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Finding Flora: A Novel
Instant #1 Bestseller
A rollicking historical novel set in turn-of-the-century Alberta about a young woman on the run from her abusive husband who uses a legal loophole to claim a homestead in the Wild West—perfect for fans of Outlawed and The Giver of Stars.
Scottish newcomer Flora Craigie jumps from a moving train in 1905 to escape her abusive husband. Desperate to disappear, she claims a homestead on the beautiful but wild Alberta prairie, determined to create a new life for herself. She is astonished to find that her nearest neighbours are also a Welsh widow with three children; two American women raising chickens; and a Métis woman who supports herself by training wild horses.
While battling both the brutal environment and the local cynicism toward female farmers, the five women with their very different backgrounds struggle to find common ground. But when their homes are threatened with expropriation by a hostile government, they join forces to “fire the heather,” a Scottish term meaning to raise a ruckus. To complicate matters, there are signs that Flora’s violent husband is still hunting for her. And as the competition for free land along the new Canadian Pacific Railway line heats up, an unscrupulous land agent threatens not only Flora’s livelihood, but her very existence.
A rollicking historical novel set in turn-of-the-century Alberta about a young woman on the run from her abusive husband who uses a legal loophole to claim a homestead in the Wild West—perfect for fans of Outlawed and The Giver of Stars.
Scottish newcomer Flora Craigie jumps from a moving train in 1905 to escape her abusive husband. Desperate to disappear, she claims a homestead on the beautiful but wild Alberta prairie, determined to create a new life for herself. She is astonished to find that her nearest neighbours are also a Welsh widow with three children; two American women raising chickens; and a Métis woman who supports herself by training wild horses.
While battling both the brutal environment and the local cynicism toward female farmers, the five women with their very different backgrounds struggle to find common ground. But when their homes are threatened with expropriation by a hostile government, they join forces to “fire the heather,” a Scottish term meaning to raise a ruckus. To complicate matters, there are signs that Flora’s violent husband is still hunting for her. And as the competition for free land along the new Canadian Pacific Railway line heats up, an unscrupulous land agent threatens not only Flora’s livelihood, but her very existence.
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First published April 1, 2025
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About the author
Elinor Florence
4 books300 followersMy new historical novel Finding Flora, about women homesteaders on the prairies, was published by Simon & Schuster in April 2025 and became an immediate national bestseller.
My debut novel Bird's Eye View tells the story of a young Canadian woman who joins the air force in World War Two and becomes an aerial photographic interpreter.
My second novel Wildwood is about a single mother from the big city who must fulfill the conditions of her inheritance by living for one year in an abandoned farmhouse in northern Canada.
I grew up on a prairie farm and had a long career in journalism, writing for newspapers and magazines including Reader’s Digest. I even published my own newspaper before turning to fiction.
I have Indigenous heritage, thanks to my Cree ancestors, and I am a card-carrying member of the Métis Nation of B.C.
For the past twelve years I have written a monthly blog titled Letters From Windermere, in which I write about my love of history, and recommend one good book every month. Everyone is welcome to join, and I welcome new followers.
Married with three grown daughters, I now live in the mountain resort town of Invermere, British Columbia. My passions are village life, old houses, and flea markets.
More than you ever wanted to know about me can be found on my website: www.elinorflorence.com. I answer every message!
My debut novel Bird's Eye View tells the story of a young Canadian woman who joins the air force in World War Two and becomes an aerial photographic interpreter.
My second novel Wildwood is about a single mother from the big city who must fulfill the conditions of her inheritance by living for one year in an abandoned farmhouse in northern Canada.
I grew up on a prairie farm and had a long career in journalism, writing for newspapers and magazines including Reader’s Digest. I even published my own newspaper before turning to fiction.
I have Indigenous heritage, thanks to my Cree ancestors, and I am a card-carrying member of the Métis Nation of B.C.
For the past twelve years I have written a monthly blog titled Letters From Windermere, in which I write about my love of history, and recommend one good book every month. Everyone is welcome to join, and I welcome new followers.
Married with three grown daughters, I now live in the mountain resort town of Invermere, British Columbia. My passions are village life, old houses, and flea markets.
More than you ever wanted to know about me can be found on my website: www.elinorflorence.com. I answer every message!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 587 reviews
November 11, 2025
5 stunning stars!
2025 Favourites List! 🏆
Early Canadian settlers and pioneers. Homesteading community. Sisterhood. Women’s liberation. Wheat farming.
Alberta, Canada, 1905. A woman jumps from a moving train to escape an abusive marriage and start a new life for herself. She begins on a life changing journey of self discovery, female empowerment and women’s rights. Having to prove herself over and over, she pushes forward through countless challenges and prejudices.
I adored the main character, Flora. She had immense strength and determination, yet vulnerability and realness. Through her endearing character, the reader learns about the early Canadian prairie settlers and how small communities began, faced countless hardships and eventual successes. Tremendous bravery and courage were required to take on this new life in the “unknown”.
Homesteading is a topic I love reading about. I always find it fascinating to learn about early homesteaders who start from scratch on uninhabited land, doing backbreaking work just to survive day-to-day. They learned from “doing”.
The kindness of strangers is a thread that weaves its way through this storyline. This is not an easy read, as there are many devastations the characters face, but the sense of community and sisterhood that flows through the plot will surely touch readers and leave them feeling a sense of hope in humankind. The importance of community is multi-layered throughout this story and I found that aspect relatable, heartwarming and hopeful.
The feminist energy was inspiring. I am always in awe of women who break boundaries and strive to support other women. In a time when women were seen as “less than”, having no voice, it would have taken immense courage and confidence to push forward and challenge the barriers that held them back. This book showcases this in a beautiful and empowering way.
This book was a pleasant surprise! I had seen it on some “Best Of” lists, but didn’t expect it to impact me so powerfully. The writing is exquisite and the characters are unforgettable. I highly recommend this to historical fiction fans, women’s fiction lovers and anyone looking to learn about early Canadian settlers.
2025 Favourites List! 🏆
Early Canadian settlers and pioneers. Homesteading community. Sisterhood. Women’s liberation. Wheat farming.
Alberta, Canada, 1905. A woman jumps from a moving train to escape an abusive marriage and start a new life for herself. She begins on a life changing journey of self discovery, female empowerment and women’s rights. Having to prove herself over and over, she pushes forward through countless challenges and prejudices.
I adored the main character, Flora. She had immense strength and determination, yet vulnerability and realness. Through her endearing character, the reader learns about the early Canadian prairie settlers and how small communities began, faced countless hardships and eventual successes. Tremendous bravery and courage were required to take on this new life in the “unknown”.
Homesteading is a topic I love reading about. I always find it fascinating to learn about early homesteaders who start from scratch on uninhabited land, doing backbreaking work just to survive day-to-day. They learned from “doing”.
The kindness of strangers is a thread that weaves its way through this storyline. This is not an easy read, as there are many devastations the characters face, but the sense of community and sisterhood that flows through the plot will surely touch readers and leave them feeling a sense of hope in humankind. The importance of community is multi-layered throughout this story and I found that aspect relatable, heartwarming and hopeful.
The feminist energy was inspiring. I am always in awe of women who break boundaries and strive to support other women. In a time when women were seen as “less than”, having no voice, it would have taken immense courage and confidence to push forward and challenge the barriers that held them back. This book showcases this in a beautiful and empowering way.
This book was a pleasant surprise! I had seen it on some “Best Of” lists, but didn’t expect it to impact me so powerfully. The writing is exquisite and the characters are unforgettable. I highly recommend this to historical fiction fans, women’s fiction lovers and anyone looking to learn about early Canadian settlers.
August 27, 2025
3.5 ⭐️s
Flora gives little miss house on the prairie with a fire under her ass.
Flora gives little miss house on the prairie with a fire under her ass.
August 23, 2025
3.75 stars ⭐️
This book was tailored for me.
Scottish immigrant ✅
Canadian prairie girl ✅
Flora Craigie immigrates to Alberta in the early 1900s in the strangest of ways, but with the truest of intentions. She learns to tackle the prairie hardships like that of a
true stubborn, Scot’s woman that she rightfully is. With humble beginnings, she is surrounded with a small band of friends who become family. I loved the feeling of community within this book, something we are missing in this day.
The story itself, is predictable but nevertheless it is a feel good story. It had plenty of history about my home
province which was intriguing and offered much insight.
By the end of the story you will know what breeks 👖 are 😃, but more importantly, you will have a deep appreciation of the pioneers of Canada. 🇨🇦
This book was tailored for me.
Scottish immigrant ✅
Canadian prairie girl ✅
Flora Craigie immigrates to Alberta in the early 1900s in the strangest of ways, but with the truest of intentions. She learns to tackle the prairie hardships like that of a
true stubborn, Scot’s woman that she rightfully is. With humble beginnings, she is surrounded with a small band of friends who become family. I loved the feeling of community within this book, something we are missing in this day.
The story itself, is predictable but nevertheless it is a feel good story. It had plenty of history about my home
province which was intriguing and offered much insight.
By the end of the story you will know what breeks 👖 are 😃, but more importantly, you will have a deep appreciation of the pioneers of Canada. 🇨🇦
April 1, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon&Schuster Canada for acess to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
A Scottish woman, Flora Craigie finds herself fleeing from her abusive husband in the middle of the night in the new Canadian province of Alberta. Rescued by kind people, Flora is able to hide her secret and take up homesteading. Like Flora, all of her neighbors are also women trying to set up homes- a Welsh widow with three children, two American women, a young horsewoman with Cree and Scottish ancestry. Unfortunately, many of the nearby townspeople are horrified of women laboring the land. They see it as women stealing properties from good British white men. What's next? Will the women ask for the vote? Ban the saloons?
Yet the women do find kindness among the strife like the curmudgeonly neighbor and rural doctor. However, Flora dreads the day her powerful husband will find her. Can she trust her long held secret?
If you're starving for some Canadian historical fiction, then this novel will fit the bill. All the women(and a few of their male counterparts)in this story captured my heart. When people tell me that Canadian history is boring, this is certainly going to be a title that will slip from my lips. Today is a snow day and it was my absolute pleasure to spend some hours with Flora and transported to 1905-1908 Alberta.
Expected Publication 01/04/25
Goodreads Review. 31/03/25
A Scottish woman, Flora Craigie finds herself fleeing from her abusive husband in the middle of the night in the new Canadian province of Alberta. Rescued by kind people, Flora is able to hide her secret and take up homesteading. Like Flora, all of her neighbors are also women trying to set up homes- a Welsh widow with three children, two American women, a young horsewoman with Cree and Scottish ancestry. Unfortunately, many of the nearby townspeople are horrified of women laboring the land. They see it as women stealing properties from good British white men. What's next? Will the women ask for the vote? Ban the saloons?
Yet the women do find kindness among the strife like the curmudgeonly neighbor and rural doctor. However, Flora dreads the day her powerful husband will find her. Can she trust her long held secret?
If you're starving for some Canadian historical fiction, then this novel will fit the bill. All the women(and a few of their male counterparts)in this story captured my heart. When people tell me that Canadian history is boring, this is certainly going to be a title that will slip from my lips. Today is a snow day and it was my absolute pleasure to spend some hours with Flora and transported to 1905-1908 Alberta.
Expected Publication 01/04/25
Goodreads Review. 31/03/25
January 26, 2026
I have really complicated feelings about this one.
Set in Canada in 1905, we meet our protagonist Flora as she jumps from a moving train. Flora is Scottish, she set out to Canada with her new husband, Hector, after knowing him just a few weeks.
From there we follow Flora as she takes up homesteading in the Canadian prairies, part of a government initiative to populate the land and to stop the US claiming it (a topical subject).
I'd never heard of this piece of Canadian history before, so this was super interesting along with how solo female homesteaders were perceived and treated.
I just wish this had leaned more into how the government expelled the indigenous people from the land prior to the homestead initiative. While it was touched upon briefly, the author never really engaged with it. I also wish this book was told from Jessie's perspective, we could of dived into the realities of immigration, displacement, and the ethics of settlement in Canada during this time period.
The author's note is interesting but raises more questions than answers for me. With the circumstances between the author and the character of Jessie being so similar, I do wonder why the choice was made to romanticise the history.
I think I've landed on three stars for this. I learned, it gave me things to think about but equally I think it could have dug into the past more rather than using it as a backdrop.
Set in Canada in 1905, we meet our protagonist Flora as she jumps from a moving train. Flora is Scottish, she set out to Canada with her new husband, Hector, after knowing him just a few weeks.
From there we follow Flora as she takes up homesteading in the Canadian prairies, part of a government initiative to populate the land and to stop the US claiming it (a topical subject).
I'd never heard of this piece of Canadian history before, so this was super interesting along with how solo female homesteaders were perceived and treated.
I just wish this had leaned more into how the government expelled the indigenous people from the land prior to the homestead initiative. While it was touched upon briefly, the author never really engaged with it. I also wish this book was told from Jessie's perspective, we could of dived into the realities of immigration, displacement, and the ethics of settlement in Canada during this time period.
The author's note is interesting but raises more questions than answers for me. With the circumstances between the author and the character of Jessie being so similar, I do wonder why the choice was made to romanticise the history.
I think I've landed on three stars for this. I learned, it gave me things to think about but equally I think it could have dug into the past more rather than using it as a backdrop.
April 2, 2025
So excited to find out that Elinor Florence has a new historical fiction novel being published in April 2025! I loved Bird's Eye View and Wildwood.
Received a free ARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
Finished 10-09-24. Rated 5 stars and on my favorite shelf. No spoilers in this review.
Very much loved this historical fiction novel set in the North-West territories of Canada in 1905. Scottish Flora Craigie and her newly wed husband have immigrated to Canada and are heading west by railway. Unfortunately his abusive and brutal behavior comes to light. Flora fears for her life and escapes.
Loved how Flora is portrayed. She's determined to homestead and make a life for herself. This turns out to be much more difficult then she could ever imagine. But with the help of her neighbors and courage on her part she is able to be an independent homeowner.
Flora and her 3 female neighbors must put up not just with the harsh weather conditions but also the prejudice of being female. This was a time when most people assumed that women should marry, have children and let men govern their lives. Of course through out history there have been many females who've overcome these roadblocks but it has never been easy.
Flora's neighbors are a widow with 3 young children; 2 single American ladies who raise chickens and a Metis woman who trains wild horses. Per the author's notes at the end these ladies and Flora are fictional but based on those females who actually did homestead and contributed so much to Canadian history. Also liked that she included real historical figures into the story.
I loved the story and how the author gave us these character's backgrounds without a lot of "info dumping". Her descriptions of daily life, the beautiful but harsh Canadian Prarie, and realistic clothing styles of that time were fascinating.
A very fast, enjoyable read while also learning some history I was unaware of. Highly recommend to those who like historical fiction.
Received a free ARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
Finished 10-09-24. Rated 5 stars and on my favorite shelf. No spoilers in this review.
Very much loved this historical fiction novel set in the North-West territories of Canada in 1905. Scottish Flora Craigie and her newly wed husband have immigrated to Canada and are heading west by railway. Unfortunately his abusive and brutal behavior comes to light. Flora fears for her life and escapes.
Loved how Flora is portrayed. She's determined to homestead and make a life for herself. This turns out to be much more difficult then she could ever imagine. But with the help of her neighbors and courage on her part she is able to be an independent homeowner.
Flora and her 3 female neighbors must put up not just with the harsh weather conditions but also the prejudice of being female. This was a time when most people assumed that women should marry, have children and let men govern their lives. Of course through out history there have been many females who've overcome these roadblocks but it has never been easy.
Flora's neighbors are a widow with 3 young children; 2 single American ladies who raise chickens and a Metis woman who trains wild horses. Per the author's notes at the end these ladies and Flora are fictional but based on those females who actually did homestead and contributed so much to Canadian history. Also liked that she included real historical figures into the story.
I loved the story and how the author gave us these character's backgrounds without a lot of "info dumping". Her descriptions of daily life, the beautiful but harsh Canadian Prarie, and realistic clothing styles of that time were fascinating.
A very fast, enjoyable read while also learning some history I was unaware of. Highly recommend to those who like historical fiction.
May 15, 2025
Canadian author 🇨🇦
Finding Flora is a captivating novel set in 1905 Alberta, Canada. The story follows Scottish immigrant Flora Craigie, who escapes her abusive husband by leaping from a moving train. Determined to start anew, she claims a homestead on the wild prairie, only to discover that her closest neighbors are also pioneering women. A story of survival, friendship, and empowerment, highlighting the strength and resilience of early female pioneers. I really enjoyed this!
Finding Flora is a captivating novel set in 1905 Alberta, Canada. The story follows Scottish immigrant Flora Craigie, who escapes her abusive husband by leaping from a moving train. Determined to start anew, she claims a homestead on the wild prairie, only to discover that her closest neighbors are also pioneering women. A story of survival, friendship, and empowerment, highlighting the strength and resilience of early female pioneers. I really enjoyed this!
April 3, 2025
Enthralling, moving, and authentic!
Finding Flora is an absorbing tale that sweeps you away to Alberta during the early 1900s and into the life of Flora Craigie, a young Scottish bride who, after discovering her husband’s true nature, jumps from a moving train as it crosses the Canadian prairies and endeavours to start a new life by working the unforgiving land and surviving the harsh weather, in the hopes of ultimately claiming a homestead of her own.
The writing is eloquent and expressive. The characters are resilient, devoted, and strong. And the plot is a harrowing tale about life, loss, hope, family, female friendships, secrets, hardship, trust, violence, murder, and love.
Overall, Finding Flora is a beautifully written, well-researched, atmospheric novel by Florence that reminds us not only of the rugged beauty of this land we call home but also of the extraordinary women who sacrificed to pave the way for the rights and freedoms we have today.
Finding Flora is an absorbing tale that sweeps you away to Alberta during the early 1900s and into the life of Flora Craigie, a young Scottish bride who, after discovering her husband’s true nature, jumps from a moving train as it crosses the Canadian prairies and endeavours to start a new life by working the unforgiving land and surviving the harsh weather, in the hopes of ultimately claiming a homestead of her own.
The writing is eloquent and expressive. The characters are resilient, devoted, and strong. And the plot is a harrowing tale about life, loss, hope, family, female friendships, secrets, hardship, trust, violence, murder, and love.
Overall, Finding Flora is a beautifully written, well-researched, atmospheric novel by Florence that reminds us not only of the rugged beauty of this land we call home but also of the extraordinary women who sacrificed to pave the way for the rights and freedoms we have today.
December 6, 2024
I highly recommend Finding Flora by Elinor Florence which is set in early 1900s Alberta about a young Scottish woman on the run from her abusive husband. Trying to hide and start a new life, Flora claims a homestead in the Wild West.
The exquisite writing in this well researched historical novel seemed to transport me back in time as a homesteader along with
Flora and her neighbour Mrs. Penrose.
The story was so realistic, interesting and intriguing that I did not want it to end, but the suspense and wanting to know what would happen next kept me reading and unwilling to stop.
Thanks to #NetGalley, Publisher Simon & Schuster Canada for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced reading copy of Finding Flora and share my thoughts of the book.
5 stars
The exquisite writing in this well researched historical novel seemed to transport me back in time as a homesteader along with
Flora and her neighbour Mrs. Penrose.
The story was so realistic, interesting and intriguing that I did not want it to end, but the suspense and wanting to know what would happen next kept me reading and unwilling to stop.
Thanks to #NetGalley, Publisher Simon & Schuster Canada for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced reading copy of Finding Flora and share my thoughts of the book.
5 stars
January 29, 2025
This is the third book I have read by Elinor Florence. A Bird’s Eye View, Wildwood and now Finding Flora, which will be published in April 2025.
This checks all my boxes to give it 5 stars. I did not fall asleep while reading, I wanted to keep reading, it had a strong storyline and characters to remember and a satisfying conclusion, but I need more. Thanks to the author and her publisher for an advanced copy.
A feel good story about very strong, resilient women. Timeline in the early 1900’s in the very rural prairies of Western Canada.
This checks all my boxes to give it 5 stars. I did not fall asleep while reading, I wanted to keep reading, it had a strong storyline and characters to remember and a satisfying conclusion, but I need more. Thanks to the author and her publisher for an advanced copy.
A feel good story about very strong, resilient women. Timeline in the early 1900’s in the very rural prairies of Western Canada.
January 22, 2025
I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was so excited to read this book as I have loved Elinor Florence's previous books, and I was not disappointed! It begins in dramatic fashion when the protagonist Flora jumps from a moving train in Alberta to escape her marriage to a violent man whom she hastily married in order to escape a life of poverty in Scotland. Seeking to disappear, Flora learns of a way to obtain a homestead, something that was usually denied to a single woman at that time. She finds herself on a piece of bare land in Central Alberta with no prior knowledge of farming. To her surprise and delight, she discovers that her nearest neighbours are also women, who as time goes by set aside their differences and work together to overcome many obstacles. While the harsh climate and steep learning curve pose big challenges, it turns out that the biggest obstacle to the women's success is the men who think they shouldn't be there.
There are some great and colourful characters in this story, including the land itself, which is so beautifully described. I have often wondered what the farming areas I drive through might have looked like before the settlers came. I love the fact that a number of real life historical figures were incorporated into this novel, including suffragist Irene Parlby of the Famous Five, and the despicable Frank Oliver, a once revered journalist and Minister of the Interior whose historical reputation is being re-evaluated in light of his racist and misogynist policies. I would like to think that Mrs. Parlby would have approved of her portrayal, and Mr. Oliver would have hated his. The author also weaves the plight of the Metis people into the story with sensitivity by including a Metis woman in the community of women that came to be known as Ladyville.
As a central Alberta farmer, I always look at fiction set in my area and involving agriculture through a pretty critical lens. Are the depictions of farming and of the seasons, flora and fauna, etc. reasonably accurate and well researched? I have a couple of minor concerns with this one, but the author did a pretty good job.
Overall this is a solid five star read. I'm not sure if Elinor Florence and I just think alike, though, but I can always figure out who is going to marry whom the second I meet the characters. I predicted all the romances in this one, including the "surprise" one at the end.
I was so excited to read this book as I have loved Elinor Florence's previous books, and I was not disappointed! It begins in dramatic fashion when the protagonist Flora jumps from a moving train in Alberta to escape her marriage to a violent man whom she hastily married in order to escape a life of poverty in Scotland. Seeking to disappear, Flora learns of a way to obtain a homestead, something that was usually denied to a single woman at that time. She finds herself on a piece of bare land in Central Alberta with no prior knowledge of farming. To her surprise and delight, she discovers that her nearest neighbours are also women, who as time goes by set aside their differences and work together to overcome many obstacles. While the harsh climate and steep learning curve pose big challenges, it turns out that the biggest obstacle to the women's success is the men who think they shouldn't be there.
There are some great and colourful characters in this story, including the land itself, which is so beautifully described. I have often wondered what the farming areas I drive through might have looked like before the settlers came. I love the fact that a number of real life historical figures were incorporated into this novel, including suffragist Irene Parlby of the Famous Five, and the despicable Frank Oliver, a once revered journalist and Minister of the Interior whose historical reputation is being re-evaluated in light of his racist and misogynist policies. I would like to think that Mrs. Parlby would have approved of her portrayal, and Mr. Oliver would have hated his. The author also weaves the plight of the Metis people into the story with sensitivity by including a Metis woman in the community of women that came to be known as Ladyville.
As a central Alberta farmer, I always look at fiction set in my area and involving agriculture through a pretty critical lens. Are the depictions of farming and of the seasons, flora and fauna, etc. reasonably accurate and well researched? I have a couple of minor concerns with this one, but the author did a pretty good job.
Overall this is a solid five star read. I'm not sure if Elinor Florence and I just think alike, though, but I can always figure out who is going to marry whom the second I meet the characters. I predicted all the romances in this one, including the "surprise" one at the end.
December 21, 2025
Wow, just wow. What an elegant book. The characters and setting were perfect. Even though the author writes about how harsh Canadian settlers had it; it made you proud with how much women & settlers roughed it to make it in this country!
August 7, 2025
How am I even supposed to write a review for this?!
I absolutely LOVED this book from the beautiful writing about the land and harvests, to those long damn winters, to my favourite chicken ladies, to Old Sourdough, the grump next door. Jessie, Peggy, and Flora those fierce, badass women of Ladyvillie were everything. I was cheering them on through every page… but especially for Dr. Farraway. (Yes, I even got myself a little crush on him.)
And the fact that it was all set in Alberta? Perfection. It felt like home. Like history, grit, and sisterhood all rolled into one. This was a 10-star read, easily. One of those rare books I’ll carry with me forever.
I absolutely LOVED this book from the beautiful writing about the land and harvests, to those long damn winters, to my favourite chicken ladies, to Old Sourdough, the grump next door. Jessie, Peggy, and Flora those fierce, badass women of Ladyvillie were everything. I was cheering them on through every page… but especially for Dr. Farraway. (Yes, I even got myself a little crush on him.)
And the fact that it was all set in Alberta? Perfection. It felt like home. Like history, grit, and sisterhood all rolled into one. This was a 10-star read, easily. One of those rare books I’ll carry with me forever.
July 21, 2025
4.5 stars
March 22, 2025
So originally I DNF’d this title.. But then I went back to it because someone else convinced me I should.
Wrong move… I was right in my first reaction to this title.
I’ll start at the end, and then circle back.
Yes, there is some really interesting history here
This story really is very much grounded in “real” history, right down to the inclusion of real historical characters
There is an interesting and fairly extensive bibliography included (not to mention a Reading Guide)...
The problem is that none of the above makes up for the fact that this is little more than a standard supermarket checkout romance parading as historically “informed” literary fare.
Summary statement at the outset: This is predictable trope through and through, and it borders on Harlequin territory at times. Too much nausea inducing “swoony” romance.
The narrative arc goes something like this: Woman escapes abusive relationship: Strikes out on her own; Finds community of women to support her; Evil men threaten their existence; They overcome - with the support of men (how nice to know that not all men are evil); They deal with a few other bumps in the road; Everyone lives happily ever after - how lovely!
There was pretty much nothing I didn’t predict as an outcome well in advance. Yeah a few details at the end might have been different, but the overall was predictable.
The author insists - repeatedly to the point of annoyance - on preaching to us, on telling us everything…even when she has already shown us sufficiently.
And hardly anything happens without the assistance my three pet peeves - my “three C’s”: convenient, coincidence and contrivance. There are plot holes and inconconstencies in character behaviour that you could drive a Mack truck through.
As for the nausea inducing swoon… take this for example onP174. Flora is at the fair, late a night being accosted by drunks. But have no fear as she gets rescued by the handsome young doctor - “Flora turned and her heart leaped as she saw a pair of broad shoulders against the flaming scarlet sky. She had been looking for those shoulders all day” OMG! Barf!
If that were the only time, maybe.. But it’s not…
And then lets talk about the last 30 or so pages… a fast march to tidy up EVERYTHING all neat and tidy in a big bow!!
Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for granting me access to an early digital review copy.
Wrong move… I was right in my first reaction to this title.
I’ll start at the end, and then circle back.
Yes, there is some really interesting history here
This story really is very much grounded in “real” history, right down to the inclusion of real historical characters
There is an interesting and fairly extensive bibliography included (not to mention a Reading Guide)...
The problem is that none of the above makes up for the fact that this is little more than a standard supermarket checkout romance parading as historically “informed” literary fare.
Summary statement at the outset: This is predictable trope through and through, and it borders on Harlequin territory at times. Too much nausea inducing “swoony” romance.
The narrative arc goes something like this: Woman escapes abusive relationship: Strikes out on her own; Finds community of women to support her; Evil men threaten their existence; They overcome - with the support of men (how nice to know that not all men are evil); They deal with a few other bumps in the road; Everyone lives happily ever after - how lovely!
There was pretty much nothing I didn’t predict as an outcome well in advance. Yeah a few details at the end might have been different, but the overall was predictable.
The author insists - repeatedly to the point of annoyance - on preaching to us, on telling us everything…even when she has already shown us sufficiently.
And hardly anything happens without the assistance my three pet peeves - my “three C’s”: convenient, coincidence and contrivance. There are plot holes and inconconstencies in character behaviour that you could drive a Mack truck through.
As for the nausea inducing swoon… take this for example onP174. Flora is at the fair, late a night being accosted by drunks. But have no fear as she gets rescued by the handsome young doctor - “Flora turned and her heart leaped as she saw a pair of broad shoulders against the flaming scarlet sky. She had been looking for those shoulders all day” OMG! Barf!
If that were the only time, maybe.. But it’s not…
And then lets talk about the last 30 or so pages… a fast march to tidy up EVERYTHING all neat and tidy in a big bow!!
Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for granting me access to an early digital review copy.
Read
December 13, 2025Another one bites the dust…..DNF
When I’m reading two books concurrently that are both historical fiction with a strong woman protagonist, it’s hard not to compare them. This one hasn’t drawn me in and I find myself not wanting to pick it up. It’s not bad, just seems unremarkable.
When I’m reading two books concurrently that are both historical fiction with a strong woman protagonist, it’s hard not to compare them. This one hasn’t drawn me in and I find myself not wanting to pick it up. It’s not bad, just seems unremarkable.
September 21, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed Elinor’s latest book. I was privileged to read an advanced copy and look forward to promoting it at my local library when it’s released next year.
As another reviewer noted, the book grabs you from the events of the first page. I couldn’t wait every evening until I could pick up Flora’s tale and find out where her journey would take her.
The amount of research that went into this novel is obvious and it is presented in such a brilliant way. The story is compelling and hard to put down. Elinor did a wonderful job portraying the hardships faced by women and minorities during the homesteading of our country.
I look forward to Finding Flora’s release so others may enjoy this novel as well.
As another reviewer noted, the book grabs you from the events of the first page. I couldn’t wait every evening until I could pick up Flora’s tale and find out where her journey would take her.
The amount of research that went into this novel is obvious and it is presented in such a brilliant way. The story is compelling and hard to put down. Elinor did a wonderful job portraying the hardships faced by women and minorities during the homesteading of our country.
I look forward to Finding Flora’s release so others may enjoy this novel as well.
October 9, 2025
Almost five stars. All of my ancestors homesteaded after coming to Canada (or so I believe). It was so interesting to think about what it must have been like for them starting out. I wish I could ask them.
Flora was a wonderful main character, full of fire and heart. I loved the focus on women coming together in friendship and support of one another.
I also enjoyed knowing many of the places talked about and learning some new things about my own birth province of Alberta.
A nice piece of Canadiana.
Flora was a wonderful main character, full of fire and heart. I loved the focus on women coming together in friendship and support of one another.
I also enjoyed knowing many of the places talked about and learning some new things about my own birth province of Alberta.
A nice piece of Canadiana.
November 9, 2025
I absolutely loved Finding Flora! This novel has officially earned a spot in my Top 5 Reads of 2025.
It’s got everything I look for in a great story:
✔️ Found family
✔️ Forbidden love
✔️ Canadian history
✔️ Homesteading life
✔️ The breathtaking scenery of the prairies
✔️ Strong, resilient women
✔️ A fantastic, heartfelt plot
Finding Flora is a true Canadian gem—rich in emotion, beautifully written, and brimming with authenticity. 💜 If you’re looking for a novel that will sweep you away and stay with you long after the final page, pick this one up—you won’t be disappointed!
It’s got everything I look for in a great story:
✔️ Found family
✔️ Forbidden love
✔️ Canadian history
✔️ Homesteading life
✔️ The breathtaking scenery of the prairies
✔️ Strong, resilient women
✔️ A fantastic, heartfelt plot
Finding Flora is a true Canadian gem—rich in emotion, beautifully written, and brimming with authenticity. 💜 If you’re looking for a novel that will sweep you away and stay with you long after the final page, pick this one up—you won’t be disappointed!
