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:
“Hardly. Preoccupation with the divine interferes with worthwhile aspirations.”
What was this lady’s problem? Anger at God? “Or it’s a slighted lover.”
“Or any unfulfilled desire. Surely you’ve heard William Blake was well acquainted with fairies living near his cottage. Muses for his poetry and art. Alas, logic and reason kills them.” She quoted:
“The good are attracted by men’s perceptions,
And think not for themselves;
Til experience teaches them to catch
And to cage fairies and elves.”
“The end of imagination,” Carrie murmured.
“Each flower whimpers when it’s picked, he says. The loss hovers like a cloud of incense.”
“I love that image.”
“Do you now? Quite admirable. Especially considering my flowers’ demise in 1969. Remember, Miss Caroline?”
Carrie jolted at her name.
“Kids these days. Off to college and—poof! The elderly are forgotten. Come here.” She hobbled into the house as Carrie climbed two daunting porch steps. The woman returned, shaking a sheet of paper.
Carrie read the childish handwriting: “‘I, Caroline Kruisselbrink, age eleven, being of sound mind, do solemnly swear to never kick, hit, bat, or roll a ball into Mrs. Gordon’s flowerbed or step foot onto said sacred place, as long as I live, so help me God. June 1969.’ Oh, my.” Carrie looked up as the woman removed her sunglasses.
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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.