I discovered some interesting facts about Martin Luther's wife as a result of reading this book. I was especially astonished to discover that she in fact had two suitors besides Luther. I had to do a bit of research myself to see if that was true!

Writing from a child's point of view is very hard and tricky, and the first few chapters of the book unfortunately did not interest me because of that. It got better with the chapters after that though I do not understand why the story focussed so much on one of the failed suitors instead of on Katherine's relationship with Luther.

Perhaps it would have been more interesting to also cover a few of the early years of their marriage.

Thank you Netgalley and Tyndale House for the review copy. This is my honest opinion.

Loving Luther follows young six-year-old Katharina von Bora from the time she is left in the care of the church, to taking her vows, eventually leaving convent life, becoming the woman whom Martin Luther would one day call his wife.



Told from Katharina's perspective, I liked how this book realistically showed her difficult situation and her sacrifices for her faith. Well researched, Ms. Pittman does an excellent job of capturing Katharina's experiences and imagining what it might have been like to face such uncertainty, yet still there is always flicker of hope that shines through.



Katharina struggles to adjust to her new life and leaving the convent means for her faith and the choices that she must make. The book covers many years of her life, contrasting her years at the convent with her newfound freedom on the outside.



Overall, a compelling read, based on the true story of Katharina von Bora the woman who would marry Martin Luther. I liked how it realistically showed the uncertainty of her future, and how she had risked much for her faith. Compelling, and filled with hope, a book that you won't soon forget.



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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.

With beautiful prose and an intriguing plot, Allison Pittman has succeeded at bringing to life the historical story of Katharina von Bora. I approached the novel knowing little about the love story between Luther and Katharina, and I found her circumstances truly absorbing to read about. As a father myself, I simply cannot imagine dropping off my daughter at a convent and then never really having contact with her again after that time! It always amazes me to learn about the things that society thought was acceptable in the past, and trying to step into Katharina's shoes created deep empathy for her situation. She is truly a courageous woman, instigating a mini-rebellion in the convent, as she and a group of nuns escape the life they've been cast into by their families and seek to fulfill their longings for families and homes of their own. Pittman does a wonderful job at fleshing out Katharina's character in particular, as she discovers a world around her that she'd known little about while locked away in the convent. Reading about Luther's matchmaking attempt on Katharina's behalf were also quite something to read about! I did find that the latter half of the book was a little bit slower paced than I was expecting, and is the only reason I didn't give this book a full 5 out of 5 stars. All in all, however, there is much to enjoy and learn from Katharina's life and experiences, and I'm so grateful for Pittman's attention to detail, and for her gift of bringing to life important historical figures.

Readers longing to read an excellently written historical novel should plan on diving into this novel for themselves. Not only will you walk away with a greater understanding of who Luther and Katharina are, but you will feel inspired by these character's courageous obedience to God's calling in their lives. I award this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

An egalley has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Tyndale, for the purposes of this unbiased review.

Loving Luther tells the story of Martin Luther’s wife, Katharina. Katharina comes from a noble but impoverished family. Because the family has fallen on hard times, it is difficult for them to keep Katharina. When she was six years old, they sent her to a nunnery. Katharina has no choice but to become a nun. One day, she happens to read the preachings of Martin Luther and begins to question her life. She decides to escape the nunnery with a few of her fellow nuns. Martin Luther finds her and tries to find a husband for her. Eventually, Katharina realizes that she wants no man to be her husband except for Martin Luther.

I have read Katharina and Luther by Jody Hedlund. However, I believe that this novel has made Katharina more realistic and down to earth. In this novel, Katharina is very vulnerable and uncertain. She questions if she is doing the right thing. She realizes that even though she is no longer constrained to a nunnery, she still feels isolated. She is bound by the rules and expectations of society. Thus, I could sympathize with her plight and hope that she finds happiness as she navigates the outside world. I also loved her relationship with Martin Luther. The two of them started out as friends, then it gradually became more. He was very sympathetic and always helped her when she needed it. Therefore, their love story was very sweet.

Overall, this novel is about love, friendship, and choices. I thought that all the characters were well-developed except for Luther. There were many moments that I did not understand his motivations. There were some moments that really dragged, especially with Katharina’s life in the convent. Also, the book suffered from too much telling too little showing. Still, I liked how it was focused on Katharina’s life before she married Luther. I recommend this novel for not only those interested in Martin Luther, but also those who want to read about the women behind great men.

