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The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale
A woman learns to follow her own road in this heartwarming novel inspired by The Wizard of Oz by New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra.
Dorothy “Dee” Gale is searching for a place to belong. After their globe-trotting mother’s death, Dee and her sister Toni settled with Uncle Henry and Aunt Em in Kansas, where Dee attends graduate school. But when Dee’s relationship with a faculty member, a bestselling novelist, ends in heartbreak and humiliation, she’s caught in a tornado of negative publicity. Unable to face her colleagues—or her former lover—Dee applies to the writing program at Trinity College Dublin.
Dee’s journey to Ireland leads her to new companions: seemingly brainless Sam Clery—who dropped out of college and now runs a newsagent’s shop—is charming and hot, in a dissolute, Irish poet kind of way; allegedly heartless Tim Woodman—who stiffly refused to take back his ex-fiancée—seems stuck in his past; and fiercely loyal Reeti Kaur, who longs for the courage to tell her parents she wants to teach underprivileged girls rather than work in the family business.
In a year of opportunities and changes, love and loss, Dee is mentored by powerful women in the writing program, challenging her to see herself and her work with new eyes. With her friends, Dee finds the confidence to confront her biggest fears—including her intimidating graduate advisor, who may not be so wicked after all.
Faced with a choice with far-reaching consequences, Dee must apply the lessons she’s learned along the way about making a family, finding a home...and recognizing the power that’s been inside her all along.
Dorothy “Dee” Gale is searching for a place to belong. After their globe-trotting mother’s death, Dee and her sister Toni settled with Uncle Henry and Aunt Em in Kansas, where Dee attends graduate school. But when Dee’s relationship with a faculty member, a bestselling novelist, ends in heartbreak and humiliation, she’s caught in a tornado of negative publicity. Unable to face her colleagues—or her former lover—Dee applies to the writing program at Trinity College Dublin.
Dee’s journey to Ireland leads her to new companions: seemingly brainless Sam Clery—who dropped out of college and now runs a newsagent’s shop—is charming and hot, in a dissolute, Irish poet kind of way; allegedly heartless Tim Woodman—who stiffly refused to take back his ex-fiancée—seems stuck in his past; and fiercely loyal Reeti Kaur, who longs for the courage to tell her parents she wants to teach underprivileged girls rather than work in the family business.
In a year of opportunities and changes, love and loss, Dee is mentored by powerful women in the writing program, challenging her to see herself and her work with new eyes. With her friends, Dee finds the confidence to confront her biggest fears—including her intimidating graduate advisor, who may not be so wicked after all.
Faced with a choice with far-reaching consequences, Dee must apply the lessons she’s learned along the way about making a family, finding a home...and recognizing the power that’s been inside her all along.
384 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2023
About the author
Virginia Kantra
52 books942 followersNew York Times bestselling author
Virginia Kantra
is the author of thirty books of women's fiction, contemporary romance, paranormal romance, and romantic suspense.
Her latest release, The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale , a contemporary reimagining inspired by Dorothy's adventures in Oz, follows Kansas graduate student Dee Gale as she flees personal heartbreak and public humiliation to enroll in the writing program at Trinity College Dublin (the Emerald Isle!).
Meg and Jo , a contemporary novel inspired by the classic story Little Women, received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist and was a People Magazine pick.
Beth and Amy (May 25, 2021) "continues her delightful 21st-century retelling of Little Women...Kantra’s compulsively readable update will attract a whole new group of readers, as well as satisfy Alcott devotees."—Publishers Weekly
Her stories have earned numerous awards including two Romance Writers of America's RITA (R) Awards, ten RITA nominations, and two National Readers' Choice Awards.
Carolina Dreaming, the fifth book in her Dare Island series , won the 2017 RITA (R) Award for Best Contemporary Romance - Midlength and was named one of BookPage's Top Ten Romance Novels of 2016. Her work includes the popular Children of the Sea series and, in e-book format, The MacNeills stories.
