Cam O’Keefe’s Coming-Of-Age Tale to Illuminate Spiritual Resilience Amidst Loss at The London Book Fair 2026

In “To Live Again: Arelia’s Story,” author Cam O’Keefe delves into the themes of religion, survival, and the pursuit of belonging in a world that has been altered by death and uncertainty. In partnership with Bookside Press, this captivating historical fiction will be one of the selected titles at The Maple Staple’s exhibit during the London Book Fair 2026.

Set in 1348, the plot centers on twelve-year-old Arelia, whose life is suddenly shattered when her family is killed by the plague, leaving her alone and orphaned. Without a home or a defined path, Arelia begins on a treacherous trip toward the country where her father was born, driven solely by memory, instinct, and the flimsy hope that she would eventually discover a place where she truly belongs.

With her father’s amulet and Psalter in hand, Arelia fiercely clings to her faith in God while traversing a brutal and relentless terrain. Throughout her journey, she confronts relentless challenges to her physical, emotional, and spiritual health, encountering harshness, peril, and grief at every corner. Amid the harshness, flashes of empathy and elegance arise, featuring interactions with unfamiliar faces who present both warmth and danger, influencing her perception of the world and her identity.

One of the novel’s most poignant moments is Arelia’s brief and enigmatic meeting with an angel—an encounter that fades from her conscious memory yet leaves an invisible mark on her path. This subtle connection of spiritual mystery with historic reliability enriches the story, strengthening concepts of divine influence, resilience, and veiled help.

Upon arriving at her father’s homeland, Arelia feels a sense of belonging she has longed for. Yet, the novel pushes the confines of the idea that belonging is merely linked to a physical place, delving into significant discussions about identity, faith, and the essence of truly finding one’s home.

Through “To Live Again: Arelia’s Story,” Cam O’Keefe presents a deeply compelling story that captures the fragile nature and resilience of a child navigating the challenges during one of history’s bleakest times. Step into the captivating realm within these pages and experience it firsthand at The Maple Staple’s booth during the London Book Fair 2026. Visit Stand 6A100 at Olympia, London from March 10 to 12 to pick up a copy or explore Amazon to find every book edition available.

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.

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