Reviews

The Book of Love by Kathleen McGowan

lucylolis's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious medium-paced

5.0

lovely and gave me a new perspective on life

kharmacat's review against another edition

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4.0

Second book in a series examining the author's view on the true teachings of Christ. I find the subject matter incredibly fascinating. Cathars, secret societies, and the idea that Jesus promoted true, erotic love as a sacrament.

sazzle182's review

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3.0

I loved the first book in this series, The Expected One. I know that some people think it is some sort of Dan Brown rip off, but I always thought the characters and quality of writing and research made it superior. So I was looking forward to starting this book, buying it days after I finished The Expected One.

It took me about five attempts to start the book, it was slow and boring and many times it just returned to the book case to maybe be read again at another time. It was due to illness that I picked the novel up again, forcing myself through the slow start and beginning the story of Matilda.

This book is different from the first, and in reflection I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I found myself in love with Matilda's story and bored when it reverted back to Maureen and the present day.

I felt the ending was rushed for both Matilda, her last years summed up in only a few lines and the end of the book regarding Maureen seemed rushed too.

I have a lot of mixed feelings towards this book, but over all, I did enjoy it. The Matilda story in particular, and I did like the ending, even if it was rushed. I do tend to appreciate novels where a lot of research has went into it and that was definitely evident here. I get the impression it may have been better had it been edited better? Possibly?

It is only getting 3 stars as it didn't grip me the way I expected it too, my interest was mostly to Matilda and as a result, I probably will not read it again, and, at the minute, I don't think I'll buy/read the next book of the series.

the_sassy_bookworm's review against another edition

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3.0

This is book #2 of the "Magdalene Line Trilogy", I finished book #1 last week (The Expected One) and really enjoyed it, this one I didn't quite love as much. The first book had a good pace to it and the balance between present day story and past was perfect. Book #2 was much slower paced and the present day story really took a backseat in this book, I would have preferred more character development on that front. That being said I did really enjoy the story of Matilda, so not as good as the first in the series, but good enough that I will definitely be picking up book #3 when it comes out!!

etwhalen4's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

stephanietutt1's review against another edition

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3.0

Although the parts about Matilda were fascinating and I really enjoyed them, the parts about Maureen absolutely bored me. The last 100 pages were hard to get through because it was all Maureen. I skimmed through the majority of the last bit just because my interest in the storyline itself was gone. I will not be reading the third book in the series.

tennilles's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging informative inspiring tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

radioactve_piano's review against another edition

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5.0

Such an amazingly well-researched piece of fiction! I was constantly (and surprisingly) inspired while reading, and I can't wait to dive into Kathleen's website for more reading. The entire concept is fascinating, especially if you grew up with one foot in the Lutheran church, one in the Catholic church, and the rest of your body stretching as far away from any church as possible. I can hardly wait to see where else Kathleen leads us.

petersont4's review against another edition

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4.0

I enjoyed this book but not as well as the first of this series. The jump back in time story arc’s had trouble holding my attention because they were jumping around in time too much for my liking. I wish the story would have been laced out a little better in that aspect.

thesassybookworm's review against another edition

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3.0

This is book #2 of the "Magdalene Line Trilogy", I finished book #1 last week (The Expected One) and really enjoyed it, this one I didn't quite love as much. The first book had a good pace to it and the balance between present day story and past was perfect. Book #2 was much slower paced and the present day story really took a backseat in this book, I would have preferred more character development on that front. That being said I did really enjoy the story of Matilda, so not as good as the first in the series, but good enough that I will definitely be picking up book #3 when it comes out!!