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Loving Luther
Germany, 1505
In the dark of night, Katharina von Bora says the bravest good-bye a six-year-old can muster and walks away as the heavy convent gate closes behind her.
Though the cold walls offer no comfort, Katharina soon finds herself calling the convent her home. God, her father. This, her life. She takes her vows―a choice more practical than pious―but in time, a seed of discontent is planted by the smuggled writings of a rebellious excommunicated priest named Martin Luther. Their message? That Katharina is subject to God, and no one else. Could the Lord truly desire more for her than this life of servitude?
In her first true step of faith, Katharina leaves the only life she has ever known. But the freedom she has craved comes with a price, and she finds she has traded one life of isolation for another. Without the security of the convent walls or a family of her own, Katharina must trust in both the God who saved her and the man who paved a way for rescue. Luther’s friends are quick to offer shelter, but Katharina longs for all Luther has a home, a husband, perhaps even the chance to fall in love.
In the dark of night, Katharina von Bora says the bravest good-bye a six-year-old can muster and walks away as the heavy convent gate closes behind her.
Though the cold walls offer no comfort, Katharina soon finds herself calling the convent her home. God, her father. This, her life. She takes her vows―a choice more practical than pious―but in time, a seed of discontent is planted by the smuggled writings of a rebellious excommunicated priest named Martin Luther. Their message? That Katharina is subject to God, and no one else. Could the Lord truly desire more for her than this life of servitude?
In her first true step of faith, Katharina leaves the only life she has ever known. But the freedom she has craved comes with a price, and she finds she has traded one life of isolation for another. Without the security of the convent walls or a family of her own, Katharina must trust in both the God who saved her and the man who paved a way for rescue. Luther’s friends are quick to offer shelter, but Katharina longs for all Luther has a home, a husband, perhaps even the chance to fall in love.
417 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2017
57 people are currently reading
856 people want to read
About the author
Allison Pittman
32 books655 followersAllison Pittman is the author of For Time and Eternity, Stealing Home, the Crossroads of Grace series, and her nonfiction debut, Saturdays With Stella. A high-school English teacher, she serves as director of the theater arts group at her church. She is also the co-president of a dynamic Christian writers group in the San Antonio, Texas area, where she makes her home with her husband and their three boys.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
September 1, 2017
"Loving Luther" by Allison Pittman is a captivating read about the woman behind (or should I say "next to") Martin Luther. The book is told from Katharina von Bora's perspective--the woman who eventually becomes the wife of the great Martin Luther (the author of the famous 95 Theses). But Katherina's tale is a little known, but fascinating story all in itself. This book is about this smart and witty woman and what her life is like leading up to her marriage to Luther. It starts from her girlhood in a convent and takes the reader on a journey of faith and growth alongside Katharina. Katharina is captivated by Luther's words and ideas and escapes a convent due to Luther's writings and influence. Katharina has to then go through her own journey to find her place in life as an unmarried woman without family to support her. She develops a relationship and friendship with Luther, but it is many years until she comes to realize that she has feelings for this man. Will he return her feelings?
Allison Pittman's writing and storytelling ability in "Loving Luther" are superb! She draws the reader right into the story. I experienced many feelings while reading Katharina's story, from humor when reading the scenes of her as a girl interacting with her friends in the convent to fury as I read of the way she is treated by a superior (although not all her superiors in the convent were portrayed as evil). I rejoiced along with Katharina and the other nuns as they realized the truths of the Gospel through Martin Luther's writings.
I enjoy the fact that Ms. Pittman starts the story from Katharina's girlhood and made it more Katharina's life story--not just a romance. Ms. Pittman did an amazing time transporting the reader back to the time of the Reformation. Katharina is a well written character and I love seeing the hunger she develops for God's Words, but also her struggles as she has to break free from the only life she has known. The witty exchanges between Katharina and Luther make me smile and it's a great relationship that slowly builds throughout the story. This is one of those books where you get to know the characters so well that you don't want to leave them at the end of it all. I still can't stop thinking about this beautifully written story.
Content: When Katharina is in the convent, there is a scene where she is physically abused by a priest. There is mention of a girl's mother being a prostitute and how men would try to do things to the young girl. A character curses once, but the curse isn't actually written. Both Katharina and Luther get drunk. There are a few jokes and references to the marriage bed.
Rating: I give this book 5 stars!
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction; Medieval; Romance
I want to thank Allison Pittman and Tyndale Blog Network for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
Allison Pittman's writing and storytelling ability in "Loving Luther" are superb! She draws the reader right into the story. I experienced many feelings while reading Katharina's story, from humor when reading the scenes of her as a girl interacting with her friends in the convent to fury as I read of the way she is treated by a superior (although not all her superiors in the convent were portrayed as evil). I rejoiced along with Katharina and the other nuns as they realized the truths of the Gospel through Martin Luther's writings.
I enjoy the fact that Ms. Pittman starts the story from Katharina's girlhood and made it more Katharina's life story--not just a romance. Ms. Pittman did an amazing time transporting the reader back to the time of the Reformation. Katharina is a well written character and I love seeing the hunger she develops for God's Words, but also her struggles as she has to break free from the only life she has known. The witty exchanges between Katharina and Luther make me smile and it's a great relationship that slowly builds throughout the story. This is one of those books where you get to know the characters so well that you don't want to leave them at the end of it all. I still can't stop thinking about this beautifully written story.
Content: When Katharina is in the convent, there is a scene where she is physically abused by a priest. There is mention of a girl's mother being a prostitute and how men would try to do things to the young girl. A character curses once, but the curse isn't actually written. Both Katharina and Luther get drunk. There are a few jokes and references to the marriage bed.
Rating: I give this book 5 stars!
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction; Medieval; Romance
I want to thank Allison Pittman and Tyndale Blog Network for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
March 9, 2018
Fascinating combination of fact and fiction to bring to life Katherina von Bora. Loving Luther is primarily focused on Katharina. The story begins at age four when her father drops her off at the convent. While Luther is a central character later in her life, the novel is focused on Katharina. It's about her spiritual, physical and mental growth.
I enjoyed the entire novel, however, my favorite section was the first third when Katharina was in a convent. A peek into that world was incredibly interesting.
