"...a magical journey..."   This week's favorite reader review of Kathleen's Hanneke Bauer mystery,  Lies Of Omission, is from an "Amazon Customer." "Throughout, I could feel Hanneke's frustration and despair, resilience and hope, as she navigatges her new world and solves mysteries. The words paint a vivid picture of the town, farms, and action. I hope there are more books coming in this series. I cannot wait to read more about these compelling characters making their dreams come true!" Posted April 20, 2022.   The Chloe Mysteries - A Behind the Scenes Event   This evening Kathleen conducted her first behind the scenes program books focused on the eleven published Chloe Ellefson mysteries, with an update on the upcoming twelfth book. Kathleen shared how she created the Chloe and Roelke characters, crafted their stories, and the role research played in "putting it all together." This virtual event—attended by over 130 readers—was sponsored by the wonderful folks at the Brookfield Wisconsin Public Library. Based on it's popularity, Kathleen is sure to offer this program again.   Posted April 18, 2022.   "Holy Rhubarb Kuchen!"   This week's favorite reader review of Kathleen's Hanneke Bauer mystery,  Lies Of Omission, is from quilter Lisa Ann Rebecca Rosenbauer Alfsen. "I just finished Lies of Omission and I loved it! Thanks again for such a wonderful history mystery! Keep up the great work. I will eagerly await a new mystery story whether it will be involving Chloe or Hanneke. Posted April 7, 2022. Lies Of Omission - Private Tour of Hanneke's Home   If you've read Kathleen's latest mystery, Lies Of Omission, then you've met protagonist Hanneke Bauer, a Pomeranian immigrant who arrived in Wisconsin in 1855 to join her husband at his farm home. That home is a fictionalized version of an historic building that has been relocated to and restored at Old World Wisconsin. You are invited to join Kathleen and historian Alan Pape (who oversaw the restoration) for an exclusive private tour at Old World Wisconsin on Sunday, May 22, 2022. Space for this unique experience is limited. For more information, and to book tickets through the Wisconsin Historical Society, click HERE. Posted April 6, 2022.   "I can't wait for the next Hanneke Bauer mystery!"   This week's favorite reader review of Lies Of Omission was posted by Tammy Paul on Amazon.com. "Kathleen Ernst does it again, creating a thoroughly engaging journey into the past, this time with a new heroine." Posted March 23, 2022. In-Person Writing Class - All Filled Up!   After two years of virtual-only offerings, Kathleen resumes in-person programs this weekend with her now fully subscribed two-day class "Exploring Your Heritage Through Writing." This workshop will introduce you to several types of writing, including poetry, memoir, fiction, and creative nonfiction. You will enjoy a variety of short writing activities designed to help capture memories or explore what interests you most about your unique family, ethnic group, or community heritage. Inspired by Vesterheim’s rich collection and whatever personal memories or heirlooms you wish to explore, you will leave with drafts of several poems, character sketches, essays, and short stories. Kathleen's class is just one of a wide variety of popular classes sponsored by the Vesterheim Folk Arts School in lovely Decorah, Iowa. Posted March 21, 2022. "...a magical journey..."   Here is this week's favorite reader review of Lies Of Omission, Kathleen's newest published book—and her first Hanneke Bauer mystery. "This book is a magical journey back to the 1850s! Throughout, I could feel Hanneke's frustration and despair, resilience and hope, as she navigates her new world and solves mysteries. The words paint a vivid picture of the towns, farms, and action. I hope there are more books coming in this series!" Posted March 14, 2022. Belgian Sites Tour - All Filled Up!   Just one week ago Kathleen announced the Belgian Sites Tour inspired by the 9th Chloe Ellefson Mystery, The Lacemaker's Secret, to take place—live and in-person—on Saturday, July 9, 2022. The response has been both quick and gratifying. The tour has reached full capacity, and the waiting list is growing.  Posted March 11, 2022. "...the characters are people you want to know"   This week's favorite reader review of Lies of Omission, the first Hanneke Bauer historical mystery, was posted on Amazon by reader Bruce Finch. "This book was one of those you read and you are sorry is over! I felt like I learned things about Wisconsin history in addition to loving Hanneke for her strength and guts!" Posted March 7, 2022. The Weaver's Revenge - Behind the Scenes Program   This lively, illustrated presentation will provide a peek behind the pages of The Weaver's Revenge, Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson Mystery. She will share the themes, artifacts, and ideas that inspired the book. Attendees will also take part in a virtual visit to the Hanka Homestead—the lovingly restored Finnish historic site in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where much of the mystery takes place. This free, one-hour program on Zoom begins at 7:00 PM, US Central Standard Time, Tuesday, March 15, 2022. To register, click HERE. Posted March 6, 2022. March Newsletter - Spring Renewal   "Last week, Mr. Ernst and I were visited by a large flock of redpolls. We've been encouraging birds to visit our yard for twenty years, but this was the first time we'd spotted this species here. It was fun to watch the birds feed, and a thrill to see them abruptly rise and fly away as one. These half-ounce redpolls roam widely. Scientists have documented 4,000-mile migrations! I look forward to seeing more migrants. These avian adventurers, lengthening days, and other signs of early spring have me anticipating warm-weather sojourns as well. It's especially exciting when a particular excursion has been years in the making!" more>> Posted March 4, 2022. "Captivating story!"   This week's favorite reader review of Lies of Omission was posted on the book's Amazon.com page by Mary Ann Reandeau. "This was one of those rare books that grabbed me from the beginning and was hard to put down until I finished. Hanneke's adventures are captivating, and I admire her stoic character. Great historical fiction and mystery!" Posted February 28, 2022. 