Inspiring Author Bonnie Leon

Storytelling has always been an integral part of Bonnie Leon’s life. From childhood, she cherished the legends and family history handed down through her Aleut ancestors. 

Throughout the years, Bonnie dabbled at writing but didn’t seriously consider becoming a professional author. Instead, as a young woman, she happily stepped into the full-time profession of homemaker and mother. Pollywog hunting, finger-painting, blackberry picking, and creating fun messes in the kitchen with her children are some of her most precious memories.

When her youngest child was nine years old, Bonnie decided it was time to return to the working world. She took a position in her hometown of Glide, Oregon, working with the elderly and handicapped.

Then on June 11, 1991, her world was shattered when a log truck hit the van she was driving. The accident left her unable to work, and after months of rehabilitation she was told by physicians that she would never return to a normal life. Facing a daunting fight to reclaim her life and feeling as if she had nothing to offer the world, she asked God to give her something to do that mattered.

His answer came when she received a scholarship to attend the Oregon Christian Writer’s Summer Conference. That conference ignited Bonnie’s passion for literature and for writing, and she has been writing ever since. 

Her first book, The Journey of Eleven Moons was released by Thomas Nelson in 1995 and made the CBA bestsellers list.

Since that time, she has written and published twenty-three historical novels and one contemporary novel. She is presently working on a new contemporary story.

With each book she writes, she learns more about the craft of writing. The learning never ends. Bonnie strives to be a writer known for quality entertaining storytelling. At the root of it all lies her desire to present godly truths that touch lives. 

Bonnie loves meeting with reading groups. “It’s always funto get together with readers and talk about books.”

Now in her seventies, Bonnie still enjoys spending time with her grown children and grandchildren. And she looks forward to the birth of her first great grandchild in January 2026. “Family is a precious gift.” 

Bonnie considers herself blessed to live on a small farm in the Cascade foothills of Oregon where she has lived with her husband and family for forty-five years. “We’ve never tired of the beauty and wildlife roaming through our property. A hot cup of coffee and curious deer are the best things about mornings here. It’s a perfect place for dreaming up stories.”

"I can barely wait to discover my next tale."