Shannon here: Laura DeNooyer shares an interview with her character from her Women’s Fiction title, A Hundred Magical Reasons, plus a recipe for Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins, & a chance to win a copy, digital or print – reader’s choice. US only. Deadline: Feb 8th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Laura:
Welcome! I’m interviewing Mrs. Gordon which is no easy feat since she’s 88 and has been somewhat of a recluse for many years. But maybe she’s coming out of her shell now that we’re at the dawn of a new decade—1980.
It helps that she hired Carrie Kruisselbrink for the summer. I don’t know what they do all day, but something unusual is happening. I actually saw a young man walk into Mrs. Gordon’s house this morning.
ME: Good morning, Mrs. Gordon. What a lovely garden! I hear you hired Carrie Kruisselbrink a few weeks ago. How’s that going?
MRS. GORDON: As well as can be expected, having another body around the house all day. Takes a bit of getting used to.
ME: What does she do? Sweep, dust, and vacuum?
MRS. GORDON: Good heavens, we have far more important things to do than keep house. She’s helping me set the record straight on that deplorable pharmacy incident of 1918. Ah, my poor husband, God rest his soul. But never mind that. Today we actually did some housecleaning for a special occasion. Mr. Vandenakker came for tea.
ME: Who’s Mr. Vandenakker?
MRS. GORDON: You obviously don’t live around here. You’d know him as Dirk. He plays his guitar at the cafe on the lake. That’s where Carrie met him. She claims he invited himself over to meet me. Me, of all people, at my age. Sounds like antique hunting to me. I think he was curious because I used to know L. Frank Baum, The Wizard of Oz author.
ME: What was it like, knowing L. Frank Baum?
MRS. GORDON: Absolutely delightful. I visited him yearly, from 1902 to 1909, from ages 10 to 17, at Macatawa Resort on Lake Michigan. I met him when he and his family first came as a guest to my parents’ tearoom. Mother told me to take the basket of blueberry cream cheese muffins to their table. We had a lovely conversation that day, the beginning of a wonderful friendship.
ME: Is that why Dirk came? To learn more about Mr. Baum?
MRS. GORDON: Partly. But I believe Dirk had ulterior motives. He seems to have eyes for Carrie. She denies it, of course. Says he’s under-qualified as a beau, with all his gallivanting. Besides, she’s practically engaged to Brian. But if I have anything to say about it, she’ll drop Brian and make room for Dirk.
ME: What are the chances of that?
MRS. GORDON: If I could tell the future, my life would have taken a completely different turn. Anyhow, when she and I made Munchkin Delights last week. That’s an Oz-inspired recipe also known as blueberry cream cheese muffins, my specialty. She shared some with Dirk. He was smitten.
ME: With the muffins or with Carrie?
MRS. GORDON: Both, of course. That’s my humble little opinion. When she told me he was coming for tea, I insisted that we make The Sawhorse’s Streusel-topped Grilled Peaches on the griddle. That’s another Oz-inspired recipe, based on the Sawhorse character in Mr. Baum’s second Oz book. He wrote fourteen, you know.
I set out sugar cubes rather than the regular sugar bowl. All for the sake of more controlled portion sizes, since Dirk lacked teatime experience.
ME: Good thinking. You certainly wouldn’t want him to overdo it at his first tea party.
MRS. GORDON: Little good it did. He dumped four sugar cubes in his cup. But what he lacks in manners he makes up for in charisma. He’s quite the character, a free spirit who flits from one one adventure to the next. Bicycling, sailing, and rock climbing take priority over a career. He’s definitely comfortable in his own skin, following his heart without pretension.
ME: Maybe that’s why Carrie thinks he’s under-qualified as a beau. She’d prefer someone more settled in one place.
MRS. GORDON: True. And I don’t think she appreciated it when I asked Dirk if he left a broken-hearted girl at every port.
ME: I suppose that could be a bit awkward. What he’d say?
MRS. GORDON: He said he wasn’t the type to have flings. I don’t think Carrie believes him, though.
ME: But you hope he becomes Carrie’s Prince Charming?
MRS. GORDON: If I had my way. At this point he’s more of a court jester than a Prince Charming. But he plays the guitar beautifully. Songs by Gordon Lightfoot and James Taylor, he says. I have no idea who those folks are, but I hope they’re worthy. Now if you don’t mind, I need to tend to my flowers.
ME: Thank you for an enlightening interview, Mrs. Gordon!
Question for Readers: Do you have a favorite baked goods item or dessert you’d want to serve or eat at a tea party? (Whether formal or informal.)
About Laura: 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. Learn more & connect:
Laura’s Monthly Newsletter – sign up for 7 free recipes Laura’s Website
Laura’s Bookbub Laura’s Goodreads Laura’s Facebook
About the book – A Hundred Magical Reasons:
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?
A Hundred Magical Reasons Booktrailer
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Laura’s other titles?
Get your copy/copies now!
A Hundred Magical Reasons – Amazon
A Hundred Magical Reasons – BarnesandNoble Laura’s Books
Come back Jan 31st for Shannon’s Book Bargains Roundup!
Thank you for hosting me on your blog today, Shannon!
Thanks for the recipe. One of my favs is Old Harry Rock Cakes that’s in a recipe book I got in Dorset County in England. They’re delicious. Cheers
I’ve never heard of Old Harry Rock Cakes, Marilyn. I’m curious what those are like!
My mom makes a type of pound cake. She got the recipe from an old friend years ago.
Sounds like that would go well with a tea party!
Thanks for sharing your recipe. I love to have scones, and I slather it with clotted cream and jam.
Oh, that sounds so yummy! Cream and/or jam is perfect for scones.