I do love a coming of age story. There is something so satisfying in witnessing someone jump the chasm between adolescence and adulthood. Although, to be true, I still feel like I remake that leap on the daily. 🤣⁣⁣
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The Celestial Wife begins with a 15-year-old Daisy Shoemaker as she prepares for what she has grown up knowing would be her ultimate path: marriage. This story launches us into the centre of an extremist FLDS community as we see Daisy come to terms with the horror of her future being paired to a man 40-years her senior. The resulting story is Daisy’s reclaiming of her narrative and using her will and determination to save the women she was forced to leave behind.⁣
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This story had some challenging but important content in that it very directly addressed the false righteousness that many extremist religious organizations use to build their following. It was scary to see how real the situations were in which a person would believe that a single charismatic person could deliver them to an eternity of peace and glory. It was also terrifying to see the lengths that a single person would go to to convince themselves that they were making a just choice. With the rise in religious extremism around the world, I think this book did a good job in describing how these groups prey on the vulnerable.⁣
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Where I felt this book lacked was the blending of Daisy’s knowledge and experiences into her more modern life outside of Redemption (the community). The chapters written during Woodstock, especially, didn’t feel genuine to the rest of the story, which I found quite jarring.⁣
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Overall, I think this book will likely be very popular! It’s chilling, realistic and delivers on a completely satisfying ending that I think most readers will really enjoy. While it wasn’t as hard-hitting throughout as I had hoped, I still did enjoy the book and it was a very fast read. Check it out for yourself April 9, 2024!⁣
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Thank you to @simonschusterca for my digital galley. All opinions are my own.

Delighted to include this title in the April edition of Novel Encounters, my column highlighting the month’s most anticipated fiction for the Books section of Zoomer, Canada’s national lifestyle and culture magazine. (see column and mini-review at link)

I really enjoyed this book by Leslie Howard. I've always been fascinated with the world polygamists live in. This story is about Daisy Shoemaker and her best friend, Brighten. Having been born into the world of polygamy, their paths were laid out for them long before they reached womanhood and neither of them had any control over it. Daisy's desire to marry the young man she loves and the desire to make her own choices leads her to make some very difficult decisions in a very short span of time, decisions that stay with her for the rest of her life. The events on one fateful day form the paths each girl takes, both have very different circumstances that they then must live with.

I loved the character of Daisy. She is strong, independent and courageous. But likewise, the character of Brighten is just as strong and courageous as she makes the best of the situation she is forced into by a split decision that catapulted her onto a path she otherwise would not have chosen for herself. This book is filled with colorful, vibrant and unique characters.

This book gives an inside glimpse into a secret cult world where young girls are traded as brides to powerful men who do the bidding of the bishop. What makes this book unique from others is the fact that it takes place in the tumultuous 60's and it adds a unique quality to the story line as the events of Woodstock, the Vietnam war and other cultural changes unfold.

The Celestial Wife begins in 1964 on a FLDS polygamist colony in British Columbia. Fifteen year-old Daisy Shoemaker has already had a tumultuous upbringing with her father ex-communicated from the sect, and her mother forced to live on the outskirts of the community due to her disobedience. When Daisy finds out that she must marry a man forty years older than her, she summons her courage and runs for her life in a dramatic escape. Now in the outside world, she encounters hippies promoting “free love” and her eyes are open to a whole new life ahead with the promise of freedom, education, and autonomy.

This was an interesting book that kept me turning the pages. There were lots of pieces (like the history of wine making in the Okanagan) that I enjoyed. However, there were parts that seemed unbelievable, convenient, and far-fetched. I learned in the author’s note that she was fascinated by non-fiction accounts from women who have lived in fundamentalist polygamous communities, including Rachel Jeffs (daughter of Warren Jeffs). The community in this book, Redemption, is inspired by/modeled after several communities including Bountiful, British Columbia. The author realized that there although there are non-fiction books, we haven’t seen fictionalized stories, and stories are a tool used to bring history to life. I agree with that, but in this case, I was left wanting to dive down a rabbit hole of more non-fiction reads on this subject. And I was reminded of The Sound of Gravel, which remains one of my favourite memoirs, with a story so wild that it could have been fiction.
3.5 stars rounded up

While I had a hard time at times with the subject matter of The Celestial Wife, it was an incredibly powerful story that needed to be told. I’m not sure that I’ve loved the “glorification” (for lack of a better word) of polygamy over the last few years, and so I really appreciated how this book had the opposite effect. This was disturbing and heartbreaking, and I’m glad I picked it up.

