New Releases: Luther and Katharina

I recently entered in Jody Hedlund's giveaway for an advanced reader copy of her newest book that's coming out soon. And guess what?! I was one of the winners!! I was so excited. Partially, because this is the first giveaway I've ever won and also because I didn't know how I was going to wait till October to read this book. :)

Enjoy the last few weeks of Summer!

Book Title: Luther and Katharina
Publication Date: October 6, 2015
Publisher: Waterbrook Press

Description:
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 Review:
I absolutely loved this book! To be honest, I was a little nervous when I first started it... I was afraid that because it wasn't the same type of book Jody Hedlund had previously written I wouldn't like it as much and I really, really wanted to like it! After the first chapter all my fears were put to rest...It was just as great as her previous books and dare I say, more awesome.

Things I loved about this book:
I was reading about real people! It's always different to read about fictional characters that the author made up and characters that are based on the real people. I felt that Jody Hedlund did an awesome job of sticking close to the truth while writing a fictitious account of Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora's life.

All the new historical facts I learned! After reading this book I can honestly say I came out with new found knowledge; you can't say that with all books... For example, I never knew that Martin Luther suffered from bouts of deep oppression or of the nefarious deeds that really happened in convents.

Things that I didn't like:
I've been pondering it for awhile and I can only think of one thing...what happened to Thomas and Greta? Did I accidentally skip over that part or was it never mentioned?

I could go on and on about this book but I'm writing a review and not an essay.. ;) I would highly recommend this book for fellow readers. It's so enthralling you won't be able to set it down. A forewarning though, once you've finished the book you might be a little sad that it had to end...If there was ever a time that I wished a book could go on forever Luther and Katharina would definitely be it. Is it possible to love a book that much? :P

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (not surprising, is it?)

Thank you Jody Hedlund for the advanced reader copy of this book... I was so blessed by it!!