I enjoyed the entire novel, however, my favorite section was the first third when Katharina was in a convent. A peek into that world was incredibly interesting.
August 22, 2017
The start of this book was pretty slow moving for me but still held my interest. Things got a lot more interesting further along and as the characters changed settings. I think Allison Pittman did a good job on portraying this story though I would like to do more research on the history. I thought the difference in a trust/relationship with God vs. following orders and rituals was important. Just by following traditions doesn't mean you have a relationship with Christ.
There were some great thought provoking conversations and overall this book held my interest.
Thanks to Tyndale for offering me a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 25, 2017
Loving Luther was a good read. I've been looking forward to reading a book about Martin Luther and Katharina, so I was excited to get started on this book.
While the romance did take a long time to get going, I understand why that was. The story made me see Martin Luther in a slightly different light, just because I now think I understand him and the time in which he lived better. I also got to learn about Katharina and her life, which was fascinating to read!
I really liked the writing style and the characters felt real (which is a good thing, considering it is based on historical figures). I truly enjoyed reading the story and I definitely recommend it.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
While the romance did take a long time to get going, I understand why that was. The story made me see Martin Luther in a slightly different light, just because I now think I understand him and the time in which he lived better. I also got to learn about Katharina and her life, which was fascinating to read!
I really liked the writing style and the characters felt real (which is a good thing, considering it is based on historical figures). I truly enjoyed reading the story and I definitely recommend it.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
November 4, 2017
A solid 4.5 for this charming and inspirational tale of Katie Luther and her life before marrying Luther. This book complements the many remembrances of our 500th anniversary of the Reformation along with a study I am doing with some women at church on the book of Galatians. All of these elements deepen my appreciation for Luther and the reformers.
I believe Pittman has done a remarkable job in researching and portraying the life of Katharina von Bora and her life as a nun and then a newly liberated woman of faith seeking God's will for her life. As we get to know Katie we see Luther and his writings turn her spiritual life upside down and then later claims her heart. In between we see Katie's struggles to learn to live outside of the convent and to live up to her legendary status. Highly recommended!
I believe Pittman has done a remarkable job in researching and portraying the life of Katharina von Bora and her life as a nun and then a newly liberated woman of faith seeking God's will for her life. As we get to know Katie we see Luther and his writings turn her spiritual life upside down and then later claims her heart. In between we see Katie's struggles to learn to live outside of the convent and to live up to her legendary status. Highly recommended!
September 20, 2019
4.5 stars! Intriguing, refreshing read! Now I want to learn more about Martin Luther and the former nun he married!
August 28, 2017
As a young woman who's been raised in a convent, Katharina von Bora takes her vows to become a nun for practical reasons. But she desires something more for her future as she begins reading the words of an excommunicated priest: one Martin Luther. Pondering Luther’s teachings about freedom in Christ, Katharina plans a risky escape from her cloistered life in Loving Luther, a novel by author Allison Pittman.
Now, this love story isn’t a romance, as much of the novel is (wisely) given to painting a picture of Katharina’s years in the convent and her thoughts and questions about Christian life, with no love interest around. Neither is this a novel about the Protestant Reformation, as although it’s the obvious backdrop for Luther’s character, the ins and outs of the reformation aren’t the novel’s focus.
Rather, this is the compelling story of a woman who loves God, longs for liberty, and faces a challenging life outside the convent walls. There’s a richness to Katharina’s character and experience. She’s flawed, unpredictable, and doesn’t always know how to feel in new situations.
It would’ve been easy to spring for too much drama and overdone characters during such a tumultuous period in history. But instead, this novel’s style is nuanced, with emotion that isn’t flashy but runs deep. Now, I agonized through some of the waiting I had to endure during the reading. And after all of that agony, I was somewhat dissatisfied with where and how the story ends.
Nevertheless, this is a substantive, poignant, beautiful read. I’d highly recommend it to fans of historical ChristFic—especially those who are already familiar with Katharina and Luther and who’d be interested in a different approach to their love story.
___________
Tyndale House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
Now, this love story isn’t a romance, as much of the novel is (wisely) given to painting a picture of Katharina’s years in the convent and her thoughts and questions about Christian life, with no love interest around. Neither is this a novel about the Protestant Reformation, as although it’s the obvious backdrop for Luther’s character, the ins and outs of the reformation aren’t the novel’s focus.
Rather, this is the compelling story of a woman who loves God, longs for liberty, and faces a challenging life outside the convent walls. There’s a richness to Katharina’s character and experience. She’s flawed, unpredictable, and doesn’t always know how to feel in new situations.
It would’ve been easy to spring for too much drama and overdone characters during such a tumultuous period in history. But instead, this novel’s style is nuanced, with emotion that isn’t flashy but runs deep. Now, I agonized through some of the waiting I had to endure during the reading. And after all of that agony, I was somewhat dissatisfied with where and how the story ends.
Nevertheless, this is a substantive, poignant, beautiful read. I’d highly recommend it to fans of historical ChristFic—especially those who are already familiar with Katharina and Luther and who’d be interested in a different approach to their love story.
___________
Tyndale House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
January 19, 2018
I was excited to read this book since we hear so much about Luther and I was curious about his wife. Although a work of fiction, the look into the convent of Katharina's young years was fascinating. It got a bit too romance novel-ish to me during her first courtship. I doubt that's the way things were done then. I have heard, though, that she and Martin Luther had a good, loving, joyful marriage together - however it started.
2018 - A book of my choice
2018 - A book of my choice
January 3, 2018
I don’t normally write reviews but I had to for this one. I could not put it down! I was engrossed in the world and culture. Katharina was so relatable and human. I didn’t see her in a holy light like history tends to portray her. This book was masterfully written and the source material felt cared for. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in historical fiction. I fell in love at the first chapter. I will definitely pick up more from Allison Pittman in the future.
September 7, 2023
What happened to that gorgeous cover? Alas, when you order a book in from the library, who knows what edition you'll get. Ah well, it's a good thing I ordered it for the book also.
In large print, this was fairly thick book, closing on 500 pages I believe. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Did I have some qualms? Also yes, but they were small enough that I still enjoyed it.
