Joseph and Emma: A Love Story

by Marsha Newman, Buddy Youngreen

Emma Hale was a favorite child of Isaac Hale. Even though her father did not approve of Joseph Smith, her love for the young prophet became the driving force of her life. This is the story of how Joseph and Emma met, fell in love, married, and then went on to carry out the divine work Joseph was called to do.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Lds, Religion, Lds Fiction, Inspirational

424 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book. I've always wanted to gain some perspective into what Emma was like and would have been thinking. I think this book's suggestion of those things was respectful and beautiful. It gave me a greater appreciation for her character, her contributions, and her sacrifices in dealing with the experiences she had.

[Anne Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book a few months ago and I lingered not wanting it to end. I lent it to my sister and her husband and they too are anxious for book two to come out. It is the kind of book that you think about often because the characters were so real. I believe the blending of great character and descriptive language made church history come alive for me. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in becoming involved in history.

[Bree Moyle clukey · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you can get through the super cheesy beginning this book offers great insight and perspective. This is a part of history I have so many questions about. Areas that I have always struggled with but this book has helped with my testimony. Reading about the trials that Joseph and Emma had to endure really put things into perspective for me. I do wish this book had footnotes. I understand they took liberties with the dialogue but a book of this nature should have footnotes to help clarify which parts of the story are fact and which they took liberty with.

[Racquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I was really touched by Joseph and Emma and their love for eachother. I know the story well but when you actually read it you feel like you kinda go through it with them and I felt a new appreciation for all they went through. Wow, what hardships they endured and with such great faith. Emma is truly inspiring to me.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me forever to finish this book but it wasn’t the books fault! This book held a unique insight into Joseph and Emma’s thoughts and life together. I’m grateful for a good friend who loaned me her book and encouraged me to read it.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

It thrills me to learn more about the personalities and lives of the first prophet and his elect lady in this last dispensation. The research was done carefully and the events portrayed appropriately.

[Olea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book have me such a greater appreciation for Emma and her strength and courage and all the sacrifices she made to stand by Joseph's side. I would absolutely recommend it!

[Autumn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Im giving this read a 3.5 stars. I finally finished it. I put it down a few weeks ago but i hate it when i dont finish things so i got a bur across my backside and finished the other half last night. I am currently reading the work and the glory series, and i believe that has played a part in me not liking this book as much as i wanted to. Ultimately i think this book could have been more personable and i would have liked it a whole lot better. Like if it was written first person between both Jospeh and Emma, i would have liked it alot better. To me it was like reading an essay or informational biography. Most of the time, i felt like i was just watching. I like being the person when i'm reading. It is a more enjoyable read for me that way. I dont know if i will read the second book because of the ending of this one. As any seasoned member of the church, one should know about our time in church history when the lord commanded plural marriages. I understand the need for it then, but that doesn't mean i like it or agree with it. So at the end of the book when Fanny Alger came into play, i groaned. I just felt so bad for Joseph and Emma more at this point. And it would be logical that the second book is gonna focus on the trial of his other wives and i just dont want that pain.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me see more clearly the reality of the faith, joy, and severe challenges that encompassed this devoted couple. They seem even more real to me now. I'll admit, the mega "mushyness" at the beginning made me wonder if the rest of the book was going to be full of assumptions and filler. How much was fact or fiction? But, who knows, maybe Joseph and Emma are celebrating the accurate portrayal of their romantic relationship! I hope so. They are a remarkable couple and remarkable individuals. My heart ached each time a child was lost. It was difficult hearing the joy of the news of a new baby, already knowing they wouldn't survive. My heart was pounding as the horrible night of torture approached. All this really happened and they continued to turn to the Lord. Coming to know Joseph and Emma has helped me see life more clearly, as more than just this mortal experience. God has a specific plan for each of us and wants all of us to choose joy, to choose Him, no matter our obstacles.

[Julianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this after completing the Children of the Promise series. It wasn't as good as the other series, but it was still enjoyable to read. I like to judge a book by how long it takes me to read it. If I get thru it quickly, I must have liked it. If it takes me a while, then there was something missing, and if I never finish it... well... it must not have been too good. This series took me a while to finish, but I did read book 2... I just don't know what it was missing.

It was very educational about Church History, and it was nice to see the otherside of Joseph. It did probe my brain and make me want to learn more about Church History and Joseph Smith. I also gained a deep respect for Emma!

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this one a little cautious because there is always a bit of literary license taken when you fictionalize a true story and I didn't want to get a skewed perception of these people. For the most part, though, I thought it was well done. There were some aspects to some of the revelations given back then that I probably wouldn't have considered had I not been able to put them into a day-to-day perspective. Overall, good book. I'm excited to get my hands on volume 2.

August - I just finished Volume 2 and I like it even better! It moves me to want to read and study doctrine and church history.

