The Book of Love by Kathleen McGowan is book two of The Magdalene Series, following The Expected One.

In this historical fiction novel, McGowan writes of the undiscovered gospel written in Jesus’ own hand as preserved and taught by Mary Magdalene.

The story is also set in the present day, again following the life of Maureen Paschal as she is led into a new mystery uncovering this lost document, as well as the life of eleventh century Countess Matilda of Tuscany, another expected one and protector of the true teachings of Jesus.

This time her search takes her to Italy where she is immersed in the mysteries of the labyrinth, and other aspects of the secret society that has thrived there for centuries.

It is a fascinating continuation of the story and will keep readers up late into the night discovering secret symbols that have been hidden in plain view all along. An engaging read.