About the Book
Book: The Broken Weathervane
Author: Laura DeNooyer
Genre: Women’s fiction, dual timeline fiction, literary fiction, book club fiction
Release Date: September 2, 2025
Two co-workers seek the same information. One wants to publish it; the other has good reasons to keep it hidden.
As Leslie Wickersham, Raymond University grants officer, seeks information to unravel a family mystery, English professor Gregory Stafford seeks an elusive interview with one more Buckwalter relative for his upcoming author biography. While Greg and Leslie guard coveted details from each other, her goals are further complicated by letters of blackmail threatening to reveal all she has worked hard to hide.
In this dual timeline novel alternating between 2015 and the 1950s, loyalty is tested and secrets abound when family honor collides with truth. Leslie grapples with the trade-off: how far will a person go to help a loved one thrive?
Excerpt from the Book
“How?” Wasn’t it enough that Raymond University still had an English major while much of academia shut down humanities to focus on STEM?
“The board wants scholarly events to create public interest. Partnering with local organizations. Hosting relevant panel discussions. And using social media to the university’s advantage.”
Cutting edge or dead end? That would require periodically stepping down from Mt. Olympus. “How do professors feel about it?” Perhaps it was like handing out plebeian doughnuts versus French croissants at a fancy bakery.
“The majority are onboard. Our social media coordinator handles communication, but one man is going for full professor promotion and needs a boost in community outreach. Of which social media is a means.” He leaned forward. “This is how you can serve us, Leslie, as a side hustle. You’d be compensated. On top of being the grants officer.”
An image of a stodgy, accomplished professor hunched over a smartphone posting Instagram images elicited a smile. Like imagining him in Star Wars pajamas. Perhaps this additional task was the reason the provost wanted to meet her in person. “Would I monitor his social media or teach him how?”
“Both, until skills are mastered. For planning community events, you’ll brainstorm together, identifying where his expertise overlaps the common good.”
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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.