AUTHOR'S NOTE

Fiddling With Fate - Giveaway Winners!   Congratulations to the winners of Kathleen's Large Print Giveaway! Kim H. (Anxious58), Linda Hilton, and Jillian Schlosstein. Each winner will receive a free, author signed and personalized, large print, softcover copy of Fiddling With Fate, the 10th Chloe Ellefson mystery. Each winner should immediately contact Kathleen with their signing, personalization, and postal mailing information by clicking HERE. Posted December 10, 2020. Fiddling With Fate - Large Print Giveaway   Fiddling With Fate, the 10th Chloe Ellefson Mystery, is available in large print. And I’m giving away a copy to each of three lucky readers! Each Giveaway winner will receive a signed and personalized large print softcover book. Entries must be posted before Midnight (Central US time) this Wednesday, December 9th, 2020. Winners, selected at random from all entries on my Sites And Stories blog and my Facebook Author Page, will be announced the next day. One entry per person, please. Good luck! Posted December 8, 2020. Newsletter - Mac & Cheese On The Page   Kathleen's latest e-newsletter has a Holiday theme and features details about her Large Print Books Giveaway, updates on the Chloe Norway tour and the next Chloe Ellefson mystery (#11), and more.  It begins below. "A reader's recent note ended with this thought:  I have been rereading a lot of old favorite books. They're like comfort food for the soul. Mac and cheese on the page, so to speak." You can read the entire newsletter online by clicking HERE. Posted December 8, 2020. Kathleen on Facebook Live - Video Posted   If you missed Kathleen's presentation this evening, you can still catch Writing at the Intersection of People, Places & the Past on demand. (The volume of the video's soundtrack is muted by default. To unmute and adjust the volume, move your cursor to the River Falls Public Library graphic on the bottom right hand corner of the video window. A speaker icon will appear; click it to adjust the soundtrack volume.) To play the video, click HERE. Posted November 12, 2020. Kathleen Coming to Facebook Live   Catch bestselling author Kathleen Ernst when she presents Writing at the Intersection of People, Places & the Past on Facebook Live starting at 7 PM Central US time, Thursday, November 12, 2020. This event is sponsored by the Falls River Wisconsin Public Library. Kathleen writes award-winning mysteries, historical fiction, and non-fiction for adults and young readers. Her work has earned numerous honors, including two lifetime writing achievement awards, an Emmy for educational television, and an Edgar Allan Poe and multiple Agatha Christie mystery award nominations. To date nearly 1.8 million audio, ebook, and print copies of Kathleen's thirty-eight published books have been purchased. Posted November 1, 2020. The Weaver's Revenge - Final Clue!   It’s been great fun this fall to share some hints about the 11th Chloe Ellefson Mystery, The Weaver’s Revenge. Thanks for playing along! Here’s the final clue. more>> Posted October 31, 2020. Chloe Tour to Norway - Postponed to 2022   When Kathleen partnered with the Mount Horeb Area Historical Society and Group Travel Directors last year to plan a trip to Norway, COVID-19 wasn’t on the radar. They forged ahead with a spring trip announcement, hopeful that we’d all feel safe traveling by May, 2021. The planning committee agreed that having something wonderful to anticipate could only brighten such difficult times. Well, everyone gets to enjoy that anticipation for a while longer than originally planned. It will surprise no one to hear that the Chloe Ellefson tour to Norway has officially been postponed. Everyone involved are as excited about this trip as ever, and committed to making it happen! It is hoped that the trip will take place sometime in spring, 2022. For details about the tour and how to sign up, click HERE. Posted October 30, 2020. The Weaver's Revenge - Clues, Batch 4   This month Kathleen is sharing photos that feature things in the forthcoming Chloe Ellefson mystery, The Weaver’s Revenge. We’re getting close to the end! more>> Posted October 28, 2020. The Weaver's Revenge - Clues, Batch 3   This month Kathleen is sharing photos that feature things in the forthcoming Chloe Ellefson mystery, The Weaver’s Revenge. more>> Posted October 19, 2020. The Weaver's Revenge - Clues, Batch 2   This month I’m sharing photos that feature things in the forthcoming Chloe Ellefson mystery, The Weaver’s Revenge. The image might represent a major element or a small detail. (I got behind, so here’s a big batch!) more>> Posted October 16, 2020. The Weaver's Revenge - Clues, Batch 1   "I’ve been sharing some clues about the 11th Chloe Ellefson mystery on Facebook, and I don’t want blog readers to miss the fun! Each week in September and October I will post a photo that represents something in the the forthcoming The Weaver’s Revenge." more>> Posted September 9, 2020.  The Weaver's Revenge - Clues, Starting today!   Kathleen promised to share hints about The Weaver's Revenge, her 11th Chloe Ellefson mystery. Starting today she will post photos that represents something in the book . . . possibly a major element, possibly a small detail. The photo to the left is the first clue. (Hint: it's a major element.) Posted September 3, 2020. My New Mystery Series!   