Karen J. Hasley grew up in America's heartland. College research into 17th-century female poets showed her the rich treasures in women's lives of the past, and in 2006 Karen's first novel, "Lily's Sister," hit the stands. The rest is - quite literally - history.

Do you recognize these American women? Jane Addams. Ida B. Wells-Barnett. Dr. Alice Hamilton. Dr. Kate W. Barrett. Donaldina Cameron. Gertrude Stein. Mary Cassatt. You'll find them all - and then some -in Karen's books, which intertwine the lives of fictional heroines and historical real-life women so closely and convincingly that you may need to check a history book to figure out which is which.

Hasley's 6-book Laramie Series spans the years between 1880 and 1919 with satisfying stories from America's past, each with a competent, courageous woman at its center. The books can stand independently and be enjoyed in any order. One reviewer wrote that "Hasley's impeccable writing" offered a "satisfying read from beginning to end."(ABJ, 2006)

The author's first stand-alone novel "The Dangerous Thaw of Etta Capstone" was a quarter finalist for Amazon's 2013 Breakthrough Novel of the Year, the PW review stating that it was "subtle and effective." "Magnificent Farewell," a second stand-alone novel set during World War One, was a "highly recommended" Finalist in the 2016 Wishing Shelf Book Awards.

In 2014, Karen offered readers a trio of light-hearted Victorian romances. The Penwarrens Series ~ made up of "Claire, After All," "Listening to Abby," and "Jubilee Rose" ~ is the author's affectionate, admiring homage to Georgette Heyer.

Karen recently returned to America's heartland with the first book of a new series set in 19th-century New Hope, Nebraska. Of the book, one major newspaper review read, "... a lot of mystery, a realistic Western flavor, some romance, and some very fine writing ... Not a note strikes false in this exceptional story. Hasley continues to get better and better as she finds new heroines." (Akron Beacon Journal, 1/14/18) As readers have come to expect, "What We Carry With Us" (2017) offers mystery, history, and romance with an engaging, strong-minded woman at its center.

Return to New Hope in book 2 of the series, "Surprised by Shadows," (2018) and again in book 3, "Through Seasons of Fire." (2019) The people of New Hope, Nebraska, are worth a return visit!

Remarkable women. Unforgettable stories. All in historical settings.

Visit www.karenhasley.com to learn more.