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The Choir Immortal
(Anthems of Zion #2)
by
The second book in the beloved Anthems of Zion series!
The people of Zion are at it again. Two of their very own are getting married, and everyone is pleased as punch to be hosting Bradbury’s wedding of the century. Their collective joy is short-lived, however, as busted air-conditioners, melting cakes, and a trip to the emergency room intrude upon the celebration.
Yet the c ...more
The people of Zion are at it again. Two of their very own are getting married, and everyone is pleased as punch to be hosting Bradbury’s wedding of the century. Their collective joy is short-lived, however, as busted air-conditioners, melting cakes, and a trip to the emergency room intrude upon the celebration.
Yet the c ...more
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Paperback, 352 pages
Published
September 2015
by Concordia Publishing House
(first published August 25th 2015)
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I sit here, fingers poised over my keyboard, hoping my review can do this book the justice it deserves and fearing I will fall short.
What I enjoyed about The Choir Immortal:
Every emotion under the sun - Katie had me gasping, nodding along, bursting out into laughter, wiping tears off my face, and back again throughout this book, often in the same chapter. If there is a more authentic depiction of real life, complete with its ups, downs, and sideways jolts, I have yet to encounter it. Life do ...more
What I enjoyed about The Choir Immortal:
Every emotion under the sun - Katie had me gasping, nodding along, bursting out into laughter, wiping tears off my face, and back again throughout this book, often in the same chapter. If there is a more authentic depiction of real life, complete with its ups, downs, and sideways jolts, I have yet to encounter it. Life do ...more
My heart is not yet recovered from the upwelling of emotions caused by this book.
I did laugh. Quite a bit, actually. But I cried more. Happy and sad tears both sprang to my eyes, sometimes both at the same time. This book was simply excellent at portraying Christians facing good and bad times both, learning to cling to God's love and forgiveness in all circumstances. This book has weddings, funerals, marriage proposals, family squabbles, new friendships forged, old friendships strengthened -- ev ...more
I did laugh. Quite a bit, actually. But I cried more. Happy and sad tears both sprang to my eyes, sometimes both at the same time. This book was simply excellent at portraying Christians facing good and bad times both, learning to cling to God's love and forgiveness in all circumstances. This book has weddings, funerals, marriage proposals, family squabbles, new friendships forged, old friendships strengthened -- ev ...more
This book was much more emotional for me than the first title in the series. The characters as always were endearing and humorous. Their struggles and fears were so well expressed by the author that I found myself wanting desperately to reach into the book and hug them and pray with them. The book is beautifully written and grapples some very difficult issues with grace and truth. Beautiful.
Despite the fact that it made me cry way too much, it was more than excellent.
Jul 06, 2015
Elisabeth
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
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MAD LOVE FOR THIS SERIES. The perfect continuation of life in Bradbury. It doesn't get much more real than this, and Schuermann handles the lives of her characters (and all of us, really) with grace and humor. What a wonderful, encouraging, and humorous book for all of us familiar with the ups and downs of congregational life. Can't wait for book #3!
...more
As good as the first!
The Choir Immortal did not disappoint! As an LC-MS pastors wife and choir director myself, I saw my husband, myself and congregational members so often within these pages. Just as in book one, The Choir Immortal has me laughing out loud one moment and weeping the next. A job well done, Katie! Can’t wait to read the next installment to see what’s in store for Pastor and Emily, Blaine, Rebecca, and so many others
The Choir Immortal did not disappoint! As an LC-MS pastors wife and choir director myself, I saw my husband, myself and congregational members so often within these pages. Just as in book one, The Choir Immortal has me laughing out loud one moment and weeping the next. A job well done, Katie! Can’t wait to read the next installment to see what’s in store for Pastor and Emily, Blaine, Rebecca, and so many others
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This book is very touching. Sometimes I giggled out loud, sometimes I couldn’t read through my tears. As a person reads this you can actually see people within your church/community that could be the character in the book. This is the sequel to House of Living Stones. I find Scheurmann’s writing very engaging and feel these books are winners!