I am excited to announce my new historical series, The Hanneke Bauer Mysteries! I have signed a three-book contract with Level Best Books. This project has been in the works for a long time. more>> Posted August 15, 2020. But Wait, there's More!   Kathleen is about to make another big announcement. Posted August 12, 2020. Chloe 11 Mystery is a Go!   The Chloe Ellefson Mystery series will continue! I’m delighted to report that The Weaver’s Revenge: A Chloe Ellefson Mystery will be published by Three Towers Press, an imprint of HenschelHaus Publishing. Reaching this point has been quite a journey. My previous publisher closed (more here) and my long-time agent and I parted ways. It’s been stressful, but as so often happens, the turmoil also gave me time to reflect...." more>> Posted August 7, 2020. "Watch this space..."   Watch this space for an exciting announcement about Chloe 11. Posted August 5, 2020. Kathleen Receives National Literature Award   Earlier this year the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution announced that it was honoring Kathleen for "outstanding achievement in her artistic field" with their American Heritage Women in the Arts Recognition Award for Literature. The National DAR President was to present the award to Kathleen in April during the Wisconsin Society of the DAR Conference in Green Bay, but the conference, and the award ceremony, were cancelled due to the pandemic. Today Kathleen received her framed award certificate and pin in a masked, socially distanced, outdoor ceremony held at the WSDAR's Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters historic site in Portage, Wisconsin. Posted July 26, 2020. First Facebook Live Reading   Kathleen got through her first Facebook Live program yesterday without any major glitches. Thanks to all who tuned in to hear the first three chapters of The Night Riders of Harpers Ferry—as read from an imprompto production venue in her living room. If you weren't able to attend, you can watch it by clicking HERE. Posted July 20, 2020. Kathleen on Authors Reading Aloud - Tomorrow   Please join bestselling author Kathleen Ernst for a live "Authors Reading Aloud" program this Sunday evening, July 19th at 6 PM CDT on Facebook. The Night Riders of Harpers Ferry was her very first published book, and she's excited with the opportunity to share a bit with you, and answer any questions you might have. For more information about this free program, click HERE. Posted July 18, 2020. "Stay tuned!"   A reader asked on Kathleen's Facebook Author page whether she could share some hints about the 11th Chloe Ellefson mystery. In response, Kathleen posted: "I plan to do that, starting in September. Stay tuned!" Posted July 12, 2020. 275 Days in Top 1%   Pre- and post-release purchases of The Lacemaker's Secret trade paperbacks have resulted in it being ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million titles tracked—for a running total of two hundred seventy-five days! (Data source: NPD BookScan.) Museum Curator Chloe Ellefson needs distraction from the unsettling family secret she's just learned. It doesn't help that her boyfriend, police officer Roelke McKenna, has been troubled for weeks and won't say why. Chloe hopes a consulting job at Green Bay's Heritage Hill Historical Park, where an old Belgian-American farmhouse is being restored, will be a relaxing escape. Instead she discovers a body in a century-old bake oven. Chloe's research suggests that a rare and valuable piece of lace made its way to nearby Door County, Wisconsin, with the earliest Belgian settlers. More importantly, someone is desperate to find it. Inspired by a courageous Belgian woman who survived cholera, famine, and the most devastating forest fire in American history, Chloe must untangle clues to reveal secrets old and new . . . before the killer strikes again. Kindle and other eBook versions of Lacemaker's are also doing well. Posted July 9, 2020. Kids' Books Giveaway - Winners!   Congratulations to the winners of Kathleen's Kids' Books Giveaway: Brenda Fay Kimberly Krach Holder Gladys Roszkowski Each winner will receive free, author signed and personalized, softcover printed copies of Kathleen's award-nominated Betrayal at Cross Creek, Trouble at Fort La Pointe, and Whistler in the Dark books for ages 9 and up—originally published by American Girl. Each winner should immediately contact Kathleen with their signing, personalization, and postal mailing information by clicking HERE. Posted July 2, 2020. Kids' Books Giveaway!
		As the author of over two dozen children’s books, I know how important it is today that young readers are able to travel to distant times and places—while staying safe at home.  Three lucky people will each win my three History Mystery books, originally published by American Girl. The randomly selected winners will receive signed and personalized, softcover copies of Betrayal at Cross Creek,  Trouble at Fort La Pointe, and Whistler in the Dark. Enter now to win! Just leave a comment to the Kids' Books Giveaway graphic on my Facebook Author page or Sites And Stories blog by 11:59 PM (Central US time), this Wednesday, July 1, 2020. Posted June 30, 2020.

