The Lark

by Laura C. Rader

When the bank calls in the loan on his family’s Missouri farm, twenty-three-year old Paul Tietjens forgoes his dream of studying music in Europe to save them from financial ruin. Instead, he moves to up-and-coming Chicago, where he persuades author L. Frank Baum to collaborate on a comic opera of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, setting the stage for the defining cultural touchstone that we know today.

Paul embarks on his opera with high hopes, but scandal threatens his soaring ambition when he falls in love with his best friend’s beautiful but married sister, and his fears grow as the Wizard of Oz demands not only his talent but his soul.

Inspired by Paul’s 1901 diary, The Lark follows Paul as he journeys from the theaters of Chicago to the streets of Manhattan, from his family’s Missouri farm to the beaches of Michigan, fighting to hang onto the chance of a lifetime, his integrity, and the woman he loves.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance

413 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2026

About the author

My NEW historical fiction novel, The Lark, is inspried by Paul Tietjens 1901 diary, and his story of collaborating with L. Frank Baum on the 1903 Broadway Musical of The Wizard of Oz. It will be released September 23, 2026. The ebook is available for preorder on Amazon NOW, and you can win a free ebook during my Goodreads Giveaway, Sept 8-20, 2026.

My debut historical novel, Hatfield 1677, is inspired by the true story of my ninth great-grandparents, Benjamin and Martha Waite, and their colonial Massachusetts town of Hatfield. It is a 2024 First Place Winner of CIBA's Chaucer Award for pre-1750 Historical Fiction and Feathered Quill's Second Place Debut Author Award.

I am a full-time historical fiction author, and I also enjoy studying genealogy, attending book club meetings, and spending time with family , pets, and friends.

Follow me on Facebook and at lcrwriter.com to learn more!

Reviews

[Catherine Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Rader has done it again, following up her debut novel Hatfield 1677 with yet another immersive experience for readers in The Lark, a tale that features musician and composer Paul Tietjens, the man behind the music of the 1903 Broadway comic opera of The Wizard of Oz.

Rader’s prose is nothing short of magical--not the fraudulent kind as recounted in Baum’s book--but the kind that leaves its audience awestruck thanks to spellbinding description, palpable tension, and vast musical knowledge. Page after page, we are mesmerized by individual sentences and phrases that are seamlessly sprinkled throughout the text. Take, for example, the day when Paul befriends the enchanting Katherine Morgan Bates, and his “noble resolutions drifted away like dandelion fluff” as he finds himself contemplating an illicit affair with a married woman. And just like the conflicted composer, we too experience the tantalizing prospect of romance, especially when the couple take that fateful step: “‘I love the sound of my name on your lips,’ she said, touching a fingertip to my lips....Aching with longing, ignoring the moonlight keen to betray us, I placed my arms around her waist, and pulled her into a deep kiss.”

Paul is a remarkably complex character, kind and generous at times yet sarcastic and tactless at others. Rader exposes the underlying struggle with which he wrestles: “I missed the sweet optimism of my youth when becoming a piano virtuoso seemed within my grasp. I missed the sure promise of studying piano and composition in Europe with Leschetizky and Moskowski. And I missed being part of something larger than myself...” Paul may be the embodiment of the tortured artist, but Rader avoids such banal stereotypes by developing a gifted yet pragmatic man who knows that at the heart of his conflict is his desire for “fair treatment and respect” for himself “as a person and an artist.”

The other personalities that move about within Paul’s circle are vividly drawn and oh, so memorable--Ollie, Ike, Mrs. Morgan, Den, Al, and of course, Baum himself. Even the settings (rural Missouri, St. Louis, Chicago, and New York) come to life under the deft flow of Ms. Rader’s pen as she observes, “Chicago was a Dickensian orphan, disheveled, perhaps keen to pick your pocket, but in the end harmless and somewhat endearing. Despite the sunshine, my first impression of Manhattan evoked Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Like a vampire’s haunt, the city was wrapped around in mist--or in this case, smoke--and skeletal steel bones sprang from an excavated earth like the undead rising from their graves, eager to fatten on the labors of men.”

The Lark adds yet a whole new dimension to the enduring quality of The Wizard of Oz, one that goes beyond the 1903 comic opera, the 1939 film, and the Broadway show Wicked. It captures not just a man and his music, but the kind of passion that resides at the heart of artistic genius and the kind of love that comes along once in a lifetime. As Shakespeare wrote long ago, “Happily I think on thee, and then my state / Like to the lark at break of day arising / From sullen earth sings hymns at heaven’s gate.” Pick up your copy of The Lark and feel your spirit soar.