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Her latest release, The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale , a contemporary reimagining inspired by Dorothy's adventures in Oz, follows Kansas graduate student Dee Gale as she flees personal heartbreak and public humiliation to enroll in the writing program at Trinity College Dublin (the Emerald Isle!).
Meg and Jo , a contemporary novel inspired by the classic story Little Women, received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist and was a People Magazine pick.
Beth and Amy (May 25, 2021) "continues her delightful 21st-century retelling of Little Women...Kantra’s compulsively readable update will attract a whole new group of readers, as well as satisfy Alcott devotees."—Publishers Weekly
Her stories have earned numerous awards including two Romance Writers of America's RITA (R) Awards, ten RITA nominations, and two National Readers' Choice Awards.
Carolina Dreaming, the fifth book in her Dare Island series , won the 2017 RITA (R) Award for Best Contemporary Romance - Midlength and was named one of BookPage's Top Ten Romance Novels of 2016. Her work includes the popular Children of the Sea series and, in e-book format, The MacNeills stories.
*
I love to connect with readers! Find me on Facebook and Instagram.
And for exclusive content and news of my latest releases,
join my mailing list.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 421 reviews
December 5, 2023
“The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale” may be a story inspired by “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, but this contemporary reimagining is all about STEPPING OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE and FINDING THE POWER YOU HAVE THAT HAS ACTUALLY BEEN INSIDE OF YOU, ALL ALONG!
And, I LOVE that concept! ❤️
Dorothy “Dee” Gale grew up with her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em in Kansas. But when Dee’s relationship with Grayson Kettering, a graduate school faculty member and bestselling novelist, ends in humiliation, she finds herself caught up in a “tornado of negative publicity”!
Looking for a fresh start, Dee applies to, and gets accepted into, a writing program at Trinity College Dublin.
And, suddenly, Dorothy (Dee) definitely isn’t in Kansas anymore!
Along the way on her new journey, she will meet Sam Clery—a guy who may be loyal to a fault, and who doesn’t realize just how SMART he really is-Tim Woodman-a guy who wears an armor-like shield to protect his HEART and Reeti Kaur, a friend who offers great support and advice, but lacks the COURAGE to practice what she preaches- and tell her parents what her own dreams are.
Will her path (yellow brick road) to the Emerald Isle (Emerald City) lead to her own fairy tale ending?
When I was offered the opportunity to read this early copy, I knew I had to download it, since I have been meaning to read Virginia Kantra’s work for awhile now! Her books include “Meg and Jo” and “Beth and Amy”, contemporary retellings of “Little Women” which received starred reviews from “Publishers Weekly” and “Booklist” and praise in “People Magazine” and “USA Today”, but which somehow, I haven’t gotten around to reading (yet!!)
And, I wasn’t disappointed!
Well developed characters, messy relationships, and strong women, woven into an ENTERTAINING story made this one a winner for me!
I flew through it, dare I say, like a witch on a broom? 🧙🏻♀️😉
Available Now
Thank You to Berkley for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review.
And, I LOVE that concept! ❤️
Dorothy “Dee” Gale grew up with her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em in Kansas. But when Dee’s relationship with Grayson Kettering, a graduate school faculty member and bestselling novelist, ends in humiliation, she finds herself caught up in a “tornado of negative publicity”!
Looking for a fresh start, Dee applies to, and gets accepted into, a writing program at Trinity College Dublin.
And, suddenly, Dorothy (Dee) definitely isn’t in Kansas anymore!
Along the way on her new journey, she will meet Sam Clery—a guy who may be loyal to a fault, and who doesn’t realize just how SMART he really is-Tim Woodman-a guy who wears an armor-like shield to protect his HEART and Reeti Kaur, a friend who offers great support and advice, but lacks the COURAGE to practice what she preaches- and tell her parents what her own dreams are.
Will her path (yellow brick road) to the Emerald Isle (Emerald City) lead to her own fairy tale ending?
