Sister Wife

Sister Wife follows Mary Elizabeth, a Mormon teen living in Utah who disagrees with her community's fundamentalist polygamist beliefs. When her father arranges her marriage to her older sister's husband, Mary Elizabeth must decide whether to submit to tradition or fight for her independence. The story takes place within a closed religious community that practices plural marriage, showing the daily realities and power dynamics of polygamous family structures. Mary Elizabeth navigates complex relationships with her sister-wives, extended family members, and others in her isolated world while questioning the only life she has known. Through Mary Elizabeth's struggle to reconcile faith and autonomy, the novel examines themes of religious freedom, gender roles, and personal identity within restrictive social systems. The book presents an insider's perspective on contemporary polygamy while exploring universal questions about duty, independence, and finding one's own path.

Readers report this book offers insight into Mormon polygamy while maintaining thriller pacing. The story follows protagonist Kelsey navigating both her present investigation and past trauma. Positives: - Strong character development of Kelsey - Educational but not preachy about Mormon culture - Fast-moving plot with suspense elements - Authentic portrayal of polygamist communities Negatives: - Some found the ending rushed - A few readers note overuse of flashbacks - Several mention predictable plot twists - Multiple reviews cite editing issues and typos Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (316 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (112 ratings) Notable reader comments: "The mystery element kept me guessing but the real value was learning about FLDS culture" - Goodreads reviewer "Could have used tighter editing but the protagonist's journey resonated" - Amazon reviewer "Personal experience aspects feel genuine, fiction elements less so" - LibraryThing review

Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer This true-crime investigation explores murder within fundamentalist Mormon communities while examining the history and practices of Mormon splinter groups.

The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff The parallel stories of a modern-day murder in a polygamous sect and a historical account of Brigham Young's wife illuminate life in plural marriage communities.

Prophet's Prey by Sam Brower A private investigator's chronicle documents the inner workings of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and its leader Warren Jeffs.

Escape by Carolyn Jessop, Laura Palmer A first-hand account details a woman's life in and eventual flight from the FLDS Church with her eight children.

The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams A thirteen-year-old girl in an isolated polygamous community faces an arranged marriage to her sixty-year-old uncle and must decide between family loyalty and personal freedom.

🔹 Author Natalie R. Collins draws from her experience growing up in Utah and her deep understanding of Mormon culture to create authentic details in her thriller novels. 🔹 The book explores the dark underbelly of polygamous cults while highlighting the strength and resilience of women who escape these environments. 🔹 Though fictional, "Sister Wife" addresses real issues that have made headlines in Utah and Arizona, where isolated polygamous communities continue to exist despite laws against plural marriage. 🔹 The novel's protagonist, Kelsey Waite, reflects the experiences of many real-world survivors who have fled polygamous compounds and struggled to adjust to mainstream society. 🔹 Collins has written multiple books addressing Mormon themes, including "Behind Closed Doors" and "Wives and Sisters," establishing herself as a prominent voice in Mormon-themed suspense fiction.