Review: A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer

 

A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer

Genre: Historical Fiction/ Dual Timeline

Blurb: 

Most fairy tales have happy endings, but is it too late for this one? After all, Mrs. Gordon is eighty-eight.
Dragons of a different kind pursue Mrs. Gordon and her scribe, Carrie Kruisselbrink. In 1980 after college graduation, during the summer of her private rebellion, Carrie defies parental expectations and pursues her cafe dream. While waiting for funding, she takes a job with the disgruntled town recluse, Mrs. Charlotte Rose Gordon, to help clear her husband’s name of a 1918 crime. But Carrie never expects to encounter her own fears and soul-searching.
Mrs. Gordon immerses Carrie in her childhood and young adult years at the Broderick Resort and Tearoom—and in young Charlotte’s growing friendship with The Wizard of Oz author. Winsome Mr. L. Frank Baum and his family spend summers at nearby Macatawa Park in the early 1900s. Though Charlotte’s fancies are squelched at home by pious parents, Mr. Baum draws out her imagination in enchanting ways she never dreamed possible.
But what turned Mrs. Gordon into such a bitter woman? Carrie longs to find out. As she  accompanies Mrs. Gordon on the bumpy road of her memoirs, they find common ground in battling their respective dragons. In this modern day fairy tale that weaves through 1980 and the early 1900s, Mr. Baum’s influence impacts their own personal quests on a hero’s journey neither anticipates.

Endorsements:

“‘Coming here was like indulging in chocolate fudge after months of cold porridge’ perfectly describes my feelings as I turned pages filled with fascinating, well-developed characters and settings. L. Frank Baum comes to life with such whimsical detail, I found myself wishing I too could have become friends with him. This delightful story is a must-read.”  

—Michelle Shocklee, award-winning author of Appalachian Song and Count the Nights by Stars

“As imagination leaps from the page, DeNooyer draws wisdom and whimsy from fairytales and allegories to help her characters find their happily-ever-after. Creativity and charm will steal your heart.”    — Barbara M. Britton, Amazon bestselling author of the Tribes of Israel series

“This wonderful story will leave you mesmerized and pondering the message long after you close the final satisfying page.” 

—Liz Tolsma, bestselling author of What I Left For You 

“Impressively researched and beautifully told, this story is full of heart, brains, and courage!”

—Amanda Wen, Carol Award-winning author of The Rhythm of Fractured Grace

“Embark on an enchanting journey as a young woman and an older companion form an unexpected bond rooted in a love for books.”     

—Suzanne Woods Fisher, bestselling author of The Moonlight School

“Baum’s character rings true; his influence on a child becomes the catalyst in a family drama that unfolds across generations. I was pulled into the lives of Carrie and Charlotte, hoping each would find her fairytale ending. By the close of the book I not only wanted a sequel, I wanted a companion cookbook and a soundtrack!”  

— Jane Albright, former International Wizard of Oz Club president

“Theologian and writer Frederick Buchner wrote that a great story should do three things: Seek, treasure, and tell secrets. Laura DeNooyer has accomplished all three with singularity. This mesmerizing saga is beautifully written, a treasure for all ages. It’s an epic story you won’t want to ever leave. I didn’t.”  

—Award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick, author of Across the Crying Sands

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 first novel, All That Is Hidden, won the Artisan Book Excellence Award and was a semi-finalist in Serious Writer’s Book of the Decade. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading, walking, drinking tea with friends, or taking a road trip.

Website, newsletter, Amazon, & social media links:

Website:  lauradenooyer-author.com 

Monthly Newsletter—sign up for 7 free recipes: A-Taste-Of-Oz-Cookbook-Sampler.com

Purchase (Amazon): https://scrivenings.link/ahundredmagicalreasons

Book trailer: https://lauradenooyer-author.com/fifteen-minutes-with-mr-baum/ 

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/LauraDeNooyerAuthor/

My Review:

I found that A Hundred Magical Reasons is a fabulous introduction to Laura DeNooyer's writing. I can say how much I just loved this book. It was a great way for me to start off my 2025 reading. I enjoyed all of the characters and getting to know them. The vivid details made me feel as if I was right there. It intriguing seeing the vision of what  L Frank Baum was like in his time. A wonderful tale I did not want to put down until the very end.

I am giving A Hundred Magical Reasons a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for fans of dual timeline novels. I would love to read more like this one from Laura DeNooyer in the future. This one is definitely not one to be missed. 

I received a digital advanced reader copy of Laura DeNooyer's A Hundred Magical Reasons from the author, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.