Luther in Love

by Douglas Bond

Luther in Love opens on a frigid night at the Augustinian cloister in Wittenberg, Katharina von Bora Luther bent over her candle writing something, trying to keep it from her husband's eyes. The story unfolds memoir-esque from Katie's perspective, breaking into clusters of chapters in third person, then back to Katie from time to time throughout the biographical novel. How does an apostate nun live with an apostate monk, and such a monk? There is a giant in the land, and the giant is bold, bombastic, fearless, vitriolic to his opponents, given to dark bouts of depression and self-doubt, unwashed, unkempt, plagued by a painful and reoccurring bowel disorder, and nothing short of brilliant. How does a young woman (Katie was 26 when she married 42 year-old Luther) who had not been around men since she was 5 years old, how does she live with such a man? LUTHER IN LOVE will explore these questions in the context of the dynamic unfolding story of Luther and the Reformation in Germany, and will focus particular attention, as Luther does, on the sanctifying influence of Christian marriage, “the school of character.” Including downloadable study guide for pastors to use in premarital counseling with young couples about to wed.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction

300 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Douglas Bond, author of more than thirty books--several now in Dutch, Portuguese, Romanian, and Korean--is father of six, and grandfather of eleven--and counting--is Director for the Oxford Creative Writing Master Class and the Carolina Creative Writing Master Class, two-time Grace Award book finalist, adjunct instructor in Church history, recent advisory member to the national committee for Reformed University Fellowship, award-winning teacher, speaker at conferences, and leader of Church history tours in Europe.

Reviews

[Amanda Geaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to know about a man’s accomplishments you ask the man. If you want to know his heart, you ask his wife. Such were the thoughts I had as I read Luther in Love by Douglas Bond. The story opens in November 1545 with Katie (Katherine von Bora) and Martin Luther enjoying a peaceful rainy evening alone in their cloister. In these opening scenes, readers learn how Katie has been secretly penning a memoir about Luther by questioning him about his life prior to their union. What follows is largely Martin recounting the details with brief interjections by Katie. Roughly two-thirds of the way through the book, Katie escapes from the nunnery and becomes the primary storyteller.

As a woman, I marvel at a male author’s ability to capture a woman’s perspective so effectively, such as how we confide in one another about fears for our husbands' safety or jesting about their aversion to soiled diapers. Including little details like these in Katie’s musings, while respectful, make her husband human. Yes, he was a man of great convictions who took bold stands against the corruptions he perceived in the church, but he was not without faults and I really appreciate how the author presents a rounded view of Luther.

The writing is very immersive, giving readers a real sense of the debauchery that was taking place in Rome. It’s no wonder Martin’s teachings were so well received by the common people. I came away with a new appreciation for Elector Frederick and the political maneuvering he devised to safeguard his favorite doctor of theology. Apart from relating the history of the period, Bond’s writing style often left me wondering where Martin Luther ended and Douglas Bond began. This will require additional research which I am now thrilled to undertake. I highly recommend Luther in Love to church history enthusiasts, book clubs, and even homeschool students (ages 15+).

**I received a complimentary copy of this title from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Zack · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightfully charming narrative retelling of Luther’s life. I appreciate the sensory language (of foods, music, conversations, and distresses) that is indispensably part of Luther’s historical persona. Also, Bond does not shy away from ending the story in a sad note, reflecting the reality of what Katharina von Bora Luther lived through after Dr. Martin Luther’s death. She was as amazing a woman and wife as he was a man and husband. Short chapters make this book easily digestible. :-)

[Valerie Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The love story between Luther and Kate is so well told that you not only come away with the full spectrum of their loving relationship but the Reformation comes alive as well. I learned more history in this book and loved every minute of it. Thank you lord Kate!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully gripping, vibrantly realistic, engaging and entertaining, this was a fabulous book!

It is no secret Martin Luther is my favorite Reformer. He’s rough around the edges, he’s hilarious, he’s bombastic, he’s passionate about Christ and His truth above all. This historical fiction felt so enchanting, I wished it were 100% real, but I was so tickled to read dialogues of things I recognize from his works. Bond masterfully wove history in with fiction, painting a beautifully descriptive story to grip your hearts as you see the heart of the man through his wife’s eyes. I only wish it was longer!

This is available on Kindle Unlimited 🙌

[Timothy Durey · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the reading, and the author’s creative perspective, I was disappointed in a couple of things: 1) the author spent a considerable amount of time discussing Luther’s pre-married life and not as much regarding marriage and children (comparatively), 2) I did not like the way he wrote about his hymn, “A Mighty Fortress.” While I know this is fiction, it came across as though this was factual. That said, Martin did not write this hymn after his daughter’s death.

There were times I was wondering about the historicity of details given. I simply am unsure and therefore left to say this is a well-told story, but am not sure of details.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous book, written partially from Martin Luther's wife's perspective, going back in his life. The best parts of the book for me were the sermons of Luther. They spoke so beautifully of God's love and how we should love Him. But there were other touching scenes of Luther's family life, and quotes from the man are seamlessly woven in.

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I most enjoyed the parts about Martin and Katie and their household and family. Marriage and family benefited Luther greatly and filled his theology. The author isn't Lutheran, but takes Luther's speech from his writings and sermons and they sound pretty accurate. Creative telling of the astonishing life of Martin Luther.

[Linnea Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a detailed account of Luther’s life while on earth, full of trial and tribulation, yet he trusted in the Lord through it all. My favorite sentence in the book is “He doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called.” I was more than encouraged by this and other sentences as well. Bond did an amazing job of capturing me ;)

[Hayley Grapenthin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Telling Martin Luther's life story from Katherina von Bora's (Katie Luther's) point of view was a splendid idea. I enjoyed reading the story and found myself convicted and encouraged by Katie's faithful service to her family and obedience to God.

[Rivers Houseal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb.

[Brooke Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, very historically accurate (minus the really awful things Luther did in real life). Beautifully written and will keep you wanting more!

[Paul Kurtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very enjoyable read. It's a biography of Martin Luther, but presented as if his wife were telling the story of his life. The depth of Martin and Katie's love for each other, as displayed in this book, was touching. Martin Luther is my favorite historical figure and this is best book I have read about him.