Book Review: Hidden Wives - Claire Avery

This book was intense, I could not put it down. It's about two sisters from a polygamist cult who are just at the age to be married away to older men. (side note - I thought it was weird that I read this immediately after Moloka'i and in both books the sisters are named Rachel and Sarah) Rachel and Sarah begin to realize the skewed ideology and practices of their community. They experience scandal, abuse, and illegal marital arrangements all in the name of their "religion." They have been brainwashed to the point where they don't even know it's a problem, and others that know about it look the other way. It takes a newcomer, handsome and charming Luke, to come to the community and stir it up a little. These girls' lives are about to change big time. I can't imagine growing up in that environment and struggling to overcome such incredible obstacles. The plot is exciting and somewhat disturbing, but it's also a heartwarming story of the bonds of family and friendship. Highly recommended.