Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund


BY JODY HEDLUND

She was a nun of noble birth. He, a heretic, a reformer…an outlaw of the Holy Roman Empire.  




In the 16th century, nun Katharina von Bora’s fate fell no further than the Abbey. Until she read the writings of Martin Luther.
His sweeping Catholic church reformation—condemning a cloistered life and promoting the goodness of marriage—awakened her desire for everything she’d been forbidden. Including Martin Luther himself. 
Despite the fact that the attraction and tension between them is undeniable, Luther holds fast to his convictions and remains isolated, refusing to risk anyone’s life but his own. And Katharina longs for love, but is strong-willed. She clings proudly to her class distinction, pining for nobility over the heart of a reformer. They couldn’t be more different. 
But as the world comes tumbling down around them, and with Luther’s threatened life a constant strain, these unlikely allies forge an unexpected bond of understanding, support and love. 
Together, they will alter the religious landscape forever.



MY THOUGHTS-Martin Luther is a name well-known in our house. The stand he took and the 95 Theses that were nailed to the door of the Church are things I know. But in the pages of this new book by Jody Hedlund, I found information about the man that is not widely publicized. The passionate husband, distressed follower of the Lord and the leader who wanted to do nothing more than teach others about what he had learned.

A fictional story always draws me in more than a biography. Not that I don't read biographies, I do, but it seems to make the time go faster and be more enjoyable. Needless to say, it definitely did with this one! Jody Hedlund makes the romance come alive, the harsh struggles and battles that Luther fought seem real, and the temptations and trials that Katharina had to deal with I felt were brought to life. It also made me want to go back and research some things. Did Katharina really sign with the other nuns? Was she born of noble birth and have issues over being a servant? I have seen the Luther movie and it portrays Katharina as desiring Luther from the beginning, but this book shows their love as blooming and growing, even to the point of her not liking him from the start. In fact, they seem to battle more with each other than say anything gracious:) Again, an excellent book from Jody! I love her fictional books that bring the past to life!





**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

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