January 28, 2025
Book Review
Finding Flora by Elinors Florence
Genre: historical fiction
What Its Got
✅ New to me author
✅ Feminism
✅ Strong capable women
✅ Canadian Setting- 1900’s rural Alberta
✅ Multiple POV
✅ Descriptive details in writing creating breathtaking visuals for the reader
✅ Diverse characters, queer love
“Ladyville”
Flora- our MC, she is fleeing domestic abuse and hoping to start a new life for herself
Peggy- widower, single parent, she wants more for her children
Jessie- Metis horse trainer, lone soul who keeps to herself
Wren - love her hens and partner, craves a simple life for her and her love
Miss Edgar- sturdy and sensible
Thoughts
Reminded me of Little House on the Prairie but with more depth and complexity
Loved learning more about the laws and political landscape of the times
The fight for equal gender rights from 1905 resonates with the current political climate in the US - making we wonder/question how far womens rights have really come
Overall
I am glad this unexpected read founds its way to my mailbox- it might not have been a book I picked for myself but I am soo glad I had the opportunity to read it
Publishes April 1 2025
Thanks to the author and publisher @simonschuster for my ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own #sponsored
Finding Flora by Elinors Florence
Genre: historical fiction
What Its Got
✅ New to me author
✅ Feminism
✅ Strong capable women
✅ Canadian Setting- 1900’s rural Alberta
✅ Multiple POV
✅ Descriptive details in writing creating breathtaking visuals for the reader
✅ Diverse characters, queer love
“Ladyville”
Flora- our MC, she is fleeing domestic abuse and hoping to start a new life for herself
Peggy- widower, single parent, she wants more for her children
Jessie- Metis horse trainer, lone soul who keeps to herself
Wren - love her hens and partner, craves a simple life for her and her love
Miss Edgar- sturdy and sensible
Thoughts
Reminded me of Little House on the Prairie but with more depth and complexity
Loved learning more about the laws and political landscape of the times
The fight for equal gender rights from 1905 resonates with the current political climate in the US - making we wonder/question how far womens rights have really come
Overall
I am glad this unexpected read founds its way to my mailbox- it might not have been a book I picked for myself but I am soo glad I had the opportunity to read it
Publishes April 1 2025
Thanks to the author and publisher @simonschuster for my ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own #sponsored
June 8, 2025
Finding Flora combines Canadian history (some that is new to me) and strong female characters (based on real women who struggled and succeeded), this is an engaging combination and my favourite kind of novel where I not only enjoy a book but learn something and feel a need to supplement my knowledge to discover more!
Flora leaps from a train to escape a horrible man which starts her quest of becoming a homesteader in Alberta. She lives through incredible challenges with the support and camaraderie of other amazing women as they help each other through hard work, lonely winters and experience the joy and struggles of farming as they worked to earn their land.
Learning about these women, through fiction, is inspiring and was a terrific read!
Flora leaps from a train to escape a horrible man which starts her quest of becoming a homesteader in Alberta. She lives through incredible challenges with the support and camaraderie of other amazing women as they help each other through hard work, lonely winters and experience the joy and struggles of farming as they worked to earn their land.
Learning about these women, through fiction, is inspiring and was a terrific read!
January 3, 2026
A new fave 🥹🥹🥹 so freaking good! Thank you Lena 🥰
January 4, 2026
I have always wanted to live in this era, but feared the lack of advancement in women’s rights. I love that Flora got to live the era, and had the courage to push for her autonomy.
June 25, 2025
A bit of a slow start but the story and character building really picked up by the end and I thoroughly enjoyed this read!!
December 16, 2025
Man this book was great. The Canadian landscape and all the frontier stuff. The strength of these women who defied the odds. The characters that you either adored, hated, completely misjudged or all of the above. This was like sleeping with the enemy set in little house on the prairie! Loved it.
December 11, 2025
4.5 stars - this is an amazing Canadian read that reminded me of the”Our Canadian Girl” series I used to read!
February 26, 2025
I received an advanced copy through Net galley in exchange for an honest review.
This was an engaging story from start to finish. It takes place in 1905 in what would become Alberta, Canada.
The story starts of with a cliffhanger, as Flora jumps from a train to escape her recently betrothed abusive husband. As the story unfolds we learn what led to this drastic action.
The author gives an excellent description of the Canadian Prairies and transports the reader to the time and place that the novel is set. At the heart of the story is Flora's desire to forge an independent life through homesteading, and the heavy demands that this entailed.
Through the stories of Flora and her neighbors we get an understanding of the hardships that the first Canadian settlers went through to create the farmland and towns . Flora's neighbors each have their own stories which highlight some of the beliefs and prejudices of that time. Women were not thought of as capable people without a husband, and the resilience shown by Flora and her neighbors demonstrates the power of women, especially when they work together.
This book will have an appeal to anyone interested in historical fiction, women's fiction, or anyone just wanting a great read.
This was an engaging story from start to finish. It takes place in 1905 in what would become Alberta, Canada.
The story starts of with a cliffhanger, as Flora jumps from a train to escape her recently betrothed abusive husband. As the story unfolds we learn what led to this drastic action.
The author gives an excellent description of the Canadian Prairies and transports the reader to the time and place that the novel is set. At the heart of the story is Flora's desire to forge an independent life through homesteading, and the heavy demands that this entailed.
Through the stories of Flora and her neighbors we get an understanding of the hardships that the first Canadian settlers went through to create the farmland and towns . Flora's neighbors each have their own stories which highlight some of the beliefs and prejudices of that time. Women were not thought of as capable people without a husband, and the resilience shown by Flora and her neighbors demonstrates the power of women, especially when they work together.
