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Summary

Luther and Katharina focuses on the story of how a former nun became the wife of the famous reformer. 

Newton and Polly tells the story of John Newton, the writer of Amazing Grace, with a special focus on his relationship with the woman who would eventually become his wife. 

Stats

Genre: Adult historical romance (fiction)

Series length: Each is a standalone book

Violence: Moderate to moderately high, according to the time period and historical facts (in short, the author does not sanitize history)

Magic/Supernatural: Only that which is supported by history

Romance/Sex: High romance, as both of these are love stories. Luther also contains extra strong elements, with some fairly bluntly discussions/scenes pertaining to rape and the consummation of marriage, according to the traditions of the time.

Christian/spiritual element: Explicit and overt

Recommendation: Readers who would like to learn about a different aspect of these famous men and about the women they loved.

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Opening lines: 

Time to jump. 

With trembling legs tangling in her scapular, Katharina crouched on the stone ledge of the window and peered down at the matted grass, still hard and untouched by spring. She blinked back a wave of dizziness and hoped the two-story drop wasn't as far as it looked. 

Luther and Katharina
by Jody Hedlund

Katharina von Bora has seen nothing but the inside of cloister walls since she was five. In a daring escape, Katharina finds refuge with Martin Luther and seeks his help to pair her with the noble, wealthy husband she desires.

As class tensions and religious conflicts escalate toward the brink of war, Martin Luther believes that each day could be his last and determines he will never take a wife.

As the horrors of the bloody Peasant War break out around them, the proud Katharina and headstrong Martin Luther fight their own battle for true love, in one of the greatest love stories of history.

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Opening Lines:

"I fear that our wassailing has become a nuisance." Polly Catlett slowed her steps, her toes aching in the stiff leather of her boots, the damp chill of December finally taking its toll. 

"Nonsense." Susanna Smith linked her arm into Polly's and dragged her toward the front door of the tenant farmhouse that stood across the road from the Blue Anchor Inn. "You've such a pretty voice. You could never be a nuisance." 

Newton & Polly
by Jody Hedlund

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found.

Now remembered as the author of the world s most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty is to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father until the night he hears Polly Catlett s enchanting voice, caroling. He s immediately smitten and determined to win her affection.

An intense connection quickly forms between the two, but John s reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life are concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern leaves John imprisoned and bound, Polly must choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves?

​Step back through the pages of history, to uncover the true love story behind a song that continues to stir the hearts and ignite the faith of millions around the globe.