Luther and Katharina

Katharina von Bora has lived inside a cloister since she was five years old. One night, she escapes and finds refuge with Martin Luther. He promises to keep her safe while looking for a suitable husband for her. Dealing with religious conflicts and political issues has convinced Martin Luther that he could die any time, and consequently, he will not marry.  As they face these issues together Martin and Katharina discover they have feelings for each other, and must decide if they will build a life together or not.

I found the historical basis for this story fascinating. Nuns escaping in barrels to a new life, and one ends up marrying Martin Luther. I found the historical details very interesting, and particularly liked the beginning of the book. I liked how the author set up the story with a very tense beginning. It made me want to know more about Katharina who seems like a strong determined woman.

I think the only real issue I had with this book is that it was heavy on the romance. I naturally expected some from the description, but I personally would have preferred a little less of the romance and more about the characters. Still, it was a pleasant easy read. If you do not mind a lot of romance in your story I think you will like this one.

This story made me interested in learning more about Martin Luther and Katharina, so I will be looking for some historical books about them.

**I received a free copy of this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for an honest review**


*Receiving a free copy of this book does not change my review. It simply provides me with a book I would not have gotten to as soon or heard about otherwise.

Soulless

Alexia Tarabotti has no soul. She is a spinster living with her family who is shocked when she is attacked by a vampire, which is against all forms of proper social etiquette. When she accidentally kills the vampire attacking her, Queen Victoria sends Lord Maccon to investigate. He also happens to be a werewolf. With everyone blaming her for the disappearance of some vampires, Alexia must figure out what is happening in society. She also hopes her soulless ability will prove an asset rather than an embarrassment as she tries to find who the real enemy is.

Soulless is the first book in the Parasol Protectorate series. I was a little uncertain when I first picked up this book how I would like it. But I am so glad I read it. It has become one of my favourite books this year. I quickly added it to My Favourite Books List, and I immediately went out to read the other books in the series, and the two other series that go with it(Finishing School and The Custard Protocol).

One of my favourite things about this series is the humour. Perfectly balanced with some good action scenes, interesting characters, and of course, the supernatural this book is an excellent beginning to an intriguing series. I could not stop reading. I loved the humorous take on werewolves and vampires. While some of the classic vampire and werewolf tropes are present, I found Carriger's approach simply irresistible.

I also like that the hero is a strong female with her own ideas and opinions. She has her own powers, and is not about to let other people tell her how to use them. She is a believable heroine and one whose story I enjoyed reading. This is a well written book and a great opening to a series.

I highly recommend reading this book!

Smile

Raina wants to be a normal sixth grader, who fits in with all her friends. One night, she trips and seriously injures her front teeth. It is the beginning of a long process involving dental surgery, braces, headgear, and fake teeth. She must also navigate the normal perils of middle school: boys, natural disasters, and fake friends.

Told in graphic novel form, Raina's memoir is presented in a way that helps young readers understand that growing up can be difficult, but they can make it through trying experiences. Even if the reader has never experienced the horrors of trying to navigate life with dental issues, they can relate to trying to figure out friendships and who they are.

This was the fifteenth book the Bookworms read together. Paige chose this book for us. I think this book would be great for ages 10 and up. Although younger could read it if interested. It will probably appeal to girls more as the main character is a girl, but boys could also identify with the characters. We had some great discussions about friendship, and how you should treat other people. Here are some of the Bookworms' thoughts on the book. Warning! There may be some spoilers.

Q&A With The Bookworms Book Club

How many stars out of 5 would you give the book?
Paige 5 1/2 Because it was really good! It is one of my favourite books in the world. It was my first time reading it.
Alejandro  4

What was your favourite part of the book?
Paige The beginning when she chipped her tooth.
Alejandro  The gum doctor and how he almost got sued.
Paige Would you guys ever read the second and third book?
Alejandro  Sure
Whitney: I would try reading them.

How would you feel about getting braces?
Alejandro  Worried other kids might be mean.
Paige Not excited at all. A little scared maybe.

Some of Raina's friends do things to embarrass her, what do you think about that?
Alejandro  I wouldn't like it.
Paige I would be mad and sad.
Whitney: Why did they do it?
Alejandro  Because they were teasing so they thought it was fun.
Paige It didn't hurt them.

Raina decides not to be friends with the mean kids anymore, what do you think about that?
Paige It was a good decision.
Alejandro  It was a good idea, that way she doesn't end up like them.
Whitney: Would it be hard to do that?
Both: Yes!

What did you think of her new friends?
Alejandro  They were cooler. They didn't tease or hurt her.
Paige Her new friends were nicer. They didn't talk bad about her.

Was everything perfect for Raina when she got her braces off?
Alejandro  She got used to the braces.
Paige It didn't fix her friends.

What did you think of the book?
Paige It was a really good book!
Alejandro  I liked that it was based on a true story.

Thank you to the Bookworms for reading and reviewing this book with me. I look forward to reading and discussing our next book together.