I am truly heartbroken that this book is done. It took me nearly the entire month of July to read simply because I wanted to savor it. Every detail and nuance, every character quirk and flaw.
I found this book even more beautiful than the last because it helped me work through similar situations in my own life. Katie's writing is so well thought out and relatable that it allows you to pause, contemplate, cry, or just laugh out loud.
I want to play the piano like Blaine, have faith like Alice, sp ...more
I found this book even more beautiful than the last because it helped me work through similar situations in my own life. Katie's writing is so well thought out and relatable that it allows you to pause, contemplate, cry, or just laugh out loud.
I want to play the piano like Blaine, have faith like Alice, sp ...more
Another gem!
Dec 13, 2021 * 4 - 4.5 stars
I just may have enjoyed this even better than the first book in the series. Having been a 4H kid myself, with chickens, horses, and sheep, I was especially ROFL at the "chicken clothes" chapter since I knew what was coming. My husband and daughter kept asking me what was so funny. 😂 And even in the sad parts the author made sure to include an uplifting message as well. Now I'm looking forward to reading the third and last 😞book in the series. ...more
I just may have enjoyed this even better than the first book in the series. Having been a 4H kid myself, with chickens, horses, and sheep, I was especially ROFL at the "chicken clothes" chapter since I knew what was coming. My husband and daughter kept asking me what was so funny. 😂 And even in the sad parts the author made sure to include an uplifting message as well. Now I'm looking forward to reading the third and last 😞book in the series. ...more
This sequel to House of Living Stones will please those who enjoyed their first encounter with Bradbury and Zion Lutheran Church. It maintains the humor and warmth for its characters, the care for one another, and the craziness of small-town life, all of which can be enjoyed at an easy-breezy reading pace. However, this volume also takes on weightier issues, staring down the kind of situations that make us ask "How could God possibly allow . . . ?" In these moments, it rises above its standard c
...more
This book broke me, but in such a good way! I'm an INTJ and I haven't cried during a book in ages, but The Choir Immortal had me bawling. My husband and I recently had our fourth child, but shortly before we conceived him, we lost our third child to an early miscarriage. The grief portrayed in this book was so shockingly raw and genuine, and yet the beauty of the Gospel was there in all its fullness. I absolutely loved it and I can't wait for the third book!
...more
I was wary at first when I started the first book in the series about the members of Zion Lutheran Church in fictional Bradbury, IL., because I tend to be more of a nonfiction reader. However, I soon found myself truly enjoying my time reading “House of Living Stones.” The author, a pastor’s wife, does a fabulous job accurately depicting the day to day life of the church members of Zion Lutheran Church in Bradbury.
What is amazing about the sequel to the first book is I actually enjoyed “The Cho ...more
What is amazing about the sequel to the first book is I actually enjoyed “The Cho ...more
Through smiles and tears this book reads like true life in the faith. It’s characters live their faith like I live mine, the words are genuine, the characters are companions and I look forward to the next time we meet.
I cried nearly every other chapter. Schuermann has a knack for depicting life's challenges and joys simply and sweetly, with just the right amount of color and grace.
...more
All I can say is wow! I loved this story. This book is incredible and well written. I felt like I personally know the characters. I think I cried as much as I laughed.
This book covers so many difficult situations. The author handles them with such care that I felt like I was with Rebecca and Alice. I know this is a fictional story, but the love, forgiveness and grace the characters showed taught me that I need to remember to live a life with more love and kindness.
I saw a bit of myself in Robbi ...more
This book covers so many difficult situations. The author handles them with such care that I felt like I was with Rebecca and Alice. I know this is a fictional story, but the love, forgiveness and grace the characters showed taught me that I need to remember to live a life with more love and kindness.