First of all, I don't know much about Germany or the Reformation or exactly just what Luther did do. So accuracy was not something that bothered me here.
The opening lines of the book or poignant and stand out. The first one third or so is about her time in the convent, her taking of the vows, and her struggle to decide whether she should leave it or not... This I struggled with some because I feel like it portrayed the Catholic tradition in a more negative light then necessary, but it was also not all negative, so I wasn't too miffed. The escape is not focused on for the thrill of it, but for the choice it represents, a choice which wouldn't be easy. There are some beautiful lines in there that I really liked.
Of course, since she's in the convent, there's not romance in this section of the book ;) But afterwards, the romance starts right away. This is also where Katharina's character really comes out. She has great wit and between her and Luther, the conversations were so fun to read! Spoiler:
There were some funny and witty moments, as well as some poignant or touching ones. Overall I found it enjoyable, though maybe a little drawn out. Katharina grows and changes as she learns about life outside of the convent, and she is a intelligent, bold, yet kind hearted woman.
As to what I didn't like, again, I didn't like the negative slant towards Catholicism that seemed to be represented. Of course, that very well may have been what it was like in the times and also I firmly believe that Luther's Reformation was necessary. I just don't like the fact that readers might think that is all the Catholicism is.
There were some moments where I was mildly confused by the writing style. Where I thought I knew what Katharina was feeling and didn't, etc. This may be more my fault, the book may be relying more on subtlety than I was tuned in for. This was made up for by some witty banter ;)
I also felt the romance had a little more 'passion' thrown in there than necessary, but nothing that made me too uncomfortable. Still, I would recommend this book for 17+ in terms of age.
Overall, a pretty nice book with fun dialogue, a couple to ship, good and interesting side characters that actually add something to the story, and a different setting that what I've read before!
In large print, this was fairly thick book, closing on 500 pages I believe. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Did I have some qualms? Also yes, but they were small enough that I still enjoyed it.
First of all, I don't know much about Germany or the Reformation or exactly just what Luther did do. So accuracy was not something that bothered me here.
The opening lines of the book or poignant and stand out. The first one third or so is about her time in the convent, her taking of the vows, and her struggle to decide whether she should leave it or not... This I struggled with some because I feel like it portrayed the Catholic tradition in a more negative light then necessary, but it was also not all negative, so I wasn't too miffed. The escape is not focused on for the thrill of it, but for the choice it represents, a choice which wouldn't be easy. There are some beautiful lines in there that I really liked.
Of course, since she's in the convent, there's not romance in this section of the book ;) But afterwards, the romance starts right away. This is also where Katharina's character really comes out. She has great wit and between her and Luther, the conversations were so fun to read! Spoiler:
There were some funny and witty moments, as well as some poignant or touching ones. Overall I found it enjoyable, though maybe a little drawn out. Katharina grows and changes as she learns about life outside of the convent, and she is a intelligent, bold, yet kind hearted woman.
As to what I didn't like, again, I didn't like the negative slant towards Catholicism that seemed to be represented. Of course, that very well may have been what it was like in the times and also I firmly believe that Luther's Reformation was necessary. I just don't like the fact that readers might think that is all the Catholicism is.
There were some moments where I was mildly confused by the writing style. Where I thought I knew what Katharina was feeling and didn't, etc. This may be more my fault, the book may be relying more on subtlety than I was tuned in for. This was made up for by some witty banter ;)
I also felt the romance had a little more 'passion' thrown in there than necessary, but nothing that made me too uncomfortable. Still, I would recommend this book for 17+ in terms of age.
Overall, a pretty nice book with fun dialogue, a couple to ship, good and interesting side characters that actually add something to the story, and a different setting that what I've read before!
September 28, 2017
The year 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and specifically the year 1517 when Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door taking his stand against teachings prevalent in the Catholic church.
In that same period a child was dropped at the door of a Catholic Nunnery. She was five years old. Her name was Katharina von Bora. While of a prestigious family (in name, at least), there was not fortune. So opens the story as told by Allison Pittman in Loving Luther. A young girl enters the shadowy and harsh life of the convent and eventually takes her vows to become a nun.
The author presents Katharina as a precocious and highly intelligent young girl who carried her thinking capabilities into her adult life enabling her to critique life in the convent, smuggled in bits of information relative to the ensuring reformation movement, and later piquing the interest and conversations of Martin Luther.
Through her years in the convent, she begins to doubt and question and then perchance comes upon smuggled scraps of parchment that contain verses from Scripture, that she has never been allowed to read, and snatches of the forbidden writings of a defrocked monk, Martin Luther.
About midway the book, Katharina von Bora and a few other nuns are smuggled out of the convent and taken to safekeeping provided by Martin Luther who has searched out potential suitors to marry the nuns. This is in keeping with society of the 1500s when women were either married and under the protection of a husband, still in the keeping of a father, cloistered in a nunnery, or living as a woman of ill repute. Luther ensconced Katharina in the home of a wealthy nobleman where she received the attention of a potential husband, Jerome, though she did not marry him.
As we know from historical fact, Katharina did eventually marry Martin Luther. Her story is not complete in the telling by Allison Pittman but the author gives a good accounting of Katharina's life leading up to her marriage and the events and people who shaped her into the woman that loved Martin Luther.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the Tyndale Blog Network on behalf of the author and Tyndale House Publishers to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and freely given.
In that same period a child was dropped at the door of a Catholic Nunnery. She was five years old. Her name was Katharina von Bora. While of a prestigious family (in name, at least), there was not fortune. So opens the story as told by Allison Pittman in Loving Luther. A young girl enters the shadowy and harsh life of the convent and eventually takes her vows to become a nun.
The author presents Katharina as a precocious and highly intelligent young girl who carried her thinking capabilities into her adult life enabling her to critique life in the convent, smuggled in bits of information relative to the ensuring reformation movement, and later piquing the interest and conversations of Martin Luther.
Through her years in the convent, she begins to doubt and question and then perchance comes upon smuggled scraps of parchment that contain verses from Scripture, that she has never been allowed to read, and snatches of the forbidden writings of a defrocked monk, Martin Luther.
