Betrothed to a young man she's never met, fifteen-year-old Coery Tremaine finds herself questioning her upbringing and beliefs, and not for the first time.

The year is 1846, the US is at war with Mexico, and the Saints (Mormons) are leaving their Missouri settlement in well-organized droves for Zion, the promised land that Bridger Young has foretold. With her father under orders to march off for the war - sending his pay home for the church, of course, Corey is betrothed to Ethan Turner. Not sure about the move, or about the multiple wives - her father-in-law to be has three - allowed some members of the Church, Corey finds herself questioning more and more if the church Elders actually do know what's best for everyone.

Surprisingly undated, despite the 1962 publishing date, Wilderness Bride kept me turning pages. Deprivation, sickness, and hardship along the trail, and a fairly even-handed portrayal of the Mormon's move west, combined with a bit of romance and a capable, engaging heroine make this a good read even if it's not the newest book on the shelf. ( )