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The Laramie Series #4
Circled Heart
Meet a remarkable woman. Read an unforgettable love story. Johanna Swan is a survivor. She escaped death twice—as a child in China during the Boxer Uprising of 1900 and twelve years later as a young woman aboard the ocean liner Titanic. Now a forward-thinking suffragist and an heiress besides, Johanna intends to use her intelligence, energy, and fortune to help poor and immigrant women. Johanna manages life the way she manages her money. Invest sensibly. Never be obligated. Reduce risk. Keep control of your assets. But the emotional turmoil in her family and the growing confusion in her own heart when it comes to charismatic, sentimental and—she fears—deceitful Drew Gallagher are interfering with Johanna’s orderly existence. For all her logical decision making, it will be the shifting emotions of desire and despair that finally force Johanna to realize that love is more complex and life far less predictable than any business venture.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
229 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 16, 2021
Beautiful, haunting tale that begins the night of the sinking of the Titanic. This story has everything. Strong, suffragette heroine from a monied Chicago family, a charming and handsome younger brother who has inherited more money and responsibilities than he ever wanted, emotive prose, amazing dialog, colorful characters, and a character driven plot that I won’t likely soon forget. This is a MUST read.
*My sister recommended this to me. I confess the cover and the title put me off and, had I just stumbled upon it, I wouldn’t had picked this up to read. So glad she suggested it. I’m going to see what else this author has written. Brilliant!
*My sister recommended this to me. I confess the cover and the title put me off and, had I just stumbled upon it, I wouldn’t had picked this up to read. So glad she suggested it. I’m going to see what else this author has written. Brilliant!
January 11, 2021
This is a historical romance. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and enjoyed reading about the time period; starting with the sinking of the Titanic. I would have enjoyed more time on the Titanic however. Though the characters are well developed and her attention to detail and description is fantastic, I would have also liked more details about the suffrage movement. And one detail that was lost was what happened to the Anchorage house once she got married. I feel that should have been discussed rather than simply forgotten. The love story was predictable; however there were surprises in the life of her cousin. I have not read other books in this series; I enjoyed this book.
November 6, 2016
Best of the Series yet
I adore this book. Such depth of character development. I don't yet see how to fits into the series yet, but I'm looking forward to the next two books to see.
My favorite story so far.
I adore this book. Such depth of character development. I don't yet see how to fits into the series yet, but I'm looking forward to the next two books to see.
My favorite story so far.
March 13, 2021
The series is truly a joy!
How can you describe Karen Hadley the author? It's truly only to express my appreciation for her ability to track so many story lines, so many family groups, the geography of the families, the customs and morals of the time periods the dress of those times, the hair styles. It's just exhausting to even think about the research that went into this series. Well done ma'am! Very well done. I spent a whole week in the world created by Ms. Hasley when I was supposed to be doing a great deal of other things, thank you very much, but I was very sorry to read the last word. Thank you, for a great read!
How can you describe Karen Hadley the author? It's truly only to express my appreciation for her ability to track so many story lines, so many family groups, the geography of the families, the customs and morals of the time periods the dress of those times, the hair styles. It's just exhausting to even think about the research that went into this series. Well done ma'am! Very well done. I spent a whole week in the world created by Ms. Hasley when I was supposed to be doing a great deal of other things, thank you very much, but I was very sorry to read the last word. Thank you, for a great read!
October 14, 2025
Absolutely enchanting
What an incredible story! I haven’t enjoyed any book as much as this one, for a long while. I just loved every bit of it.
Such amazing characters, bright and engaging dialogue, and a story so diverse, realistic and interesting, that I couldn’t stop reading it and didn’t want it to end!
I became completely absorbed in Johanna’s life. I so loved her strength, her stubbornness, her passion and her compassion. So many emotions too. Grief, sadness, injustice, hope, laughter, and love.
A very well written story. Highly recommended.
What an incredible story! I haven’t enjoyed any book as much as this one, for a long while. I just loved every bit of it.
Such amazing characters, bright and engaging dialogue, and a story so diverse, realistic and interesting, that I couldn’t stop reading it and didn’t want it to end!
I became completely absorbed in Johanna’s life. I so loved her strength, her stubbornness, her passion and her compassion. So many emotions too. Grief, sadness, injustice, hope, laughter, and love.
A very well written story. Highly recommended.
March 9, 2021
This is the forth book I have read by Karen Hasley and all of them have been excellent. She is a tremendously talented writer. Her vocabulary and usage of prose is remarkable. This book is a historical fiction book with a large part being a bit of a romance. While romance is not something I particularly enjoy this book is done exceedingly well. I look forward to reading even more books by Karen Hasley.
May 10, 2021
One of the best novels....
I SO enjoyed everything about this novel. The characters were so well defined that I miss them terribly; the quick wit, the honesty, the growth and deep feelings of each person and especially of Joanna had me feeling lost after the beautiful conclusion of this even more beautiful story!
I highly recommend Circled Heart. It’s one of my favorite reads of all time.
I SO enjoyed everything about this novel. The characters were so well defined that I miss them terribly; the quick wit, the honesty, the growth and deep feelings of each person and especially of Joanna had me feeling lost after the beautiful conclusion of this even more beautiful story!
I highly recommend Circled Heart. It’s one of my favorite reads of all time.
May 25, 2022
Probably my favorite so far of the Laramie Series. Another strong female. Johanna refused to except the constraints dicated by early 20th centery social standards. Well developed and colorful characters, some likable, some not. Plot was fairly predictable, but enjoyable. Epilogue stretched on a unnecessarily too long. Felt as if the author felt the need to explain the meaning of the story..
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August 13, 2022
Another Great Read
This book is number four of the Laramie series, but the characters are far removed from the other characters in the series. The story takes place in 1920 Chicago, and it is a fun history lesson. The only familiar face is Drew Galaguar, brother of the villain from book three. Although the story strays from our favorite characters, Hasley introduces new charctersand develops Drew into a true hero! Bravo!
This book is number four of the Laramie series, but the characters are far removed from the other characters in the series. The story takes place in 1920 Chicago, and it is a fun history lesson. The only familiar face is Drew Galaguar, brother of the villain from book three. Although the story strays from our favorite characters, Hasley introduces new charctersand develops Drew into a true hero! Bravo!
March 17, 2021
I love this book. It is the first book I have read of Karen Hansley,but I will be looking for more books written by this author. I felt as if I was living as part of the family. It is a wonderful historic book from surviving from the sinking of the Titanic to the suffragettes to helping the disadvantaged . I can't wait to read another.
April 26, 2022
Curled Heart is a treasure.
From the beginning Johanna captured me. The writer has a way of telling a story that held my interest from the start. Drew was the perfect mate for her. I was completely entertained as they bantered back and forth in humorous verbal sparring. I highly recommend this book.
From the beginning Johanna captured me. The writer has a way of telling a story that held my interest from the start. Drew was the perfect mate for her. I was completely entertained as they bantered back and forth in humorous verbal sparring. I highly recommend this book.
April 3, 2018
Another lovely Life story.
Again I started this book and did not lay it down I read it all. I wanted to stay with These characters for a long time. I’m so happy with the lack of bad language and bad morals. I cry and I feel like I’ve lived the life after reading these books.
Again I started this book and did not lay it down I read it all. I wanted to stay with These characters for a long time. I’m so happy with the lack of bad language and bad morals. I cry and I feel like I’ve lived the life after reading these books.
May 9, 2018
Enjoyable Story and Characters
I enjoyed the depth of the chapters in this book the best in the series. I relate to Johanna on so many levels so her story resonated with me. The story line and setting was very different for the previous books in the series, but still enjoyable.
I enjoyed the depth of the chapters in this book the best in the series. I relate to Johanna on so many levels so her story resonated with me. The story line and setting was very different for the previous books in the series, but still enjoyable.
March 11, 2019
Great read
I. Have truly enjoyed this series of books. It has been hard to put them down once I started reading. I felt like I knew the characters in the book. The author was very realistic in her writing style, and made you free as if you knew the families involved.
I. Have truly enjoyed this series of books. It has been hard to put them down once I started reading. I felt like I knew the characters in the book. The author was very realistic in her writing style, and made you free as if you knew the families involved.
January 21, 2024
Best of a wonderful series…so far
Beautifully written story of loss, redemption and love. The character development is sublime and historical attitudes well drawn. Highly recommend.
Beautifully written story of loss, redemption and love. The character development is sublime and historical attitudes well drawn. Highly recommend.
December 26, 2025
good story
Once I started reading this book, I couldn’t put it down. After reading, It reminded me of Gone With the Wind and got tearful reading about Jennie’s predicament dealing with her pending marriage.
Once I started reading this book, I couldn’t put it down. After reading, It reminded me of Gone With the Wind and got tearful reading about Jennie’s predicament dealing with her pending marriage.
July 10, 2019
Another successful one!
Another resounding success in the Laramie series. Slow to start but tearful ending. I cannot wait to read book 5.
Another resounding success in the Laramie series. Slow to start but tearful ending. I cannot wait to read book 5.
July 30, 2019
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley
June 12, 2020
I enjoyed this book. I love the historical references to the Titanic and suffrage movement. Brings each event life. Slow to start, it didn't disappoint. On to book 5 of 6 in this series.
July 3, 2020
Engaging
I really enjoy this author's writing style. She makes is as if you are listening to someone from that time reminisce. Good thorough story too.
I really enjoy this author's writing style. She makes is as if you are listening to someone from that time reminisce. Good thorough story too.
September 24, 2020
Wonderful read. I just wish I had read them in order. At least, there is one more.
March 9, 2021
Epic story
Well written story of love and loss set in a time in our history that was constantly changing/evolving. Richly told and bold. Excellent character portrals.
Well written story of love and loss set in a time in our history that was constantly changing/evolving. Richly told and bold. Excellent character portrals.
March 9, 2021
Thanks
Enjoyed this book so much,the way it was written was flowing and easy to read, masterful constructed. Excellent, want to read more.
Enjoyed this book so much,the way it was written was flowing and easy to read, masterful constructed. Excellent, want to read more.
March 12, 2021
Compelling story.
March 19, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book. Each year I try to read something about the Titanic era. When I received this book I knew nothing about its connection to the Titanic. It was brief introduction to the story.
May 11, 2021
Wow. Just Wow.
December 30, 2021
Enjoying the 6 book series of historical fiction with strong female characters. This one just didn’t seem to have the same pull for me as the first three.
April 18, 2022
A Beautiful Love Story
A love story that is clean and compelling, it ended all to quickly. Karen Bradley once again wrote a wonderful love story you won't want to put down.
A love story that is clean and compelling, it ended all to quickly. Karen Bradley once again wrote a wonderful love story you won't want to put down.
July 2, 2021
This was a very enjoyable read. I felt some repetition in the relationship hiccups so down one star, but otherwise very well done.
February 16, 2017
Lovely story
This was such a lovely story to read. So many historic events but it was the friendship to love that highlighted the whole story. This was the first book in this series I read but I know I will order the others. I loved Karen's way of telling the story.
This was such a lovely story to read. So many historic events but it was the friendship to love that highlighted the whole story. This was the first book in this series I read but I know I will order the others. I loved Karen's way of telling the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews