Eliza's Fire: The Story of a Single Mother in the Martin Handcart Company

by Kiylee Davis

Experience the pioneer trail in a different way as you get the perspective of a pioneer mother with young children written by her fourth-great-granddaughter, who also happens to be a mother with children the same age.

Eliza Cusworth was born to a wealthy family in Almondbury, England. A few years after her miraculous conversion, her husband died. On his deathbed, he urged Eliza to move to Utah and raise her children amongst the saints. This book tells the story of ELIZA’s FIRE from her mischievous youth, to the wondrous day when her family is sealed in the Manti temple.

Genres: Historical Fiction

Audible Audio

Published April 29, 2026

Reviews

[Gail Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed very much!

I have read stories of the Martin Handcart company before. This one was so good. Thank you Kiylee for sharing. What a blessing to have ancestors who were so strong.

[Hannah Cabrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version of this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. The author did a wonderful job of exploring all the emotions and thoughts of the main character, Eliza, from her childhood to her death. I found myself crying as I felt the pain and hardships that Eliza endured, yet her faith in Christ was inspiring. A beautifully written story.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not usual a fan of "pioneer books" but this one was incredible! So inspiring with a splash of regency romance! One of my new favs!