Local author Mary Ellen Johnson will showcase her latest book, “The Golden Promise of Cripple Creek,” at the April 19 Chautauqua presented by Pikes Peak Historical Society. The Chautauqua will be held at 2 p.m. at Lake George Charter School.

A resident of Woodland Park for more than 40 years, Johnson raised her family there and draws inspiration from the region’s dramatic past. Her blue-collar background sparked an enduring interest in the Colorado Labor Wars — one of the most significant yet lesser-known conflicts in American labor history, when wealthy mine owners clashed with the powerful Western Federation of Miners. That passion inspired her latest time-travel historical novel, “The Golden Promise of Cripple Creek.”

Johnson’s writing blends meticulous research with emotionally rich storytelling where love collides with power, loyalty and revolution, and historical events are brought vividly to life. In addition to “The Golden Promise of Cripple Creek,” she is the author of the medieval Knights of England series and the time-travel romances “Before I Wake” and “Eternal Beloved.”

Johnson gives a detailed description of the Colorado Labor Wars, with emphasis on the Cripple Creek District. She offers biographies of primary players such as: WFM’s Big Bill Haywood, Governor James Peabody, criminal Harry Orchard and Pinkerton’s James McParland, whose initial claim to fame was crushing the Molly Maguires in Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal mines. She also offers her reasoning for believing the widely accepted narrative regarding the perpetrators of the Independence Depot is incorrect.

Copies of “Golden Promise” will be available after the presentation for $20. Cash or check is accepted. She will also have copies of her other books as well.

The historical society’s Chautauqua is free and open to the public. No reservations are needed and all are welcome to attend. Lake George Charter School is located at 38874 U.S. 24 in Lake George, only four minutes from Florissant, on the south side of Highway 24 just two-tenths of a mile west of the Ferrell Propane lot.

For more information, call 719-748-8259 or 719-291-6563.