"My favorite of this series"

Posted June 14, 2020.

Symbols

Posted June 4, 2020 on the Sites And Stories blog.

Travel With Me To Norway!

Posted May 17, 2020 on the Sites And Stories blog.

Exciting Annoucement Coming Soon!

Watch for a big announcement here on May 17—we think Syttende Mai is the perfect day to share the news!"

Posted May 11, 2020.

"Dear favorite author"

PS I've now read all the books in the series. Can't wait for the next one but understand how much work goes into it.

Posted May 10, 2020.

Save The NEW Date!

The NEW date is Saturday, July 10, 2021. The tour plan outlined below remains the same. We all need things to look forward to, right?" more>>

Posted May 9, 2020.

Chloe "Shelter and Soar" Giveaway - Winners!

Posted May 7, 2020.

Chloe "Shelter and Soar" Giveaway

The Giveaway starts now! To enter, leave a comment on my Facebook Author page or my Sites and Stories blog before 11:59 PM (Central US time), Wednesday, May 6, 2020. One entry per person, please.

The three winners, selected randomly from all entries on both of the above sites, will be announced online the following day. Good luck!

Posted May 5, 2020.

175 Days in Top 1%

Kindle and other eBook versions of Fiddling are also doing well.

Posted May 5, 2020.

Hardanger Lullaby

Hardanger Lullaby features the song Vøtranotte (The Winter's Night). Hardanger mothers have lulled their children to sleep with this song for hundreds of years. This special song, and the centuries old farmhouse it was recorded in, inspired a scene in Fiddling With Fate.

Now from the safety of your home you can enjoy the Hardanger sights and sounds that Chloe and Roelke experienced. Watch by clicking HERE.

Posted April 29, 2020.

265 days in Top 1%

Everyone has been anxiously waiting for the supply boat, but just as it's finally coming into view, Caroline realizes the ship is at risk. What can she do make sure the supplies arrive safely?

Then, while helping on her uncle's farm, Caroline bravely keeps watch for a thief who has been stealing vegetables, and discovers that someone else needs her help.

But when will she get to go home to Sackets Harbor?

Posted April 24, 2020.

Caroline "Shelter and Soar" Giveaway - Winners!

Posted April 23, 2020.

Caroline "Shelter and Soar" Giveaway

The Giveaway starts now! To enter, leave a comment on my Facebook Author page or my Sites And Stories blog by 11:59 PM (Central US time), this Wednesday, April 22, 2020. 

Winners will be announced the next day. Good luck!

Posted April 21, 2020.

"Fantastisk!"

Posted April 19, 2020.

175 days in Top 1%

What if a modern girl suddenly found herself in Felicity Merriman's world during the American Revolution? Together, she and Felicity could hang out at her fathers store, sip tea at the Governor's Place, or get caught up in the thrilling Gunpowder Incident!

Posted April 16, 2020.

"...for anyone traveling to Norway."

My only regret is that you didn't have it finished in 2018 when we went to Norway. Your book made it all come alive. The culture, the types of dress, food, and scenery - WOW! Now I want to return to Norway and do it all again.

