*Lowercase denotes short stories or novellas; novels in uppercase
 
ADVENTURES IN AMETHYST SERIES
https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/adventures-in-amethyst-series.html
 
ADVENTURES IN AMETHYST SERIES Anthology, Book 1
 
5 Angels and FAR Recommended Read Award! "Each of these stories is wonderful. I love anthologies, especially when there is a mix of genres in the volume. The two suspenseful stories are a good balance for the two romances. The unifying thread in these four stories is the setting, Amethyst. I have to say that the setting is so original that it's a character on its own. I would gladly love a first-hand look at Amethyst, especially the pristine lake. Another strength that flows through these four stories is the way this author writes her characters, so filled with human emotion in such a wide range. From the nervous assistant who wonders what she'll do now that her boss is letting her go, to the client who is so furious his anger oozes onto the page, to the sweet, animal-loving little boy who captured my heart, I felt a connection to the characters in this book. I wanted happy things for the good ones and waited for the creepy guys to get their due! This is a very entertaining volume, one I highly recommend reading." ~Fallen Angel Reviews
 
5 Flags! "With a strong helping of romance, hope, and optimist, this story will truly leave the reader hungering for more. Well-paced plot and sympathetic characterization rule the roost, and there's a wealth of imagination presented for the reader's delectation." ~EuroReviews
 
5 Stars! “The awesome Adventures in Amethyst dramas contain diverse, fully developed females dealing with personal crises but also supported in differing ways by their men. This is a splendid anthology.” ~Harriet Klausner
 
5 Stars! “I fell in love with the town of Amethyst and the people. I eagerly await what comes next!” ~Linda’s Reviews
 
4.5 Stars! "After reading this first collection of stories, I was thrilled to learn that there are more books coming about them and the town of Amethyst. This is a fast read and really comes together well. I can't wait for the next installment in the Adventures in Amethyst Series." ~Once Upon A Romance Review
 
4 1/2 Books! "Wiesner uses finely tuned skills to draw the reader in and make you live the stories. She tugs at your heartstrings, pumps your adrenaline, and sends you falling into love--all with a masterful attack of words." ~Long and Short Reviews
 
2014 BTSemag Red Carpet Book Award Nominee and 4 Stars! “A delightful stroll through a country town with characters loosely linked together through the different tales. Each story was delightful, romantic and complete. I felt I knew the town and characters completely by the end of the first story and fell deeper into their lives. By the last story, I almost became a citizen of Amethyst myself. Wiesner has a true gift and it shines through in these stories.” ~BTSemag
 
4 Stars! "Much of the first two stories deals with setting up various characters with their past histories. A small section sets the groundwork for a bad guy who will appear in the next tale. The romance between Melina and Scott continues through the first two offerings and there's a lot of suspense mixed into the second. Melina’s sister, Lona, gets more of her past told in the third story. The author certainly knows how to build drama! I loved it! Christmas in Amethyst is worthy of 5 stars! Wow! This entire story covers a single day, beginning early in the morning of Christmas Eve. Dev is a darling boy and has had cameos throughout the other tales. It is wonderful to finally see his mother get her own story told. Jeb is just awesome and I personally felt that Sheila should have snatched him up much sooner. I, as the reader, got to meet Travis too. I am happy to say that I do not know any man as immature and irresponsible as him. Of all the stories in this volume, this one is the best!" ~Huntress Reviews
 
4 Hearts and 2005 and 2006 The Romance Studio CAPA Award Nominee! "Two traditional romances, two tales of suspense--the tiny town of Amethyst has enough tales to keep the reader engaged. The continuing threads and characters make for a most enjoyable read. The characters are engaging--especially Sheila's adorable child Devlin. Author Wiesner lets the reader know you can go home again." ~The Romance Studio
 
"Wiesner has created a wonderful town with colorful characters and continuous excitement. Her vivid descriptions make the main characters come alive. The men who live in Amethyst are sexy and powerful. Don't miss the wonderful town of Amethyst and the colorful townspeople that live there." ~Writers Unlimited
 
A Rose for Romeo. Adventures in Amethyst Series Anthology, Book 1
 
5 Hearts! "Memorable characters that leave the reader wanting more." ~Love Romances
 
4.5 Blue Ribbons! "Captured my heart. I was completely hooked. A definite must-read if you crave romance." ~Romance Junkies
 
4 1/2 Books! "I enjoyed getting a behind-the-scenes look at the secret life of a psychologist. It revealed the struggles that can arise from being unable to separate your professional and personal life. The fear and depression that Melina suffers from, having taken on the problems of her clients, gave a refreshing look at this profession and the hurdles it can cause in one's life." ~Long and Short Reviews
 