When I was offered the opportunity to read this early copy, I knew I had to download it, since I have been meaning to read Virginia Kantra’s work for awhile now! Her books include “Meg and Jo” and “Beth and Amy”, contemporary retellings of “Little Women” which received starred reviews from “Publishers Weekly” and “Booklist” and praise in “People Magazine” and “USA Today”, but which somehow, I haven’t gotten around to reading (yet!!)
And, I wasn’t disappointed!
Well developed characters, messy relationships, and strong women, woven into an ENTERTAINING story made this one a winner for me!
I flew through it, dare I say, like a witch on a broom? 🧙🏻♀️😉
Available Now
Thank You to Berkley for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review.
February 19, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded down for pacing. I did enjoy this very contemporary reimagining of “The Wizard of Oz” with Ms.Gale at Trinity grad school in Dublin where she meets three new companions & some other memorable characters and has a great deal of personal & professional growth on her journey to get published as a writer. That said, there were whole sections that I just skimmed due to extremely slow pacing - I think cutting a lot of unnecessary dialogue would have helped a a lot here as the story itself was truly engaging and I just adored Tim Woodman & the HEA💕
December 5, 2023
4-4.5⭐️ I am not always a fan of retellings, but when a retelling is done as masterfully as this one, count me in!
The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale has all of the elements of The Wizard of Oz most of us grew up with and have come to love. It has substantial, well developed characters, each needing to dig deep within themselves to find that element they feel they are lacking. For some, it is the courage to face their fears; for others, it is to come to terms with how smart they actually are. And at the very heart of it, this beautiful modernized retelling is about finding that which has been within yourself all along, even when you do not realize it.
Gosh, this is a good one. And the audio, narrated by a full cast, is excellent.
Thank you Berkley Pub and PRH Audio for the gifted copies.
The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale has all of the elements of The Wizard of Oz most of us grew up with and have come to love. It has substantial, well developed characters, each needing to dig deep within themselves to find that element they feel they are lacking. For some, it is the courage to face their fears; for others, it is to come to terms with how smart they actually are. And at the very heart of it, this beautiful modernized retelling is about finding that which has been within yourself all along, even when you do not realize it.
Gosh, this is a good one. And the audio, narrated by a full cast, is excellent.
Thank you Berkley Pub and PRH Audio for the gifted copies.
December 5, 2023
Virginia Kantra wrote two other novels I’ve read and loved - Meg and Jo and Beth and Amy, retellings of Little Women set in North Carolina. 🩵
About the book: “A woman learns to follow her own road in this heartwarming novel inspired by The Wizard of Oz by New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra.”
Dorothy (“Dee”) Gale is at a crossroads in life. She’s a writer involved in scandal while in grad school. She needs a fresh start, and she finds that at Trinity College in Dublin. She makes friends with someone who to be less astute (though things aren’t always what they seem) and someone else who is lacking in heart. You get where this is going? She also makes friends with someone who is hugely courageous.
Dee excels in the writing program while mentored by women who want her to grow and flourish, and her friends boost her up, up, up, and along with that comes peace, healing, and happiness.
The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale is now my favorite book by Virginia Kantra. The parallels she drew to The Wizard of Oz were so clever, and I thought the whole thing came together masterfully well. It’s a romance at its heart with a strong female lead who grows and heals with her found family. She uncovers her own heart and power in the process, and it’s an absolutely beautiful and inspiring awakening.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
About the book: “A woman learns to follow her own road in this heartwarming novel inspired by The Wizard of Oz by New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra.”
Dorothy (“Dee”) Gale is at a crossroads in life. She’s a writer involved in scandal while in grad school. She needs a fresh start, and she finds that at Trinity College in Dublin. She makes friends with someone who to be less astute (though things aren’t always what they seem) and someone else who is lacking in heart. You get where this is going? She also makes friends with someone who is hugely courageous.
Dee excels in the writing program while mentored by women who want her to grow and flourish, and her friends boost her up, up, up, and along with that comes peace, healing, and happiness.
