Sonia D. Hebdon

Sonia D. Hebdon — From the Page to the Podium: Gold Medal Winner in YA Urban Fantasy 2026

Readers' Favorite International Book Competition

Update: On September 1st, Sonia D. Hebdon proudly received a Gold Medal for her outstanding works, Sincerely Yours...Written In The Stars and Inked In Destiny! at the prestigious Readers' Favorite International Book Competition 2026. Competing in the YA Urban Fiction category, she views this international recognition as a remarkable milestone and extends heartfelt gratitude to the judges for honoring her work as truly exceptional.

Hailing from the coast of North Queensland, Australia, Sonia D. Hebdon has long understood that the most impactful stories are those that resonate beyond the final page. She infuses her writing with wonder, nostalgia, and genuine emotion, creating narratives that celebrate individuality, resilience, and faith—qualities that define us. As an author, Autism advocate, and passionate storyteller, Sonia champions the importance of seeing oneself as the hero of one's own story. Her children’s series, I Am Perfect The Way I Am, empowers young readers through engaging tales of superheroes, fairies, and a young vampire boy, encouraging self-acceptance and strength. In addition, she authored The Crazy Mother’s Guide to Raising Exceptional Children—a candid, humorous, and heartfelt exploration of the realities, challenges, and joys of raising extraordinary children.

Sonia’s storytelling also ventures into mystery, romance, music, and the vibrant spirit of the 1980s. Her Haven Cove series transports readers into a world where ’80s music, paranormal mysteries, romance, secret societies, and existential questions collide. Starting with Sincerely Yours… Written in the Stars and Inked in Destiny! offers an immersive experience that integrates iconic ’80s songs directly into the narrative, complemented by curated Spotify playlists and original songs inspired by that era. For Sonia, music isn't just an accompaniment—it’s an integral part of the storytelling experience. Her series appeals to those nostalgic for mixtapes, newcomers discovering ’80s music, and anyone intrigued by the idea: What if your reality isn’t what it seems?

The series’ breathtaking final installment, A Bittersweet Symphony! The Ink Remains, will be released on August 28. It promises to leave readers mesmerized, reaching for tissues and pondering the story’s profound themes long after the last page.

This extraordinary talent is vividly demonstrated by the glowing reviews from literary critics and readers alike on Goodreads, lauding her mastery in Sincerely Yours…Written In The Stars And Inked In Destiny!

(FIVE STARS)

“I’d recommend Sincerely Yours to young adult readers, especially those who enjoy YA paranormal romance, clean fiction, coming-of-age fantasy, and music-laced stories with a gothic shimmer. Readers who love emotionally direct fiction and retro atmosphere will likely be its natural home crowd. In spirit, it sits somewhere between the swooning supernatural pull of Twilight and the mixtape melancholy of an ’80s-mad Sarah Dessen alternate universe, though Hebdon’s metafictional streak gives it its own curious voltage. My verdict: this is a heartfelt, melodramatic, odd little spell of a book, and when it works, it reminds me that sincerity is not a weakness but a strength.” Literary Titan review, April 2026

(FIVE STARS)

“Sincerely Yours... by Sonia D. Hebdon is a spellbinding paranormal novel featuring emotionally resonant, complex characters. Josie is spiritually grounded and authentic; Blaine’s arc is deeply affecting, evolving from a protected young man into someone who makes his own choices. The pacing is propulsive, moving from the nostalgic atmosphere of the late 1980s to mounting supernatural dread that accelerates toward an exhilarating climax. This book explores the sanctity of storytelling, the redemptive courage to defy fate itself, and the tension between doubt and faith. The author builds suspense through atmospheric writing. Sincerely Yours... is hard to put down because of its sophisticated characters and deft plotting.” Ruffina Oserio for Reader’s Favorite Book Reviews and Award Contest. June, 2026

From empowering children’s stories to faith-filled family experiences to nostalgic paranormal romance, Sonia writes stories with one purpose at their core: to make readers feel seen, believe in possibility, and remember a story they won't easily forget. Sonia lives in rural Australia with her family and a lovable collection of rescue pets—surrounded by music, imagination, and plenty of stories still waiting to be told.