35 Days in Top 1% of US Book Sales   Sales of trade paperback copies of Lies Of Omission have boosted it into the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales for a running total of thirty-five days. (Source: NPD BookScan.) This historical mystery is also available in multiple eBook formats. Posted February 26, 2022. Creating Compelling Fiction Workshop - LAST DAY TO SIGNUP   Bestselling writer Kathleen Ernst, author of 41 published books that have together sold 1.8 million copies, will be conducting a virtual writing workshop for a small group of aspiring authors. For more information, and to register, click HERE. Posted February 22, 2022. "Absolutely fascinating history"   This week's favorite reader review of Lies of Omission was posted on the book's Amazon.com page by Julie/Margaret. "I rarely read mysteries, but I devoured this one in less than 48 hours because I couldn't put it down. I really liked the main character a lot. What got me to read this in the first place was the idea of a young German immigrant arriving here in the 1850s and suddently finding she is completely alone in a foreign land." Posted February 20, 2022. Techniques for Memoir Writers - WORKSHOP FILLED   Kathleen's virtual workshop, Fiction Techniques for Memoir Writers, has completely filled up. Below are descriptions of the curriculum and target audience. "Basic tools in a novelist’s kit can be very helpful for authors writing their own or a family story. In this workshop, Kathleen will share specific strategies she uses to develop her own fiction (and poetry) that are equally relevant for memoirists. Brief writing activities will allow participants to explore new ideas for shaping their own work." Hosted by Write On Door County, this workshop is specifically intended for retirees, seniors, and family historians interested in writing a memoir. Fiction writers and poets may also find this a valuable experience. For those who are already signed up, the workshop will be held via Zoom, from 1-3 PM Central US time, this Saturday, February 19, 2022. Posted February 15, 2022. "New World Brings Problems"   This week's favorite reader review of Kathleen's Hanneke Bauer mystery, Lies of Omission, was posted by Christine G. on Amazon.com. "A novel of courage and strength in the face of prejudice and distrust." Posted February 13, 2022. Free 'Behind the Scenes' Program - Tonight   This evening Kathleen will reveal the themes, ideas, and historic artifacts that inspired her to write Lies Of Omission, her first Hanneke Bauer mystery. The program will also include a virtual visit to Hanneke's Farm. You are invited to join Kathleen on Zoom starting at 7 PM Central US time, Thursday, February 10, 2022. For more about this free program, and to register for it, click HERE. Posted February 10, 2022. "Another great character!"   This week's favorite reader review (5-Stars) of the new Hanneke Bauer historical mystery, Lies Of Omission, was posted on Amazon by Michael Opager. "Ernst has done it again! Hanneke is a character every bit as interesting as her Chloe Ellefson. A must read..." Posted February 7, 2022. February Newsletter - Something for Everyone   "It's been quite cold in southern Wisconsin. I've been thinking about how important stories were to our ancestors as they struggled through the winter months. Hanneke Bauer (protagonist of Lies of Omission) left Europe in 1855. Twelve years earlier, the first groups of Pomeranians to settle in her area arrived as winter weather did. Can you imagine traveling by foot from Milwaukee to Lebanon (near Watertown) in December, 1843?   The immigrants slept in lean-tos or makeshift cabins until Ho-Chunk people helped them build warmer wigwams. I suspect that as the newcomers huddled under blankets in their shelters at night, many stories were told.   Winter is a special time for stories, and I'm always grateful to hear that one of mine has provided someone an armchair adventure. Still, after a quiet month, I'm looking forward to connecting with readers!" more>> Posted February 1, 2022. "Want sequel for Hanneke!"   This week's favorite reader review of the Hanneke Bauer, Lies of Omission, was sent to Kathleen from Kris in the 414 area code. "Loved Lies of Omission! Read in one sitting! Want sequel for Hanneke! Felt like I was with her through the whole book." Posted January 31, 2022. PROGRAM ADVANCE NOTICE - Lies Of Omission:  Behind the Scenes
		This illustrated presentation by bestselling author Kathleen Ernst will provide a peek behind the pages of Lies of Omission: A Hanneke Bauer Mystery. Attendees will hear about the themes and ideas that inspired the book, and enjoy a virtual visit to Hanneke's farm. This free, live, one-hour program will be offered over Zoom beginning at 7 PM, US Central Standard Time, Thursday, February 10th. To register, click HERE. Posted January 28, 2022.

The Importance of Being Ernst - Podcast Interview

1. Meet Caroline
2. Caroline's Secret Message
3. A Surprise for Caroline
4. Caroline Takes a Chance
5. Caroline's Battle
6. Changes for Caroline

Kathleen thanks Allison and Mary for all that they have done to share the Caroline books with the many fans of their American Girls podcast.

Posted January 26, 2022.

"...on my Best Reads list for 2022."

In 1855 it was the height of the nativist movement where people were up in arms by all the Irish and German Catholic immigrants flowing into the country. It was also the time of the Fugitive Slave Act and slaves who had escaped bondage traveled through Wisconsin north for freedom.

Lies of Omission is a fantastic read. I am very excited about this series. The author draws from all her historical studies to write stories that stick with her readers. This one will surely stick with me until we get to visit Hanneke Bauer again.

You will definitely find Lies of Omission on my Best Reads List for 2022. I am giving it my Paradise [Highest] Rating."

To read the entire review, click HERE.

Posted January 23, 2022.

"...I feel myself right there watching everything unfold."

Posted January 17, 2022.

This historical mystery is also available in multiple eBook formats.

Posted January 4, 2022.