What do you think?
Rate this book
The Laramie Series #6
Smiling at Heaven
In the fall of 1919, Thea Hansen’s world seems to spiral out of control. First, her dearly loved father dies suddenly from the influenza epidemic sweeping across the globe. Then her brother, Lloyd, returns from The Great War transformed into a brooding stranger. Could it get any worse? Yes, indeed. With a brutal murder close to home and her brother as chief suspect, Thea’s wildly spinning world doesn’t look like it will slow down anytime soon. She’s lived in bucolic Blessing, Kansas, all her life, after all, and hasn’t had much experience with out-of-control worlds. Still, the bright and level-headed Thea knows a good thing when she sees it, and she sees it in the person of Augustus Davis. As her brother’s former commanding officer, Gus Davis knows Lloyd is no murderer and as a skilled attorney, he’s determined to prove it. Together, Thea and Gus will deal with unexpected malice and obsession, with assault and fear, with secrets and suspects, and in the end, ordinary little Blessing will hold a lot of shocks for Thea Hansen. Passions revealed. Lies uncovered. Murderers exposed. But what Thea is willing to do to keep her world balanced and her future settled may be the most surprising thing of all. ********************************************************************* Smiling at Heaven concludes where the first novel of Hasley’s Laramie Series began —in Blessing, Kansas. With 40 years between events in the first book and last, the story of the Davis family and their extended lives comes to a satisfying conclusion. **************************************** The Laramie Series 1. Lily’s Sister 2. Waiting for Hope 3. Where Home Is 4. Circled Heart 5. Gold Mountain 6. Smiling at Heaven
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2014
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 6, 2018
This book crosses many genres, historical fiction, romance, murder mystery, suspense. Set in Blessing, Kansas in 1919, after The Great War and during the beginnings of prohibition. I was confused twice when author wrote that characters were enjoying a cordial after dinner and also noted a bar in town that served beer and peanuts. the main premise of the plot was around a murder that was thought to be done over bootlegging and transporting liquor. Very confusing. Quick and enjoyable read. The author did often summarize unnecessarily in my opinion.
February 1, 2020
This is the final book in the Laramie Series. I am so sad to say goodbye to this wonderful series. Karen Hasley creates strong characters - both men and women - with terrific plots. Her historical research is truly impressive. And she tackles many of the social issues in the U.S. between the 1880's and post- World War I period, which makes each novel of the series rich and deep. Yet the social issues are seamlessly woven into the stories, and not like the author is on a soap box. This is story telling at its finest. I have read almost all of Ms. Hasley's books, and I have given several of them 5 stars, and the rest mostly 4 stars. I look forward to reading her future books, and re-reading the ones I've already read.
April 24, 2022
Historical fiction is my favorite genre. I didn’t realize this was the 6th in a series, but feel it was a great stand alone story. I love the author’s subtle hints at the romance(s) developing as the mystery unfolds. Fabulous plot twist near the end. While I kinda had an idea, the resolution was profound. I will read the other books in this series!
September 30, 2016
Smiling at Heaven
This series is one of the best stories I have read in many years. Beginning in post Civil War Kansas, each book introduces its own cast of characters, every one memorable. We follow history from both ends of America, through two world wars, until we end up back where it began in Kansas. This is not a dynasty story. Rather we begin each book with no clue how any of it is intertwined to the one before.
I began and planned to read these as I usually do, reading one and skipping to another couple of books before returning to the next one of this series. However, I realized at the end of Lily's sister that it would be impossible to do that with this series.
I would say to readers that they need to curl up in a comfortable chair and prepare to meet some of the strongest female characters you will ever know.
This series is one of the best stories I have read in many years. Beginning in post Civil War Kansas, each book introduces its own cast of characters, every one memorable. We follow history from both ends of America, through two world wars, until we end up back where it began in Kansas. This is not a dynasty story. Rather we begin each book with no clue how any of it is intertwined to the one before.
I began and planned to read these as I usually do, reading one and skipping to another couple of books before returning to the next one of this series. However, I realized at the end of Lily's sister that it would be impossible to do that with this series.
I would say to readers that they need to curl up in a comfortable chair and prepare to meet some of the strongest female characters you will ever know.
September 26, 2020
Thea runs the store in Blessing, Kansas, but has her a lot on her hands with her brother newly returned from the war in 1919. Lloyd is accused of murder and Thea enlists the aid of Lloyd's Captain and attorney from Laramie, Wyoming for his defense. The whole town is up in arm over the death of Rudy, who was one of 3 Blessing soldiers that served near each other in the war. Joe didn't return, so Lloyd is the only one left. Thea wants the murderer revealed and Lloyd not just declared not guilty. Romance is leaning in Thea and the Captain's direction. Lots of family ties and great friendships ...
November 3, 2017
Great ending to the Laramie series.
The author did a great job of weaving the characters together in this last book. She also does a good job of describing the cultures of the times and the societal issues throughout the entire series.
The author did a great job of weaving the characters together in this last book. She also does a good job of describing the cultures of the times and the societal issues throughout the entire series.
