House of Living Stones

Katie must have a wonderful sense of humor because I laughed my way through her book and cried a little, too. A feel good book, for sure. Highly recommend!

I enjoyed this book from start to finish. It was one of those books I couldn't possibly put down because I needed to know what happens next. The most enjoyable part about the book for me was the setting around Zion Lutheran Church. It's not often that I find literature that's literally about the life that folks lead or go through in the church and the trials and struggles there are. As a member of a church choir I can personally relate to some of the interesting things that happen during choir practice and the wide scope of members that we have in a choir. Built on a Rock is one of my favorite hymns and it was interesting to reflect on the title in the context of that hymn along with how we truly are a house of living stones within the church. I can't wait for the next one.

I seldom read "Christian" fiction because it is usually insipid romance or some schmaltzy thing where the protagonist accomplished whatever they wanted through prayer.The real Christian life is messy. There are no fairy tale endings. Christians suffer like anyone else, but they also have the joy of salvation. Katie Schuermann depicts the real Christian life in this book. There is a lot of humor and joy, but there is also pain and suffering, and her characters are not perfect.This is wonderful story-telling. Her characters are likable. I can identify with them. These are people that I know, just with different names. The only complaint I have is that the book ended too soon. Fortunately, she has continued their story in The Choir Immortal.

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed other articles written by Katie Schuermann, as well as having used some of her Lutheran Women's Bible studies, I was looking forward to reading this book and I was not disappointed. There was love, drama, joy and crisis, all told in a Christ-centered manner that women from the late teens to the 80s (like me) can not only enjoy, but relate to. It's so easy to fall in love with some of the characters and yet want to shake others to get their thinking straight. I've already read the sequel and can hardly wait for the third book to come out. Please let there be a third book in this series.

In the final book in the Anthems of Zion series, Schuermann woos us back to Bradbury with her warm, witty prose. As life continues for these characters, we see them struggle with themselves, with each other, and with what it means to live as brothers and sisters in the faith. Schuermann introduces us several new characters who remind us of the beauty of childlike faith in a broken world. Admittedly, it was not the story I expected to read, but it was a truthful story -- both convicting and comforting.

Katie Schuermann and CPH have a hit with with House of Living Stones! This delightful foray into adult fiction is fun, engaging, and relatable. Anyone who has ever been a member of any church will recognize the personalities and situations she masterfully develops, but certainly small town Lutherans will be nodding, and laughing, along on every page! Schuermann gives us, the church, a look at our strengths and weaknesses and wraps them in grace, forgiveness, hope, and love. Those in ministry, especially music ministry, will particularly appreciate the author's insightful humor. Can't wait for the next installment!

Authentic and real characters working through life with their imperfect faith in a Perfect Lord. Plus, the author has a knack for humor!

Being Lutheran I loved the 3 books in the series. You don't have to be Lutheran to relate to this funny, sad story.