Who is Karli?

Full name: Karla Maria Espinosa (nicknamed Karli or Karlita), a young Mexican immigrant college student majoring in journalism who evolves into an investigative reporter prodigy.

Character Overview

Karli is portrayed as:

• An underdog heroine with a big heart
• Immense courage
• Compassion for the oppressed and innocent (especially children and victims with no voice)
• A drive to expose corrupt oppressors and seek justice

She balances college life, extra-curricular activities like writing for the university newspaper and acting in the drama club, and friendships (including roommate Kiana and other housemates at the International House) with her high-stakes adventures. Her idol is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist named Tomalia, whom she hopes to succeed. The stories blend:

• Mystery
• Romantic suspense
• Hope
• Inspiration
• Themes of perseverance, empathy, and faith

Gardener sometimes posts short vignettes to showcase her adventures (e.g., infiltrating cults, chasing con artists, solving cases involving injustice, or reflecting on personal growth) on X social media. You can read about how her journalism adventures all began in her freshman year of college in Life at the International House (see below).

Current Works

The published works center on Karli’s backstory in a young adult short-story series titled Life at the International House:

• Season One — Chronicles her freshman semester, chasing dreams, cross-cultural friendships, and early adventures at a university International House.
• Season Two — The spring semester conclusion, where Karli fully steps into her role as a journalist, standing up for solidarity among housemates while helping the innocent.

These stories are inspirational, heartwarming, and have ranked highly (e.g., top bestseller on Kobo in Taiwan, often near Harry Potter). Gardener teaches in Taiwan, and his students’ reflections highlight how Karli’s character positively impacts and inspires them.

Upcoming Plans

An inspirational romantic suspense novel about Karli’s sophomore year is forthcoming, set in the fictional beach community of Angelica Beach, California (a suburb of Santa Angelica), where Karli attends college. This new story continues what she began in Life at the International House. It will expand on her investigative exploits with more mystery, excitement, romance, and her signature courage.

Karli is like an eagle born to fly. In her freshman year, she is a fledgling, just learning that she has wings. In her sophomore year, she spreads her wings and flies, becoming the eagle (reporter) she was born to be!

The stories emphasize uplifting narratives for young adults, focusing on hope and changing the world through kindness and truth-seeking.