Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Luther and Katharina

GIVEAWAY

HEDLUND, JODY
LUTHER AND KATHARINA

Katharina von Bora has seen nothing but the inside of cloister walls since she was five. In a daring escape, Katharina finds refuge with Martin Luther and seeks his help to pair her with the noble, wealthy husband she desires.

As class tensions and religious conflicts escalate toward the brink of war, Martin Luther believes that each day could be his last and determines he will never take a wife.

As the horrors of the bloody Peasant War break out around them, the proud Katharina and headstrong Martin Luther fight their own battle for true love, in one of the greatest love stories of history.


My Review:

Hedlund brings history to life in this fascinating fictional biography. I trust this author with her research and I think she did an amazing job of blending fact and fiction in order to create a captivating story that highlights the incredible drama of the Reformation. Yes, she has taken some literary license but she distinguishes actual history from fictional embellishment in an author's note at the end of the book.

Stark and gritty at times, this isn't a tale for the faint of heart. I was completely enthralled. The danger -- the corruption of the Church of Rome -- the oppression of the nuns -- class unrest -- such a dark time in history and yet the hope of the Reformation burns brightly.

While Hedlund doesn't shy away from the heavy subject matter, there are surprising light moments as well. I chuckled my way through Martin and Katharina's first meet and the subsequent days afterwards. Barbed comments and snappish comebacks galore! Lady Katharina is very much aware of her noble lineage and just as aware of Martin's lack thereof. As much as this is a fictional account, the author has taken pains to capture their personalities. Exceptional details that make this a gripping and complex read.

I was overwhelmed with a feeling of awe by time I finished this book,  Realization slammed into me -- this is my history as a Christian. Martin Luther is the reason I have the freedom to worship. I don't ever want to take that for granted! Bless Jody Hedlund for reminding me of that fact.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Luther and Katharina please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 15 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

45 comments:

  1. She is a fabulous author and stepped out to write on a subject like this. I'm excited to read it! Lattebooks at hotmail dot com

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    1. I know, the research alone would be daunting. She did a marvellous job. Good luck, Susan.

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  2. Wow. I need to read this one. We've learned about Martin Luther while homeschooling, but I'm intrigued by his relationship with Katharina. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
    momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

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    1. The way Jody conveys the historical details -- the atmosphere, setting -- whew, it really made an impression. Good luck, Loraine.

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  3. I am dying to read this book. Hope I win!!! :)

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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  4. thanks for the opportunity to read this novel, kav

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  5. I so enjoy Jody's books and longing to read this book.
    karenskrayons(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Isn't she an amazing author? Good luck, Karen.

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  6. Good writer. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.

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  7. I would love to be entered! Her books are so captivating and, like you said, gritty at times. It makes them real.
    pocoauthorATgmailDOTcom

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    1. And she's includes so much of that gritty reality -- I'm stunned that all that actually happened. Good luck, Nicole.

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  8. Great author!

    alysap at yahoo dot com

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  9. Jody is such a great author...I think I have read all of her books. Therefore, am anxious to read this one! Thanks for the giveaway and review, Kav!!!
    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

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    1. You're welcome, Jackie. And I think I've read all her books as well...at least I hope I have. Good luck.

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  10. I love reading Jody Hedlund's books. She always does a marvelous job at historical research, but still making the book interesting and romantic. This particular "biography" sounds fascinating.

    nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

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    1. Her research is magnificent. I wonder how many hours of research she does for a book like this? Good luck, Sylvia.

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  11. I am so excited to read this book. I LOVE Jody Hedlund's books.
    reneerachoyolsenATgmailDOTcom

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  12. This book is on my MUST HAVE list! Jody Hedlund is one of my new favorite authors.

    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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  13. Wonderful review, Kav - thank you!! I've been dying to read this since I first read about it - would love to learn more about this couple!!

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    1. Thanks, Bonnie. It's an eye-opening read. Good luck.

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  14. Jody is a real winner and her books are too! Thank you for this wonderful review, Kav!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  15. Would love to read this one. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres.
    AmylsmithATbledsoeDOTnet

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    1. I'm just reorganizing my bookshelves and I definitely have way more Historical than any other genre. Good luck, Aimee.

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  16. I loved Jody's earlier books based on true stories, but have missed some more of her recent releases. I would LOVE to read this one.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. I predict you'll love it, Patty. Good luck, Patty.

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  17. Oh, this sounds wonderful! :)
    mbaaij at hetnet dot nl

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  18. I really admire authors who can make history come alive through their books. Jody Hedlund is one of these authors who does meticulous research. I follow her blog, where she has written about why some things are included in the book that some may deem unnecessary. I trust her to include what is important and not to add gratuitous details. I'm looking forward to reading Luther and Katharina.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Trust is the perfect word to describe the bond between reader and this author. She's awesome at her research and makes history come alive. Good luck, Pam.

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  19. I also enjoy Jody's books and look forward to this one!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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  20. sounds very interesting. mknewswangerATgmailDOTcom

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  21. I've heard such great things about Jody's books! All good, of course :-) Since I have this one, I won't be entering to win a copy. But I love your review (as always) and love that it's full of "meat" & some light-hardheartedness too. A good balance of both on the author's part makes for a great read! I'm anxious to delve into this as I've never really read anything about Martian Luther and the rich Christian heritage we have because of him. Let the history lessons commence!

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    1. I wish all my history books in school read like this one, Trixi.

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  22. My mother and I were having a discussion just the other day about Martin Luther, I don't remember just why, but anyway, I then looked him up and discovered so many things that I did not know before, which really makes me want to read the book!
    eeyore722 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. He played such a pivotal role in our freedom to worship -- this story really made an impact on me. Good luck, Cindy.

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  23. I still have not read one of Jody's books yet. This one had gotten so many terrific reviews. This one would be an excellent book to start with.

    Cnnamongirl at aol dot com

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