About midway the book, Katharina von Bora and a few other nuns are smuggled out of the convent and taken to safekeeping provided by Martin Luther who has searched out potential suitors to marry the nuns. This is in keeping with society of the 1500s when women were either married and under the protection of a husband, still in the keeping of a father, cloistered in a nunnery, or living as a woman of ill repute. Luther ensconced Katharina in the home of a wealthy nobleman where she received the attention of a potential husband, Jerome, though she did not marry him.
As we know from historical fact, Katharina did eventually marry Martin Luther. Her story is not complete in the telling by Allison Pittman but the author gives a good accounting of Katharina's life leading up to her marriage and the events and people who shaped her into the woman that loved Martin Luther.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the Tyndale Blog Network on behalf of the author and Tyndale House Publishers to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and freely given.
October 10, 2017
-POTENTIAL SPOILERS-
So yeah, I've been kinda dead on the whole reading scene. I got busy and had to return a bunch of books I actually wanted to read to the library, and now I'm stuck with fifteen new ones I'm sure nobody really wants to hear my thoughts on. Well you get what you get and you don't throw a fit.
Ironically, I had no idea this was written by a Christian author and intended for a Christian audience until I looked it up. Some people might say it's obvious, but I've seen numerous times when an author writes about a historical figure that is of a different religion as them. I myself am religious, yet all of the stuff I'm going to write feature characters of a different religion than my own.
Anyway, I thought this one was really good. The main reason why I liked it was because of the main character herself. My biggest problem with Christian fiction titles is that the main characters, especially the girls, tend to be too perfect. They're very pious, innocent, chaste, and, for lack of a better word, saintly. And as a result, they tend to be bland and boring. Now I'm not Christian. I have no idea if other Christian girls like these portrayals; it's very likely that they do because of how often I see it. However, a lot of the ones I know are just....people. Really the only thing that sets them apart is their religion, and they're still interesting in spite of that. And so is this heroine. Yes, she is religious and fully committed to her fate, but she's still impulsive, snarky, and caring on top of that. She's prone to feeling lost and hopeless sometimes, even with her faith.
However, I feel like the book didn't show her grow very much. I feel like she's the same exact person at the end of the story personality-wise that she is at the start. I was kind of hoping we could really see her grow and mature over the years, but the book's writing style prevented that, which I'll get to later.
I also liked the writing style in the book. I felt like it was just descriptive enough that it let me experience each individual scene vividly, yet it didn't overwhelm me with meaningless adjectives.
The third thing I really liked is how she falls in love with another man before she falls in love with Luther. I really like stories that show that the first person you fall in love with doesn't have to be your only love. Sometimes romances don't work out, but that seems to be such a rare portrayal in books for any age, and I think it's important to teach. Or maybe that's just me being overly-sentimental because I fell in love with someone and left them.
Now, let's get to the negatives. Even though I liked the writing style in this book, I felt like it was rushed a lot. The ending was so rushed, I pretty much blinked and it was the end of the book. I also didn't get to see a more natural progression of the main character's age. At first, she's six, then ten, then fifteen I think, then twenty-one, then I think she might be thirty? It stops telling you after a while and randomly skips a huge passage of time near the beginning of the novel, which I feel isn't a very good sign. It also didn't explain many things, like the children she was caring for. Whose were they? Random noble children? The children of the people living in the house?
I was also bothered by how they kept capitalizing 'von' when using it as a sentence starter. I believe that isn't the correct way to use that title...but I could be incorrect. It just made me feel uncomfortable whenever I saw it.
The biggest problem I feel is the title. Yes, she does love Luther...near the very end of the book. Most of her time is spent as Luther's friend and religious partner, while she's engaged to another man. So I felt the title should've been changed to just her name, Katharina. It would've described the contents of the book a lot better, in my opinion.
I also would've liked an author's note at the end of the book detailing some of the history behind the setting and the characters. I know Luther and Katharina were real people, obviously, but what about all of the other characters they interact with? How many of them were made-up, and how many of them were real? And some background on the setting of Medieval Germany would've been nice too, and maybe a character list? As a result, I don't know how much is fabricated and how much remains true. No other reviewers spotted inaccuracies with the time period or Katharina's portrayal, so I suppose I'll let it slide too.
Overall, I liked this book. I went into this book with no expectations and was glad to have found a good story about the life of a girl I don't have much knowledge of.
September 16, 2017
Allison Pittman's writing is always engaging. When Tyndale House offered me a free ARC to read, I accepted in exchange for an honest review. I've never read a book by Pittman that I didn't enjoy. I love how she puts you inside the head of - in this case - a young girl who was sent to the convent because her family couldn't afford to keep her. I related well to the young Katharina von Bora.
I felt spiritually liberated along with Katie when she started reading the scriptures provided by Luther. Because they were written in her native tongue they were easily understood. Faith elements were seamlessly woven into the novel and felt natural to the time period. I loved reading about her new experiences that generated from her liberated life and the fresh perspective she found outside the convent walls.
The expectation of her generation (1500s) was for her (the weaker sex) to marry. That way they would be under a husband's protection, which weighed heavily on her heart. Finding the right husband was no simple matter. Luther trying to set her up with eligible men didn't help.
I loved how the author made me care about Katie's first experience with what she thought was "love." Her sense of abandonment when her prospective husband didn't follow through after initiating a tender romance and many kisses devastates her... at first. Katie is not one to give up, and on good days she's typically very polite and controlled.
This story had some believable conflict sprinkled throughout. It held my attention and I finished it. The best part was their mutual attraction and the fact that they both liked each other but neither considered the other as a potential candidate. At least not at first. Anyway, great story!
I felt spiritually liberated along with Katie when she started reading the scriptures provided by Luther. Because they were written in her native tongue they were easily understood. Faith elements were seamlessly woven into the novel and felt natural to the time period. I loved reading about her new experiences that generated from her liberated life and the fresh perspective she found outside the convent walls.
The expectation of her generation (1500s) was for her (the weaker sex) to marry. That way they would be under a husband's protection, which weighed heavily on her heart. Finding the right husband was no simple matter. Luther trying to set her up with eligible men didn't help.
I loved how the author made me care about Katie's first experience with what she thought was "love." Her sense of abandonment when her prospective husband didn't follow through after initiating a tender romance and many kisses devastates her... at first. Katie is not one to give up, and on good days she's typically very polite and controlled.
This story had some believable conflict sprinkled throughout. It held my attention and I finished it. The best part was their mutual attraction and the fact that they both liked each other but neither considered the other as a potential candidate. At least not at first. Anyway, great story!
December 30, 2020
So well written and engaging! I found the historical setting (convent at the beginning of the Reformation) fascinating and interesting. The author engaged me right away with the heroine's first person narrative. Even though a novel, it sticks to the historical record with only minor changes.
I do wish the author had included more information at the end as to what is factual vs fictional, but I also know that there's not a lot of detailed information available about Katharina von Bora, especially her early life.
I do wish the author had included more information at the end as to what is factual vs fictional, but I also know that there's not a lot of detailed information available about Katharina von Bora, especially her early life.
October 12, 2017
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Lone Star lit book blog review posting on the 5th! What a great book!
When I began reading “Loving Luther,” I wasn’t sure what I would encounter, but I never imagined I would be dropped into a nunnery in Germany, where convent girls shivered as they came of age and hungered as they took vows, all while Luther found the friends and power to spread Lutheranism after making his famous proclamations. Nor did I imagine these monastically sheltered women would manage to learn of Luther, read and share his biblical translations, and then daringly escape the nunnery to a new Protestant Christian life, with the help and fearlessness of their sister, the nun who would eventually marry Luther. I had never heard of Katharina von Bora, much less conceived the thought that Luther not only married, but wed a former nun, a fascinating woman who complimented him in learning, bravery and wit. Thank you, Allison Pittman, for not only telling me this story, but for planting the idea that I must know more. (Please tell me there is a sequel and an audiobook!)
“Loving Luther” is the kind of book that made me irritated at how life kept me from finishing it in one sitting. It’s women’s fiction and historical fiction worthy of the names; I predict that if you enjoy the book, you’ll be calling up your bestie and telling her exactly what book she needs to read next. Word of mouth will carry it far, so I hope you’ll join us in starting the fire that spreads the word about this great new book.
Thank you for a copy of “Loving Luther” in exchange for an honest opinion. Kudos, Ms. Pittman.
When I began reading “Loving Luther,” I wasn’t sure what I would encounter, but I never imagined I would be dropped into a nunnery in Germany, where convent girls shivered as they came of age and hungered as they took vows, all while Luther found the friends and power to spread Lutheranism after making his famous proclamations. Nor did I imagine these monastically sheltered women would manage to learn of Luther, read and share his biblical translations, and then daringly escape the nunnery to a new Protestant Christian life, with the help and fearlessness of their sister, the nun who would eventually marry Luther. I had never heard of Katharina von Bora, much less conceived the thought that Luther not only married, but wed a former nun, a fascinating woman who complimented him in learning, bravery and wit. Thank you, Allison Pittman, for not only telling me this story, but for planting the idea that I must know more. (Please tell me there is a sequel and an audiobook!)
“Loving Luther” is the kind of book that made me irritated at how life kept me from finishing it in one sitting. It’s women’s fiction and historical fiction worthy of the names; I predict that if you enjoy the book, you’ll be calling up your bestie and telling her exactly what book she needs to read next. Word of mouth will carry it far, so I hope you’ll join us in starting the fire that spreads the word about this great new book.
Thank you for a copy of “Loving Luther” in exchange for an honest opinion. Kudos, Ms. Pittman.
August 18, 2017
In reality, we know very little about Katharina von Bora, Martin Luther's wife but this book offers an interesting spin on her life and cloister background. It reads more as historic fiction with a lot of adventure, soul seeking and some romance, than anything deeply theological, however, there is just enough of it to have something to think about. It reminded me contemporary reality shows about young Mennonites that leave their religious communities. So did Katharina, who had grown up very sheltered in a cloister since she was about five years old. She was very bright and had leadership qualities which was on par with Martin Luther.
It was a fun read, the book is big but it does not feel that way, because the author is brilliant!
August 1, 2017
Allison Pittman is an author who was unfamiliar to me until I read an advance copy of her release for September 1, 2017. Now I can attest to her talent to wield an engaging narrative, with an editing team that reliably ensured no glaring errors in the text. Despite the title, I was surprised this tale did not focus so much on theology, but indeed came across more like a romance novel. The evangelistic activities of Protestant reformer Martin Luther were mentioned but kept in the background to what is truly the story of Katharina, the nun who would later marry him.
Early on, the book explored Kath's cloistered life spanning her childhood and teen years, plus the bonds she formed with fellow Sisters. This leads to my only critique: I would've imagined far more time and inward conflict involved in Kath even fathoming a break from her vows -- although I'll grant that her exposure to Luther's translation of Scripture in the common tongue (rather than Latin) undoubtedly wielded a powerful influence in itself. I appreciated how two leading nuns in Kath's convent were portrayed with personalities that broke any one-dimensional expectations.
I relished how Kath's past tied into later events, and how both supporters and detractors of Kath (some likely entirely fictional) were described and given believable dialogue. The novel glossed over more controversial aspects of Luther himself, but still showed the man as down-to-earth and flawed, to the point that he was hilariously insufferable and exasperating! A few German words were untranslated, but that was easily resolved via an online app. Lastly, I suspect my own fascination with Christianity's history explains why the book's 400 pages felt like a breeze to me.
Early on, the book explored Kath's cloistered life spanning her childhood and teen years, plus the bonds she formed with fellow Sisters. This leads to my only critique: I would've imagined far more time and inward conflict involved in Kath even fathoming a break from her vows -- although I'll grant that her exposure to Luther's translation of Scripture in the common tongue (rather than Latin) undoubtedly wielded a powerful influence in itself. I appreciated how two leading nuns in Kath's convent were portrayed with personalities that broke any one-dimensional expectations.
I relished how Kath's past tied into later events, and how both supporters and detractors of Kath (some likely entirely fictional) were described and given believable dialogue. The novel glossed over more controversial aspects of Luther himself, but still showed the man as down-to-earth and flawed, to the point that he was hilariously insufferable and exasperating! A few German words were untranslated, but that was easily resolved via an online app. Lastly, I suspect my own fascination with Christianity's history explains why the book's 400 pages felt like a breeze to me.
