Author Interview header image featuring Laura DeNooyer
Author Interview,  Giveaway,  Hope-filled Fiction

Interview with Laura DeNooyer & a Giveaway

September 3, 2025 /

Please welcome Laura DeNooyer back to my blog for the second time this year. I’m thrilled for her to share her new release, The Broken Weathervane, with you. I read an early copy of this book and absolutely loved it!

You can read my review HERE.

For a chance to win a copy, be sure to comment below by September 9! (Paperback for a US winner OR ebook for international)

Welcome back to the blog, Laura! Let’s start off learning what genre you write and what inspired you to write that genre.

This is hard to answer because I don’t purposely write in one genre. I write the story I feel led to share. But so far, I’ve published 3 historical fiction novels—depending on how you categorize dual timeline stories that have both contemporary and historical threads. 

Funny thing . . . the first one, All That Is Hidden, is set in 1968, but I started writing it in the 1980s, only 12+ years later. By the time I finished it—a decades-long project—it qualified as historical fiction!

I have several irons in the fire—a couple of contemporary novels and a couple of historical fiction ones.

Wow, I admire your dedication to finish that first novel. Is your new release, The Broken Weathervane, inspired by true events or personal history?

My dad shared a family story about his father and uncle who were in business together with a younger brother who struggled quite a bit. The two older brothers did everything in their power to help him succeed in his own businesses and later let him work at theirs. I loved the way they cared for him despite all the difficulties they encountered.

This was the spark of the 1950s timeline in my novel. However, it’s just the spark. It’s not a story about my family, and the characters took on lives of their own. 

That little spark turned into a wonderful story! What is the setting of your current novel? Is it a real location or fictional? Tell us about it.

The story is set in two fictional small towns in southeast Wisconsin, similar to the town where I live. The 2015 timeline is set in fictional Avondale, home to Raymond University where many scenes take place. The 1950s timeline takes place in a smaller fictional town, Dillard. I’m partial to small towns and almost every story I write is set in one.

What is the premise of The Broken Weathervane?

Two co-workers at the university seek the same information. Professor Greg Stafford wants to publish it as a biography of a local literary icon, Fritz Buckwalter. Meanwhile Leslie Wickersham, the grants officer, has good reasons to keep the information under wraps in order to protect her family’s privacy. Greg has no idea that Leslie is related to Fritz Buckwalter. 

The story goes back and forth between 2015 and the 1950s as we learn what happened in the Buckwalter family.

I really enjoy the dual timeline novels when they’re done right, and I think yours is. What do you hope your readers take away from The Broken Weathervane?

In the 1950s timeline, one of the characters deals with mental illness. My hope is to reduce the stigma of mental illness by learning about it, discussing it, and having empathy for those who suffer.

The Broken Weathervane is conducive to great book club discussion. There are resources and nine questions at the back of the book and on my website. I’d be happy to visit any book club in person or via Zoom.

Yes, I especially loved your handling of mental illness in the book, and I agree that it makes a great book club read. Well done! Which character in The Broken Weathervane was easiest for you to write and why?

My 2015 protagonist Leslie was the easiest because she and I have both been teachers, love literature, and have wrestled with depression. Even so, she’s very different than I am, but we had enough in common that I could relate to her. 

I liked her a lot. Which character presented the biggest challenge?

Both Fritz and Eddie Buckwalter were a challenge for me. In the 1950s timeline, I wrote in Fritz’s larger-than-life personality and voice. Other than our common interest in storytelling through writing novels, we are nothing alike. He’s a businessman, for one thing, and an extrovert who loves being the center of attention. 

His brother Eddie was extremely hard to write. I purposely didn’t use Eddie’s point of view because I didn’t believe I could do him justice, considering his mental health challenges. So I wrote in his wife Klara’s point of view instead. I think that helps in making Eddie a sympathetic character. Despite her aggravation and confusion about his antics, she loves him dearly.

I think that was a wise choice. I was struck by how loving Klara was toward Eddie, even amid his many challenges. What is one of your favorite quotes from the book?

“Love isn’t bound up in the things you can do, whether or not you can fulfill your purpose. Love is about knowing you, all that you were, are, and will be, and still wanting you.”

A beautiful quote. As we wrap this up, I’d love to know if you have critique partners or a critique group. If so, what are the pros and cons of participating in such a group?

My critique groups have been vital in developing as an author. I say it takes a village to write a novel, and they are part of my village. The most helpful critique groups have been both honest and tactful—affirming but also challenging me. It’s best when we’re comparable skill-wise. 

Right now I have a critique partner vs. a group, but she’s great. If you have the right people in your network, the only “con” is having to invest extra time in assessing their work too. It’s easier to do that regularly for just one partner rather than for a group of four or five. But either way, it’s a wonderful and effective way to grow in the writing craft and birth your book-baby.

I couldn’t agree more! Thanks so much for sharing about your new book, Laura. I truly wish you God’s blessings on this release and all to come.

Visit the #HopeFilledFiction blog and comment on Laura DeNooyer’s author interview by 9/9 for a chance to win her #newrelease, The Broken Weathervane! #giveaway

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Join the conversation. How do you feel about novels that address mental illness? What about dual timelines? What questions or comments do you have for Laura?

Be sure to comment below by September 9 for a chance to win her new release! (Paperback for US winner OR ebook for international)

The Broken Weathervane by Laura DeNooyer

Two co-workers seek the same information. One wants to publish it; the other has good reasons to keep it hidden. 

As Leslie Wickersham, Raymond University grants officer, seeks information to unravel a family mystery, English professor Gregory Stafford seeks an elusive interview with one more Buckwalter relative for his upcoming author biography. While Greg and Leslie guard coveted details from each other, her goals are further complicated by letters of blackmail threatening to reveal all she has worked hard to hide. 

In this dual timeline novel alternating between 2015 and the 1950s, loyalty is tested and secrets abound when family honor collides with truth. Leslie grapples with the trade-off:  How far will a person go to help a loved one thrive? 

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Book Club Fiction, Dual Timeline Fiction, Historical Fiction

Watch the book trailer for The Broken Weathervane here.

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 Amanda Cox. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading, walking, drinking tea with friends, or taking a road trip.

Connect with Laura: Website / Newsletter / Amazon

Laura DeNooyer head shot

Please share Laura’s interview on social media to help spread the word about her new release!

If you missed Katie Powner’s spotlight on When the Road Comes Around last week, FIND IT HERE.

As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories. She is a multi-award-winning author, an active ACFW member, and a six-year ACFW Virginia board member. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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45 Comments

  • Teresa A Moyer
    September 8, 2025 at 5:43 pm

    I have grown to love dual time line stories 🙂 When you said that you do not purposly write in one genre I smiled 🙂 I remember when I first began to learn about how to write and publish that all I kept hearing was I needed to find my Genre and stick to that for all my writing. That was so discouraging to a brand new writer who has no desire to be put in a box only writing ________. I felt it was like actors getting typecast because they only took roles as the same genre of movie.

    • Laura DeNooyer
      September 8, 2025 at 10:41 pm

      That’s a good analogy, Teresa–comparing typecast actors to writers who only write one genre. I think it’s fine for those who WANT to stick to one genre, but it’s not helpful when you feel pulled in multiple directions!

  • Cherie J
    September 8, 2025 at 5:31 pm

    I am fine with a story that involves mental illness. I love dual timeline. Sounds like a great story.

  • Paula Shreckhise
    September 6, 2025 at 2:21 pm

    I really like dual timeline books. Historical is my favorite because I always learn something.
    I saw the post about your book on Avid Readers of Christian Fiction.
    I used to live in far Northern Wisconsin. My uncle was the director of a mental health clinic in Elgin, Illinois. I look forward to reading the book.

    • Laura DeNooyer
      September 6, 2025 at 4:04 pm

      I agree, Paula. Historical fiction is my preferred way to learn about history. Sounds like your uncle–as a director of a mental health clinic–was able to help many people. Did you live in northern Wisconsin for a long time?

      • Paula Shreckhise
        September 11, 2025 at 7:12 am

        We lived 75 north of Green Bay for 11 years. My husband was the pastor of a church in a very small rural community. Our last two kids were born in Kings, Mich. While there I got to be a chaperone on my eldest son’s sixth grade trip. We went to Mackinac Island. A memorable trip.

  • Megan R
    September 4, 2025 at 7:54 am

    I am looking forward to reading this book. I was very excited for “A Hundred Magical Reasons” because I am pretty familiar with Holland, MI. I also love books that touch on books/writers.

  • Kelly V.
    September 3, 2025 at 9:05 pm

    I appreciate novels that address mental illness. I’ve suffered from depression (no longer, by the grace of God), anxiety including social anxiety (much improved but not gone), and impulse control disorder (I may never conquer this one). I love novels with dual timelines and am always looking for more.

  • Paty Hinojosa
    September 3, 2025 at 1:21 pm

    I know that addressing a theme like mental illness must be very difficult and complex. But I like it when authors address the theme through some of their characters, because we all relate to that. That may be because we have dealt personally with it (I myself have struggled with depression too and anxiety), or have a relationship (family, friends, coworkers) who are dealing with it. So it makes the book more relatable and it gives you insight into how to deal with the illness, personally or how to help and empathize with others. So I’m looking forward to reading the book. The premise sounds so good, and I love the cover. I love dual-timeline stories, I love how things can be related through time, family, generations, etc. Historical fiction is my favorite genre, but it includes dual-timeline. I loved your favorite quote about love, it’s so good and so true, and we always forget that! “Love isn’t bound up in the things you can do, whether or not you can fulfill your purpose. Love is about knowing you, all that you were, are, and will be, and still wanting you.” Thanks for sharing!

    • Laura DeNooyer
      September 3, 2025 at 1:29 pm

      Thank you for your transparency, Paty. For each person who is willing to admit to dealing with depression or anxiety, I’m sure there are plenty of people—even within our own circles—who struggle but don’t let on. We all need a safe place to share openly. Fiction is one of those “safe” places, because we can more easily talk about characters’ problems than our own. But it’s only a starting point.

    • Deena Adams
      September 5, 2025 at 12:48 pm

      Thanks so much for your thoughtful and authentic comments, Paty. I appreciate your transparency. I think you’ll love Laura’s book! Thanks for engaging on the blog.