Appearances can be deceiving. On the surface, theirs is the perfect marriage. James Dalton is a handsome, successful attorney, while Isabelle is the beautiful, organized wife. Yet, she grows more fearful of her husband every day, and knows she must leave him. But how can she escape from the domineering, violent man who has systematically robbed her of her past, her identity, and her self worth? While James is away on an unexpected business trip,...

Beginning in the 1830s, at least thirty-three women married Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism. These were passionate relationships which also had some longevity, except in cases such as that of two young sisters, one of whom was discovered by Joseph's first wife, Emma, in a locked bedroom with the prophet. Emma remained a steadfast opponent of polygamy throughout her life.

The majority of Smith's wives were younger than he, and one-third...