When Giselle Gélis runs into David Rettig at a biblical studies conference, she’s not expecting a life-changing experience. On the contrary, the thought foremost in her mind is escaping the creepy colleague who seems oblivious to hints of dislike and even outright putdowns. But Giselle and David hit it off, despite their differences of personality and the reality that any relationship between them can only be long-distance: she lives in France while he’s based in Israel.

In an attempt to spend time together, Giselle and David agree to undertake a journey across southern France, from just below Marseille to Toulouse. It’s supposed to be a vacation, casually devoted to learning more about each other while unraveling a mystery associated with Giselle’s uncle, murdered late in the nineteenth century in a crime that was never solved, between stops at luxury hotels and meals at fabulous restaurants. Instead, Giselle and David stumble over a discovery that challenges doctrine fundamental to the Christian religion, and with it her faith and their future as a couple.

Discovery (Notramour Press, 2018) skips back and forth between Giselle and David’s present and her uncle’s past, with at least one foray even deeper into time as the underlying mystery is gradually revealed. Leslie Schweitzer Miller juggles these multiple realities with aplomb, bringing to life not only the breathtaking scenery of the mountains around Rennes-le-Château, where the central action takes place, but the contrasting time periods and the characters who populate them.

This book was as enjoyable as the blurb makes it seem. that is, very enjoyable for me. I loved the premise and it was done really well. I have read a few books in the same direction, and this one is totally one of the best of them.

DISCOVERY

First I feel I need to acknowledge the cover of this book. The artwork so nicely conveys the beauty and depth of the story. The author, Leslie Schweitzer Miller, is also an excellent artist.

The story Discovery centers around religious scholar Dr. Giselle Gélis and archeologist Dr. David Rettig, who while falling in love travel the Languedoc region of France. Their journey to Rennes-Le-Château in search of secrets regarding Giselle's ancestor Father Antoine Gélis, introduces the theory of Mary Magdalene's time in this region. They explore many fabulous religious sites along their travels, including the Basilica, Saint-Maximin-la-Saints-Baume and the Grotto Saints Marie-Madeleine.

Intrigue, personal introspective, and controversial discussions of religious ideas are all beautifully woven throughout the story. Historical tales regarding Rennes-Le-Château and Father François Bérenger Saunière are fascinating as well.

I found Discovery to be a gently paced relaxing travel through the south of France, enjoyable as a love story while presenting a nice religious discussion.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Dr. Leslie Schweitzer Miller, and Notramour Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I have read so much about Mary Magdalene despite not being Christian that it’s kinda weird, if you ask me. It’s all because of Dan Brown novels, I think. Oh, well. Anyway, so I am somewhat familiar with the concept of Mary being married to Jesus.

Anyway, onto the review of the book. This book had such potential, mostly because of the way it’s presented in the summary itself. I was super intrigued by it, it sounded like the sort of book I would love to read and to a point, it was.

I loved reading about Saunière and the church of Rennes-le-Château, that part of the book was really interesting and made me want to read more. Saunière’s faith and his free thinking made him stand out and it was kinda fun to read it. The way he made sure that people did more than just follow the word, that they thought for themselves in a way that might have looked bad at the time. I loved that.

I even loved the actual discovery of the treasures, the way he had the power to decide whether to make them known or not. It was well done.

If there was one thing I didn’t like? I think, it would have to be the characters from 2013, I don’t know they just didn’t click for me. I think part of the problem was the fact that Giselle, as a scholar, was able to accept certain truths but the implications the truths brought about were too much for her. I think, as an atheist, I can’t really connect with that, perhaps. Her faith restricted her from accepting the truth and I really didn’t like it? For me, truth should accepted without any restriction, whether comfortable or not and yes, I am aware it sounds impractical. The thing is, though, that as a scholar, as someone who studied the religion itself, she should have been more open to the possibilities.

The faith puts a strain on her relationship with David as well, and well, there it did become a bit more interesting. If I am being honest, I think I really loved the parts with Father Saunière…those parts were enjoyable and truly interesting, the others not so much.

I would however recommend it to the fans of historical fiction, and mystery. It is enjoyable and I am sure most of you wouldn’t be put off by the things I was put off by. I mean, seriously, it’s a good book. So, if you are thinking of picking it up, please do. Give it a chance!

This is wonderful book that circles around whether jesus and Mary Magdalene were married and what that could mean to today's christian if it were so. This is a wonderful story with multiple storylines. I highly enjoyed it.

Fascinating.

Dr Giselle Gelis and Dr David Rettig meet at a conference, she is a biblical professor and he is an archeologist.
Her faith is of the outmost importance to her. He is an atheist. On the surface, you’d think they would never work. But they are both quirky, kind hearted intellectuals. You soon believe that they actually shouldn’t be without each other.

But in the background a mystery is unfolding.
There are alternating chapters in the book telling the story of a priest many years ago who discovered secret documents hidden inside the walls of the church.

The documents become a part of the present day story as well.

The documents potentially prove a marriage between Mary Magdalene and Jesus.
The implications could be life shattering for many involved and at the very least they would be life altering.

Giselle’s faith is at the heart of her. She could possibly accept the idea that Jesus had married but the further questions that arise are ones she will not accept.
This puts a serious strain on her relationship with David.

I enjoyed this story very much.
I like how parts of the story were grounded in truth but the author was able to take liberties in order to create a story for Giselle and David.
I liked the characters and their relationship. It was quite romantic at times and quite difficult for them at other moments.

I think you could be a believer or a non believer and appreciate this story. I say that because I think it needs said with a storyline like this.

I got to read an early e book edition of this book through a NetGalley and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Review: DISCOVERY by Leslie Schweitzer Miller

I first read HOLY BLOOD, HOLY GRAIL by Baigent, Leigh, and Lincoln in the mid-1980's, probably a few years after its 1982 publication. It ignited my fascination with the Cathar spirituality (is that the root of "catharsis"?), the Languedoc, and Rennes-le-Chateau. So delighted I was to discover this novel, with its riveting introduction, endearing story covering multiple eras, and characters I loved to unravel, whose personalities leap off the pages. The novel is warm-hearted, endearing, intellectual, and spirituality refined--a true inspiration.

For years there has been reason to believe that there is more than the bible tells us. Important parts of history might be left out. What was the role of Mary Magdalen among the disciples, and what was her connection with Jesus? Following the Cathars and Templars into France, we arrive at the Languedoc region, where various sites are dedicated to Marie Madeleine. We get a glimpse of history.
Moving on to the late 19th century and the restoration of the church of Rennes le Chateau. Father Sauniere is a man of God as well as a free thinker. He inspires many of his flock to be more than just followers. During the restoration he discovers some well hidden treasures that could upset the religious world and he decides to keep them hidden.
From here the book alternates between 1890 and 2013, focussing on the impact of new science regarding early christianity. Biblical scholar Giselle teams up with archeologist David, travelling to the south of France to see for themselves if the legend holds any truth. An unexpected find turns their world upside down.
Discovery is a spectacular story, full of mystery and adventure, beautifully written at a pleasant pace.
Giselle and David are intelligent beings, constantly challenging each other. The touch of romance is adorable.
The religious characters throughout the centuries are well portrayed and believable. The vivid descriptions of the churches and the natural beauty of the Languedoc region are breathtaking.
This book challenges the brain and quenches the soul. Highly recommended.