Where Home Is

The Laramie Series #3

by Karen J. Hasley

The year is 1910. Katherine Davis, M.D. is an intelligent, self-assured, and attractive woman whose confidence perfectly reflects the confidence of a new century overflowing with scientific, medical, and technological breakthroughs. Without a moment's hesitation, young Dr. Davis accepts the professional invitation of a lifetime when she travels to Chicago's Hull-House to work with the celebrated social reformer, Jane Addams. Katherine is an excellent doctor eager to make a difference in the world and the people around her, and Chicago's crowded tenements with their burgeoning immigrant population offer just that opportunity. Everything Katherine believes about right and wrong, about good and evil she learned from her parents and the secure childhood they gave her. But times have changed, and Katherine can no longer rely on the values of the past. She has outgrown that past and the home of her childhood seems outdated and old-fashioned compared to the progressive society around her. She's an independent woman, who must make her own way and follow her own ideals. When Katherine meets the dazzling Douglas Gallagher, a man as confident and as fearless as she, a successful man who has left his own past behind, an uncompromising-even ruthless-man, she is asked to choose between her past and her future. And the choice is so much more complicated than she expected! Because for Katherine, deciding where-and who-home really is will change her forever. And for good.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Historical, Ebooks, 20th Century, Westerns

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2008

Reviews

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story did what I want every historical novel to do-- make me want to know the factual details. I didn't know much about Hull House so I did extra reading. It was well-written, addressed important issues of the era, and had a good story. I know it's a series, but it is a stand-alone book. I assume the other books tell about the other family members. Loved it.

[Kasi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started slow and almost lost interest but all the great reviews kept me going. Turns out I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be reading the rest of the series including the two previous ones.

[Kathleen E. Apodaca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Home is in the heart of a family

This quaint romance tells the story of one young woman's life. I found the story to be historically appropriate. As I am a former resident of Laramie, I found the portrayal of this family in this location to be simplistic. Laramie had a much more diverse and realistic lifestyle.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The year is 1910. Katherine Davis, M.D. is an intelligent, self-assured, and attractive woman whose confidence perfectly reflects the confidence of a new century overflowing with scientific, medical, and technological breakthroughs. Without a moment's hesitation, young Dr. Davis accepts the professional invitation of a lifetime when she travels to Chicago's Hull-House to work with the celebrated social reformer, Jane Addams. Katherine is an excellent doctor eager to make a difference in the world and the people around her, and Chicago's crowded tenements with their burgeoning immigrant population offer just that opportunity. Everything Katherine believes about right and wrong, about good and evil she learned from her parents and the secure childhood they gave her. But times have changed, and Katherine can no longer rely on the values of the past. She has outgrown that past and the home of her childhood se

ems outdated and old-fashioned compared to the progressive society around her. She's an independent woman, who must make her own way and follow her own ideals. When Katherine meets the dazzling Douglas Gallagher, a man as confident and as fearless as she, a successful man who has left his own past behind, an uncompromising-even ruthless-man, she is asked to choose between her past and her future. And the choice is so much more complicated than she expected! Because for Katherine, deciding where-and who-home really is will change her forever. And for good.

[Billie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of a young girl who leaves home in Wyoming to become a doctor Upon graduation she is offered an opportunity to work in Chicago for a year to further her experience.
Quite a shock to her to experience the poverty and squalid iving conditions many of her patients endure

She is befriended by a very rich man who showered her with expensive gifts and fancy dinners. She doesn't want to let herself fall in love since she really wants to finish her year and return to Wyoming. Something inside of her tells her something isn't right with him but she can't put her finger on it

In her last weeks in Chicago he proposes but she holds off with an answer. Without giving away details she finds her gut feelings were right all along and she returns to family on a ranch in Wyoming and eventually starts her own practice...which isn't easy since women doctors were not looked on favorably.

Her "friend" from Chicago visits still trying to change her mind but she has seen him for what he truly is and declines. She does find true love in the least likely person

This was a fun read

[Mary Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book about a young woman, Katherine, who studied and became a doctor in the early 1900's. The main part of the book followed Katherine through her year of service at Hull House in Chicago. Since this was historical fiction I felt compelled to look up the actual history of the Hull House and the services it provided. Katherine and the other women of Hull House were definitely pioneers - independent women way at a time when women were expected to marry and have a family at a young age and not have a career of their own. Although parts of the story concerning Katherine's personal life maybe fell into place a little too easily, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in historical fiction. Even though it is the first book of a series, it definitely stands on its own with no loose ends.

[Dianne Baldwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed

I really wanted to like this book. The description sounded like a historical novel about medicine in the early days of the 20th century. Sadly after a promising beginning the story turned into a predictable romance novel. I don’t mind a little romance if it moves the plot forward and reveals important facets of the characters, but I want something more mentally and emotionally challenging than struggling through the ups and downs of young love. The writing is fairly good and I appreciated some nice descriptions of my home state, Wyoming. People who like romance novels would probably enjoy this novel but if you’re more interested in learning something about history give it a pass.

[Chris Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

A talented writer

Talented writing, an excellent writer - I marveled at this outstanding writing. Hasley is one of the premier authors of our time. From the beginning of this third in her Laramie Series, the reader is drawn in by the matter of fact dialogue and well developed characters. From motivation to actualization we enthusiastically following the path of this young woman through her journey to become a doctor, a contributor to the health and wellbeing of others as was manifested at the Hull House. History comes to life in this accurate but fictional period piece. Recommended!

