Seeking a few moments of peace and solace from her hectic schedule at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, bestselling author Maureen Paschal makes an amazing discovery when closely examining a painting and realizes it is at odds with the official description beside the artwork. Excited by her discovery, she happily settles into blissful thoughts about being reunited with her lover and current Poet Prince, Bérenger Sinclair, and her trusted friends in Tuscany.

Maureen had been getting used to the notoriety and sensation she had caused as a result of publishing her book on the discovery of a lost gospel written by none other than Jesus himself, but nothing could have prepared her for what would happen when supermodel and socialite Vittoria Buondelmonti announced the name of her child's father.

Caught off-guard by Vittoria's deception, Maureen finds herself in perilous circumstances. She is comforted and challenged by her friends and the teachings of Destino, a masterful spiritual guide as ancient as he looks. He is purported to be Longinus Gaius, the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus' side on the cross to prove he was dead. Against the backdrop of Destino's stories of the past, especially about the Renaissance Poet Prince, Lorenzo de' Medici, and his longing for his soul mate, Colombina, Maureen wonders if she truly had found her soul mate or were they destined to have the same fate as the other Poet Prince?

With her passion, fresh perspectives, and ability to infuse glorious life into her research, Kathleen McGowan, has written a third book in her Magdalene series. THE POET PRINCE is an eminently entertaining and intriguing book about the Renaissance period centered in Florence, Italy. As the plot is woven like a mosaic between historical and present times, McGowan skillfully illuminates themes, such as soul mates and the danger of religious fanatics when their own beliefs supersede the very teachings of their own religion.

As in any mosaic, there is the odd time when the story doesn't always flow as smoothly as the reader might like, but the author's fresh take on the powerful figures of the times and her awesome knowledge of artists, paintings, and culture will leave you longing for more. The study guide at the end is useful for book clubs and useful for personal reflection as there is so much richness in this story. After finishing the book, I just had to look up some of the paintings that were so brilliantly described. I was also bewitched by the linkage to Anne Boleyn.

While quite satisfying as a stand alone, it is probably best read in the sequence of the series, starting with her previous bestsellers, The Expected One and The Book of Love. Lots to relish and, if not already a McGowan fan, you are sure to become one!