Masterfully crafted Ralph P. and Judith H. Vander Heide, ‘Chris and Louisa’ has been shunned by publishers, but exposes 125-years of Mormon polygamy long before the New York Times did in November of 2014. According to the couple, history if full of nonsensical writings surrounding the pros/cons of Mormonism and polygamy and, having integrated with dozens of polygamist families during their careers, Ralph and Judith have an authority on the subject that can’t be matched. ‘Chris and Louisa’ exposes all – through the fictional story of one of Joseph Smith’s many wives.

Ogden, UT -- (SBWire) -- 11/17/2014 --Global news recently erupted with the admission that the founder of Mormonism, Joseph Smith, likely had up to forty wives. But Ralph P. and Judith H. Vander Heide knew this long ago and depicted it in a striking historical novel – except publishers weren’t prepared to listen.

‘Chris and Louisa’ tells the story from the perspective of a fictional wife of Joseph Smith. The Vander Heide’s are certainly writing with authority – Ralph was reared a Mormon, Judith also inside the church doctrine and both have extensive experience working alongside Mormon families embracing polygamy. In fact, this is likely the most authoritative book on its subject in circulation.

Synopsis:

The novel spans the years from early Mormonism in nineteenth-century Nauvoo, Illinois, to the 1960s, chronicling changes in moral values. Louisa, a fictional "plural wife" of Joseph Smith, matures through the hardships of the founding years and treks to Utah. Chris, Louisa’s great-granddaughter, caught up in the turmoil of the 1960s, researches her ancestry in New York. She rejects Mormonism, enters a polygamous marriage, and contends with opposition and murder.

The novel explores the hostility against Mormons, and their conflicted mixture of piety and lust. In its chronological and geographical sweep, the plot moves from coast to coast. The Vander Heides have extensive firsthand experience with their subject matter. Ralph, a former Mormon, holds a PhD in Germanic and Hispanic studies and has taught in colleges and high schools. He studied writing under Brewster Ghiselin at the University of Utah. Judy earned both BA and MA degrees. She studied writing with Wallace Stegner at Stanford University. Judy has worked as a history and English teacher in high schools and as a guidance counselor. The couple has lived in the regions covered in the novel, and they are now both retired. Judy plays tennis. Ralph skis and runs. Together they travel and do volunteer work in the arts and humanities, but advise against spouses jointly writing a novel. They continue to consult each other but write separately.

“It’s time to unpick the nonsense about and hostility towards Mormonism and polygamy; it’s time to set the record straight with the truth,” explains Ralph. “I’ve known Polygamists in both North America and the Middle East, and have met people practicing this lifestyle that come from both sides of the scale. I’ve also corresponded for years with other leading authorities on the subject.”

Continuing, “There really isn’t anything else like this on the market, yet publishers have thrown it out just because it attempts to uncover the truth. The good news is that readers cherish it, with some saying it’s the best book they have ever read. In light of the news about Joseph Smith that people have become obsessed with, much of the time coming from media who know nothing about what they are reporting, this book is both insightful and fascinating.”

Since its release, the book has garnered a string of rave reviews. Chris C comments, “I just finished this enjoyable book by the VanderHeides. I spent about 40 years in Utah and although a non-Mormon I read fairly extensively about Mormon history. I can safely say these authors have presented more information on this subject (in the guise of an enjoyable novel) than I've seen in a single book before. Congratulations to them on this accomplishment.”

Douglas R. Gibson adds, “The Vander Heides' knowledge of early Mormon history, as well as the interwined social and religious structure of 1840s Nauvoo, is extensive and makes for very interesting reading. Whatever one thinks of the LDS Church's founding prophet, his depiction in "Chris and Louisa"
is of a man who firmly believes God has spoken to him and called him to lead a restored Gospel.”

‘Chris and Louisa’, from Xlibris, is available now: http://amzn.to/1pUJ66l.

About The Vander Heides
The Vander Heides have extensive firsthand experience with their subject matter. Ralph, a former Mormon, holds a Ph.D, in Germanic and Hispanic studies and has taught in colleges and high schools. He studied writing under Brewster Ghiselin at the University of Utah. Judy earned both B.A. and M.A. degrees. She studied writing with Wallace Stegner at Stanford University. Judy has worked as a history and English teacher in high schools and as a guidance counselor. The couple has lived in the regions covered in the novel and are now both retired.