[Susan P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction set in 1910 Chicago, the first half of this book was really interesting. Katherine Davis, M.D., accepts an invitation to work with social reformer Jane Addams at Chicago's Hull-House, a social settlement where diverse immigrant communities gather to learn and to acquire the necessary skills to succeed in their new country. The second half of the book, where Katherine moves back home to Laramie, Wyoming, was just too predictable and the storyline was repetitious.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful mix of history, family ethics, women in the medical field in the early 1900's, romance (but not the gooey kind), and most of all coming home. So many interesting facts and details woven into a story that will stay with you for a long time. This book is part of a series but STANDS ALONE.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doing what is right

Katherine is a strong woman in a time when it was just becoming accepted. Being a social worker the setting of Hull House and bringing Jane,Addams into the story was very compelling. Ultimately this is a story of family, love and selflessness. Didn't know it was part of a series but it stands on its own.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me with its depth and character development. It was a romance but also a look into the life of a changing woman in the early 1900's. Although I knew early on where she was headed, the journey was adventurous and worth the read.

[Phyllis C Surface · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

I enjoyed the book and story line as each character slowly evolved in each chapter. No cussing or sex scenes which was rather refreshing for a change. Main character was ahead of her time but knew what she needed out of life to be complete and went for it

[David Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not normally a romance reader, but the premise of the female protagonist being a doctor in the Jane Addams Hull House intrigued me since I’m a social worker. I’ll have to be selective of romances I read in the future, but this was a fun change of pace!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book ....not only the medical aspect , but the characters and story as well . Gotta love historical fiction ;-)

[Lindsay Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This was a great book! Very strong characters and a good plot. It was a fantastic story peppered with history, medicine, intrigue and love.

[Miss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Family

It's not really my kind of book, but it's a sweet read if you like romance and strong minded women.

[AF Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it very interesting to read a book about a young woman from a far different time than the one in which we live. The trials and tribulations as she became the physician and woman she grew to become was rich with detail and absorbing. I loved the fact that a very formative year took place at Hull-House - the place itself so historic and astounding.

What really held me and blew me away was the epilogue in which the story's main character, Katherine, brought all the multiple details together...such as what happened to Petra, Drew Gallagher, her parents and family members - that alone contained some absorbingly profound ideas, ideals and thoughts. I found this to be a wholly satisfying read.

I read book #2 in the series - that was so good that I wanted to read #3 in the series that I purchased this one. To my way of thinking - this was where the series could end with any reader being satisfied. The difference in the depth of the writing between books 2 and 3 really blew me away; it's as though Karen Hasley found her footing or her writing stride. Beautiful book, profound self awareness and recognition of who the main character is and was is just brilliant.

Thank you, Ms. Hasley. I am in awe and much appreciative of your literary efforts.

[RedRedtheycallmeRed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've not read this whole series, just the first book, and this one features "Lou's" daughter Katherine, who knew she wanted to be a doctor at a very early age. After medical school she gets chosen to work for a year at Hull House in Chicago, bringing a bit of actual history into the story.

I very much liked reading about early 20th century medicine, and how Hull House helped the poor in the city. I liked the romance aspect of the book less so, I couldn't quite figure out what they saw in each other.

The epilogue was both sweet and sad.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enriching and Lovely

Learned a lot about the daily lives of those who lived in this time frame and the obstacles women and those living in poverty in Chicago faced. Gave glimpses into how new technologies and changing beliefs changed lives, particularly corsets verses pants for women! I fully enjoyed how the story line twisted and turned, yet brought Katherine home!I

This book brought injustices to light through storytelling, no preaching here!

Get your tissues ready!!!

[Karolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Truly an endearing historical romance. I really enjoyed the fierce determination of a young woman in the early 1900’s finding her way, having a voice. And the impact she had on those around her. I also related with her slide of confidence. It takes a special relationship with those you love to stand true to who you are and be accepted without doubt. This story brings that to the forefront of relationships. So so good!

[Sarah Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Girl power and family

This book sums up a typical woman's coming of age, wanting independence but then realizing just how important family is. This book kept my interest the entire time, involving Katherine adventures, relationships, and life lessons she learns. I highly recommend this book to any young lady.

[JenV · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first 3 books in this series have been great reads with good storytelling and interesting characters! These characters have really touched me and I've found myself with both smiles and tears at different junctures. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series and getting a glimpse of more of the characters.

[Kay Chambers nusz schlabach · Rating 5 out of 5]

A place I did not want to leave.

If you want to read a book where you feel like home and you cry and laugh with the family as they grow. Where it feels good when people prevail and do what they want in life then this is the book for you. Such a feel good and moving book that I read in one sitting because I could not put it down.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book. It started as a great story about a young women working to become a doctor. Over time it developed more into family/love story. It is listed as historical fiction and while that is accurate it should probably also be listed as women's fiction. This is the second book I have read by Karen Hasley, she is very talented and I will read other books by her.

[Carol Taylor burlew · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are at all a fan of historical fiction, this author is for you! This is the third in a series of six, but the books can stand alone out of order. I learned about Hull House in Chicago, an idea that was started by a Nobel Peace Prize winning woman, in the early 1900’s. The settings and characters were well written and I look forward to reading the rest in the Laramie series.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book! Though the arc of the main character was apparent from the beginning, especially since it is part of a series about Laramie, the events along the way made the story interesting and intiguing. In the end I was torn between ratings 3 and 4 because of the extremely saccharine ending. I need a happy ending, but this went a bit over the top for me.

[Erica Voolich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book -- historically correct, set at Hull House for most of the novel in 1910 with Dr Katherine Davis. Real issues, people in novel seemed so real, it "could have been" an autobiography since it was written in first person.

[Eva Wilkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Hooked on the Laramie series.

I love the characters in this series. An easy read with the author bringing the characters to life and making you feel like you are living at that time in history.

[Dewey Carroll Brackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping story!

This was a gripping story set in the early 1900's of a young female doctor in Chicago. She accepts a position at Hull House for one year. This is a great historical novel that follows her throughout her life where she finally finds "where home is."