The Book of Love - Tapa dura

Cultures throughout Europe believed there was once a gospel written in Christ's own hand, a treasure of almost unimaginable magnitude. It was referred to by the Cathar culture in France, who claimed to be direct descendants of Christ, as The Book of Love. But the teachings in The Book of Love were radical and contrary to the political agenda of the Church. Papal forces launched one of the bloodiest crusades in history against the Cathars in an effort to wipe out their 'heresy' - and to gain possession of the original, incendiary manuscript - a document so revolutionary that its contents would be considered ground-breaking and visionary 2000 years later. In The Book of Love, Maureen Paschal continues her journey of discovery begun in The Expected One, following evidence in stone and stained glass, clues left 800 years ago by the ancient architects of the great Gothic cathedrals of Europe. As Maureen and her team get closer to the truth, they find themselves locked in the most ancient human struggle - the epic battle between good and evil.

This is Kathleen McGowan's first novel. She has been editor-in-chief of THE IRISH NEWS, having worked in Ireland in her twenties as a reporter and has written extensively on subjects that include politics, history and the arts. She spent five years working as a marketing executive at the Walt Disney Company She lives in Los Angeles with her Irish-born musician husband, Peter McGowan.