After more than three decades in education, Bernard J. MacDonald’s second career as a novelist is experiencing a revival. His backlist, which began with the 2010 publication of ‘Missing You,’ is finding new readers in 2026 through updated editions, a podcast appearance, and a book award finalist nod.
MacDonald spent 30 years teaching special education in Gresham, Oregon, and later training educators across Florida. That experience, he says, shaped his fiction. His novels consistently explore themes of grief, illness, and cultural pressure, set against the vast landscapes of the American West — a region he knows well through hiking and camping.
The revival began with Writers Way Solutions releasing updated editions of two novels. ‘Infidel: Kafir’ (2012) — a cross-cultural romance about family honor and forbidden love — was reissued, and ‘Zion: Trails End’ (2020) was retitled ‘Zion: End of Trail.’ The latter tells the story of a terminally ill retired firefighter who interrupts his own end to rescue a stranger, leading to an unexpected second chance at life.
MacDonald recently discussed ‘Infidel’ on the Writers Way Podcast, and the novel was named a finalist in the 2026 Eric Hoffer Book Award. These developments have introduced his work to a broader audience, according to his publisher.
His first novel, ‘Missing You,’ set against the fog of Alzheimer’s disease, remains a touchstone for readers who appreciate emotionally resonant storytelling. ‘Meet Me In Sedona’ (2011) follows a heartbroken man into the red-rock country of Arizona, continuing the author’s exploration of love and healing.
MacDonald’s fiction is characterized by protagonists who face difficult circumstances — illness, loss, or societal expectations — and find resilience in the face of adversity. His background in special education, where he helped students navigate challenges, appears to inform his empathetic portrayal of characters in crisis.
Now living in Saint Augustine, Florida, MacDonald continues to write. His novels, though published over a decade, remain timely in their focus on universal human experiences. The 2026 revival suggests that stories of second chances and quiet determination resonate across changing literary trends.
For readers seeking fiction that balances emotional depth with the rugged beauty of the American West, MacDonald’s reissued titles offer a chance to discover a voice shaped by a lifetime of service and observation.
