Stroudsburg, PA - May 5, 2025 - Author and educator Heidi Donohue invites readers into a powerful, heartwarming tale of love, mystery, and personal discovery in her acclaimed novel The Unexpected Gift: When Love Transcends Borders and Distance. Available now in English and Spanish on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited, the novel has already captured the hearts of readers globally—and earned critical acclaim with a Second Place win in Literary Fiction: Love Story & Romance at Book Fest, and recognition from the International Impact Book Awards for Contemporary Romance.
The Unexpected Gift follows the emotional journey of Olivia, a young American exchange student who embarks on a life-changing summer in Guayaquil, Ecuador. There, she meets Javier, a charismatic local merchant, and together they share a romance as passionate as it is fleeting. But when bureaucratic hurdles and a haunting mystery shatter their dreams, Olivia is left with only memories and unanswered questions.
Heidi Donohue is a passionate writer and educator with a global perspective shaped by years of study and service abroad. Her work reflects a deep respect for cultural diversity and the courage of those navigating second-language learning and self-discovery. When not writing, she enjoys traveling, reading, and relaxing with her husband and their two beloved cats.
Fast forward twenty-five years—Olivia, still carrying the echoes of her past, reconnects with Javier’s family in a quest for truth, healing, and closure. Through heartfelt revelations and long-lost connections, she discovers a love that refused to be forgotten—one that proves distance, time, and even tragedy cannot erase the bonds forged by the heart.
Donohue‘s novel is more than romance. It’s about the unexpected ways people shape our lives and the power of human connection to overcome obstacles—cultural, linguistic, or emotional.
Donohue’s own cross-cultural experiences deeply inform the narrative. Having studied in Ecuador and Spain, and interned in Bayamón, Puerto Rico through Fondos Unidos, she brings authenticity and emotional insight to the challenges of intercultural communication, language learning, and navigating unfamiliar environments. Her writing is a tribute to the strength of individuals and families navigating life across boundaries.
A seasoned educator and advocate for bilingual and bicultural communities, Donohue draws inspiration from her students and personal experiences. Her work celebrates the beauty in resilience, the importance of listening to intuition, and the serendipitous nature of love and life’s most meaningful encounters.
The Unexpected Gift is a must-read for fans of emotionally rich, internationally-set romances. Whether readers are drawn to stories of love lost and rediscovered, or tales of personal growth through cultural immersion, this book offers a tender and compelling narrative that resonates on a universal level.
Now available in both English and Spanish, the novel is perfect for readers across cultures seeking a story that speaks to the heart. With glowing reviews, media attention from local press, and a growing base of readers, The Unexpected Gift is making waves as one of this year’s most touching literary debuts.
Purchase the book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/8XngKD9. Also available via Kindle Unlimited
For additional information about the author, explore bonus content, or schedule interviews and events, visit: www.heididonohue.com
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Website: www.heididonohue.com