The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale is now my favorite book by Virginia Kantra. The parallels she drew to The Wizard of Oz were so clever, and I thought the whole thing came together masterfully well. It’s a romance at its heart with a strong female lead who grows and heals with her found family. She uncovers her own heart and power in the process, and it’s an absolutely beautiful and inspiring awakening.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
April 14, 2024
Honestly, after reading some other books before and after this one, I need to just dnf it. It isn’t doing it for me. Because I can’t stand to truly end a book, I did skim through the rest of the book and I was glad I didn’t finish it. The story didn’t go where I was hoping. I normally stick with a book all the way through but I just did that a few books ago and it felt like a waste of my free time. Skimming was the middle ground.
The main character bugs me and I can’t quite figure out why. I liked some parts of her back story and I could see how her upbringing had set her up for some circumstances that would cause her heartache. It does make sense who she keeps falling for - she’s looking for love in the wrong men but I was hoping for enlightenment for her. I don’t feel she got it.
The Wizard of Oz elements are too much - almost too literal. This gets in the author’s way of creating an original story. I read a bit about the author’s inspiration and found she wrote this during the pandemic and did a bunch of research about Ireland from home. I guess it felt that way. I’ve been to the places she describes and there’s something missing in her writing about them - a feeling you get when you are there. I had a teacher who always reminded us to write about places we know because that will come across to readers.
This was a blind date purchase from Barnes and Noble and it was not a great date night. I think other people on Goodreads enjoyed it a lot so it does have an audience. I guess I’m just not it and that’s okay. I probably would have sat through all of it if I hadn’t read such a great book right before and such a terrible book before that.
The main character bugs me and I can’t quite figure out why. I liked some parts of her back story and I could see how her upbringing had set her up for some circumstances that would cause her heartache. It does make sense who she keeps falling for - she’s looking for love in the wrong men but I was hoping for enlightenment for her. I don’t feel she got it.
The Wizard of Oz elements are too much - almost too literal. This gets in the author’s way of creating an original story. I read a bit about the author’s inspiration and found she wrote this during the pandemic and did a bunch of research about Ireland from home. I guess it felt that way. I’ve been to the places she describes and there’s something missing in her writing about them - a feeling you get when you are there. I had a teacher who always reminded us to write about places we know because that will come across to readers.
This was a blind date purchase from Barnes and Noble and it was not a great date night. I think other people on Goodreads enjoyed it a lot so it does have an audience. I guess I’m just not it and that’s okay. I probably would have sat through all of it if I hadn’t read such a great book right before and such a terrible book before that.
November 27, 2023
The excitement I had when I first saw this title and cover! I really enjoyed how this story twisted the The Wizard of Oz into a modern world, while still keeping the theme of friendship, adventure, and facing your fears.
After her relationship with a faculty member ends in a humiliating scandal, graduate student Dorothy "Dee" Gale flees Kansas and heads to Trinity College in Dublin with hopes of escaping into their writing program. Along the way she meets three delightful companions (and a lovely romance) mirroring the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow. A couple witches, too!
These characters and their own personal conflicts were wonderfully developed—I especially loved the "heartless" Tim Woodman and his harrowing backstory. And of course seeing Dee forge her own path in a new world was so great.
I had a hard time staying invested, though, especially with such a heavy focus on Dee's dissertation. It's definitely character driven, and objectively I appreciate what this book accomplished, but it was simply too slow paced for me.
(heat level: fade to black)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
After her relationship with a faculty member ends in a humiliating scandal, graduate student Dorothy "Dee" Gale flees Kansas and heads to Trinity College in Dublin with hopes of escaping into their writing program. Along the way she meets three delightful companions (and a lovely romance) mirroring the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow. A couple witches, too!
These characters and their own personal conflicts were wonderfully developed—I especially loved the "heartless" Tim Woodman and his harrowing backstory. And of course seeing Dee forge her own path in a new world was so great.
