Legends of the Donut Shop by Terry Overton

The Power of Intergenerational Wisdom in Legends of the Donut Shop by Terry Overton

What is the purpose of the book?

Here is a bit about the book and my reason for writing it. Our world feels increasingly chaotic and uncertain. Legends of the Donut Shop offers a heartfelt story full of nostalgia, faith, and second chances and reminds us of simpler times.

The story centers on seventeen-year-old Wes Williams, who suffers a near-fatal car accident. What follows is a profound, near-death experience that sends Wes back to his childhood memories at his grandfather’s donut shop. During this out-of-body journey, Wes returns to the familiar and comforting donut shop his grandfather frequently visited. But this is no ordinary coffee-and-donut stop—it’s a place where life lessons were once shared over jelly-filled pastries and where old-timers gathered not just to eat but to connect, reflect, and guide. There, surrounded by the warmth of old friendships and the comforting scent of fresh-baked pastries, Wes reexamines his life, choices, and future.

Legends of the Donut Shop is a blend of fiction and spiritual insight. My goal was to weave together moments of laughter, sorrow, and joy to create a story that resonates with readers of all ages. Readers will see reminders of past times and meaningful relationships throughout the pages. The donut shop setting is more than a backdrop. It’s a symbol of community, a place where generational wisdom is passed down and where stories from the past help shape the future of the characters’ lives.

How did you come up with the idea?

The idea for this story was suggested to me when I accompanied my dad to his local donut shop, where he met weekly with his buddies. There were several veterans, one retired law officer, and a rancher. I visited this group every time I was in town to see my parents and each time, I heard more stories. On a particular visit, one of the buddies said, “Terry, your next book should be about a group like this to tell young people what we do and believe. The younger kids have no idea about what happened in years past.” I didn’t know that would be my last face-to-face visit with my dad. He died a few months later from Covid. At the time of his journey to Heaven, he had seen the book’s cover but did not get a chance to hold the book in his hands and read the story. The book is dedicated to my dad, mom, and the guys at the donut shop.

What will readers take away from the book?

One of the most impactful aspects of the book is its emphasis on grace and redemption. Wes doesn’t just relive the past—he begins to understand it and, in doing so, finds the courage to forgive and move forward. Through his grandfather’s gentle yet powerful guidance and the “legends” who once gathered in the donut shop, he begins to grasp the deeper meaning of life, purpose, and faith. I hope that after reading the book, readers will understand grace shows up in the most unexpected places—like a donut shop filled with love, laughter, and a few heavenly reminders.  

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children, seven grandchildren, one great granddaughter. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. Her books have won Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her books examine real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels. She and her husband live in the southern tip of Texas where they enjoy semi-tropical weather and spending time with their friends and family.