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Laura DeNooyer is our guest on the show this week, her first time with us. We discuss her new book, A Hundred Magical Reasons, including why she has long been fascinated with L. Frank Baum, what her research was like for the book, and the importance of teachers in encouraging their students’ dreams. Related to that, patrons will hear a little more about her teaching career.
A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer
Most fairy tales have happy endings, but is it too late for this one? After all, Mrs. Charlotte Rose Gordon, the disgruntled town recluse, is eighty-eight and has grown weary of fighting the dragons of her past—including the desire to clear her husband’s name of a 1918 crime.
Dragons of a different kind pursue Carrie Kruisselbrink.
During 1980, the summer of her private rebellion, Carrie defies parental expectations and pursues her café dream. While waiting for funding, she takes a job with Mrs. Gordon.
As Mrs. Gordon unfolds the story of her oppressive childhood and delightful friendship with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz author, L. Frank Baum, Carrie never expects to encounter her own fears and soul-searching.
In this modern-day fairy tale that weaves between 1980 and the early 1900s, Mr. Baum’s influence impacts each woman’s personal quests on a hero’s journey neither anticipates. Can Carrie and Mrs. Gordon find common ground in battling their respective dragons?
What People Are Saying:
“A Hundred Magical Reasons is a dual timeline story of heartbreak, hope, forgiveness, and love. Author Laura DeNooyer draws the reader into her fascinating novel with compelling characters, expertly interweaving history surrounding L. Frank Baum’s stories, especially The Wizard of Oz. Steeped in impeccable research and riddled in suspense until the end, I read the last page, mesmerized how the dual timeline came together. A captivating twist I was not expecting. This is a must read!”
“A Hundred Magical Reasons is a celebration of the impact of an ultimately far reaching friendship between unlikely characters. This entertaining read satisfied my fondness for both biographies and historical fiction. It piqued my curiosity in the influence of fairy tales on not only the very young but adults as well. An enjoyable read!”
“I rarely give books my highest praise, but Laura Denooyer’s One Hundred Magical Reasons deserves it. Exceptionally well-written with engaging storytelling, complex characters, intertwined storylines, and excellent world-building, it explores healthy and unhealthy family dynamics and offers a fictionalized look at Frank Baum’s life. In short, One Hundred Magical Reasons offers heartwarming, thought-provoking moments, and multiple entry points making it great for book clubs. I will be returning to this exceptional read.”
“I could have given this book 10 stars. This book was magical. The author had a wonderful way with words. Her words were poetry to our souls.”
Get your copy of A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer.
Laura DeNooyer thrives on creativity and encouraging it in others. A Calvin College graduate, she is a teacher, wife, parent of four adult children, and an award-winning author of heart-warming historical and contemporary fiction. Her novels are perfect for fans of Patti Callahan Henry, Erin Bartels, or Heidi Chiavaroli. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading, walking, drinking tea with friends, or taking a road trip.
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