Laura DeNooyer-Moore

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 Heidi Chiavaroli. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading, walking, drinking tea with friends, or taking a road trip. Praise for A Hundred Magical Reasons (biographical literary fiction): “Laura DeNooyer crafts a superb story where generations of characters discover their passions with the encouragement of L. Frank Baum’s words and friendship. As imagination leaps from the page, DeNooyer draws wisdom and whimsy from fairytales and allegories to help her characters find their happily-ever-after. Creativity and charm will steal your heart and keep you turning pages in this fresh, inspiring story of remaining true to yourself in the Slough of Despond.”  —Barbara M. Britton, Amazon bestselling author of the Tribes of Israel series “A tale of forgotten stories and hidden truths, where imagination holds the key to a past that shapes the future. Laura DeNooyer’s A Hundred Magical Reasons is a journey through time and heart—a captivating blend of history, whimsy, and the enduring power of storytelling. An enchanting story that blurs the lines between past and present, reality and imagination. Laura DeNooyer has crafted a spellbinding tale that reminds us of the magic within our own lives." — Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book of Flora Lea “You don’t have to be a fan of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to become fully engrossed in Laura DeNooyer's charming tale, but you might be one by the time you reach the last page. One of my favorite quotes from the book— “Coming here was like indulging in chocolate fudge after months of cold porridge”—perfectly describes my feelings as I turned pages filled with fascinating, well-developed characters and settings that transported me to each location. DeNooyer brings L. Frank Baum, author of the Oz books, to life with such whimsical detail, I found myself wishing I too could have become friends with him. This delightful story is a must-read.” —Michelle Shocklee, award-winning author of Appalachian Spring and Count the Nights by Stars “Theologian and writer Frederick Buchner wrote that a great story should do three things: Seek, treasure, and tell secrets. Laura DeNooyer has accomplished all three with singularity. . . . This mesmerizing saga is beautifully written, a treasure for all ages, an epic story you won’t want to ever leave. I didn’t.”  —Award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick, author of Across the Crying Sands “Impressively researched and beautifully told, A Hundred Magical Reasons is a story full of heart, brains, and courage!” — Amanda Wen, Carol Award-winning author of The Rhythm of Fractured Grace and The Songs That Could Have Been   “Embark on an enchanting journey as a young woman and an older companion form an unexpected bond, their deep connection rooted in a love for books. Through the pages of L. Frank Baum’s tales, they unravel surprising parallels in their childhoods, weaving a heartwarming narrative of friendship and shared aspirations.” —Suzanne Woods Fisher, bestselling author of The Moonlight School “Ms. De Nooyer is a talented author and creates vivid pictures for her readers that will leave them mesmerized and pondering the message of the book long after they close the final satisfying page.” —Liz Tolsma, bestselling author of What I Promise You, What I Would Tell You, and A Picture of Hope “Who am I to resist the lure of the Wizard of Words? The characters, the drama, and beautiful Lake Macatawa are all worth another visit.” —Anita Klumpers, author of Winter Watch, A Murder of Crows, and The Lady with the Alligator Case “This book is a reader's delight, a page-turner that keeps you guessing until the very end, a story that stays with you long after you read the last page.”   — Olivia Rae, author of A Life Reclaimed and Secrets of the Queens series “Laura DeNooyer blends original characters with the real-life author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in a wonderful novel of her own. While the relationship DeNooyer’s Janie has with L. Frank Baum is fiction, Baum’s character rings true—her research accurately capturing the details of his life. But this isn’t about him; his influence on a child becomes the catalyst in a family drama that unfolds across generations. I was pulled into the lives of Carrie and Janie, hoping each would find her fairytale ending. By the close of the book, I not only wanted a sequel, I also wanted a companion cookbook and a soundtrack!”   —Jane Albright, former president of the International Wizard of Oz Club **************** Critical Acclaim for All That Is Hidden (small town southern fiction): “The story gives such a strong sense of family interactions that you’ll feel you’ve been invited to a reunion, rich in good food and conversation that often makes you laugh—but also presses on some deep wounds.” — Dr. Steve Eberly, Western Carolina University “All That Is Hidden is a beautiful novel, the kind of book that sweeps you up in its story, makes you fall in love with its characters, and breaks your heart along with theirs when they go through suffering.” — Writer’s Digest “For fans of historical fiction with heart and soul, All That Is Hidden is a beautiful gem of a book. Fascinating characters and dialogue seamlessly place the reader into its southern Appalachian setting. This 5 star, one-of-a-kind novel comes highly recommended as a book you won’t want to put down.” — Artisan Book Reviews “There’s a touch of Laura Ingalls Wilder simplicity in the descriptions of home life, crafts, cooking and chores, a sprinkling of Stephen King in its authentic portrayal of small-town life and dialogue, and a dash of To Kill a Mockingbird in its deeper themes of truth, trust, love, betrayal and forgiveness. That’s one heck of a mix.” — Ariane Jenkins of Epinions “This richly layered story is a most rewarding read. The gentle power of this book gains momentum until it reaches a dramatic and moving end.” — Ann Emanuel, Commuter Week