What do you think?
Rate this book
Anthems of Zion #1
House of Living Stones
In the small Illinois town of Bradbury, change doesn't come often, and it certainly doesn't come easily. So when Pastor Fletcher hires Emily Duke as the new choir director at Zion Lutheran Church, he unknowingly sets in motion a chain of events that turns the life of his congregation upside down.
The crusty church secretary, Mrs. Scheinberg, must learn to adjust her curmudgeonly ways. Zion's talented but pompous organist, Evan Ebner, must recognize his shortcomings. Emily must come to terms with her past. Even Pastor Fletcher must face reality when his world is shaken by the baggage Emily brings and by the handsome Zachary Brandt who pursues her.
With its host of lovable and relatable characters, House of Living Stones will find a special place on your bookshelf and in your heart.
The crusty church secretary, Mrs. Scheinberg, must learn to adjust her curmudgeonly ways. Zion's talented but pompous organist, Evan Ebner, must recognize his shortcomings. Emily must come to terms with her past. Even Pastor Fletcher must face reality when his world is shaken by the baggage Emily brings and by the handsome Zachary Brandt who pursues her.
With its host of lovable and relatable characters, House of Living Stones will find a special place on your bookshelf and in your heart.
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2014
24 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Katie Schuermann
10 books196 followersKatie Schuermann is "a first-class storyteller” (Cameron MacKenzie, 2023) whose “earthy and joyful” (Mark A. Miller, 2014) voice is as refreshing and invigorating as the Midwestern sunshine in which she was raised. Writing in vignettes which so perfectly suit the charm of small-town life, Schuermann's stories call to mind the warmth and realism of Montgomery's Avonlea as well as the grounded sense of place and community of Berry’s Port William.
When not writing, Schuermann can be found singing, gardening, cooking, holding babies, or trying to climb the nearest tree.
When not writing, Schuermann can be found singing, gardening, cooking, holding babies, or trying to climb the nearest tree.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
July 14, 2025
Once I entered the world of Emily Duke, I could not seem to put it down again for very long. Charming, sweet, and wholesome, yes, but oh so much more. This book switched between humor and sorrow with grace and ease. It was real in a way that never felt forced or contrived. Life lessons and faith lessons wrapped in honesty and warm hugs. I wanted to crawl inside its pages and spend time with these people, that's how they real they felt.
Sure, it was easy to fall in love with Emily, Alice, Pastor Fletcher, just as easy as it was to shudder by appearances from Evan, Candice, and Geraldine. But the thing about the latter characters isn't that they were the typical villains of a story, but that they possessed flaws that are easy to dislike in ourselves, and there's always so much to learn from characters like that. Fear of letting people too close after being hurt. Passing judgments without ever seeking the truth. Whispering in ways meant to hurt another, talking too much when we would be better served by listening. Clinging to resentment and anger, allowing it to turn us bitter and then unleashing that unhappiness onto others. Harsh criticism. Pride. Jealousy. Hypocrisy. Self-righteousness. It's not so easy to like characters that reflect back to us qualities we don't much care to acknowledge in ourselves.
This book -- the characters and their stories -- was what my soul was craving, and I didn't even know it, despite the fact that I'd been looking forward to cracking open this book for quite some time. I've never lived in a town as small as Bradbury, Illinois, but I've attended a small Lutheran church. House of Living Stones was so spot on in capturing a small LCMS church that I couldn't help but feel as though I'd been there, somehow, before. Having been Lutheran my entire life, I can't speak for how many of the nuances would appeal to (or maybe even be noticed by) readers of other Christian traditions, but even so, there's so much good quality reading to be done here, that I feel confident just about anyone who enjoys Christian fiction would like what they find.
I, quite literally, laughed and cried with the members of Zion Lutheran Church. I cannot wait to return to Bradbury for books two and three of this trilogy. They're already placed on my 2019 reading list, and I'm already sad there won't be more when I finish those. I definitely hope that Katie Schuermann has some more fiction waiting to be told. Her stories and how she tells them are a delight in every way.