4 Cups! "A wonderful romance which will warm your heart with a smile. Very creative and entertaining, well written and with wonderful characters that will keep you riveted until the end." ~Coffee Time Romance & More
 
 “I liked the strong characterizations of Melina and Romeo. Particularly in the beginning of the story, Melina becomes a real person very quickly. A real person with issues, however, and those issues play a central role both in the story and in the reader’s appreciation for the story. A quick and pleasant read." ~WRDF Reviews
 
"If you are looking for a relaxing read then this is a book you are not going to want to miss.  Engrossing!  The only disappointment is you won't be able to get enough of these characters." ~MyShelf.com
 
Revenge in Amethyst (sequel to A Rose for Romeo), Adventures in Amethyst Series Anthology, Book 1
 
5 Angels and Fallen Angel Reviews Recommended Read Award Winner! “Set aside some time before you delve into this story. You will not want to put it down. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.” ~Fallen Angel Reviews
 
5 Hearts! "Memorable characters that leave the reader wanting more." ~Love Romances
 
5 Flags! "Meets the same high standards as the earlier story." ~EuroReviews
 
4 1/2 Books! "Karen Wiesner takes a bold step by wading into dark waters. The antagonists in this story isn't your average, selfish, greedy people. They are psychopaths, whose choices and decisions cannot be rationalized or explained. This made for a very unique and interesting story with unexpected twists." ~Long and Short Reviews
 
4.25 stars! "Ms. Wiesner did an excellent job of bringing the thriller portion of this romantic thriller to life. I have said before that Ms. Wiesner surprises me with the depth of her writing and this was no exception. The story builds layer after layer of suspense and concern. I stayed up extra late trying to finish the story before falling asleep. I was glad to get more of Scott and Melina's story this time. This second story gave me that sense of completion. For those who haven't read the first story, you'll catch on and catch up without any trouble---but I think this series begs to be read in its entirety. I look forward to more adventures from this quirky town." ~Once Upon A Romance Review
 
"An edge-of-the-seat read." ~Rolling Seas Reviews
 
"Breathtaking fear and action!" ~Long and Short Reviews
 
Reckless Rose, Adventures in Amethyst Series Anthology, Book 1
 
5 Angels and Fallen Angel Reviews Recommended Read Award! "The setting in this series is so original it's a character on its own. Another strength that flows through the stories is the way the author writes her characters so filled with human emotion. I felt a connection to them and wanted a happy ending. I highly recommend reading Adventures in Amethyst Series." ~Fallen Angel Reviews
4 1/2 Books! "Lona was a character I started out not liking at all, but by the end of the story I felt a strong compassion for her. I think everyone can identify with Lona. Each person has made mistakes in their life and had to face the consequences. This is a powerful story of learning to live despite them." ~Long and Short Reviews
 
4 Stars! "A poignant story where the bad girl became a decent girl, one who deserves to be loved by a great man. My only complaint was that this novella was so short. Karen did a great job of getting the story filled out so it doesn't lack anything, but I still wanted more. I wanted more time to see them fight each other and fight the township. I could have read about Lona and Reece all night long. I think you are in for a real treat. You won't be able to put this down." ~Once Upon A Romance Review
 
"Ms. Wiesner has created a wonderful town with colorful characters and continuous excitement. Amethyst is a small town riddled with jealousy, mystery and romance. Her vivid descriptions make the main characters come alive. The rivalry between the two sisters, Melina and Lona Rose, is totally believable. The men who live in Amethyst are sexy and powerful. Don't miss the wonderful town of Amethyst where anything is possible and the colorful townspeople that live there." ~Writers Unlimited
 
Christmas in Amethyst, Adventures in Amethyst Series Anthology, Book 1
 
5 Angels and Fallen Angel Reviews Recommended Read Award! "A suspense filled thriller, an unlikely sort of Christmas story but heartwarming. I wanted happy things for the good ones and waited for the creepy guys to get their due! I highly recommend." ~Fallen Angel Reviews
 
4 1/2 Books! "Sheila is a character easy to relate to. Wiesner takes a bold step by wading into dark waters. This made for a very unique and interesting story with unexpected twists. I read this one late at night and found myself peeking around dark corners long after the book was finished. The author uses finely tuned skills to draw the reader in." ~Long and Short Reviews
 