July 19, 2017
Allison, a fabulous read!!
Jody and Allison have both done an awesome job with the different versions of this story about Luther and Katharina.
I enjoyed Katharina's sneakiness, steady and reliable sense of adventure along with Girt and Hans.
I felt that this story was mostly adventure.
I also liked that this book was told in 1st person my fave genre. I felt like I was more connected to the main character.
I did feel that it was unfair the way that her family treated her but at least her father did make sure his daughter was safe. (I'm glad I was a married woman when my dad up and done that because I didn't like my step mother at all! She took what was rightfully mine).
There were some favorite scenes of mine but I don't want to give anything away!!
I think I'd go stir crazy in some parts of the book esespecially since I'm claustrophobic. I don't like small spaces!!
I like this book too because I love reading historical fiction and they have the ability to take me on adventure and time travel without having to pat anything lol!!
I think that Allison has done a great job in her research of this particular subject. Her style of writing is awesome!!
Thank you Netgalley for letting me read and review your books!! No compensations were received. All words are my own!!
Jody and Allison have both done an awesome job with the different versions of this story about Luther and Katharina.
I enjoyed Katharina's sneakiness, steady and reliable sense of adventure along with Girt and Hans.
I felt that this story was mostly adventure.
I also liked that this book was told in 1st person my fave genre. I felt like I was more connected to the main character.
I did feel that it was unfair the way that her family treated her but at least her father did make sure his daughter was safe. (I'm glad I was a married woman when my dad up and done that because I didn't like my step mother at all! She took what was rightfully mine).
There were some favorite scenes of mine but I don't want to give anything away!!
I think I'd go stir crazy in some parts of the book esespecially since I'm claustrophobic. I don't like small spaces!!
I like this book too because I love reading historical fiction and they have the ability to take me on adventure and time travel without having to pat anything lol!!
I think that Allison has done a great job in her research of this particular subject. Her style of writing is awesome!!
Thank you Netgalley for letting me read and review your books!! No compensations were received. All words are my own!!
September 1, 2017
Loving Luther by Allison Pittman was a joy to read. Historical fiction might not be my go-to genre, but once in a while, a topic captures my attention and makes me want to read the novel. With Pittman's book, I never knew that Luther was ever in love with someone. Being a monk, I didn't think they could marry, but as the story shows, he left the monk life when he decided to read the Bible for himself. When I read a historical novel, I want the characters to be real and intertwine with the research so well that I don't know I'm actually reading a fictionalized story of a real person's life.
The writing is clear and concise. We stayed in Katharina's perspective the entire time. Since the story is told from her point of view, I watched as she interacted with the world and saw her feelings and words about certain topics. As for the research, it flowed nicely. I never once thought that Pittman was giving me a history lesson on Luther and what he accomplished. It was hinted at, but most readers should be familiar with what he accomplished with his theses. The setting came to life. I could feel the cold and taste the thin broth the poor ladies had to endure.
The romance really wasn't the focus of the story like I thought it was going to be. With a title like Loving Luther, I thought the story would be more about Katharina and Luther's love story. Yes, it is there toward the end of the novel, but the story focused more on Katharina's upbringing and her failed love to another man. Plus, this love to another man, I still don't understand what happened. Katharina was in love with him, and he appeared to be in love with her. Then he went away, never to talk to her again. It wasn't said what happened or why. I kept waiting for Pittman to tell me what happened, but she never does.
The spiritual element is important in this novel, as it should be because Pittman is discussing Luther and the whole Catholic church. I enjoyed how she allowed Katharina to make the discussion that she doesn't have to live in solitude to talk with God. She can still be a wife and a mother and talk with God. This is important, and the Catholic church still needs to hear this today.
Overall, the research and the setting stand out in my mind. While the title suggests a love story, it is more about Katharina's journey to discovering her love in Luther while maintaining her love for God. Loving Luther is a good book and taught me a lot, so I recommend this book to fellow readers who enjoy being taught things while they read. It was nice to uncover a part of Luther's life that I didn't know existed.
I received a complimentary copy of Loving Luther by Allison Pittman from Tyndale Publishing, and the opinions stated are all my own
The writing is clear and concise. We stayed in Katharina's perspective the entire time. Since the story is told from her point of view, I watched as she interacted with the world and saw her feelings and words about certain topics. As for the research, it flowed nicely. I never once thought that Pittman was giving me a history lesson on Luther and what he accomplished. It was hinted at, but most readers should be familiar with what he accomplished with his theses. The setting came to life. I could feel the cold and taste the thin broth the poor ladies had to endure.
The romance really wasn't the focus of the story like I thought it was going to be. With a title like Loving Luther, I thought the story would be more about Katharina and Luther's love story. Yes, it is there toward the end of the novel, but the story focused more on Katharina's upbringing and her failed love to another man. Plus, this love to another man, I still don't understand what happened. Katharina was in love with him, and he appeared to be in love with her. Then he went away, never to talk to her again. It wasn't said what happened or why. I kept waiting for Pittman to tell me what happened, but she never does.
The spiritual element is important in this novel, as it should be because Pittman is discussing Luther and the whole Catholic church. I enjoyed how she allowed Katharina to make the discussion that she doesn't have to live in solitude to talk with God. She can still be a wife and a mother and talk with God. This is important, and the Catholic church still needs to hear this today.
Overall, the research and the setting stand out in my mind. While the title suggests a love story, it is more about Katharina's journey to discovering her love in Luther while maintaining her love for God. Loving Luther is a good book and taught me a lot, so I recommend this book to fellow readers who enjoy being taught things while they read. It was nice to uncover a part of Luther's life that I didn't know existed.
I received a complimentary copy of Loving Luther by Allison Pittman from Tyndale Publishing, and the opinions stated are all my own
April 19, 2021
There are some books I love because they made me think. There are others I love because they made me cry (Tale of Two Cities comes to mind). And then there are the books that that I love because, usually in more ways that one, they made me blissfully happy.