Sure, it was easy to fall in love with Emily, Alice, Pastor Fletcher, just as easy as it was to shudder by appearances from Evan, Candice, and Geraldine. But the thing about the latter characters isn't that they were the typical villains of a story, but that they possessed flaws that are easy to dislike in ourselves, and there's always so much to learn from characters like that. Fear of letting people too close after being hurt. Passing judgments without ever seeking the truth. Whispering in ways meant to hurt another, talking too much when we would be better served by listening. Clinging to resentment and anger, allowing it to turn us bitter and then unleashing that unhappiness onto others. Harsh criticism. Pride. Jealousy. Hypocrisy. Self-righteousness. It's not so easy to like characters that reflect back to us qualities we don't much care to acknowledge in ourselves.
This book -- the characters and their stories -- was what my soul was craving, and I didn't even know it, despite the fact that I'd been looking forward to cracking open this book for quite some time. I've never lived in a town as small as Bradbury, Illinois, but I've attended a small Lutheran church. House of Living Stones was so spot on in capturing a small LCMS church that I couldn't help but feel as though I'd been there, somehow, before. Having been Lutheran my entire life, I can't speak for how many of the nuances would appeal to (or maybe even be noticed by) readers of other Christian traditions, but even so, there's so much good quality reading to be done here, that I feel confident just about anyone who enjoys Christian fiction would like what they find.
I, quite literally, laughed and cried with the members of Zion Lutheran Church. I cannot wait to return to Bradbury for books two and three of this trilogy. They're already placed on my 2019 reading list, and I'm already sad there won't be more when I finish those. I definitely hope that Katie Schuermann has some more fiction waiting to be told. Her stories and how she tells them are a delight in every way.
December 26, 2020
Dec 25, 2020 * 3.5 - 4 stars
Even though I'm not Lutheran, I enjoyed this story about a Lutheran choir director in a small, Midwestern farming community.
Even though I'm not Lutheran, I enjoyed this story about a Lutheran choir director in a small, Midwestern farming community.
September 25, 2017
This is a sweet, fun, sometimes thought-provoking look at life in a small town. I laughed many times while reading this, and got tears in my eyes a couple times too. Schuermann has written two sequels, and I hope to read them before the end of the year.
I've seen this book compared to the Mitford books by Jan Karon, and that description is fairly apt, though I feel like this is a bit edgier than the Mitford books I've read. But the first Mitford books were written more than twenty years ago, so, you know, whatever. By "edgier" I just mean there's a character that others suspect of being gay (he isn't), and there are some downright unpleasant people here. Plus very gossipy ones. So much gossip. Which is portrayed as being bad and wrong, at least.
In the end, yup, I liked this, want to read the other two books, and have already recommended it to several friends. And my mom.
I've seen this book compared to the Mitford books by Jan Karon, and that description is fairly apt, though I feel like this is a bit edgier than the Mitford books I've read. But the first Mitford books were written more than twenty years ago, so, you know, whatever. By "edgier" I just mean there's a character that others suspect of being gay (he isn't), and there are some downright unpleasant people here. Plus very gossipy ones. So much gossip. Which is portrayed as being bad and wrong, at least.
In the end, yup, I liked this, want to read the other two books, and have already recommended it to several friends. And my mom.
April 26, 2024
I'm not sure I can give this book the proper review it deserves. It was very well written.
I loved this book for how relatable it is, the life in the small town, the congregation at Zion Lutheran Church. This book had wonderful, relatable characters, and an amazing sense of humor. It had me laughing at times and feeling deep sorrow for the situations the old ladies put Miss Emily in.
Mrs. Schuermann did a great job with this book. It confessed the Lutheran faith while telling a funny and wholesome story.
I loved this book for how relatable it is, the life in the small town, the congregation at Zion Lutheran Church. This book had wonderful, relatable characters, and an amazing sense of humor. It had me laughing at times and feeling deep sorrow for the situations the old ladies put Miss Emily in.
Mrs. Schuermann did a great job with this book. It confessed the Lutheran faith while telling a funny and wholesome story.