I had a hard time staying invested, though, especially with such a heavy focus on Dee's dissertation. It's definitely character driven, and objectively I appreciate what this book accomplished, but it was simply too slow paced for me.
(heat level: fade to black)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 3, 2023
Virginia Kantra's "The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale" is a delightful and heartwarming tale that reimagines the classic story of The Wizard of Oz in a modern setting. Dorothy "Dee" Gale, a grad student struggling to find her place in the world, embarks on a journey of self-discovery to Ireland.
Kantra's writing is engaging and her characters are well-developed. Dee is a relatable protagonist, and her journey is one that readers will root for. The supporting cast is equally charming, and their relationships with Dee add depth and dimension to the story.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the setting. Kantra vividly captures the beauty and charm of Ireland, and I felt like I was transported there alongside Dee. The Irish setting is not just a backdrop; it plays an integral role in the story, and it adds a touch of magic and wonder.
Another highlight of the book is the found family aspect. Dee finds solace and support in a quirky group of friends, and their unconventional support provides her with the love and acceptance she needs to thrive. The theme of found family is a powerful one, and it resonates deeply in this story.
I also enjoyed the clever retelling of The Wizard of Oz. Kantra pays homage to the classic tale while putting her own unique spin on it. The parallels between Dee's journey and Dorothy's are clear, but the story also stands on its own as a unique and engaging narrative.
The audiobook narration is excellent. The narrators bring the characters to life with their expressive voices and their ability to capture the different accents of the characters. The audiobook is a great way to experience this story,
"The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale" is a delightful and heartwarming read. It's a story about following your dreams, getting out of your comfort zone, and finding your place in the world. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a feel-good story with a touch of magic.
***Big thank you to Berkley and PRH Audio for my gifted copy of this book, all opinions are my own.***
Kantra's writing is engaging and her characters are well-developed. Dee is a relatable protagonist, and her journey is one that readers will root for. The supporting cast is equally charming, and their relationships with Dee add depth and dimension to the story.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the setting. Kantra vividly captures the beauty and charm of Ireland, and I felt like I was transported there alongside Dee. The Irish setting is not just a backdrop; it plays an integral role in the story, and it adds a touch of magic and wonder.
Another highlight of the book is the found family aspect. Dee finds solace and support in a quirky group of friends, and their unconventional support provides her with the love and acceptance she needs to thrive. The theme of found family is a powerful one, and it resonates deeply in this story.
I also enjoyed the clever retelling of The Wizard of Oz. Kantra pays homage to the classic tale while putting her own unique spin on it. The parallels between Dee's journey and Dorothy's are clear, but the story also stands on its own as a unique and engaging narrative.
The audiobook narration is excellent. The narrators bring the characters to life with their expressive voices and their ability to capture the different accents of the characters. The audiobook is a great way to experience this story,
"The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale" is a delightful and heartwarming read. It's a story about following your dreams, getting out of your comfort zone, and finding your place in the world. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a feel-good story with a touch of magic.
***Big thank you to Berkley and PRH Audio for my gifted copy of this book, all opinions are my own.***
February 1, 2024
This book made me happy, sad, touched, irritated and frustrated. I didn’t expect so many feels. The story evolved for me just as the main character, Dorothy Gale, grew into herself. At the beginning, I found her frustrating and too needy, just as the author intended. And then, as her backstory became clear and as she grew up and sorted through herself, finding her way, my frustration gave way to admiration and like.
The parallel to The Wizard of Oz was very creative and well done. The characters were all very vivid and working through each of their own stories so I was invested in all of them. A very nice story with a sweet romance you weren’t too sure how it would end up. I liked that tension! I will definitely read Kantra’s Little Women inspired stories.
The parallel to The Wizard of Oz was very creative and well done. The characters were all very vivid and working through each of their own stories so I was invested in all of them. A very nice story with a sweet romance you weren’t too sure how it would end up. I liked that tension! I will definitely read Kantra’s Little Women inspired stories.
