The story of Bonnie Davis, whose dying wish was for her life to be shared with others, will reach an international audience at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2026 through “Chosen From Birth” by Vera Simpson Gaines. The biography will be presented by The Maple Staple, with Inks & Bindings as co-exhibitor, from October 7 to 11 at Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Copies will be distributed at Hall 5.1, Stand D86.
“Chosen From Birth” recounts Davis's experience of enduring profound hardship and the role faith played throughout her life. From an early age, Davis felt that God was guiding her and drew strength from her faith as she faced circumstances that tested her ability to carry on. Her journey ultimately became a story of survival, perseverance, and hope.
Davis spent years reading the Bible, self-help books, and pursuing therapy as she worked through her experiences. According to Gaines, Davis eventually overcame the weight of her past and wanted her story to reach others who had experienced suffering of their own.
The book came to life after Davis' husband, Jim, asked Gaines to review his wife's notes and consider whether they could become a book. Davis later died of cancer in July 2009, leaving behind a final request that her story be told.
Gaines brings her own experience of adversity and writing to the project. Raised on a dairy farm in Houston, Mississippi, she earned a BS degree in 1972 and went on to teach for seven years and work in educational research for eight. She began writing after losing her eye, later publishing works including “Call Me Jobulene,” “Are You A Job In Modern Times?,” and “All Is Well With My Soul,” a daily devotional addressing everyday adversity.
At Frankfurt, “Chosen From Birth” will join The Maple Staple's third presentation at the international book fair. Visitors can find the biography at Stand D86 and receive a complimentary copy.
The wider Frankfurt selection is available through The Maple Staple's Frankfurt Connect profile and its Frankfurt Book Fair 2026 online feature. The book can also be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other leading book retailers worldwide.
About The Maple Staple:
For bookworms, by passionate writers.
At The Maple Staple, books come alive beyond mere pages. It's more than a bookstore—it's a community hub for book enthusiasts and budding authors. Celebrating diversity, they curate books from up-and-coming independent writers, and offer a platform to underrepresented voices. With captivating events and book clubs in the heart of Toronto, they foster a vibrant literary community, igniting inspiration and transformation through the enchanting power of words.
— WebWireID360949 —
