Heidi Donohue

In The Unexpected Gift: When Love Transcends Borders and Distance, Olivia, a young American exchange student, embarks on a transformative summer...

Heidi  Donohue

Heidi Donohue

Author

Heidi Donohue is a passionate author and educator whose journey spans continents and cultures.  Having studied at Universidad Laica Vicente Rocafuerte in Ecuador and Universidad Salamanca in Spain, Heidi developed a deep appreciation for diverse stories that shape our world.  Her internship through Fondos Unidos in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, further fueled her commitment to community engagement and understanding the challenges of language learning.

Heidi is particularly inspired by families from different backgrounds, celebrating the resilience of those striving to learn a second language.  She believes that every experience is interconnected and that listening to our intuition can guide us through life's journey.

In her free time, Heidi enjoys reading, writing, and sharing moments with her husband and their beloved cats.

The Unexpected Gift: When love transcends borders and distance

In The Unexpected Gift: When Love Transcends Borders and Distance, Olivia, a young American exchange student, embarks on a transformative summer filled with love and self-discovery. In the vibrant city of Guayaquil, she meets Javier, a charming local merchant, and their passionate romance blossoms. But when visa struggles and a tragic mystery...

Praise

Some stories stay with you long after the last page, and "The Unexpected Gift" is one of them. This beautifully written love story follows Olivia, a young exchange student experiencing the highs and lows of first love in a foreign country, and Javier, a dapper merchant. From the moment they meet, their connection is undeniable - but as Olivia's time abroad comes to an end, the reality of leaving becomes unbearable for both of them.

What makes this book so compelling is the depth of their longing. Their desire to be together is palpable on every page, each moment filled with hope and heartache. Every twist has me hoping they'll find a way, feeling the weight of their struggles and the ache of living worlds apart. The author masterfully captures the all-consuming pull of love - the kind that defies logic, distance, and circumstance.

But Olivia's journey doesn't unfold as expected. In the end, she discovers a gift she never saw coming - one that brings unexpected connections and a deeper understanding of love. "The Unexpected Gift" is a story of passion, loss, and the enduring power of love. A must read!

– Pattiann

What a fabulous book! Not many people choose to study abroad and the author did a fantastic job of giving me that experience. The author takes you on a heartwarming journey that has helped shape her life. The book was hard to put down and I will be recommending it to all of my friends and family.

Being one that has experience profound grief as well, I truly appreciate the author bringing to light that grief can shape your future and put you on paths you did not see possible. But what really sat with me was the fact that I have known the author in a few different capacities over the years and it goes to show you do not know what stories and struggles people have and what in life has led them where they are today.

– Jennifer M

The Unexpected Gift offers an inspiring narrative that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. It's a touching and heartwarming story that captures the complexities of cultural differences, love, emotions, long distance relationships, and the often-surprising and painful turns life can take.

It's a story that will remind readers to embrace the unexpected and cherish the connections that make life meaningful and that some of the life's most meaningful moments come when you least expect them. The story touches the heart and leaves you reflecting on your own journey long after the last page.

– Wendy D

Latest Updates

Summer Book Club Offer Have you considered selecting The Unexpected Gift:

Have you considered selecting The Unexpected Gift: When Love Transcends Borders and Distance for your next book club read? This heartwarming tale of love, resilience, and...

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The Book Fest Awards I am thrilled to announce that I have received two

I am thrilled to announce that I have received two Book Fest Awards - 2nd Place in Literary Fiction: Love Story & Romance and 3rd Place in Fiction: Contemporary Romance....

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Events

I am thrilled to share that Dale's Pocono Bistro in Bartonsville has invited me to host a book signing on Thursday, May 22nd. If you haven't yet experienced the delights at Dale's, you're in for a treat with their exceptional food and outstanding service. I can't wait to meet readers and engage with them throughout the day from 9 AM to 2 PM.

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When the daughter-in-law of my favorite fifth-grade teacher invited me to be a guest at her book club, I had to say yes. It's a delightful coincidence that their meetings are held in my neighboring hometown. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with childhood friends and meeting new faces, making this event a fantastic opportunity to merge my past with the present.

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