Book picks similar to
Clarissa's Heart by Launi K. Anderson


historical-fiction
historical-fiction-series
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perfect-for-the-kids

The Light Above: A Novel of Faith and Determination


Jean Holbrook Mathews - 2009
    . . . As Isabel put her arm around Carrie Kenny’s waist, Carrie laid her head on Isabel’s shoulder and whispered, “He looks like he’s sleeping.” “The lad is sleeping. He’s sleeping in the Lord,” Isabel responded, offering the only comfort she knew how to give. “And he’s free from the pits.” . . . George offered a short and simple prayer. “God take home to yourself this wee laddie and give his parents comfort, we pray, in the knowledge that he is with Thee and not in the pits.” From the dark, dangerous, and deadly pits of the Scottish coal mines, to the crowded and bustling streets of Edinburgh, to the perilous voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, to the long and arduous trek across the plains to a “promised land,” The Light Above takes readers on an unforgettable journey. In this exceptionally heartfelt and moving historical novel, gifted LDS author Jean Mathews has created a riveting and well-researched story of the Scottish Saints, whose courage in the face of relentless odds lifts them from the depths of despair and guides them to triumphant faith in an eternal destiny.

Matagorda/The First Fast Draw (Bantam Books Western)


Louis L'Amour - 2008
    Now he’s settled on the Texas coast, working a ranch as the partner of his old friend Tom Kittery—and finding himself in the middle of a feud between Kittery and a neighboring family. But the danger from outside is nothing compared to the threat within, as Duvarney suspects Kittery’s woman isn’t all she appears to be. Tap may have to go to war again. But this time will it be with his closest friend?The First Fast DrawEast Texas wasn’t much of a home for Cullen Baker. Few liked him, and some even tried to kill him. Yet after three years of wandering, he’s back to farm the land that is rightfully his. But Cullen’s neighbors have long memories, and his worst adversary has teamed up with a vicious outlaw. With enemies closing in on all sides and threatening the woman he loves, Cullen will have to be faster than lightning—and twice as deadly—just to survive.From the Paperback edition.

The Porter Rockwell Chronicles: Vol. 1


Richard Lloyd Dewey - 1999
    A strong story holds reader interest and history comes alive for adults and teens alike. Volume 1 begins with his childhood years in New York where he becomes best friends with the future Mormon prophet Joseph Smith. The story continues through Porters settlement with the Mormons in Missouri, where he fights against mobs. See the engaging yet humorous courtship with a young woman he meets and is determined to marry. Porter proves himself in friendship and loyalty to the prophet. As a teen, he also becomes the protector of his neighbors from anti-Mormon mobs. Dynamite initial volume of the series is historical fiction at its best accurate, engrossing, and full of adventure and humor. First printing sold out in only 8 days. Now in 4th printing (Hardcover)

AKBAR AND BIRBAL: TALES OF HUMOUR


Monisha Mukundan - 2015
    In this lively collection, learn how an ordinary young man, Mahesh Das, became the beloved Raja Birbal we all know today, and how he uses his famous wit, time and again, to build a ‘celestial palace’ for Emperor Akbar, order a census of crows, trap a thief using a magic bamboo, and much more.Replete with wisdom and wit, and brought to life by Tapas Guha’s beautiful illustrations, this clever collection of stories also offers valuable life lessons hidden beneath its humour.

Moroni's Treasure


Tina Monson - 2004
    But when they accidentally stumbled across an ancient treasure map, they were in for the game of their lives. Following clues from the mysterious map, Hero, Bubba and the rest of the Team try to stay ahead of the villains. This chilling, action adventure is full of spectacular realms of twisting passages, dangerous encounters, magical discoveries and...a priceless long lost treasure.The Team's unexpected ending leaves you wondering what will happen next in this journey of many lifetimes.

The Tears of Yesteryear


Julie Tulba - 2019
    Thousands settled in Homestead, Pennsylvania, a city where the skies were always black, the steel mills were always roaring, and life was bleak and harsh. One of them, Ewa Piekos, an orphan girl of 15 from Poland, wants simply to be loved and to feel like she is not alone. On the voyage to America, Ewa’s beloved sister dies, throwing her into an emotional tailspin. It’s only after arriving at Ellis Island that Ewa learns the real reason she was brought to the Land of Golden Opportunity. This secret is almost as crushing to her as the moment her sister died. From the time she arrives at Ellis Island, Ewa's life is never an easy one. It is filled with heartache and loss. But her life in America enables her to plant roots which eventually grow with the family she establishes there.

Birbal to the Rescue


Meera Ugra - 1980
    The poor man will be either hopelessly embarrased or pleased to escape with his life. With an unfailing eye for human weakness, Birbal protects the innocent. People, from every strata of society, flock to him for help with endless lists of woes. Known for his compassion and tact, Birbal never fails them, even if it means pitting his wits against the all-powerful Emperor.

Birbal the Genius


Dev Nadkarni
    While his courtiers were jealous of Birbal, the emperor was quick to notice his agile mind. While the two men loathed hypocrisy and deceit; they also relished a good joke.