September 27, 2018
A complete joy
I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book, but I gave it a chance. I enjoyed the writing immensely. It flowed, the story was deceptively mysterious. It wasn't til near the end that I figured out whodunit.
I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book, but I gave it a chance. I enjoyed the writing immensely. It flowed, the story was deceptively mysterious. It wasn't til near the end that I figured out whodunit.
June 27, 2015
Enjoyable read recommend highly
Good book story contains history,romance, suspense and family. Keeps moving forward at a good pace. Easy to read and enjoyable
Good book story contains history,romance, suspense and family. Keeps moving forward at a good pace. Easy to read and enjoyable
November 23, 2025
Touching, real, and hearty
Karen Halsey has written one of the best books I’ve read this year. That’s saying something, because I also read the classics. She has a marvelous talent for emotion and character. Thea Hansen has depth and reality that we don’t often get to see. In 1919, when her war-damaged brother is suddenly accused of the murder of his best friend, Thea never wavers in her belief. At her brother’s insistence, she calls in his wartime Captain to defend him. What follows is anything but expected, but it is a paean to traditional values. The resolution kept me enthralled—and guessing—until nearly the last chapter. And then I cried. I love it when an author can do that.
Karen Halsey has written one of the best books I’ve read this year. That’s saying something, because I also read the classics. She has a marvelous talent for emotion and character. Thea Hansen has depth and reality that we don’t often get to see. In 1919, when her war-damaged brother is suddenly accused of the murder of his best friend, Thea never wavers in her belief. At her brother’s insistence, she calls in his wartime Captain to defend him. What follows is anything but expected, but it is a paean to traditional values. The resolution kept me enthralled—and guessing—until nearly the last chapter. And then I cried. I love it when an author can do that.
July 31, 2017
While this was my least favorite of the series, I truly did enjoy both main characters, Thea and Gus. I also liked how this story brought the series full circle back to the setting of the first book and gave the reader snippets of info about characters from previous books. I did not care much for the plot of this book; however, I thoroughly enjoyed this series as a whole and feel sad there are no further books.
January 31, 2018
Loved This Story
Ms Hasley is a wonderful storyteller. Main character Thea is a very strong, determined young woman who loves home and family. Her only brother comes home from WWI a very different man. He is accused of killing his good friend who he had served with in the war. Thea knows this is not possible but the evidence is damning. Enter Gus Davis as his lawyer. A novel filled with romance and danger. Hard to put down.
Ms Hasley is a wonderful storyteller. Main character Thea is a very strong, determined young woman who loves home and family. Her only brother comes home from WWI a very different man. He is accused of killing his good friend who he had served with in the war. Thea knows this is not possible but the evidence is damning. Enter Gus Davis as his lawyer. A novel filled with romance and danger. Hard to put down.
March 19, 2018
Murder in Blessing
After the Great War and the Great flu epidemic leaves Thea with her father gone and her brother home from the war in a shell shocked condition, her brother's best friend murdered and one of the favorite sons killed in the war. Her brother is arrested for the murder and Thea hires his old Captain to handle the lawyer needs while she plays detective to find the real killer and free her brother. Read on as this one has an ending you won't guess.
After the Great War and the Great flu epidemic leaves Thea with her father gone and her brother home from the war in a shell shocked condition, her brother's best friend murdered and one of the favorite sons killed in the war. Her brother is arrested for the murder and Thea hires his old Captain to handle the lawyer needs while she plays detective to find the real killer and free her brother. Read on as this one has an ending you won't guess.
May 17, 2022
Really enjoyed this book
I like how the story starts off in small town America shortly after the first world war has ended and the effects of this on various families. The has lost both her parents and shares the family home with her only brother, then a tragic event changes the lives of Thea as well as many others in the town. Well written and believable the whole way through, I recommend this book.
I like how the story starts off in small town America shortly after the first world war has ended and the effects of this on various families. The has lost both her parents and shares the family home with her only brother, then a tragic event changes the lives of Thea as well as many others in the town. Well written and believable the whole way through, I recommend this book.
January 7, 2019
Wow. This book draws you in!
I wasn't expecting to be so engrossed. The a is a complex character and Ms. Hadley does a love job of recreating that strange time just after WWI and the awakening g of possibilities for women. The love story is convincing and satisfying. I will be reading more by Ms. Hasley
I wasn't expecting to be so engrossed. The a is a complex character and Ms. Hadley does a love job of recreating that strange time just after WWI and the awakening g of possibilities for women. The love story is convincing and satisfying. I will be reading more by Ms. Hasley
September 16, 2023
A Wonderful Story
This is the first book I have read of this author, and the last of this series, but it is not the last book of hers I will read. It was an excellent book, and very well written. I loved the characters! There was a lot of mystery, as well as an interesting trial. A great read! I really enjoyed it.
This is the first book I have read of this author, and the last of this series, but it is not the last book of hers I will read. It was an excellent book, and very well written. I loved the characters! There was a lot of mystery, as well as an interesting trial. A great read! I really enjoyed it.
