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" offers mystery, history, and romance with an engaging, strong-minded woman at its center. Once you spend time in New Hope, Nebraska, you'll no doubt want to make a return visit. Well, you're in luck because book 2 of the series - "Surprised by Shadows" - is now available. Remarkable women. Unforgettable stories. All in historical settings. Visit www.karenhasley.com to learn more.