Wear your Biggest Hat to April 1st Book Launch

Finding Flora, the new novel from local author Elinor Florence, will be launched at a special event at Pynelogs Cultural Centre on Tuesday evening, April first.

“It’s time to dig out your hats and start baking,” Florence said, “because there will be two contests at the event — one for the biggest, fanciest hat; and the other for the best plate of scones.”

Finding Flora takes place in 1905, when big hats were all the rage. Flora is a Scottish newcomer who leaps from a moving train 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. A synopsis can be found on the author’s website at www.elinorflorence (dot) com.

“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. It’s easy to find examples on the internet.”

Men and boys are encouraged to wear bowlers, boaters, or flat caps — almost anything except ball caps — and they may enter the fancy hat contest if they wish!

“It’s April Fool’s Day, so anything goes,” Florence said.

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. Afterward the scones will be shared with the crowd. “I’ll provide the butter and saskatoon jam,” she said.

Tea and coffee will be provided, along with a cash bar and door prize. 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 your copy at Four Points Books in Invermere, or purchase a copy at the event. If you can’t make it, you may order a copy from your library or purchase a copy at Four Points any time.

“I always urge everyone to shop local and buy Canadian,” Florence said.

This event will be the national launch for Finding Flora, and the author leaves the next morning for book events in Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, Canmore and Cranbrook. A full schedule can be found on her website.

Florence’s 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 Pioneer newspaper, 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.

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

Photo Cutline: Elinor works on decorating a few hats for family and friends to wear to her book launch at Pynelogs on April 1, 2025.