THE PROPHET'S WIFE is a fascinating look at the origin story of an American religion—and an equally fascinating portrayal of what we're willing to endure in the name of love and faith. Emma and Joseph Smith are both deeply flawed and curiously sympathetic, together making one of the most interesting and nuanced portrayals of a marriage I've read in a very long time. The psychology at work in this book is brilliant.

Emma's firm dignity and quiet strength aren't the way "powerful women" are usually handled in literature, but it feels so true to her character as presented. And while I have no doubt that some readers might dislike the book's portrayal of the early LDS faith—the author will be receiving emails— I found it thoughtful and artfully done. Joseph Smith as written here isn't a demagogue or a blistering false prophet: he's a human being who wants desperately, all-consumingly to believe and be believed. It made me feel toward him like Emma does: drawn to him, longing to protect him from himself, wishing the story could end differently.

THE PROPHET'S WIFE made me want to do more research of my own into the story it's telling, and for me that's the mark of successful historical fiction.