aspirations assist Pride and Denial in the struggle with his feelings for his sister's best friend in England. Phila Claiborne, Hugh's sister and the Earl of Wembley's daughter, dreams of finding Prince Charming at her birthday ball or at Oxford, where she's a student. Insecurity and Envy make her question whether her brilliant mind and love of learning are compatible with her heart's desire. A vicar's beautiful daughter and Phila's best friend, Lily Whitely, aspires to be a fashion designer. She plans to wear the gown she designed for her school's Queen Elizabeth's Coronation contest to Phila's ball. And, Lily wants to be present for the announcement of the winner. When a family opportunity interferes, Loyalty and Rebellion instigate a heart-wrenching, life-changing choice. Infused with the influences (and appearances) of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, Nan Rinella has crafted a powerful tale about the voices that influence our choices and the challenges of listening to those that can make our dreams come true. Coming soon: Book Two, Hopes on the Horizon, Book I: THE CHOICE series, Dreams in the Distance 1952 London & C.S. Lewis's & J.R.R. Tolkien's Oxford: Two ingénues & three WWII veterans pursue their dreams. Faced with life's choices, including suspense, tragedy, and romance, they are inundated by supernatural influences as holy voices of inspiration battle insidious voices of seduction., Dreams in the Distance, Book I of THE CHOICE series: What voices influence your choices? Make your choice, adventurous Stranger, Strike the bell and bide the danger, Or wonder, till it drives you mad, What would have followed if you had? The Magician's Nephew, C. S. Lewis In 1952 London and C. S. Lewis's & J. R. R. Tolkien's Oxford, five young people pursue their Dreams in the Distance as they choose their life paths influenced by either holy voices of inspiration or insidious voices of seduction. Faced with your greatest choices, how do you know which one is right? It is 1952 Britain. The war is over, but not the personal battles for beautiful Lily Whitely; brilliant Phila Claiborne; her brother, the blueblood Hugh Claiborne; the brave Ollie Ogilvie; and the beguiling Dan McCauley. Lily desires a future and fame in the world of fashion. Phila revels in studying at university with her literary heroes, but longs to find her Prince Charming. Hugh's deepest desire is to find the glory and honor he never realized during the war. Ollie confronts his wartime demons, proceeding a new life path hoping to find happiness. Dan, grounded from flying, seeks solace in humanism and the love of a woman. But they have an enemy more insidious than they ever could have imagined, one bent on destroying their dreams - and their souls. They find themselves tangled in a web of personal crises and deception, throughout London and Oxford, where they encounter angels, dark whispers, and choices that will change their lives forever. Infused with the influences (and appearances) of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, Nan Rinella has crafted a powerful tale about the decisions we make (and where those decisions take us) that will delight readers far beyond their expectations. Book II: Hope on the Horizon