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Luther in Love
Katharina von Bora, fearful of discovery, secretly pens a memoir of her apostasy, her forbidden marriage to Reformer Martin Luther, his life and legacy, their life and love together, their children, their trials and tragedies, and their joys and triumphs.
“…a fitting tribute to one of the most fascinating powercouples of the ages! With the skill of a scholar and the sparkle of a bard, Douglas Bond weaves together a thrilling and engaging story of Luther’s marriage to Katharina von Bora.” ERIC LANDRY, Executive Editor, Modern Reformation “An engaging and personal look at a figure of towering importance to Western civilization. This is a must-read for anyone who would see these events through the eyes of one who was there.” DR. DAVID L. BODDE, Professor Emeritus, Clemson University “Douglas Bond has a gift for capturing the living and authentic nature of historical figures and their times. In Luther in Love he has seamlessly woven together historical fact into an engaging and enduring love story of mutual comfort and support between a declared heretic and an apostate nun. An excellent read!” MYRA BAUGHMAN, Professor Emeritus, Pacific Lutheran University “Combining a historian’s eye for details with a novelist’s sense for a good story, Douglas Bond brings Luther down from the pedestal so we can walk beside him and get to know him as the man he really was. I recommend Luther in Love heartily.” GREG BAILEY, editor
“Luther in Love is a lovely book, a pleasure to read, a creative and astute project, a page-turner, faithful to Luther’s voice as a Reformer, a preacher, a theologian, a son, a friend, a father, and a husband.” AIMEE BYRD, author of Housewife Theologian, Theological Fitness, and No Little Women
“…Luther through the exhilarating mind of one of America’s most impressive Christian storytellers. Luther in Love is Christian historical fiction at its mesmerizing best!” DARREN J. N. MIDDLETON, Professor of Literature and Theology, Texas Christian University
“I loved reading Luther in Love! I laughed, I wept—so much wisdom about biblical marriage! …a tender and insightful look into how the Father of the Reformation, and his beloved Katie, applied the theology of the Reformation to their marriage.” SUSAN HUNT, author, Spiritual Mothering; former Coordinator, Women’s Ministry (PCA)
“Master historical novelist Douglas Bond has done it again. The fruit of extensive research, this book brings to life the story of Martin Luther’s legacy and his marriage to Katharina von Bora. Bond blends theological and biblical insight from Luther in a compelling book for all readers.” MARVIN PADGETT, Executive Director/CEO, Great Commission Publications
“…beautifully written, incredibly moving account of Martin Luther and his bride Katharina von Bora. Bond seamlessly takes readers back 500 years. …richly told, deserves to be read and reread.” ALISA WEIS, journalist and author of Swiftwater
“…a fitting tribute to one of the most fascinating powercouples of the ages! With the skill of a scholar and the sparkle of a bard, Douglas Bond weaves together a thrilling and engaging story of Luther’s marriage to Katharina von Bora.” ERIC LANDRY, Executive Editor, Modern Reformation “An engaging and personal look at a figure of towering importance to Western civilization. This is a must-read for anyone who would see these events through the eyes of one who was there.” DR. DAVID L. BODDE, Professor Emeritus, Clemson University “Douglas Bond has a gift for capturing the living and authentic nature of historical figures and their times. In Luther in Love he has seamlessly woven together historical fact into an engaging and enduring love story of mutual comfort and support between a declared heretic and an apostate nun. An excellent read!” MYRA BAUGHMAN, Professor Emeritus, Pacific Lutheran University “Combining a historian’s eye for details with a novelist’s sense for a good story, Douglas Bond brings Luther down from the pedestal so we can walk beside him and get to know him as the man he really was. I recommend Luther in Love heartily.” GREG BAILEY, editor
“Luther in Love is a lovely book, a pleasure to read, a creative and astute project, a page-turner, faithful to Luther’s voice as a Reformer, a preacher, a theologian, a son, a friend, a father, and a husband.” AIMEE BYRD, author of Housewife Theologian, Theological Fitness, and No Little Women
“…Luther through the exhilarating mind of one of America’s most impressive Christian storytellers. Luther in Love is Christian historical fiction at its mesmerizing best!” DARREN J. N. MIDDLETON, Professor of Literature and Theology, Texas Christian University
“I loved reading Luther in Love! I laughed, I wept—so much wisdom about biblical marriage! …a tender and insightful look into how the Father of the Reformation, and his beloved Katie, applied the theology of the Reformation to their marriage.” SUSAN HUNT, author, Spiritual Mothering; former Coordinator, Women’s Ministry (PCA)
“Master historical novelist Douglas Bond has done it again. The fruit of extensive research, this book brings to life the story of Martin Luther’s legacy and his marriage to Katharina von Bora. Bond blends theological and biblical insight from Luther in a compelling book for all readers.” MARVIN PADGETT, Executive Director/CEO, Great Commission Publications
“…beautifully written, incredibly moving account of Martin Luther and his bride Katharina von Bora. Bond seamlessly takes readers back 500 years. …richly told, deserves to be read and reread.” ALISA WEIS, journalist and author of Swiftwater
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
16 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Bond
80 books229 followersDouglas 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.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 16, 2022
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.”
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.”
July 15, 2024
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. :-)
August 31, 2017
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!
February 19, 2019
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 🙌
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 🙌
August 3, 2019
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.
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.
January 25, 2018
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.
August 6, 2018
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.
December 26, 2023
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 ;)
February 14, 2022
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.
March 20, 2023
Amazing book, very historically accurate (minus the really awful things Luther did in real life). Beautifully written and will keep you wanting more!
August 31, 2020
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.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews