House of Living Stones

By: Katie Schuermann

Narrated by: Katie Schuermann

The first book in the Anthems of Zion series!

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.

©2014 Katie Schuermann (P)2016 Concordia Publishing House

Loved It!

I'm an avid audiobook reader and prefer books in audio form so I can listen while I drive, work, etc. I was thrilled when I found out Katie Schuermann's House of Living Stones was being released in audio format. I just finished listening to it, and the audio version is even better than the print version. I usually prefer male narrators for audiobooks and sometimes find female narrators' voice too high pitched and distracting. But Katie's voice was smooth and a joy to listen to. Katie does sing throughout the book (since songs are part of the book's content). At first I was surprised by the singing, but as the book progressed I found the songs drawing me into the story of Bradbury's residents.

The book is a charming story of a Lutheran church congregation's life together in a small town in the Mid-West. It's full of laughs. I was listening to it while I was working, and people kept asking me why I was smiling and giggling to myself. I was sad when the book ended and I hope that Katie will release the 2nd book in the series in audio form in the future.

Feel Good and Wholesome

I loved this book and was sad for it to end. Being a member of a Lutheran Church, I could see a few people I love in these characters. I look forward to telling my friends about this book and reading the rest of them.

Amazing

This was a wonderful story to listen too. I could picture all the characters. Katie did a wonderful job!

Even better than the book

Would you listen to House of Living Stones again? Why?

I will definitely be listening to this again.

What does Katie Schuermann bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Katie brings not just her characters but the music--so much a part of her books--to life. Hearing the hymns sung adds so much to the book, which I can imagine would be especially true if one weren't familiar with them already.

Any additional comments?

I could (and I'm sure I will) listen to this over and over. The book has already been a repeat read for me, and I'm sure the audio book will be a repeat listen. I can see it as the sort of comforting story I come to again and again--and now it will be even easier since it is in audio book form. Not only did I love this, but my husband laughed every time he caught part of the story as I was listening while working around the house. I truly hope Katie's other books will be made into audio books as well!

my favorite listen by far

I love the characters and want more. I enjoyed the life the daily living. the singing. it was a great book and the songs brought my to tears. I want to know more about the relationships the ending left me wanting and missing

Great humor and some solid theology. :)

I laughed out loud so many times while listening! I loved the other literature references. It also wonderfully and delicately addressed grief, forgiveness, and so many other aspects of living in a fallen world.

Repeat listen

I love this book. It makes me happy. I love Emily, the story, and hearing about fun, wonderful Lutherans. More more more please!

Relatable and humorous

Narration was great! It would be lovely to have audio of the other two books as well.

BEST AUDIO PERFORMANCE EVER!

Irresistible story, setting, and characters, AND THE BEST AUDIO PERFORMANCE I HAVE EVER HEARD. More, please, soon@

I need more

What an absolutely delightful and wholesome story! The author has a profoundly sweet way of developing the voice of each lovable character. I could not get enough of this wonderful little town and each of its occupants we were introduced to. The characters felt so tangible that I almost forgot I did not know them in real life. I am bursting with anticipation to dive into her next book in this series! To add to the overall delight of this wonderfully enjoyable book; was listening to it on the Audible version. Well done Katie, well done! Thank you for delighting us with your sweet cast of characters and your warm, clear affection for every misfit in our Lutheran Church family.