About the Book
Book: A Hundred Magical Reasons
Author: Laura DeNooyer
Genre: Biographical historical fiction, literary fiction, book club fiction
Release Date: January 7, 2025
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?
Excerpt from the Book:
Once upon a time, there lived a girl who didn’t know she was a princess, or that three dragons pursued her …
Chapter 1
May 28, 1980
Two weeks after college graduation with no diploma to show for it, Carrie Kruisselbrink stormed from her house like a prairie gale. Mom handed her an overnight bag, but Carrie left with an overstuffed suitcase. She wasn’t going back.
The storm started brewing in childhood, but this morning the temperature spiked as she emptied the dishwasher, her mother barking orders. As if Carrie hadn’t been responsible while away four years at college.
Mom chose that moment to pounce. She thrust a paper under Carrie’s chin. Skimming the list of elementary teacher positions, Carrie resisted the urge to rip it up and cast it to the wind. She had her own career goals.
She trudged upstairs to her bedroom and found respite among her overflowing bookshelves. But not for long. The room shrank, the headboard rattled as Mother barged in. Gusting at ninety miles per hour, she tidied Carrie’s desk. “Most teachers have contracts already.” In the updraft, Mother rearranged pens. “When will you mail more résumés?”
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About the Author
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 Amanda Cox. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading, walking, drinking tea with friends, or taking a road trip.