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Discovery

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The life of a nineteenth century priest has a profound effect on the future of a couple in 2012. Together, these intertwined stories will take you on the journey of DISCOVERY.

Abbé François Bérenger Saunière arrives in Rennes-le-Château in 1885 as impoverished as the remote mountain village itself. Inspired by the true story, this unconventional priest amasses a fortune, creates a magnificent estate and brings his ancient, crumbling Church of Saint Maria Magdalena to glory. During the renovation he unearths a first century urn containing two shocking documents--a parchment with grave consequences for his friend, Father Antoine Gélis, and a papyrus he feels morally bound to hide for safekeeping.

Dr. Giselle Gélis is resigned to living within the insular world of biblical scholarship until Dr. David Rettig, a gregarious American archeologist, bursts into her life in 2012. He's more familiar with Shakespeare and poetry than the Gospels; she's a pragmatist, he's a dreamer--but it's kismet, nonetheless. A trip across the south of France to learn more about her great-great-uncle's life is transformed into a romantic sojourn, with nights spent in old castles and days devoted to atmospheric holy sites linked with Giselle's heroine, Marie-Madeleine. The pièce de résistance of this idyllic week would have been exploring Rennes-le-Château and puzzling over the unsolved clues; instead, they stumble on the discovery of a lifetime.

As the threads of these stories intertwine, an intriguing and little known historical mystery is woven through a contemporary tale of sweeping emotional intensity, illuminating the complexities of human relationships--and the power of love.

276 pages, ebook

First published April 30, 2018

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About the author

Leslie Schweitzer Miller

1 book13 followers
A lifelong New Yorker, Leslie Schweitzer Miller holds a B.A. from Hofstra University, an M.A. from Columbia University, an M.D. from The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and a degree from the Institute for Psychoanalytic Education at NYU. She has long been involved in the theatre and arts communities, designing and building stage sets, writing articles for local newspapers, publishing and illustrating children’s stories, and creating sculpture and paintings (currently, her original art is for sale at Gallery 23 in Blairstown, NJ and reproductions can be purchased online at FineArtAmerica.com). She is a member of Romance Writers of America and The Association of Women Writers, and The American Psychoanalytic Association. She lives in Greenwich Village with her husband, Bob, and continues to work in private practice in New York City as a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst. Discovery is her debut full-length novel.

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for ABCme.
326 reviews43 followers
May 6, 2018
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.
Profile Image for Molly.
167 reviews47 followers
June 30, 2018
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.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,475 reviews22 followers
June 3, 2018
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.
Profile Image for C.P. Lesley.
Author 18 books87 followers
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September 27, 2018
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 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.

Interview with the author at New Books in Historical Fiction.
July 22, 2018
This book was a terrific read. I was already aware of some of the background and theories related to Mary Magdalene in the South of France. When David and Giselle visited the grotto at Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, the text reminded me of my visit to this beautiful, remote site. Although, the story was entertaining it was not until the acknowledgements that I realised how much of the premise of the novel was based on known facts. I love a book that not only entertains but also informs.
Profile Image for Amy.
559 reviews
September 9, 2018
This was an interesting twist on the idea that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene. The author has a great job of weaving the story between different centuries and generations of the lead character's family. I enjoyed the romantic aspect that was intertwined with the plot. Definitely a good book to curl up with on a quiet weekend.
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Patty.
1,210 reviews35 followers
June 28, 2018
Discovery introduces the reader to a Biblical scholar – Giselle and an archeologist, David. She lives a rather insular life despite speaking several languages and traveling to conferences around the world. He works mainly in Israel excavating the world of the Bible but not following any of the religions it fomented. These two are the main protagonists in the tale but there is another important player – Abbe François Bérenger Saunière. He is the priest assigned to Rennes le Chateau as punishment but he sees it as freedom.

According to the book this area of France has a long history of reverence for Mary Magdalene as there are many who believe she came to the Languedoc after Jesus died and lived the rest of her life in France. There are also those who believe Jesus did not die on the cross but was spirited away and then he went on to live the rest of his life in India. Both of these beliefs go strongly against the teachings of the Catholic church and would be dramatic revelations if ever proven true. That makes them excellent fodder for fictional accounts.

Ms. Schweitzer Miller uses bits of the historical record and real people combined with fictional characters to tell her story of well, discovery in the south of France. To share with you what is found would be to share with you the plot and you know I don’t do that. You will have to read the book for yourself. It is an entertaining read – I finished it in an afternoon. I can’t say it breaks any new ground in Biblical mysteries but I found myself quite lost in both the historical half, the romance that blossomed and the overall mystery. It is sort of a cozy thriller as while people are killed there is nothing overtly gory or violent in the book, nor are the protagonists severely threatened. The pressures come from other places.

So, if you want bit of a history lesson of this area of France and its religious issues wrapped up into a mystery this will be the book for you.
Profile Image for Kristine.
3,245 reviews
May 9, 2018
Discovery by Leslie Schweitzer Miller is a free NetGalley ebook that I read in early May.

Several vignettes take place between the 1880s and 2010s with an Abbe Jean & Abbe Antoine (a theological researcher) and a couple named David (an archeologist) and Giselle (hyperintuitive) with themes of Mary Magdelene and her marriage to Jesus Christ. David happens upon Jean and Antoine's sacristy, their letters, and ancient pieces of evidence, which creates pulls at his and Giselle's new, yet tenuous relationship. All-around, it felt like a concentrated, unexpanded-upon story that was rushed for time (through time?)
Profile Image for Stacey.
15 reviews
June 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. Giselle and David's romance kept me reading later than I should've stayed up at times, but I wanted to know what was going to happen. I also liked the theology and Biblical references along with the mystery. This was a nice summer read!
Profile Image for Cobwebby Eldritch SpaceReader Reindeer .
5,384 reviews307 followers
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May 23, 2018
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.
Profile Image for Tiffany Rose.
627 reviews
June 14, 2018
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.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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