[Janis Daly · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than 125 years after L. Frank Baum introduced readers to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, its magic continues to captivate and marvel us with the lesser-known stories related to the famed classic. Who among us hasn't dreamed of discovering the courage to face our fears, or clicking our heels together and wishing for home? In The Lark, Laura Rader takes readers on a journey to reveal a little-known chapter in the history of Baum and his beloved creation: the composer of the book's first theatrical adaptation, Paul Tietjens.

One of the reasons I love historical fiction is when I learn about a real story hiding behind familiar names and events. Like Dorothy's travel to the Land of Oz, Rader transports her readers to another place, immersing us in the sights, sounds, customs, and atmosphere of another era.

But The Lark is so much more than the destination. It's the unexpected bonds that become our found family, and the universal longing to discover where—and with whom—we truly belong. At its heart is a quest, not necessarily for emerald cities or magical slippers, but for love and professional success.

I also enjoyed the underlying romance of Paul and Katharine that adds another layer of tenderness and anticipation. With its touch of romance, and stories about the families we choose, The Lark offers a rewarding journey down a road less traveled.

From the iconic 1939 film starring Judy Garland to Elizabeth Letts's historical novel Finding Dorothy which explores the life of Baum's wife, Maud, and her connection to the making of the beloved film to the spectacular Broadway production and movie adaptations of Wicked, Oz continues to reinvent itself for new generations. Just when you thought all the stories behind the curtain had emerged, along comes The Lark to reveal yet another intriguing piece of Oz history. And isn't that the magic of a good book? Sometimes we set out looking for one thing and discover something even better along the way. 

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lark is another beautifully written masterpiece by Rader. Similar to the lyrical prose of "Hatfield 1677," (another high recommendation!), Paul Tietjen would be another forgotten name lost to time if it weren't for this historical account. He was the composer for the original Wizard of Oz musical. I related so strongly to his story, and I think anyone who dabbles in the arts and wants to find success in a creative endeavor will understand the struggles he endures. The way Rader describes his music and his life story is both enchanting and bittersweet. I loved following his journey and of course, there's some liberties since it's historical fiction, but I would've liked to have met him if I'd had the chance. What I appreciate most of Rader's books is she finds lesser known historical figures to share with the world; not the names you find in history texts or study in school...but other characters, like us, who lived simple lives and yet, found a way to make a big difference. They're relatable, they come alive on the page, and their stories are both unique and familiar. If you enjoy a quiet refuge in a chaotic world and want to read something new (not the same rewritten historical account), The Lark is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

[Kyra Walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lark is a carefully researched historical fiction novel about the composer of the Wizard of Oz opera in the early 1900s. Sadly most of the compositions have been lost to time. The author used the journals of Paul Tietjens as a basis for the novel but took some liberties with the romantic relationship with his best friend's sister, Katherine Bates. There is no record of an affair with Katherine. But it was a good plot device to make the story more interesting and keep it moving. Unfortunately the character of Katherine isn't fully developed. She remains a plot device, one dimensional, non-player character. The novel is a bit choppy at times with big time jumps with no transition. Whether this is due to a lapse in journal entries or the author's choice is unclear. It captures the struggles of the early 1900s with family farms and businesses struggling to stay afloat. Paul tragically has to use his European trip savings to save his family from having their home and feed store repossessed by the bank after a loan comes due. Paul has to swim against the tide to stay true to his dreams of being a composer. He eventually achieves his European dream after much heartbreak and strife. In real life Paul died penniless in the care of his sister. A sad end to a promising start.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this tale of trying to follow your heart & talent to see if you succeed on the big stage. Bringing L. Frank Baum & making the Wizard of Oz into an operetta was a clever plot line. Including the friendships among varying professionals and the futile love all predicted early on added to the amusement. That being said it has a rather limited audience in my opinion. I received a free copy of this book via BetaFide"

[Francesca Rosado · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely story that described the era very nicely, great setting descriptions of the various cities he lived in. However I found it a little dry and it felt rushed towards the end. The long conversations with little narration in between were hard to get through sometimes. And I thought this was about the writing of the musical rather than the original comic opera which came first which confused me. I received a free copy of this book via BetaFide.

