Kathleen Ernst Books In Order

Publication Order of Chloe Ellefson Books

Publication Order of Hanneke Bauer Books

Publication Order of White Mane Kids Books

Publication Order of American Girls: Caroline Books

Publication Order of American Girl: History Mysteries Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of American Girl: Felicity Books

Publication Order of American Girl: Kirsten Books

Publication Order of American Girl: Josefina Books

Publication Order of American Girl: Kit Books

Publication Order of American Girl: Molly Books

Kathleen Ernst is an award-winning author that worked as a curator, historian and as an educator before finally finding her place in the publishing arena.

+Biography

Kathleen Ernst was born in Pennsylvania, specifically Scranton, though most of her childhood memories revolve around Maryland where she grew up. Kathleen and her sisters were avid readers. In fact, she spent many a nightly hour hiding under her covers and reading by torchlight when she should have been sleeping.

It helped that her parents had a knack for books. The family was always going around the country and visiting historical sites. And before every trip, Kathleen’s mom would bring her children fiction related to the area they were going to visit.

It came as no surprise that the author’s love for reading progressed alongside her passion for traveling. Kathleen always made effective use of her summers, going out on the Shenandoah Rivers, trekking along Appalachian trails and biking through National Parks.

Kathleen Ernst’s love for nature bloomed quickly and by the time she went to West Virginia University, Kathleen had her sights firmly set on Forestry. For all her interest in reading, Kathleen was dead set on becoming a park ranger. And in the event that that dream failed, Kathleen was sure she would make it in Environmental Education.

She had no qualms about studying wildlife and weather and trees at a time where others might have encouraged her to pursue something more financially viable. Kathleen elicited joy from the educational program as her appreciation for nature grew.

Though, Kathleen did not get so consumed by nature that she forgot her love for the written word. Even as she doubled down on the environmental education, the author managed to sneak a creative writing and history class into the mix.

But rather than going directly into publishing, when Kathleen Ernst finally hit the job market, it was with an outdoor living history Museum in the Midwest that she found employment. The job, situated in Old World Wisconsin, saw Kathleen spend many a day trawling through restored buildings and consuming knowledge that she would later deploy as a historical fiction writer.

By the time the author’s career as a Curator of Interpretation and Collections began to pick up stride, she had also begun experimenting with historical fiction. Kathleen had been fortunate enough to write articles and essays that were published in Newspapers and Magazines. But she had never tried her hand at publishing an actual novel.

She wrote one when she was fifteen. But she had to wait another twenty years before she got a publishing deal. And even after she finally got her start in publishing, it was in nonfiction. As an avid enthusiast of history, Kathleen was initially known for ‘Too Afraid to Cry’, a book that explored the Civil War.

After that, the author’s opportunities began to manifest. Kathleen Ernst believes she has lived a charmed life. The author never had to work for money. She loved every single job she ever took.

And when her time in wildlife and history finally came to an end, she was fortunate enough to start writing for a living. First, she dabbled in nonfiction. And then she made the leap to public television, an industry that saw her struggle to master the art of telling stories using visual images.

And even then, with projects like ‘Investigating Wisconsin History’ and ‘New Dawn of Tradition’ under her belt, one can see that Kathleen Ernest was combining her passion for history with her love for writing to create her dream job.

+Literary Career

Kathleen Ernst started writing novels in 2001. While she had dabbled in the field on numerous occasions, it wasn’t until 2001 that the author decided to make a concerted effort to pursue fiction writing.

The author’s first professional foray into fiction writing saw her write history mystery novels for American Girl. Kathleen contributed to a number of their series before she finally went out and wrote her own independent novels, starting with ‘Hearts of Stone’.

Eventually, it became too difficult for Kathleen to juggle her other jobs with writing, especially in light of all the traveling she was doing to spend time with her family. She finally quit everything else and became a full-time writer.

It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to suggest that Kathleen Ernst’s entire life has been leading up to her decision to become a full-time writer. The time she spent in the wilderness and around historical sites has allowed her writing to reflect a strong sense of place.

Kathleen’s fans always praise her for delivering such vivid descriptions of her characters’ surroundings, this while availing curious details about history and nature.

Kathleen is married to Scott Ernst. They take great joy in turning their home in Wisconsin into a suburban garden playing host to all manner of trees and plants. Kathleen and Scott are partners in every sense of the world.

While Kathleen does the writing portion of publishing, Scott deals with the accounting and the marketing and everything else that is necessary to get Kathleen’s books to readers.

Kathleen and Scott are often on the road together.

+Meet Caroline

Caroline Abbot is more fortunate than most other girls. She gets to spend her childhood with her father sailing Lake Ontario. Caroline was sure her life would always remain sunny and rosy.

But then a British officer took Caroline’s father prisoner after telling them that Britain and America were at war. Caroline promised to stay the course until her father came back. She did what she could to keep their shipyard running and to help her mother stay strong. But then the British attack came and Caroline realized that life in 1812 still had a few surprises left to throw her way.

+Old World Murder

Chloe loves her job. Being the curator of the collection of Old World Wisconsin appeals to her. However, Chloe Ellefson only came to Old World Wisconsin to escape painful memories. What she finds isn’t exactly the peace she expected.

Chloe’s problems begin when she is tasked with finding a priceless ale bowl from Norway the Museum received a long time ago. When the old woman that assigned Chloe the task dies under suspicious circumstances, Chloe begins to look into the history of the artifact. Along the way, Chloe uncovers a conspiracy designed to keep the existence of the bowl a secret.

One Response to “Kathleen Ernst”

1. Kathleen Denny: 10 months ago

   Just checking in to see if you had written another book—the one we talked of about Villa Louis. I and my friends have enjoyed your series so much. We live in Wisconsin (I am the friend of Mary Knoflicek, whom you also know.) Very proud of your writing career.

   Reply