Book Spotlight: The Ultimate Religion by Gillian Dance

SYNOPSIS:

The Ultimate Religion is an exploration of a fundamentalist church, its members and their interpretation of the bible, via the story of one woman. This book will resonate in particular with those who have experience of such 'churches' or who wish to understand the mentality of people who lead and join such organisations. This is a fairly lengthy novel, inspired by real-life events, recounting true sentiments and experiences. The story follows the child, Megan, through a tumultuous upbringing and early religious experiences, into adulthood and the point when she falls into the company of a fundamentalist Christian group and becomes embroiled in their contradictory world of genuine miracles, fun and love; coupled with religious fanaticism, gross sexism and social control. With an open approach to some difficult topics, such as abuse, terminal illness and gender roles, some content may be contentious or painful to read. Eye-opening biblical scriptures are quoted to illustrate the basis for some of the characters' beliefs. This is a story of the making and breaking of precious friendships, of one woman's desire to find and understand her place in the world, healing for her past and a sense of self and purpose; and the price of that quest. Megan finds faith, loses it and rediscovers it, while experiencing the duality of others and eventually discovering the true source of miracles.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gillian Dance is the author of The Ultimate Religion, as well as various short stories, and is currently working on her second novel. Gillian studied English Literature and Linguistics and works from home as a copy editor and ghostwriter.

Gillian's hobbit-hole is in Devon, England, which she shares with her husband and various pets. As well as writing, she reads voraciously, loves philosophy, and frequently takes long country walks to watch wildlife.

You can find The Ultimate Religion at: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

MY REVIEW: 

The Ultimate Religion by Gillian Dance
Starts out with the girls and their mother has just walked out the door and their lives. Their father does not even seem to realize they are there still.
They are put into foster homes and Megan ends up at the grandparents. After they die she's moved back to her father's care til she is old enough to move, get a job and her own place.
She has come into contact with others who discuss religion. Her older sister used to take her to church and also to parties but she's now married with children of her own-too busy for her any longer.
She finds companionship with the new church, they don't have sermons but a meeting at others houses.
Like the quotes from the bible, scriptures and passages as they relate to things going on, really helps explain things that they are thinking and acting on. My problem is there are way too many quotes from the Bible, just wanted the story.
Love all the travel locations and how they are welcomed.
Amazing just one event leads others to leave the revival and Megan thinks twice about marriage into the religion...
I received this review copy from the author via the publisher and this is my honest opinion.