Sons of Bear Lake

I thought this was a lovely book, an intriguing story of two kinds of Mormon faith (one devout, the other not so devout), and the struggles that the characters face in making their way as a family and as individuals in both their small Mormon community and in the greater world. It is an inside view into Mormonism, the people, and a time when Mormonism was just about to emerge on to the larger scene. (It is a look back in time to when the Mormon Church had not yet made worldwide impact, back when it was more of just a regional force in the Intermountain West.) It chronicles the life of Harriet, a young widow and committed member of the church, who marries Hank, a young widower who is not a true believer and who was never quite comfortable in the formal religion. Even so, Harriet and Hank work together to raise their three sons who face their own unique challenges. For those outside the faith, this is a nice introduction to real figures in Mormonism. For those who are in the faith, this book will feel "real," an account of everyday people. I felt as if I had met people just like the characters in this book. I highly recommend this book.