I hope this finds you well, enjoying a pleasant spring, and reading a good book. 

 

In Wisconsin where I live, winter has vigorously resisted giving way to spring. As I write this in early April, new life is just starting to emerge. These lovely crocuses are in the woods behind my home, the first flowers I've seen outdoors.   

 

25 In 25 Giveaway  

 

To celebrate the release of my 25th book (a milestone I've not yet absorbed), I'm honoring my readers by holding 25 weekly giveaways--one for each of my adult and children's books, including the six I've written about the Civil War. Weekly winners get free, signed, personalized copies of one of these books.  

 

By the time this 'Silver Celebration' ends, 100 books will have been won. 

For details about which book is currently being offered, and how you can enter, visit my Facebook Author Page or Sites and Stories blog.

 

Chloe Ellefson Adult Mysteries

 

I have news about the first Chloe book, the current one, and the next.

 

 

The first is the subject of a new video!  I tell stories about how the series came to be, and provide a glimpse of the huge historic site where Chloe works. You can watch it on my website's Old World Murder page, which contains a veritable treasure trove of goodies about the book.   

 

The current Chloe book, The Light Keeper's Legacy, will be the focus of public programs I'm doing in April 2013 here in Wisconsin at the Fox Cities Book Festival, and at the public libraries in Brookfield, Lake Mills, and Eagle. Dates and details can be found on my website's Calendar.  

 

And in what is now an annual tradition, I will reveal key details about the next Chloe mystery (due out 10/08/13) at the Eagle Library program.  

 

American Girl Books   

 

Good news!  I'm very happy to tell you that the first book in the Caroline Abbott historical fiction series, Meet Caroline, has just received the Tofte/Wright Children's Literature Award from the Council for Wisconsin Writers!   

 

The Caroline series is set during the War of 1812. I am deeply honored that Meet Caroline was selected for such a wonderful recognition. 

The seven Caroline books are the focus of public programs I'm giving in April at the Annapolis Book Festival in Maryland, and the Fox Valley Book Festival and the Brookfield, Lake Mills, and Eagle public libraries here in Wisconsin. Check out my Calendar for dates and details about these events, and the book signing I'm doing at the Washington DC American Girl store.

 

As always, it's readers like you who make all of these opportunities possible, and I'm very grateful!