My friends, I am back home after my whirlwind book tour in Alberta, during which Finding Flora reached Number One Bestseller in Canadian Fiction for the entire country!
Welcome to Letters From Windermere, where I write about:
- HISTORY: mostly Western Canada history, plus any other subject that captures my interest.
- WRITING: info about Finding Flora, my new bestseller historical novel.
- BOOKS: one good book recommendation every month.
My Local Book Launch
Finding Flora kicked off here in my own town of Invermere, British Columbia on the first day of April, when more than one hundred guests packed our local historic arts centre called Pynelogs. I’m so grateful to my community for this outpouring of support!
I asked guests to compete in a Fancy Hat Contest, consistent with the fashion in 1905 when my novel takes place. I decorated my own straw hat with flowers and feathers. Some people really entered into the spirit of things and came dressed head to toe in period costume, like this lovely lady.
My daughter Katie Niddrie, who lives here in Invermere with her husband Tom and children Nora, Juliet and Jack, showed their support by coming in full pioneer garb. Jack even wore his coonskin cap!
The winner of the Fancy Hat Contest was this one, created by Donna Fitzgibbon. It really was a thing of beauty.
We also held a Homemade Scone Contest, and the scones were served up with Saskatoon Berry Jam after the judging took place.
The Scone Contest winner was a young boy named Toby Osborne-Paradis. Unfortunately, he had a broken leg, but his friend (and my grandson) Axel Plaunt wheeled him to the front to collect his flowers. His mother Lana said Toby just loves baking and all she did was turn on the oven for him!
Alberta Bound
The next morning, my husband and I packed the car and headed to Calgary.
I had another delightful event at the independent bookstore, Owl’s Nest Books. I presented my slide show of historic photographs, and told guests about the fascinating Alberta history that inspired my novel.
It was standing room only! Members of at least three book clubs showed up, having read one or both of my previous novels.
During the next couple of days, I signed books at two Indigo stores in Calgary. I did NOT wear my pioneer outfit at these stores because I did not want to scare people away by giving the impression that I was either some kind of kooky lady, or a member of a religious group. (It has happened in the past).
The customers were very appreciative. My favourite sale happened when four teenaged girls pooled their cash to buy one copy to share among them.
An old friend named Lynda Harrison visited me at Chapters Chinook.
Then we drove to the Indigo store in Red Deer, Alberta, where I was received enthusiastically. Red Deer features prominently in my book, because I refer to some historic buildings which are still standing there, and one pivotal scene takes place in that city.
The next day we continued to Edmonton where I appeared at the independent bookstore, Audreys Books, with one of my favourite historical fiction authors, Genevieve Graham. We learned that our writing styles are very different. She is a pantster (a prolific writer who works eight hours a day and writes by the seat of her pants.) I am a plotter (I work only four hours a day and spend much of my time laboriously plotting before I start to write!)
This would explain why Genevieve turns out a splendid historical novel every year, while mine are much farther apart!
While in Edmonton, I dropped into a Shoppers Drug Mart to buy some lipstick, and found my book on display there. Finding Flora is the Book Lover’s Pick for the month of April at Shoppers stores right across Canada!
I appeared at another two Indigo stores in Edmonton, and again, I sold out all the books in stock. My customers included everyone from seniors to young mothers. (Hint: I signed a LOT of copies intended as Mother’s Day gifts).
I’m always thrilled to meet people who subscribe to this newsletter, so it was a treat when Shirley Moorman introduced herself at Indigo Sherwood Park.
BESTSELLER UPDATE
It was while I was selling books at Indigo North Town Centre in Edmonton that I received an email from my publisher.
“ARE YOU SITTING DOWN? Finding Flora is the Number One Bestseller in Canadian Fiction!”
And it was official when the national Globe & Mail newspaper appeared on April 12, 2025. I’m still pinching myself!
Special Event in Alix, Alberta
My Alberta tour wound up at the scene of the crime, as it were — the darling little village of Alix, Alberta where my novel is set. The volunteers at the Alix Wagon Wheel Museum had booked the entire Alix Community Hall and it’s a good thing they did, because about seventy people came from as far away as Edmonton and Calgary!
These two volunteers, Bunny Kullman and Michelle Guevremont, looked as if they had just stepped from the pages of Pioneers and Progress, the local Alix history book.
And some of the guests were also in full regalia, including Mary Kinsella.
Many others wore hats — all five women at this table were wearing hats.
I awarded a prize to the best of many wonderful hats. This green velvet concoction bore an entire stuffed bluebird and a spray of peacock feathers, created by Simone DeCnodder.
Here I gave my slide show presentation once again, and talked about Alix’s proud pioneer history.
One of Alix’s leading lights was Irene Parlby, an early advocate for women’s rights who makes an appearance in my novel.
And the homemade goodies were absolutely delicious!
Thank you, Alix, for a terrific afternoon of fun and fellowship.
Home Sweet Home
It was with a tear in my eye that I left my beloved prairies. During the entire trip I could not stop admiring the huge multicoloured sky in all its glory, towering over the broad sweep of the Western fields.
Nevertheless, it is good to be at home among the mountains, to find the last vestige of ice has vanished from Lake Windermere, to spot the first tender crocuses in my yard — and to bring home a bestseller!
Coming Events
Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, April 19: Café Books, Canmore, AB. Book signing.
7-9 p.m. Thursday, April 24: Huckleberry Books, Cranbrook, BC. Author reading and signing.
1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 26: Four Points Books, Golden, BC. Author reading and signing.
Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, May 3: Coles Tamarack Centre, Cranbrook, BC. Book signing.
Noon-4 p.m. Monday, May 12: Coles Cottonwood Mall, Chilliwack, BC. Book signing.
6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14: Black Bond Books, Vancouver, BC. Author reading and book signing.
2-6 p.m. Friday, May 23: Book Launch and Garden Party at my second home on Vancouver Island, 581 Nassau Crescent, Qualicum Beach, BC. Co-hosted by Mulberry Bush Books. Chat with author, book signing, refreshments. Come and go as you please!
2-4 p.m. Saturday, June 22: Book Launch and Tea Party at Our SPACE, the historic schoolhouse at 4684 Beach Avenue, Peachland, BC. Hosted by Peachland Arts Council. Author presentation at 2:30 p.m. Admission $5.
A complete event schedule (so far) appears here: Book Event Schedule.
Book of the Month
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawson is a remarkable work of historical fiction based on the true story of a midwife in Maine in 1789, one who is called upon to testify at a rape trial. It is filled with colour and atmosphere, and would make a great book club selection.
My Deepest Gratitude
I am well aware that many Letters From Windermere subscribers preordered or purchased Finding Flora, and I am so very grateful for your ongoing support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Affectionately, Elinor
