Award-Winning Author Mary E. McDonald Explores History and Legacy in ‘Small Town Doctors’

NATIONWIDE - OCTOBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) — In a small town where history, heart, and heritage intertwine, Mary E. McDonald’s latest novel, Small Town Doctors, invites readers into the poignant world of the Rayburn family. A sweeping family saga, the novel delves into the transformative eras of World War II and the post-war period in the small town of Pontotoc, Mississippi.

A Legacy Rooted in History

Small Town Doctors is more than just historical fiction; it serves as a tribute to McDonald’s personal connection to the South. While inspired by her own family’s history, the novel brings to life the challenges and triumphs of a fictionalized version of the Rayburn family. McDonald spent years researching her family’s genealogy to craft a narrative that honors their contributions while offering a fictionalized depiction of the past. The novel traces the life of Dr. John Rayburn, a man driven by faith, family, and a deep sense of duty to the people of his community.
Dr. John Rayburn is not just a fictional character; he embodies the values of God, family, and country that McDonald holds dear. As a father and a healer, his steadfast beliefs guide him through some of the most difficult challenges a person can face. His story is one of unwavering commitment, but it is also marked by the personal toll of the sacrifices he makes in order to care for others.

Through the trials and triumphs of the Rayburn family, Small Town Doctors explores the emotional scars left by war, the power of faith and community, and the healing bond between family members. The emotional core of the story is found in the relationship between Dr. Rayburn and his son John Jr., who returns from World War II forever changed by the horrors he witnessed. The Rayburns’ journey is one of perseverance, rebuilding lives shattered by the ravages of war, and ultimately creating something enduring: the first surgical clinic in Pontotoc.

From Humble Beginnings to a Lasting Legacy

What begins as a modest practice in a small town grows into a full-scale hospital, an institution that stands as a symbol of service, sacrifice, and resilience. This transformation is not without its struggles. As the Rayburns care for others, they must also contend with their own personal battles, illness, loss, and the psychological toll of both the war and their roles as healers.
The hospital becomes a lifeline for the community, a testament to the Rayburns’ dedication. Behind the doors of their family home, however, there is always the quiet pain of a life lived for others. Yet, in the end, it is the Rayburns' unwavering commitment to their faith, their family, and their community that allows them to overcome even the darkest moments.

A Powerful Continuation of the Small Town Series

Small Town Doctors is McDonald's second novel in what will eventually be a three-book series. The first, Small Town Empire, received critical acclaim for its historical detail and emotional depth.
In Small Town Doctors, McDonald continues her tradition of creating deeply emotional, character-driven narratives that bring history alive. Her work explores the lives of those who lived through transformative times, capturing the joys, heartbreaks, and moments of profound transformation that make history more than just dates on a page.

Fans of family sagas and historical fiction will find much to admire in Small Town Doctors. The Rayburn family’s story is one of love, faith, and resilience, a powerful reminder of the importance of heritage, the strength of community, and the enduring power of family bonds.

From the Author’s Heart to Yours

McDonald’s journey as a writer is driven by a deep passion for history and genealogy, which she uses to breathe life into her characters. “It’s all about the details,” she says. “I don’t just want to tell a story, I want readers to feel as though they’re walking through history with my characters. The research I’ve done on my family gives the story authenticity, and I think that resonates with readers.”
When she’s not writing, McDonald enjoys Pilates, bike riding, and spending time with her friends and family. She is also an avid traveler, finding inspiration for her novels in the places she visits and the stories she hears along the way.

A Call to Readers For readers who enjoy historical fiction rich in heart and heritage, Small Town Doctors is an unforgettable journey through a transformative period in American history. Whether you’re a fan of family sagas, historical narratives, or powerful emotional dramas, McDonald’s work offers a compelling mix of all these elements, wrapped in the warmth of Southern tradition. As McDonald continues to build the legacy of the Rayburn family saga, she invites readers to explore the human side of history, through love, sacrifice, and the unshakable bonds of family.