From the Author's Notes with its chronicling of the long and impressive list of sources used in the writing, through the building suspense and drama, to the beautiful depiction of unconditional love in the face of evil, this book kept me spellbound. As the author of Direction: Discernment for the Decisions of Your Life, I was especially interested in the core values the emigrants relied upon when instinct took over- core values that helped them to hold onto love and to offer forgiveness when others might have given into the pull of hatred and religious fanaticism. September Dawn is a must read for anyone who cares about America today, who knows that we are destined to repeat history unless when learn from it, and who see the signs of religous war in our current world. We'd all be served well if we could learn to love and forgive as this book gives testiment, for it is trustworthy that true love casts out all fear and hatered- fear and hatred of all kinds.

The Fancher-Baker wagon train travels from Arkansas and Missouri through Utah on their way to California. They'd stopped to rest their cattle and horses in a valley called Mountain Meadows. Little did they know, this valley is within the Iron County Military District of the Nauvoo Legion, the popular designation for the militia of the Utah Territory. The author goes to great lengths detailing the hostility of the Mormon people towards the citizens of Missouri as well as the federal government, giving the reader a glimpse into the mindset of the characters.

In the middle of this aggression romance blossoms between the son of a Mormon Bishop and the daughter of a Christian pastor. Both believe in true love and its power to overcome all obstacles giving the story a western day Romeo and Juliet feel.

Based on actual events, "September Dawn" is politically and emotionally charged. In the author's note, Carole Whang Schutter says "Every major world religion has bloodied its hands because people are flawed. Through the ages, religious radicals have justified horrific deeds by piously announcing that their crimes against humanity were done in the name of God." I couldn't agree more.

"September Dawn" is also on DVD. If you like the Hallmark channel, which I do, you'll enjoy both the book as well as the movie. If possible, read the book first and then watch the movie.

SEPTEMBER DAWN by Carole Whang Schutter, a historical
novel, is a riveting portrayal of the Mountain Meadows
Massacre, "the first act of religious terrorism in the
United States". Eerily having occurred on September
11, only 150 years ago, it will, for the first time,
be released under the same title as a Hollywood style
feature film. Having co-written the screenplay with
director Christopher Cain, Schutter showcases an
extensive historical knowledge in the telling of her
story. As a result, "SEPTEMBER DAWN", the movie, will
not be your stereotypical Hollywood hype flick.

My great great grandfather was the Mormon bishop of
Cedar City, Utah in 1857 and whose character is played
by Jon Voight in the film. He was a participant in the
massacre, a crime which is said to have "disgraced
humanity". My grandmother told me of it 43 years ago
with tears in her eyes and since, I've been obsessed
with discovering the facts of it.... facts which
powerful forces have worked very hard to keep covered.

Schutter uses a fictional love story and a novel
format to place the reader at the scene of what was,
without overstating, the crime of the century. This
takes nothing away from the authenticity of the event,
or from the responsibility assigned to those an honest
history would implicate. Neither does she shrink from
hard hitting depictions of the horrid details, or from
illuminating the role played by the then theocratic
Mormon church. In so doing, she honors the victims and
descendants of this horrific transgression. She honors
American History. Perhaps most importantly, she honors
the truth.

If you want to be fascinated by a historical episode
of monumental importance, as it is accurately
protrayed by SEPTEMBER DAWN, the movie, then treat
yourself to a thrilling page turner in SEPTEMBER DAWN,
the book.

Reviewed by Wayne Atilio Capurro
Author: WHITE FLAG: America's First 9/11

I rented the movie from Blockbuster & really enjoyed it so I read the book. There were a few minor changes in the movie that I would have preferred to have followed the book more closely; most notably the lead female character. She was much more developed in the book. I suppose time may have been a factor in the movie.
I found the story fascinating & it was very well told. Clearly a lot of research went into this.

I have read the book and seen the movie 'September Dawn' which was based on this book 5 times. My husband and I were at Mountain Meadows in Utah on September 11, 2007 with many of the descendants, of the Fancher/Baker wagon train, as we remembered that 150 years ago when 120 unarmed men, women, and children under the age of 7 were murdered by the Mormon Priesthood on September 11, 1857.
This book brings forth the horrible Mormon Church doctrines which could bring the Brethren/Mormon Priesthood to do such a thing. This is a piece of America history that the Mormon Church leaders have covered up for 150 years and finally a book such as this bring the darkness into the light for the world to see.

What a story! I am so glad that it got to be told. This story confirms the unneccessary evils humans create and the abominations that took place in the name of God. I was drawn into the story from the very first line and clutched at the hem of my dress in the anticipation of knowing what happens next. Not only is "September Dawn" a well-written and well acted story it is a testimony for those silenced that day.

I recommend this book and movie to everyone who has suffered prejudices and oppresion in their life and those who'll love to suppport and understand what it feels like to be hunted down for something you strongly believe in. September Dawn is a powerful, heart-wrenching and beautiful love story between a boy and a girl in the midst of one of the most shameful atrocities humans have ever commited.

Thank you Carole Whang Schutter, for sharing this must-be-told story with the world. You are a truly gifted writer.

Bernice Angoh, Author of Lemonade Street and
Editor-in-Chief, Ladies' Success Magazine.

September Dawn is first and foremost a love story, but running a close second is the story of religious fanaticism. I knew how the book would end, but still, I had to read it for the experience - for the telling of the tale. It's beautifully written, and there were many times when my heart would swell in my chest and my eyes filled with tears.

Love never fails....And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13

September Dawn by Carole Whang Schutter is in my opinion a Romeo and Juliet type novel, two nineteen year olds fell in love and would let nothing come between them. It is not just a love story mind you, it is about the Mountain Meadow Massacre in the year 1857. Based on some true events, and even turned into a movie, September Dawn is out to show the truth of what may have happened over 150 years ago between two religions.

Jonathan Samuelson was the son of a Mormon Bishop and the girl he was head over heels in love with was the daughter of a Christian Pastor. Now you know back in the day these two religions could not mix without a huge uprising. And the Mountain Meadow Massacre was a huge uprising! With the journals now in hand, the story must be told to all of the family that will listen in hopes that they will uncover and understand what exactly happened in Utah so many years ago.

September Dawn was a book that really gets you thinking, I don't know what I would have done if I were put in some of these positions had I lived back in the year 1857. Love is love and you can't help who you fall in love with. Sometimes the book was a bit slow to keep my attention, although it all came together at the very end. 3.5 Hearts

What bothers me most at this time is that members of this religion could help cover up this massacre, and the role of church leaders. The hatred they had for Americans crossing their territory caused all this, and the fact that no remorse was evident speaks a lot.