DAVID RANDAL, AUTHOR

Forgiveness, Redemption, Triumph.
Welcome to the captivating world of Kelsey's Crossing, where a disgraced political leader and a group of homeless men explore the profound themes of forgiveness, redemption, and triumph to earn a second chance in life. Scheduled for release in April 2025 by Koehler Book Publishers, this novel is an enthralling narrative that inspires and moves you.
Greg Fields, The Bright Freight of Memory / 2025 American Writing Award for
Literary Fiction
“David Randal’s debut novel shows us that redemption comes in many forms, from the genuine sense of remorse for things done poorly to the selflessness of those in even the humblest circumstances. And within this panoply is the subtle recognition that all of us might require a restart from time to time. With prose that is clear, precise and often lyrical, Randall takes us to the heart of what it means to be human – flawed, anguished but ultimately drawn to one another in compassion, dignity and community. This is a book to be read, savored, considered, and reread, one that introduces us to a new literary light.”
Alfredo Botello, Author of Spin Cycle: Notes From A Reluctant Caregiver
“With Kelsey's Crossing, David Randal has rendered one man's halting journey toward
redemption as a story that is at once specific and universal. Humbled by his fall from grace, protagonist Greg Smith finds himself adrift, knowing only that he wants to start life anew, a life of modest ambition. It is a life in stark contrast to the one he led, full of flash, power and perks, but lacking in fulfillment. Working at a soup kitchen becomes the catalyst for Smith's evolution. Randal's prose is restrained: he lets his characters and the situations he has adeptly crafted pull the reader along. Like the character of Smith himself, Randal has chosen elegant simplicity and clarity to mirror the interior life of his protagonist. The novel is innovative in its form: part character study, part political thriller. There is an optimism to Randal's worldview, a sense that acting for the good without the expectation of a reward is in itself a reward of the highest order. And yes, a man may fall in love and rediscover his soul in the process. Randal's story reflects a bygone optimism, a belief in second chances that is sincere and open-hearted.”
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Lacy Fewer, author of Yankeeland
"Kelsey's Crossing, David Randal's debut novel is a testament to Randal's rich background as a storyteller. Randal vividly portrays complex social issues with an ability to distill intricate topics into engaging narratives. Greg Smith's journey from 'hard ass political deal maker' to serving meals at the Kelsey Rescue Mission underscores the transformative power of community and the belief that one's past does not always dictate the future. A must-read for anyone seeking a story that inspires and challenges societal norms."