Thank you for stopping by! Here you’ll find everything you need to explore the work and world of Donna M. Cramer—author, storyteller, and passionate observer of life’s extraordinary moments.
Whether you’re here to discover Donna’s books for children and adults, learn more about her journey, or explore the inspirations behind her stories, you’re in the right place.
Feel free to browse, connect, and enjoy the heartfelt stories that celebrate resilience, healing, and the quiet strength of hope.
Welcome, and enjoy your visit!
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Amid the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, two broken souls collide in a powerful story of grief, connection, and redemption.
Debra, a grieving widow, is unable to move beyond the loss of her husband. John, a heartbroken father, is reeling from the overdose death of his son. Both arrive in Las Vegas with the same devastating purpose: to end their lives. After all, Las Vegas has a suicide rate 50% higher than the national average, earning it the grim nickname “the suicide capital of America.”
Their chance encounter sparks an unexpected connection, even as each keeps their pain carefully hidden.
But their path is soon shadowed by Jim, a mysterious and menacing figure who seems to haunt John. Is Jim a real threat, or a terrifying projection of John’s inner demons?
As Debra and John grow closer, they must confront not only their pasts and their guilt but also the darkness that follows them. Through each other, they begin to discover the possibility of healing—and the fragile, flickering light of hope.
In the city of illusions, Vegas Goodbye is a story that reminds us, even in our darkest moments, the chance for a new beginning may be just one heartbeat away.
Check out Donna's latest book, Vegas Goodbye
LESTER LION WANTS TO ROAR
In Lester Lion Wants to Roar, we meet Lester, a young lion cub. One day, while playing with friends, he runs into a tree and sustains a concussion.
He finds himself unable to play or use his powerful voice to roar. Determined to regain his voice, Lester embarks on a courageous healing journey.
Along the way, he learns the importance of patience, perseverance, and self-acceptance.
With heartwarming illustrations and an inspiring message, Lester Lion Wants to Roar teaches young readers about acceptance, resilience, and the power to heal.
LESTER LION CALLS 911
Lester Lion Calls 911 is a delightful children’s book that follows the adventures of Lester, a young lion who is thrilled about Fire Prevention Week and eager to meet real firefighters. But when he learns that anyone can dial 911 during an assembly, he mistakenly believes it’s okay to do so while playing. Using his mom’s phone, Lester dials the number, sparking an educational journey for Lester.
Through colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, this book teaches young readers about the importance of discerning when to call 911 in a real emergency. Along the way, they’ll also learn the essential safety technique of stop, drop, and roll, ensuring they’re equipped with valuable knowledge to stay safe.
Join Lester Lion as he navigates through valuable lessons about responsibility, emergency preparedness, and fire safety in this heartwarming tale that’s perfect for story-time or classroom discussions.
LESTER LION LOSES GRANDPA
Lester Lion Loses Grandpa is a tender, compassionate story that helps young children understand the deep emotions that come with losing a loved one.
When Lester’s dad picks him up from school with sad eyes, Lester learns that his beloved Grandpa has died. Confused and heartbroken, Lester tries to make sense of what “lost” really means. Through gentle, loving conversations with his dad, Lester begins to explore grief, memory, and the enduring power of love.
This beautifully illustrated picture book offers comfort and clarity to children navigating the loss of a grandparent or other close family member. With warmth, honesty, and hope, Lester Lion Loses Grandpa shows that while we may not be able to see or hug our loved ones anymore, their memory—and their love—can live forever in our hearts.
PAUL IS MISSING
Two young families are on the brink of new beginnings. Brynn and Eric Branson, recently married, are overjoyed with their baby, Paul. Alison and Jared Jensen are equally excited to start their life together, with Alison eager to escape the influence of her overbearing father, Cecil. Both couples are filled with anticipation for their futures.
However, life takes a dramatic turn when Jared is deployed to Afghanistan. In a misguided attempt to help Alison cope with a devastating loss, Cecil and Gail, Alison's parents, intervene in ways that profoundly affect both young couples.
As they navigate through heartbreaks and some victories over the next twenty years, will these couples find their way back to happiness? Can they overcome loss and tragedy, and will hope ultimately triumph?
Donna M. Cramer is a retired special education teacher who lives in Massachusetts. She worked with young special needs students (preschool – first grade) for over 20 years.
While working at school, Donna sustained a life-altering brain injury. Cramer discovered a love for writing after her injury, particularly early in her recovery when she had difficulty expressing herself through speech.
She stays busy writing, doing yoga, and walking on the beach. She lives with her husband and two Maine Coon cats, all of whom facilitated her recovery with lots of love.
Cramer wants everyone to know that there is always hope. Even though it may seem like a distant, faraway glimmer, there is always hope.
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Featured in Women Authors to Ignite & Inspire
I’m delighted to be featured alongside incredible women writers in Women Authors to Ignite & Inspire: Discover 26 Indie Voices in Fiction, Nonfiction, and Poetry. This inspiring collection showcases independent women authors sharing stories that deserve to be read and perspectives that need to be heard. Your next favorite woman author is waiting in these pages.
