An ancient mystery, an epic love story, a divine message—hidden in plain sight
Maureen Paschal is regarded as both a heroine and a target after discovering the gospel written by Mary Magdalene, which revealed that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married. Then Maureen receives a strange package containing what looks like an ancient letter by an extraordinary woman whom history has overlooked—or covered up: Countess Matilda of Tuscany, whose letter demands the return of her "most precious books and documents."
Maureen soon finds herself in a race across Italy and France, where hidden dangers await her and her lover, B├®renger, as they begin to realize that they are on the trail of another explosive discovery: the Book of Love, the Gospel written in Jesus' own hand. As Maureen learns more about Matilda, an eleventh-century warrior countess who was secretly married to a pope, she begins to see the eerie connections between herself and Matilda, connections she must trace to their source if she is to stop the wrong people from finding the Book of Love and hiding it forever.
The Book of Love follows two amazing heroines as their stories intertwine through time. Maureen is immersed in these mysteries and Matilda's amazing legacy … until a potentially fatal encounter reveals the Book of Love to Maureen—and to the listener.
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"A better read than the first one. The account of Matilda's life was very interesting, and was the most enjoyable. Which was great, since it is the bulk of the novel. I think it could have used a bit more balance between Maureen and Matilda, but honestly, I'm getting a bit fed up with her story. I actually prefer the historical accounts, and think they could stand alone as their own story, instead of having Maureen looming in the background. Her scenes seem a bit forced, as well as her relationship with Berenger and Peter. I don't feel it's as developed as it could be for some reason. Not sure how to fix it, but I feel like something is off. Oh well. Hopefully the last one ties it all together well."
— Nequesha (4 out of 5 stars)
“Readers into Da Vinci Code–style church intrigue will enjoy the hell out of this.”
— Publishers Weekly“McGowan is a master storyteller, and her latest will appeal to Da Vinci Code fans still awaiting Dan Brown’s next thriller. Highly recommended.”
— Library Journal" It was a letdown after reading the first book but if I just let myself go along for the ride and ignored the "if they have ears..." repetition, it was still enjoyable. I don't read for quality of writing (though I do enjoy quite a few of the classics); I'm more interested in telling a good tale so while it did get a bit slow and I didn't really like the story of Matilda being interrupted with Maureen, it was a good story to read. If I were more interested in Maureen, the book would get a much lower rating and I may never have finished it. "
— Tiffany, 2/17/2014" Fascinating -- I know it's fiction but it's an interesting take on history. "
— Wendy, 2/10/2014" This is the second in a series by Kathleen McGowan that I have greatly enjoyed. I got some strange looks by people who saw the title, but I found the subject to be very compelling. The idea that the core teaching of Jesus was to love one another, and the idea of sacred love was so beautiful. I'm a practicing Catholic, and after reading this I feel even stronger in my convictions - as much as they may not match up with the Vatican's. "
— Erin, 2/9/2014" What could have been a hopeful sequel to the fun (if historically questionable) "The Expected One," turned out to be a good story within a bad one. Over 1/2 of the book was about Matilda of Tuscany, instead of the main character Maureen. I sensed almost no character development, and the main plot was so fragmented by the historical "flashbacks" that I had to flip back to the previous present-day sections. There were several intriguing reveals about the heretical religion that McGowan has presented in her two novels that I enjoyed, and it was thought-provoking. "
— Danielle, 1/24/2014" Excellent story. The author did an amazing job describing Matilda, one of the main characters. I instantly related to the love story that naturally unfolded. At times it was difficult to read the authors take on religion that differs then mine, but none the less a thought provoking view. "
— Gina, 1/15/2014" As I read the Expected One, I truly enjoyed this book even more. "
— Andrea, 1/8/2014" Much food for thought...I would like to delve into more research on the various points Ms McGowan touched upon in the book. Also, I want to visit Chartres someday! "
— Karen, 12/21/2013" This was a brave show of effort towards her next thriller, love story, epic, or mystery? (whatever she meant her attempt to have been-) It was not at all as thrilling as her first book, but I read it anyway! "
— Queen, 10/14/2013" Reminiscent of The Labyrinth and of course The DaVinci Code....abandoned for Pope Joan. "
— Suzan, 10/10/2013" This is the second book in a trilogy by Kathleen McGowan. Follows the heroine as she discovers more about her direct bloodline relationship to Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Again set in modern day as she discovers much about the secret book written by Jesus in relation to areas in France. Great read. "
— Laurence, 10/4/2013" This book started a little slow, but the story was solid. The author indulged in a little preaching early on but it shook out and moved into a good solid story. It took me FOREVER to read, but I'm excited about the third book. "
— Carmela, 9/16/2013" Loved this book! continuation of the Mary Magdalene theories first told about in the Da Vinci Code. "
— Paula, 8/28/2013" Not as good as the first. Still interesting. I'm interested to see how the author ties this story into the the first, which is supposed to happen in book 3. "
— Rebecca, 7/15/2013" IF you enjoyed the DaVinci Code by Dan Brown. don't be tricked - while the Magdalene Line Tridogy is marketed as being like the DaVinci Code - they are not! McGowan's writing tends to plod, not a good trait for a novelist, especially a mystery writer. Even the climax just sorta piddles-out. "
— Joyce, 4/26/2012" Even better than The Expected One! "
— Mia, 3/9/2012" So far it's pretty interesting. Thought provoking for sure. "
— Raygoza, 3/9/2012" I'm even more intrigued by the Mary Magdelene mythology -- and the other women that McGowan brings to light -- looking forward to the next one in the series. "
— Angelica, 12/16/2011" A good read with plenty of twists. Not as good as Kathleen's first book, The Expected One, but still a good read. "
— Dani, 11/5/2011" I found Matilda's story much more interesting than Maureen's parts. Still a good thought provoking book. "
— Abbie, 4/19/2011" I'm even more intrigued by the Mary Magdelene mythology -- and the other women that McGowan brings to light -- looking forward to the next one in the series. "
— Angelica, 3/27/2011" If you like your religion with a twist without straying to far from the truth. It really makes you think what the Vatican could really be hiding from us.. "
— Ann, 3/16/2011" I enjoyed all the links in ancient, medieval history, theology and mythology. But it's really just a "fun" read. "
— Kim, 3/5/2011" Even as fiction, it makes you think and question. I love the quote in the author's notes, "All history is conjecture." "
— Jenny, 1/2/2011" This is a continuation of the Expected One. I don't find it quite as entertaining, but there are some interesting historical figures. I've learned a lot more about the history of Tuscany, for example. I finally gave up on this - it just was not very engaging. Do not recommend it to my friends. "
— Fran, 10/11/2010" I liked it but not as much as "The Expected One". Enjoyed the Maltida storyline but I thought the Maureen part was boring. Not sure if I'll read the third one. "
— Lisa, 9/7/2010" Sequel to "The expected one." Enjoyed this novel a lot as it gives one some interesting details about the beginnings of the Christian church. The author apent a lot of time researching for her novels. "
— Dorothy, 8/11/2010Kathleen McGowan’s books have developed an international cult following since her debut novel, The Expected One. Her unique style of historical fiction combines unprecedented field research with inspired storytelling. She is also a dedicated activist, and commits a portion of her time and royalties to organizations that protect women and children from the horrors of human trafficking and sexual slavery. She has teamed up with the Emancipation Network and Made by Survivors to fund and participate in programs which provide shelter and safety for victims of abuse and raise awareness of this global epidemic. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and sons.
Linda Stephens is a seasoned audiobook narrator whose readings include Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, which won an AudioFile Earphones Award and was a finalist for the Audie Award for Best Narration.