This book will have an appeal to anyone interested in historical fiction, women's fiction, or anyone just wanting a great read.
August 26, 2025
This book fired me right up…literally all my favourite things in one place: feminism, women’s rights, historical fiction, and Calgary! 🙌
Set in the early 1900s, we meet Flora Craigie, who literally jumps off a moving train to escape her new husband after discovering he’s abusive. Flora is saved by the right people at the right time, which leads her to cross paths with Grace Godwin, total badass nurse and the definition of a girl’s girl. Grace listens, validates, and supports Flora without judgment. Back then, the government was giving land away to war veterans, and though Grace served as a nurse in the war, she had no interest in homesteading. So through a legal loophole, she helps Flora claim a piece of land.
Once Flora starts her new life, she meets Peggy, a widow with three kids who is also trying to make it on her own. The two women become neighbors, and close by are “The Chicken Ladies” (two quirky women raising chickens) and Jessie, a half-Indigenous half-white woman who mostly keeps to herself.
From the beginning, the odds are stacked against them. The men dismiss them as weak, harass them, and constantly sexualize them. Some try to scare and threaten them to leave. But these women prove them wrong, over and over again. They fight back, they endure, and they build lives for themselves despite every roadblock.
What I loved most was how the book highlights the power of female solidarity. The friendships and alliances between these women felt raw and real. They rely on each other’s skills, wisdom, and strength in a world that’s basically betting on them to fail. And while the book doesn’t shy away from showing the danger and hardship women faced in this era, it balances it with resilience, hope, and empowerment.
By the end, I was fired up in the best way. Angry at the injustice they faced, proud of the women who fought through it, and reminded of just how badass women have always been.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ must read if you love Canadian historical fiction
Set in the early 1900s, we meet Flora Craigie, who literally jumps off a moving train to escape her new husband after discovering he’s abusive. Flora is saved by the right people at the right time, which leads her to cross paths with Grace Godwin, total badass nurse and the definition of a girl’s girl. Grace listens, validates, and supports Flora without judgment. Back then, the government was giving land away to war veterans, and though Grace served as a nurse in the war, she had no interest in homesteading. So through a legal loophole, she helps Flora claim a piece of land.
Once Flora starts her new life, she meets Peggy, a widow with three kids who is also trying to make it on her own. The two women become neighbors, and close by are “The Chicken Ladies” (two quirky women raising chickens) and Jessie, a half-Indigenous half-white woman who mostly keeps to herself.
From the beginning, the odds are stacked against them. The men dismiss them as weak, harass them, and constantly sexualize them. Some try to scare and threaten them to leave. But these women prove them wrong, over and over again. They fight back, they endure, and they build lives for themselves despite every roadblock.
What I loved most was how the book highlights the power of female solidarity. The friendships and alliances between these women felt raw and real. They rely on each other’s skills, wisdom, and strength in a world that’s basically betting on them to fail. And while the book doesn’t shy away from showing the danger and hardship women faced in this era, it balances it with resilience, hope, and empowerment.
By the end, I was fired up in the best way. Angry at the injustice they faced, proud of the women who fought through it, and reminded of just how badass women have always been.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ must read if you love Canadian historical fiction
October 7, 2024
Beautifully Written
Finding Flora is a beautifully written story about a Scottish newcomer to Canada who flees her violent husband and beats the odds to claim a homestead on the Alberta prairies in the early 1900s. I love the way Elinor Florence sets the harsh realities of homesteading against the splendour of the land. Complicating the story are 1900s gender and societal expectations, combined with ambitious politicians and corruption.
The research behind Finding Flora is evident in Elinor Florence’s use of language and the descriptive details that bring the early 1900s on the prairies into sharp focus. Finding Flora is as educational as it is gripping. A wonderfully immersive read that I would highly recommend.
Finding Flora is a beautifully written story about a Scottish newcomer to Canada who flees her violent husband and beats the odds to claim a homestead on the Alberta prairies in the early 1900s. I love the way Elinor Florence sets the harsh realities of homesteading against the splendour of the land. Complicating the story are 1900s gender and societal expectations, combined with ambitious politicians and corruption.
The research behind Finding Flora is evident in Elinor Florence’s use of language and the descriptive details that bring the early 1900s on the prairies into sharp focus. Finding Flora is as educational as it is gripping. A wonderfully immersive read that I would highly recommend.
March 4, 2025
Many months ago, I entered a book giveaway (one of many) for this book. I completely forgot about it until I received it by chance in the mail. This book is to be published on April 1st, and I believe it should be an immediate hit.
I grew up reading Little House on the Prairie, and this felt like reading a more adult version of it. The story was incredibly sweet, full of female friendships and hardships. As someone who is from Alberta, I found that Elinor Florence did a beautiful job of showcasing its history, whilst also inviting the reader into the complex life of Flora Craige.
Everyone should read this book as soon as it comes out, and a big thank you to Simon and Schuster for sending me an advanced copy.
I grew up reading Little House on the Prairie, and this felt like reading a more adult version of it. The story was incredibly sweet, full of female friendships and hardships. As someone who is from Alberta, I found that Elinor Florence did a beautiful job of showcasing its history, whilst also inviting the reader into the complex life of Flora Craige.
Everyone should read this book as soon as it comes out, and a big thank you to Simon and Schuster for sending me an advanced copy.
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