"Loving Luther" is one of those books. In the words of Elizabeth Barrett Browning: "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways..."
First off, the skill of this author to whisk me away to another world is nothing short of breath-taking. It is written in first person, which is something I tend to dislike and find slightly jarring. So I think it says a lot about her writing that I DID NOT EVEN REALIZE this book was in first person until I was six chapters in, had taken a break for dinner, and was coming back to re-enter the story. Only then did I suddenly notice the "I" in the narrative, and was surprised and slightly jarred as I normally am by that POV. It was at that point that I realized the author had so quickly and perfectly dropped me into the story in the first chapter that I hadn't even had a chance to notice the "I". I wasn't seeing the words at all. I was walking around in 16th century Germany.
Then of course there is the subject matter. Katherina von Bora is a historical character I've always been interested in, and in general, I'm always drawn to stories based on real people/events. But ONLY if they are done well. And this one was most certainly done well!!
The author did a splendid job of giving us Katie as she was, in the world that she lived in. Never once did I feel (as happens far too often in modern fiction), that I was inside the head of a 21st century heroin who had somehow wandered through a time warp and ended up in the "olden days" with all her modern ideas and viewpoints intact. Katie, the nuns, Luther, and the rest of the characters all felt as if they deeply belonged in the time and place they lived in. And they were all so very, very REAL. Their wit and their sorrow, their struggles and their triumphs, their relationships and their growth. All of it made them so perfectly human and so entirely relatable, without ever resorting to the annoying modern trope of making them think, speak, or act like they belong in my own century. Beautifully, beautifully, done.
The depth of research and writing on display in this book is truly inspiring. It completely captured my attention from the very first page, and delighted my senses as I followed Katie's story from her childhood, all the way up to her relationship with Luther. I was fascinated and entertained, and exhilarated by the adventure. I had my heart wrung by the sorrow, and laughed out loud at the humor. Pittman has brought to life a woman in history who I have always admired, and I was so very happy to meet her, fully fleshed out, on the page. Bravo!
"Loving Luther" is one of those books. In the words of Elizabeth Barrett Browning: "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways..."
First off, the skill of this author to whisk me away to another world is nothing short of breath-taking. It is written in first person, which is something I tend to dislike and find slightly jarring. So I think it says a lot about her writing that I DID NOT EVEN REALIZE this book was in first person until I was six chapters in, had taken a break for dinner, and was coming back to re-enter the story. Only then did I suddenly notice the "I" in the narrative, and was surprised and slightly jarred as I normally am by that POV. It was at that point that I realized the author had so quickly and perfectly dropped me into the story in the first chapter that I hadn't even had a chance to notice the "I". I wasn't seeing the words at all. I was walking around in 16th century Germany.
Then of course there is the subject matter. Katherina von Bora is a historical character I've always been interested in, and in general, I'm always drawn to stories based on real people/events. But ONLY if they are done well. And this one was most certainly done well!!
The author did a splendid job of giving us Katie as she was, in the world that she lived in. Never once did I feel (as happens far too often in modern fiction), that I was inside the head of a 21st century heroin who had somehow wandered through a time warp and ended up in the "olden days" with all her modern ideas and viewpoints intact. Katie, the nuns, Luther, and the rest of the characters all felt as if they deeply belonged in the time and place they lived in. And they were all so very, very REAL. Their wit and their sorrow, their struggles and their triumphs, their relationships and their growth. All of it made them so perfectly human and so entirely relatable, without ever resorting to the annoying modern trope of making them think, speak, or act like they belong in my own century. Beautifully, beautifully, done.
The depth of research and writing on display in this book is truly inspiring. It completely captured my attention from the very first page, and delighted my senses as I followed Katie's story from her childhood, all the way up to her relationship with Luther. I was fascinated and entertained, and exhilarated by the adventure. I had my heart wrung by the sorrow, and laughed out loud at the humor. Pittman has brought to life a woman in history who I have always admired, and I was so very happy to meet her, fully fleshed out, on the page. Bravo!
October 9, 2017
Where to begin? Let me start by telling you that I didn’t want this story to end. I want more. I want another 1,000 pages. I want the fairy tale. Oh wait. Loving Luther is a fairy tale but with a decidedly religious twist. The romance of Katherina von Bora and Martin Luther is most definitely a fairy tale love story for the ages. No matter your religious affiliation or beliefs, Loving Luther is a must read because it is a fictional telling of real people, real heartache, real life-changing decisions, and real love.
I adore the way Allison Pittman methodically builds this story from the ground up. Rather than rushing headlong into Katherina von Bora loving Martin Luther, the author develops the characters, sets the stage, and presents the romantic outcome magnificently. Leaving the reader wanting to know more about the real people and events beyond the fictional account is the epitome of fabulous storytelling. Well done!
I’m a devout cradle Catholic but have Lutheran affiliations, so I am doubly interested in this story. I’m grateful for Martin Luther for being one of the catalysts for positive changes in Christian religion as a whole. What I find most interesting about Loving Luther is that it allows me to see Martin Luther through a more sympathetic and understanding lens, and I’m encouraged to find out more about him and the most interesting Katherina. This duo came together against so many odds and through so many obstacles, even their own stubbornness in admitting their feelings for each other.
In my humble opinion, the hallmark of a true love story is not that two people meet and fall in love but that two people find each other amidst controversy and dissonance and realize they are truly living God’s plan.
***
“This isn’t a matter of an escapade, it’s an escape, and the only safe way to escape from a place is to know that you have somewhere to escape to.” ~ chapter 12
I adore the way Allison Pittman methodically builds this story from the ground up. Rather than rushing headlong into Katherina von Bora loving Martin Luther, the author develops the characters, sets the stage, and presents the romantic outcome magnificently. Leaving the reader wanting to know more about the real people and events beyond the fictional account is the epitome of fabulous storytelling. Well done!
I’m a devout cradle Catholic but have Lutheran affiliations, so I am doubly interested in this story. I’m grateful for Martin Luther for being one of the catalysts for positive changes in Christian religion as a whole. What I find most interesting about Loving Luther is that it allows me to see Martin Luther through a more sympathetic and understanding lens, and I’m encouraged to find out more about him and the most interesting Katherina. This duo came together against so many odds and through so many obstacles, even their own stubbornness in admitting their feelings for each other.
