Bernard J. MacDonald, a retired special education teacher and trainer with more than 30 years in education, is experiencing a resurgence of interest in his novels in 2026. Writers Way Solutions has released updated editions of two of his works, and his book Infidel: Kafir was recently named a finalist in the 2026 Eric Hoffer Book Award, signaling a renewed appreciation for his storytelling.
MacDonald's journey to authorship began after a long career in education. He taught special education in Gresham, Oregon, and later trained educators across Florida. That experience, he says, shaped the themes of his fiction, which often center on characters navigating grief, illness, and cultural pressures. His first novel, Missing You, published in 2010, tells a love story set against the backdrop of Alzheimer's disease, a topic he encountered in his professional life.
His subsequent novels followed a similar emotional trajectory. Meet Me In Sedona (2011) follows a heartbroken man seeking solace in the American Southwest. Infidel: Kafir (2012) explores cross-cultural romance and the clash between family honor and forbidden love. In 2020, he published Zion: Trails End, about a terminally ill retired firefighter who interrupts his own end to rescue a stranger, finding an unexpected second chance at life.
In 2026, these works are finding new readers. Writers Way Solutions has released updated editions of Infidel: Kafir and Zion, with the latter retitled Zion: End of Trail. MacDonald also recently discussed Infidel on the Writers Way Podcast, and the book's finalist status in the Eric Hoffer Book Award underscores its literary merit.
The revival of his backlist is significant for readers and the publishing industry alike. It highlights a trend of discovering or rediscovering works that may have been overlooked upon initial release. For MacDonald, it validates his approach to fiction, which he describes as less about literary ambition and more about helping people navigate difficult circumstances, a reflection of his teaching career.
The novels are set against the wide-open landscapes of the American West, a region MacDonald knows firsthand through hiking and camping. This setting provides a backdrop for stories that deal with universal themes of love, loss, and resilience. For business and technology leaders, the narrative of a second act — both for the author and his books — offers a lesson in persistence and the timeless value of authentic storytelling.
MacDonald now lives in Saint Augustine, Florida, where he continues to write. The updated editions are available through Writers Way Solutions, and the podcast discussion provides additional insight into his creative process. As his backlist gains new traction, MacDonald's work exemplifies how stories rooted in real human experience can resonate across time, offering readers a chance to reflect on their own journeys of healing and renewal.