May 19, 2020
This book about a Lutheran church's choir director was recommended to me by my Lutheran church's choir director! Although not my usual genre, I found it well written and enjoyable. I especially liked that the former pastor's wife was a nice person since I am a pastor's wife! It was fun to read about a world that I am so familiar with and will most likely read the other two books in this series.
November 6, 2014
Delightfully hard to put down, and it made me want to go read Anne of Green Gables again.
March 14, 2022
So I read this when I was... *checks notes* twelve? I mean, I suppose there's not any content in it that I couldn't handle, but I think a lot of it went over my head. I'm nineteen now. I'm still a lot younger than the main characters, but I see myself in them a lot more, and I see my college town in Bradbury.
I also see the issues with the writing style a bit more than I did before (thus I removed a star). But Katie Schuermann *gets* what it's like to be part of an LCMS church. She knows what it's like to be in those pews every Sunday. She knows the people there and she knows the depth of their sin and she knows the greater depth of God's grace.
Probably don't read this when you're twelve, though. *shakes head at younger me* It's an adult book and it's meant for adults (and maybe high schoolers? if they're particularly mature?).
I also see the issues with the writing style a bit more than I did before (thus I removed a star). But Katie Schuermann *gets* what it's like to be part of an LCMS church. She knows what it's like to be in those pews every Sunday. She knows the people there and she knows the depth of their sin and she knows the greater depth of God's grace.
Probably don't read this when you're twelve, though. *shakes head at younger me* It's an adult book and it's meant for adults (and maybe high schoolers? if they're particularly mature?).
May 17, 2017
Zion Lutheran Church in Bradbury, meet Emily Duke. She is kind, thoughtful, and ready for a new beginning. Emily Duke, meet Zion Lutheran Church in Bradbury. Her members are sharp, practical, and fiercely loyal. Together, they learn that life is always sweeter when burdens- and cinnamon rolls- are shared together.
This book has a special place in my heart. Initially read during a very difficult time in my life, House of Living Stones made me laugh, cry, and most importantly, gave me HOPE. Katie Schuermann has masterfully composed an anthem both bitter and sweet that celebrates the gift of life together in Christ.
This book has a special place in my heart. Initially read during a very difficult time in my life, House of Living Stones made me laugh, cry, and most importantly, gave me HOPE. Katie Schuermann has masterfully composed an anthem both bitter and sweet that celebrates the gift of life together in Christ.
January 20, 2016
Really enjoyed this book. Can't wait to read more from this author about the people at Zion and their lives.
July 6, 2025
Another wonderful read from Mrs. Schuermann! Her witty writing style never fails to make me laugh, and her Lutheran message rings true throughout this book. A wonderful read that I highly recommend! 😁
June 30, 2015
I liked this book much more than I had expected. Normally the small-town church life genre is not my cup of tea, but after starting the first chapter one night when I couldn’t stand cramming any more dry nonfiction in my brain, I found myself drawn in, squeezing chapters in during lunch and late at night. It was a bit of a guilty pleasure and the perfect summer fun read.
How could I help liking an almost flawless heroine who loves bunnies and Anne of Green Gables? Not to mention chocolate and music and young, handsome, single, intelligent, theologically-sound, Lutheran pastors. SO . . . the characters may be more than a tad stereotypical, but I still loved them in the same sort of warm, exuberant way that I (and Emily Duke!) love Anne Shirley. Reading about them was cozy and satisfying. And, to her credit, Mrs. Shuermann does try to round her characters with a combination of flaws and admirable traits and peculiar quirks. They are loveable even while remaining undeniably fictional versions of the people all churches know.
The vivid characters fit into the fictional town of Bradbury, and I could happily read along through their actions and interactions. However, not all of the book flows so smoothly. I think my biggest disappointment was how often I met with literary “speed bumps” that yanked me out of my enjoyable immersion in the story. These came in two forms:
One was the overly-wrought metaphors and descriptions that appeared predictably in the first few paragraphs of every chapter and sometimes elsewhere. I have sympathy for this flaw, being prone to embrace such elaborate circumlocutions myself, but they were so frequent and so obvious that I had a hard time appreciating the freshness they might have presented in a subtler form.
