The Book of Love

This book smelled like it was stored in the lungs of a lifetime, 6-pack-a-day smoker. The pages were so yellow from tar and nicotine. I’m pretty sure the book was trembling a bit, likely from a shipping-induced nic-fit. It’s was so bad it funked up the book that shipped with it. I had to buy a new book. Very disappointed in your idea of “good” condition.

Kathleen McGowan's "The Book of Love" is a well written fictional novel. Chronicling the lives, and journey's of two heroines, Matilda, a countess from the past, and Maureen, an author from present day. This book transitions easily between the two time lines, which follows both of these women's passions. Conflict, mystery, love, destiny, and a touch of the supernatural, are just a few of the themes throughout this book and every page will make you want to research historical Christian icons, and artifacts, as well as question what are held as modern day beliefs by the Christian Church. This book delves into one of the most controversial questions of modern day Christianity - "What was the real relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene?" In addition, it brings to light a little known, forgotten religion that was pronounced heretical clear back to the time of Jesus. Using many historically accurate artifacts of the Catholic Church, from gardens, to churches, to statues, McGowan puts a spin on a conspiracy theory that many people have debated for centuries. When reading this novel, you can easily tell a lot of work and research went into this book. You may want to read this book with your own research mediums close at hand... as you will undoubtedly want to do your own investigating, regarding many of the references made throughout this book. You may learn something new from this book and it may also make you question your own knowledge and beliefs of modern religion. However, no matter what your own beliefs are, or even if you hold to none, you will enjoy this novel for what it is, a well written, fast moving novel of mystery, love, actions, and intrigue. From beginning to end... this book is a non stop, action filled, dramatic novel, spanning distance time. One of the biggest drawbacks of this book is McGowan's over use of her poetic and descriptive language, however, the overall storyline of this book will draw the reader right into the action. McGowan's use of imagery makes this a great escape novel. If you like a well written, action packed, mystery novel, with just enough romance and comedy to please any crowd, this is a book you should read.

I have been eagerly waiting for the sequel to The Expected One. It was well worth the wait. Kathleen is an extremely talented writer in that she takes history combined with fiction to relay a profoundly moving story. Yes, these books will challenge more traditional belief systems. Yet the principles of divine love, forgiveness and compassion that are woven through these stories are not arguable. Kathleen portrays them in a very compelling manner. I admire this author is particular for her dedication to pursuing the truth of women in history while she actively supports charitable causes to support women who are struggling to achieve independence and freedom in current times. This is recommended reading for anyone, anytime, anywhere. Thank you, Kathleen!

You don't have to be caught up in any controversy to enjoy this book. You just have to love a compelling plot, filled with surprising historical details, tantalizing mystery and a cool, compelling message. It's a great read no matter what you believe about Christianity. And really, it has a soul, this book. You're just rollicking along with it and by the end, you realize you've been moved - deeply. How many pieces of pop culture manage that?

Having read Kathleen McGowan's "The Expected One" in its original, self-published form, I have been craving the sequel for many years. "The Book of Love" did not fail to live up to my expectations. Written in the same style as the first book, with the same modern characters moving the story, McGowan continues to teach us all about the hidden secrets of the Church, which includes the Gospel written in Jesus' hand. With that information, and all of the stories and teachings from the Libro Rosso - I can't believe this book isn't 1,000 pages! It reveals the life of Matilda of Tuscany - a ballsy woman from the middle ages whose story has been sadly buried in the vaults of time, until now. This is a must read for anyone interested in the history of Christianity. Though written as fiction, like it's prequel, years of personal research convince me that these are true stories. I've been to the places that Maureen Pascal travels to, and let me tell you, it's all there for anyone with eyes. Now, when does the next book come out?????

Intrigue, openly hidden truths and faithful perseverance, wrapped in a profound and poignant message... that Love conquers all. Kathleen McGowan's "The Book of Love" is a well crafted and, for me, much anticipated 2nd installment in The Magdalene Line trilogy. The novel picks up a short period of time after the 1st book, "The Expected One", left off. We catch up with Maureen on tour, promoting the book she had written based on her controversial discoveries that Mary Magdalene was the wife of and a beloved disciple of Jesus. Maureen begins to have dreams of a book, written by Jesus himself on his teachings, referred to as the Book of Love; which she is being guided to find so she can share its message with the world. These dreams and some mysterious packages serve as the impetus to reconnect Maureen with Berenger, Tammy, Roland and her cousin Peter as the story unfolds. Kathleen McGowan artfully weaves together historical facts, local folklore, myth and legend with an adventurous plot that ultimately leads the reader on a path of internal discovery of the inherent divine feminine in everyday spiritual practices and beliefs. On this journey, we meet Matilda of Canossa, a woman of faith and strength, who serves the book of love through safeguarding its message she holds so dear. Paralleling Matilda's journey, Maureen's mission is to find the book Matilda so carefully preserved and bring it to light. All of the characters and their stories culminate in an unexpected, enlightening and dramatic ending that concludes the journey to find the Book of Love, yet entices the reader with hints of the next adventure to come set in the Renaissance period with "The Poet Prince". I for one anxiously await Maureen's continued journey to spread the word to the world. For those with ears to hear it, the truth will set you free.