Title: Wife Number Seven
Author: Melissa Brown
First published July 19, 2014
286 pages, Paperback
Rating: 3.92
Overview
In Wife Number Seven by Melissa Brown, we follow the journey of a woman living in a world where her every move is dictated by her faith. Despite the heavy layers of fabric she wears and the oppressive wedding band on her finger, she yearns to break free from the constraints of her community.
Her desire to wear bright lipstick and express herself is seen as sinful, but she can’t help the resistance within her. In this gripping novel, we see her struggle to keep sweet and do as she’s told, while also battling the desires of her heart.
Will she be able to find the courage to break free, or will she succumb to the pressures of her faith?
About the Author
From a young age, I’ve had a deep love for books. I can still remember sitting in front of my record player, reading through my massive 12×12 storybooks.
My interests now extend beyond just books, and I’ve developed a passion for pop culture, Harry Potter, and all things Disney. As a writer, I specialize in new adult romance, contemporary romance, and romantic suspense.
You can find me on Instagram at @melbrownie77 and on Facebook.
Editoral Review
Melissa Brown’s novel, Wife Number Seven, is a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the complexities of modern-day marriage and family. Brown is an accomplished author, and this book showcases her ability to craft a compelling story with well-developed characters, vivid imagery, and insightful commentary on contemporary societal issues.
The novel follows the journey of Lillian White, a single mother struggling to make ends meet in rural Tennessee. Lillian’s life is forever changed when she meets Jake, a wealthy businessman who offers her the chance to become his seventh wife in exchange for financial security.
Despite her reservations, Lillian accepts Jake’s proposal and moves her family to his luxurious estate in Utah. As she embarks on her new life as Jake’s wife, Lillian must navigate the complexities of polygamous marriage, balancing her desires for love, fulfillment, and personal autonomy with the demands of Jake’s other wives and their shared life together.
Brown’s writing is masterful, drawing readers in with her poetic descriptions of landscapes and characters. She deftly handles sensitive themes such as sexism, power imbalances, and the objectification of women, showing a keen understanding of the challenges faced by women in modern society.
Her characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with their own unique struggles and motivations that allow readers to empathize with them and understand their choices. One minor criticism of the novel is that it occasionally feels slow-paced, with some scenes dragging on longer than necessary.
However, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise well-crafted story. The novel’s overarching message about the importance of autonomy and self-determination in relationships is a timely and relevant one, particularly in an era when issues of gender inequality and reproductive rights remain at the forefront of public discourse.
Overall, Wife Number Seven is a beautifully written, thought-provoking novel that is sure to resonate with readers of all stripes. Brown is a talented storyteller, and this book is sure to cement her reputation as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary fiction.
Highly recommended.
