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!