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The Library of Lost Trees, a mystery novel

A woman in a gauzy white dress lays down with a bouquet of flowers in her hand.
On a remote island off the coast of Maine in 1903, a young woman discovers a scholar’s body dashed against the forbidden cliffs. Ancient libraries and heirloom apple orchards lead her to a secret tracing back through time to the paradise gardens of antiquity.

The Library of Lost Trees is a melding of mystery and botany—and an unexpected view on the mythology of the Garden of Eden. The novel arose out of research into the origins of the Hardy Women's Society 
and the independent women who founded the great ladies' club at the turn of the 20th century.


Dark-haired Kerry Eilleen sits next to blonde Amanda Kooser at a wood table.
The Library of Lost Trees is a fictionalized account of the founding of the HWS in 1903. HWS members and mother-and-daughter team Kerry Eilleen and Amanda Kooser wrote the novel after delving into the primary-source records held in a special archive at Tremlett College on Antheia Island near Maine. Many of the documents hadn't been touched since they were first cataloged and filed away decades ago.

"The lives these young women led were extraordinary," says Amanda. "I don't want to give away any spoilers, but the adventures they went through involved mysterious deaths, unusual apple trees and a stunning secret hidden on the island. We're very fortunate that Ada and Bunny kept exhaustive records of their undertakings."

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Amanda and Kerry are represented by literary agent Julia Kim of The Rights Factory.


Founded in 1903

The Hardy Women's Society is an international organization of women dedicated to a sense of adventure, scholarly pursuits and camaraderie. Local chapters oversee committees responsible for activities as varied as urban exploration, travel, music, writing, archaeology, advice columns, classic-car restoration, gardening and culinary arts. The society was founded on the ideals of the remarkable women who attended Tremlett Women's College together in 1903: Ada Gentry Adair and Bunny Campbell.

Interested in joining? Chances are, you already know a member from one of our local chapters. Just ask her or them about joining. Basic membership has always been—and will always be—at no cost. Our esteemed founders created the society for all women. 

Men, don’t worry, you are not left out. The Hardy Women’s Society Men’s Auxiliary is an active and thriving organization and we encourage you to join.
2024 The Hardy Women's Society