INKLINGS   Book One of The Oxford Chronicles Retail: $12.99 ISBN13: 978-0-7369-1436-9 ISBN10: 0-7369-1436-6 Release Date: July 01, 2004 Buy now from Amazon.com Inklings, Book One of The Oxford Chronicles or buy a signed copy directly from Melanie. 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. The  Harvest House edition of Inklings contains the original novel and an all–new sequel titled Intentions. NOTE: This is a picture of the original Xulon edition of Inklings. It does not contain the sequel Intentions so if you have read this and want to continue the series, please buy the Harvest House edition of Inklings. But hang on to your Xulon edition. There are a limited number, so perhaps they will be valuable one day! A Word from the Author “Challenged with setting a novel in Oxford involving the great Christian authors C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, I envisioned fictional characters of the next generation who could tell these writers’ stories with fresh voices. Before I knew it, my characters David and Kate were heading toward romance with all its joys and complications. I hope their story will not only entertain and enlighten my readers with the rich spiritual, historical, and literary world of Oxford and the Inklings, but will also inspire them with its clear call to purity and commitment in love and courtship.” —Melanie M. Jeschke, author of Inklings Editorial Reviews “Inklings, by first–time author Melanie Jeschke, is a novel set in Oxford in 1964. It combines romance, biography, and a love for C.S. Lewis. Although the book starts on the day of his funeral, Lewis is the central character, with his memory hovering over Oxford, drawing earnest admirers to the ancient university, and awakening in them a desire to follow in his Christian footsteps. Lewis inspires a young Oxford don to start a new Inklings group, where current students can come together for Christian community as they discuss literature, especially the works of the original Inklings. Of course, there is romance, but unlike a typical contemporary romance, the characters are determined to seek God’s will for their lives and maintain their purity. Educational side benefits of this engaging first novel, meant to be the first in a series: lots of details about Lewis’s life and works, and even some intelligent discussion of Christian themes in Shakespeare.” —World Magazine “Melanie Jeschke has a writing career sure to last a long time if her debut novel is any indication. Inklings is a romance with so much more than just fluff; it also educates its reader on the lives of classic literary giants such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Set in 1964 shortly after C.S. Lewis’s death, it combines fact and fiction so well, the reader will truly believe the hero actually did know Lewis in real life. Come take a tour of Cambridge and Oxford with Kate and David as your tour guides and sit in on some meetings of the Inklings; it is truly an amazing adventure!” —RomanceJunkies.com “First–time author, Melanie M. Jeschke has written a beautifully readable book, filled with literary allusions and the essence of spirituality. Inklings is clearly the start of what will be a luminous writing career for Melanie Jeschke.” —The Romance Readers Connection “For romance lovers out there this is the book for you.” —Teens4Jesus Library “I really believe this book should be a requirement of all teenagers approaching the dating age. It gives them a good perspective and guidelines of how a serious relationship should be handled. I ANXIOUSLY await the sequel.” —Heavenly Sunshine Newsletter Reader Reviews “Melanie Jeschke’s novel is a warm tribute to Lewis’ life and legacy. Her intimate knowledge of Oxford, and the Inklings’ old haunts make this an evocative read for Lewis lovers.” —Dr. J. Stanley Mattson, Ph.D., President and Founder of the C.S. Lewis Foundation “Melanie’s book captures the spirit of Oxford, the spirit of Lewis, the spirit of the American studying abroad...an engaging read for anyone interested in any of these and a treasure for those like me who cherish all three.” —Jodi Johnson, Head Resident of The Kilns, C.S. Lewis’ home in Oxford “Fascinating! As a C.S. Lewis fan, I couldn’t help but get involved...a great read!” —Loree Lough, author of Pocketful of Love and The Wedding Wish “Melanie has produced an evocative, romantic, and charming novel. Familiar places and names are brought to life in this beautiful story about discovering oneself and discovering love amongst the dreamy spires of Oxford.” —Tiffany Ponsonby, wife of the Chaplain to the Oxford Pastorate and Assistant Minister, St. Aldate’s Anglican Church, Oxford, England “Inklings is a delightful first novel...(it) evokes the charm and mystery of Oxford and its beautiful landscapes, as well as depicting the impact of C.S. Lewis and other writers, including J.R.R. Tolkien, known as the Inklings, on Oxford literary culture and the lives of those who treasure their works. The series...promises to be a rich treasure for three kinds of readers: (1) those who enjoy a narrative of chaste courtship; (2) those who love the work, life, and times of C.S. Lewis, and/or (3) those who would love to remember/encounter Oxford, ‘the city of gleaming spires’. I heartily recommend this work to all three groups; I can’t wait for the next two in the series.” —Dr. Bruce. L. Edwards, Associate Dean and Professor of English at Bowling Green State     University, international lecturer, seminar leader, and scholar on the Inklings “I very much enjoyed the unique combination of romance with the clear emphasis on purity and courtship...Great reading for busy home–school moms who would like a refreshing (and romantic!) escape from those schoolbooks!” —Vickie Farris, author of A Mom Just Like You “Melanie Jeschke skillfully takes her readers into the inspiring world of Oxford, in her first novel, Inklings. Any fan of C.S. Lewis or J.R.R. Tolkien will find themselves enthralled with this marvelous, romantic book.” —Dr. Patrick Kavanaugh, Executive Director, The Christian Performing Artists’ Fellowship    and  author of the book The Spiritual Lives of the Great Composers “Melanie has brought to life characters that are well–delineated, truly believable and thoroughly engaging. Her vast first–hand experience of and appreciation for the various locales she so skillfully depicts places the reader in situ. The dreaming spires of Oxford and the striking beauty of Cambridge come vividly alive! Her in–depth, detailed knowledge of the lives and writings of Lewis and Tolkien as well as many other literary giants enlarges our own and inspires us to revisit and explore them for ourselves. Melanie’s strong Christian message of faith and values is clearly and unapologetically set forth.” —Earl and Betty Morey, author of Search the Scriptures and Our God Reigns: A Guide to        Understanding Revelation “What a wonderful gift Melanie Jeschke has given to the Christian community in her book Inklings! She has crafted a story which makes personal holiness and the glory of God vivid without being preachy. At the same time the romantic tension between the characters makes you cry, ‘Yikes! This is so real!’ Inklings qualifies both as great entertainment and as a ministry tool to introduce Christians and non–Christians alike to the joys of following God’s ways in human relationships. Bravo!” —David Bruce Linn, Pastor–Teacher “Harvest House’s new edition of Melanie Jescke’s Inklings, which includes Jeschke’s sequel novel, Intentions, is a pleasure to read for numerous reasons. Jeschke brings the reader fully into the world of 1960s Oxford, with its churches and pubs, its quads and punts, its ivy and stone, even its student robes and miniskirts. But one of the most enjoyable aspects of both books is the tension created through a lack of candor between the characters. Jeschke pulls off this effect well, despite the novel’ s contemporary time frame, because of the story’s proper, old–world setting.” —Trish Perry, Editor of The Ink and the Spirit, author of The Guy I'm Not Dating “Inklings by Melanie Jeschke is an entertaining read. Her characters are believable, eliciting this reader’s involved response to their thought and actions. The take is well told, with placed times of suspense and uncertainty as to what may transpire in given challenging situations, but with that underlying sense that all will be well! The research into the lives of C.S. Lewis and Tolkien and the physical settings and events that are part of the life of Cambridge and Oxford are a real bonus. There are some wonderful descriptions, choice quotations and reminders for this C.S. Lewis fan which are most rewarding. The book is spiritually refreshing in respect to the openness with which the sexuality issues of male/female relationships are fully acknowledged as present and good, without the usual unnecessary exploitation of the issues. One can quite happily give this book to young friends. What a blessing! We recommend this as a delightful read and look forward to the next exciting episode!” —John & Roslyn Langlois, Masterworks Festival “We received the beautiful copy of Inklings, by Melanie J. We were delighted to see that Harvest House picked up this title.” —Jenefer Igarashi, Director of Marketing, "The Old Schoolhouse Magazine" “Many romantic novels are mawkish. However, this love story, burdened by the hero’s Puritan insistence on not kissing before the wedding ceremony, adds to the usual crises and tensions to be overcome by the course of true love, a further item of difficulty. The setting in academic Oxford, and incidents in and allusions to other hallowed places—‘Eagle and Child,’ the Kilns, Blenheim Palace, Cantabrigian Magdalene, as well as Oxonian Magdalen College, Ely Grantchester, et al– dignify and enhance this familiar schema considerably. The author artfully situates her story in its numerous venerable venues so that any who have enjoyed visits to them identify happily with the context as much as with the sterling lovers. Over all these places and events brood the benign spirits of C.S. (Jack) Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, whose devotees are bound to read and re–read portions of the text. Guaranteed to profit all readers who love the Inklings, young, pure love, and these ancient locales.” —T. Grady Spires, Professor Emeritus, Gordon College, Philosophy Department “Melanie Jeschke weaves a great love story with the fascinating Oxford world of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. The Inklings fraternity was probably one of the most interesting and stimulating small groups of all time. Melanie takes you there to enjoy the greatest of fellowship and debate coupled with modern–day romance and intrigue. A delicious combination—especially for admirers of Jack and the author of Lord of the Rings.” —Ron Boehme, Youth With a Mission “I have just finished the first book in The Oxford Chronicles, Inklings and I loved it so much! I have put in a book request for the second book to be purchased for our library system. I can hardly wait to read that too! Thank you, Melanie, for sharing your talent with us—God has put your gift to good use and encouraged at least this mother of many young children in her walk with the Lord!” —Christin Lockhart “These books have been absolutely enchanting! I look forward to her next book, and anxiously wait for it. I have both Inklings and Expectations and have passed them on to some of my close friends to read. I will definitely reread them soon. It’s so nice to read books that have ‘real’ values” —Jessica “I absolutely adored this book and, I tell you, I could not put it down! I simply loved how she applied everyday life to our everyday walk with God! I cannot wait to read the next book and see how I can also apply its spiritual morals to my own life!” —Laura A Wonderful Story Melanie Jeschke has written a fresh and captivating novel! Once I started, I could not put it down. She weaves a story to create a tapestry of encouragement, love, purity, and commitment with twists and turns to keep this from being a formula novel. Once thing is that her characters are real, not the wishy-washy 'perfect' Christians. They deal with real issues that we all deal with on some level. I highly recommend this book and have given it to several friends and family. -----Carrie Kimball, Shreveport, LA, a home-school mom of 6 children. Simply beautiful All of the timeless romance that we book and English lovers dream of, and plenty of spiritual messages concerning dating and marriage that we might have been looking for. Jeschke writes this book with an inspiring elegance, and provides an excellent cast of characters that are so good you can't pick a favorite. A must-read. Also recommended: Expectations, you must read the sequel if you loved the first. ---Renee, a hopelessly romantic lover of words Outstanding!!!!! I couldn't put this book down!!! It was perhaps one of the best books I have read in a long time!!! Good spiritual elements also! Made me want to study at Oxford!! -----A reviewer, a student and Europe lover!