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Not Quite Dorothy: A Modern Day Wizard of Oz Romantic Comedy
She’s looking for a miracle. But will tapping her heels three times mend her broken heart?
Dottie Gale would hitch up with a tornado if it took her out of Kansas. Stuck in a dead-end teaching job beside her cheating ex Corbin isn’t her idea of a dream life. So when her wicked new principal Maxine Westward gifts her a trip to Las Vegas, she grabs her ruby slip-ons and heads for the nearest yellow brick road.
Forced to drive the entire way, Dotty picks up the motley trio of a dimwitted hunk, a heartless drifter, and a cowardly educator along the way. Far out of her comfort zone, the Kansas teacher and her passengers embark on a surprising adventure. But when Dottie reaches her destination and receives an unexpected declaration of love, she wonders if the journey has changed her far too much to accept…
As Westward's fiendish plan to ruin her trip takes shape, will Dottie finally find her happiness somewhere over the rainbow?
Not Quite Dorothy is an award-winning romantic comedy. If you like wise-cracking heroines, heartwarming stories, and hilarious twists and turns, then you’ll love Heather Kindt’s emerald of a novel.
(Formerly released as Ruby Slips and Poker Chips)
Dottie Gale would hitch up with a tornado if it took her out of Kansas. Stuck in a dead-end teaching job beside her cheating ex Corbin isn’t her idea of a dream life. So when her wicked new principal Maxine Westward gifts her a trip to Las Vegas, she grabs her ruby slip-ons and heads for the nearest yellow brick road.
Forced to drive the entire way, Dotty picks up the motley trio of a dimwitted hunk, a heartless drifter, and a cowardly educator along the way. Far out of her comfort zone, the Kansas teacher and her passengers embark on a surprising adventure. But when Dottie reaches her destination and receives an unexpected declaration of love, she wonders if the journey has changed her far too much to accept…
As Westward's fiendish plan to ruin her trip takes shape, will Dottie finally find her happiness somewhere over the rainbow?
Not Quite Dorothy is an award-winning romantic comedy. If you like wise-cracking heroines, heartwarming stories, and hilarious twists and turns, then you’ll love Heather Kindt’s emerald of a novel.
(Formerly released as Ruby Slips and Poker Chips)
- GenresContemporary
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2017
227 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 1, 2024
A ROMANTIC and FUN modern retelling of THE WIZARD OF OZ! This was very good and it didn’t disappoint as it had all the character resemblance from the Baum book and the 1939 classic movie! I read this book in honor of 1939 movie which is turning 85 this month! The story follows Dottie Gale, works as a second grade teacher at Quandary, Kansas. But when a tornado named Maxine Westward rips through Dottie’s school as the new principal, she makes Dottie’s life a living hell. When Dottie is chosen to go to a teacher’s conference in Las Vegas, she drives on a journey meeting three strangers along the way and joining her. A wonderful rendition of THE WIZARD OF OZ and is perfect to read for the summer!
December 30, 2017
Ruby Slips And Poker Chips is a romantic comedy and a modern-day tale of Dorothy Gale.
Fans of The Wizard Of Oz might well sit up and take note, as this book is filled with plenty of teasers to delight the reader. Dottie Gale is a teacher in Quandary Elementary, Kansas. When a tornado blew through town, she swore it dropped off Maxine Westward, the new Headmistress.
Dottie and Maxine are instant enemies, especially when Maxine installs new, unpopular, rules. Dottie is restless in boring Quandary, so when she’s picked to attend a teacher’s conference in Las Vegas, she jumps at the chance to attend.
If I tell you that Dottie is forced to drive to Las Vegas, that she pops in a tape of her favourite band, Toto, and she is asked to pick up Mr Fields and Mr Lyons who are also attending the conference, you’ll get a good feel for the storyline.
Will Dottie find the answers she wants? Does ‘there’s no place like home’, ring true for our modern girl?
I had so much fun reading this and spotting all the clever twists, it was very entertaining. In fact I’m tempted to re-read it, to find more of the subtle hints. I’ve also been to a few of the places mentioned in the book which meant an extra thumbs up for me. I would definitely recommend to readers who enjoy a modern take on a good original oldie.
Fans of The Wizard Of Oz might well sit up and take note, as this book is filled with plenty of teasers to delight the reader. Dottie Gale is a teacher in Quandary Elementary, Kansas. When a tornado blew through town, she swore it dropped off Maxine Westward, the new Headmistress.
Dottie and Maxine are instant enemies, especially when Maxine installs new, unpopular, rules. Dottie is restless in boring Quandary, so when she’s picked to attend a teacher’s conference in Las Vegas, she jumps at the chance to attend.
