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Elinor Florence (Company name) Elinor Florence

Bestselling Historical Fiction Author

Finding Flora cover

ABOUT FINDING FLORA

All she ever wanted was a home of her own . . .
and she will risk her life to keep it.

On sale April 1, 2025 - Preorder the Book Now

A rollicking historical novel set in turn-of-the-century Alberta tells the compelling story of a young Scottish woman who jumps from a train to escape her abusive husband and finds herself alone on the desolate prairie. Desperate to disappear, she claims a homestead and begins to carve out a new life with the help of four neighbouring women, who band together to battle a hostile government. Perfect for fans of Genevieve Graham and Kate Morton.

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About Elinor

Following a long journalism career, my passion for the past inspired me to write fact-based historical novels about strong women. My monthly blog, Letters From Windermere, often waxes poetic about bygone days. I’m absurdly sentimental about old photographs and handwritten letters and heritage homes with crystal doorknobs. When not at my desk overlooking beautiful Lake Windermere in British Columbia, I can usually be found in my truck, driving to the nearest museum or thrift shop.

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Praise

“Historical fiction readers will love this fascinating, incredibly researched story of survival and courage, honouring the strength and resilience of early female pioneers.”

Genevieve Graham, #1 bestselling author of The Secret Keeper

“Flora is a heroine to cheer for! She’s brave, dogged, stubborn, joyful, a pioneer in a beautiful and punishing land. I can’t remember when I’ve been more caught up in the fate of a character! And what’s so splendid is that it is full of fascinating historical detail which never showed itself off, being so beautifully integrated into the story.”

Iona Whishaw, best-selling author of the Lane Winslow Series

“A gorgeously written and researched story of love and survival, following a plucky Scotswoman fleeing her abusive husband, and a powerfully diverse group of women homesteaders on the Canadian prairies in the early 1900s. You will fall in love with the prairies, and this wonderful book.”

Maia Caron, bestselling author of The Last Secret

“Elinor Florence has vividly captured a time in Canadian history when life for so many people was physically very hard and rigid demarcations separated both class and gender. The struggle of her female characters to forge a life for themselves against daunting odds grabs our sympathy and doesn’t let go until the totally satisfying ending. They are women I, for one, would love to hang out with.”

Maureen Jennings, award-winning author of the Murdoch Mystery Books

“I was swept away to the wild and wide-open spaces of Alberta, circa 1905, by the magic of Elinor Florence’s writing. I cheered for Flora every step of the way in this epic tale as big as the prairie sky.”

Leslie Howard, bestselling author of The Brideship Wife

“When we think of pioneers and homesteaders, women are normally relegated to the sidelines. Elinor Florence’s new novel upends this narrative. You can’t help but cheer for the resilient women of ‘Ladyville’, who are not only loveable characters but also reflect the grit, hardships, and societal tensions that helped shape Canada as we know it today. Finding Flora is an engaging and educational read, rich with shifting fortunes and trouble brewing at every turn.”

Ellen Keith, award-winning author of The Dutch Wife

Also by Elinor

Birds Eye View cover
Wildwood cover

Lest We Forget

Wartime Stories

While researching my wartime novel, I interviewed people who lived through the Second World War, both on the home front and overseas, and uncovered some truly inspirational stories. Please feel free to read, reflect, and share.

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Finding Flora cover

Letters From Windermere

Latest Blog Post

My love of all things vintage is reflected in my novels, my collections, my travels, my home on Lake Windermere, and the monthly letter that I have been sending to my dear readers for the past ten years.

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