The story of Daisy Shoemaker, who ranges in age from fifteen, at the start of the story, to her coming-of-age at twenty-one. Daisy is a fictional character, based on historically accurate research on the appalling lives of girls and women in fundamentalist Mormon polygamist (FLDS) sects as existed in the timeframe of the mid to late sixties.

Daisy lives in rural BC, in a fictional FLDS community called Redemption, modeled after the real life Bountiful, BC and its sister cities in Utah and Arizona.

With her first person POV voice, Daisy touches us with her intimate tale of longing, isolation, and hardship as, two years after being forcibly removed from her biological mother Ruth’s home (due to trumped-up religious infractions attributed to Ruth), Daisy still struggles to fit in with the new family assigned to her. A family that consists of one father, six mothers, and thirty five “sibling” children.

As Daisy’s placement day approaches, we learn of her soon to be forced-marriage, at fifteen, to the love of her life, the handsome Tobias, or to potentially one of a number of much older (creepy) and unsavory prospects, each of whom are much-married already.

An interesting and very disturbing tale, Daisy is a sympathetic character facing a horrendous future with no power of choice or independence. Her challenges, and the approach she ultimately takes to dealing with them, makes for engaging reading. Set against the backdrop of the swinging sixties, the author summons up polarities that are fascinating: imaginary borders, erected by religion or philosophy, pitting community-wide free love, drugs, youth and freedom against oppression, misogyny and horrific abuse (sexual or otherwise).

It’s a story that’s hard to put down.

But be warned: this is also a read so disturbing that it may have you (as it has this reader), scouring the references provided for further reads on this unsettling subject matter.

A great big thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This story was incredible and so deeply disturbing. While the writing was fantastic, there were many points where I was cringing and had a hard time getting through the story (just because of the subject matter). Can see this being a big book club book this year!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of The Celestial Wife, in exchange for honest review.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for providing me with this e-book ARC to review.

WOW, I raced through this book! 4.5 stars!

In 1964 we meet Daisy, a 15-year-old girl living in the polygamist community of Redemption in British Columbia. When the day of Daisy’s Placement comes, she is wed against her will, to a man forty years older than her, and her best friend, Brighten, doesn’t fare much better. The two girls make a plan to escape to the nearest town but things don’t go as planned. As an adult, Daisy has been able to make a life of freedom for herself, but she feels called to save the women she left behind. Can she keep her independence while facing her past to show the women of Redemption that there is another way?

I’ll be honest and say that I find high-control groups fascinating, so I was already interested in the subject matter before I started reading. It’s abundantly clear that the author did a ton of research for this novel, and I really appreciated her lengthy author’s note at the end where she goes into detail about her process. Everything about the time period of the late 60s and the polygamist community was detailed in a way that made the setting feel very authentic. The music, Wolfman Jack (a well-known real-life radio DJ), and the hippy vibes of peace and love all brought the 60s to life. The same can be said for the details of Redemption, such as the large houses with lots of sister wives looking after so many children, the patriarchal nature of the community, and the difficult relationships the women had with each other.

This novel can definitely be categorized as a coming-of-age story for Daisy. She’s 15 when she escapes Redemption and we get to follow along on her journey of self-discovery into adulthood. Freedom from the suppression of the polygamist religion allows her to learn more about herself, what she wants, and who she wants to be. I loved watching her grow throughout the novel. The theme of found family is also prominent as Daisy looks for support in her transition to the outside world, and again when she sets out to free the women of Redemption.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and now I plan to read Leslie Howard’s first novel too!

This was a really interesting historical fiction novel set in BC Canada (where I live). I was interested in polygamy since I was a kid and read a book fairly similar to this one that stuck with me. I think it also took place in BC. I definitely thought this book was well researched and very entertaining, the juxtaposition of the hardcore Mormons against the free love culture of the 60s was a good choice.

I did feel there was almost a little bit too much crammed into the short book. The first 50% I read in a few hours but then the second half lost me a bit and I felt it went a little bit off course in some parts. Overall though it was definitely worth reading I just think it actually might have benefited from being a bit longer! I wanted to know more and it felt like things moved too quickly.

The prose of this book was very readable and accessible, I think this book would be appropriate for mature middle grade readers but also interesting for adults. Thanks so much to Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me a digital copy of this book.

Set in the 1960’s in British Columbia, this story follows the main character, Daisy, as she comes of age in a polygamous Mormon community. While this book had good intentions - Daisy fights against the life she is supposed to live and strives for a life filled with freedom and where feminist principles are respected, the story felt a bit forced. This book is, “inspired by true events,” and I am not sure what elements are fiction but it felt a bit contrived and predictable.