If I tell you that Dottie is forced to drive to Las Vegas, that she pops in a tape of her favourite band, Toto, and she is asked to pick up Mr Fields and Mr Lyons who are also attending the conference, you’ll get a good feel for the storyline.
Will Dottie find the answers she wants? Does ‘there’s no place like home’, ring true for our modern girl?
I had so much fun reading this and spotting all the clever twists, it was very entertaining. In fact I’m tempted to re-read it, to find more of the subtle hints. I’ve also been to a few of the places mentioned in the book which meant an extra thumbs up for me. I would definitely recommend to readers who enjoy a modern take on a good original oldie.
October 16, 2019
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5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Ruby Slips and Poker Chips: A Modern Day Wizard of Oz Romantic Comedy by Heather Kindt is a fun book to read. The Characters, especially Dottie Gale, are well developed. We learn about the former teenage romance between Dottie and Corbin and the circumstances surrounding its demise. There is still tension between the two and he doesn't seem like a bad person. Will they reunite?
I'm old enough to have enjoyed her references to television shows, "I guess I need a little more Ginger and a little less Mary Anne." (Gilligan's Island) and, of course, her Wizard of Oz references that spring up in the oddest places. Her favorite musical group is Toto, who's popularity began in the late '70s. Maxine Westward is the 'Wicked Witch of the West'. Other significant characters are Mr. Fields, Mr. Lyons and Mr. Oswald.
I enjoyed this lighthearted read. It was full of surprises and kept me fully engaged. I recommend this book to any reader who enjoys humor and romance.
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Ruby Slips and Poker Chips: A Modern Day Wizard of Oz Romantic Comedy by Heather Kindt is a fun book to read. The Characters, especially Dottie Gale, are well developed. We learn about the former teenage romance between Dottie and Corbin and the circumstances surrounding its demise. There is still tension between the two and he doesn't seem like a bad person. Will they reunite?
I'm old enough to have enjoyed her references to television shows, "I guess I need a little more Ginger and a little less Mary Anne." (Gilligan's Island) and, of course, her Wizard of Oz references that spring up in the oddest places. Her favorite musical group is Toto, who's popularity began in the late '70s. Maxine Westward is the 'Wicked Witch of the West'. Other significant characters are Mr. Fields, Mr. Lyons and Mr. Oswald.
I enjoyed this lighthearted read. It was full of surprises and kept me fully engaged. I recommend this book to any reader who enjoys humor and romance.
April 26, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this fun, sweet retelling of the Wizard of Oz. Dottie is hilarious, caring, brave, and forgiving. The characters in her life and those she meets along her journey are terrific also. ...well, except for the Wicked Witch; but her portrayal was crafty and well done. Looking forward to more of Heather's work!
December 13, 2019
Great book
What a pleasant and entertaining romance this is. It's fun, romantic and adventurous. Road trip with strangers. A vicious evil boss and a long time love all make a very entertaining story.
What a pleasant and entertaining romance this is. It's fun, romantic and adventurous. Road trip with strangers. A vicious evil boss and a long time love all make a very entertaining story.
June 22, 2020
Loved it ❤️ 😍 when I read this I thought of my aunt I lost same name same nicknames same personality.
February 2, 2018
An enjoyable read with memorable characters. Ruby Slips and Poker Chips is a quick paced story with a fresh spin on the classic Wizard of Oz tale. A satisfying surprise ending left me cheering for our modern day Dorothy. Looking forward to reading more from Heather Kindt.
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December 6, 2017
Dottie Gale is a snappy second grade teacher in a small town in Kansas who is about to get swept up into a whirlwind cross-country road trip on the way to a teacher conference. She makes some new kooky friends on her trip and finds herself in the most bizarre of situations by no fault of her own. Add to the mix a new principal with higher aspirations than staying at a small school in Kansas and an old cheating high school boyfriend and the adventure begins!
I found this to be a fun read with many chuckles throughout as Dottie was a wise-cracking main character that kept the pace moving quickly. I enjoyed the parallels between Dottie and Dorothy of The Wizard of Oz and found the author to give just the right balance between references to the old classic and this story. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a not-so serious, yet very enjoyable, read curled up in front of a fireplace on a cozy evening.
I found this to be a fun read with many chuckles throughout as Dottie was a wise-cracking main character that kept the pace moving quickly. I enjoyed the parallels between Dottie and Dorothy of The Wizard of Oz and found the author to give just the right balance between references to the old classic and this story. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a not-so serious, yet very enjoyable, read curled up in front of a fireplace on a cozy evening.
