A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer

ABOUT THE BOOK

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?

AMAZON

MY THOUGHTS.....

If you love The Wizard of Oz, dual-time storylines, and exquisite storytelling, you will adore this book! Author Laura DeNooyer introduces readers to a cast of intriguing characters and a wonderful 'what-if' and 'could-be' plot that features narratives from both the early 1900s and 1980. Yes, L. Frank Baum and his family play important roles, but the primary focus is on Carrie Kruisselbrink and Charlotte Gordon.

A Hundred Magical Reasons has romance, but the beautiful love story is the developing friendship between Carrie and Mrs. Gordon. Both had unhappy childhoods, but was there something else that contributed to Mrs. Gordon's bitterness? Carrie introduces Charlotte Gordon to the wonderful concept of grace and redemption, and Charlotte nurtures Carrie's love of fantasy and fairytales!

DeNooyer gives readers a hundred reasons to love this book! I loved the literary references, the touching life-altering friendship between Carrie and Charlotte, and a magical ending that I didn't see coming! I recommend it to all who enjoy inspirational women's fiction.

I received a complimentary ARC from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura DeNooyer thrives on creativity and encouraging it in others. As a Calvin College graduate, she is a teacher, wife, parent of four adult children, and a multi-award-winning author of heart-warming historical and contemporary fiction. Laura has served as president of her American Christian Fiction Writers chapter. When not writing, you’ll find her reading, walking, drinking tea with friends, or taking a road trip.

Learn more at Laura's Website 

All That Is Hidden

A Hundred Magical Reasons

View all my reviews

The Undercover Heiress of Brockton (Enduring Hope #2) by Kelly J. Goshorn

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Socialite in Disguise Seeks Truth and Justice

Henrietta “Etta” Maxwell is a hard-hitting investigative reporter for The Enterprise Daily. The catch? Etta must pen her columns under the nom de plume, Henry Mason—a fact that routinely puts a knot in her knickerbockers.

Leo Eriksson is a second-generation firefighter with a passion for rendering aid to those in need.
When Leo discovers that Henry Mason is really Henrietta Maxwell, the fire department’s wealthy benefactress, he agrees to keep her identity secret. After a sudden blast rocks the Grover Shoe Factory, Leo and Etta team up to determine if the explosion is related to a series of suspicious fires in the area.

When an unnamed source reveals Etta’s secret identity to a rival reporter, she falsely accuses Leo of being the informant. As the truth comes to light, Etta must persuade Leo to give her a second chance or lose the only man she’s ever loved.

AMAZON     BARBOUR BOOKS

MY THOUGHTS.....

Author Kelly J. Goshorn shares a compelling story based on true events that occurred in 1905. I'd never heard of the devastating explosion and fire that occurred in "Shoe City" or the repercussions from this tragedy. Newspaper reporter Henry Mason and fireman Leo Erikkson join forces to find the cause of the disaster, but there's much more for them to discover!

This is an intriguing look at journalism during the early 1900s. Socialite and heiress Henrietta Maxwell used the pseudonym Henry Mason because of the prejudice against female reporters, and her efforts to 'scoop' this story could be the break she needed. What would happen if Etta's identity was revealed?

I loved the budding friendship between Etta and Leo, and I was impressed that both of them were strong believers. Their relationship wasn't without conflict and drama, but Goshorn's plot allowed them to put their faith into action.

Mystery, history, romance, and faith! What more could you ask for in a historical fiction novel? I recommend The Undercover Heiress of Brockton to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelly Goshorn weaves her affinity for history and her passion for God into inspiring stories of love, faith, and family set in America’s vibrant past. When she is not writing, Kelly enjoys, binge-watching BBC period dramas, board-gaming with her family and friends, exploring historical sights, and spoiling her Welsh corgi, Biscuit.

To stay in touch with Kelly, sign up for her newsletter at https://kellygoshorn.com/my-writing/newsletter

Visit her  Website     Instagram     Facebook     Twitter/X     Pinterest.

View all my reviews