Upon reading the synopsis of Loving Luther, I found my interest piqued. I am a Lutheran and my birth mom is a Luther, and we’re descendants of Martin Luther on his brother’s side. Knowing Luther’s background, I wanted to read about Katharina, who is the main character of Allison Pittman’s book, Loving Luther.

Loving Luther is a story of a woman who is devout and fully committed to the Lord. It is a beautiful story. The story is as real as it gets for living life and the struggles we all face. After reading the book, I understand Katharina a little better and understand the reason she and Martin Luther were good together.

This story flowed easily and was well written. I looked forward to turning the next page because there is so much history in this story. This period was a time of radical religious change, and the fact that Katharina was part of the separation of the Catholic church was fascinating.  It was fun to see these characters grow, and readers will easily fall in love with them.

I give Loving Luther five stars. I will recommend this book to others and immediately to my mother and sister-in-law, who are also Lutherans.

A big thank you to Tyndale and Lone Star Book Blog Tours for giving me a complimentary copy of the book and allowing me to read this beautiful story.

Was glad to read the story behind Martin Luther’s wife. What a beautiful love story. Was glad to read from this author again.

I have no idea where I want to start this review. I actually finished the book yesterday and while I had time to write and schedule it I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to say. Guess what? 24 hours later I still don’t. Let’s say this: I’m very ignorant of the reformation period and Martian Luther. I mean I know it’s a thing but it’s not a thing I’ve ever studied about or learned about. I’ve picked up nuances here and there but that’s about it. I didn’t know when (like years) it all happened or even where (Europe anyone?). I just knew some guy decided that the Church was getting too big for it’s britches and he nailed a manifesto (of sorts) to the church door. That’s it. I didn’t know he was a former priest, I didn’t give any thought to his home life and spouse or lack there of and I’d never heard of Katharina von Bora. Honestly, when I read the synopsis of the book I was drawn to the idea of a historical novel, I didn’t even pick up on the name and realize this was real people. Not until partway through the book and I was like ‘wait, what? this sounds eerily familiar. Sorta.’ How many IQ points did you just take away from me? You know you did. Judge away, I’m good with that.

This book had a lot going for it but there were a couple of drawbacks. The time jumps. Oh tomatoes and gravy, the time jumps. I mean, I understand the need to move the story forward and get to the heart of the matter but sometimes they felt abrupt. The other thing was the characters. There were so many different Sisters that after a fashion I gave up caring who was who and what and where and why. Even the nobles she met once she was free became overwhelming. I’m terrible with name so this is a legitimate thing that probably bothered no one but me.

Starting the book not realizing this was about a legitimate, real life, once lived person I had begun to thing that this girl was going to pine away for Luther all her days. He, trying to set her up with men he deemed worthy and her rejecting them as they were not him. Sometimes being ignorant has it’s perks. I didn’t know the end of the story. Once I realized this book was about THE Martin Luther I didn’t go Googling the story or even reading other reviews of the book. I wanted to keep my innocence and carry forward. I think I got a better story because I didn’t know how it was supposed to end. I’m glad the synopsis spoke to me. I’m glad I requested to read this book. I’m glad I was ignorant. Without all of those things I would not have had the privilege to read this book with no preconceived notions. I was saved frustrations when, perhaps maybe, things didn’t follow history to the point. I wasn’t frustrated through her other relationships since I didn’t know the ending. I’ve never read Allison Pittman before and I can’t wait to read her again. I appreciate her writing style and I feel like she’s going to be an amazing fit for my future reading needs.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Katharina von Bora was no coward. At six years old, she was given away to the church to become a nun. She faced loneliness and hardship with courage and grace. As a young woman, she took her vows. When the banned teachings of a renegade monk filtered into her hands and made her question everything she had believed in, she pursued truth with passion and sincerity. And when this pursuit finally led her to abandon her vows, she bravely stepped into freedom- and a different kind of loneliness. Where would God lead her now?

Loving Luther was beautifully written. The story was compelling and the characters were such that I found myself feeling angrily sympathetic towards Katharina and eager to see her journey resolved. 

Despite this I was somewhat troubled at the way Luther was portrayed in this story. I am well aware that he was no saint, and that he was strong in his opinions. However, in this account he at one point oversteps the bounds of propriety because he has had too much to drink, and he is rather thoughtless when it comes to making a match for Katharina. I wonder how much of this was based in fact and how much on literary license. I do think I would prefer to read a more biographical account of Luther and Katharina's life.

Tyndale House Publishers graciously gave me a complimentary copy of this book in order to write an unbiased review. I rate Loving Luther a three and a half out of five stars.

