Book Blurb:
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:
I was enraptured with this story from the very first page. It starts with a bang and doesn't let up. It's one of those books where you sit down to read a page or two and look up 10 chapters later. You know, the kind where you are annoyed to have to return to real life, even for a moment.
When I picked up this book, I was not expecting the complexity of the characters, and the vibrant historical details, and the rich depth of emotions. My heart was dragged along for the ride. It soared and broke for Luther and Katharina at times as they tried to navigate their many differences. I'll be honest... I shed a tear or two for several of the characters. They were so real, it was impossible not to. :)
This book also made me truly appreciate my relationship with God and the religious freedom that we have today. I can't imagine not being able to pray my own thoughts and feelings or not be able to read the Bible.
5 stars just isn't enough for this truly excellent read.
(Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)