I am sure that I am in the minority here, but this was a mediocre book.

It's slightly reminds me of The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah, however where that book shines, this one falls flat.

I am sure a lot of people will pick this book up, especially with the resurgence of Wizard of Oz fans thanks to Wicked, however if you remove Dorothy - and all connections to The Wizard of Oz from this story, and focus only on Emily and Henry and their story in Kansas, the story remains the same, just without that hook.

A good - not great story.

I am a huge Wizard of Oz fan so I knew I needed to read this. Before Dorothy has a clever take on the whole Oz phenomena.. This book is equal parts magical and unsettling. Four stars.

I absolutely loved this book! Hazel Gaynor has written a fantastic story of Auntie Em, from the Wizard of Oz, that is also a well-researched, historical fiction based on the difficulties of life and farming on the prairies of Kansas, and the devastation caused by the Great Depression. The author brings Emily Gale vividly to life. She is a strong young woman, deeply in love with Henry, who leaves the comforts of life in Chicago to pursue a new life in the prairies of Kansas. After the tragic loss of her sister, Annie, and her husband in a tragic boating accident, young Dorothy comes to live with her Auntie Em and Uncle Henry on their farm. The author has created absolutely wonderful, memorable characters to tell the story of Emily, Henry, Dorothy and their families and friends, the devastation and crop loses they face, as well as the terrifying "dusters" that often wreak a path of destruction. Hazel Gaynor has beautifully woven references to the characters of Oz within the story, including the story of how Toto got his name! I loved the way she incorporated chapter beginnings with diary entries written by the character of Emily. This is a heartwarming, beautiful story that I will long remember. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy. The opinions of this review are my own.

3.5 stars

As a big Wizard of Oz fan I was excited to get an early read of Before Dorothy. The idea of exploring Aunt Em and Uncle Henry’s lives and how Dorothy ended up with them sounded intriguing, this felt like a fresh angle on a familiar story.
The book moves between Chicago in 1924 and Kansas in 1932, which gave a really clear sense of the contrast between bustling city life and the tough, gritty reality of prairie living during the Dust Bowl. It’s definitely a slower-paced read, but it shines in the way it builds Emily’s character, her relationships, her strength, and the heartbreak she endures. You can really feel the weight of the time period.

While it wasn’t the most fast-moving plot, I appreciated the emotional depth and the way it quietly asked big questions about family, resilience, and what 'home' really means. As a fan of Oz, the subtle nods to the original story were a lovely touch.

Overall I liked it. It didn’t blow me away, but it added a thoughtful layer to the Oz universe and gave some heart to characters we only see in the background.

My thanks to Berkley for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

If you ever wanted the backstory of how Dorothy ended up in Kansas with Uncle Henry and Aunt Em, this book is for you. If you didn't want the story, this book is still for you. Well written, historically accurate perspective on the 1930s and the challenges farmers faced in the plains during the devastating dust storms. I thoroughly enjoyed this

I have never read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but the movie is my favorite childhood movie and in all honesty, I still enjoy it . I was also drawn to this story that depicts life on the prairie in Kansas in the 1920’s, implications of the stock market crash and Depression . I have read one other book by the author which I very much enjoyed. All of that made me think I’d enjoy this and I did.

It’s well written, descriptive without being flowery. The depiction of the time and place are so well done . Auntie Em’s story before being in Kansas was about family, sisters, their dreams and secrets . The beauty of the novel , though is in the love and care that she and Henry show in building their home and their life together on the farm. They built a place of love and belonging that they gave to Dorothy when tragedy struck in her 7 year old life . This place called home was wherever they were together even when disaster struck.

My favorite parts were the excerpts from Emily’s beautifully written journal that are interspersed throughout , filled with descriptions of her impressions of the land, the natural surroundings and natural disasters - drought and dust storms, tornadoes, her life and love of Henry, the challenges at first of caring for a child. The focus is on Emily, but Uncle Henry stole my heart, too. While it was a nice change of pace from recent reads, I can’t say that this was entirely a light one because there is tragedy and loss and hard times. The Oz references were endearing at first , but there were just too many and they felt little contrived at times . As a fan of Oz, I enjoyed this heartwarming story in spite of that. It’s filled with heart, and intelligence and courage. Historical fiction readers will appreciate the author’s note indicating the inspiration for the times reflected here .

I received a copy of this from Berkeley through NetGalley.

I'm old enough to have three generations discover The Wizard of OZ, and love it. As a child, a mother, and a grandmother, Oz seemed a wonderful place of dreams that could not compare with the feeling of "home." Auntie Em and Uncle Henry's struggle in a Kansas that required them to display the heart, courage, and common sense that Dorothy and her friends discovered in Oz. This is my first Hazel Gaynor book. I feel as if I've been missing the wonder she conveys in BEFORE DOROTHY. Emily's story would make an excellent movie. I know three genrations that would watch it.

Before Dorothy by @hazelgaynor is a historical fiction featuring Auntie Em from The Wizard of Oz before Dorothy came to live with them. This is a fictional and fun look at the character Emily Gale and who she was as a young woman.

Emily left Chicago in 1924 with her husband for their own American Dream of a farm in Kansas and we see them adapt to farm life and the dangers, the start of the depression in 1929, when Dorothy comes to live with them when her parents die in 1932 as drought and the Dust Bowl is ravaging the plains. All throughout Emily is trying to make a home.

This was such an interesting take on creating a backstory for a fictional character while writing a beautiful historical fiction about life for a Kansas farmer in the 1920/30s. I loved the author's note on why she wanted to write Emily’s story and why she placed her in this time period.

If you're a fan of The Wizard of Oz there are cute references to elements throughout the book and I think you'll enjoy reading this. I loved the Depression/Dust Bowl aspect as I wish there was more historical fiction on this incredibly challenging time.

I love Hazel Gaynor's books and this is another winner!

Thanks to Berkley for my advanced copy via Netgalley! This came out earlier this week!

Thank you Berkley Pub for the free book and thank you PRH Audio for my #gifted listening copy! #BerkleyBookstagram #BerkleyIG #berkley #berkleypub #PRHAudioPartner #PRHAInfluencer #BeforeDorothy #hazelgaynor

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐲
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐇𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐥 𝐆𝐚𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐫
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐒𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐝
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

𝟱★

As a huge Wizard of Oz/Wicked fan, I knew I wanted to read this one, and I am so glad I did! Hazel Gaynor’s writing was descriptive she so vividly painted a picture of the time period unliking anything I’ve read before. This book tells the story of Emily Gale, also known as Auntie Em in the Wizard of Oz, and how Dorothy came to live with her and her husband Henry. It’s written in a dual timeline format and incorporates so much historical research and so many easter eggs from The Wizard of Oz. It was pure perfection and had me hooked the entire time. There’s so much to love about this one and I cannot recommend it enough. The Historical Note and the Author’s Note at the end also cannot be skipped!

🌾Dual Timelines
🌾Chicago and Kansas
🌾The Dust Bowl
🌾The Wizard of Oz Easter Eggs
🌾Historical Fiction
🌾The Great Depression

🎧The audiobook is narrated by the talented Saskia Maarleveld and she was the perfect voice for this book! There was just something about her that just felt right and I could not imagine anyone else in this role. Hands down a 5★ performance. If you love audiobooks, listen to this one!

Posted on Goodreads on June 19, 2025: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around June 19, 2025: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on June 19, 2025
**-will post on designated date

I am a huge Wizard of Oz fan, so anytime I see a book or TV show or special on it, I know I need to read or watch. This book was so good. It's about Dorothy's Aunt Emily Gale's life BEFORE Dorothy showed up. In 1924, Emily left Chicago with her husband Henry to start a new life in Liberal Kansas. Here they are living their dream life on the prairie and enjoying the community. Five years later, Emily finds out that her sister and Brother-in-law have died, and her orphaned niece, Dorothy, has been left in her care. So now, they have another mouth to feed, and at the same time the crops are drying up from a drought. Times are tougher than they expected.

I truly loved this one and the way the author had Wizard of Oz references throughout was really well done. I also loved the descriptions of the settings and landscape, and history of the great depression and how hard it was to survive during those times. The sisterly part of the story, between Emily and her sister, their relationship and bond as they grew up, got married and went on with their lives separately, was compelling. So much to enjoy in this book!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

Breathtaking, heartbreaking, heartwarming, hopeful, emotional, and so much more, "Before Dorothy" is a beautifully written Historical Fiction novel focusing on Emily Gale, whom later becomes known as Auntie Em in "The Wizard of Oz". Ms. Gaynor's storytelling is simply spectacular, and her care for the story, as well as the way in which she weaves in nods to the original stories throughout is so powerful.

Beautiful color symbolism surrounds and intertwines throughout so much of this novel, and each element jumped off of the page in such a visceral way that I truly felt I was right there with the characters. Every setting became a character in its own way as well, historical events are prevalent throughout the characters' lives, and the author's world-building is so incredibly immersive that I truly felt like I had traveled back in time while reading.

This novel imagines the backstory of Emily, and her husband Henry. Full of moments filled with love, moments of tough decisions, moments of struggle, moments of happiness and hope, moments that had me holding my breath, and so much more, "Before Dorothy" is a novel that will stick with me for a long time, and I simply did not want to put it down.

I highly recommend this book! I can't wait to read what Ms. Gaynor writes next!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the e-ARC of this incredible novel, and to Berkley Publishing Group for having me on the Blog Tour! And thank you so much to Hazel Gaynor and Kathleen Carter Communications for the beautiful physical ARC as well! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Kansas, 1932: Emily and Henry have established their new home among the warmth of the farming community in Kansas. Aligned to the fickle fortunes of nature, their lives hold a precarious and hopeful purpose, until tragedy strikes and their orphaned niece, Dorothy, lands on their doorstep.

I am not a huge fan of spin offs. So, I started this book with trepidation. But, I am a huge fan of this author so I knew she could pull this off. And she did.

This is about the life of Emily and Henry before and during Dorothy’s arrival. It makes brief references to The Wizard of Oz but it really doesn’t talk about the book like I expected and this made this story all its own.

The struggles of prairie life with the dust bowl and the Great Depression create a tale you do not want to miss. It is emotional and very atmospheric, especially when the prairie is talked about…it just comes alive.

Need a story about strength, love and resilience…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Hazel Gaynor (favorite author) takes us back to Kansas—reimagines and answers the burning questions in the stunning BEFORE DOROTHY —Aunt Em, Henry, and how Dorothy came to live with Emily and Henry Gale.

As a prequel to the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, one of the most beloved tales of all time, Hazel Gaynor eloquently explores Emily Gale, who she was, who she might have been, and who she became.

The enchanting story is set against the backdrop of one of the most turbulent periods in American history: the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. These historical events not only shape the characters' lives but also the entire narrative, adding depth and realism to the story.

About...

Long before Dorothy visits Oz, her aunt, Emily Gale, sets off on her grand adventure, leaving gritty Chicago behind for Kansas and a life that will utterly change her as the author transports us.

Chicago, 1924: Emily and her new husband, Henry, leave Chicago for the promise of their American dream among the harsh beauty of the prairie. But leaving the city, they also leave Emily's sister, Annie.

Kansas, 1932: Emily and Henry have established their new home in the farming community of Kansas. Then tragedy strikes and their orphaned niece, Dorothy, lands on their doorstep.

Then there is the drought and the dust storms that threaten everything they have worked for, making it a place of uncertainty.

The past converges with the present as old secrets surface. These secrets, long buried and forgotten, threaten to disrupt the fragile peace Emily has built. As she grapples with these revelations, she fears she will lose the most loved, Dorothy.

My thoughts...

Captivating, inspiring, and compelling! A poignant story of a woman who raised a heroine and the true meaning of home.

BEFORE DOROTHY is a testament to Hazel Gaynor's storytelling prowess. Her meticulous research and passion for the story shine through on each page, bringing the characters to life in a way that will leave readers captivated, inspired, and deeply invested in their journey. The blend of historical elements, strong character development, and vivid descriptions makes for a heartwarming and compelling read.

The novel portrays Emily Gale as a young woman embarking on a new life on the Kansas prairies, facing the challenges that await her, and exploring the true meaning of home.

ENGROSSING! I enjoyed the Author's Note and Historical Notes, where Hazel Gaynor shares how she was inspired to write BEFORE DOROTHY and the story of Auntie Em, a character mentioned only a few times in Oz.

She brilliantly delves into her meticulous research process, which involved studying the harsh reality of the farmers who lived through the devastating years of the Dust Bowl. This note offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation of the book.

It is also a beautiful story of strong, courageous women, the choices, and sacrifices we make, and the secrets we hold within families. As well as a book of sisters, daughters, mothers, aunts, and their roles and relationships.

Nature and our connection with the natural world play a substantial role in the book, as Emily responds to the environment around her, including tornadoes, droughts, and dust storms, as well as the ways women embraced homesteading life.

I enjoyed reading about how the financial crisis began and how farmers were affected, as they were unable to grow and became financially ruined, along with the poor health, sickness, and foreclosures. And their ways of survival, the traveling carvinals and rainmakers.

A stunning imagination of Emily, Henry, Dorothy, and Toto before Dorothy stepped onto the Yellow Brick Road. Enjoy all the Easter eggs and references to The Wizard of Oz! I loved it. Well Done! An ideal pick for book clubs and further discussions.

Recs...

BEFORE DOROTHY is for fans of the author and those of The Wizard of Oz, the Dust Bowl, environmental, and history buffs.

Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for the honor of reading an advanced review copy for an honest review.

blog review posted @
JuditihDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: June 17, 2025
June 2025 Must-Read Books
June Newsletter

"Long before Dorothy visits Oz, her aunt, Emily Gale, sets off on her own grand adventure, leaving gritty Chicago behind for Kansas and a life that will utterly change her, in this transporting new novel from New York Times bestselling author Hazel Gaynor." The brilliance of authors that can spin off from the classics Wizard of Oz, then Wicked, After Oz, and Finding Dorothy amazes me. I have read Wicked and now I need to invest in the others because Before Dorothy is a gem and delight to see where it all began. I love Wizard of Oz and it was always a highlight as a child, who grew up with black and white films. The colors of that film still cover the screen with amazement.
I remember the dusty iconic scenes of the farm and how the tumbleweed crossed the horizon. The clothes of Auntie Em and Uncle Henry portrayed hardworking farmers. The drought and dust storms never crossed my mind in the Wizard of Oz until I read this. The struggles were real in the 1930's as the Depression changed this generation into frugal people that never wasted anything and found the future uncertain and prioritizing their plans. There is so much heart and courage to be said as I read this book. When they thought it was bad, Auntie Em's family suffers a tragedy bringing little Dorothy into their homes to live. Another mouth to feed, but they made it work.
"There's no place like home." This was coined in the Oz, but means a whole lot more after reading this book. Great job by the author, which has encouraged me to continue with the other books about Oz.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4 Oz Easter Egg stars

I have read eight books by this author before, so when I saw this new one, I immediately wanted to read it! Plus, I'm such a fan of The Wizard of Oz and its rich spin-offs, like Wicked. We don’t know much about Auntie Em from the original book, so she is the perfect character to bring to life.

In the mid-1920s, Emily Gale is a new bride living in Chicago near her sister Annie. Henry longs to farm in Kansas, and Emily wants to join him. Emily ends up loving the prairie and farming life.

Years later, as tragedy strikes her family, Dorothy becomes an orphan, and Emily and Henry discover that Annie wanted Dorothy to live with Emily if something ever happened to her.

Getting this new take on Dorothy and her extended family was an enjoyable read, especially if you’ve wondered about Auntie Em and Uncle Henry. The author brings these characters to life, and some dark secrets arise, too.

However, things aren’t going well in Kansas, with destructive farming practices and dust swirling everywhere. A tornado is brewing and set to blow through Kansas.

If you read carefully, you can discover all of the hidden nods to Oz, which was fun. And we all know that there’s no place like home.

This story is a mesmerizing creation of Dorothy's Auntie Em before Dorothy came to live with her in Kansas and then their life right after. Emily immigrated with her parents from Ireland and her two sisters. She was very close to Annie, Dorothy's mother, until Emily learns Annie's secret. Emily feels displaced until she marries Henry and goes from city life in Chicago to being a homesteader. Things are wonderful until the dust bowl. This reimagining of the story of Dorothy from the Wonderful Wizard of Oz is creative, engaging, and taught me a lot about the time period.

Gaynor blends in what we know about Dorothy and makes it make sense in the context of the setting. There was a great drought in the Great Plains and a rainmaker comes with dynamite and pyrotechnics, reminding us of course of the Wizard of Oz, for example. I also enjoyed the theme of the story which is no surprise: home is about being with the people you love.

Hazel Gaynor is a wonderful writer of historical fiction. If you haven't had a chance to check out her books, this one would be a great start. I really enjoyed it.

I was given an advance review copy from Net Galley and all opinions are my own.

Reviewed by Cindy Thomson, www.cindyswriting.com

I feel like I grew up with the movie The Wizard of Oz. I’m sure I’m not the only one who had dreams of being Dorothy herself, experiencing both the sadness and the wins as she followed the Yellow Brick Road. Naturally, I love the Easter Egg references to the story by L. Frank Baum. They were seamlessly woven into the narrative, making me want to watch the movie again soon.

As a child, I was captivated by musicals, so I have fond memories of the movie. However, this story takes a different turn. It focuses on Emily Gale’s experiences. Emily and her sister Annie moved to America and settled in Chicago, working as shop girls. Their bond seemed unbreakable, but at some point, their lives took different directions. Annie married and had a little girl named Dorothy. Just before that, Emily’s undying love for Henry was about to pull her away from Annie’s orbit. Emily had always been enamored with her mother’s dream to settle in Kansas, believing it promised a better life. That’s where she and Henry did indeed settle.

The story begins with Emily’s life changing before marriage and before Kansas. It then segues to the challenging life she faced with Henry in Kansas. This touching story touches upon some tragic times in American history, including the Great Depression, preceded by the stock market crash. The Midwest was plagued by devastating dust storms and other hardships, causing immense loss for countless people. These experiences deeply affected Emily and Henry during their marriage, during which they became guardians to young Dorothy.

Auntie Em, a character who was overlooked by me every time I watched the famous movie, was a delight to watch. The author’s skill in developing her into a three-dimensional character and maintaining her strong bond with Henry was truly remarkable. I was also captivated by the incredible connection she ultimately formed with Dorothy.

The author’s talent for crafting characters that resonate with readers is evident throughout the book. She skillfully evokes the profound sadness experienced by people during that tumultuous era. Conversely, the true connection that family meant to Emily was a joy to experience. Dorothy's words from the movie that “there’s no place like home” rang loud and clear while experiencing Emily’s life Before Dorothy.

Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Thank you NetGalley, Berkley and the author for the arc!

Being a huge fan of all things Oz, this was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025! And guys, I’m throwing ALL the glittering stars at this little gem! It is perfection!

Hazel Gaynor pulls the story of Auntie Em & Uncle Henry from the black & white shadows of their supporting role & transports them to center stage, vividly ushering them into our technicolor world in a way that brings them to life & beauty! To read what their story may have been like before Dorothy & beyond was a magical experience! A journey I never expected to take, but so happy for!

I especially found myself downright giddy with all the little easter egg references to the beloved classic. From lemon drops, apples & poppies to our favorite loveable (and not so loveable) characters, each hidden treasure made this so much fun. The story is so well written from the heartwarming to the heartbreaking & everything in between, it captured & squeezed my heart in all the right places! A new forever favorite!

I've watched the Wizard of Oz but never read the story. This book encouraged me to do so. Did you ever wonder what Dorothy's life was like before she was swept away in her dream. Learn where she was, and where some of her friends originated from. It was a quick, interesting, lighthearted read.

I was so curious about this book, and it did not disappoint! Such an engaging and immersive imagining of Auntie Em's backstory and how she made room for Dorothy.

Emily Kelly leaves Chicago to move to a farm in Kansas after marrying Henry Gale. Years later, her sister and brother-in-law are killed, leaving behind their young daughter, Dorothy, whom Emily and Henry take in. Their life is tough, facing challenges like tornadoes, dust storms, and the Great Depression.

The world-building is fantastic. The setting is vividly depicted, and I felt like I could see the wheat fields of the Gale farm and experience the storms and dust clouds rolling in. Additionally, there is a good amount of historical detail that immersed me in the time and place.

This story is primarily character-driven, with well-developed and compelling characters. I enjoyed the relationship between Emily and Henry, from their courtship to the way they supported each other through hardships, including their efforts to care for Dorothy. I really grew to care about Emily, as she is such a lovely character. Strong, selfless, and loving, and easy to root for. Although she has reservations about bringing Dorothy into a harsh landscape, especially when money is tight, her love for her niece gives her courage and determination. Dorothy, in turn, brings hope and love into their lives. It is moving to see Emily and Dorothy's relationship blossom. Additionally, there is a touch of drama as family secrets are revealed.

This was my first time reading this author, and it will not be my last. I really enjoyed this story and the author's writing style. Wizard of Oz Easter eggs are scattered throughout and are so much fun. Fans of retellings and historical fiction will want to add this to their tbr!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and Netgalley for the gifted ARC

*4.5 rounded up