January 7, 2018
Smiling at Heaven
I ENJOYED THE BOOK. It was very interesting and kept my attention all the way through. I liked the fact that it did not have any bad language or immoral scenes in it.
I ENJOYED THE BOOK. It was very interesting and kept my attention all the way through. I liked the fact that it did not have any bad language or immoral scenes in it.
January 21, 2018
Excellent writing
Interesting insights within historical context. Story unfolds well. You care about the characters. Enjoyed\agreed with opinions about war, prohibition. Learned from anecdotal asides.
Interesting insights within historical context. Story unfolds well. You care about the characters. Enjoyed\agreed with opinions about war, prohibition. Learned from anecdotal asides.
February 1, 2018
Good characters, bad characters and everything in between!
A very intriguing plot with believable characters. This book will hold your interest from start to finish. Just about the time you believe you think you know how it will end a new twist gets thrown in. You will love it!
A very intriguing plot with believable characters. This book will hold your interest from start to finish. Just about the time you believe you think you know how it will end a new twist gets thrown in. You will love it!
February 2, 2018
A Strong Woman's Novel
A great story with well developed characters, in particular an independent, thoughtful, strong female character, Thea. It was interesting to engage in the story as Thea uncovers the true murderer and finds love.
A great story with well developed characters, in particular an independent, thoughtful, strong female character, Thea. It was interesting to engage in the story as Thea uncovers the true murderer and finds love.
February 17, 2018
The web's we weave!
A wonderfully related story of love and loyalty. A bittersweet account of how lives and hearts are affected, and sometimes twisted, by love and loss. Is it really true that all is fair in love and war?
A wonderfully related story of love and loyalty. A bittersweet account of how lives and hearts are affected, and sometimes twisted, by love and loss. Is it really true that all is fair in love and war?
April 6, 2018
The last of the wonderful Laramie series.
A small-town girl and a lot of lessons learned. This book sums up small-town life and goes through some of the sadness of war and PTSD. A good read the whole series was nice and I wanted to live in some of those places.
A small-town girl and a lot of lessons learned. This book sums up small-town life and goes through some of the sadness of war and PTSD. A good read the whole series was nice and I wanted to live in some of those places.
August 9, 2018
Read them all!
Good friends telling their stories of pride,love,problems and passions........the Laramie series brings to life a time past. Each book is a unique story but also intertwined, just as our own lives, with those who came before and follow us into the next generation.
Good friends telling their stories of pride,love,problems and passions........the Laramie series brings to life a time past. Each book is a unique story but also intertwined, just as our own lives, with those who came before and follow us into the next generation.
May 19, 2019
Excellent historical mystery romance
Well developed characters and enough twists in the plot to keep readers guessing makes this a novel that's hard to put down. A good feel for the WWI era and small time life in its glory and darkness.
Well developed characters and enough twists in the plot to keep readers guessing makes this a novel that's hard to put down. A good feel for the WWI era and small time life in its glory and darkness.
April 20, 2020
Wonderful book
This was well written, managing to bring to life the Kansas prairie and their way of life. I felt like I knew the people in the book and felt their grief and joy. Made me want to go home to Wichita and hug my sisters, brother, and parents.
This was well written, managing to bring to life the Kansas prairie and their way of life. I felt like I knew the people in the book and felt their grief and joy. Made me want to go home to Wichita and hug my sisters, brother, and parents.
June 24, 2020
Enjoyable
1919... Trying times for the world and the Hansen family in Blessing, Kansas. Gus Davis comes from Laramie and sorts out legalities, finds love and ties the start of the series to the end.
1919... Trying times for the world and the Hansen family in Blessing, Kansas. Gus Davis comes from Laramie and sorts out legalities, finds love and ties the start of the series to the end.
February 11, 2022
I knew exactly how it would end from the first few pages. This was the last in a series, but not necessarily a time order series. Could stand alone in its own. It was fine, just not as historically interesting as the rest in the series.
April 21, 2022
This was an excellent book. I have read a number of books by Karen Hasley and all of them have been wonderful. She is a terrific author who know how to use prose and vocabulary. Her stories are always well done. I look forward to reading more of her books.
April 25, 2022
Wonderful book
I found this book has depth in its characters , as well as the plot. I also found the theme encouraging in spite of how harsh life can be. I encourage everyone who likes historical fiction to read this.
I found this book has depth in its characters , as well as the plot. I also found the theme encouraging in spite of how harsh life can be. I encourage everyone who likes historical fiction to read this.
April 27, 2022
As The World Turns
A gutsy young woman who knows and speaks her mind gets caught up in family tragedy and begins to see the world around her in new ways as she opens her eyes to the tprealities around her. A love story intertwined with "history."
A gutsy young woman who knows and speaks her mind gets caught up in family tragedy and begins to see the world around her in new ways as she opens her eyes to the tprealities around her. A love story intertwined with "history."
May 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and discovered it was the last a series so immediately sought out the first.
The historical aspects, the mystery and the love match. Hope the rest of the series matches up to this one.
The historical aspects, the mystery and the love match. Hope the rest of the series matches up to this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews