Guest Blog: Laura DeNooyer and A Hundred Magical Reasons *Free Print Copy to WINNER Heidi Lara
- ChristinaSinisi-Author
- Jan 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 21
Dear Readers, please join me in welcoming Laura DeNooyer! I just finished her book and it's a fascinating story that is so timely given the movie Wicked's release. I haven't watched the
movie (yet--has anyone here and what did you think?), but loved all the detail in this book! And what a beautiful cover--am I right?
Have a blessed day, Christina
Introduce yourself—name, where you’re from, and something people notice
when they meet you.
I’m Laura DeNooyer, a Michigan native who has lived in southeast Wisconsin the past
few decades as a teacher, author, wife, and mother of four children—now all grown up.
My Michigan roots have served me well for many reasons, but particularly for this novel
with its southwest Michigan setting.
What do people notice about me? I’ve been accused of asking many questions! I’d
rather listen than talk, and I’m genuinely interested in other people’s lives.
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Tell us about your book—title and back cover blurb?
Title: A Hundred Magical Reasons, split-time historical fiction, biographical literary fiction
Most fairy tales have happy endings, but is it too late for this one? After all, Mrs.
Charlotte Rose Gordon is eighty-eight.
This disgruntled town recluse 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.
In 1980, during 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?
***********************
Share one thing that you found difficult or challenging about writing this
book?
The most challenging part of this story was capturing L. Frank Baum’s personality. I’d
only used fictional characters in previous stories. I did a ton of research so I could learn
as much as possible about him and the early 1900s. But this was more than knowing
the facts and events of his life. This was about creating his essence on the page so
readers would experience what it was like to be with him.
Ask the blog reader a quirky question or two?
In the book, Mr. Baum engages Charlotte in numerous activities to encourage her
imagination. In what ways has your own imagination been encouraged—or squashed?
In kindergarten, the teacher told us to draw a picture of the American flag. Inspired by
my patriotic mother, I drew people standing around the flag, pledging allegiance. Such a
picture carried more emotional weight for me. When the teacher came to my table and
saw my picture, she turned the paper over and said, “No, Laura, start over. You’re
supposed to just draw the flag.”
I was devastated! I didn’t want to merely duplicate everyone else’s drawing. I was
showing how the flag carried meaning. Later, as an adult, I realized how these kinds of
adult responses discourage original thinking.
*********************
BIO:
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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LINKS:
Monthly Newsletter—sign up for 7 free recipes:
A-Taste-Of-Oz-Cookbook-Sampler.com
Website & Book Trailer:
Purchase link for Amazon:
Bookbub:
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5859120.Laura_DeNooyer_Moore
Facebook author page:
It looks like a good read.
The book is quite intriguing with a lovely cover.
I love books with split time!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to win. God Bless, Christi
That is sad to stifle a child.
Your book sounds very interesting