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:
Never. Carrie winced, thoughts spiraling. “Later.” Though she’d walked at graduation, she had no diploma, no teaching certificate, and no intention of retaking Philosophy of Education. She fanned her face and opened the window. Three thousand square feet in this house, yet claustrophobia suffocated like pre-storm humidity.
Her mother slammed the window shut. “Your sister had three teaching offers by graduation. What’s your plan?”
Swinging open the closet door, Carrie inhaled. Plan B, in effect: Take charge of my life. Now. “I’m going to Oma and Opa’s.” Two hours northwest on Lake Michigan should be far enough away. She’d planned to visit anyhow. Why not the whole summer?
“Fine.” Mother left and returned with an overnight bag. “Don’t forget résumés, envelopes, and postage.”
Carrie plopped her suitcase on the bed. She tossed in sundresses and sandals. Home decorator magazines. Colored pencils, sketch pads. Books from Children’s Lit class: Mary Poppins, A Wrinkle in Time, Chronicles of Narnia.
“Why the kids’ books?”
“I like them.” Angry retorts galloped through her like gathering winds, but she bit her lip. As usual. She tucked The Princess and Curdie in sideways. Too bad her entire classics book collection wouldn’t fit.
“What about your date with Brian Saturday?”
Missed an Excerpt? Go Here:
Excerpt One: https://www.
Excerpt Two: https://www.
Excerpt Three: https://www.fictionbooklover.
Excerpt Four: https://www.guildmaster97.com/
Excerpt Five: https://www.becausefiction.
Excerpt Six: https://www.thebookishledger.
Excerpt Seven: https://thequietbookmark.com/
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.