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:
“I need help.”
Carrie jumped at the unexpected sharp voice.
Wearing a large-brimmed hat and sunglasses, an old woman rocked in the porch’s stark shadows. “Would you please water the sunflower seedlings along the fence?”
Curious, Carrie stepped through the gate. Was she arthritic? Or even lucid? “Such a lovely garden.”
“I’d expect nothing less. The watering can’s full.”
Carrie picked up the can and spilled. “You weren’t kidding.”
“I never kid.” She drew out never like pulling yarn from a skein, teasing Carrie’s memory.
Wincing under the woman’s stare, Carrie watered. “Sunflowers are my favorite, the epitome of summer.”
“‘Ah, Sunflower, weary of time …’” The woman recited eight lines of poetry.
Amazing! “William Blake.”
“You know something that counts. Did Mr. Blake inspire your love of sunflowers?”
“No.” Carrie squinted toward the sun. “No matter where the sun or how weak the light, the sunflower faces it.”
“Mature sunflowers always face east,” the lady snapped. “But in this poem, a girl rooted to the ground is scorned, doomed to face the sun, far from reach. No optimism here.”
Carrie tensed. If she wanted criticism, she’d have stayed in Barrowdale. “Maybe it’s about being trapped on earth while yearning for the divine.”
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.