[Thomas Wing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Rader’s fictionalized portrait of Paul Tietjens, the genius composer behind the original Wizard of Oz musical in 1904, tears at the reader’s heartstrings while at the same time swelling the heart with his story of perseverance in the face of adversity. I cheered his chasing his dreams and love, cursed him when he looked like he was going to throw in the towel, and sympathized when he suffered. Based on his true story, and the diaries he left behind, Rader captures a character striving to make a name for himself while having to overcome obstacle after obstacle.
Beautifully rendered, this book is a must for lovers of romance, music, and those simply looking for a character who won’t give up. Five stars!!

[Cathie · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

When I first heard about The Lark, I didn't know what to expect. The jump from farmyard to world stage seemed too big. It was like a dream come true – and then it did, for one young man from rural Missouri.

When I was younger, I watched The Wizard of Oz, the movie, a few times. The music really stays with you. However, I didn't know that it started as a stage play.

We meet young Paul Tietjens, gifted pianist son of German-American farmers. Whilst his brother is helping their father with the farm, Paul has saved money for a one-way ticket to Europe, to study with renowned composers there. But when the bank calls in a loan on the farm that his father had taken out, Paul has no option but to change his plans, and help his family.

Instead, he heads to the big city, which comes as a culture shock. He discovers that rural musical events are very different from professional theatre productions. There is much for Paul to learn. After meeting L. Frank Baum, the idea of putting up a comic opera called The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, slowly begins to take shape. But it's not all without trouble...

Paul is an incredibly likeable character. A touch gullible to start with, but he knows what he wants. He is a gifted idealist, learning the ropes of emerging showbiz in the big cities the fast way. He also has flaws, and comes across as abrasive at times. I put his personal development down to his experiences in the real world. Idealists rarely get far without ambition.

An early crush on a girl back home leaves him devastated when she begins to see other men. But it is his later love interest, Katherine, beautiful but married, who nearly leads to his downfall. Despite her marriage, they fall in love, playing a dangerous game. Their love story is exquisite.

I also enjoyed the German traditions mentioned in the novel, in how far they were kept alive even after one generation. It's not only the food, but clubs (Vereine) and other events show how people live their lives in the New World, whilst not quite giving up everything from the Old World. I found this a fascinating glimpse into German immigrant families in America.

In the early 20th-century, the showbiz world was evolving fast. Composers, musicians, singers, directors – the great opportunities offered on stage made for compelling reading, as did Paul's rise to fame. You had to be tough to make it. Another learning curve.

The Lark is an evocatively-written novel that shares the author's incredible research and her respect for Paul's achievements beautifully. Sharing from his own journals, we have a strong sense of watching his success unfold first-hand. It provides us with a front row seat. And the language used in both dialogue and narrative reinforces the era and its quirks incredibly well.

This story is an unusual, high-quality treat for readers who love enthralling stories, with vibrant settings, and realistic characters following their dreams – which sometimes really do come true.

Highly recommended.

[Thomas F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Award winning author Laura Rader has written a unique novel providing a new angle on a familiar and beloved American story, The Wizard of Oz. Ms. Rader’s knowledge of American history, music, and insights on human behavior are all on display in The Lark. Paul Tietjens, the gifted musician behind the 1902-1903 theatrical production of the Wizard of Oz, noted in his diary that he had made changes to his entries. What were they? Ms. Rader uses this mystery as gateway into Tietjens’ life. This story has it all: interesting, complex characters, a complicated love story and the personal highs and lows of artistic creation. Historical events of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries are woven into the story and add to our understanding of the world of the characters. This book is hard to put down and just as the protagonist is about to achieve one of his life-long goals, the story ends, and we (the reader) want to know what happens next. Highly recommended.

[Valerie Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea I could be so interested in and invested in the Wizard of Oz. I had never given a single thought to the original play (comic operetta!), its production, and certainly not to its composer. This is a fictionalized story of the life of composer Paul Tietjens, an aspiring piano virtuoso who took a detour into popular composing to write a bunch of absolute bangers. I am not exaggerating, go listen to them on YouTube. No shade to Judy Garland and Harold Arlen but after reading The Lark and listening to a few of the pieces I think the 1939 movie should have used some of the original music. Kudos to the author for bringing the past to life for me.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to ruminate on this novel for a bit. Over all I enjoyed the story, though I felt that there was a bigger story just outside of our grasp. For me, The Lark seemed to be more a love story than the writing of the score for the Wizard of Oz. I say a love story though Paul seemed aloof in his interactions with Kate. He didn't seem fully invested, but maybe that is due to the time where budding relationships were more formal. I was excited however, when after a slow build, opening night of the comedic opera arrived.