House of Living Stones

The first book in the Anthems of Zion series!

Overview
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.

Praise for House of Living Stones
“Anyone who has said of small town life, 'You can't make this stuff up' has been proven wrong by Katie Schuermann. If the people of Lake Wobegone were to fall in love with a book, it would be House of Living Stones, where the odors are strong, the pastor is good-looking, and the writing is all above average.”
Rebekah Curtis
Wife, author, editor, avid reader
 
“Schuermann builds the reader’s affections for the characters in such a way that you should not be surprised to find yourself including some of these blessed souls into your own daily prayers, only to remember, embarrassingly, that these are not real souls at all. And yet, they are very real. The widows, the mother hens, the lonely singles, the gossips, the meddlers, the jilted—they are all around us, in our congregations, our families, and in our own personalities. The names and faces are different, but the sins and the robe of righteousness that cover us all are the same. . . . Readers will finish the last chapter of House of Living Stones with higher expectations and craving more.”
Rebecca Mayes
Wife, mother, blogger, author

“House of Living Stones is an absolute delight! How refreshing it is to read for pleasure and then find it to be also wonderfully edifying time spent. This is Mitford plus . . . where Schuermann brings the reader into the joys and some serious challenges of a small town parish in a town called Bradbury. You will love the writing, the story line, the characters, and the humor. But I believe what truly excels here is this writer’s love for and understanding of God’s grace for all and what that boundless grace means in day to day living. Sit down with some Chamomile or Merlot . . . read and enjoy!”
Richard C. Resch
Kantor and Professor Emeritus, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne IN

“A Lutheran Jan Karon? Yes, Katie Schuermann! Both are great wordsmiths crafting engrossing small town tales centered on clergy. Both focus on town and congregational life. Both have great character development and are enlightening, spiritual fun reads. But most of all, the forgiveness of sins highlights the pages of House of Living Stones. This is the start of a great series, set up to expand for your reading delight, for sharing and for gifting!”
Rev. Rod Zwonitzer
Director of Broadcast Services/KFUO, Host of BookTalk

“House of Living Stones is a delightful Lutheran homage to Anne of Green Gables, complete with colorful characters who break the eighth commandment like pros, a heroine both sinner and saint, and a portrait of small-town life that reads like a caricature but is all too real. Katie Schuermann's writing elevates 'ordinary' church life to the extraordinary, alternating whimsical hilarity with poignant real-life-under-the-cross moments that will have you laughing, crying, and wanting more of Emily Duke, Pastor Fletcher, and the whole Zion Lutheran gang.”
Gretchen Roberts
Digital marketer, pastor's wife, nearly lifelong Lutheran, avid reader of fiction, Anne of Green Gables fan

“Katie Schuermann and CPH have a hit 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!”
Christen Friedrich
Amazon review



About the Author
Honest, sincere, and lyrical, Katie Schuermann's writing reflects her Midwestern roots and her interest in the arts. After earning graduate degrees in music, she taught music history and literature at various colleges, directed children's theater camps, and sang in various concert halls, theaters, and churches across the Midwest.

Visit Katie Schuermann’s Author Page >