This is not the spring that any of us imagined, and I fervently hope that you and yours are well. Mr. Ernst and I are fine, and grateful for the books that allow us to roam the world from home. We hope you can do the same.
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 below by 11:59 PM (Central US time), Wednesday, April 8, 2020.The three winners, selected randomly from all entries here and on my Facebook Author Page, will be announced here on Thursday the 9th. Good luck!
Sites and Stories 
April 7, 2020 at 10:17 am |
Thanks for a chance.
April 7, 2020 at 2:44 pm |
My pleasure!
April 7, 2020 at 10:28 am |
Thank you and Mr. Ernst for adding to my learning. Your blogs always have details I did not know. From an ardent fan wishing you stay safe and well.
April 7, 2020 at 2:44 pm |
Thanks, Lois, and best to you as well.
April 7, 2020 at 10:38 am |
Stay healthy and safe-books help to pass the time
April 7, 2020 at 2:45 pm |
Where would we be without books? I can’t imagine.
April 7, 2020 at 11:09 am |
Thanks for your lovely giveaway which would be an escape and a real treasure fo me to enjoy greatly. Wishing you well.
April 7, 2020 at 2:45 pm |
Wishing you good health also, Anne.
April 7, 2020 at 11:13 am |
would love to win a giveaway – stay safe and get outdoors to enjoy the spring weather.
April 7, 2020 at 2:46 pm |
Christine, aren’t we fortunate that it’s springtime? It really helps!
April 7, 2020 at 11:17 am |
Have loved every one of your books and have entire collection all signed by you. Looking so forward to your new book! Take good care and stay well!
April 7, 2020 at 2:46 pm |
You stay well also!
April 7, 2020 at 11:19 am |
A Wonderful opportunity! I’m re-reading Lacemakers Secret for the reminders of blessings during trying times while planning a trip to Our Lady of Good Hope and something with a happy ending!! (Better than the Hallmark channel). Stay healthy all! Happy reading while “Safer at Home”.
April 7, 2020 at 2:49 pm |
Joanne, a number of readers have mentioned that they find Lacemaker’s especially inspiring, and I feel the same way. Take care!
April 7, 2020 at 11:19 am |
I loved the story of your tomato plant that you shared in your newsletter. Thanks for the giveaway!
April 7, 2020 at 2:47 pm |
Jana, so glad you enjoyed our tomato story. Hope can come in surprising ways.
April 7, 2020 at 11:22 am |
My love of your books began with “Death on the Prairie”. I am proceeding slowly…only two left that I haven’t read. Looking forward to more!
April 7, 2020 at 2:50 pm |
Good luck!
April 7, 2020 at 11:28 am |
Having adopted Wisconsin as my home since retirement, I’ve delighted in getting to know it better through Chloe’s eyes and adventures. I’m always eager to recommend these stories to people who ask me if I’ve read any good books lately. I own all of the books in this series but would gladly accept one that could be passed along with enthusiasm the next time I’m asked.
Happy to hear you and Mr. Ernst are well. Yes, we are fortunate when we can find much to fill our days despite confinement. Having the library closed has been a nuisance, but then I just pick up a favorite book from my home bookshelf and reconnect once again. When stories are well written they never lose their appeal.
Love your tale of the little tomato that could! Blessings.
April 7, 2020 at 2:48 pm |
Sharon, sometimes the best comfort in reading comes from plucking an old favorite from the shelf. Thanks so much for recommending the books–that really helps!
April 7, 2020 at 11:34 am |
Thanks for the chance to win an autographed book!
Love Chloe and Roelke’s story!
April 7, 2020 at 2:51 pm |
That’s music to my ears, Karla!
April 7, 2020 at 11:44 am |
Thanks for keeping in touch with us! Glad you and Mr. Ernst are well, too. As a Wisconsin transplant, I love learning about my new home through your series. Can’t wait for the next Chloe adventure.
April 7, 2020 at 2:52 pm |
Lindsey, I’m a transplant too, and love my adopted state!
April 7, 2020 at 11:44 am |
The tomato plant really does give meaning to determination. Thanks for the inspiration.
April 7, 2020 at 2:53 pm |
Sometimes it’s the little things that can bring hope!
April 7, 2020 at 11:45 am |
Being Norwegian and a native Wisconsinite, I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the Chloe books I’ve read so far. Stay well, eveyone!
April 7, 2020 at 2:53 pm |
I’m not Norwegian, and so am especially grateful for the help and friendship I’ve received in the Norwegian community. You stay well also!
April 7, 2020 at 11:59 am |
I’m on the last chapter of ‘Fiddling with Fate’ and have so enjoyed this latest Chloe & Roelke adventure. Thanks so much!
