2 Wives 2 Laws

About the Book

Richard Connell is happily married to his wife Kara in 1880 Utah Territory. Then his Mormon ecclesiastical leader calls him to take a second wife, completely scrambling his world. The shock is multiplied by the choice of who is to become that second wife in acceptance of “God’s law.” Further complicating his life is the assignment of U.S. Deputy Marshal William Baker Alden to enforce federal anti-polygamy laws by arresting and helping prosecute offenders. Alden’s task is difficult as Mormons have created all sorts of defenses and diversions. Among Richard’s challenges: choose which law to obey, successfully court a second wife, keep household peace, hide one wife, avoid an apparently inevitable confrontation with federal law officials. An interesting, personal, historically accurate inside look at Mormon polygamy.

About the Author

James C. “Jim” Robinson Great-grandfathers of the author on both his mother’s and father’s side practiced polygamy. One relocated part of his family to avoid arrest; one was arrested and served time in the Utah State Prison. A journalist/writer/editor by profession, the author recognized that nearly always there is more than one side to a story. This novel is intended to present different perspectives of the Mormon polygamy experience. This is the author’s first novel. His career has included writing for the Deseret Morning News, Salt Lake Tribune, The Associated Press, and UPI. He also spent a 33-year career in the Information Services Office at Southern Utah University. Valuable human nature insights have been gleaned from 20 years in rural local government leadership.