December 9, 2023
I'm really torn with this debut romance! Parts really spoke to me - I loved the Dublin setting and all the literature references (Anne of Green Gables and Wizard of Oz especially) but the story dragged a lot of and kind of went all over the place. I felt it was longer than necessary and the romance was fairly lackluster. Just an okay read but I would read more from this author as I feel like she's just getting her footings as a new writer. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for and early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!!
December 6, 2023
The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale is a unique creative story inspired by The Wizard of Oz, my favorite classic. It was well written had so many great characters.
If you love the Wizard of Oz, or even if you don't, this inspiring story of finding your place and navigating bumpy roads will capture your attention, and your heart.
I do wish it had even more ties to THE Wizard of Oz
If you love the Wizard of Oz, or even if you don't, this inspiring story of finding your place and navigating bumpy roads will capture your attention, and your heart.
I do wish it had even more ties to THE Wizard of Oz
December 8, 2023
After being humiliated by her ex, Dorothy “Dee” Gale flees to Ireland where she realizes she isn’t in Kansas anymore. When she arrives she meets Sam, who dropped out of school to take over the family business (The Scarecrow); Tim, who doesn’t let people in (The Tubman); and Reeti, who doesn’t have the courage to tell her parents what she wants to do with her life (The Cowardly Lion). These three become her friends and help her deal with her witch of a professor and to find her way home!
I was super excited to read this modern retelling of The Wizard of Oz. Found family is a trope I love so I enjoyed how the characters all became family for Dee in their own ways. There is a bit of a love triangle with Dee, Sam, and Tim, but it didn’t take away from the story. In the beginning I wanted her to end up with one of them, so I struggled a bit when that didn’t happen, however, it did make sense who she ended up with. There were some parts that dragged a bit for me, but I really enjoyed this unique retelling and Kantra’s writing style. I loved reading the connections to The Wizard of Oz, and thought Kantra did a great job of not making them over the top.
I listened to the audiobook while reading the eARC, and enjoyed that it was a full cast with separate narrators for Dee, Sam, and Tim. I did struggle a bit with the accents and actually think I would have liked this one better if it was only told from Dee’s point of view.
I was super excited to read this modern retelling of The Wizard of Oz. Found family is a trope I love so I enjoyed how the characters all became family for Dee in their own ways. There is a bit of a love triangle with Dee, Sam, and Tim, but it didn’t take away from the story. In the beginning I wanted her to end up with one of them, so I struggled a bit when that didn’t happen, however, it did make sense who she ended up with. There were some parts that dragged a bit for me, but I really enjoyed this unique retelling and Kantra’s writing style. I loved reading the connections to The Wizard of Oz, and thought Kantra did a great job of not making them over the top.
I listened to the audiobook while reading the eARC, and enjoyed that it was a full cast with separate narrators for Dee, Sam, and Tim. I did struggle a bit with the accents and actually think I would have liked this one better if it was only told from Dee’s point of view.
January 20, 2024
I’ve only read a few modern retellings, but this was my favorite so far! It was so charming and sweet, and I loved the sense of adventure as Dorothy “Dee” Gale travels from Kansas to Dublin, Ireland to attend a writing program.
I thought the cast of characters were so fun, inspired by the characters in The Wizard of Oz.
🎧Overall I really enjoyed this heartwarming story with themes of self-discovery and believing in yourself. I paired the book with the audiobook and thought the full narration cast was such a delight!
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧
💕self-discovery
🧺baked goods
💕a modern re-telling
🧺a heartwarming story
*many thanks to Berkley, PRH Audio, and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review
I thought the cast of characters were so fun, inspired by the characters in The Wizard of Oz.
🎧Overall I really enjoyed this heartwarming story with themes of self-discovery and believing in yourself. I paired the book with the audiobook and thought the full narration cast was such a delight!
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧
💕self-discovery
🧺baked goods
💕a modern re-telling
🧺a heartwarming story
*many thanks to Berkley, PRH Audio, and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review
January 1, 2024
Reviewed for Dear Author. 4/4.5 stars.
https://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/o...
https://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/o...
January 11, 2024
This just wasn't really for me - twee is the wrong word, but there was a little too much of the "tee hee wizard of oz" for me (which yeah, should have known going in). I think that a retelling should be able to stand on it's own without the other story. Also, sure was a choice for
I do think that, similar to Brandy, I came to Kantra from the Dare Island books, and it does feel like she's making a shift in what she's writing, and I'm not sure I'm going to follow her down that new path.
I do think that, similar to Brandy, I came to Kantra from the Dare Island books, and it does feel like she's making a shift in what she's writing, and I'm not sure I'm going to follow her down that new path.
February 9, 2024
As a Wizard of Oz lover I’m so sad that I hated this book. The Oz references are so blatant and repetitive that it’s as if the author doesn’t trust the audience to get it. Super frustrating read to get through only for the main character to make a very small amount of personal growth by the end.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
July 15, 2024There's all of the things I like about VK's writing in this but I'm just not interested and I don't want to see the bad thing happen that seems to be coming with Dee and the husband. So I'm just going to call my loses and hope that I like the next adaptation better or that she will go back to writing genre romance, JOSH FLETCHER NEEDS A BOOK, PLEASE!!!
December 4, 2023
I wanted to love this more than I did. I was so excited to read a story inspired by Wizard of Oz.
I did enjoy getting the glimpse of how each character was connected to Wizard of Oz, either through their names or their characteristic.
I think I felt frustrated by Dee and how she continually made the same choices and was surprised when things didn’t change. I am glad that she did come to build her confidence and pushed beyond her sticking point.
I think this book was just a bit too long and a bit repetitive. There were times I felt like the story dragged.
Overall, this was good. It entertained me, but it wasn’t a favorite.
I did enjoy getting the glimpse of how each character was connected to Wizard of Oz, either through their names or their characteristic.
I think I felt frustrated by Dee and how she continually made the same choices and was surprised when things didn’t change. I am glad that she did come to build her confidence and pushed beyond her sticking point.
I think this book was just a bit too long and a bit repetitive. There were times I felt like the story dragged.
Overall, this was good. It entertained me, but it wasn’t a favorite.
May 15, 2024
I must not have read the description of the book or something before I put this book on hold at the library. I was expecting this to be a true Oz adaptation, so obviously, the book was nothing like I expected.
However, I really enjoyed it, even (maybe especially because of?) with all of the cheesy 🧀 references to the Wizard of Oz. My absolute favorite is when her teacher dies when a house falls on her. Not from a tornado, but a truck moving a house on the freeway swerved and the house came loose and crushed her. Loved it.
Dorothy Gale (Dee) had basically put her life on hold for a relationship with one of the professors at her college. Stopped working on her dissertation to help him so he could focus on his book bc love. Then finds out he wrote a book based on their relationship making it seem like she was the aggressor. And the college did nothing because he wasn't her professor. He got even more famous, and Dee got stalkers who wanted to act out the sex scenes in the book.
So she moves to Ireland to get a new start and finish her dissertation. Meets some new friends, new romance. HFN.
However, I really enjoyed it, even (maybe especially because of?) with all of the cheesy 🧀 references to the Wizard of Oz. My absolute favorite is when her teacher dies when a house falls on her. Not from a tornado, but a truck moving a house on the freeway swerved and the house came loose and crushed her. Loved it.
Dorothy Gale (Dee) had basically put her life on hold for a relationship with one of the professors at her college. Stopped working on her dissertation to help him so he could focus on his book bc love. Then finds out he wrote a book based on their relationship making it seem like she was the aggressor. And the college did nothing because he wasn't her professor. He got even more famous, and Dee got stalkers who wanted to act out the sex scenes in the book.
So she moves to Ireland to get a new start and finish her dissertation. Meets some new friends, new romance. HFN.
February 4, 2024
One of my favorite books of Virginia Kantra’s is “Meg & Jo.” It was a little more difficult to see the connection to ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in the beginning pages of “The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale.” It wasn’t until after I stopped looking, and set out to enjoy this novel, that I got thoroughly absorbed and I couldn’t put it down.
I like Kantra’s writing because of her easy to read sentence structure, her strong character development and her wit. Her intelligent humor pops up when I’m least expecting it and I laugh out loud. “He smiled a little, making my ovaries melt.”
Mrs. Kantra’s stories leave me feeling good. I can always find similar qualities in her characters to reflect on. The characters in “The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale” all seek to be better. It’s very inspiring.
I like Kantra’s writing because of her easy to read sentence structure, her strong character development and her wit. Her intelligent humor pops up when I’m least expecting it and I laugh out loud. “He smiled a little, making my ovaries melt.”
Mrs. Kantra’s stories leave me feeling good. I can always find similar qualities in her characters to reflect on. The characters in “The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale” all seek to be better. It’s very inspiring.
March 4, 2024
The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale by Virginia Kantra was inspired by The Wizard of Oz story. There are Oz character parallels throughout the book. It was fun to see every time another story character was associated with Oz people like the Tinman, Scarecrow, Lion, Witch and Toto, too. Dorothy-Dee, transfers to Trinity College in Dublin to complete her thesis. She meets a series of people who will become friends and help her on her journey of self discovery and how she fits in to the world. I really enjoyed this fun escape.
March 11, 2024
WOW. I am pleasantly surprised by this story. (Received in my Once Upon a Book Club subscription) I was almost at page 100 within the first 24 hrs of reading this book.
The story takes you on a journey of Dee after a not so great, if not terrible, life event. The story ebbs and flows so nicely between some romance and Dee discovering herself, both in life and in her career.
I really liked the way the retelling came to be. The plot also wove in some current happens like the pandemic. (Warning: take the timeline of things you know in our world out of this story. Go in blind with the assumption this is a new world, not the one we live in)
Highly Recommended if the summary peeks your interest.
The story takes you on a journey of Dee after a not so great, if not terrible, life event. The story ebbs and flows so nicely between some romance and Dee discovering herself, both in life and in her career.
I really liked the way the retelling came to be. The plot also wove in some current happens like the pandemic. (Warning: take the timeline of things you know in our world out of this story. Go in blind with the assumption this is a new world, not the one we live in)
Highly Recommended if the summary peeks your interest.
January 20, 2024
Super cute read! I was skeptical when I first began to read and wasn’t sure I liked Dorothy all that much and then I absolutely fell in love with her and Sam and Tim and Reeti. This is such a sweet, heartwarming book of self discovery.
March 14, 2024
What a fun and wonderful story!
April 26, 2024
I was bored with this one.
April 29, 2024
This book made me feel things, lots of things, anger, happiness, inspired...all the things!
July 14, 2024
This is a very interesting twist on The Wizard of Oz!
I'm not quite sure how I feel about this. The pacing felt a bit weird at times. It's cute, don't get me wrong! would I read it again? no, probably not.
I'm not quite sure how I feel about this. The pacing felt a bit weird at times. It's cute, don't get me wrong! would I read it again? no, probably not.
September 19, 2024
DNF @ 25%.
I’m a fan of VK but this too literal retelling of Wizard of Oz with a painfully insecure lead wasn’t for me
I’m a fan of VK but this too literal retelling of Wizard of Oz with a painfully insecure lead wasn’t for me
October 1, 2024
DNF 50%
May 28, 2024
I'm not the biggest fan of retellings, but the author did a great job in fleshing out portions of L.L. Baum's books and reimagining the setting between Kansas and Dublin. The characters were well fleshed out and the storyline was unique. Some of the conversations really needed to be whittled down. They bogged down the story a bit. Other than that, it was a lovely read.
July 17, 2024
I thought the concept of this book was quite interesting and enjoyed this modern retelling. There were a lot of tributes the author made to the wizard of oz
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