The subject behind this book really intrigued me, "What if the man you loved told you God wanted him to take another wife? What if that woman was your best friend?" Diane has definitely done her research in this book about the Morman practice of polygamy. The prologue snatched me from the beginning, then we went back in time about a year and met the characters as they were meeting. The story weaves its way back to the prologue and then we follow through to a time in the future. Along the way we meet Gabe who falls in love with Mary Rose on a voyage from England to America in the 1840's. They get married before even reaching Boston and join the Morman church (Brigham Young was on board the ship too). Eventually through different circumstances Gabe is told he has to take another wife, it happens to be Mary Rose's best friend. Can they remain members of a church that tells them to do this? Can their love withstand it? Can Mary Rose and Bronwyn's friendship withstand it? I found it fascinating how a religion and a mere man who says that he heard from God could basically do what he wanted with no repercussions. That so many people would follow blindly. A fascinating perspective and a good story.

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Great book but definitely one you will want to read the next book in the series to find out "what happens" --

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This is the first time I've read a book from this author. I usually don't like the "Christian" romance" genre, but I enjoyed this book. Firstly, the author is an excellent writer,and creates vivid characters. Secondly, I don't find her "preachy." Thirdly, this is a topic which intrigued me. The lives of two women during the beginning of Mormonism in the United States. Although I do not know if this author is a Mormon (I get the impression she is not), she seems to present a fairly reasonable view of why women would consent to participate in plural marriages. This is not a book about black&white personalities. Both the husband and the two wives are torn by this practice, which they are reluctant to follow at first --- although the husband doesn't seem to fight it too much! He is not abusive, and does seem to love both women sincerely. From my 21st century point of view, I think that of course he's the winner in this. He can have his cake and eat it too! He loves both women and treats them kindly, but I wonder what his reaction would be if the situation was turned around and the rule was that a woman should have two husbands! The book's ending left me wanting to read more in this series!

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