April 8, 2020 at 9:59 am |
My pleasure!
April 7, 2020 at 12:03 pm |
We’ve liked you since the American Girl books that you wrote. My girls enjoyed meeting you at our library. I am interested to read one of your adult books.
April 8, 2020 at 10:00 am |
Christine, I *loved* meeting so many the young readers when I was writing for AG. Give your girls my best!
April 7, 2020 at 12:13 pm |
I’m glad you are safe at home. Read an interesting article about the shrine near Green Bay. I was excited to realize it was the same one you introduced me to in book 9. Happy writing and I will keep reading!
April 8, 2020 at 10:01 am |
Jill, thanks! The shrine is a special place.
April 7, 2020 at 12:15 pm |
Books are saving us at my house. Being able to read on the deck in this beautiful weather is an added benefit. Thanks for staying with us in these troubled times. Would love to read another one of Kathleen’s novels, I have read several. They help..
April 8, 2020 at 10:02 am |
Dawn, aren’t we fortunate that it’s springtime? I’ve spent some time on our deck, too.
April 7, 2020 at 12:16 pm |
Loved the two books I have read, Old World Murder and Mining for Justice! Can’t wait to start another!
April 8, 2020 at 10:02 am |
Good luck!
April 7, 2020 at 12:18 pm |
Am SO glad for a friendship rekindled and for the pleasure that the Chloe books have given me And meeting Mr Ernst. Stay well
April 8, 2020 at 10:03 am |
Carol, reconnecting with dear friends like you has been one of the best things about writing this series! Be well.
April 7, 2020 at 12:20 pm |
what a great idea, and thank you. That will give me a chance to complete my series 🙂
April 8, 2020 at 10:04 am |
Good luck, Agnes!
April 7, 2020 at 12:21 pm |
Thank you for a chance to read more and stay safe.
April 8, 2020 at 10:04 am |
Thanks, Sue. Be well.
April 7, 2020 at 12:26 pm |
I so enjoy each and every one as I get to catch up with our power couple on their adventures. Would love to get “Fiddling with Fate” the only one I don’t have. Stay Well!!
April 8, 2020 at 10:04 am |
“Power couple” – I love that!
April 7, 2020 at 12:31 pm |
Hey! something to look forward to. Thanks! Love the series. I have a neglected shamrock plant that is coming back to life this week with no help from me–no green thumb! Gives me hope.
April 8, 2020 at 10:05 am |
Jane, we all need to see new life right now, don’t we? Be well.
April 7, 2020 at 12:58 pm |
Love to read about the Wisconsin history in your books. They inspire me to continue to search out new sites that I have not visited. I hope that you make it back to the LaCrosse area sometime in the not to distant future. I would be very excited to win Fiddling With Fate. Stay safe and healthy.😷
April 8, 2020 at 12:46 pm |
Linda, I hope to return as well! Nothing is better than meeting readers in person.
April 7, 2020 at 1:08 pm |
I’m currently reading Fiddling with Fate and thoroughly enjoying it. We can travel to Norway through. Kathleen’s colorful descriptions
April 8, 2020 at 12:47 pm |
So glad you’re enjoying it!
April 7, 2020 at 1:12 pm |
Lace Makers Secret was a pleasure to read, but Fiddling with Fate was the best of all. God Bless you for your well-researched and wholesome stories. Please continue writing. Stay healthy.
April 8, 2020 at 12:47 pm |
Thank you so much!
April 7, 2020 at 1:16 pm |
We had a tomato come up from compost last year. It actually produced a couple of ripe ones, not an easy task here in Maine.
April 8, 2020 at 12:47 pm |
I love stories like that!
April 7, 2020 at 1:25 pm |
wow, a historical lesson along with a great mystery in each novel. dont stop now.
April 8, 2020 at 12:48 pm |
Suzanne, I’m working on #11 now!
April 7, 2020 at 1:33 pm |
I cannot wait to read your latest. My husband, a musician,,pastor, and storyteller, has a passion for hardanger fiddles – and, being Norwegian, is searching industriously for the right one for him!
April 8, 2020 at 12:49 pm |
Nancy, I’m not a musician, but I can imagine that if you’re choosing something like a Hardanger Fiddle, it does indeed need to be absolutely the right one!
April 7, 2020 at 1:36 pm |
Great series. I just started it and have been sharing the books with my mother, who also loves these.
April 8, 2020 at 12:49 pm |
Thanks so much!
April 7, 2020 at 1:37 pm |
I still loved the Lighthouse book the best—I spent part of my childhood in Rowley’sBay; but I learned the most from Lacemaker. Those women were strong beyond measure.