The Celestial Wife follows the journey of Daisy Shoemaker from her start in Redemption, British Columbia in a mormon polygamous sect to an independent woman coming of age in the 1960s as she finds her way outside of the home she grew up in.

The Daisy from the beginning of this novel is a pure innocent fifteen year old who believes whole heartedly in true love and the teaches of the church she's grown up in. She is excited for a potential match to Tobias, who she believes will be the love of her life, and where she will enjoy favouritism as the cherished first wife. She spends time with her mother, who has been ostracized from the church and community, as well as her best friend Brighton, who excitedly hopes to become a Celestial Wife.

When the heads of the community and church exercise their power against Daisy and Brighton, they plot their escape. The rest of the book follows Daisy as she learns to survive in the outside world, all the while hoping to save those she loves most from the clutches of a community that thrives on manipulation and abuse.

What I Liked:
I really liked Daisy throughout the novel - there were many relatable qualities to her, whether she was a fifteen year old innocent or a twenty year old fighting to do what's right. I thought her journey seemed believable, especially in the contrast of the other characters from Redemption.

What I didn't:
There's a lot of events packed into this book! The time jumps make sense and are necessary to bring the story to its conclusion, yet there was something missing within that last time jump. Those years are essential to Daisy's growth, especially within her relationships outside of Redemption, and I found there something missing between her and Jean and Saffron. I think there are elements of their history that I wanted more information on. Her relationships with her mother and Brighton were stronger because of the time spent writing about them.

The Verdict:
A fantastic (Canadian!) read - a must read when it releases in April!
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for my free e-copy of this book!

Loved this book. It was so interesting from beginning to end. She is also so good at world building, I really did think it was an autobiography for a couple chapters! Well done and robust characters - would definitely recommend.

Daisy, 1960s, Redemption BC. Raised in a mormon community of high priests and Celestial wives.
Her mother and Father have separated, her father banished to the outside world and her mother isolated in the woods to redeem herself and become worthy again. Raised in a household of Sisterwives as mothers under the care of the household high-priest father to many many children.
The goal for women, to Marry young and bare many children; Become mothers of Zion. In this role they earn the title of Celestial sisters. Daisy falls in Love with Tobias, a new boy that joins the community. Tobias, is the young son of anther High priest of high statue in a mormon community out in Alberta. He has been transferred over to select a bride and join the two communities together. He has chosen Daisy and writes his father who has given his blessing. Daisy is so excited to start her new life with Tobias and starts the prepping for the big Wedding ceremony. The day finally arrives when all the young women are ready to have their husbands be selected y the high priest in ceremony. Daisy gets places a man 40 years her senior! I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. The whole way through, on the edge of my seat; I ate this up! Routing for Daisy all along the way. Her being hunted down, Seeing her start a new life in the outside world, Making friends, falling in love! I loved following along as Daisy experienced all the new things she only read about. The 1960 setting was Perfect! The Music! reading about the history of polygamy in Canada and USA. Very cleverly written!
An easy, entertaining and thrilling read! Highly highly recommend this book!

Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you Simon and Schuster for sending me a digital arc of this wonderful book!… my little review is on goodreads at the attached link

LOVED IT!!!!!!! I learned so much about British Columbia History! I loved the intensity and pace of this book. I loved how brave the main character was. This is a story that will stick with me for a long time! I can’t wait to reread it after release!

Thank you Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for my gifted digital ARC in exchange of my honest review.

My review:
Rating : 4.5 Stars (****)

I found this book very inspiring, insightful and unique. This is the first time I have read a story based on this religious group in Canada and US, in 1960s who used to practice polygamy.

This book is very well written. The story captivates your interest from the first page and as you keep going you find it hard to put the book down.

Accolodes to the author for her research and efforts. She has very skillfully used her knowledge of true events and outlined this fictional story in a make believe town, Redemption, around a Mormon religious group that encouraged polygamy and forced young girls to marry middle aged and old men in modern era. This story is set in 1960s. This was all done in the name of religion.

It was devastating to read about young girls who were never allowed to dream or aspire but were led blindfoldedly into a forced marriage and were made to believe that this will secure their place in the celestial kingdom in heaven.

At the core of the story is Daisy shoemaker who decides to escape from this town, Redemption, when she is forced to marry a man 40 years elder to her. Daisy's character and her coming of age story is shelled out so well. She loves the sight of her new found freedom and slowly starts making a life of her own constantly questioning her past life in Redemption, every atrocity and every injustice the girls were put through , normalized in the name of God.

