Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.
John 3:20-21

MY REVIEW:

Based on historical facts, The Veil reveals the tragic events of  the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre in Utah through the emotions and experiences of  participants of each side. The Veil exposes some of the dark secrets of early Mormonism that most modern Mormons probably wish would remain behind “the veil”.

At times The Veil is difficult to continue reading. I was personally appalled at the deception forced upon innocent members by cold-hearted, violent men who apparently built their own religion based on their own carnal  desires. The blood atonement for individual sins was a particularly odious perversion of Christ’s atonement for sin.  It is a good example of how warped any religion can become when one man or group of men gains too much power.

Despite the necessarily dark elements of the story, The Veil does have several bright spots, a tender romance,  and a positive ending. Spiritual truth is evident throughout, especially as both Hannah and Lucas search for and find the truth independently.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A shroud of secrecy cloaks a new nineteenth-century sect known simply as the Saints. But that veil is about to be drawn away. Amidst the majestic beauty of 1857 Utah, the members of one secluded religious group claim to want nothing more than to practice their beliefs without persecution. Yet among them are many who engage in secret vows and brutal acts of atonement…all in the name of God.

But one young woman, Hannah McClary, dares to question the truth behind the shroud. Soon Hannah and the young man she loves–Lucas Knight, who has been trained from childhood to kill on behalf of the Church–find themselves fighting for their very lives.

As a group of unwary pioneer families marches into Utah toward a tragic confrontation with the Saints at a place called Mountain Meadows, Hannah and Lucas are thrust into the most difficult conflict of all–a battle for truth and justice–even as they are learning for the first time about unconditional love, acceptance, and forgiveness.…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Diane Noble is the award-winning author of more than two-dozen books: historical fiction, women’s fiction, contemporary mysteries, romantic suspense, historical romance (written as Amanda MacLean), and inspirational nonfiction books for women. She has also written a handful of novellas for the young and young-at-heart. Two of these heartwarming books, COME, MY LITTLE ANGEL and PHOEBE, have been adapted to stage.