A Great Review!

Ivy and Fox

I am so happy to announce that Book 3 of The Unforgettables is finally here.  You can find both paperback and Kindle versions at Amazon.com.  Believe me, if you have already read Ruby and Sal and Maisy and Max you won't want to miss this latest installment in the lives of Ivy and Fox.  Starting in 1868 in the mountains of Ukraine to the present day in Whitehall Michigan, this romantic story will take you on a magical ride of mystery and suspense.  Sexy?  Yes.  Clean?  Also yes, because it can be done.  Give it a try.  I promise you won't see the twists and turns coming.  

Ivy and Fox

Now what else do you want to add to your list for Christmas?

Merry Christmas

 



     The time is nearing for the newest book in The Unforgettables series, Ivy and Fox,  to be published.  The proof copy should arrive this week, and if I like what I see, I will agree to publish it immediately.  I am hoping to get it to you in time for Christmas to order either in paperback or Kindle. 
     In the meantime, since I am in such a holiday spirit, I'm working on a novella for next Christmas.  It will be difficult to shelve it for next year, but I think it's best rather than try to push it through for this year.  
     Don't forget, you can go straight to the Jane O'Brien Author page on Amazon and see all of my books in one place.  Here's the link: 
 https://www.amazon.com/Jane-OBrien/e/B00XRPNCG4

P.S. Be sure to read any series in order.  That way you won't spoil the surprises.  Jane O'

A Wonderful 5 Star Review

Ruby and Sal

I am honored to receive this wonderful review from Reader's Favorite.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Ruby and Sal by Jane O'Brien is the first book in The Unforgettables
series, gripping and utterly fascinating. Encouraged by her friend,
Ivy starts writing the story of her great-grandmother, Ruby, a
woman who lived to be 102 years old. Now, the author is
transported into the life and experiences of her great-grandmother,
living through the challenging times of the Great Depression in the
1920s and the 1930s. What follows is a tale of hardship and
romance. It is interesting to notice the historical elements of the
period within which this story is set. This is a novel that will capture
the hearts of fans of women's fiction and historical novels as well as
those who love romance. A story that connects two lives in a
mysterious way — one ebbing and another budding!
The story starts in the nursing home, with Ivy feeling feverish with
quickened breathing, trying to calm her nerves. The author
captures her mood and feelings every time she visits the place. I
found it to be a very interesting way to open a story that is
emotionally and psychologically intense. The characters, especially
the heroine of the story, are well-developed and readers will enjoy
watching them evolve against a memorable background. Jane
O'Brien has a unique gift for setting and the ability to blend
political, historical, and cultural elements into the story in a way
that makes it cinematic, feeding readers vivid images. Ruby and Sal
is a satisfactory read, indeed. You won’t find it easy putting it down.

A Wonderful Review!

A Magical Theater

    On Saturday night, I was able to attend the Buster Keaton International Film Festival at the Frauenthal Theater in Muskegon, Michigan, my hometown.  I grew up going to this theater which was called The Michigan Theater then.  But on October 7th I saw it through different eyes.  It is truly a magical place, and a throw back to an era long gone.
    If you have read the Unforgettable series, you will immediately recognize the Frauenthal as the theater where Maisy meets a mysterious woman who gives her sage advice, while attending that very same film festival.  It is the same place where she also meets a young woman who will become important in her life, someone instrumental in solving more family tree mysteries. 

     I wonder, now, when I was a child going to see the newest Walt Disney movie, did I ever look up to see this glory?

     And as a teen when I watched Beach Blanket Bingo, was I so intent on Annette Funicello's hairstyle and the style of bikini she wore that I neglected to look at the scrolls and artwork?

     Or when we held our sides laughing at It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, was I too busy wiping tears from my eyes to see this ceiling?

     But more likely the theater had not been cleaned in a very long time and the details were hidden.  It was just an old theater then, and I was too young and foolish to look around.  After all, I was dreaming of my future husband while seeing West Side story for the first, only to discover later that he was thinking of me also, because he thought I looked like Maria.

