Dinner at God’s House was initially imagined as the answer to a question, “What if Fate is God’s Court Jester?” Through the years and drafts, Dinner at God’s House evolved into an invitation to explore our pain and unlock the purpose of our lives. It became a story that captured my personal story of healing through a somewhat metaphysical lens. Even with some complicated themes, my hope is you find yourself in the pages—laughing and crying as you become inspired to discover your own path. (COMING SPRING 2024!)
I found myself crying multiple times, laughing out loud, and just appreciating the heartfelt truth-bombs all the way through the story. Todd Lieman has touched on something in this book that few authors can – handling the greatest mysteries of life, the greatest heartbreaks and disappointments with so much…grace and honesty. I can feel the lessons of gratitude, of strength, of rebirth, of MERCY for oneself. The humor throughout is done just right – funny, ironic, bittersweet, profound. And the ending just hits it all home.
Anna-Marie O’Brien
The Story: Erik Bernstein is a master of disguise. Dressing himself in humor, sarcasm, and nicknames, Shirl (as his best friend calls him) successfully deflects intimacy and masks a life tortured by unanswered questions, shame, self-doubt, and bad choices. When he dies suddenly, Berner (as he is known to some) receives an unexpected invitation to dinner at God’s house. Reunited with his childhood dog, long-lost best friend, and other surprising characters from his life, Bernsie (as he is known to others) begins to uncover the truths behind his most painful relationships and take responsibility for his life of lies. On the verge of making peace with the demons that still haunt him, Skippy (as he is known to still others) has an opportunity to meet God, who is waiting to ask him one question. And that’s when things get especially uncomfortable…for Erik.
“Earning a living isn’t about the earning. It’s about the living. I figured this all out on the day I died, a day filled with love, passion, and creativity. I spent that day running in the mountains, making love to Jess, and writing in my hidden café. I was fulfilled. I was alive. I didn’t earn a dime. I earned something far more valuable; my self-respect. Even just for a moment, I earned my living.”
Dinner at God’s House
Described as “Nick Hornby meets The Alchemist,” Dinner at God’s House blends humor, compassion, and courage to deftly explore themes of belonging, mental health, and healing. This unexpected debut novel about life, death, and fate leaves readers filled with hope, joy, wonder, and inspiration.