Historical Non-fiction Author & Genealogist
My Corner of Heart & History
My work as a historical non-fiction author and genealogist connects the intimate lives of our ancestors to the grand sweep of American history, from the battlefields of the Civil War to the quiet resilience of home. I’m a genealogist by day, a historical non-fiction author by heart, and a pickleball enthusiast by choice.
Scroll down for featured books, genealogy resources and quick links.
Featured Books
“This story transports you into heart warming family history. I highly recommend this book! It is filled with uplifting stories of strength, resilience and love of family.”
— LuAnn E.
The Untold Strength of Marion
This biography tells the story of Marion, a remarkable woman whose resilience and love shaped a lasting legacy. Join Marion on her journey as it unfolds through cherished gatherings, heartfelt memories, painful losses and the timeless lessons that echo through the years.
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The Untold Strength of Marion is a poignant exploration of the life of a remarkable woman whose resilience, love and unwavering spirit shaped a legacy for generations to come. Set against the vibrant tapestry of the early 20th century America, this biography delves into Marion’s trials and triumphs as she navigates the complexities of family, duty and personal fulfillment. Through the rich lens of her relationships with loved ones and her community, readers will uncover the profound impact of her legacy—the enduring strength of love and the unyielding ability to rise above adversity.
Not So Strange
Coming Soon! A sweeping, intimate exploration of one American family across three centuries, sparked by the discovery of a single photograph.
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When a descendant encounters the piercing gaze of her great-great-grandfather, a Civil War captain named William Strange Sims, she is drawn into a journey that reaches far beyond names and dates. From the green hills of England to colonial Virginia, from the frozen trials of Valley Forge to the smoke-choked slopes of Missionary Ridge, and from the quiet heroism of the Underground Railroad to the steady rebuilding of lives after war, the Sims family story mirrors the unfolding story of America itself.
At its heart, Not So Strange is a meditation on memory and belonging—on how the past lives within us, shaping who we are and who we become. It is a reminder that history is not distant or abstract, but personal, carried in faces, stories, and choices that echo across time.
Join the Journey
Uncovering the Story
I treat genealogy like debugging—tracking sources to solve historical puzzles.
Resources →About Karen L Sims
Born and raised in Harvard, Illinois, I built my life in Vernon Hills, Illinois before retiring to the sunny Gulf Coast of Florida. I had a fulfilling career as a Software Developer in the consulting industry, yet my true passion has always centered on family history and writing.
When I am not writing or digging through family archives, I am often kayaking along Florida’s scenic waterways, walking my beloved dogs, reading, or competing in spirited games of pickleball.
- What I Write: Biography & family history
- Why: To honor legacy and keep memories alive
- Reader Takeaway: Inspiration, connection, and reflection
Beyond the Books
When I’m not digging through archives or drafting my next chapter, you’ll usually find me on the pickleball court or tracing a family lineage. I’ve built a few tools and guides to help you do the same.