Making do with what you have

[Kristy]

I'm going to recommend several Lavyrle Spencer books, because she shows people in survival settings (pioneer, post-Depression America, etc) that also suffer from a lack of love, and illustrates why it's every bit as important as food and shelter:

Morning Glory - There's the post Depression poverty aspect, but there's also the characters doing the best they can with their emotional resources to grow as people and in their relationships.

The Endearment - Pioneers trying to build a home and a marriage.

The Fulfillment - A rancher sacrifices everything in pursuit of leaving a legacy.