The Glovemaker by Ann Weisgarber

 

Deborah and her husband Samuel live in Junction, Utah in the late 1800's.  The first settler there was Samuel's stepbrother, Nels, who came there after his wife and child died in childbirth.  Later, other families came including Deborah's sister.  At the time of this novel, there were eight families there.  All are Latter Day Saints but one of the draws to Junction is that they have a step back from the authority of the Church and can make their own way more.

Each fall, Samuel goes away for several months to outlying towns.  He is a wheelwright and there is no other in a hundred miles.  This year, he hasn't returned on time but Nels and another man searched for him and found a rockslide that would have made him turn around and find a longer way home.  But it means that Deborah is by herself when the man comes.

Only one family in Junction practices multiple marriage, but the authorities suspect them all.  Men come there to be guided to a refuge where they can live the life they choose.  But rarely does a man come in January with snow blowing.  He knocks on Deborah's door and she feeds him but there is something about him she doesn't trust.  She knows Nels will guide him the next day and she agrees to shelter the man in her barn that night.  He eventually tells her that there is a marshal and his men chasing him which increases her worry.

The next day Nels sets off with the man, barely before the marshal arrives.  The man is belligerent and insists Deborah is lying and breaking the law.  He searches around the settlement and Nels and the man have returned due to the weather.  Somehow, the marshal is injured and the entire settlement is in jeopardy.

This was an interesting historical fiction based on truth.  The orchards of Junction are now within a national park and visitors are encouraged to pick the fruit when they visit.  The extensive research into live in the 1880's and the Mormon religion is particular is evident.  Deborah's love language is making gloves for those she loves.  Her courage in the absence of her husband and her determination to shelter the other inhabitants of Junction are stirring.  This book is recommended for historical fiction readers.