The other distraction was the sort of “product placement” for all things Lutheran. I would be reading along, not consciously aware of the dialogue and narrative because they were quite natural, and then suddenly I was pulled out of my enjoyment by the mention not of someone looking in “the hymnal” but rather flipping through the pages of “Divine Service setting three in the Lutheran Service Book.” Why not mention that it’s on page 184 while we’re at it? Even whole scenes sometimes felt inserted to showcase portions of the Catechism or to provide commentary on hymnody or doctrine. I wish these could have seemed natural to the story, but they didn’t. I felt like Anne Shirley discovering that her dear friend had “helped” her by taking her beloved short story and simply inserting a few lines so the heroine could advertise what brand of baking powder she had used to make her cake.
Despite all this, I enjoyed the book. Reading it was as friendly and fun as eating apple cake straight out of the pan.
How could I help liking an almost flawless heroine who loves bunnies and Anne of Green Gables? Not to mention chocolate and music and young, handsome, single, intelligent, theologically-sound, Lutheran pastors. SO . . . the characters may be more than a tad stereotypical, but I still loved them in the same sort of warm, exuberant way that I (and Emily Duke!) love Anne Shirley. Reading about them was cozy and satisfying. And, to her credit, Mrs. Shuermann does try to round her characters with a combination of flaws and admirable traits and peculiar quirks. They are loveable even while remaining undeniably fictional versions of the people all churches know.
The vivid characters fit into the fictional town of Bradbury, and I could happily read along through their actions and interactions. However, not all of the book flows so smoothly. I think my biggest disappointment was how often I met with literary “speed bumps” that yanked me out of my enjoyable immersion in the story. These came in two forms:
One was the overly-wrought metaphors and descriptions that appeared predictably in the first few paragraphs of every chapter and sometimes elsewhere. I have sympathy for this flaw, being prone to embrace such elaborate circumlocutions myself, but they were so frequent and so obvious that I had a hard time appreciating the freshness they might have presented in a subtler form.
The other distraction was the sort of “product placement” for all things Lutheran. I would be reading along, not consciously aware of the dialogue and narrative because they were quite natural, and then suddenly I was pulled out of my enjoyment by the mention not of someone looking in “the hymnal” but rather flipping through the pages of “Divine Service setting three in the Lutheran Service Book.” Why not mention that it’s on page 184 while we’re at it? Even whole scenes sometimes felt inserted to showcase portions of the Catechism or to provide commentary on hymnody or doctrine. I wish these could have seemed natural to the story, but they didn’t. I felt like Anne Shirley discovering that her dear friend had “helped” her by taking her beloved short story and simply inserting a few lines so the heroine could advertise what brand of baking powder she had used to make her cake.
Despite all this, I enjoyed the book. Reading it was as friendly and fun as eating apple cake straight out of the pan.
December 10, 2014
In the small Illinois town of Bradbury, change doesn't come often, and it certainly doesn't come easily. So when Pastor Fletcher hires Emily Duke as the new choir director at Zion Lutheran Church, he unknowingly sets in motion a chain of events that turns the life of his congregation upside down.
The crusty church secretary, Mrs. Scheinberg, must learn to adjust her curmudgeonly ways. Zion's talented but pompous organist, Evan Ebner, must recognize his shortcomings. Emily must come to terms with her past. Even Pastor Fletcher must face reality when his world is shaken by the baggage Emily brings and by the handsome Zachary Brandt who pursues her.
With its host of lovable and relatable characters, House of Living Stones will find a special place on your bookshelf and in your heart.
-- My thoughts-- This book was so amazing I quickly fell in love with this cast of quirky characters. From the grouchy Mrs. Sheinberg, which I think is my favorite, to the lovable Emily and even Evan. You will love to hate Candice and Geraldine, but it does take all types and they are all in our churches. We might even see a bit in ourselves.
