By 
Ann Goltz, the Author of “Virtuous Women” has written a poignant, emotional and thought-provoking novel. The Genres for this novel are Women’s Religious Fiction, Sibling Fiction, Domestic Life Fiction, and Fiction. The author vividly describes her setting and dramatic characters. The characters are complex, complicated and flawed. This is quite a shocking reveal of how a “Virtuous” Woman might be viewed in a Religious cult.
Hope has been raising her ten siblings since her mother passed away two years ago. She is only 17, and yet. the responsibilities and her father’s expectations of what she has to do makes it nearly impossible. If she makes any mistakes there are consequences. Her father decides to court a new congregant from the church, not realizing her background. Jennifer Levine wants to experience what a “Virtuous family” is and the two are wed.Before the wedding, Jennifer believes this is what she is looking for. Now Hope can have an arranged marriage.
When Jennifer realizes the “dark side” of her dream, there are changes. Hope’s courting is called off for seven years, and things seem very intense,
This is a very dark, intense, and emotional book. Women are cast aside in this environment, and are abused. I appreciate that the author is sympathetic and empathetic, and indicates that this is wrong on so many levels. This is a very though-provoking and memorable novel that I would recommend.
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