I read The Cost of Sin by author Toni Bellon.

In the early 1900s Mormon community Utah, women’s voices were quiet, children were better seen than heard, and men held all the decision making power cloaked in religion. Precious Myrtle and her sister Ruth, 5 and 6 years old, live a modest and happy life with parents that love them. As family issues begin to unravel…their Bishop Grandfather openly chastising his daughter’s marriage to their father as he is not Mormon, their father turning to “wetting his whistle” to deal with financial changes, and stress building in the marriage, a tragedy strikes that will forever change the trajectory of their lives.

Now in her late 70s Myrtle is meeting her beloved granddaughter Sally’s betrothed, Luke, for the first time. As Myrt shares the stories of her childhood with Luke through letters to be read and spending time hearing the tales…Luke begins to see the woman she is, all she has overcome, and the family he will become part of.

I really enjoyed this book! The movement between young and older Myrtle is seamless. Through the eyes of wonder and curiosity of a strong willed, imaginative, resourceful and resilient child we see Myrt walk through the storms. Her innocent way of looking at things in life, trying to piece situations together, choose courses of action adds both sweet humor as well as heartbreaking feels. The characters are very well developed and believable.
The atmosphere and energy of the time period and culture are solid.

A book that gives both heartbreak and heart hope is a special gift. I found that in this story.

Definitely recommend this historically set coming of age heart string tugging tale.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. This is my voluntary and honest review.

Heartbreaking, but Worth the Journey

The Cost of Sin is not an easy book to read. Not because of the writing, but because of everything the lead character, Myrtle/Myrt, endures. It seemed that every time life offered a bit of hope, another hardship arrived.

Much of Myrtle’s suffering comes at the hands of the men who should have protected her, especially her grandfather. Watching the effects of his cruelty was heartbreaking, and there were times when I had to put the book down simply because I needed a break from witnessing the hardships and cruelty she had to face.

What kept me reading was Myrt herself. Toni Bellon does an excellent job creating a character whose resilience makes you want to keep turning the pages.

This is a powerful novel about endurance, faith, and the damage that can be done when selfish and self-righteous family members are blind to the harm they bring to others. It’s a difficult read at times, but delivers a powerful message.