Katie was compared to Jan Karon, but I disagree. I think it was much better. Not so many characters introduced, and a storyline I can follow that didn't get so crazy. Many times I couldn't get over how amazingly good and rich this book was with characters and descriptions. Written so well, I read it in one setting.
I really loved when it said that he held onto grudges like they were treasures. Isn't that the truth. That really hit home. Don't we tend to do that? This book is so truth and scripture based, as well as lots of songs in it, I found myself singing along.
Ms. Schuermann definitely has a bright future ahead of her in writing! I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a good new town to get invested in! Look to Bradbury!
The crusty church secretary, Mrs. Scheinberg, must learn to adjust her curmudgeonly ways. Zion's talented but pompous organist, Evan Ebner, must recognize his shortcomings. Emily must come to terms with her past. Even Pastor Fletcher must face reality when his world is shaken by the baggage Emily brings and by the handsome Zachary Brandt who pursues her.
With its host of lovable and relatable characters, House of Living Stones will find a special place on your bookshelf and in your heart.
-- My thoughts-- This book was so amazing I quickly fell in love with this cast of quirky characters. From the grouchy Mrs. Sheinberg, which I think is my favorite, to the lovable Emily and even Evan. You will love to hate Candice and Geraldine, but it does take all types and they are all in our churches. We might even see a bit in ourselves.
Katie was compared to Jan Karon, but I disagree. I think it was much better. Not so many characters introduced, and a storyline I can follow that didn't get so crazy. Many times I couldn't get over how amazingly good and rich this book was with characters and descriptions. Written so well, I read it in one setting.
I really loved when it said that he held onto grudges like they were treasures. Isn't that the truth. That really hit home. Don't we tend to do that? This book is so truth and scripture based, as well as lots of songs in it, I found myself singing along.
Ms. Schuermann definitely has a bright future ahead of her in writing! I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a good new town to get invested in! Look to Bradbury!
October 10, 2014
The women of the church seem determined to find a match for their young, bachelor pastor, so the young, single female choir director is enthusiastically welcomed... except by the organist and interim director. But then the rumor mill starts, as some supposedly Christian parishioners reveal smug self-righteousness and a desire to humiliate while others reveal a soft, caring heart hidden behind a prickly exterior, reminding us all that appearances are less important than heart.
Showing the difficulties of change within any established church, and especially when people are older and set in their ways, and the perils of gossip and speculation, the revelations when they open themselves to new possibilities are encouraging. Anyone who's worked behind the scenes will appreciate the personality conflicts and various resolutions!
With a love of God, the church, music and books shining through, fans of Mitford may also enjoy this; Jan Karon's series is a little lighter, but with a similar feel. Katie Schuermann's writing is descriptive and encompassing, but with a light touch revealing a heart of fun. (The bulletin errors were particularly entertaining.) There's sorrow and laughter, sharing and giving, and a couple of Anne moments that remind me it's time to reread an old favorite! I was happy to discover this is the first in a new series, and look forward to reading more!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Showing the difficulties of change within any established church, and especially when people are older and set in their ways, and the perils of gossip and speculation, the revelations when they open themselves to new possibilities are encouraging. Anyone who's worked behind the scenes will appreciate the personality conflicts and various resolutions!
With a love of God, the church, music and books shining through, fans of Mitford may also enjoy this; Jan Karon's series is a little lighter, but with a similar feel. Katie Schuermann's writing is descriptive and encompassing, but with a light touch revealing a heart of fun. (The bulletin errors were particularly entertaining.) There's sorrow and laughter, sharing and giving, and a couple of Anne moments that remind me it's time to reread an old favorite! I was happy to discover this is the first in a new series, and look forward to reading more!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2017
This novel is absolutely hilarious and refreshing!! I found myself laughing through parts and then crying! I was a former pastor's wife and Katie has captured the antics of mannerisms of church life in such an amusing and tasteful way. I fell in love with Emily, Alice, Rebecca, and Pastor Fletcher while feeling equal amounts of distaste for Candice and Evan. Before the story had come to a close, many of my feelings had changed about characters and assumptions.
