Bolívar’s Heart by Margaret Donnelly to Be Featured at 2025 ALA Annual Conference in Philadelphia

Maple Leaf Publishing Canada is proud to announce the featured presentation of Bolívar’s Heart by acclaimed author and immigration attorney Margaret Donnelly at the 2025 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference & Exhibition, held at the Philadelphia Convention Center from June 27–30, 2025. While the author will not be present in person, the book will be showcased for librarians, publishers, distributors, and consignment professionals seeking powerful, socially resonant titles for acquisition.

Bolívar’s Heart is a bold, unforgettable historical novel that bridges the past and present—rooted in Latin American history and mythology while tackling contemporary global issues such as immigration, human trafficking, and political corruption. This riveting novel is not only a work of historical fiction but a catalyst for conversation, education, and awareness.

Winner of the 2025 International Impact Book Award

In an impressive achievement, Bolívar’s Heart was named Best Current Events and Politics at the 2025 International Impact Book Awards in Phoenix, Arizona. This honor recognizes the book’s unique ability to humanize complex sociopolitical issues through an engaging narrative that merges fact, folklore, and fiction.

The Mystery of Simón Bolívar’s Heart: A Historical Search for Truth

Set against the haunting legend that South American liberator Simón Bolívar’s heart was secretly removed during his autopsy and hidden away, Donnelly’s novel launches readers into a gripping dual narrative. The story follows Isabel Condorcanqui, a woman rescued from a human trafficking ring in Dallas who claims she is the descendant of an Incan king—and the target of Peruvian state agents.

As attorneys Gloria García and David Levin work to unravel Isabel’s past and prevent her deportation, they stumble upon a chilling web of political secrets, international conspiracies, and ancient beliefs tied to Bolívar’s vanished heart and the spirit of Pachamama, the Sacred Mother Earth.

A Masterclass in Historical Fiction with Modern Relevance

Margaret Donnelly draws from her extensive background in Latin American studies and immigration law to craft a vivid narrative that educates while it entertains. As noted in a glowing review by The US Review of Books, the novel “shines as a primer on South American lore and conflicts,” adding that “Isabel’s plight serves as a window into the ongoing crises of sex trafficking and official corruption.”

Through compelling dialogue, Donnelly makes the complex accessible, connecting historical legacies to modern human rights issues with fearless clarity and literary grace. Bolívar’s Heart is a must-read for readers who enjoy rich political history, suspenseful storytelling, and characters driven by resilience and justice.

Meet the Author Behind the Story

Margaret Donnelly is no stranger to the intersections of history, politics, and human experience. Born in Venezuela and now based in Dallas, Texas, Donnelly is a practicing immigration attorney and advocate for global education. Her previous novel, The Song of the Goldencocks, received Honorable Mention at the 2007 International Latino Book Awards. Her commitment to community earned her the Presidential Community Service Medal from LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) in 2006.

Donnelly holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence and a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Her unique insights into the immigrant experience, combined with her rich understanding of Latin American history and folklore, shape a storytelling voice that is both passionate and authoritative.

A Powerful Opportunity for Publishers, Librarians, and Distributors

Maple Leaf Publishing Canada invites publishing decision-makers, library buyers, distributors, and consignment professionals attending the 2025 ALA Conference to discover Bolívar’s Heart. This critically acclaimed novel is ideal for institutions and catalogs seeking works that promote global awareness, cultural education, and social justice.

Librarians will find this novel an excellent fit for multicultural and current affairs collections. Distributors and publishers looking for award-winning fiction with wide-reaching appeal will recognize its potential to engage readers of historical fiction, political thrillers, and Latin American literature alike.

Join the Conversation at ALA 2025

Be among the first to explore the impact of Bolívar’s Heart at Booth #2038, where Maple Leaf Publishing Canada will feature this extraordinary novel as part of its ALA 2025 lineup. Though author Margaret Donnelly will not be present, her story will be powerfully represented, offering a chance to connect with one of the most timely and thought-provoking historical novels of the year.

For more information about the book, opportunities for consignment or acquisitions, or to schedule media interviews, please contact Margaret Donnelly through Maple Leaf Publishing at info@mapleleafpublishinginc.com.

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