[Jessica Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 3.5 stars but I rounded up. It was really slow at the beginning...and really mushy. That's the main reason it took me so long to get through it but once Joseph recieved the plates and I started to recognize the history being presented, it was much better. It actually helped me to understand the history a little bit more and I was able to see parallels between the time of Joseph and Emma and our own time. I recommend this book wholeheartedly but just remember, you'll have to get through the mushy parts first. If you give up, I wouldn't blame you, but if you don't the rest of the book will be worth it.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has given me a lot of new insights so far into the lives of Joseph and Emma. It has helped me appreciate them and come to know them so much more. I finally finished this book and can't believe how much I learned from it. My gratitude and testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith and Emma has been strengthened and I am in awe of all that they went through. Not an easy read for me as it was often times very tragic but it was also very inspirational and wonderful to see the love between Joseph and Emma. Very well written and very factual.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I alsway find the back story more interesting than the main one. This book was a page turner from day one. I felt closer to knowing the real Emma and seeing Joseph from her perspective and her from his. It really gave great insight to their relationship and hardships. Wonderful book to read to strengthen your testimony of just hoe strong women are and how much sacrifice was made to restore the church.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I started reading this and got a few chapters in before I realized I read it a few years ago. I decided to keep reading it anyhow since I did enjoy reading this and volume 2 when I read them the first time. It did take me a while to get through it but mostly because I didn't feel like reading much this month. But then I tend to do that.....read so much for a few months and then hit a month where I just go slow on reading. Going to read a couple other books before picking up volume 2 though.

[Naiyana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of my issues that I had with this book have more to do with my issues with historical fiction in general than with this book. I'll step off that soap box for today. I think it may have worked better to just tell the story completely from Emma's perspective. There were parts that were just too over the top cheesy romantic for my taste. I did get some new insights though and learned a few things.

[Trine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't too sure about this book when I started, but I ended up liking it. It makes you think about how people were able to be a part of the LDS church during its beginnings, especially the prophet and his wife. It makes you admire them and consider those times more. I also heard Marsha Newman speak and I think she did her best with Youngreen to make this as accurate as possible within the knowledge they have.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is absolutely fabulous. It's more like reading church history with a love story facade. I learned SO much about church history where before I just could not get into the historical fiction genre. I couldn't get through the first Work and the Glory, but after reading this series I am going to try again since I hear you learn even more church history in it. The series is 2 volumes and both equally wonderful!

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! Such great insight into what our prophet, his wife, his family & the early Latter Day Saints endured to bring forth the restored gospel. It broke my heart to hear the things they endured. Joseph's love for Emma was so genuine, deep and pure; it was always such a pleasure to read about the tenderness he showed to Emma. I found myself sympathizing, crying & laughing throughout the book. Would definitely recommend.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this unique portrayal of early church history, and Joseph and Emma really do have a beautiful love story. It's such a wonderful look at the prophet and his relationship with God. Not often do I read books that strengthen my testimony of the gospel, but this one did! I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. Can't wait to get volume 2!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book! I am currently reading the second one and like it just as much! It is full of church history and facts. It is fiction, but I feel like you can truly get a glimce into the life of Joseph and Emma Smith. What a moving story!

[Janell · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those of you who like Historical Fictions, this is a great one about Emma and Joseph Smith. Rather than delve too deep into church history, the book focuses on their relationship and uses their own words to tell their story. I thought it was wonderful.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical fiction that brought Joseph and Emma's courtship and marriage into my life in a very real sense. I enjoyed how it strengthened my testimony and especially of Emma and all her quiet sacrifices she made.

[Lexie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually really liked this, but don't think I can classify it as a four star book. I'd probably give it three and a half. Through most of the book I didn't think I'd read any of the others, but it really drew me in at the end, and so I think I'll continue the series. Worth reading.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a testimony-builder. I fell in love with the Prophet Joseph all over again. I love the way the authors depicted the love story between Emma and Joseph and the way they used "authors license" but also historical fact. It's a must own!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was nice to have a novel format to Joseph's struggles bringing about the Mormon church and to the sweet relationship he had with Emma. I think Emma gets a bad rap and it made me appreciate ALL that she went through with Joseph that much more.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not generally a fan of embellished history, but this book did it quite well by preserving much of the Prophet Joseph's own words. An easy read that increased my love and appreciation for faithful Joseph and Emma.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreaciate this story and the perspective it gives, especially of the early days of Joseph and Emma. It is written mainly from Emma's point of view, but at times from Joseph's. It makes me feel like I have such a comfortable life (which of course I do). I feel very humbled by that.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I found it very moving. The relationship between Joseph and Emma was portrayed in such a beautiful way, and their strength through their trials brought me to tears.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt like this book went to fast. I wanted to dig deeper into the more about just Emma and Joseph. I did enjoy the history, but wanted more from them. Maybe there is just not more known. I did get a better idea about who Emma was and still would like to know more about her.