4 Stars! "This story gives wonderful insight to the human mind and how we can so easily misinterpret what happens around us. Without giving away too much plot, a dangerous situation arises after Sheila gets off work. Can Jeb reach her in time? Will they ever get to share their true thoughts? You won't be able to put this one down. It picks up speed, and you'll stay up all night to finish the story." ~Once Upon A Romance Review
 
4 Stars! "This is a short story, with a good plot line, well written. I enjoyed the book and look forward to more from this author." ~bettysunflower on Amazon
 
TIL SUMMER COMES AROUND, Book 2
 
5 Stars! “With a nod to the classic Cary Grant-Deborah Kerr An Affair to Remember, the fifth Adventures in Amethyst is a delightful second chance contemporary romance. Readers will root for the warm lead couple to make it; while booing the amoral Wooten siblings (Summer was married to Apple’s brother Clay).” ~Harriet Klausner
 
5 Stars! “I can't get enough of this series! I liked that Quinn would wait until Summer kept her promise to return to him even though it took four years, a devastating loss, the betrayal of her friend Apple, and the shocking dismissal of her marriage to Apple's brother. Once Summer is cleared of the crime, her boss tells her to take time off to clear her head so she can take the New York bar exam to become a lawyer and fulfill her dream. Summer heads back to Amethyst, Wisconsin to keep her promise to Quinn but, not knowing what to expect, she's shocked he waited so long for her. She realizes she’s always loved him and, even though she has a dark secret about why she never called or returned to him, she feels she wasn't good enough to deserve Quinn's love.” ~Linda’s Reviews
 
4 Stars! “I've never seen a couple more perfect for each other than Quinn and Summer. Once you finish this tale, you'll want to look up the previous title, too. Wiesner has created a magical town and filled it with such an interesting cast of characters, I wished more than once the place was real so that I could go visit.” ~Huntress Reviews
 
4 Stars! "The Adventures in Amethyst Series books are interconnected yet they truly stand alone. This book was a fast read, very relaxing, and I enjoyed the entire story." ~Once Upon a Romance Reviews
 
“I was on pins and needles wondering if Summer would make it in to town before Quinn left.  I enjoyed reading this. Quinn is a wonderful, gentle hero and is a perfect match for Summer.  The anticipation of their reunion really added a lot of suspense. Their happy ending is certainly well deserved. Fans of contemporary romance would do well to give this story a try.” ~Long and Short Reviews
 
ROSE AND THORN {sequel to Reckless Rose}, Book 3
 
5 Stars! “Have you ever wanted to smack the taste out of someone's mouth? Well, I did as I wanted to pounce on Reece and Angelina, and maybe a little, lighter smack Lona for being so stupid to hide her illness from the man she loves! Now you know a book is good when you start yelling at people who don't exist. I can't wait to read the next book!” ~Linda’s Reviews
 
4.5 Stars! “Wiesner has done a terrific job in showing all sides in this emotional rollercoaster ride of a story. All the characters are well developed and realistic. I felt my heart overflow with happiness and break with sorrow. Highly recommended.” ~Huntress Reviews
 
BRIAR'S PATCH, Book 4
 
5 Stars! “I loved Briar and Roman's story. After years of waiting, I liked that Briar finally could think about herself now that her parents were deceased, and at the age of forty-seven this virgin wanted a baby as her biological clock was ticking! With few choices when it came to men in her tiny town, her only hope was to convince Roman she wanted his baby. I liked that Roman was an old-fashioned man who stood by his morals of right and wrong, even though he was a widower with a teenaged daughter he wanted to set a good example for. How can he convince Briar that she’d always been his first choice?” ~Linda’s Reviews
 
4 Stars! "I was thrilled to return to Amethyst and witness another couple come together. In a small way, this story reminds me of Beauty and the Beast, which I've always adored. The hero has a little extra weight and his hair is thinning, but the heroine only cares about who he is on the inside. The author's writing style is easy to read. Readers will sigh in satisfaction." ~Huntress Reviews
 
FOR AULD LANG SYNE, Book 5
 
5 Stars! “Have you ever in your life wanted to slap the taste out of some parents’ mouth? Well, I wanted to with the Wootens’ Senior! Clay and his sister Apple have never known love--only their mom's controlling ways and their dad’s kowtowing to his wife. Clay Wooten was expected to join the family law firm even though he hated the injustice involved practicing law, as was Apple, who had little aptitude for anything but her self-destructive vices. Once his mom got the notion about just who she wanted Clay to marry, he married a woman he didn't love or want. It was only after his divorce and a string of women with no more expectations than he had for a relationship that Clay began to understand what true love was with shy, small town girl Harper Marasek from Amethyst, Wisconsin, who came to work at the firm after graduating college. Harper must have felt liked a fish out of water in The Big Apple, where you get run over unless you keep up! Poor Harper has it bad for Clay, despite knowing his womanizing reputation, but when she decides to go home and get engaged to her ex-boyfriend, Clay had to choose whether to fight for the woman loves or let her go forever. I admired Harper for being brave and taking on New York City, as I could never ever do it. I was appalled at Clay's conduct with women, his kowtowing to his overbearing mother, but, when it was time for him to step up and to be a man, he did an amazing deed for love.” ~Linda's Reviews
 
