Marie Conner, A Leading Lady

Advance Praise:

“This book is a beautiful reminder of how one person can make a difference, perfect for anyone who loves stories about community spirit and dedication.” 
Jennifer Stewart Grove, businesswoman and volunteer, Lebanon, Oregon.

“....astonishing and inspiring. Those who enjoy reading the histories and personal stories of women, who are far too often overlooked, will enjoy Marie’s story.” Samantha Wilcoxson, author of historical fiction and nonfiction.  

“With passion, drive, creativity, vision, and care…. this book is a true account of Marie Conner, one of the many brave citizens who refused the words ‘No’ and ‘You cannot.’” Janet Martin-Rush, Cincinnati Public Library, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Marie Conner, A Leading Lady
Her Life and Civic Leadership in a Bygone Era

Marie was born a girl.
That was only her first mistake, according to her father.

    In an era when daughters and wives are not supposed to be concerned with matters outside the home, Marie is determined to prove him wrong. To do this, she must break down barriers placed on women in society, overcome difficulties that befall her, surpass hardships from the Great Depression, and then face an inevitable relocation.

         Marie steps into her community and into the hearts of many people to give her time and help with their needs. She wants nothing in return other than her father's acceptance as a worthy woman and yet, she gains much in return, even if it is not her father's praise. This is Marie’s story—of a rise from her girlhood angsts to become a leading lady—and much more.




About this book cover:
 

Out of the timeless photograph from the late Dot Dotson comes this cover image of Lebanon, Oregon, in the mid-1940s, a pictural reminder of bygone days in small-town America and home to Marie Conner who this community had whole-heartedly called their leading lady.

Although her story takes place in an era before our time, it is relevant today, given the unsettling stories that infiltrate our daily news. Marie’s legacy is the reminder that we can make a positive difference in our life and our communities.


Advance Praise:

“The story of Marie Conner is an informative, thoroughly researched piece that opens the reader’s eyes to twentieth-century America and the hardships women faced.”  –Mariah Shantay, podcast influencer of history, biography, poetry, music, and more.

What Elle says about her journey to write Marie’s story:

Marie Conner, A Leading Lady is my third book, and the inspiration for it came from my first book, my memoir, Out of Chaos. I wrote my memoir to show that no matter what mistakes we make or what problems befall us, we can, through our own actions, overcome them. Marie is at the heart of my memoir in that she had imparted words of wisdom to me.

She was once my matriarch, then a great muse for me as I wrote her story. This involved research. I sifted through hundreds of published accounts of her life and accomplishments, some found in archived newspaper repositories. On the surface, and as she had described to me, it could sound like a perfect life. However, imperfections were found in my research, and more so, how she kept those imperfections out of the limelight.

There is much we can gain from a woman who lived in an era when women were expected to stay home and yet, she didn't. She was a changemaker and trailblazer. Her story causes me to strengthen my own community involvement.
 

I can’t wait for you to read it!

          If you ever question
 

           why are there so many problems in society?

                   and what can I do to help to fix these problems?
 

           what does my community need that will truly make life better for everyone?

                    and how can I make this happen?
 

         Then, this book is for you!



Marie was a woman in the mid-twentieth century who was well known in her community of Lebanon, Oregon, and beyond for the many causes that she spearheaded to help others. The rich historical backdrop to this biography will appeal to those who will want to discover through story format of how our American society evolved through the twentieth century.

If you like fiction or nonfiction historical books which bear a strong female leading character, then, this book is for you!
You won’t want to miss out on this gem.
 

Advance Praise:

“This detailed portrait of an ordinary woman’s extraordinary community service shows how any person can make a difference in the world.”  –Elizabeth DeWolfe, PhD, nonfiction author, associate professor of history at the University of New England.
 

I can’t wait for you to read it!

Coming mid-February in paperback and ebook to Amazon.
Releasing wide soon after.
Preorder your eBook on Amazon.

Media Kit and Press Release available by request: Contact Elle.