Award-winning author and historian Karen Harvey invites readers on a captivating journey through mystery, history, and emotional healing with the release of her debut novel, Amanita’s Sin. Drawing inspiration from real historical figures and authentic diary entries, Harvey crafts a powerful story that bridges the past and present while exploring themes of forgiveness, hope, and personal redemption.
Set in St. Augustine, Florida, the novel follows foster child Phoebe King, who in 1985 is placed in the very home where Amanita Somerset died in 1914. As Phoebe discovers Amanita’s journals from the late 1800s, she becomes mysteriously connected to the woman known as the “mystery lady” of St. Augustine. While searching for answers about Amanita’s troubled past, Phoebe also confronts her own struggles with fear, insecurity, and belonging.
Through a series of baffling events, the two lives become intertwined, leading both characters toward understanding, forgiveness, and peace.
“Amanita’s Sin is ultimately a story about hope,” says Harvey. “It speaks to anyone who has ever felt alone, misunderstood, or burdened by the mistakes of the past. Healing becomes possible when we seek understanding and learn to forgive.”
What makes the novel especially unique is its foundation in historical reality. Harvey first became fascinated by Amanita Somerset after learning about local stories surrounding the woman and discovering a book she had published in 1880. The authentic diary passages featured throughout the novel are drawn directly from historical journals found in the room where Amanita once lived.
A longtime resident of St. Augustine, Harvey has spent decades preserving and sharing the rich history of America’s oldest city. She is the author of ten books, including St. Augustine Enters the 21st Century, which received the prestigious Royal Palm Literary Award from the Florida Writers Association for Best Non-Fiction Work. Her extensive career has included serving as Arts and Entertainment Editor for the St. Augustine Record, writing museum exhibits, historical articles, video narrations, and even a stage play.
Born in New York and raised in Florida, Karen Harvey earned her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a master’s degree from American University in Washington, D.C. Her travels throughout Asia, Latin America, Europe, and beyond have enriched her perspective as both a historian and storyteller.
With Amanita’s Sin, Harvey expands her literary portfolio into fiction while remaining deeply rooted in the history and culture of St. Augustine that has inspired much of her life’s work.
For readers who enjoy historical fiction, mystery, spiritual themes, and stories of emotional healing, Amanita’s Sin offers an unforgettable reading experience that lingers long after the final page.
About the Author
Karen Harvey is an award-winning author, historian, and former Arts and Entertainment Editor of the St. Augustine Record. She has authored ten books focused on the history and culture of St. Augustine, Florida. Her work has earned recognition from the Florida Writers Association, including a Royal Palm Literary Award for Best Non-Fiction. Amanita’s Sin is her first novel.
For more information, visit: www.ancientcityechoes.com
Global Book Network – Karen Harvey, Author of Amanita’s Sin
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