Retired Educator Bernard J. MacDonald's Novels Find New Audience in 2026 Revival

Bernard J. MacDonald, a retired special education teacher and trainer, is experiencing a revival of his novel catalog in 2026. His four novels, published between 2010 and 2020, are finding new readers through updated editions and increased visibility, according to a recent announcement.

MacDonald's writing career began after more than three decades in education, during which he taught special education in Gresham, Oregon, and later trained educators across Florida. His debut novel, Missing You (2010), is a love story set against the backdrop of Alzheimer's disease. He followed with Meet Me In Sedona (2011), a tale of a heartbroken man seeking solace in the American Southwest, and Infidel: Kafir (2012), a cross-cultural romance that explores family honor and forbidden love. His most recent novel, Zion: Trails End (2020), tells the story of a terminally ill retired firefighter who saves a stranger and discovers an unexpected second chance at life.

In 2026, Writers Way Solutions has released updated editions of Infidel: Kafir and Zion, the latter retitled Zion: End of Trail. Additionally, MacDonald recently discussed Infidel on the Writers Way Podcast, and the novel was named a finalist in the 2026 Eric Hoffer Book Award.

The themes across MacDonald's works consistently revolve around characters confronting grief, illness, or cultural pressure, often set against the expansive landscapes of the American West, which he knows firsthand from his own hiking and camping. His fiction is characterized by a focus on resilience and the possibility of second acts, influenced by his career spent helping others navigate difficult circumstances.

Now residing in Saint Augustine, Florida, MacDonald continues to write. The renewed interest in his books underscores the timeless nature of his storytelling, which resonates with readers seeking narratives about love, loss, and the capacity for healing.