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The Compound #2
Mother Before Wife
Secrets. So many secrets. Nothing but secrets. I started another life with a new husband, thirteen new sister wives and a new place to call home. But the secrets weigh on me, on all of us. And every secret leads back to the Prophet the, self-proclaimed, mouthpiece of God. The man I’ve worshiped since childhood, the man we obey without question. And he’s the man who will destroy us all. I must reveal his secrets. Prove his betrayal, his lies and his deceit. I will not be silenced, no matter how hard he tries. And I will never give up. Ever.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2016
70 people are currently reading
726 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Brown
30 books1,035 followersI have always been fascinated with books----ever since I was a little girl sitting in front of my record player, following along with my huge 12x12 storybooks.
I'm a pop culture maniac, Potterhead and Disney fanatic. I write new adult romance, contemporary romance and romantic suspense.
Instagram @melbrownie77
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MelissaBrown...
I'm a pop culture maniac, Potterhead and Disney fanatic. I write new adult romance, contemporary romance and romantic suspense.
Instagram @melbrownie77
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MelissaBrown...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
January 22, 2016
4.5 Stars
”I was a mother first, a wife second”
In this second book of the series we follow Aspen and her children as they are reassigned to a new husband and family. Aspen is sent to live with the Prophet’s brother, Paul Black and his large established family.
”Oh, so I’ll be wife number…” I widened my eyes, waiting for the answer. “Fourteen.”
Life with Paul’s family is so very different than the one her and children endured with Lehi Cuff. Aspen has only known Lehi in the bedroom and it seems that Paul has had his eye on Aspen for a very long time.
”I…I can’t explain it. I just want her.”
Paul struggles with his desires for his new wife while Aspen notices the Prophet participating in some shady dealings. Aspen finds herself in a dangerous position. Aspen does some investigating and Brinley connects her to Detective Johnathan Cooke. The Prophet and his retribution will make any mother’s skin crawl!
”Dance, puppet, dance.”
Melissa Brown’s writing made me feel like I was with Aspen sneaking around the compound and finding out the Prophet’s dark secrets right along with her. I adored Aspen’s devotion to her children, her strength and am super intrigued as to what she and Paul could be if life was different. This story does in fact end with a dozy of a cliff so readers brace for the continuation of Aspen’s journey this coming spring!
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
”I was a mother first, a wife second”
In this second book of the series we follow Aspen and her children as they are reassigned to a new husband and family. Aspen is sent to live with the Prophet’s brother, Paul Black and his large established family.
”Oh, so I’ll be wife number…” I widened my eyes, waiting for the answer. “Fourteen.”
Life with Paul’s family is so very different than the one her and children endured with Lehi Cuff. Aspen has only known Lehi in the bedroom and it seems that Paul has had his eye on Aspen for a very long time.
”I…I can’t explain it. I just want her.”
Paul struggles with his desires for his new wife while Aspen notices the Prophet participating in some shady dealings. Aspen finds herself in a dangerous position. Aspen does some investigating and Brinley connects her to Detective Johnathan Cooke. The Prophet and his retribution will make any mother’s skin crawl!
”Dance, puppet, dance.”
Melissa Brown’s writing made me feel like I was with Aspen sneaking around the compound and finding out the Prophet’s dark secrets right along with her. I adored Aspen’s devotion to her children, her strength and am super intrigued as to what she and Paul could be if life was different. This story does in fact end with a dozy of a cliff so readers brace for the continuation of Aspen’s journey this coming spring!
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
July 9, 2020
4.5 stars
Mother Before Wife is book two in Melissa Brown’s Compound series. It focuses on Aspen. I knew going into this story that it would be so different than the first. Brinley was a young girl looking to get out of the life of Polygamy and be with the man she loved. Aspen is quite content with her faith and her lifestyle. After all the drama with Brinley and Leih, she requested to be moved. To take a different husband and be with a different family. So the Prophet made that happen. Aspen and her three daughters are now with Paul Black’s family. Paul is the Prophets brother.
Paul is so different than her first husband, Leih. He is much more kind, considerate and laid back. It takes some getting used to for Aspen. She is devout and a little more strict. Aspen is Paul’s 14th wife. But he seems to have more of an attraction, more of a feeling towards her than any of his other wives. They can tell and it starts to cause a bit of tension.
Aspen… lets talk about her for a minute. Aspen has to be one of the most strong heroines I’ve ever read about. She is a complete bad ass. There is no other way to describe her. Aspen finds out some things are going on around on the Compound that don't seem right and she starts to investigate them. When no one (her husband included) takes her seriously, she figures out a way to make her voice heard and finds help.
Aspen is fiercely protective of her children. No matter what happens in her life, she will do anything for those kids. They are her first priority. As things start to come up, she questions the Prophet, her husband, but she never questions her purpose in life. To raise her children, love her children, and protect her children.
Once again, Melissa Brown has blown me away with her story telling abilities. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I was so worried for Aspen and what was going to happen next. Her writing is fantastic and I love the fact that she isn’t afraid to tackle difficult subjects. When I first started this book, I thought I wasn’t sure how this would turn out okay, how I would be okay with the romance part. But the basis of this story isn’t a romance. It’s so much more than that. I am dying to see where the rest of Aspen’s story unfolds! I can’t wait to see what direction it takes!
Mother Before Wife is book two in Melissa Brown’s Compound series. It focuses on Aspen. I knew going into this story that it would be so different than the first. Brinley was a young girl looking to get out of the life of Polygamy and be with the man she loved. Aspen is quite content with her faith and her lifestyle. After all the drama with Brinley and Leih, she requested to be moved. To take a different husband and be with a different family. So the Prophet made that happen. Aspen and her three daughters are now with Paul Black’s family. Paul is the Prophets brother.
Paul is so different than her first husband, Leih. He is much more kind, considerate and laid back. It takes some getting used to for Aspen. She is devout and a little more strict. Aspen is Paul’s 14th wife. But he seems to have more of an attraction, more of a feeling towards her than any of his other wives. They can tell and it starts to cause a bit of tension.
Aspen… lets talk about her for a minute. Aspen has to be one of the most strong heroines I’ve ever read about. She is a complete bad ass. There is no other way to describe her. Aspen finds out some things are going on around on the Compound that don't seem right and she starts to investigate them. When no one (her husband included) takes her seriously, she figures out a way to make her voice heard and finds help.
Aspen is fiercely protective of her children. No matter what happens in her life, she will do anything for those kids. They are her first priority. As things start to come up, she questions the Prophet, her husband, but she never questions her purpose in life. To raise her children, love her children, and protect her children.
Once again, Melissa Brown has blown me away with her story telling abilities. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I was so worried for Aspen and what was going to happen next. Her writing is fantastic and I love the fact that she isn’t afraid to tackle difficult subjects. When I first started this book, I thought I wasn’t sure how this would turn out okay, how I would be okay with the romance part. But the basis of this story isn’t a romance. It’s so much more than that. I am dying to see where the rest of Aspen’s story unfolds! I can’t wait to see what direction it takes!
February 4, 2016
5+ CAPTIVATING STARS
This story is simply amazing,compelling and captivating! Like the previous book in this series, this one has left me speechless. And that is not something that happens to me often!! Melissa is a talented author and I love her books but this series is my all time favorite. I don't know how to explain it..I have so many feelings! This book is intense and so emotional! Aspen had a different life with her previous husband Lehi. And now everything feels strange for her with her new husband Paul, who is so kind. He makes her question the things she has believed to be right.