December 4, 2017
Ruby Slips is a fresh and quirky spin on the Wizard of Oz. I was immediately drawn to the characters, especially Dottie Gale and her unique voice. I loved the romance and the ending made me smile.
A completely enjoyable read that I'll be recommending to my friends.
A completely enjoyable read that I'll be recommending to my friends.
September 7, 2020
While this story is comparable to the classic tale of the Wizard of Oz, I loved the way the author delivered it in a modern-day setting with realistic characters. Dorothy (Dottie) Gale wants out of small-town Kansas, especially after a new principal takes over the school where she teaches. She's stuck in what she sees as a boring life with no future. Her childhood friend turned boyfriend, turned cheater (she thinks) is her main reason for wanting to run. So, when she is handed the chance to attend a teacher's conference in Las Vegas, she jumps at it. But there are drawbacks. The evil principal insists that Dottie drive from Kansas to Las Vegas, and to save money, has to pick up two other teachers along the way. And that's not all she picks up. A hitchhiker named Tina, joins the trio. The group has lots of adventures along the way including a visit to a county jail in handcuffs. I found this a very entertaining book to read. The choices Dottie is faced with, as well as the lessons she learns, are well executed. The author did a great job of telling this story and the book is error-free. If you like lighthearted stories with a touch of sizzling romance, you will enjoy this story.
March 12, 2018
Great read
This a great story. Relevant to me because I am a retired teacher. My last principal was a knuckle head. Recommend to teachers or anyone wanting a good laugh!!!
This a great story. Relevant to me because I am a retired teacher. My last principal was a knuckle head. Recommend to teachers or anyone wanting a good laugh!!!
September 28, 2022
Another really cute Romantic Comedy/Retelling! Dorothy (Dottie) was a really great character. Very relatable and likable. But she has some pretty big decisions to make that could change her whole life. She’s always wanted to be carefree and travel and see the world. Well she is traveling to Las Vegas for a convention and has people to pick up on the way. She also ends up giving a hitchhiker a ride too. They all have a real influence on each other as they get into some problems along the way. Then they reach their destiny, the Emerald Hotel, where they meet up with more people who affect their thinking on life.
I love the characters so much, which is no surprise, because Kindt is brilliant at writing characters that are real and relatable. Even the “Wicked Witch” is really well written, I mean you really hate this woman so much, as you should.
I really enjoy Kindt’s Romantic Comedy/Retellings. I hope to see more! Of course I enjoy her fantasy too!! If this book sounds like something you’d enjoy, I highly recommend it!
I love the characters so much, which is no surprise, because Kindt is brilliant at writing characters that are real and relatable. Even the “Wicked Witch” is really well written, I mean you really hate this woman so much, as you should.
I really enjoy Kindt’s Romantic Comedy/Retellings. I hope to see more! Of course I enjoy her fantasy too!! If this book sounds like something you’d enjoy, I highly recommend it!
June 13, 2018
This romantic with a twist is a must read if you enjoy mature subject matter and romance without the hot and heavy inferences.
The main characters are: Dottie (aka Hottie) Corbin (her first love) and Shay (a potential new love interest).
Dottie finds herself at the crossroads of life as most of us have as at one point or another as to what to do with the bundles of lemons in her life and lack of desire for making anymore lemonade and doing what’s expected of her when those around her disappoint her.
The authors has ultimately achieved in writing a novel that outlines some pretty heavy subject matter with a brush of maturity, insight and humor.
Overall the book is a very easy read in that it contains less 20 chapters and is very engaging without the need to exhibit overly sexually explicit exploits of all the key characters.
I would highly recommend this novel and following this author if you enjoy romantic novels with mature subject matter, engaging characters and humor.
The main characters are: Dottie (aka Hottie) Corbin (her first love) and Shay (a potential new love interest).
Dottie finds herself at the crossroads of life as most of us have as at one point or another as to what to do with the bundles of lemons in her life and lack of desire for making anymore lemonade and doing what’s expected of her when those around her disappoint her.
The authors has ultimately achieved in writing a novel that outlines some pretty heavy subject matter with a brush of maturity, insight and humor.
Overall the book is a very easy read in that it contains less 20 chapters and is very engaging without the need to exhibit overly sexually explicit exploits of all the key characters.
I would highly recommend this novel and following this author if you enjoy romantic novels with mature subject matter, engaging characters and humor.
March 13, 2019
Ummmm......
