ISU Alumna Lynn Larson Goes onto to Writes Series of Mormon Historical Novels

Kayla Nelson, '16

Lynn Larson, an Idaho State University alumna, has published five Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints historical fiction novels through Covenant Communications.

"When I retired, I dreamed of writing novels in western history and Mormon history," Larson said. "I have had five novels and several short stories published through Covenant Communications in Utah. I am very happy to say I have fulfilled that dream."

After completing a successful career at the College of Southern Idaho, Larson went onto complete a LDS historical fiction book series. She has also published short stories and journal articles. Larson has a master's degree from ISU in English. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in English from Brigham Young Idaho University. Larson taught English and history in Burley for 28 years.

"I am very proud of my degree from ISU. I owe a lot to Idaho State University. I thought they had a wonderful graduate program," Larson said. "I learned a lot from ISU. I have nothing, but good to say about their graduate program."

"Loving Leah" is based on a true Civil War event titled "Quantrill's Raiders" in Lawrence, Kansas. In 1863 William Quantrill led a raid into the town of Lawrence to free some of his men who had been jailed. Along the way to free his men, he killed more than 180 civilians in Lawrence.

"I built a fictional novel around that story with fictional; characters who lived in the town at the time," Larson said.

Larson's book "Loving Leah" is inspired by an event and tells the tale of a Mormon woman, Leah, who is a hired governess for a man away at war. During Quantrill's raid, Leah is captured and Ethan, one of the boys she cares for, sets out to save her.

"It's really fulfilling and I really enjoy what I do," Larson said. "I am a proud alumna."

Larson's books are available through Deseret Book and Amazon.