"Perhaps that's why you've joined us, Aspen.To find a happy medium...for all of us."
Aspen is one of the most strongest heroines I ever read. She is so different from Brinley . Aspen has been taught from a young age, how to be, to become a perfect girl for her husband and that whatever she does, she does it for her Prophet. Now she is wondering, if her Prophet is the right man to believe in him. I loved her so much, she’s independent and she isn't afraid to voice her opinion. But what I loved the most about her, is her love for her children and the fact that she will do whatever is needed it to keep them safe.
There isn't a lot of romance in this story but I didn't have a problem at all!! The story is so captivating and so much is happening, that it doesn't leave you with the need for romance!Also there are some other POVS that help the story and make it more interesting. Everyone should read this series! The story and general the concept is so unique, you definitely haven't read anything like it. I highly recommend it to everyone!
*An advance reading copy was generously provided to me by Melissa <3 <3 in exchange for an honest review.*
This story is simply amazing,compelling and captivating! Like the previous book in this series, this one has left me speechless. And that is not something that happens to me often!! Melissa is a talented author and I love her books but this series is my all time favorite. I don't know how to explain it..I have so many feelings! This book is intense and so emotional! Aspen had a different life with her previous husband Lehi. And now everything feels strange for her with her new husband Paul, who is so kind. He makes her question the things she has believed to be right.
"Perhaps that's why you've joined us, Aspen.To find a happy medium...for all of us."
Aspen is one of the most strongest heroines I ever read. She is so different from Brinley . Aspen has been taught from a young age, how to be, to become a perfect girl for her husband and that whatever she does, she does it for her Prophet. Now she is wondering, if her Prophet is the right man to believe in him. I loved her so much, she’s independent and she isn't afraid to voice her opinion. But what I loved the most about her, is her love for her children and the fact that she will do whatever is needed it to keep them safe.
There isn't a lot of romance in this story but I didn't have a problem at all!! The story is so captivating and so much is happening, that it doesn't leave you with the need for romance!Also there are some other POVS that help the story and make it more interesting. Everyone should read this series! The story and general the concept is so unique, you definitely haven't read anything like it. I highly recommend it to everyone!
*An advance reading copy was generously provided to me by Melissa <3 <3 in exchange for an honest review.*
January 25, 2016
This book. This freaking book kept me up all night! It’s not because I was up late reading it, no I finished it around 11:00 pm. The reason it kept me up was because once I finished it I couldn’t stop thinking about it. My heart was racing and I was way too revved up to go to sleep.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with Mother Before Wife the title alone is contradictory to their beliefs. See Aspen is mormon and living in a polygamous compound. When the story begins she is being reassigned to Paul Black and will be his fourteenth wife.
Aspen’s life isn’t exactly how she pictured or planned it, there are some new struggles. Her new husband is actually physically attracted to her and desires to please her, but she is still the fourteenth wife. All of her teachings go against the desires she and Paul feel. So when I started this book I immediately thought it was a love story and I had no idea how it would work out.
Little did I know that this story was going to be so much more. This isn’t a love story or maybe it will be, I don’t know. I just know that Aspen is one of the most badass characters I have ever read. I absolutely love her. I think she is a rockstar. I admire her strength, fight and heart.
I feel like I have to tell you I don’t love suspense books, I am a romance reader, but this book is one of my favoritest this year. Melissa Brown beautifully delivered a story with so my heart and characters with so much grit that I just couldn’t put it down or forget about it.
I absolutely cannot recommend this book enough, I loved it. It does end in a cliffhanger, but don’t let it deter you. Aspen’s story isn’t something you can easily forget.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with Mother Before Wife the title alone is contradictory to their beliefs. See Aspen is mormon and living in a polygamous compound. When the story begins she is being reassigned to Paul Black and will be his fourteenth wife.
Aspen’s life isn’t exactly how she pictured or planned it, there are some new struggles. Her new husband is actually physically attracted to her and desires to please her, but she is still the fourteenth wife. All of her teachings go against the desires she and Paul feel. So when I started this book I immediately thought it was a love story and I had no idea how it would work out.
Little did I know that this story was going to be so much more. This isn’t a love story or maybe it will be, I don’t know. I just know that Aspen is one of the most badass characters I have ever read. I absolutely love her. I think she is a rockstar. I admire her strength, fight and heart.
I feel like I have to tell you I don’t love suspense books, I am a romance reader, but this book is one of my favoritest this year. Melissa Brown beautifully delivered a story with so my heart and characters with so much grit that I just couldn’t put it down or forget about it.
I absolutely cannot recommend this book enough, I loved it. It does end in a cliffhanger, but don’t let it deter you. Aspen’s story isn’t something you can easily forget.
There was one thing I knew. I would never be his puppet. Never.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2016
4.5 Stars
Eek. That ending! So glad I don't have to wait to get my hands on the next book.
Eek. That ending! So glad I don't have to wait to get my hands on the next book.
December 10, 2015
I'm still trying to collect my thoughts after reading an ARC of this book that I pretty much demanded from Melissa Brown LOL! Wife Number Seven (The Compound #1) was one of my absolute favorite books from 2014 and now MBW has been added to 2015. This book put me through the ringer of emotions! I was on the edge of my seat up until the very end, wondering who could be trusted and who would be Aspen's saving grace. Aspen is one of the strongest heroin's I have ever read and my heart broke for her with every turn of the page. Melissa writes such a fascinating, DIFFERENT story that I have never experienced before and she does it flawlessly. She puts you right there on the compound until you feel like you're there with the characters, living their lives and feeling their emotions. I absolutely cannot wait to see where she takes us next with these characters!
December 15, 2015
If you haven't read Wife Number Seven - get on it. I've read most of Melissa's work, but after reading WNS I became hooked on Melissa's work. Her storytelling is taking us into a world that we don't know much about. That most just speculate on. I can't even comprehend the sheer amount of research that has been put into these stories.
WIFE BEFORE MOTHER is as simple as the title reads - Don't mess with a mother. Putting the storyline aside, Brown highlights what every mother goes through on a daily basis - protecting their children.
I could not put this story down. I started late one night, forcing myself to go to sleep, only to pick the book back up the very next day and putting everything else aside. I had to know what was going to happen. I couldn't read fast enough and when I was done, I was angry that I read to fast.
It's hard for me to put into words how I feel about this story as my emotions are everywhere. I want to know more. I want people (characters) to pay for their actions. I want people to be happy. I want to scream, punch and hug everyone in this book!
Hands down one of my favorite reads of 2015
WIFE BEFORE MOTHER is as simple as the title reads - Don't mess with a mother. Putting the storyline aside, Brown highlights what every mother goes through on a daily basis - protecting their children.
I could not put this story down. I started late one night, forcing myself to go to sleep, only to pick the book back up the very next day and putting everything else aside. I had to know what was going to happen. I couldn't read fast enough and when I was done, I was angry that I read to fast.
It's hard for me to put into words how I feel about this story as my emotions are everywhere. I want to know more. I want people (characters) to pay for their actions. I want people to be happy. I want to scream, punch and hug everyone in this book!
Hands down one of my favorite reads of 2015
January 14, 2016
PHENOMENAL.
This book was perfection. This series is amazing. The writing was fantastic, the pacing was on-the-edge-of-your-seat incredible and riddled with anxiety.