In my humble opinion, the hallmark of a true love story is not that two people meet and fall in love but that two people find each other amidst controversy and dissonance and realize they are truly living God’s plan.
***
“This isn’t a matter of an escapade, it’s an escape, and the only safe way to escape from a place is to know that you have somewhere to escape to.” ~ chapter 12
November 22, 2017
Loving Luther by Allison Pittman is the second story I have read about Martin Luther and his bride Katharina von Bora, and it was especially poignant as this is the 500 year anniversary of the Reformation. This story focuses more on Katharina, how she came to the convent, her growing up years and her decision to become a nun, to her escape on that fateful Easter when she meets Martin Luther face to face, and her ‘loves’ after. I really enjoyed the historical detail the author gave to Katharina, a woman who was to become Mrs. Luther and what type of person she may have been. We are given a very detailed account of the two years of her freedom from the convent and the patronage of the wealthy who hosted her.
Martin Luther was a complex man it seems, and I liked how author Pittman portrayed him. A man powerfully used by God, hated by the Church, but yet undoubtedly a flawed human. From the beginning I knew he needed someone like Katharina by his side.
This was an interesting period in history as not only was the world waking up from the medieval era, but also God’s people was waking up from the fierce and oftentimes corrupt rule of the Roman Catholic church. To read the Bible on your own in your own language, which we often take for granted, was quite a discovery and an enlightenment of that time.
This was much more Katharina’s story than Luther’s; I only wish we could have seen more of the romance between the two of them. However given who they were in history I could see their romance progressing just as the author wrote it. And I do think she did them justice.
I received a copy of this novel for free. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
Martin Luther was a complex man it seems, and I liked how author Pittman portrayed him. A man powerfully used by God, hated by the Church, but yet undoubtedly a flawed human. From the beginning I knew he needed someone like Katharina by his side.
This was an interesting period in history as not only was the world waking up from the medieval era, but also God’s people was waking up from the fierce and oftentimes corrupt rule of the Roman Catholic church. To read the Bible on your own in your own language, which we often take for granted, was quite a discovery and an enlightenment of that time.
This was much more Katharina’s story than Luther’s; I only wish we could have seen more of the romance between the two of them. However given who they were in history I could see their romance progressing just as the author wrote it. And I do think she did them justice.
I received a copy of this novel for free. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
December 5, 2018
This was my second novel about Martin Luther and the woman who eventually became his wife, Katherina von Bora. I think I preferred his one overall, is it stuck closer to the facts, whereas the other was much more of a romance novel, and was way too dramatized with unnecessary rape and torture scenes.
I have not read anything by Allison Pittman before, but I would consider more of her work. I liked her detailed descriptions of landscape and the environment inhabited by the characters which helped bring parts of the story to life.
This focuses not so much on the Romance, but more on Katherina's life. She does not even escape the Abbey to which she was sent as a child until about one third of the way through. It is slow moving in places, and lags a little towards the end, but generally a worthwhile read.
I requested a copy of this title from Tyndale House via Netgalley a long while ago. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
I have not read anything by Allison Pittman before, but I would consider more of her work. I liked her detailed descriptions of landscape and the environment inhabited by the characters which helped bring parts of the story to life.
This focuses not so much on the Romance, but more on Katherina's life. She does not even escape the Abbey to which she was sent as a child until about one third of the way through. It is slow moving in places, and lags a little towards the end, but generally a worthwhile read.
I requested a copy of this title from Tyndale House via Netgalley a long while ago. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
August 17, 2017
Loving Luther is the newest release by Allison Pittman. This book was just okay to me. I love to read about the love story between Katharina von Bora and Martin Luther. However, this version was a little too slow for me. The first two-thirds of the book was hard to get through but it finally picked up about the last third of it. I am glad I pushed myself to keep reading on as I did enjoy the ending.
Three stars.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Three stars.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
September 7, 2017
Beautifully written, with memorable scenes and characters. Loving Luther is a literary treat that you'll want to savor in a scenic, relaxing spot like a porch swing, beach chair, or fireside sofa. It deserves a location where you can make the reading of it a special event. If you're looking for a novel that feels like a gift you've given yourself, this coming-of-age historical romance is it. I bought a hardbound copy for myself and will be purchasing more hardbound copies to give as Christmas gifts.
November 9, 2017
A beautifully written story of a young woman in 1500 Germany. Being a Catholic myself I could see myself in Katherina's place, being sent to a become a nun while just a child. I could also see myself rebelling and leaving to explore a life that girls sent away young could only dream of.
The author is a masterful story teller and I truly enjoyed every part of this book. I especially enjoyed that the epigraph was a scripture quote from Catherine of Siena, the patron Saint of my childhood churh.
The author is a masterful story teller and I truly enjoyed every part of this book. I especially enjoyed that the epigraph was a scripture quote from Catherine of Siena, the patron Saint of my childhood churh.
Read
January 26, 2022Loving Luther is a fictionalized retelling of Katharina’s life before her marriage to Martin Luther. Though slow-moving at times, Loving Luther is an enjoyable easy read. However, the tale is devoid of the historical context of the era and feels almost sanitized as it neatly avoids mention of any of the corruption and abuse which was apparently part of why Luther argued for the nuns to leave the convent.
December 16, 2017
This was an historical romance, based on the true life of Katharina von Bora and Martin Luther. After reading about 1/2 the book , I googled the names. I did not know Luther had married, nor had I heard of Ms. von Bora. It details, as much fact as fiction, the life of Katharina from being dropped off at a convent when she was 5 years old, to her leaving the convent and her life, after the convent, in high society, courtesy of Martin Luther. The tale ended with Martin’s proposal. The author’s telling of the story was easy and enjoyable reading. I would like to read a sequel of the marriage and life of the Luthers after the proposal.
April 20, 2023
Well written and creative, giving life to characters we have heard about all our lives. Splashes of beauty, detail, and romance made this book a fun read.
April 11, 2024
Love love love 🥰
I only wish this had one more chapter!!!
I only wish this had one more chapter!!!
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