About the Book
Author: Laura DeNooyer
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Independent
Release Date: January 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?
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?
My Thoughts
This was such a unique story and written in such an intriguing and captivating way. If you enjoy the Wonderful Wizard of Oz then you will enjoy how this author has woven in this fun classic to explore how it influences the characters in this story of friendship. Carrie the main character is running away from her family history and traditions. She is a bookwork always dreaming and would love to one day open up her own bookshop cafe and restaurant.
The unusual friendship between Ms. Gordon and Carrie develops into this great adventure of their own version of Pilgrims Progress as they navigate life and they learn life lessons through literature. I really enjoyed that this author truly directs the story to God's redemption story and reminding us that fairy tales sometimes point us to the truth of God if we only seek Him.
Overall I enjoyed the story but be aware that it is truly a long book (534 pages) and at times it became a bit slow. It took me much longer to finish this story than most books. It was one of those books that I had to intertwined while I read other books just so I could have a little break from it. But don't let that deter you. It is well written and very deep and full of historical information on Frank L Baum.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review.
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