I would definitely recommend reading "Fiddling with Fate" for anyone traveling to Norway."

Posted April 12, 2020.

Chloe "Shelter and Soar" Giveaway - Winners!

Posted April 9, 2020.

Chloe "Shelter and Soar" Giveaway

To help put books in readers’ hands, we’re happy to announce the first “Shelter and Soar” Giveaway. Three readers will get to travel with Chloe and Roelke, while staying safe at home. Each winner will receive a signed and personalized copy of the Chloe Ellefson trade paperback of their choice."

The Giveaway starts now! To enter, leave a comment on my Facebook Author page or my Sites and Stories blog before 11:59 PM (Central US time), Wednesday, April 8, 2020.

The three winners, selected randomly from all entries on both of the above sites, will be announced there on Thursday the 9th. Good luck!

Posted April 7, 2020 on the Sites And Stories blog.

"I love these books!"

Posted April 5, 2020.

The Utne Hotel

Women have provided much of the Utne Hotel’s hospitality over the years. From 1830 until 1900, Torbjørg Johannesdotter Utne was responsible for keeping the inn running. “Mother Utne,” as she was known, became legendary for making..." more>>

Posted March 31, 2020 on the Sites And Stories blog.

180 days in Top 1%

Chloe Ellefson is excited to be learning about Wisconsin's early Cornish immigrants and mining history while on temporary assignment at Pendarvis, a historic site in charming Mineral Point.

But when her boyfriend, police officer Roelke McKenna, discovers long-buried human remains in the root cellar of an old Cornish cottage, Chloe reluctantly agrees to mine the local historical records for answers.

She soon finds herself in the center of a heated and deadly controversy that threatens to close Pendarvis. While struggling to help the historic site stay open, Chloe must unearth dark secrets, past and present . . . before a killer comes to bury her.

Mining For Justice is also available for the Kindle and other eBook readers. For details about where this mystery can be purchased online, click HERE.

Posted March 30, 2020.

"...the best of all."

Posted March 29, 2020.

Save The Date!

We’ve planned a very special excursion for readers on Saturday, July 11, 2020. I hope you’ll join Mr. Ernst and me as we explore featured locations and learn about the inspiring history of one of Wisconsin’s lesser-known ethnic groups. Activities will include..." more>>

Posted March 22, 2020 on the Sites And Stories blog.

National Award Ceremony - Postponed

The National DAR President was to present the award to Kathleen on April 16, 2020, during the Wisconsin DAR Society's Conference in Green Bay. The conference, and the award ceremony, have now been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. New arrangments will be announced later.

Posted March 18, 2020.

Special Message from Kathleen

Out of an abundance of caution, and guided by the latest CDC directives, Mr. Ernst and I have begun withdrawing from our upcoming public and private presentations. We do this with sadness and regret, but with the hope that circumstances will soon allow us to reschedule and resume doing programs. To that end, I am still adding events for later this year.

Posted March 15, 2020.

April Meeting - Cancelled Due to Pandemic

Kathleen had been invited to speak to their meeting about her experiences researching and writing her now thirty-eight published books, which include works of fiction and non-fiction for adults and young readers.

Her richly illustrated presentation was to include a special focus on Kathleen's now ten-book Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery series, which had been requested by the club's many fans of the series.

Posted March 13, 2020.

Kroting

Posted March 12, 2020 on the Sites And Stories blog.

Chloe Ellefson Program - Cancelled Due to Pandemic

Please contact the State Rosemaling Association directly to learn whether there may be any additional changes relating to their spring meeting.

Decisions about Kathleen's other scheduled programs will be made later, in conjunction with event sponsors, based on the then current status of the pandemic and CDC guidance.

Posted March 11, 2020.

Chloe's Coming to Decorah - Advance Notice

Bestselling author Kathleen Ernst has been invited to present her richly illustrated program about the award-winning Chloe Ellefson Mystery series at the Decorah Public Library—and you are invited.

The program begins at 7:15 PM, Monday, April 27th. Admission is free and open to the public, thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Decorah Public Library and Dragonfly Books.

Posted March 11, 2020.