There are a bunch of supporting characters that share the spotlight with Daisy and have a short side story of their own. Music plays a significant role and adds a delightful texture to the novel. The songs and the artists mentioned at different situations , give you a nostalgic whiff of that era.

The second half of this book is action packed, with slithering twists that gets satisfying to the core towards the end. Please do read Author 's note as well in the end to get a detailed insight into the true events and facts along with her sources of research about this practice and places where it was followed in US and Canada.

I am so glad I got to read this story and made myself acquainted with this part of Canadian history. I was shocked and devastated. In author's own words, humans are hardwired to remember stories more than facts. So I thank Author Leslie Howard for writing this story around a blatantly ugly truth about the heartbreaking abuse of women , even in modern times.

Through this story, I felt the pain and suffocation of every woman, every girl, every sister wife, every mother, every neglected child. This story and this character will stay with me for a long time.

I would highly recommend this book to all the historical fiction lovers.

Thank you Simon & Schuster for the ARC of the Celestial Wife.

"Home was wherever you stopped running."

The Celestial Wife follows the journey of Daisy, a 15-year old who is apart of a Mormon group based in British Columbia. The story follows Daisy as she escapes the community following an arranged marriage to the Bishop. The book follows Daisy through the years as she begins to find herself, question the community she was raised and question what her role is in saving her loved ones.

Overall, I found the concept of the book to be engaging. I preferred the beginning half of the book which largely focused on the Mormon 'cult' and Daisys' experience which provided readers with extremely detailed insights on the mental and physical abuse that the young women endured. The first half also included a hint of anxiety, never knowing what would happen next. I liked Daisy as a character and enjoyed watching her develop into an independent individual throughout the course of the book. Although at times, Daisy seemed to be reactive which did not match up to her characteristics throughout, it was enjoyable to see growth and depth in the character.

As someone from British Columbia, specifically the Okanagan Valley, it was interesting and exciting for me to read a piece that was largely focused in the geographic location. As I continued reading the book it was obvious the author either had spent a lot of time in the valley or resided there. The book began focusing, in my opinion a bit too much, on Jean's winery and winemaking process. Obviously the Okanagan is renowned for that, but the hints about winemaking not being popular / never working out / repetitive scenes involving the winery took me away from the story.

The overall story for me was good, it was easy to follow between flashbacks to the present day which I find a lot of novels struggle with currently. I did find that the plot of story jumped around a lot and became predictable. I felt that the side quests of the novel didn't bulk up the issue of the mormon cult. I enjoyed the read (finished in one sitting!) but I was able to predict what would happen.

Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for a copy of this book. I am interesting in the topic in this book so
It was very interesting to me. I loved that it was set in BC and i was able to connect with the main character and her movements and journey throughout this book.

Tara Westover’s Educated and Miriam Toews’ Women Talking meets Jane Green’s Sister Stardust, The Celestial Wife is set in Canada’s Okanagan Valley during the 60s. Daisy, a sister in a fundamentalist Christian sect must “keep sweet” while her days unfold in a never ending quest to serve the polygamist men and their offspring in punishment for her father’s rejection from the community and her mother’s refusal to remarry. Daisy makes the perilous decision to go against the beliefs she was born into and in the process discovers a world filled with more richness than she could imagine. A page turning quick read on a wintry day. I would've loved more about Daisy and her father. Thanks to Simon and Schuster for the ARC in exchange for my review.

CW: abuse and neglect of both women and children, sexual and physical assault.

This was my very first ARC (which I’m still very excited about 😂) and I’m happy to say I was totally captivated by it.

The Celestial Wife was a fictional story (inspired by true events) about a young girl, Daisy Shoemaker, who lives in a polygamous cult called Redemption in the 1960’s.

Daisy is 15 years old. She is eagerly awaiting her “Placement” when she will be told who she is to marry. She dreams of marrying a boy named Tobias, but soon finds out she is set to be another wife to a man who is much older than her.

Daisy, who has mostly followed the rules of her upbringing thus far starts to see the reality of her situation. She begins to question the Bishop’s intentions, she doesn’t want to live as a plural wife, she wants to be able to make her own decisions in her life.

So she decides to run.

This is where the story really hooked me in. Daisy runs away from Redemption and finds herself living amongst people she has been taught to fear, but her past isn’t ready to let her go just yet…

If you’re anything like me, this book will probably enlighten and infuriate you in equal parts. This is set to be released April 9, 2024 and I highly recommend checking it out.

Thank you so much @simonschusterca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review!