Review at https://thelibrariantalks.wordpress.com/2017/10/11/review-loving-luther-by-allison-pittman

Loving Luther is the true story of the love story of Katharina and Martin Luther. Katharine was left off as a child as a convent and raised there and talk to believe their way . Until she received a slip in contraband so-called, as it were as it were, in from Luther and then began the relationship and her questioning her beliefs also began. She also started to fall for the man as well , and eventually she ............Oh no I am not going to tell you the rest – it is heartstrings pulling, courageous, scary for her, faith standing, faith believing, faith following, and romantic.

This book focuses on the possibly life’s story of Katharina von Bora, eventual wife of Martin Luther. In honor of the 500th anniversary of the start of the Reformation, Pittman has written about the unique partnership of Katharina and Luther. While growing up in a convent, which was a safe place for her destitute family to place her, Katharina becomes awakened to the desire to know more about God’s design for each person. She finds enlightenment in the messages from Luther’s works, pieces of which are smuggled into the convent. She and a band of other novitiates/nuns leave the convent and seek shelter through Luther and his acquaintances. In this time period, marriage was of utmost importance for the survival of women. A couple of failed matches for Katharina bring she and Luther together.

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.

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.*

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 is a fascinating look at a little-known character in history. From what I've read before, very little is known about Catherine von Bora's early life, but the author of this story has fleshed out a lovely what-if story. I found the picture of life in the convent quite interesting, as the author surmised what Catherine's life may have been like. I was surprised, after reading of Catherine's romance with Jerome, to learn that that part of her life was actually true; I hadn't heard before that she was courted by someone besides Luther.
I received a free ecopy of this book from NetGalley and chose to write a review.

"Loving Luther" is a Christian historical set in 1505 to 1525 in Germany. It's Katharina von Bora's story and started with her being left at a convent by her father as a young child. Not much is known about her life in the convents, so this is a fictional telling of what life might have been like for her (and nuns in general). More information is known about her life after she escaped the convent, but still not that much. The author explored what an adjustment it must have been for Kate using the framework of what is known about her life at that time.

The author portrayed Martin Luther as caring toward Kate from the start (though it's my understanding that he didn't initially have a positive attitude toward her but that he did come to respect her before deciding to marry her). Anyway, the author showed them spending time together and becoming friends. After initially focusing her affection toward another man, Kate realized her love for Luther. It's an interesting look at what life might have been like for a woman in her situation. The story ended with Luther agreeing to marry Kate.

There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable story.

<i>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?</i>

Well, we find out. I was amazed at how closely Pittman stayed to the historical facts, but filled in with era-accurate story. You really get to know Katharina and her friends in the convent, and your heart breaks with how these children are raised in the Catholic church.

The characters are very 3 dimensional and so well crafted that you wonder how they'll handle what comes next after you turn out the lights. Just wonderful writing. You experience the intrigue and questions, worship by rote, and the courage and fear the nuns feel as they read the treasured words from the Bible in their own language and not Latin. You tremble at the thought of stepping outside a comfort zone that is not so comfortable in the cold, hard halls of the convent.

Descriptions bring in all the senses. You feel the terrible cold to your bones, the bland food depresses appetite, the rough fabric scratches the skin, the needle pricks your finger as secret pockets are made.

Excellent detail in story. The love interest of Katharina [spoiler]who rejects her because he was a weak person ruled by his mother and whom she does not end up with[/spoiler] gives a poignant reason for her attraction and true love for Martin Luther.

If you do not know Katharina's and Martin's story, this would be an excellent book to read. Pittman does not delve into the reformation movement except for the intrigue in smuggling in the questions and Bible verses for the nuns to ponder. It's all told from Katharina's point of view, so we don't agonize with Luther over his reformation awakening or his excommunication. This is a tender and poignant story about a little girl growing up in a convent and a religion that could not answer her questions. It's how the answers she found gave her a maturity in God to be a truly helpful helpmeet for Martin Luther.

Exquisite.

The opening to the story is emotional and drew me in quite easily, beginning when Katharina is just a child. She is an interesting character who questions her calling in life after learning of Martin Luther’s teachings.

I love fictional stories that are based on true characters. I also enjoy books that teach me something, not only of history, but also of myself. Loving Luther is an interesting story by a gifted storyteller (Allison Pittman.)

This is not a conventional romance, but it is about love. The middle of the book seemed a little slow, but overall, I enjoyed it.

4 Stars

Cover: Like
Title: Love
Publisher: Tyndale Publishers
Pages: 432

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Blog Network and NetGalley.