In case you haven't noticed, a spate of historical fiction about religion has been deluging the book market for the past five years - probably more but noticeably so now. Amy Hassinger has written another one that juxtaposes two stories. The first concerns the relationship between a French priest and secular woman in the late 1800's . It is indirectly connected to the second story which implies proof that Jesus and Mary Magdalene parented a daughter whose secret can be found in the priest's very own parish.

So how is that Beringer Sauntiere, the parish priest, all of a sudden becomes so wealthy that he is able to pour jewels and other delicacies upon Marie Dernanaud, his mistress? Add to the mystery that Madame Simone Laporte, a woman who believes she is going mad, knows something about a particular treasure with a Da Vinci-like code related to the Mary Magdalene mystery!

What is riveting about this novel is NOT about the sexual relationship or even the possible historical accuracy of Jesus and Mary Magdalene birthing a child! What grips the reader is how people find and lose faith because of their immersion in either material things or belief in worldly ideas such as politics, religious doctrine, etc., etc. Amy Hassinger captures the spiraling downward journey perfectly!

The inspiration within this novel is in the question the author never explicitly says but which is surely implied through this tragic tale - Who and what do you love first and foremost? For it seems God desires the single-minded devotion that Mary Magdalene obviously and oh so clearly lived and from which our contemporary characters in this novel so devastatingly swerve. It isn't the carnal desire that other authors keep insisting is so important but the spiritual connection Hassel's Mary M. richly possesses that is truly inspiring!

Bravo for you, Amy Hassinger! Now let the movie directors make THIS story into an accurate movie! Read this book carefully - it's a gem!!!

Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on July 8, 2006

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