This whole polygamous world is captivating. The mind set is alarmingly embedded in people's minds that I fully understood Apsen's reluctance and fear in questioning any of it. I'm getting ahead of myself, though.
Timeline wise, this takes place right after the first book, Wife Number Seven, ended. Aspen has requested to be removed from Cluff's family and placed elsewhere. She finds herself at the door of Paul Black, the prophets younger brother who already has 13 wives. Things start off pleasantly enough. Aspen's girls have some issues adapting to a family much different from where they came, Aspen must find her niche and seek a comfortable existence with a man she doesn't know.
Things are very different with Paul. He's the opposite of her previous husband, but Aspen has a whole other set of issues with him. I really liked Paul at first. Even when my feelings changed for him, I still couldn't spite him. He was just like any other person at the mercy of Prophet Black.
However, things change for Aspen in an increasingly tumultuous way. She begins to question things after witnessing something that could disrupt the life she's known forever. Watching Aspen slowly change was the bread and butter of this book. She was an incredible heroine. So devout, so entrenched in her beliefs, Aspen was brave, strong and righteous. I haven't seen a character like her before. She breathed her beliefs, fought for them in a way that was both commendable and concerning. When she believed in something, she believed with her whole being. She was the epitome of faithful.
Watching those strong and firmly rigid constructs be challenged, watching her slowly chip away at her faith, her beliefs and her entire world order was fascinating. Why? Because she tackled her doubts the same way she embraced her faith...religiously and without question. That consistency in characterization is amazing. She was a force, a strength of spirit that impressed me beyond words. I swear, that woman's character is wasted at the compound. In the outside world, she would have been one hell of a lawyer.
I don't want to get into the plot too much since this world is incredible and everyone should experience it for themselves, but I will say the boat gets rocked. In a big way. I was so anxious reading this. I felt the same way with the first book. You're always wondering when the other shoe will drop.
Is there romance? Yes and no. This book was more about struggling against beliefs you've held for your entire life. Coming to grips with a reality that's in opposition with what you've always believed it to be. And finding the strength to challenge and do what's right, not just for your family, but for everyone else.
The romance, I felt, was between Aspen and her faith, her convictions. And just like with any relationship that dissolves, we witness the break-up between Aspen and her world order. I believe there's a thread that will develop into a beautiful romance. I won't say with who, but I can feel it already and can't wait to see how (hopefully) it develops. This does end on a minor cliffy, but it's a bearable one.
The secondary characters were amazing. This was told in multiple pov's but not for the whole book, just some key chapters, otherwise all in Aspen's voice. I found this really rounded out the book well, giving us a 360 view of everything.
I can't say enough about this book, this series, but it's my first 5 star and fave of 2016! LOVED IT!
Arc generously provided by the author for review.
This book was perfection. This series is amazing. The writing was fantastic, the pacing was on-the-edge-of-your-seat incredible and riddled with anxiety.
This whole polygamous world is captivating. The mind set is alarmingly embedded in people's minds that I fully understood Apsen's reluctance and fear in questioning any of it. I'm getting ahead of myself, though.
Timeline wise, this takes place right after the first book, Wife Number Seven, ended. Aspen has requested to be removed from Cluff's family and placed elsewhere. She finds herself at the door of Paul Black, the prophets younger brother who already has 13 wives. Things start off pleasantly enough. Aspen's girls have some issues adapting to a family much different from where they came, Aspen must find her niche and seek a comfortable existence with a man she doesn't know.
Things are very different with Paul. He's the opposite of her previous husband, but Aspen has a whole other set of issues with him. I really liked Paul at first. Even when my feelings changed for him, I still couldn't spite him. He was just like any other person at the mercy of Prophet Black.
However, things change for Aspen in an increasingly tumultuous way. She begins to question things after witnessing something that could disrupt the life she's known forever. Watching Aspen slowly change was the bread and butter of this book. She was an incredible heroine. So devout, so entrenched in her beliefs, Aspen was brave, strong and righteous. I haven't seen a character like her before. She breathed her beliefs, fought for them in a way that was both commendable and concerning. When she believed in something, she believed with her whole being. She was the epitome of faithful.
Watching those strong and firmly rigid constructs be challenged, watching her slowly chip away at her faith, her beliefs and her entire world order was fascinating. Why? Because she tackled her doubts the same way she embraced her faith...religiously and without question. That consistency in characterization is amazing. She was a force, a strength of spirit that impressed me beyond words. I swear, that woman's character is wasted at the compound. In the outside world, she would have been one hell of a lawyer.
I don't want to get into the plot too much since this world is incredible and everyone should experience it for themselves, but I will say the boat gets rocked. In a big way. I was so anxious reading this. I felt the same way with the first book. You're always wondering when the other shoe will drop.
Is there romance? Yes and no. This book was more about struggling against beliefs you've held for your entire life. Coming to grips with a reality that's in opposition with what you've always believed it to be. And finding the strength to challenge and do what's right, not just for your family, but for everyone else.
The romance, I felt, was between Aspen and her faith, her convictions. And just like with any relationship that dissolves, we witness the break-up between Aspen and her world order. I believe there's a thread that will develop into a beautiful romance. I won't say with who, but I can feel it already and can't wait to see how (hopefully) it develops. This does end on a minor cliffy, but it's a bearable one.
The secondary characters were amazing. This was told in multiple pov's but not for the whole book, just some key chapters, otherwise all in Aspen's voice. I found this really rounded out the book well, giving us a 360 view of everything.
I can't say enough about this book, this series, but it's my first 5 star and fave of 2016! LOVED IT!
Arc generously provided by the author for review.
February 7, 2016
I really like Melissa Brown's compound series.
At first, whole subject of religious polygamist commune sounds a bit strange, but Melissa's writing is so damn good, that even this taboo topic will keep you tensed on the edge of your seat right up until the very end.
Be aware that this one ends in cliffhanger.
At first, whole subject of religious polygamist commune sounds a bit strange, but Melissa's writing is so damn good, that even this taboo topic will keep you tensed on the edge of your seat right up until the very end.
Be aware that this one ends in cliffhanger.
February 4, 2016
I have to say this book had a lot to live up to. WN7 is one of my favorite books of all time.
I was drawn into this book from page one. I thought even though it was very different from Wn7, it still packs a punch.
I have to admit that sometimes it's hard for me to wrap my head around what they believe, but isn't that what a book is supposed to do? A great book takes us out of your box and makes you believe in what the author is painting. Melissa does that with talented skill
I really don't want to spoil anything in my review but if you are looking for something different but so spell bounding then you need to pick this one up.
*arc provided by author for honest review*
I was drawn into this book from page one. I thought even though it was very different from Wn7, it still packs a punch.
I have to admit that sometimes it's hard for me to wrap my head around what they believe, but isn't that what a book is supposed to do? A great book takes us out of your box and makes you believe in what the author is painting. Melissa does that with talented skill
I really don't want to spoil anything in my review but if you are looking for something different but so spell bounding then you need to pick this one up.
*arc provided by author for honest review*
June 17, 2016
Holy heck, this was awesome! I could not put this down once I started, I was completely drawn into this nail biting story.
Aspen has been reassigned to Paul Black, after an awful first marriage to Lehi Cluff. She is wife number 14 for Paul but one he has been waiting on for years. Paul has had his eye on Aspen for a long time and is very attracted to her.
I really liked Paul, he couldn’t be more opposite to what Aspen had experienced in her first marriage. He is sweet, kind and patient. He is handsome and eager to make Aspen feel welcome. There is a lot of lust and this leaves Aspen feeling conflicted over how her body reacts to him and what she believes the heavenly father would deem as indulgent pleasure. I felt so sad for both her and Paul, if they are attracted to each other and have strong feelings for each other, surely this is a good thing right? Wrong, when there are 13 other wives who notice what is going on.
‘Because that was my job as his wife… not to lose myself in my own pleasure, my own selfish needs. It was my job to honor, to obey, and to please. And that was exactly what I planned to do.’
Aspen is not a shy girl and does not suffer fools, therefore when she begins to suspect that the Prophet is up to something, she decides to snoop around. She slowly begins to unravel secrets that are being hidden from his followers but when her own children's lives are put at risk she has to take some extreme action to ensure their safety.
OMG, this was edge of your seat stuff!!! I am excited to see where Melissa takes this next ☺
Aspen has been reassigned to Paul Black, after an awful first marriage to Lehi Cluff. She is wife number 14 for Paul but one he has been waiting on for years. Paul has had his eye on Aspen for a long time and is very attracted to her.
I really liked Paul, he couldn’t be more opposite to what Aspen had experienced in her first marriage. He is sweet, kind and patient. He is handsome and eager to make Aspen feel welcome. There is a lot of lust and this leaves Aspen feeling conflicted over how her body reacts to him and what she believes the heavenly father would deem as indulgent pleasure. I felt so sad for both her and Paul, if they are attracted to each other and have strong feelings for each other, surely this is a good thing right? Wrong, when there are 13 other wives who notice what is going on.
‘Because that was my job as his wife… not to lose myself in my own pleasure, my own selfish needs. It was my job to honor, to obey, and to please. And that was exactly what I planned to do.’
Aspen is not a shy girl and does not suffer fools, therefore when she begins to suspect that the Prophet is up to something, she decides to snoop around. She slowly begins to unravel secrets that are being hidden from his followers but when her own children's lives are put at risk she has to take some extreme action to ensure their safety.
OMG, this was edge of your seat stuff!!! I am excited to see where Melissa takes this next ☺
November 28, 2018
What an excellent series. So unique and different from what's out there right now. Yes, romance somewhat took a back-burner to the plot, but I LOVE that in my books, and the romance is still very present in almost all the books.
If you followed the Warren Jeffs/FLDS real life story at all, this series is about that - it's kind of like being in the middle of it all, and watching it/reading it from the inside. If you have it, just think of it as kinda-sorta a cult book, or less so. A fundamentalist religious book, and what the women in those sort of religions go through in order to find their HEA.
I really enjoyed it. I stayed up till 6am one night to finish one of the books. I read the entire series in less than three days - four books, one novella, so that says something right there.
I highly recommend.
If you followed the Warren Jeffs/FLDS real life story at all, this series is about that - it's kind of like being in the middle of it all, and watching it/reading it from the inside. If you have it, just think of it as kinda-sorta a cult book, or less so. A fundamentalist religious book, and what the women in those sort of religions go through in order to find their HEA.
I really enjoyed it. I stayed up till 6am one night to finish one of the books. I read the entire series in less than three days - four books, one novella, so that says something right there.
I highly recommend.
June 19, 2016
4.5****
Can't wait for the next book - what a cliffhanger.
Can't wait for the next book - what a cliffhanger.
March 16, 2016
I couldn't wait for this book and it was way more than I expected, except for the cliffhanger!
Book 3, come to meeee <3
Book 3, come to meeee <3
February 25, 2017
5+++ Stars!!!
AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL!!!
Another spell-binding novel from Ms. Melissa Brown. Believe me, once you started this book, you just couldn't put it down. In fact, you'll easily be transported inside The Compound and be with the characters.
If you enjoyed Wife Number Seven, you'll definitely love this even more. Because not only was the story line better it was intriguing at the same time. What's more, it contains a powerful villain - the prophet. The one who threatens to harm her family and the one who she'll do anything to protect them from.
I could not even think of a better title for this one. Because that alone says it all. Simply perfect!
Aspen and Paul's relationship was limited but regardless of this, I could honestly feel Paul's love towards her. Unfortunately, that feeling was short-lived once she started to question about the prophet. I don't know how the author plans to resolve her marriage with Paul but I can't wait to find out about it.
This book is about the love of a mother for her children, her faith and more as it involves some sweat dripping, nail biting and heart pounding scenes that kept me on my sit and continuously flipping pages after pages as I was eager to know what would happen next.
But alas, this book ends in a cliffhanger! It's not that I'm not aware of it because I am, and I normally would just wait for the final book to be released before starting it. (Unless I have no idea about it) but I just couldn't help myself. So yeah, I was left hanging and begging for more.
I'll be honest that at first, I really preferred to have read about Rebecca because I want to know the reason behind her decision but I was informed that the next book will be about Aspen. Naturally, I was disappointed. But after reading this, I am sooooo glad, thankful even that the story is about Aspen. because the story wouldn't be this good had the heroine be different. Besides, Rebecca seemed to be satisfied with her life despite what happened to Burt, so I don't care what happened to her anymore.
This book was written in multiple POV to understand the scenario better - which I appreciate by the way. But most of it came from Aspen.
I highly recommend this book! You won't be disappointed.
AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL!!!
Another spell-binding novel from Ms. Melissa Brown. Believe me, once you started this book, you just couldn't put it down. In fact, you'll easily be transported inside The Compound and be with the characters.
If you enjoyed Wife Number Seven, you'll definitely love this even more. Because not only was the story line better it was intriguing at the same time. What's more, it contains a powerful villain - the prophet. The one who threatens to harm her family and the one who she'll do anything to protect them from.
"I was a mother first, a wife second"
I could not even think of a better title for this one. Because that alone says it all. Simply perfect!
"I care for my wives; I do. But I - not like this. Not like you. "
Aspen and Paul's relationship was limited but regardless of this, I could honestly feel Paul's love towards her. Unfortunately, that feeling was short-lived once she started to question about the prophet. I don't know how the author plans to resolve her marriage with Paul but I can't wait to find out about it.
This book is about the love of a mother for her children, her faith and more as it involves some sweat dripping, nail biting and heart pounding scenes that kept me on my sit and continuously flipping pages after pages as I was eager to know what would happen next.
But alas, this book ends in a cliffhanger! It's not that I'm not aware of it because I am, and I normally would just wait for the final book to be released before starting it. (Unless I have no idea about it) but I just couldn't help myself. So yeah, I was left hanging and begging for more.
I'll be honest that at first, I really preferred to have read about Rebecca because I want to know the reason behind her decision but I was informed that the next book will be about Aspen. Naturally, I was disappointed. But after reading this, I am sooooo glad, thankful even that the story is about Aspen. because the story wouldn't be this good had the heroine be different. Besides, Rebecca seemed to be satisfied with her life despite what happened to Burt, so I don't care what happened to her anymore.
This book was written in multiple POV to understand the scenario better - which I appreciate by the way. But most of it came from Aspen.
I highly recommend this book! You won't be disappointed.
June 1, 2016
Let's just start with this:
The "whites" are the ones who helped the slaves escape...? No. No, no, and a thousand times NO. What is this white saviour revisionist nonsense?
Here:
[Source]
It took me two seconds to find that (and it links to books, so you can go from there for more research if you want). And this is more common sense than having to go to research. As soon as I read that line I had a legit "what the fuck" reaction and went to search it immediately because it rang false to me in every way. Do your damn research.
Anyway. Now to the rest of the book. First, readers should also be aware that this book leaves off on a cliffhanger, being only Part 1 of Aspen's story. Sure, June isn't far away, but a warning would've been nice because I would've waited until the other one was out before getting to this.
I liked it for the most part. After the stuff that happened in the last book, Aspen is reassigned to a new family. She's now with The Prophet's brother, Paul. Paul is creepy af and I'll get to him in a minute. In this book, Aspen is still amazing and she's 110% all about her kids. The book is called "Mother Before Wife" and that's legit what Aspen is. Although she's living harmoniously with her family, when it really comes down to it, she'll fight back against her people and faith when it comes to protecting her children, which is what she needs to do in this book.
After The Prophet catches her spying on him doing something that goes against their polygamist cult's religion, she ends up in The Prophet's crosshairs. He starts by first threatening her two years old, Jeremiah. And then he amps things up by announcing to the congregation that the Heavenly Father has spoken to him and...he's now set to be wed to Aspen's eleven year old daughter, Ruthie, when she turns thirteen. And of course Aspen can't let that happen, so she joins forces with an outsider, a Gentile, by the name of Jonathan Cooke, who's a detective, in order to take The Prophet down.
Aspen first turns to her husband Paul for help, but he's fucking useless. And I'm SO GLAD! Even though he's written as being mild-mannered and has been infatuated with Aspen for years, he came off sooo creepy to me. He first saw Aspen years ago when she was 14-15 y/o. He wasn't attracted to the fact that she was "outspoken about her desire to become the wife of a truly devout man," but to the "swell of her breasts, the curve of her hips, and the lingering storm of her blue eyes." He thought that "she was the most beautiful thing Paul had ever seen." (Yes, 14-15 y/o Aspen.) Oh, did I forget to mention that he was like 30-something and already had five wives and more than a dozen children at the time? Yeah, well there was that, too. (When he finally is joined with Aspen, she's his fourteenth wife and he has fifty-two children.) I like when a male character holds a candle for the heroine, but not in this case. This one was just CREEPY.
I also didn't like how Paul would force certain things on her. When they're first married, he gives her the time to adjust before coming to her bed, which seemed nice and all. But afterwards, she doesn't want him pushing certain things on her, like orgasms. He acts like he knows better than her, but she tells him not to do it and asks him to stop. He's selfish here because he wants her to enjoy their time together because *HE'S* infatuated with her and wants her to feel the same way. He ignores her protests and, even after she feels guilty, he twists the words of their faith to make it benefit him. Even though it seemed like he was doing her a favour, he rubbed me the wrong way the entireeee time.
Then came Detective Jonathan Cooke. I'm glad that we'll be getting more of him later because I liked him a whole lot more than Paul. I was rooting for Jonathan/Aspen the entire time because the lure of their relationship dynamic is too much for me to pass up. The super religious girl who anti-outsiders...being paired up with one? Well, that's kind of perfect, imo. AND HE'S GOT A NICKNAME FOR HER. I hope the author ends it with them as the pairing rather than having her end up with Paul. I'll be suuuper disappointed if Aspen ends up settling for Paul.
Flora is another interesting character. She's Paul's first wife who's been with him for over two decades. She's written to be antagonistic towards Aspen, but I just felt bad for her. She was Paul's first wife and then had to go on to share him with multiple other women, which she clearly doesn't want to do. Of course she loves and cares for her husband, but he's spent the last eight years being infatuated with another woman...who he now finally has. When she confronts him about his attachment to Aspen, he gets angry at her and shoves her into a wall, using his size to intimidate her further. If I were in Flora position, I don't think I would've reacted any differently towards Aspen than she does. Her character made me sad, especially with when her heart breaks at the realization that "she and her husband were friends, and that was all. He was in love with someone else."
I also hope Pennie gets an HEA. I felt so awful for her!
Anyway. I look forward to the next book! And please don't fuck up the mentions of the Underground Railroad. The other mentioned it a number of times, so it might be mentioned again in the second. If it is and it's messed up against, I'll be dropping an entire star simply for that.
He returned to his desk chair. “Underground railroad. It’s a term that dates back to the Civil War when whites would help slaves escape to the north so they could be free.”
The "whites" are the ones who helped the slaves escape...? No. No, no, and a thousand times NO. What is this white saviour revisionist nonsense?
Here:
Myth: Most of the “workers” on the Underground Railroad were white abolitionists.
Truth: In fact, most people who helped escaping slaves were free blacks or escaped slaves. And even though the whites who helped runaways were abolitionists who wanted to end slavery, not all abolitionists supported the Underground Railroad. Many abolitionists, in fact, were against helping slaves escape. They did not believe in breaking the law and wanted to find a legal way to end slavery.
[Source]
It took me two seconds to find that (and it links to books, so you can go from there for more research if you want). And this is more common sense than having to go to research. As soon as I read that line I had a legit "what the fuck" reaction and went to search it immediately because it rang false to me in every way. Do your damn research.
Anyway. Now to the rest of the book. First, readers should also be aware that this book leaves off on a cliffhanger, being only Part 1 of Aspen's story. Sure, June isn't far away, but a warning would've been nice because I would've waited until the other one was out before getting to this.
I liked it for the most part. After the stuff that happened in the last book, Aspen is reassigned to a new family. She's now with The Prophet's brother, Paul. Paul is creepy af and I'll get to him in a minute. In this book, Aspen is still amazing and she's 110% all about her kids. The book is called "Mother Before Wife" and that's legit what Aspen is. Although she's living harmoniously with her family, when it really comes down to it, she'll fight back against her people and faith when it comes to protecting her children, which is what she needs to do in this book.
After The Prophet catches her spying on him doing something that goes against their polygamist cult's religion, she ends up in The Prophet's crosshairs. He starts by first threatening her two years old, Jeremiah. And then he amps things up by announcing to the congregation that the Heavenly Father has spoken to him and...he's now set to be wed to Aspen's eleven year old daughter, Ruthie, when she turns thirteen. And of course Aspen can't let that happen, so she joins forces with an outsider, a Gentile, by the name of Jonathan Cooke, who's a detective, in order to take The Prophet down.
Aspen first turns to her husband Paul for help, but he's fucking useless. And I'm SO GLAD! Even though he's written as being mild-mannered and has been infatuated with Aspen for years, he came off sooo creepy to me. He first saw Aspen years ago when she was 14-15 y/o. He wasn't attracted to the fact that she was "outspoken about her desire to become the wife of a truly devout man," but to the "swell of her breasts, the curve of her hips, and the lingering storm of her blue eyes." He thought that "she was the most beautiful thing Paul had ever seen." (Yes, 14-15 y/o Aspen.) Oh, did I forget to mention that he was like 30-something and already had five wives and more than a dozen children at the time? Yeah, well there was that, too. (When he finally is joined with Aspen, she's his fourteenth wife and he has fifty-two children.) I like when a male character holds a candle for the heroine, but not in this case. This one was just CREEPY.
I also didn't like how Paul would force certain things on her. When they're first married, he gives her the time to adjust before coming to her bed, which seemed nice and all. But afterwards, she doesn't want him pushing certain things on her, like orgasms. He acts like he knows better than her, but she tells him not to do it and asks him to stop. He's selfish here because he wants her to enjoy their time together because *HE'S* infatuated with her and wants her to feel the same way. He ignores her protests and, even after she feels guilty, he twists the words of their faith to make it benefit him. Even though it seemed like he was doing her a favour, he rubbed me the wrong way the entireeee time.
Then came Detective Jonathan Cooke. I'm glad that we'll be getting more of him later because I liked him a whole lot more than Paul. I was rooting for Jonathan/Aspen the entire time because the lure of their relationship dynamic is too much for me to pass up. The super religious girl who anti-outsiders...being paired up with one? Well, that's kind of perfect, imo. AND HE'S GOT A NICKNAME FOR HER. I hope the author ends it with them as the pairing rather than having her end up with Paul. I'll be suuuper disappointed if Aspen ends up settling for Paul.
Flora is another interesting character. She's Paul's first wife who's been with him for over two decades. She's written to be antagonistic towards Aspen, but I just felt bad for her. She was Paul's first wife and then had to go on to share him with multiple other women, which she clearly doesn't want to do. Of course she loves and cares for her husband, but he's spent the last eight years being infatuated with another woman...who he now finally has. When she confronts him about his attachment to Aspen, he gets angry at her and shoves her into a wall, using his size to intimidate her further. If I were in Flora position, I don't think I would've reacted any differently towards Aspen than she does. Her character made me sad, especially with when her heart breaks at the realization that "she and her husband were friends, and that was all. He was in love with someone else."
I also hope Pennie gets an HEA. I felt so awful for her!
Anyway. I look forward to the next book! And please don't fuck up the mentions of the Underground Railroad. The other mentioned it a number of times, so it might be mentioned again in the second. If it is and it's messed up against, I'll be dropping an entire star simply for that.
February 26, 2016
5 "The Evil Prophet" Stars! Wow, I couldn't put this one down! Not really a romance, although the story does end in a cliffhanger, so perhaps the conclusion may. If you're a lover of unusual, suspenseful plots, then I highly recommend this book. Also be prepared for a challenging view of how a mother's role compares and battles with a wife's. The unimaginable circumstances that the heroine is forced to face in this story will undoubtedly tug at your heart strings.
Also be prepared to encounter an unusual role reversal, where devotion and infatuation to a wife is actually potentially viewed as detrimental in this story of convent living and polygamy. This book presents such an unusual perspective that I found it fascinating reading. Additionally, the suspense elements of this read and the heroine's bravery will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. But be forewarned, you will not receive any closure until the conclusion to this story is released which is not scheduled to happen until Spring of this year.
I, for one, can't wait to read the conclusion in Just Keep Sweet!
Source: Library-loan.
Also be prepared to encounter an unusual role reversal, where devotion and infatuation to a wife is actually potentially viewed as detrimental in this story of convent living and polygamy. This book presents such an unusual perspective that I found it fascinating reading. Additionally, the suspense elements of this read and the heroine's bravery will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. But be forewarned, you will not receive any closure until the conclusion to this story is released which is not scheduled to happen until Spring of this year.
I, for one, can't wait to read the conclusion in Just Keep Sweet!
Source: Library-loan.
October 4, 2016
I missed this world! What a plot-driven story that I loved even more than the first book. Loved Paul and hoping book 3 brings them closer together. Slightly disappointed that the next book is mostly Jonathon's POV, even though he's important, I didn't connect with him at all. Still excited to read it.
February 6, 2016
Wow! Just wow! I finished this late at night and woke up still thinking about it! This book is heart gripping and some of the story line terrifying. I can't imagine being in Aspen's position. I loved Aspen. She is so smart and strong. I hope they all get what's coming to them!!
February 5, 2016
i can't believe how it ended..i need the next book...now
Currently reading
January 4, 2016ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2016
5 STARS
Review by Jen Skewes
Absolutely amazing!! There are really no other words to describe this book. Mother Before Wife is one of those books that you cannot put down and when it is all over your mind is wandering all over the place, but in a really good way.
This is Aspen's story. When we first met her in WN7 I was certainly intrigued by her character. She was the wife who was completely devoted to her faith, her sister wives, her husband and especially the prophet. She never doubted the way they lived. This is how she grew up, this is what she knew and it was how she would always live her life. She the was the one who never lost faith in it all. She obeyed and believed in the prophet. So of course I was very interested to see where her story would go.
As the book begins we see that Aspen has been re assigned to another family by the prophet. She is to leave her current husband Lehi and is to marry Paul Black and become wife number fourteen. Aspen finds that her new family, especially her new husband are nothing like her old one. They are kinder and they also seem happier. Paul is considerate and more relaxed than her old husband. From a young age Aspen has been taught how to be the perfect wife and how to obey. But with Paul things are a little different than what she has been taught. He wants to please her in ways that she has never experienced. Paul has feeling and desires when it comes to Aspen and she is honestly not sure what to do or how to handle it. All she knows how to do is obey her husband.
Paul has admired Aspen from afar for years. Wanting her to be one of his wives. He feels a connection and pull towards her that he does not feel with his other wives. He may not be able to explain it and it may not be wise to act on his feelings. But right or wrong this is how he feels. I have to say that I really loved Paul. A part of me felt that he did not belong in this world. He seems like a really genuine guy who just wants to love someone.
And then there is Aspen. What a strong and fierce heroine. Aspen is a devoted wife but most importantly she is a mother first, just as the title suggests. Whether you are one of fourteen wives living in a world of polygamy, a single mother, or a mother of three in a monogamous relationship. There is one thing that remains the same. As a mother you will love and protect your children at all costs. And that is exactly what Aspen sets out to do. When Aspen comes to find that maybe the world she lives in is not what she thought it was, she will do whatever it takes to find out the truth. She needs to protect her children from the lies and betrayals of the man that she believed in her whole life, the prophet. Because she begins to see that maybe he is not the man that she thought she was.
This is where the mystery and suspense come in. From the first page to the very last I was completely sucked in. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what happens next. At times I was not sure who I could trust, who I should love and who should I hate. This story is filled with betrayal, secrets and lies and all you can do as the reader is try so hard to figure it out. Reading as fast as I could until I got to the truth. And my god when it all comes out it was not what I expected. The twists and turns in this book will shock you. Nothing about this book was predictable for me at all. From the beginning until the very end it kept me thinking the entire time.
Now let's talk about the writing!! Just wow! Ms. Brown made me feel like I was living this journey with Aspen. It was as if Melissa Brown had experienced all of it at one point in her life and was re-telling the story. That is how real this story felt. I felt like I was living on the compound going through it all with Aspen. I feared for her, I broke right along with her. And I wanted to find out the truth just as badly as she did! I am sure an extensive amount of research went into this story. And Ms. Brown took that research and turned it into a story that is unlike anything I have ever read. I am not going to lie, I am a romantic at heart. I love the fairy tale endings. But this book is nothing of what I expected it to be and unlike any of the books that I normally read. There is no real romance but I did not care. The writing is flawless. The details, the descriptions, the characters, the storyline, the twists and turns. Every part of this book was simply amazing. I hope that I even do this book justice with this review. All I can say is read this book. You will thank me for it afterward.
I loved Aspen and all of her strength. I love Paul and hope that he finds the life that he should be living. And then there is one other character who I will not say a word about but I loved him as well. I cannot wait to see what happens next for all of them. Melissa Brown you completely blew me away!! I am patiently waiting to see how their story ends.
Review by Jen Skewes
Absolutely amazing!! There are really no other words to describe this book. Mother Before Wife is one of those books that you cannot put down and when it is all over your mind is wandering all over the place, but in a really good way.
This is Aspen's story. When we first met her in WN7 I was certainly intrigued by her character. She was the wife who was completely devoted to her faith, her sister wives, her husband and especially the prophet. She never doubted the way they lived. This is how she grew up, this is what she knew and it was how she would always live her life. She the was the one who never lost faith in it all. She obeyed and believed in the prophet. So of course I was very interested to see where her story would go.
As the book begins we see that Aspen has been re assigned to another family by the prophet. She is to leave her current husband Lehi and is to marry Paul Black and become wife number fourteen. Aspen finds that her new family, especially her new husband are nothing like her old one. They are kinder and they also seem happier. Paul is considerate and more relaxed than her old husband. From a young age Aspen has been taught how to be the perfect wife and how to obey. But with Paul things are a little different than what she has been taught. He wants to please her in ways that she has never experienced. Paul has feeling and desires when it comes to Aspen and she is honestly not sure what to do or how to handle it. All she knows how to do is obey her husband.
Paul has admired Aspen from afar for years. Wanting her to be one of his wives. He feels a connection and pull towards her that he does not feel with his other wives. He may not be able to explain it and it may not be wise to act on his feelings. But right or wrong this is how he feels. I have to say that I really loved Paul. A part of me felt that he did not belong in this world. He seems like a really genuine guy who just wants to love someone.
And then there is Aspen. What a strong and fierce heroine. Aspen is a devoted wife but most importantly she is a mother first, just as the title suggests. Whether you are one of fourteen wives living in a world of polygamy, a single mother, or a mother of three in a monogamous relationship. There is one thing that remains the same. As a mother you will love and protect your children at all costs. And that is exactly what Aspen sets out to do. When Aspen comes to find that maybe the world she lives in is not what she thought it was, she will do whatever it takes to find out the truth. She needs to protect her children from the lies and betrayals of the man that she believed in her whole life, the prophet. Because she begins to see that maybe he is not the man that she thought she was.
This is where the mystery and suspense come in. From the first page to the very last I was completely sucked in. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what happens next. At times I was not sure who I could trust, who I should love and who should I hate. This story is filled with betrayal, secrets and lies and all you can do as the reader is try so hard to figure it out. Reading as fast as I could until I got to the truth. And my god when it all comes out it was not what I expected. The twists and turns in this book will shock you. Nothing about this book was predictable for me at all. From the beginning until the very end it kept me thinking the entire time.
Now let's talk about the writing!! Just wow! Ms. Brown made me feel like I was living this journey with Aspen. It was as if Melissa Brown had experienced all of it at one point in her life and was re-telling the story. That is how real this story felt. I felt like I was living on the compound going through it all with Aspen. I feared for her, I broke right along with her. And I wanted to find out the truth just as badly as she did! I am sure an extensive amount of research went into this story. And Ms. Brown took that research and turned it into a story that is unlike anything I have ever read. I am not going to lie, I am a romantic at heart. I love the fairy tale endings. But this book is nothing of what I expected it to be and unlike any of the books that I normally read. There is no real romance but I did not care. The writing is flawless. The details, the descriptions, the characters, the storyline, the twists and turns. Every part of this book was simply amazing. I hope that I even do this book justice with this review. All I can say is read this book. You will thank me for it afterward.
I loved Aspen and all of her strength. I love Paul and hope that he finds the life that he should be living. And then there is one other character who I will not say a word about but I loved him as well. I cannot wait to see what happens next for all of them. Melissa Brown you completely blew me away!! I am patiently waiting to see how their story ends.
December 27, 2015
Full review to come but it must be said that Melissa has out done herself with Aspen's story. Add this book to your MUST read list.
December 19, 2015
Omgoodness !!!!
Mother Before Wife .
I am still in a hangover this morning.
After reading the last word I immediately text her and said, "Please tell me you have started the next book send me what you got."
I was so intrigued. Every Word.
We all knew we were going to get great work from Melissa when she started writing Aspen's book and boy did she ever deliver.
As much as I loved Wife Number Seven and that Bright red lipstick.... I love this one.
The Mother Before Wife .
Aspen. Her babies. Her new life with a new husband.
The new husband is the brother of the Prophet. I want to care about Paul. He holds so much emotion, but he is making it hard for me.
The Prophet... Well everyone will have to make their own decision about him.
My decision would be he would choke on his cake. At this very moment that is how I feel.
In the world of the compound.
In the world of Polygamy.
When it is all you know .... but when it comes to Mothers Instinct all you care to know is Mother Before Wife.
I want book three now.
Melissa give it to me.
I love you!
Mother Before Wife .
I am still in a hangover this morning.
After reading the last word I immediately text her and said, "Please tell me you have started the next book send me what you got."
I was so intrigued. Every Word.
We all knew we were going to get great work from Melissa when she started writing Aspen's book and boy did she ever deliver.
As much as I loved Wife Number Seven and that Bright red lipstick.... I love this one.
The Mother Before Wife .
Aspen. Her babies. Her new life with a new husband.
The new husband is the brother of the Prophet. I want to care about Paul. He holds so much emotion, but he is making it hard for me.
The Prophet... Well everyone will have to make their own decision about him.
My decision would be he would choke on his cake. At this very moment that is how I feel.
In the world of the compound.
In the world of Polygamy.
When it is all you know .... but when it comes to Mothers Instinct all you care to know is Mother Before Wife.
I want book three now.
Melissa give it to me.
I love you!
February 5, 2016
*Cliffhanger alert!* That cliffy surprised the heck out of me. And as much as it killed me, I'm glad the story isn't over yet. This book blew me away.
After the despicable way Lehi treated Brinley, Aspen asked for a reassignment. She and her three daughters are now to live with Paul, brother of the Prophet. Aspen is now his fourteenth wife. Paul is a decent man if not a bit weak and he is absolutely infatuated with Aspen. He has wanted her as a wife for a long time. Does Aspen feel the same? Will she in time feel the same? Possibly. But things definitely take a different direction when Aspen discovers something about the Prophet.
Aspen has always been a devout follower and now everything she's known is in question. I loved reading about a family that's happy with this life. I loved Aspen's choices and her bravery. This book was unputdownable. Just completely fantastic. Bravo!
After the despicable way Lehi treated Brinley, Aspen asked for a reassignment. She and her three daughters are now to live with Paul, brother of the Prophet. Aspen is now his fourteenth wife. Paul is a decent man if not a bit weak and he is absolutely infatuated with Aspen. He has wanted her as a wife for a long time. Does Aspen feel the same? Will she in time feel the same? Possibly. But things definitely take a different direction when Aspen discovers something about the Prophet.
Aspen has always been a devout follower and now everything she's known is in question. I loved reading about a family that's happy with this life. I loved Aspen's choices and her bravery. This book was unputdownable. Just completely fantastic. Bravo!
February 6, 2016
Here I am back to the Compound ad after the shock of the first story in the series I can say that I've really enjoyed this book that sucked me in since the beginning and kept me on my toes until the last page.
I love the main character,Aspen,because she is a strong woman that doesn't stop fighting for the wellness of her children.
Thank you to Melissa Brown to deliver this amazing story with her superb writing.
February 4, 2016
Keep sweet. Keep sweet. Keep sweet.’
As the follow up to one of my favorite books of 2014, Wife Number Seven, I was eagerly awaiting this book to show up on my kindle. I thought I knew what I was getting but what I got was so much more. While this is not the clear cut romance that the first book was it is a extremely addicting story that will make you want to educate yourself of the FLDS church and all the controversy that surrounds it.
‘Was I falling in love with him? No. I didn’t believe in such things. But I was honored to be his wife, to be bound to a man who wanted to fix things for me. To make things better.’
Aspen’s has always been content and happy in her life as a plural life and when she and her children are reassigned to the Prophet’s brother she could not be happier. But before she knows it all the truths she has grown up believing start to unravel and the one she would follow to the end of the earth starts to show his cracks and humanity. Now to protect her children she must do things she swore she would never do and blur lines she thought she could never cross.
‘You want to bury your hand in the sand, but I refuse to join you. I won’t do it. I’m the only one who sees the truth.’
Aspens true devotion was something so vastly different than Brinley from the first book. Her devotion to her faith was strong but her love for her children was stronger. I absolutely could not put this book down reading it basically in one sitting completely engulfed with the captivating story and one of the strongest heroines I have ever read.
‘I was a mother first, a wife second. And my beloved Paul would just have to accept that.’
If you love unique books with suspenseful plots and beautiful writing than this is a story you must pick up! Aspen’s book is different than anything I have ever read and I cannot wait to get more!
~miranda
As the follow up to one of my favorite books of 2014, Wife Number Seven, I was eagerly awaiting this book to show up on my kindle. I thought I knew what I was getting but what I got was so much more. While this is not the clear cut romance that the first book was it is a extremely addicting story that will make you want to educate yourself of the FLDS church and all the controversy that surrounds it.
‘Was I falling in love with him? No. I didn’t believe in such things. But I was honored to be his wife, to be bound to a man who wanted to fix things for me. To make things better.’
Aspen’s has always been content and happy in her life as a plural life and when she and her children are reassigned to the Prophet’s brother she could not be happier. But before she knows it all the truths she has grown up believing start to unravel and the one she would follow to the end of the earth starts to show his cracks and humanity. Now to protect her children she must do things she swore she would never do and blur lines she thought she could never cross.
‘You want to bury your hand in the sand, but I refuse to join you. I won’t do it. I’m the only one who sees the truth.’
Aspens true devotion was something so vastly different than Brinley from the first book. Her devotion to her faith was strong but her love for her children was stronger. I absolutely could not put this book down reading it basically in one sitting completely engulfed with the captivating story and one of the strongest heroines I have ever read.
‘I was a mother first, a wife second. And my beloved Paul would just have to accept that.’
If you love unique books with suspenseful plots and beautiful writing than this is a story you must pick up! Aspen’s book is different than anything I have ever read and I cannot wait to get more!
~miranda
February 5, 2016
I can’t “just keep sweet” after that ending!
Polygamy has always been such a fascinating concept to me. When Melissa Brown wrote and published Wife Number Seven, I was blown away. Pleasantly surprised that someone had enough gusto to tackle such a sensitive subject but pleased with how much I actually connected with the characters that were from such a different world than I am accustomed to. It is no doubt her talent and beautiful writing style that sucks you in and refuses to release you until the story is done. While Wife Number Seven was groundbreaking, Aspen’s story in Mother Before Wife takes things to a whole new level.
Brown impeccably and eloquently paints the picture of what life is like inside of a religious extremist compound where the community lives and breathes by whatever the prophet says. Where things get juicy, is when secrets about that very prophet are revealed piece by piece and the life and culture that Aspen had known all of her life began to crumble. While she has always been content to keep sweet and obey her duties, she could no longer turn a blind eye. I won’t spoil things for you but I will tell you that your heart will ache for this woman, beat faster as the twists and turns of this story are unveiled, and eventually feel as though it has stopped when you get to the end. You will most certainly experience a book hangover.
I can’t stress enough how amazing this entire Compound Series is and I look forward to reading any and all future work by Melissa Brown. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Polygamy has always been such a fascinating concept to me. When Melissa Brown wrote and published Wife Number Seven, I was blown away. Pleasantly surprised that someone had enough gusto to tackle such a sensitive subject but pleased with how much I actually connected with the characters that were from such a different world than I am accustomed to. It is no doubt her talent and beautiful writing style that sucks you in and refuses to release you until the story is done. While Wife Number Seven was groundbreaking, Aspen’s story in Mother Before Wife takes things to a whole new level.
Brown impeccably and eloquently paints the picture of what life is like inside of a religious extremist compound where the community lives and breathes by whatever the prophet says. Where things get juicy, is when secrets about that very prophet are revealed piece by piece and the life and culture that Aspen had known all of her life began to crumble. While she has always been content to keep sweet and obey her duties, she could no longer turn a blind eye. I won’t spoil things for you but I will tell you that your heart will ache for this woman, beat faster as the twists and turns of this story are unveiled, and eventually feel as though it has stopped when you get to the end. You will most certainly experience a book hangover.
I can’t stress enough how amazing this entire Compound Series is and I look forward to reading any and all future work by Melissa Brown. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
January 19, 2016
Aspen's story is very captivating. It sucks you and resists to let you go. You follow Aspen from her transition in the compound from her previous family to a new one. Paul is a better man than Lehi was and he also treats his wives and children a lot better.
Aspen sees something that she shouldn't and gets threatened. All the threats against her involve her children. She tries to get her husband to help her out but he refuses so she takes her concerns elsewhere. Aspen goes to the local police department for help since Paul refuses to believe her about what is going on. The people of her compound don't believe in involving the police in anything that happens and letting the Prophet decide the punishment. Detective Cooke believes in Aspen and her courageous personality.
Melissa hit it out of the park with this one. I loved it and look forward to the next installment in this series.
Aspen sees something that she shouldn't and gets threatened. All the threats against her involve her children. She tries to get her husband to help her out but he refuses so she takes her concerns elsewhere. Aspen goes to the local police department for help since Paul refuses to believe her about what is going on. The people of her compound don't believe in involving the police in anything that happens and letting the Prophet decide the punishment. Detective Cooke believes in Aspen and her courageous personality.
Melissa hit it out of the park with this one. I loved it and look forward to the next installment in this series.
February 15, 2016
Keep sweet. Keep sweet. Keep sweet.
I have to repeat this to myself until the 3rd instalment of The Compound Series releases this Spring.
Melissa Brown has found a way to take something that many of us have no understanding of and create a beautiful story.
Aspen Black once Cluff but sister wife in the FDLS polygamist compound has always been bound to her faith in everything that she does, thinks and says. She knows no other life. She has always thought the word of the Prophet, Clarence Black, was as close to God as she could get. Aspen never questioned ay of it-- until her children were threatened. Now she will do anything to keep them safe.
Mother Before Wife is a story of love, harmony, faith AND deceit, favouritism, evil. Follow Aspen on her heartfelt, determined and secretive journey to remain a Mother Before Wife.
D 5/5
I have to repeat this to myself until the 3rd instalment of The Compound Series releases this Spring.
Melissa Brown has found a way to take something that many of us have no understanding of and create a beautiful story.
Aspen Black once Cluff but sister wife in the FDLS polygamist compound has always been bound to her faith in everything that she does, thinks and says. She knows no other life. She has always thought the word of the Prophet, Clarence Black, was as close to God as she could get. Aspen never questioned ay of it-- until her children were threatened. Now she will do anything to keep them safe.
Mother Before Wife is a story of love, harmony, faith AND deceit, favouritism, evil. Follow Aspen on her heartfelt, determined and secretive journey to remain a Mother Before Wife.
D 5/5
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