October 2, 2026
PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (KT) — A long-time desire to publish a book has become a reality for Dawn Reed, who writes a weekly article for The Christian Index.
Her first published book is titled Weiner Stew and was released earlier this month. It is a compilation of short stories written about ordinary life in the mountains of eastern Kentucky.
“I have wanted to publish a book for years and years,” said Reed. “I wanted to publish a children’s book, but was rejected numerous times by traditional publishers, so I tabled it.” She pondered authoring a Christmas book, but then came an email from Roger Alford — former Kentucky Baptist Convention communications director — earlier this year.
“He said it’s time for you to write a book,” Reed recalled. “That was my springboard.”
The story behind the title is taken from the most practical meal in the coal fields 100 years ago. “Potatoes, tomatoes and onions all came from the garden and then the cheapest meat to add was weiners/hot dogs,” Reed writes in the book’s introduction. “My great-grandparents compiled the simple ingredients and shared them with neighbors and friends in their coal mining community — often with lots of Rook playing.
“The book is a delicious concoction shared with love. It is a compilation of short stories written about ordinary life in the mountains. Though based in eastern Kentucky, they relate to people everywhere. Gathered together, they can warm the heart like a hearty, albeit simple, stew.”
Reed’s husband of 44 years, Tommy, has pastored Fitzpatrick Baptist Church for 21 years, and they have two adult children. Tommy wrote, “My sweetheart … has had a dream come true. She published her first book. I am so very proud of her.” He said in a Facebook post, “It is a compilation of her ‘Family Life’ articles that have been published in the Williamson Daily News the last 30 years, as well as 10 other newspapers and Kentucky Today online.”
“People have been so kind and interested,” Dawn said. “Tommy has plugged me all the time and advertised for me — it is so sweet he believes in me. When his (Facebook) post came out, there were so many friends who sent pictures saying they were ordering a copy or got their copy. Everybody has been really positive. I have been overwhelmed with the kindness of people interested in it.
“My family has been so supportive,” she added. “They have encouraged me all through this, and it is really sweet to have their support. They have been my biggest cheerleaders.” She said her goal was to find a niche and be able to target the message that “we are simple people and these are simple stories.” She intentionally draws from God’s word, saying the stories are “for everybody, everywhere, of every age.”
She said her goal “is to make Jesus known, and this is a way I can do it.” She is aware of friends and contacts who are not believers in Christ who have purchased the book. “All the stories are about Jesus and are encouraging stories to point people to Him. It is an evangelistic opportunity.”
Money generated by book sales will be used to fund mission trips.
Reed has been a regular contributor to The Christian Index since 2020. Her column is published every Thursday.
Weiner Stew can be ordered through Amazon.
___
This story first appeared in Kentucky Today.
Share with others
