The Book of Light

There are a few other books which explore the topic of newly found words of Jesus or "Q" specifically. The subject lends itself nicely to intrigue and suspense. Blake adds the edge of spiritual angst. She also has a few passages which are great for sermon fodder. Way back in seminary I found the idea of text criticism fascinating. If my ancient language skills were better it would have been even more interesting. Blake's book may be a good one to help explain to lay people about how the Bible came to be. It would certainly create some serious questions. The use of present tense, while incredibly annoying at times, gives a distinct impression of Lily's detachment from her present life. I expect the next book will have something to do with her relationship to her parents and deepening (I hope) relationship with Tom. All in all the book was good. I'm looking forward to the next one.

I enjoyed this book better than the first two of this series. The plot is very interesting and I think Ms. Blake did a fine job of weaving in all the characters introduced to a logical end. It would be great to see more of the psychic trait of Ms. Conner in the next novels as well as her suerpior Bishop Spencer. As with the first two novels, the characters are interesting and the plot unique. Religion plays a great part but doesn't overwhelm if you are squeamish about reading anything remotely religious. I look forward to the next novel! Thank you Ms. Blake.

Lily Connor has temporary position as a chaplain at a Boston university when she encounters a classmate from Lily's own school days, Samantha. Samantha seems to need more than Lily is willing to give, and presumes on a friendship Lily is not sure ever existed.Samantha soon reaches out to Lily for help--Samantha is receiving photographs of what appears to be lost, pre-biblical text called "Q"--words of Jesus never before seen. The plot twists and double twists with appearances of Samantha's assistant, the assistant's boyfriend, and Samantha's ex-husband, all of whom have some nefarious involvement with Q. The Book of Light starts strongly, and the author's biblical references add wonderful authenticity to the story--the reader can sense the awe of this work. Unfortunately, in the last few chapters the novel falls back to a cliched resolution not worthy of the characters or writing. Still, an enjoyable read for mystery lovers.

After graduating from Cambridge Theological Seminary, Lily Connor becomes an ordained Episcopalian priest. At present she is the interim pastor of Tate University located a few miles from Harvard in Cambridge, Massachusetts. One day while counseling a student in her office, Samantha Lamb-Henderson walks in and says she want to get reacquainted with Lily. Lily feels the professor has a hidden agenda because when they attended seminary school together they were just acquaintances, not friends.Lily's suspicions soon prove right when Samantha confides in her. Samantha's assistant, Francine, has been getting photographs in the mail that look like they could be the mythical Q document, the second source document for the Gospels of Luke and Mark. If it is proven to exist and is authenticated it will be the most important religious revelation in over a millennium. However, Lily, Samantha, and Francine are all being followed and it is clear that these individuals want the photographs and will go to any lengths to retrieve them.Readers will absolutely adore the protagonist who knows that she doesn't have all the answers and at times, her faith, the foundation of her life, can be shook. She is believable as she is willing to go the extra mile to see if the photographs could be the Q source and is even willing to accept the danger that goes along with that mission. Michelle Blake writes a creative theological mystery that will enthrall readers with its insights into the realities of organized religion.Harriet Klausner