Luther in Love (Douglas Bond)

Luther in Love

Luther in Love opens on a frigid night at the Augustinian cloister in Wittenberg. Katharina von Bora Luther is bent over her candle writing something, trying to keep it from her husband’s eyes. The story unfolds memoir-esque from Katie’s perspective, breaking into clusters of chapters in third person, then back to Katie from time to time throughout the biographical novel.

How does an apostate nun live with an apostate monk, and a monk like Luther? He is a giant in the land: a bold, bombastic, fearless man. Vitriolic to his opponents, given to dark bouts of depression and self-doubt, unwashed, unkempt, plagued by a painful and reoccurring bowel disorder, and nothing short of brilliant.

How does a young woman live with such a man? Katie was only 26 when she married 42-year-old Luther! She had not been around men since she was five years of age. Luther in Love explores all this in the context of the dynamic unfolding story of Luther and the Reformation in Germany, and will focus particular attention on the sanctifying influence of Christian marriage, the school of character.

Includes a downloadable study guide for pastors to use in premarital counseling with young couples about to wed.

Endorsements

“A fitting tribute to one of the most fascinating power-couples 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

About the Author

Douglas Bond, father of six, and grandfather of six and counting, is a hymn writer, an award-winning teacher, and author of thirty books of historical fiction, biography, and practical theology, several translated into Dutch, Portuguese, and Korean. He speaks internationally at churches, schools, and conferences, directs the Oxford Creative Writing Master Class, and leads Church history and hymn tours. He has led numerous tours to John Bunyan’s Bedfordshire since 1996.