I felt for Emily trying to take over a church choir in a long-established church with an equally well-established choir membership. New pastors in churches experience many of the same things......change one thing at a time, don't change too much, as there are always many opinions and thoughts on matters of the church and choir. I love how this book shows that people can change, people can make unfounded assumptions and there is always someone or a few someones who like to spread gossip in the church. It can tear churches apart if allowed to fester and grow. I really appreciate the way young Pastor Fletcher handled the problem of gossiping in the church. Music lovers will surely appreciate the many references to musical instruments, singing, and choirs.
I highly recommend this book to readers and rate it 5 stars.
I was given a kindle version of this book from netgalley and the publishers in exchange for my honest review.
I felt for Emily trying to take over a church choir in a long-established church with an equally well-established choir membership. New pastors in churches experience many of the same things......change one thing at a time, don't change too much, as there are always many opinions and thoughts on matters of the church and choir. I love how this book shows that people can change, people can make unfounded assumptions and there is always someone or a few someones who like to spread gossip in the church. It can tear churches apart if allowed to fester and grow. I really appreciate the way young Pastor Fletcher handled the problem of gossiping in the church. Music lovers will surely appreciate the many references to musical instruments, singing, and choirs.
I highly recommend this book to readers and rate it 5 stars.
I was given a kindle version of this book from netgalley and the publishers in exchange for my honest review.
February 21, 2016
After having read many Christian fiction books where the climax of the book is for the character to "ask Jesus into his/her heart," this book was a breath of fresh air for my Lutheran lungs. I really enjoyed the very realistic and imperfect characters, the humorous dialogue, the inclusion and respect for people of all ages, and how the church intersected in so many aspects of each character's life. Mrs. Schuermann was able to capture what it's like to be a part of a LCMS church and its family--it's about time we had some Lutheran fiction. Looking forward to reading the sequels. This one is going in the church library.
May 28, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I haven't read Christian fiction in years because I got tired of the perfect characters. The characters in this book and real and relatable: simul justus et peccator. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 6, 2016
I loved both of her books. I actually read them twice. A friend read them and said she was tempted to switch to becoming a Lutheran. These books are wonderful. they make you laugh, cry, learn about God's grace and mercy. I certainly hope she comes out with many more books.
December 1, 2014
A delightful book that gives you a peak into the lives of members of Zion Lutheran Church. Flawed, hurting but also loving people who have a history together. I can't wait for the next one.
June 10, 2017
LOVED this book. Could have been written by Jan Karon or Jeanette Oke. Or maybe Debbie Viguie. The living stones are the people who are the church, the different personalities that make up this congregation of a small Lutheran church in a small town. You don't have to be Lutheran, or even a Bible-thumping Christian to appreciate this story of a choir director who moves to the town and faces the mystery of why the organist is so ornery, what's going on with various people... and of course there is the fact that she's an attractive youngish woman, so that sparks some interest.
SO glad I picked this one up, can't wait to read The Choir Immortal!
SO glad I picked this one up, can't wait to read The Choir Immortal!
January 7, 2023
Absolutely hilarious! Loved this book! I haven't laughed so hard out loud so many times reading ever. Can't wait to get to the other two.
April 19, 2019
Whimsical Christian Delight
I simply adored this delightful book. It truly captured the essence of Lutheran church life in the Midwest. When Emily Duke becomes Zion Lutheran 's new choir director, her presence sets in motion a whole host of cataclysmic events that will change the church and community forever, not to mention the single pastor! It's a wonderful addition to my library, and I can hardly wait to read the sequel.
I simply adored this delightful book. It truly captured the essence of Lutheran church life in the Midwest. When Emily Duke becomes Zion Lutheran 's new choir director, her presence sets in motion a whole host of cataclysmic events that will change the church and community forever, not to mention the single pastor! It's a wonderful addition to my library, and I can hardly wait to read the sequel.
May 1, 2019
Very good book, true to life for a Lutheran church and probably others.
October 21, 2023
Sweet and charming.
Read for church book club. Not my usual flavor, but it was fun, and I enjoyed it more than I expected.
