Favorite Wife cover art

Favorite Wife

Escape from Polygamy

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Favorite Wife

By: Susan Ray Schmidt
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen
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About this listen

She had no choice in the matter - none of the girls did. Her mission was to give birth to and raise many children in devoted service to a shared husband. Susan was 15 years old when she became the sixth wife of Verlan LeBaron, one of the leaders of a rogue Mormon cult, who was engaged in a blood feud with his brother that from 1972 to 1988 claimed up to two dozen lives.

In this gripping and eloquent book, Susan Ray Schmidt tells the story of growing up on the inside and of her ultimate escape with her children from an oppressive and violent life. Delving more deeply into this mysterious underworld than any previous work, Favorite Wife is a powerful account of the affairs of the heart, coming of age under exceptional circumstances, and the tough choices that are sometimes painfully necessary to preserve human dignity.

Susan Ray Schmidt was once a member of the Church of the Firstborn of the Fullness of Times and the child-bride of polygamist Verlan LeBaron in Colonia LeBaron in Mexico. After eight years of marriage, she left her husband and fled with her five children back to America. She remarried three years later.

©2006 Susan Ray Schmidt (P)2018 Tantor Marriage Mormon Mexico Latin American Cults Nonfiction

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All stars
Most relevant
Very moving story of a very courageous woman. engaging and heartfelt, greatly enjoyed the book

Great story

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Growing up in Utah the Labaron family were a name I knew. But the engaging telling of a portion of the story was very interesting to me. A very courageous telling of the beginning of the Lamb of God cult.
One complaint was that the voice actor mispronounced a number of simple words that anyone with some knowledge of the Mormon church was very annoying.

Very interesting and engaging

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This is an engaging and interesting book where you end up really caring for Susan and her fate. You want her to be happy and listen to how she endures countless trials.

Holding my breath with suspense!

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I was totally absorbed by this book and so sad when it finished. It’s beautifully written and very open and honest. I so admire Susan for sharing her experience and hope she has found peace in writing her story.

Incredible Read

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Really enjoyed this book, it's made me understand why some follow polygamy and why in the end they leave. It's really a sad story to think the lives of these women have been so limited due to their beliefs. Even though there are so many names mentioned in the book, it was fine to follow in the end.

Eye opening

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