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4⭐️ Really enjoyed this book. Even though it felt like it dragged in places, the story kept moving forward and I felt like I understood Auntie Em more. #2025 #greatdepression #historicalfiction #1920s #fiction

#whereareyoumonday While the book takes place in 3 different places, most of the story takes place in Liberal, Kansas

I live in Kansas so I‘m hard pressed not to read every re reimagining of the characters written the Wizard of Oz. This was OK. It was a good jumping board to write historical fiction about the Depression , Kansas and the damage done after the tall grass prairies were obliterated. There were hints at the Wizard of Oz story, but it didn‘t really go there and I think I want just a little bit more.

#TopReads2025 for June goes to “Before Dorothy” by Hazel Gaynor. This was such an amazing read that once I was hooked, I couldn‘t put it down. A must read for every fan of the ‘Wizard of Oz‘

This was such a fun book. Yes it was intense and in places it was very emotional. But it was still a fun one. You get to know about Auntie Em. From when she was young and single. To when she met and fell in love with Uncle Henry. How Dorothy came to live with them.

This book if full of Easter Eggs from The Wizard of Oz so be sure and look for them.

Full review: https://lsmoore49.blogspot.com/2025/06/before-dorothy-by-hazel-gaynor.html

This book was fantastic! I enjoyed it so much but the icing on the cake was the Author‘s Note at the end ? If you have any interest in The Wizard of Oz, The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, and strong female characters, add this to your TBR pile right now! I devoured this book over the weekend and greatly appreciated the escape from the +90° temps my neck of the woods was experiencing, as well as the escape from our dystopian reality as well.

Reading in the shade with a steady breeze, it‘s actually not unbearable 😎🤪👍

If you loved Auntie Em from the Wizard of Oz, you won‘t want to miss this beautifully written, heartwarming account of her life in Kansas.

There are subtle mentions of the characters and scenes in The Wizard of Oz, and it tells of Auntie Em‘s difficult life through the depression and the dust bowl in Kansas.

Another Hazel Gaynor gem. 5/5

https://tinyurl.com/4dvsd7jm

@hazelgaynor
@berkleypub
@penguinrandomhouse
@bookbrowse

💙📚BOOK REVIEW IS UP📚💙

⭐️⭐️BEFORE DOROTHY BY HAZEL GAYNOR⭐️⭐️

⭐️QUICK THOUGHTS⭐️

⭐️Emotional and atmospheric

⭐️A story of love and strength

https://reecaspieces.com/2025/06/18/before-dorothy-by-hazel-gaynor-historicalfic...

6/20

Another Hazel Gaynor gem that pulls you right in and warms your heart.

If you loved Auntie Em from the Wizard of Oz. you won‘t want to miss this beautifully written, heartwarming account of her life in Kansas.

There are subtle mentions of the characters and scenes in The Wizard of Oz, and it tells of Auntie Em‘s difficult life through the depression and the dust bowl.

@hazelgaynor
@berkleypub
@berkleyromance
@penguinrandomhouse