by
ALLISON PITTMAN
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Publisher: Tyndale House
Date of Publication: September 1, 2017
Number of Pages: 432
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Germany, 1505
In the dark of night, Katharina von Bora says the bravest good-bye a six-year-old can muster and walks away as the heavy convent gate closes behind her.
Though the cold walls offer no comfort, Katharina soon finds herself calling the convent her home. God, her father. This, her life. She takes her vows--a choice more practical than pious--but in time, a seed of discontent is planted by the smuggled writings of a rebellious excommunicated priest named Martin Luther. Their message? That Katharina is subject to God, and no one else. Could the Lord truly desire more for her than this life of servitude?
In her first true step of faith, Katharina leaves the only life she has ever known. But the freedom she has craved comes with a price, and she finds she has traded one life of isolation for another. Without the security of the convent walls or a family of her own, Katharina must trust in both the God who saved her and the man who paved a way for rescue. Luther's friends are quick to offer shelter, but Katharina longs for all Luther has promised: a home, a husband, perhaps even the chance to fall in love.
Praise for Loving Luther
[Pittman] pens an exquisite tale, capturing the emotions of a nun grappling with the faith she’s always known vs. a new and unfamiliar freedom in faith. Simmering with tension of Katharina’s discontent and longings, the novel unveils a slow morphing that follows Katharina’s own personal transformation, from reverence to spirited determination in choosing her own way in the world. -- Booklist
Loving Luther is a moving and rich historical romance based on Luther’s relationship with his wife Katharina. In addition, it shows how their marriage was actually significant to the Lutheran faith. Instead of dwelling on the couple’s courtship, the story goes deep into the roots of the Reformation. Luther and Katharina interrogate their faith, living out their convictions in a way that is both inspiring and profoundly human. Loving Luther has depth, and it is unexpectedly touching. Katharina and Luther, in search of a happy ending, find one another. Their love, Pittman shows, really did change the world. -- Foreword Magazine
A historical novel with characters who are brave, strong and willing to take chances in times of persecution. The plot is partially based on the teachings of Martin Luther and the many lives he changed, some for the better, some for the worse. Pittman is a talented author who touches on topics that have been debated over the decades and are still being talked about today. -- Romantic Times Reviews
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I didn’t know what to expect when offered the opportunity of
reading and reviewing LOVING LUTHER by Allison Pittman. As a Christian and a
history buff (having minored in history at the university), I had a feeling
that this book would strike some chord within my nerdy little heart.
And so it did. In fact, it struck many a chord, and sent my
thumpin’ gizzard a beatin’.
But I’m getting ahead of myself.
First of all, one must appreciate the aesthetics of Pittman’s
gorgeous book. The cover art is lovely, and despite the fact that it is over
400 pages long, it sits well in the reader’s hands making it easy to sip hot tea while devouring the story. There’s nothing better than a good book and a steaming
cuppa tea, I say!
Observe how well the two go together.
What’s that, you say? You caught that mention of 400 pages?
Aha! You are paying attention. Yes, Pittman takes her time revealing the story told from
Katherina von Bora’s point of view, of how she comes to live at the convent, and what her life grows to become over
the following years.
In truth, it is as if the reader is pulled into the very
fabric of Katherine’s story. Through her eyes, we meet the people instrumental
in shaping her life. For you see, she was a real person. Pittman skillfully tells
this tale in such a way as to bring Katherine back to life…or…does she send us
back in time? I shall let you be the judge of that.
Oh, how I long to tell you all the details of this intricate
story. But I won’t give any spoilers. However, I will tell you this: I see an
archetype playing out here that tastes strongly like…
*Le Sigh* One of my favorite stories of all times. I may
have minored in history, but I majored in literature, and I love me some Jane
Austen. But I digress…
Allow me to illustrate.
Sound familiar? Did you love Sense and Sensibility as much
as I? Good. For I assure you that you will devour this true story of hardship,
rebellion, unrequited love, and a love triangle that will have you longing to
punch a dude in the throat.
Pittman’s prose is pristine. Her voice fresh, unique, and
intelligent. I was immediately engaged in the story and was awoken more than
once in the early morning hours by the tugging of the story until I read just a
few more chapters.
Heartrending and engaging, LOVING LUTHER reveals the untold
story of an ex-nun, rescued by a revolutionary, and granted a chance at a new
life. Did true love win out? Was there a happily-ever-after? I’ll let you
discover that for yourself.
Prepare yourself for the story of a lifetime!
One last thing, within these pages, you’ll meet other people
who shared the lives of the main characters. For instance, you’ll meet the
artist who painted Martin’s and Katherina’s portraits (shown above.) Lucas Canach was a gifted artist
who also created famous works of art such as this painting of the Gospels:
I know you’ll adore LOVING LUTHER as much as I did.
I loved
it so much that I grant it
5 Fabulous Brooms
for making my nerdy heart go
pitter patter!
Allison Pittman is the author of more than a dozen critically acclaimed novels and a three-time Christy finalist—twice for her Sister Wife series and once for All for a Story from her take on the Roaring Twenties. She lives near San Antonio, Texas, blissfully sharing an empty nest with her husband, Mike.
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TEN SIGNED COPIES OF LOVING LUTHER
October 2-October 11, 2017
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Oh, my sweet brooms! This is one of my favorite reviews, ever! I love the Sense and Sensibility comparison. That gets to be a screenshot on my phone for days when I feel like the worst hack, ever. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are so very welcome! I truly enjoyed reading LOVING LUTHER, and it is an honor to have you on my blog! XOXO Thank you for writing such an excellent book!
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