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 female: 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.
22 Comments
Hello! My name is Lisa and I am a 57 year old retired music teacher. I am looking for new friends, great discussions and of course, I love to read. This is the first time ever joining a book club because I have the time now!
If there is anyone who would like to reach out, I would be happy to hear from you!
Hi Lisa, I’ve sent you an email with some info!
Hello everyone, my name is Julie. I am brand new to the group. I was referred by Helen. I too, have never been part of a book club. I am so very excited to be joining! Looking forward to making some new friends and having meaningful discussions. Thank you for having me here 😉
Hi Julie – I’m the host for the Etobicoke GBC. We’d love to have you and we do have a few more spots open for tomorrow. I don’t see your name on the sign-up list yet. Be sure to sign up online on the link above so we’ll have a spot for you tomorrow!
My name is Maureen, recently moved to Burnaby from the Island, leaving my two beloved book clubs behind!
Hoping to meet new friends and fellow book lovers.
Is anyone else having trouble downloading the discussion questions? It won’t allow me to click on it. Can someone post a link here?
https://theglossbookclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Finding-Flora.pdf I’ve also posted a link above!
I’ve been reading for a few years and finally decided to join a book club. Could I receive an email with details about the in person meetup? Thanks in advance!
Hi Alperen, i’ve sent you an email!
Hi! My name is Arienna and I am interested in joining the book club. Can I please have more information? Thanks 🙂
Hi Arienna, you are very welcome to join us! Our book club chapters meet in person once a month. To register for events, we require an active subscription to our website. Our subscriptions are available monthly, biannually, or yearly. You can choose the plan that works best for you here: https://theglossbookclub.com/membership/
After your membership is set up, you can access and register for events on our website. You can find the chapter closest to you here: https://theglossbookclub.com/choose-your-chapter/
Hi, I’m Sarah, 44, and despite working in a library, it has taken me a long time to actually join a book club. I love chatting about books and stories, and I’m just as keen to meet some new people who enjoy a good discussion (and possibly a strong opinion or two).
I am intereseted in joining the Richmond Hill Ontario group would like to find information on when in person meet up dates are etc
Hi Laura, you are very welcome to join! You can find upcoming bookclubs on the Richmond Hill webpage: https://theglossbookclub.com/richmond-hill/ The January meeting is on January 26th, and the February meeting is on February 23rd.
I’ve been interested in joining a book club for a couple years and have finally decided to take action. I see this chapter is hosting a meeting on the 26th. I’m currently reading the book for this month. Do I still have time to join this chapter and make it to the meeting?
Hi Najeh, yes, if you visit your chapter’s webpage, and registrations are still open, you are always welcome to join!
I enjoy reading and would enjoy joining a book club I think. Are there any book club meetings around Dublin City? I live in Dublin 13. Thanks.
Hi Erin, here is a link to our Dublin chapter: https://theglossbookclub.com/dublin/
Hey is the Toronto chapter still meeting up tomorrow?
The Toronto meeting has been rescheduled for February 2nd at 7:00PM.
Will the January meet still take place or has it been canceled due to the weather?
You should receive an email if your chapter’s meeting has been cancelled.