"I am in Chloe Droughtsville-land..."

Posted March 8, 2020.

Writing Workshop

Cherished family stories can be preserved in many ways. 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 collections and whatever personal memories or heirlooms you wish to explore, you will leave with drafts of several poems, character sketches, essays, and short stories.

The weekend's activities begin Friday evening, April 24th, and run through late afternoon Sunday the 26th. Prior registration and payment of a fee is required. The number of people who can participate is strictly limited in order to provide a quality experience for each person. To register and pay, please click HERE.

PLEASE NOTE: Kathleen's workshop has filled up. There is a waiting list. For details contact the Vesterheim Folk School at (563) 382-9681.

Posted March 5, 2020.

"Very Compelling Story"

I am in my 80s now and have read all of Ms. Ernst's [Chloe] books. I hope there will be more adventures."

Posted March 1, 2020.

Author Program - Advance Notice

Kathleen will share her experiences researching and writing her now thirty-eight published books. These include works of fiction and non-fiction created for adults and young readers. Her richly illustrated presentation will include a special focus on Kathleen's now ten-book Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery series. Afterwards Kathleen will answer audience questions and sign books, copies of which will be available for purchase.

The MWC was formed in 1971 by a group of women who joined together to encourage the social, cultural and intellectual fulfillment of the individual member. The club is dedicated to the acceptance of civic responsibilities as they relate to the needs of the community.

PLEASE NOTE:  Kathleen's talk is open to MWC members only.

Posted February 27, 2020.

"Thank you for many hours of enjoyment."

Thank you for many hours of enjoyment."

Posted February 23, 2020.

Please Stand By

A software glitch, and the fact that our web technician is away for an extended period, is preventing Mr. Ernst from updating this page.

Updates will resume as soon as possible.

Posted January 30, 2020.

"...your best yet"

Posted January 27, 2020.

Chloe Ellefson Program - Advance Notice

The Wisconsin State Rosemaling Association has invited Kathleen to their Spring General Meeting to present her illustrated Chloe Ellefson Mysteries program at 1:15 PM on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at the Fire Station in Stoughton, WI.

Kathleen's presentation is free and open to the public.

Posted January 25, 2020.

Washington Post quotes Kathleen's book

Posted January 24, 2020.

"Keep writing!!!"

Posted January 20, 2020.

"You have enriched our lives."

Posted January 11, 2020.

150 days in Top 1%

		As of yesterday, pre- and post-release purchases of Fiddling With Fate trade paperbacks have resulted in it being ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million titles tracked—for a running total of one hundred fifty days! (NPD BookScan.) Kindle and other eBook versions of Fiddling are also doing well. Posted January 6, 2020.

"Not so with Fiddling With Fate."
		This week's favorite reader review of the newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, was posted by Melanie on goodreads.com. "It can be difficult to read the latest book in a series when you have not read any of the others. Not so with Fiddling With Fate. Ernst divides the narrative into past and present in the Hardanger region, giving the reader glimpses of the struggles that 19th century farmers encountered, and the lack of options for women. Despite obstacles in both present and past, and despite a murder that seems to be linked to their quest, Chloe and Roelle find their way, helped by Chloe's extraordinary gift for sensing things beyond what can be touched and seen." Posted January 5, 2020.

National Recognition Award
		The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) has chosen to honor author Kathleen Ernst for "outstanding achievement in her artistic field" with their American Heritage Women in the Arts Recognition Award for Literature. Kathleen was nominated for this national award by the Wisconsin Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (WSDAR). State Regent Brenda T. Majewski explained why they proposed her for this recognition. "Education, historic preservation, and patriotism are the missions of the DAR. Literacy, American history, and classroom participation fall under our service projects. [Kathleen's] books fall easily into these categories, particularly the research that goes into the back stories of the Chloe Ellefson series." National DAR President General Denise Doring VanBuren will present the award to Kathleen at an afternoon reception in her honor, to be held April 16, 2020, during the WSDAR Conference at the Hyatt Regency in Green Bay, WI. The DAR was founded in 1890 and has 185,000 members, including 1,500 in Wisconsin. This non-profit, non-political, volunteer women's service organization is dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and educating America's children. Posted January 1, 2020.