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The Hannah Document
A brilliant scholar,
ancient libraries in danger due to war,
suppressed women's religious history,
and a renegade monastery.
A doggedly determined Sofia Papandréou pursues evidence for women in leadership in early Christianity in the dusty corners of libraries, long ignored. Or worse, actively hidden away to deny women their heritage as leaders. Hot on the trail of the lost letters of Deacon Olympias, an important leader in Fourth Century Constantinople, Sofia stumbles onto two parchments that even she finds incredible. Sofia's quest to authenticate the documents soon involves her in a perilous journey that leads to theft, murder, unexpected allies, and attempted murder as her discoveries threaten to transform the revealed history of Christianity.
A brilliant scholar,
ancient libraries in danger due to war,
suppressed women's religious history,
and a renegade monastery.
A doggedly determined Sofia Papandréou pursues evidence for women in leadership in early Christianity in the dusty corners of libraries, long ignored. Or worse, actively hidden away to deny women their heritage as leaders. Hot on the trail of the lost letters of Deacon Olympias, an important leader in Fourth Century Constantinople, Sofia stumbles onto two parchments that even she finds incredible. Sofia's quest to authenticate the documents soon involves her in a perilous journey that leads to theft, murder, unexpected allies, and attempted murder as her discoveries threaten to transform the revealed history of Christianity.
Unknown Binding
First published March 1, 2025
1 person is currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Laura Swan
8 books30 followersI am passionate around restoring the voices and contributions of women to the Christian movement. They made major contributions to Christian theology, composed music, translated Scripture into their local vernacular, preached, taught, and were leaders. Thus, two of my nonfiction books seek to correct this. I've also written/published on aspects of Spirituality. Visit my YouTube station (@BenedictineSister Laura). I just released my first completed novel, The Hannah Document.
Follow me on Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laura...
Follow me on Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laura...
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 18, 2025
I’ve read all of Laura Swan’s books, and they just keep getting better. This was my personal favorite. I was enthralled. As a teacher of ancient civilizations, her history is amazingly accurate. It will definitely make you think. This book is one you’ll need much time to stop and reflect on. What if? I highly encourage you to read this with an open mind. It is one I will be contemplating all summer long.
July 20, 2025
An intriguing look at ancient manuscripts, often written by women and therefore ignored. Swan provides an excellent picture of how difficult it can be for women to be taken seriously as scholars and to access materials. I was surprised by the translation of the Hannah Document - and delighted!
November 7, 2025
Set in the modern world of Greece, Syria and Rome the scholar Sophia is on the path of the writings of a first or second century woman deacon, Olympias, when she makes a startling discovery, one that could help shape the foundations of the establishment and open new pathways to a healthier church.
Entertaining, charming, adventurous, daring, I would put this story up again Dan Brown's version of the life of Jesus any day. Bravo, Sister Laura!
Entertaining, charming, adventurous, daring, I would put this story up again Dan Brown's version of the life of Jesus any day. Bravo, Sister Laura!
December 12, 2025
An inspiring and perilous tale of one woman’s determination to unearth the writings of Christian female leaders buried in the past, and to bring them into the light.
Sofia Papandréou is a brilliant scholar with a passion for uncovering history related to women. She’s determined to pushback against the predominantly male presence in her field, keeping her from accessing the monasteries, and the ancient scrolls hidden within their libraries. Hatching a gutsy and dangerous plan, she infiltrates forbidden spaces and makes a startling discovery within—one a tyrannical monk will stop at nothing to suppress.
The story alternates between point of view characters, but Sofia’s boisterous determination dominates the narrative with her actions driving the story forward. She pulled me into her story and didn’t let go until the very end. The secondary cast—made up of both friends and foes—round out the narrative by rallying around her or resorting to murder and theft to stop her.
The plotting is intriguing with the mystery surrounding Sofia’s discovery, her limited resources among a difficult political climate, the forces desperate to hinder her progress, and the question of whether she’ll be able to persuade the academic world to take it seriously. Filled with roadblocks, her task is almost insurmountable, maintaining my interest throughout.
Overall, this is thrilling read for fans of academic suspenseful stories along the lines of Dan Brown.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
Sofia Papandréou is a brilliant scholar with a passion for uncovering history related to women. She’s determined to pushback against the predominantly male presence in her field, keeping her from accessing the monasteries, and the ancient scrolls hidden within their libraries. Hatching a gutsy and dangerous plan, she infiltrates forbidden spaces and makes a startling discovery within—one a tyrannical monk will stop at nothing to suppress.
The story alternates between point of view characters, but Sofia’s boisterous determination dominates the narrative with her actions driving the story forward. She pulled me into her story and didn’t let go until the very end. The secondary cast—made up of both friends and foes—round out the narrative by rallying around her or resorting to murder and theft to stop her.
The plotting is intriguing with the mystery surrounding Sofia’s discovery, her limited resources among a difficult political climate, the forces desperate to hinder her progress, and the question of whether she’ll be able to persuade the academic world to take it seriously. Filled with roadblocks, her task is almost insurmountable, maintaining my interest throughout.
Overall, this is thrilling read for fans of academic suspenseful stories along the lines of Dan Brown.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
October 16, 2025
Sophia Papandréou is infinitely more than a dogged and determined young woman. She is brave, resourceful, imaginative and driven to uncover the truth. Worthy of respect, she is everything any woman—or man—hopes their daughters and granddaughters will strive to become. This is a book for the Keeper Shelf. It’s that good.
Based on a scale of 1-5, The Hannah Document merits a 7.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
Based on a scale of 1-5, The Hannah Document merits a 7.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
January 13, 2026
The Hannah Document is an absolute page-turner! Sofia Papandréou is a fearless, brilliant protagonist, and her quest to uncover hidden history kept me on the edge of my seat. The mix of action, intrigue, and historical research is fascinating, and I loved learning about Mount Athos and early Christian history along the way. Laura Swan has crafted a thrilling, smart, and faith-filled adventure that I couldn’t put down.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews