Shelf To Table
Food Spotlight: Banana Bread Muffins
The perfect food pairing for this novel is Banana Bread Muffins. Warm, golden-brown banana bread muffins, soft and tender on the inside with a slightly crisp top. Bursting with the sweet, comforting flavor of ripe bananas and a hint of vanilla, these muffins are cozy, homey, and perfect for snacking while following Dorothy—or Dee—on her journey. Sprinkle a few chocolate chips or chopped walnuts on top for extra richness and texture.
The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale by Virginia Kantra
The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale by Virginia Kantra is a modern Wizard of Oz retelling that follows Dorothy “Dee” Gale as she escapes Kansas for Trinity College Dublin after a scandalous breakup with a bestselling novelist leaves her reeling. In Ireland, Dee forms unexpected friendships—with the charming Sam, the guarded Tim, and the fiercely loyal Reeti—and is guided by powerful mentors who push her to grow, both as a writer and as herself.
Page To Plate
Food Featured In The Book
Homemade scones feature in the novel, adding a cozy, authentic Irish touch. Soft and buttery with a golden crust, they’re often served warm with jam or cream.
Character Cravings
Dorothy Gale is a woman scorned—hurt, underestimated, and determined to reclaim the pieces of herself she lost along the way. As she searches for a new identity, the food that fits her best would be something warm, grounding, and resilient. I imagine she’d gravitate toward a dish that symbolizes comfort, renewal, and strength: a hearty bowl of chicken and dumplings.
Book Club Bite
Miniature desserts like lemon bars and cherry cheesecake bites make the perfect book club treats, offering sweet, easy-to-share indulgence. Themed nods to the story—yellow Brick Road–inspired lemon bars and ruby Red Slippers cupcakes—add a playful, whimsical touch that ties directly to the Wizard of Oz elements in the novel.
“Women who tell the truth have always been called witches.” –Virginia Kantra