In 2026, the novels of Bernard J. MacDonald, a retired special education teacher and trainer, are experiencing a revival. Writers Way Solutions has released updated editions of two of his books, and one has been named a finalist in the Eric Hoffer Book Award. This renewed attention underscores the timeless themes of love, loss, and second chances that permeate MacDonald's work.
MacDonald spent over three decades in education, teaching special education in Gresham, Oregon, and later training educators across Florida. His writing career began in 2010 with the publication of Missing You, a love story set against the backdrop of Alzheimer's disease. Since then, he has published three more novels, each exploring similar emotional territory.
Meet Me In Sedona (2011) follows a heartbroken man seeking solace in the American Southwest. Infidel: Kafir (2012) is a cross-cultural romance that tests family honor against forbidden love. Zion: Trails End (2020) tells the story of a terminally ill retired firefighter who interrupts his own end to rescue a stranger, finding an unexpected second chance at life. This novel has been reissued in 2026 under the new title Zion: End of Trail.
The reissues are part of a broader effort to bring MacDonald's work to new readers. He recently discussed Infidel on the Writers Way Podcast, and the book was named a finalist in the 2026 Eric Hoffer Book Award. The updated editions, released by Writers Way Solutions, aim to reintroduce these stories to a contemporary audience.
MacDonald's novels consistently return to themes of grief, illness, and cultural pressure, set against the wide-open landscapes of the American West, which he knows firsthand from his hiking and camping experiences. His fiction is shaped by his career in education, reflecting a deep understanding of helping people navigate difficult circumstances.
The revival of MacDonald's backlist is significant because it demonstrates the enduring relevance of stories that focus on human resilience. In an era of rapid change, these novels offer a reminder of the power of second chances and the importance of connection. As MacDonald continues to write from his home in Saint Augustine, Florida, his work serves as a testament to the idea that it's never too late for a new beginning.
For readers who appreciate character-driven fiction with emotional depth, MacDonald's novels provide a compelling exploration of the human spirit. The 2026 reissues and the recognition from the Eric Hoffer Book Award suggest that his stories are finding the audience they deserve.
