In the quest to bring the vivid world of “A Profitable Wife” to life, I embarked on a unique journey that led me to an extraordinary find—an expansive 1867 map of Jackson County, Iowa. This wasn’t just any map, but a historical canvas that allowed me to traverse the same lands that my protagonists wandered, loved, and lived upon. By marking this map with my novel’s bookmark—strategically placed above where the Conklin farm existed in 1856—I sought not only to visualize but to deeply understand the topography, the community landmarks like churches, rail stations, grist mills, and the county seat, along with the very essence of the area that breathed life into my characters’ stories.

My acquisition of this large historical map was driven by more than curiosity; it was a deliberate effort to channel the characters in a clairvoyant fashion, looking out from their eyes, experiencing their adventures with the raw emotions and challenges they faced. This map became a bridge across time, a tool that enabled me to immerse myself and, hopefully, my readers, into the authentic settings where the drama of “A Profitable Wife” unfolds.

Set against the backdrop of a nation expanding its borders, from the aftermath of the War of 1812 to the Civil War’s eve, “A Profitable Wife” introduces readers to Easter, a formidable young woman whose life story is a testament to the unyielding spirit of survival. Easter’s journey is one of resilience, navigating through the political turmoil and societal upheavals of a young nation on the brink of monumental change. Through her eyes, readers encounter historical figures like Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, and Blackhawk, offering a unique perspective on an era of intense politics and social strife.

The 1867 map of Jackson County, Iowa, and its detailed counterpart from 1856 have been instrumental in recreating the setting for Easter’s narrative. These maps have allowed me to reconstruct the physical and cultural landscape of the time, providing a richer, more nuanced backdrop for the novel. By understanding the geography and landmarks relevant to my characters, I’ve been able to craft a story that not only entertains but educates, offering insights into the complexities of pioneer life.

Embark on this captivating adventure with Kat Christensen’s “A Profitable Wife“—a narrative that does more than recount history; it invites you to live it. Through meticulous research and a passion for authenticity, I’ve aimed to create a world that resonates with the experiences of those who walked the lands of Jackson County, Iowa, before us. Join me in exploring the past, not as distant observers but as active participants in the unfolding drama of our nation’s history.

As Easter navigates through the unrelenting trials of pioneer life, readers are pulled into a world of passion and peril. Easter’s journey from the Mohawk Valley to the American Northwest is one marked by love, betrayal, and the haunting echo of murder.

‘A Profitable Wife,’ is now available on Amazon and other online book retailers.