if you haven’t read something by Laura DeNooyer, I highly recommend it. Her book, A Hundred Magical Reasons, was one of my favorite reads last year. She has a way of weaving history with fun that not everyone can do. And she’s about to release a new book! Read on to find out more about her and her writing.

What was your favorite story growing up and why?

I had two favorites: Pippi Longstocking and Nancy Drew mysteries. Funny thing—I wasn’t similar to either of those characters. I aspired to be like them, but could only imagine it.

I’d laugh at Pippi’s antics. She was never afraid to be who she was and say what she wanted—whereas I was shy and retreating, barely testing the waters. I envied her next-door neighbors, Tommy and Annika, who got to hang out with Pippi every day. 

Nancy Drew could take charge with confidence and solve important cases. Ironically, as an adult, I’m not drawn to mysteries, even though I read every single Nancy Drew book as a kid. It was Nancy herself that drew me in.

I walked alongside both Pippi and Nancy and vicariously lived their lives.

Which one of your stories was the hardest to write and why?

The most difficult story to write was my upcoming release, House of Wind (launching tomorrow—September 8!). Wendi, the protagonist, is in a horrific situation with her two children, trying to break free from her narcissist husband.

She has long been the victim of emotional abuse that nobody sees. I needed to write several scenes showing him in action—how he controlled, manipulated, gaslighted, blamed, and shamed her.

These were not fun scenes to write, but it was essential to show how such control and manipulation works and how she gets sucked into it. And why she needs to be free.

Is there anything from your personal life you’ve woven into your stories? What?

So many situations from my own life are woven into my stories! Writing a story is like taking those various experiences, shaking them up, then putting them back together in a new way. That’s why writing a novel can be healing. It’s a form of journaling, of dealing with hard things head on, and working through the emotions.

Though Wendi’s situation in House of Wind is not my own experience, it’s similar to one I walked through with a friend as she sought to get help and heal from her destructive marriage. House of Wind is not my friend’s story. And yet, sadly, it’s the story of thousands of women who have been victims of emotional abuse.

If you could jump into one book and live there for a while, which one would it be, and why?

I would move in with Marmee and the March girls in Little Women. There was so much love in their household, and they made the best of tough situations. Honestly, identifying with Jo as a writer, I never forgave Amy for burning Jo’s stories! I guess I would have to make peace with her.

Of my own books, I would choose my novel A Hundred Magical Reasons. L. Frank Baum, The Wizard of Oz author, is a main character in the early 1900s timeline. With an unstoppable imagination, his life was full of whimsy, wit, and wonderful stories.

In my biographical novel, Mr. Baum befriends a young girl, drawing out her confidence and creativity. I would love to spend time on his Lake Michigan porch with them—or be that girl—for the summer.

What do you hope people who read your books will leave with?

I want my books to be nourishing, giving, and thought-provoking. Perhaps help readers view something in a different way. I explore themes close to my heart, ones that encourage pondering and would make great book club picks. My stories are hopeful and satisfying while pushing the envelope.

In The Broken Weathervane, I explore themes of transparency, honesty vs. family loyalty, mental illness, and challenging family dynamics—themes I hope resonate with readers too. I hope readers grow in understanding, transparency, and empathy for those who suffer from mental illness. Open conversation is that important first step toward reducing the stigma associated with it. A fictional story is the perfect catalyst for that.

Same for House of Wind. My prayer is that readers will gain understanding about emotional abuse, to identify it and learn how to break free or walk alongside those who are victims.

What are you working on next? Can you give us a sneak peek?

My next novel, Rain in the Wilderness, is Biblical fiction set in the time of Christ. It’s due to release on January 26, 2027 by Scrivenings Press.

This is definitely a genre switch, but I write the story of my heart. I started writing Rain in the Wilderness almost thirty years ago. It’s inspired by the tragic tale of the Bethlehem massacre in Matthew 2.

After I became a mother, I viewed that catastrophe in a different light. I got to thinking … what if a mother who lost her baby that night discovered later that the event was connected to Jesus of Nazareth—the one baby who got away? That started the ball rolling.

What is one interesting fact about yourself that very few people already know?

In high school, I earned my student pilot license and scuba diving license. However, I haven’t flown or gone diving since then. Most people probably don’t even view me as adventurous, much less a risk-taker—until they find out I take long road trips every year! By myself. 🙂

House of Wind

Wendi Burkham lives in an emotional prison she unwittingly walked into. Nobody understands, and her captor holds the keys.

Married to a respected pastor, Wendi lives a life others admire—with two children and a home that reflects faith, stability, and love. But behind closed doors, Wendi is trapped in a cycle of control, manipulation, and emotional abuse no one else can see—and no one would believe. How do you escape when no one thinks you need to?

For sixteen years, she has stayed silent. Stayed faithful. Stayed afraid. Until one night forces her to choose between the life she has built … and the truth she can no longer ignore. Her husband’s warning echoes: “Planting wind only reaps a harvest of tornadoes.” But what if the storm is the only way out?

This powerful novel exposes the reality of emotional abuse—and the courage it takes to break free. Readers who enjoy thoughtful fiction with emotional depth will appreciate this novel in the vein of Amanda Cox, Katie Powner, Susie Finkbeiner, and Erin Bartels.

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 a multi-award-winning author of heartwarming historical and contemporary fiction. She’s an active member in her church and American Christian Fiction Writers. When not writing, you’ll find her reading, walking, drinking tea with friends, or taking a road trip.

My website:  lauradenooyer-author.com

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GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/256325187-house-of-wind