Follow the lives of John and Ada Smith as they endure the hardships of the American Depression through letters to each other during these trying times.  John leaves Ada to manage the farm while he lumberjacks in northern Wisconsin.  Ada must deal with the loss of the farm and relocation of her family with her husband.  These heartfelt letters reveal the deep physical and emotional struggle that generation endured.

Robert's Rose is based on the lives of Gaylord Baldwin, his daughter Velma and his youngest son Robert. The author chronicles the story of one family's elusive search to find the American Dream. Most of the story takes place from 1900 to 1955.

In her first novel, Mary T. Carlson skillfully brings two multi-generational and seemingly disparate stories together by the book's end.  One story begins with Cornish immigrants who come to southwestern Wisconsin to work in the lead minds during the early 19th Century.  The other story begins with the bombing of England during World War II.

In her second novel, Mary T. Carlson introduces us to Greta.  From her farming childhood on the lower slopes of the Swiss Alps, Greta's journey begins when an unexpected challenge is thrust upon her.  With no choice but to leave her familiar life behind, Greta's story unfolds through insecurity and loneliness to friendshps, trust and, eventually, love.  You'll be drawn into the struggles of a sheltered young woman who faces life's challenges alone and finally relaizes the life of which she's dreamed.