Finding Flora, the new novel from local author Elinor Florence, launches April 1 and the author has several appearances lined up in the East Kootenay.

The first event will take place at Pynelogs Cultural Centre in Invermere on launch day, followed by appearances in Cranbrook and Golden.

The Invermere event won’t be an ordinary book signing.

“There will be two contests at the event,” Florence said, “one for the biggest, fanciest hat; and the other for the best plate of scones.”

Flora is a Scottish newcomer who leaps from a moving train in 1905 to escape her abusive husband and finds herself alone on the Alberta prairie. Desperate to disappear, she claims a homestead and joins forces with several neighbouring women to battle a hostile government.

“In those days women loaded down their hats with flowers and feathers,” Florence said. “I’m going to wear my pioneer outfit, and I urge everyone to dress in turn-of-the-century clothing for all my events. It’s easy to find examples on the internet.”

Since homesteaders relied on staples such as tea biscuits or scones, Florence wants everyone to whip up their best batch and bring them to Pynelogs for judging and sharing with the other guests. Tea and coffee will be provided, along with a cash bar. Children are welcome.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the author will give a short presentation at 7 p.m. sharp, followed by contest judging and book signing.

You may preorder Finding Flora at any bookstore, or purchase a copy at any of Elinor’s events including three other venues:

Huckleberry Books in Cranbrook at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 24, when she will do a reading and talk about her book, chat with readers, and sign copies.

Four Points Books in Golden from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, when she will do a reading and talk about her book, chat with readers, and sign copies.

Coles Bookstore in Tamarack Centre, from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, when she will sign copies of her book and meet with readers.

Elinor’s own family heritage includes homesteaders, fur traders, and Indigenous women, all of whom inspired her love of history. A member of the Columbia Valley Métis Association, Elinor grew up on a Saskatchewan farm and worked for newspapers in all four Western provinces before settling in Invermere with her young family thirty years ago.

She wrote for Reader’s Digest for eight years before purchasing the Columbia Valley Pioneer newspaper in Invermere, then sold the paper in 2010 to write historical fiction.

Her first two novels, Bird’s Eye View and Wildwood, are out of print, but can still be found at Four Points Books and Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy in Invermere, and Coles Tamarack Centre in Cranbrook. You may also contact her directly for a signed copy.

For more information, email Florence at [email protected] or call 250-342-1621.

Lead image: Elinor Florence works on decorating a hat to wear at her book launch events. Photos submitted

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