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 take on this book;
This is one of those books that has been on my desk to read for awhile for some reason I just couldn't pick it up to read,the time period was one that I don't normally read, and for me I couldn't imagine this book being anything but slow but boy was I wrong. Once I started reading I really couldn't figure out why I waited so long. Ms. Hedlund not only captures the time period allowing an accurate look at the past, but she also allows the reader to glimpse the danger of those times as well, when reformation of the church was taking place. She breathes life into the main characters. Martin Luther is convicted to do what God leads him to do even though his writings put him in mortal danger, while Katharina is a nun who feels like God has other plans for her. You could easily understand their hopes and fears, and wanting to follow God's plans. I found the Author's notes at the end of the book to be an added bonus to the story, and they left me wanting to explore these characters and the era that they lived in further.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.
Because of the era, I wasn't keen to read this one either. But it wound up being a really remarkable read, which says a lot about Jody's talent as a writer. Glad you liked it as well - it certainly gave the reader an insightful look at the life of this historical figure.
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