I saw a bit of myself in Robbi ...more
This book almost drew more tears than laughs, but it was full of the same realistic characters as House of Living Stones. It is refreshing to read a book that feels like I could really be a part of it. The plot threads ring true and the characters respond to their world like the broken sinners that they are, but they also remember they are redeemed. Never before have I read Christian fiction that so aptly portrays simul justus et peccator.
The reader takes an adventure that mixes the joys and sor ...more
The reader takes an adventure that mixes the joys and sor ...more
Another five-star performance
I thoroughly enjoyed "House of Living Stones", and this second installment is just as good, if not better. This is a heart-wrenching, soul-stirring, faith-strengthening story that begs to be read and savored. Now the terrible part is waiting for the third volume to be published. ...more
I thoroughly enjoyed "House of Living Stones", and this second installment is just as good, if not better. This is a heart-wrenching, soul-stirring, faith-strengthening story that begs to be read and savored. Now the terrible part is waiting for the third volume to be published. ...more
Once again the characters come to live and you feel as though you've known them your whole life. Katie is not afraid to tell it like it is and deal with the tough issues. Make sure you've got your tissues ready because this book hits on the raw, hard to deal with emotions time and again. You will fall in love with their stories even more as you return to Bradbury again!
...more
I loved House of Living Stones so much, I couldn't wait to read what happens next in Bradbury. These books shows grace, mercy, love and forgiveness. Katie knows how to bring the characters of Bradbury alive in such a way that you know them. It's a gem!!
...more
I wish I could give this book a thousand stars. The perfect Christian novel. Here's hoping for many more volumes in the life and times of our dearest friends of Zion Lutheran.
...more
I love these books. I want to live in them. :)
Life in Bradbury moves on. This book had me laughing in spots and in tears at others. The deeper into the series you get, the more connected you feel to the folks in Zion's choir.
...more
This book sucker punched me and I almost didn't go back to it because it was just too sad and too close to home. But, it ended up being the right book at the right time. One of the main characters experiences a "monsoon season" of grief and I realized that I am just now exiting (hopefully!) a rather lengthy monsoon season. The hymnody and scripture used to offer comfort throughout the book was exactly what I needed to read. And, as in the first book, the characters were quirky and fun.
...more
What a beautiful sequel to ‘House of Living Stones.’ Though this book dealt with more serious issues of life and death, there were still wonderful humorous moments amidst serious discussions of faith during difficult circumstances. Once again, the Lutheran faith is clearly and beautifully laid out giving comfort to the diverse characters of Zion Lutheran Church. I highly recommend this series!
The Choir Immortal is a tender story of community. Katie Schuermann takes the story (and the reader) from joy to the depths of pain and back joy again all the while speaking the truth of Christ- grace, life, and salvation.
This book is a gift.
This book is a gift.
Quick read with a happy ending
I was looking for a light hearted book to read after reading some heavy material. I ended up needing some tissue,but it was ok because overall the book was joy filled!
I was looking for a light hearted book to read after reading some heavy material. I ended up needing some tissue,but it was ok because overall the book was joy filled!
Entertaining and heartfelt!
Love the author's keen sense of humor and the beautifully expressed times of sorrow and grief were genuine and heartfelt. ...more
Love the author's keen sense of humor and the beautifully expressed times of sorrow and grief were genuine and heartfelt. ...more
All the great stuff from book 1 is back, but, as befits a book 2, this one fleshes out the personalities that made the saints of Bradbury so fun before and lets you see far beneath the surface. This includes some beautiful scenes reflecting realistic heartache, joy, and reconciliation. Take the trip back to see these church friends (and occasionally frenemies), and let their lives touch yours.
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Readers also enjoyed
Earthy and lyrical, Katie Schuermann's 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.
When not writing, Schuermann can be found singing, gardening, cooking, holding babies, or trying to climb the nea ...more
When not writing, Schuermann can be found singing, gardening, cooking, holding babies, or trying to climb the nea ...more
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