The Prodigal Daughter

March 15, 2021
A stalwart member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wrestles with her faith. Kurt and Linda Wallheim have hit a rough patch in their longtime marriage. Now that their children are grown and out of the house, Linda, who's always had a feminist streak, is increasingly restless with the way their religion treats women. Marriage counseling with Dr. Candice Zee makes her want "to light Kurt's entire wardrobe on fire--no, to burn down the entire house." Still, it's not clear that her efforts to become her own person, even if they don't lead to arson, will have a therapeutic effect in the long run. Her current mission, prompted by her son Joseph's worried call to tell her that the 15-year-old who babysits his toddler daughter has suddenly disappeared, takes her from her suburban home to the mean streets of Salt Lake City, where she mingles with a homeless population whose lack of access to personal hygiene products may be the least of their problems. When she does locate Sabrina Jensen and learns about the traumatic event that sent the teenager fleeing her home, Linda seems either ignorant of or oblivious to civil laws that require the reporting of crimes and discourage housing minors without their parents' consent. No solutions here, and by the end it's not even clear what the question is.

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May 1, 2021

Once again, Kurt and Linda Wallheim are in couples therapy. Kurt is a bishop in their ward in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but Linda is questioning the male-dominated Church, which she believes has no role for women once their children are raised. She welcomes the chance to escape after their latest therapy session when their son Joseph calls and asks for her help to find the missing 15-year-old babysitter Sabrina Jensen. When they question Sabrina's parents, Linda senses something wrong. Friends tell her that Sabrina was gang-raped by eight boys, several of whom come from highly placed local Latter-day Saints families. Then Linda finds Sabrina, who has run away, staying with a group of homeless teens, and begs her to stay at her house until they can find help. But Sabrina learned early what Linda is just discovering: There won't be any justice from the men who rule the church. Instead, Sabrina and a friend take matters into their own hands. VERDICT Harrison follows Not of This Fold with a believable story about teen runaways, violence, sexual assault, and her ongoing examination of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While the ending might not satisfy some readers, it is realistic. Readers of Betty Webb's books may want to try this series.--Lesa Holstine, Evansville Vanderburgh P.L., IN

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