Between These Rivers

by Kathleen Ernst

188 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2025

About the author

I grew up in Maryland, in a house full of books! Both of my parents were avid readers, thank goodness. Before we traveled to a new area, my librarian-mom used to bring home historical novels set in that place. It was a great way to get excited about history.

I began writing stories when I was maybe 10 or 11. At 15 I wrote my first novel; I sold my first novel to a publisher 20 years later! Writing was my hobby, so during those two decades I just kept practicing, reading, writing some more. What a thrill to finally hold my first book in my hand! Still, I write because I enjoy the process (at least most of the time).

For years I wrote while working at other day jobs. I spent 12 years working at a huge historic site, which was a perfect spot for someone interested in historical fiction. I also developed and scripted instructional videos for public television. Finally, though, it got to be too much to juggle. I now write full-time, and consider myself enormously fortunate to do something I love.

Reviews

[Amy Laundrie]

I'm a huge fan of Kathleen Ernst's work, and Between These Rivers is a masterful example of her storytelling talent. Ernst immerses the reader in another era, drawing us into the lives of characters whose struggles and dreams feel both foreign and deeply relatable.

At the heart of the story are Ida Mae, a young Black woman with a passion for singing and a desire to uplift others through her voice, and Hazel, a determined aspiring photographer who has been cast out by her newly remarried mother. Despite the hardships each faces, both women pursue their dreams.

Like two rivers converging, when their paths cross, they receive strength from one another.
It’s the perfect fit for those of us who enjoy stories about strong women.

[Mary]

The book is written during the Jim Crow era when race discrimination didn't leave much room for dreaming, but Ida Mae didn't let that stop her even when callous events caused her to rethink her dream. Hazel is sent out to live on her own when and faced her own level of discrimination. She had a dream too, which was just as elusive as Ida Mae's - but together the two bonded and supported each other in all that they had hoped for.

Ernst writes from the heart and the reader feels how much that she cared for the treatment of those who deserved better. The characters are strong souls who feel their purpose and just need a bit of a boost from those who see it too, like we all do.

[Jane Irish Nelson]

1895 in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, two young women have very different dreams. Ida Mae Parker, daughter of former slaves, wants nothing more than to be a professional singer, but her parents insist she become a teacher, to help others of her race in their fight against prejudice.

Fifteeen-year-old Hazel Whitaker is forced to leave her family and make her own way in life. In Harper's Ferry she works two menial jobs, but a chance encounter with an itinerant photographer opens a new world—and what seems to be an impossible dream.

As racial tensions escalate these two young women become friends, despite everything. Excellent, thought-provoking story.

[Merlyn]

The author of this book is the daughter of a former pastor at Orems United Methodist church during the 1970s - Kathleen Ernst. One of the women in my book club told us about her plethora of novels, many are American Girl doll books, and we decided to read one. I am reading this one to see if the group might like it as it is about Harper's Ferry.