4 Stars! “I must admit that Clay has a way with words. It comes in handy with Harper since she is so nice and too hooked on Clay for her own good. It made for some compelling reading. (In fact, I was on a cruise when I began reading this story and spent an entire afternoon in my cabin reading this book when I should have been on deck in a swimming pool.) The character of Harper needs to put herself before others more often. She is too selfless. The character of Clay needs to learn to stand up to his mother. One thing is for sure, when these two characters finally become organized, they are perfect for each other. Great Spring reading.” ~Huntress Reviews
 
FORBIDDEN FRUIT, Book 6
 
5 Stars! “Have tissues in hand because there is a lot of soul-searching and crying in this hard-core story that deals with drugs, alcohol, neglect, and betrayals. There are a few other things from Apple’s past coming back to haunt her that I won’t mention, but they add a bit more drama to the story. If you can put yourself in Apple’s shoes and honestly feel her regret, you will tear up several times as the story flows around you. Apple’s family and Bay’s family are polar opposites. Where Apple’s parents only used her, Bay’s family is close-knit, though temporarily in a sibling fight. When Bailey’s family gets together, you can feel the warmth and camaraderie. Wiesner writes in a sneaky way. The emotions flowed through me with no warning, leaving me at the mercy of her imagination. Thank goodness she believes in happily-ever-afters.” ~Huntress Reviews
 
5 Stars! “After being pampered all of her life by nannies, Apple's older brother Clay became her guardian once he was old enough, since their parents were never there for them. Her last rehab was working, she was finally getting herself together, when her mother pulled her out, insisting she got to Clay in Amethyst, WI, where he settled down with his new bride Harper. Apple’s orders were to bring him back to New York by any means necessary! I liked that Apple was so hesitant to do her mother’s dirty work, especially once she saw how happy Clay was with a baby on the way. I had to give Bay kudos for unconsciously waiting for Apple for so long, certain she was the one for him. I loved how he called her ‘Barbie Doll’ and how he protected her against her own naiveté in a world she had no skills to navigate on her own.” ~Linda's Reviews
 
BLAME IT ON THE RAIN, Book 7
 
5 Stars! “With a very large family, Tally is a lifer in the small resort town of Amethyst, WI. She has a long distance love affair with Adam Schaefer, an airline pilot who can only be there for a day or two before he has to return to his job. His absence leaves her lonely, missing him, and wondering if their love is really meant to be. She waited patiently for years, watching every other couple get married and start a family. Often, she goes to best friend, Donnie, who will do anything for her. Whenever Tally says she needs him, Donnie Garner drops everything for her. Tally is his best friend and he'd do anything to make her happy. BLAME IT ON THE RAIN is a feel-good story that left me wanting more and needing to know what happens next in Amethyst.” ~Linda's Reviews
 
4 Stars! “Brava! Wiesner not only creates likeable characters but also give them flaws, making them more human and more realistic. That Tally’s character remained faithful the eight years she dated Adam is something I find amazing. Few can boast such good behavior…yet when she’s finally with Donnie…I see Tally’s character in a different light. As I said, I find it amazing she remained faithful for so long. That speaks volumes to me on how much she values her relationships. Not to mention how much she cares for her family and her wonderful work ethic. Donnie and Adam’s lives could not have been more opposite. Adam lies so easily and convincingly, yet he really does intend to marry Tally…someday. Donnie keeps the truth of Adam’s cheating to himself so as not to hurt Tally. Hurting her is just unbearable to him. The author follows Tally and Donnie in Amethyst but manages to give Adam face time and phone time. She shows how hectic a pilot’s life can be, especially if one is trying to climb in rank. This triangle relationship is more complex than most I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about it. Brava!” ~Huntress Reviews
 
Adventures in Amethyst Trio of Holiday Romances (3 novels in one volume)
 
