Yesterday I was contacted by a descendant of 19th century Mormons who practiced polygamy, specifically the great grandson of Brigham Young. Rather than retelling the details, I asked for Walter’s permission to publish yesterday’s letter sent after he received The Sister Wife, and today’s sent after he’d read the book. He graciously agreed. I have to tell you that I’ve seldom received a letter in response to any of my books that touched my heart so profoundly.  An incredible endorsement! Here, in his own words, is the story of J. Walter Young:

Got your book on iPad, iBooks, intrigued, as a descendant of this story line as is my wife is also. Recent Christians leaving LDS in 1988. My great grandfather, a son of Brigham Young, had three sister wives. My grandfather was one of nine children by one of his wives. Therein lies an untold story. I am 86 today. Thanks for writing this series and God bless. J.Walter Young.

And this morning, I received the following after Walter finished reading The Sister Wife:

I finished reading your book this morning. You put into words the troubling experiences my wife and I have had with family history and it’s conflicts, the saving grace of our Lord through it all. Thank you so much. Each chapter I lived riveted to the happenings I knew so well as an ex-Mormon Bishop who as a lad knew well its blessings as well as darkness… [So much] unexpressed in the hearts of those I loved as they suffered in silence following the edicts of the Brethren. They knew nothing else. We are now the Apostates, distant from old friends and family. Thanks again for this wonderful story I can’t wait for it to continue on. J.Walter Young.

These are the truths — both the light and the dark — I’m praying that I can portray in the story of Brides of Gabriel. There can be no greater endorsement than from this man whose family lived it. Thank you for sharing your story, Walter!

Blessings of love, joy, and peace to all this day!