DOUGLAS BELL
Ringing the bell on untold stories
Stitched by Dreams Trilogy
Book One: Threads of Purpose
Threads of Purpose launches the Stitched by Dreams trilogy, a powerful exploration of identity, healing, and self-invention. At the center is Asher Tidwell—a tall, dark-skinned Black medical resident whose quiet strength and buried artistic passion set him apart in a world that rarely makes space for his kind of complexity.
Haunted by a tragic past and entangled in a legal crisis that threatens to derail his future, Asher is thrust into the care of Emily Jackson, an older, accomplished Black attorney whose sharp intellect and hidden tenderness awaken something in him he never expected: the possibility of being truly seen.
What begins as a professional relationship slowly unravels into something more intimate—something that challenges expectations around age, power, race, and love. Asher finds himself walking a tightrope between the person he was told to become and the man he’s meant to be.
Set in the heart of Houston, Threads of Purpose is a deeply emotional story about choosing your truth over your trauma. In a world eager to define him, Asher must decide what threads are worth holding onto—and which ones he must stitch anew.
A Heartfelt Journey of Love, Identity, and Courage
For The Love of Cake Series is a contemporary duology featuring the novels Cakewalk and Love Cake. Set in the vibrant and politically diverse city of Houston, Texas, this series explores profound themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the transformative power of love from the deciding of the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) bill to the aftermath of January 6, 2022.
Cakewalk invites you into the world of Bryan Hicks, a divorced father of two and Senior Vice President at a global oil company. Bryan grapples with societal and personal barriers as he navigates his relationship with his transgender girlfriend, Nadia Brooks. This novel is a poignant exploration of Bryan’s journey toward self-acceptance, as he learns to openly love Nadia and support his queer son, Lance, during the HERO bill vote.
Love Cake begins around the time of the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, showcasing the strength of community and authentic relationships. Bryan and Nadia, now proud owners of a bakery in Houston, face the challenges brought by the pandemic, the rise of the MAGA movement, and the Black Lives Matter protests. This novel provides an intimate look into the lives of a loving cis-trans couple, tackling cultural issues such as race, gun control, and privilege, while highlighting the ordinary beauty of their daily lives.
For The Love of Cake Series is a powerful story about overcoming internal and external struggles to embrace one's true self. It celebrates the resilience and strength of an indomitable couple who are stronger together than apart. This series will resonate deeply with women and LGBTQ+ readers, offering a rich narrative filled with themes of love, acceptance, and the courage to challenge societal norms. Join Bryan and Nadia on their heartfelt journey as they navigate the complexities of identity and love in a world that often seeks to divide.
FOR THE LOVE OF CAKE SERIES
About the Author
Douglas Bell, a fiction writer based in vibrant Houston, Texas, is a seasoned storyteller dedicated to helping readers embrace authentic living and loving. Douglass Bell is also the owner of Bumbershoot Press which produces the fictional work of Douglas Bell.
Thank You for Visiting!
I'm deeply grateful for every one of you who took the time to visit my website. Your curiosity, support, and engagement mean the world to me. Whether you came to explore my books, learn about upcoming projects, or just browse—thank you for being here. I hope you found something that resonates with you, and I invite you to stay connected for what’s to come.
With gratitude,
Douglas Bell
Cakewalk Review
“This book is a must read not only for its relevancy but also from the unique perspective from which it is written. A true and realistic voice of an ally for the trans community. This book takes you on a rollercoaster ride that I would sign up for again and again!”
quote from Fresh New Voice
Centering Black male voices from Houston, Texas—where the power of meditation and Noble Silence sparks personal and spiritual transformation
Ringing the Bell Youtube Channel
Some stories don’t just entertain—they awaken something deep inside you. Ringing the Bell is a journey into the hearts and minds of artists who use their creativity to challenge, heal, and transform the world around them. Through raw, inspiring conversations, you’ll feel the pulse of art as a force for change, connection, and truth.
Ringing the Bell is more than just a show—it’s an experience that sparks inspiration and connection. Each episode dives into the lives of extraordinary artists who use their creativity to challenge perspectives, uplift communities, and reveal deeper truths about the human spirit. You’ll gain fresh insights, see art in a whole new way, and feel more connected to the stories that shape our world. It’s thought-provoking, powerful, and impossible to keep to yourself. Watch it once, and you’ll want to share it with everyone you know. It just might change the way you see the world.
Cakewalk Review
“Cakewalk is a riveting read that explores the nuances of the human experience and the many ways we all possess blindspots to the trauma we inflict on each other. I can’t sing the praises of this book enough.”
Gianna Ramirez, goodreads reviewer
Love Cake Review
“The book shows its scaffolding in terms of plot and intention, but the author’s portrayal of trans-cis and interracial relationships, plus the dynamics of Covid-19 and MAGA politics, give this novel a topical urgency.
An earnest LGBTQ+ love story set against the turmoil of the pandemic.” - Kirkus Reviews
“Douglas Bell’s CAKEWALK hit me like a gorgeous day when the forecast calls for rain. In its particulars, I’ve never read a story quite like this one—boy meets girl, girl is trans, boy overcomes all sorts of obstacles (societal, familial, interpersonal) and loves girl despite every one of his own self-sabotaging barriers.”
HAILEY SCHNEIDER, GOODREADS REVIEWER
“I am grateful to BookSirens and Bumbershoot Press for giving me an advanced reader’s copy of the new fiction book, Cakewalk. I also want to thank its author Douglas Bell for writing this book about these difficult subjects in society today: racism, sexism, homophobia, and LGBTQIA+ issues.”
goodreads reviewer
Special Causes and Organizations
![Kindred Stories is a bookstore and community space in Houston, Texas that specializes in contemporary and classic Black literature.[1] Founded as an online bookstore in 2021 by Terri Hamm, its physical location opened in September of the same year in](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623372bc38814c62f0779ba3/1650940765601-F2U57ZTZ7MAEJIKVSD4P/KS_Webiste_Logo_Neon_520x.png){kind=logo}