“I read the Adventures in Amethyst Trio of Holiday Romances collection--including NEVER A BRIDE (Book 8), UNLUCKY IN LOVE (Book 9), and SHOTGUN WEDDING (Book 10)--back-to-back since these books are interconnected. While each story stands alone, readers don’t have to read them all to fully enjoy. However, if you read all three, I believe you’ll feel more satisfied. There is very little from this author that I haven’t fully enjoyed. Karen Wiesner is a terrific storyteller who’s able to show the reader all the inner turmoil her main characters experience.” ~Huntress Reviews
 
NEVER A BRIDE, Book 8
 
5 Stars! “In NEVER A BRIDE, Charlize Seagrave came from an anything-but-happy upbringing. The one bright spot had been her grandmother, who just died. In retrospect, she regrets that she didn’t cherish the little love she’d been given the way she should have. It was easy to feel sympathy for Charlize and the poor choices she made when she was younger.  Ben Johnson is a caring, sensitive man--nothing like Charlize’s psychotic ex-. Being that kind of person, he goes above and beyond with his selfish ex-girlfriend even when maybe he should have given up long ago. Charlize and Ben both deserved happiness, and it was exciting to see the path they took toward each other and a happily-ever-after neither actually expected. I look forward to the next in the series.” ~Linda's Reviews
 
4 Stars! "In NEVER A BRIDE, Charlize coming back into his life was the best thing to ever happen to Ben. (And for Charlize.) I enjoyed this story very much. Just a hint of danger kept things interesting. I kept reading long past my bedtime to see what would happen next.  There is very little from this author that I have not fully enjoyed. Karen Wiesner is a terrific storyteller who is able to show the reader all the inner turmoil that her main characters are experiencing. I understand that Layla's story [UNLUCKY IN LOVE] will be next. Here is hoping that the lady changes her ways." ~Huntress Reviews
 
UNLUCKY IN LOVE, Book 9
 
5 Stars! “In UNLUCKY IN LOVE, Tally (the heroine in BLAME IT ON THE RAIN, Book 10) remained a good friend despite that Layla did her brother Benji (hero in NEVER A BRIDE, Book 11) wrong in the past. Layla started out believing she was the catch of the county, determined to reclaim the man she wanted to be the one for her. Facing that it was too late might have been the hardest thing she’s ever done except that right now she needs to learn how to put aside her own selfishness and figure out what matters in life. In Book 10, Adam was anything but a hero, but, in Book 12, he’s been through a lot and come out the other side, painfully aware of his unforgivable mistakes in the past. He’s no longer the same jerk who loved Tally and cheated on her as if that wasn’t a conflict. In the process of changing his ways, his feelings have also taken a 180. Returning to the place where his bad deeds blew up in his face is an eye-opener as nothing else could be. In this tale of redemption, two former villains discover that the road to recovery is a long, life-altering one, just as ever finding happiness…and love…again will be.” ~Linda's Reviews
 
“Layla and Adam both rush back to Amethyst, determined to break up the new love interests their former girlfriend/boyfriend have. Instead, the author, in her devious way, pushes Layla and Adam together by making the weather extremely wintery and ensuring that there is only one cabin for rent in the area, so they must share it. The pair do a lot of talking, comparing, and soul searching. I enjoyed watching them bond, realize and accept their faults, and commit to some changes. Worth your time and money.” ~Huntress Reviews
 
SHOTGUN WEDDING, Book 10
 
5 Stars! “In SHOTGUN WEDDING, Trevor’s bygone downfall in the form in Delaney, a hot divorcee, returns to him like a harbinger ghost of Christmas past. His wife Eden questions if his pledge to never again make a fool of himself--or her--over Delaney was just a pie-crust promise to convince her not to divorce him last time. I really felt for Eden as she struggled with the situation and her own self-worth and self-respect. Trevor is as clueless about women as he is about technology, but he’s made up for his mistakes in the past and he’s been working so hard to do right by his siblings who run the resort with him that he may have overlooked his immediate family of  late. Ultimately, his heart was in the right place, and I couldn’t help loving him for that. This is a fun, feel-good holiday story with an intriguing little twist I didn’t see coming at the end.” ~Linda’s Reviews
 
5 Stars! “Of the three stories in the Adventures in Amethyst Trio of Holiday Romances collection, SHOTGUN WEDDING is my favorite. The author manages to convey what each character is going through. The emotions really hit home to me. Many readers will feel an instant connection to Eden since she deals with battling her weight and low self-esteem. All of us have felt that way at some time or another in our lives. The author even shows how the actions of adults can affect the children. This is a wonderful tale of love, uncertainty, remorse, and people striving to do better. Fantastic!” ~Huntress Reviews