Faith and Betrayal

The journey of Jean Rio, a spiritual widow, unfolds through her detailed diary as she travels from England to Utah in the 1850s, inspired by Mormon missionaries. Initially captivated by the beauty of her new surroundings, her excitement fades as she confronts the realities of Mormon polygamy, violence, and the challenges of frontier life. Ultimately seeking freedom, she heads to California, where she discovers a new religion. This narrative, crafted by her great-great-granddaughter Sally Denton, offers an intimate and vivid portrayal of a pioneering woman's experiences.