The Trap


Mary Jane Staples - 1993
    The house was owned by Henry Mullins, big, burly, and a hard drinker. Henry made life hell for his four stepchildren who looked half-starved and frequently got bashed. Seventeen-year-old Kitty was the one Jamie felt most sorry for. She took the brunt of Henry Mullins' bad temper whilst trying to protect her sisters and brother. When Mullins suddenly died - in somewhat suspicious circumstances - Kitty realised they could be in trouble. If she wasn't careful the authorities would take the younger children away - split the family up. She wasn't having that, not after all they'd gone through, and nice, kind Jamie Blair was the one to save them. Too late Jamie found himself with a ready-made family and a stubborn and fiery young termagant called Kitty who was determined not to let him go.

Shades of Gray


Pamela Carrington Reid - 2008
    ”Samara shook her head. “I never will. I’ll always imagine you just like this . . . Or watching me through the lens of a camera . . . Or turning up on a beach somewhere . . . Or teaching me how to hold the camera. ”The tears flowed as she walked, and a sudden wind whipped them off her face. “Or sitting behind me in church when I least expect it . . . Or telling me things I need to hear when I don’t want to hear them . . . Or watching over me.” Fighting her way through the chaos of her family’s dysfunction, Samara Danes has immersed herself in a promising photography career. She sees no need to love or be loved. Then Adam Russell arrives in Samara’s hometown on Australia’s Gold Coast. Years ago, it was Adam who introduced her to the art of photography and opened her eyes to the wonder of the world. She in turn opened his heart to the truths of the gospel. Now can the older man’s kindness, wisdom, and strength help save a family that teeters on the brink of dissolution? Are Samara’s strong feelings for Adam more than just friendship and gratitude? With tender insight, gifted LDS author Pamela Carrington Reid explores the dynamics that stretch fragile relationships nearly to the breaking point. Shades of Gray is a richly crafted novel, genuinely moving and compelling—a tribute to the healing power of the gospel, where the lines of love are never blurred.

In the Time of Famine


Michael Grant - 2011
    The British government called the famine an act of God. The Irish called it genocide. By any name the famine caused the death of over one million men, women, and children by starvation and disease. Another two million were forced to flee the country. With the famine as a backdrop, this is a story about two families as different as coarse wool and fine silk. Michael Ranahan, the son of a tenant farmer, dreams of breaking his bondage to the land and going to America. The passage money has been saved. He’s made up his mind to go. And then—the blight strikes and Michael must put his dream on hold. The landlord, Lord Somerville, is a compassionate man who struggles to preserve a way of life without compromising his ideals. To add to his troubles, he has to deal with a recalcitrant daughter who chafes at being forced to live in a country of “bog runners.”In The Time Of Famine is a story of survival. It’s a story of duplicity. But most of all, it’s a story of love and sacrifice.

The River Is Home


Patrick D. Smith - 2012
    It is the story of Skeeter, a young boy growing up in a family poor in material goods but rich in the appreciation of their natural surroundings. The river they live on is the source of life—and death.

The Roman Mysteries Omnibus


Caroline Lawrence - 2005
    Will they discover who is killing the dogs of Ostia, and why?   The Secrets of Vesuvius Flavia is spending the summer with her uncle who lives near Pompeii. She and her friends are absorbed in trying to solve a riddle that may lead to a great treasure. Then Mount Vesuvius erupts and the four children find themselves in desperate danger.   The Pirates of Pompeii Following the volcano's eruption, hundreds of refugees from the cities of Vesuvius try to come to terms with disaster. When children begin to go missing from the camp, Flavia Gemina and her friends investigate a powerful and charismatic man known as the Patron and come face to face with pirates, slave-dealers, and death. About The Author: Caroline Lawrence is the author of the Roman Mysteries, which have been turned into a television series for BBC.

Steamship to Zion


Jerry Borrowman - 2012
    The holiday is a pretense. In actuality, the family does not plan to return to their home. They have recently joined the Mormon Church and are journeying west to join the Saints in Utah. But as they prepare to board ship, they encounter a desperate young woman attempting to travel alone. The Chandlers graciously offer to chaperone Gloria Palmerston to New York City. Little do they know this strong-willed young lady holds a dangerous secret.Upon arriving in the United States, the Chandlers’ passage west is unexpectedly interrupted and the family is forced to work on a steamship bound for Panama as they inch closer to their goal of the Great Salt Lake valley. With hopes of reaching the Zion of the West through a San Francisco route, the Chandler family and Miss Palmerston embark on a heroic undertaking as they face stormy seas, dishonest confidants, unending toil, strife, and betrayal—but also the helping hands of the famous Sam Brannan and Porter Rockwell. But there are some things worth sacrificing everything for. Book passage on Steamship to Zion and see how one family endures and proves the measure of their faith.

The Work and the Glory (Volumes 1-9)


Gerald N. Lund - 2012
    Follow the Steed family on their incredible journey from New York to the Salt Lake Valley.