PORT HARDY—Fans of historical fiction can get their fix this weekend at Cafe Guido as local author Elaine Spencer launches her new novel, Freedom Reins.
The story, set more than a hundred years ago, introduces Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Logan, who longs for freedom and adventure after an adolescence under the control of the Grey Nuns. Joining a wagon trail bound for the Fraser River and gold country, Charlie finds all the adventure she could want and more, with gunfights and kidnappers as gold fever mounts.
Spencer has been a Port Hardy resident since 1995, working in administration, bookkeeping and management.
“I’ve always been a busy person juggling family, work, community and writing was my hobby - when I could find the time (what some of us consider the typical mom life),” she said. “Since becoming an empty nester, I have chosen to focus on one job and put more of my attention toward writing.”
It seems that the time was well spent, with Freedom Reins garnering positive reviews.
“The narrative voice is consistent throughout, and pleasantly descriptive and informative without bogging down the reader with pages of research the author doesn’t want to go to waste,” said FriesenPress Editor J.P. Layberry. “Because of the restraint the author shows in this regard, the novel’s pace is excellent, moving smoothly between settings, scenes, and the passage of time. There is just the right amount of drama to keep the story compelling, without the reader feeling as though the characters are being continually assaulted or victimized just to keep things interesting.”
Spencer will read from her novel at her book launch event, Saturday, Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. in Cafe Guido.