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:
Surely Mother would regret her words in August when Carrie revealed her intentions—one that included fairy tales. Meanwhile, she slipped a manila envelope with her covert business plan into the suitcase and called Rita at the café to say she’d miss work this summer.
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Wolcott, Population 945, the sign announced.
A mile later, on the front porch, Carrie’s ginger-haired Dutch oma greeted her with a breathless hug that infused life.
All sweat and axle grease, Opa stepped from the garage and grinned, then noted the suitcase. “How long’re you staying, Carrie Bell?”
Carrie plopped onto the porch swing. “I’ll never measure up to their expectations.”
Oma sat beside her. “They’re just eager for you to follow the family footsteps into your first elementary classroom. We’re proud of you, liefje.”
Carrie grimaced and blew her nose. “Any job openings in Wolcott?”
“Burger Flipper’s hiring,” Opa said.
“Ed, that’s ridiculous.” Oma swatted the air. “Arlene would throw a fit.”
Carrie sniffed. “Maybe that’s exactly what I want.” Even her grandparents didn’t know her alternate career plans, though she’d spent spring break here scouting out the perfect location for her future book café—booths flanked by shelves of books, savored with pastries or tea.
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.