—Greetings from you Idaho fan club.
April 8, 2020 at 12:49 pm |
“Strong beyond measure”–I couldn’t agree more. They always inspire me!
April 7, 2020 at 1:40 pm |
Thanks for the giveaway.
I enjoy your books immensely.
Stay healthy and safe.
April 7, 2020 at 1:44 pm |
Love! I checked a few out from the library right before they closed due to the Corona.
April 7, 2020 at 1:58 pm |
Thank for the chance to win one of your Chloe books. This would be a wonderful way to have comedown time.
April 7, 2020 at 1:59 pm |
I love all your Chloe books. Can’t wait to read your new ones. Thanks for a chance to win one.
April 7, 2020 at 2:37 pm |
Today while just finishing taking a nap, I for some strange reason, started thinking about the fact that you have been shopping around for a new publisher. I fantasized about this millionaire fan of Old World Wisconsin fellow I know and having him start his own publishing company to purchase the rights for all the future Chloe books. You keep on writing and I will keep dreaming with some action included! One never knows what a really good nap can bring!
April 7, 2020 at 2:41 pm |
Reading Memory of Muskets now – love it, as usual. Thanks!
April 7, 2020 at 3:03 pm |
Thanks for putting Chloe into the world for our enjoyment. Heard you speak this fall in Kaukauna and enjoyed your presentation.
April 7, 2020 at 3:21 pm |
Looking forward to seeing you in Onalaska in September
April 7, 2020 at 3:51 pm |
Would love a chance at a book! Thanks!
April 7, 2020 at 4:34 pm |
Happy Spring and happy Easter! What a wonderful way to help keep everyone’s spirits up. Nothing beats a new book, except a new Chloe book. Thank you, Kathleen, and good luck to everyone!
April 7, 2020 at 5:07 pm |
I love this series and would love to win one of the books I haven’t read yet!
April 7, 2020 at 5:20 pm |
Have been reading my way through this series and loving every moment. Goes so well with the geneological research I’ve been doing on our family. We live in a ethnically complex and interesting State!
April 7, 2020 at 5:24 pm |
Thank you for the chance to win!
April 7, 2020 at 6:00 pm |
I love the way this series teaches history as well as entertains.
April 7, 2020 at 8:46 pm |
Love your books. I am currently reading Tradition of Deceit. I am missing A Memory of Muskets from your set yet. I was hoping to meet you at the Wisconsin State Rosemaling Association meeting on March 15, but was cancel due to the Corona Virus. Hope we can reschedule when this is all over. Take care.
April 7, 2020 at 9:54 pm |
What a lovely offer. I do so enjoy your series
April 7, 2020 at 11:27 pm |
Thank you for thinking of your fans today, how fun!
April 8, 2020 at 7:26 am |
I enjoy your series, along with my book club friends! Thanks for the opportunity to win a book!
April 8, 2020 at 7:29 am |
Thanks, for making our day brighter by this gift.
April 8, 2020 at 7:41 am |
Lacemkr & Lyle wish you the best
April 8, 2020 at 8:11 am |
Kathleen, I love the tomato seed story in the blog. How wonderful that you repotted it and nurtured it through the winter. It reminded me of the quote on my desk “It is what it is… but it will become what you make it.”
April 8, 2020 at 8:36 am |
Winning one your books would make this quarantine a bit easier to deal with. We have loved all of your books and eagerly await each new one. Ruth
April 8, 2020 at 11:05 am |
I would love to win an autographed copy of one of your books.
April 8, 2020 at 3:51 pm |
Reading Fiddling with Fate took me out of my Wisconsin living room revealing the charms of Stoughton, which I want to visit when we’re out of this crisis. And being of Norwegian descent, but MN born, I’m glad to have moved here, to find so much Norwegian heritage!
April 8, 2020 at 4:21 pm |
How very thoughtful. Thank you.
Hope you and yours remain well and safe.
April 8, 2020 at 7:46 pm |
I always loved your books.when u pick them up to read then it’s hard to put them down.i hope that u keep writing more. Your no 1 fan dawn dalberg
April 8, 2020 at 9:55 pm |
Thank you for your first “Shelter and Soar” Giveaway!! I have enjoyed the series and trying hard not to skip to “Fiddling with Fate”, but I’m getting closer. So looking forward to the book, as I grew up in Stoughton and of Norwegian descent. I have been reading my grandmother’s diary from 1946. I passed over it years ago, when my Mom was still living, but now that I have been reading your books it is so much more interesting to me and I appreciate what she wrote. Thank you Kathleen!