I hope this finds you enjoying a pleasant start to summer, with time to savor a good book!
Just as winter weather hung on well into April here in Wisconsin, spring rains and cool temps are lingering into June. All the moisture has kept area farmers from working their fields, but our lawn and gardens are flourishing.
These lupines in the grassland bed in my yard are the most vibrant I've ever seen them.
Here's the latest on my adult mysteries, American Girl books, and Giveaway.
Chloe Ellefson Adult Mysteries
I've news about the latest Chloe book, the
next one, and the one after
that.
I'm just back from a week at one of my favorite places: Rock Island, Wisconsin, on Lake Michigan. It's the setting of the latest Chloe mystery, The Light Keeper's Legacy.
My husband Scott and I were there serving as live-in docents at the historic 1858 Pottawatomie Lighthouse. Some of our experiences there will show up in future posts on my blog, and some of the photos will be added to the book's website page.
The next book, Heritage of Darkness, is set for publication this October.
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In paperback and for Kindle, Kobo, and Nook e-Readers
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In this 4th installment, Chloe attempts to bond with her mother Marit by suggesting a December trip together to take rosemaling classes at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, IA. Roelke tags along, hoping he can do some bonding.
The week gets off to a challenging start, however, when an instructor is murdered. Amidst traditional Norwegian Christmas activities, Chloe struggles to connect with her mother, explore local folklore, and learn the rudiments of painting.
Meanwhile, Roelke is drawn into the investigation. Secrets from the past hold clues to a modern murder, and Chloe and Roelke must combine their knowledge and skills before the killer strikes again.
As to the next book after that (Chloe 5), it's under contract for a 2014 release. I'm on retreat this week, working on it at an undisclosed location!
American Girl Books
American Girl has announced Read-a-polooza, their summer-long program to encourage girls to get lost in a book, and I've been asked to participate!
I'll be visiting the American Girl stores in Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Miami. While there I'll be meeting and talking with girls, and signing my Caroline, Josefina, Kirsten, Kit, and Molly books. Dates and details can be found on my online Calendar.
The seven
Caroline books will be the focus of the
American Girl Fans events and Tea Parties that I'm giving at the Battlefield Park in Caroline's hometown, Sackets Harbor, NY. The two programs on July 6th are already sold out, but the program on July 7th
may still have space available. Contact the park directly at
(315) 646-3634 for the latest information.
25 In 25 Giveaway
We've just reached the halfway point in my 25 Books in 25 Weeks Giveaway!
So far 40 readers have won a free, signed and personalized copy of one of my 25 books. I'm holding these weekly giveaways to honor my loyal readers. Without their support, my career as a full-time writer would not be possible. The giveaways will continue through August, culminating in a grand prize award.
For details, including how you can enter, visit my Facebook Author Page or Sites and Stories blog.
As always, it's readers like you who make all of these opportunities possible, and I'm very grateful!