I'm not really sure what everyone else read to give the high reviews but I didn't read the same thing. So much time was spent trying to make all the Wizard of Oz connections there were too many plot holes left. Or maybe just a lack of a grip on storelines. I forced myself to finish because of all the great reviews. I thought something great would finally happen and things would make sense....But nope, didn't happen. Be warned!
I'm not really sure what everyone else read to give the high reviews but I didn't read the same thing. So much time was spent trying to make all the Wizard of Oz connections there were too many plot holes left. Or maybe just a lack of a grip on storelines. I forced myself to finish because of all the great reviews. I thought something great would finally happen and things would make sense....But nope, didn't happen. Be warned!
May 1, 2019
I really liked following the references to The Wizard of Oz, but the story here was fun in itself. Dottie has to find her own way back to “there’s no place like home,” and like the original Dorothy, she meets some interesting characters along the way. The only thing I didn’t care for is that she held a suspected cheating episode against her high school love interest. That she held a grudge didn’t bother me, but I didn’t care for how she handled it.
June 15, 2018
A well-written story with romance, relationship issues, and a crazy road trip. There is a theme with the Wizard of Oz and the main character's name is Dottie. Romantic scenes were not graphic, but left the scene for each reader to imagine.
A quick, enjoyable read.
A quick, enjoyable read.
June 26, 2018
Cute take on The Wizard of Oz
This was adorable, th related between all the characters and the cathartic cleansing Dottie puts herself through is all so normal and relatable. I enjoyed this lighthearted read, it was decently written and easy to read through.
This was adorable, th related between all the characters and the cathartic cleansing Dottie puts herself through is all so normal and relatable. I enjoyed this lighthearted read, it was decently written and easy to read through.
July 12, 2018
It's not Kansas
So many Oz references, but a very novel way of making an entirely different story. A good read even if you had never heard anything about the wizard of oz before. Loved the wisecracking no holds barred characters.
So many Oz references, but a very novel way of making an entirely different story. A good read even if you had never heard anything about the wizard of oz before. Loved the wisecracking no holds barred characters.
July 20, 2018
Good read
For some reason I had trouble getting into this book. However, once I got through a few pages I began to really enjoy both the story and the flippant writing style. The plot is good to, as is the writing and I rate this as a very good book.
For some reason I had trouble getting into this book. However, once I got through a few pages I began to really enjoy both the story and the flippant writing style. The plot is good to, as is the writing and I rate this as a very good book.
April 24, 2019
This is a super-fun read. This is more inspired by Dorothy of Oz than a re-telling of it - it's modern, Dorothy is sarcastic and witty, and the plot is maybe more linear? I really enjoyed it and I'm not a huge Wizard of Oz fan. Though I am a BIG 'Wicked' fan and this gave me some of those feels.
April 25, 2020
Once you catch the rhythm of this book it's awesome!
It took me a few chapters to get into this story, but once I did it was really good! Loved how it catches everything up in the end!
It took me a few chapters to get into this story, but once I did it was really good! Loved how it catches everything up in the end!
February 11, 2018
I enjoy books that are retellings of my favorite things so of course I had to read a book with allusions/parallels to the Wizard of oz . cute quick read
February 20, 2018
The path to Oz
Amazing read. Light, witty with real life thrown in the mix. Worth more than five stars. A great read with HEAs!!
Amazing read. Light, witty with real life thrown in the mix. Worth more than five stars. A great read with HEAs!!
June 8, 2018
Fun book
Dorothy wears her friend's ruby slippers and discovers what she needs in her life. A cute and fun adventure for Dorothy.
Dorothy wears her friend's ruby slippers and discovers what she needs in her life. A cute and fun adventure for Dorothy.
June 24, 2018
Good
Enjoyed the storyline and the book, easy read loved the characters and glad the witch lost it all luck winner
Enjoyed the storyline and the book, easy read loved the characters and glad the witch lost it all luck winner
June 27, 2018
Loved this Story
Loved this story of a school teacher headed to Vegas. She finds more than she counted on! Fun, easy read.
Loved this story of a school teacher headed to Vegas. She finds more than she counted on! Fun, easy read.
August 21, 2018
Awesome book. Can't recommend it highly enough. Expect more great things from the writer.
September 3, 2019
Great love story
Loved the main character Dottie. Enjoyed the adventure of her finding herself. Showed it's better to let anger and resentment out and move on.
Loved the main character Dottie. Enjoyed the adventure of her finding herself. Showed it's better to let anger and resentment out and move on.
May 5, 2020
Ruby slippers
Cute remake of the originally wizard of oz. A quick and easy read. The play on words was picked up easily.
Cute remake of the originally wizard of oz. A quick and easy read. The play on words was picked up easily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews