Luther and Katharina

A Novel of Love and Rebellion

Fiction - Historical - Personage
599 Pages
Reviewed on 08/16/2015
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Bernadette Acocella for Readers' Favorite

Luther and Katharina is a historical romance novel from author Jody Hedlund that tells the story of how these two historical figures came together in marriage. Katharina is a nun who risks her life to escape her convent and follow the teachings of Martin Luther, the monk who led the Protestant Reformation. However, life outside the convent walls isn’t what Katharina imagined it would be; for the first time in her life, she must confront the dangers of the world and the uncertainty that faced unmarried women in the sixteenth century. Though Luther sheltered and assisted Katharina while she sought her place in the world, she can’t help but bristle at his mannerisms and harsh words for her, while being simultaneously drawn to his intensity. Luther is similarly intrigued by the contradictions he finds in Katharina, her pride and her gentle way of caring for those around her. The two are continually drawn together until dangerous circumstances finally force them to admit their true feelings for each other.

This book will delight fans of historical romance. Author Jody Hedlund incorporated numerous factual details in her story about Luther and Katharina, which adds an extra layer of interest for readers. The author brought to life both the fear and the hope that Katharina faced as she left her comfortable world in the convent behind. The tension between Katharina and Luther left me wondering how these two would overcome their pride and find a way to be together. Although this book could be read by fans of historical romance, readers who have at least a cursory knowledge of the Protestant Reformation and the man behind the movement will probably enjoy it the most. Overall, there were many elements, such as the history, the emotions, and the characters, in Hedlund’s story that I enjoyed.