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linwearcamenel's review against another edition
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mami5418's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
libbiebell's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Child abuse, and Racism
saram618's review
2.0
This was a quick read that while somewhat interesting, wasn't all that great. The characters didn't have much depth and the story was quite predictable. It reminded me a lot of a Lifetime movie. I've read better fiction and nonfiction books on the topic of fundamentalist Mormons so this one probably won't stick with me for long.
daisytee's review
5.0
I have never read a book so fast. This seriously gave me panic attacks to think about the things these girls were t through is so sad.
rach_lle's review
3.0
quick, captivating, maybe a bit surface level knowledge of the relig tho idk??? maybe stereotypes??? glad it ended with the dad going to jail tho but also the last 10pgs could have been like 50
Are they could have expanded more on what happened when the girls left through the mother who had the baby named hope
Are they could have expanded more on what happened when the girls left through the mother who had the baby named hope
thegeekyblogger's review
4.0
What I Loved: This story was gripping. I was literally yelling in my head "get out" and "get out now". The authors are very good at portraying this community as one that could exist in any part of the US. While everything is fictional, it all seems very real. They do not try to "sugar coat" the different types of people that may exist in these communities and they do not "vilify" them either. The characters are who they are: good, bad, or indifferent (and there is a little of each type in this community). The situation for these two coming of age girls is intense and complicated. Sara and Rachel are at times brave, sad, mad, terrified, and unsure. Their journey of questioning every thing they know vs every thing they feel will leave you breathless at times.
What I Liked: I really enjoyed how you got to meet so many different people even though the story was about the two girls. All the different types of functioning members in these communities were essential to the story and really brought home how different that life is from everything that we know.
Why I gave it a 4: This is not a light read but it is a very good one. If you pick up this book thinking the community is like the show Big Love, you might disappointed. This reminds me more of some the books I have read by women who have escaped these communities. The story reads more real for a lack of a better way to put it. I would recommend this to any fiction reader who likes stories of triumph over adverse situations. I would even recommend this to non-fiction readers who can keep in mind that it is a fictional story.
I will be giving away 2 signed copies starting next week on my blog. I will also be interviewing the authors, so if you have any questions please leave them in the comment section. I have met these ladies, they are very kind and after reading the book I realize how very creative they are!
Author Website: http://www.claireaveryauthor.com/
What I Liked: I really enjoyed how you got to meet so many different people even though the story was about the two girls. All the different types of functioning members in these communities were essential to the story and really brought home how different that life is from everything that we know.
Why I gave it a 4: This is not a light read but it is a very good one. If you pick up this book thinking the community is like the show Big Love, you might disappointed. This reminds me more of some the books I have read by women who have escaped these communities. The story reads more real for a lack of a better way to put it. I would recommend this to any fiction reader who likes stories of triumph over adverse situations. I would even recommend this to non-fiction readers who can keep in mind that it is a fictional story.
I will be giving away 2 signed copies starting next week on my blog. I will also be interviewing the authors, so if you have any questions please leave them in the comment section. I have met these ladies, they are very kind and after reading the book I realize how very creative they are!
Author Website: http://www.claireaveryauthor.com/
cozylittlebrownhouse's review
5.0
Claire Avery, the pen name for two sisters who wrote this debut novel together, have written a page-turning exploration into the world of a polygamist sect based in Utah. The sisters' interest in and knowledge of extreme religions is portrayed through fictional characters Sara and Rachel, two young members of this sect. After spending their lives with The Blood of the Lamb society, the sisters endure many horrific experiences before deciding to flee the only home and faith they have ever known, and will be tested in many ways.
What surprised me most about reading this book is how quickly you like and sympathize with the two main characters. I was rooting for them after only a couple of pages, and the manner in which the story is written makes it a compelling read that is difficult to put down...SO I read it in a couple of sittings.
Many of my friends have read and enjoyed The Nineteenth Wife, which deals with similar issues. I think I will be moving that one higher on the to-read list after experiencing Hidden Wives. Hidden Wives would make a great summer read and a great book for discussion groups because of the nature of the material.
As a side note, I have corresponded with the authors, and they are so kind to their readers. When authors reach out to book addicts like me, I am even more receptive, and Claire Avery has a new "follower" in me. I will definitely be looking for more books to come, so keep writing, ladies!
What surprised me most about reading this book is how quickly you like and sympathize with the two main characters. I was rooting for them after only a couple of pages, and the manner in which the story is written makes it a compelling read that is difficult to put down...SO I read it in a couple of sittings.
Many of my friends have read and enjoyed The Nineteenth Wife, which deals with similar issues. I think I will be moving that one higher on the to-read list after experiencing Hidden Wives. Hidden Wives would make a great summer read and a great book for discussion groups because of the nature of the material.
As a side note, I have corresponded with the authors, and they are so kind to their readers. When authors reach out to book addicts like me, I am even more receptive, and Claire Avery has a new "follower" in me. I will definitely be looking for more books to come, so keep writing, ladies!