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He Created the Land of Oz
A Hundred Magical Reasons follows two women from different eras who meet by chance and bond over the story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its creator, L. Frank Baum and wind up on a journey together for solace, inspiration, and purpose. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
After reading a biography of L. Frank Baum, I was smitten. He was an innovative, larger-than-life personality—which is no surprise, given that he created the Land of Oz.
Baum was also a family man with a keen understanding of children and a high regard for women. His mother-in-law was a suffragist! His humor, unstoppable imagination, and tenacity gave him the capacity to bounce back from failure many times.
Fun fact: Baum and his family summered at the same lake where my family vacations yearly near Holland, Michigan. Though we were at opposite ends of Lake Macatawa—and opposite ends of the century—this sparked additional interest in his life. Thus, my novel focuses on the summers he spent at Macatawa (1900-1909).
My story spotlights a young girl, Janie, whose pious parents have no use for fun, frivolity, fairies, fantasy, or fiction. Then Janie meets L. Frank Baum. This tension was the premise for the novel.
Your book has some very interesting characters that have their character flaws but are still likable. How do you go about creating characters for your story?
Baum’s life, family, and career ups and downs shaped the story. I wanted my two protagonists, Janie (in both timelines) and Carrie (1980), to be impacted by his influence. I just had to figure out how. I wanted to spotlight the Baums’ summers at Michigan’s Macatawa Resort and his friendship with young Janie (AKA Charlotte). Janie takes on challenges inspired by some of Baum’s career choices.
I wanted young Janie to be bright and imaginative, despite having harsh parents. L. Frank Baum’s role was drawing out more of Janie’s imagination, giving her the courage to chase her dreams.
However, decades later in 1980, when Mrs. Gordon (Janie all grown up) hires college-age Carrie, she’s a bitter, critical, and cynical old woman. The question is why. I needed Carrie’s life to have parallels to Mrs. Gordon’s earlier challenges and goals.
Carrie wants to run a literary-themed café against her parents’ wishes. So, like young Janie, Carrie struggles against their demands, criticism, and expectations. Additionally, she’s been dating parent-approved Brian for six years and he’s about ready to pop the question. Then she meets Dirk . . .
The most challenging part of this story was capturing L. Frank Baum’s personality. I did a ton of research so I could learn as much as possible about him and the early 1900s, and stay true to the facts. But my purpose went beyond knowing the facts and events of his life. This was about creating his essence on the page so readers can experience what it was like to be with him—whether running a printing press or sipping lemonade together on his Macatawa porch.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Baum’s stories are all about stirring the child’s imagination, so that’s a key element of my novel. Janie is at odds with her rigid parents—the perfect foil for a man like L. Frank Baum who stretches her imagination in every way possible. I firmly believe everybody is creative in their own way, so I hope this story inspires readers to value and use their own imaginations.
But many themes are woven throughout, such as learning to be yourself when others try to keep you in a box, embracing the role of stories and fairy tales in our lives, plus following your passion and conquering fear with brains, heart, and courage.
With 14 thought-provoking questions at the end, A Hundred Magical Reasons would make a great book club book. I hope the story raises questions and produces some pondering.
What is the next book that you’re working on and when can your fans expect it out?
It’s another dual timeline novel, set in 2015 and the 1950s, hopefully available in 2026. The story involves a family mystery, a literary icon, and two co-workers at cross-purposes for wanting more information—one to share in a biography, and the other to keep it hidden while resolving family issues. Loyalty is tested and secrets abound when family honor collides with truth.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | BookBub
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?
A Hundred Magical Reasons
Laura DeNooyer’s A Hundred Magical Reasons is a dazzling blend of history, whimsy, and heart. It tells the intertwining stories of two women from different eras, Janie in the early 1900s and Carrie in the 1970s both of whom find solace, inspiration, and purpose through their connection to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its creator, L. Frank Baum. At its core, this novel is about the magic of storytelling, the search for belonging, and the power of imagination to shape lives across generations.
One of the most striking aspects of this book is its rich, immersive world. DeNooyer paints the past with remarkable detail, making 1900s Macatawa, Michigan feel alive. The way she brings L. Frank Baum into the story, mentoring young Janie, inspiring her creativity, and offering wisdom wrapped in playful charm is nothing short of enchanting. A standout moment is when Baum encourages Janie to write her own fairy tales, telling her, “Imagination’s a fine place for characters to reside, but it’s just the beginning.” That sentiment lingers throughout the book, echoing in both timelines as Carrie, decades later, grapples with her own dreams and struggles.
But it’s not just the history and literary references that shine; it’s the emotional weight carried by both Janie and Carrie’s journeys. Janie’s quiet rebellion against her strict mother, her secret visits with Baum, and the heartbreak of losing her writing mentor create a deeply moving arc. The scene where Janie’s typewriter, a gift from Baum, is sold by her father is gut-wrenching. Similarly, Carrie’s strained relationship with her own mother and her search for personal freedom in the 1970s add layers of depth and relatability. The contrast between the two eras, one where imagination is nurtured in secret and another where it fights to break free from societal expectations, gives the novel an emotional richness that lingers long after the last page.
Beyond the heartfelt storytelling, DeNooyer’s writing is brimming with warmth, wit, and a touch of nostalgia. She masterfully blends real-life historical figures with fictional characters, making it all feel seamless and organic. Some moments, like Carrie’s realization that “a dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight,” hit hard, reminding us of the importance of chasing dreams despite the odds. There’s a deep love for literature woven into every chapter, and it’s hard not to get swept up in the joy of it all.
A Hundred Magical Reasons is the perfect read for dreamers, storytellers, and anyone who’s ever felt out of place in their own world. Fans of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz will find even more to love, but even if you’ve never read a single Oz book, this novel stands beautifully on its own. If you love historical fiction with heart, compelling characters, and a touch of literary magic, this one’s for you.
Pages: 534 | ASIN : B0D4Q1VK1C
LITERARY TITAN 