Read for church book club. Not my usual flavor, but it was fun, and I enjoyed it more than I expected.
September 1, 2022
Sweet, funny and entertaining. Reminds me of the Mitford series. I look forward to reading the next one The Choir Immortal.
November 6, 2021
Was a really good book and I enjoyed the story line, but I was disappointed by the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2015
It is eminently clear that Mrs. Schuermann loves Anne of Green Gables, bunnies, church music, children, and Lutheran pastors. I was charmed by her cast of characters and her sense of humor. This small-town romance has a lovely heart, and I look forward to reading the sequel.
It is a book for an "inside" audience--the specific Lutheran references and even many of the characters' choices (to behave with old-fashioned propriety, to offer generous forgiveness to annoying or spiteful characters rather than seeking comeuppance, etc.) might baffle mainstream readers.
From my perspective, the voice veers almost too far into L. M. Montgomery territory. Most characters are simplified, some are a bit romanticized, and almost all problems can be resolved by heading to someone else's house for a tete-a-tete in the style of Anne Shirley. However, Mrs. Schuermann's entirely non-saccharine sense of humor saves her book from sentimentality. My thanks to her for a fun Lutheran read.
It is a book for an "inside" audience--the specific Lutheran references and even many of the characters' choices (to behave with old-fashioned propriety, to offer generous forgiveness to annoying or spiteful characters rather than seeking comeuppance, etc.) might baffle mainstream readers.
From my perspective, the voice veers almost too far into L. M. Montgomery territory. Most characters are simplified, some are a bit romanticized, and almost all problems can be resolved by heading to someone else's house for a tete-a-tete in the style of Anne Shirley. However, Mrs. Schuermann's entirely non-saccharine sense of humor saves her book from sentimentality. My thanks to her for a fun Lutheran read.
May 5, 2017
I have put off reading this book because the ratings from my friends have varied so widely, and because the author and I have mutual friends, and I was afraid I wouldn't like the book. But this week, needing an antidote to the darkness of Stephen King, I went for it.
I mostly enjoyed the book. I liked many of the characters. There were times when things were a bit implausible, resolutions too quick, etc. But my biggest complaint about this book is all of the similes. At one point there were three in two pages! It just came across as too cutesy.
And, as with most Christian fiction that I have read, there were times when I felt like it was a bit heavy-handed. But I didn't hate it, as I feared I would. And the characters drew me in enough that I will very likely read the next one.
I mostly enjoyed the book. I liked many of the characters. There were times when things were a bit implausible, resolutions too quick, etc. But my biggest complaint about this book is all of the similes. At one point there were three in two pages! It just came across as too cutesy.
And, as with most Christian fiction that I have read, there were times when I felt like it was a bit heavy-handed. But I didn't hate it, as I feared I would. And the characters drew me in enough that I will very likely read the next one.
June 21, 2017
This is my second time reading HOLS, and for some reason I didn't write a review the first time. Let me rectify that: I LOVE this book. The author has created a realistic cast of characters with endearing quirks, and a honest perspective of life in a small town. I love how the reader is constantly reminded that the family of God is not perfect, but by His Grace we are forgiven and redeemed through Christ Jesus. It's absolutely amazing how this work of fiction has given me renewed joy in my daily vocations as a wife, a mother, and a member of the Body of Christ.
July 16, 2016
Surprisingly this was a fun read and would give it 3.5 stars. There is quite abit of humor and I actually teared up at one point. If you belong to a church or any organization really, you will be able to put names to these characters. A good book to show how we sometimes treat each other and how we should.
September 16, 2016
Hits all the right notes
This is a great piece of contemporary writing. The author balances humor with heartache, joy with sorrow, laughter with longing. The result is a compelling and completely believable story that leaves the reader anxious for more! This book is light reading, but definitely not fluff. Looking forward to the next volumes.
This is a great piece of contemporary writing. The author balances humor with heartache, joy with sorrow, laughter with longing. The result is a compelling and completely believable story that leaves the reader anxious for more! This book is light reading, but definitely not fluff. Looking forward to the next volumes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews