I keep a gratitude journal, and every evening I note at least three things that made me thankful that day.

Some are huge, while others are tiny, but all are worth counting.

I often note the pleasure of meeting readers at programs and signings, or receiving email from someone who has read one of my books.

The community on my Facebook Author page continues to grow, and I love comments on my Sites and Stories blog. I appreciate the opportunity to stay connected online.

Your encouragement and support mean a great deal to me!

Thank You Chloe Fans!

Death on the Prairie has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all printed books sold in the United States for 75 days.

Book cover of Death on the Prairie, the sixth Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery by bestselling author Kathleen Ernst, from Midnight Ink.

This sixth installment in the series sees Chloe and her sister Kari off on a road trip through Laura Ingalls Wilder country, hoping to document the history of a quilt once owned by the famous author.

As always, you can find lots of resources on my website about this and the other Chloe books, including blog posts that provide a peek behind the scenes, maps of the places where the story is set, interviews, discussion guides, and more.

Larry Meiller

Speaking of interviews, I will be talking about Death on the Prairie with iconic Wisconsin Public Radio host Larry Meiller Tuesday, November 17th.

Listen live from 11-11:45 AM Central Time on the WPR Ideas Radio Network or streaming online from the WPR website. Join the conversation by phone, or by commenting on Larry's Facebook page.

Settler's in the Spotlight

A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through the Seasons has also kept me busy--and feeling grateful--this fall.

First it was chosen

Front cover of A Settlers Year by bestselling author Kathleen Ernst

by the Wisconsin Center For The Book to represent the state at the Library of Congress National Book Festival in September.

Then the US National Archives invited me to D.C. in October to present a program about it as part of their noon lecture series (which you can watch by clicking HERE).

And this month A Settler's Year was named a Finalist in the 2015 USA Best Book Awards - United States History category.

But best of all are the fascinating family immigration stories readers have been shared with me in person and via email.

Books for Caroline Fans

Photo of the American Girl Caroline 3 Book Box Set written by Kathleen Ernst

Some of you have wondered if any of my nine American Girl Caroline Abbott books are still available for purchase.

The answer is yes, for the moment.

The three Caroline Beforever books, (and a box set of all three), plus my two Caroline mysteries, can be ordered from the American Girl webstore.

And fans and collectors seeking the original six, beautifully illustrated Caroline books can order signed and personalized copies from me, while supplies last. Send me a message with details and I'll reply with a quote.

Looking Ahead

As you may have guessed, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I'm hard at work on the 7th Chloe Ellefson mystery (coming fall 2016), but I will pause next Thursday to count my blessings.

I hope your Thanksgiving brims over with good food and time spent with friends or family.

Warm regards,

P.S. -- I have events scheduled for December, including during Christmas celebrations at Old World Wisconsin and Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. Check my Calendar for details.

Chloe Ellefson Non-Fiction Young Readers

KE PR Shot Blue Blouse 2011 150 pixels wide

Bestselling author Kathleen Ernst writes award-winning mysteries, and historical fiction and non-fiction for adults and young readers.

Over the years her work has earned numerous honors, including an Emmy, a LOVEY, and Edgar and Agatha mystery award nominations.

To date, 1.6 million printed, electronic, and audio copies of her 33 published books have been sold. For more about Kathleen, click HERE.

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Publicity photo by Kay Klubertanz of Imagine Designs by K.