     But Saturday night, while I waited anxiously for "The General" to begin, I took a good long look around.  I only wish I had taken pictures of the lobby.  It is breathtaking. 
     As the organ music began, I forgot all of the beauty and focused on Buster Keaton.  He wowed me again as he always does.  I have seen The General several times but this was the first time on a large screen and with the organ adding to the excitement.  If you have never seen a silent film, you should give it a try.  You can rent them from Netflix and other places, too, I suppose. What Buster did for the film industry was amazing.  To this day The General is rated in the top 10, of all movies EVER produced, and that includes all genres.  There was no CGI, only pure genius and maybe a little bit of stupidity with the death defying stunts. Buster always called Muskegon his home, and we are proud to call him our favorite celebrity.

Please read Ruby and Sal first if you haven't started the trilogy, and then move on to Maisy and Max, where you can get a touch of what life was like when Buster Keaton lived in Blufton, a lakeside community in Muskegon.  And if you ever get a chance to get inside the Frauenthal (there are concerts and other activities there regularly) do so.  You won't regret it.

   

Another Kindle Countdown

Starting today The Tangled Roots of Bent Pine Lodge is only $.99 on a Kindle Countdown, which means tomorrow it will be $1.99, and then the next day it will be $2.99.  So get in on the deal, and read my first series.  It's a clean romance set in West Michigan (although the names of the town are fake, but I know where they are.) Have fun! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NKLQ4WO

Kindle Countdown

It;s a Kindle Countdown! What does that mean?  For you Kindle readers, today The 13th Lighthouse is only $.99, tomorrow it's $1.99, and the next day it will be $2.99.  After that the price will revert to the original $4.99.  And don't forget, if you do not have a Kindle you can read all of my books on any Android device with the Kindle App which you can download from Amazon for free!!  Read on your smart phone or iPad.  Update your pages from one device to the other by syncing, so you'll never lose your place.   Now read, read, read, and enjoy my Michigan, romance, and suspense through the travels of a young woman following her heart.

New Low Price

 

   If you're like me, you hate to start a series and wait for the next book.  I've put you in that same situation for my newest series called The Unforgettables.  You may be waiting to see what happens with Ivy and Fox, after just finishing Maisy and Max.  I'm sorry for the delay, but I have been in the middle of a very stressful move.  We are going back to our hometown of Muskegon, Michigan and will be living only minutes from Lake Michigan.  I'm hoping to gain inspiration from the surroundings, the beautiful lake and lighthouses, and my many friends and relatives.
     If you have not yet read The Lighthouse Trilogy, this is your chance to read all three books straight through at a very reasonable price.  For a limited time only each book is $2.99 on Kindle.  You can purchase the complete set for only $8.97.  So if you're looking for a good beach read (and there's still plenty of time before school starts and the kiddos need your attention) grab the complete set of The Lighthouse Trilogy now.  

AND even better: this special also goes for The White Pine Trilogy - the same low price.  Hurry this deal won't last too much longer. 

May your days be filled with wonderful books, Jane O'Brien

Book Review

I hope you all had a wonderful Fourth of July.  Maybe some of you are still vacationing to finish out the week.  If so, you might be looking for something to read on the beach.  The 13th Lighthouse has received a five star rating from Susan Sewell at Reader's Favorites Book Reviews and Contests.  I am thrilled with the beautiful words she had to say about my 4th book, number 1 in the Lighthouse Trilogy.  If you have already read it, thank you for following Jane O'Brien books.  
Here is the link:
 https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-13th-lighthouse

Giveaway Success

The Goodreads giveaway was a great success!  490 people vied for two copies of Ruby and Sal.  Two were chosen randomly by Goodreads and their names were forwarded to me.  One person was from Wisconsin and one was from Louisiana.  Their books are already on the way.  Thanks for taking part.  I loved doing this and will try to run another soon.  Maybe your name will be chosen and you will be the winner of a Jane OBrien book.  Good luck!

Goodreads Giveaway

I'm running a giveaway on Goodreads.com for Ruby and Sal. If you're on Goodreads, just search for the title and scroll down a bit. You'll see the contest there. I am giving away two paperbacks. The giveaway runs for one week. It's all handled by Goodreads. They pick the winner at random and then notify me with the winners'addresses. Good luck! 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34379625-ruby-and-sal…

Good Things Come in Threes

Did you know that you can buy each of my first two trilogies as a set with one click on Amazon?

The White Pine Trilogy can be found for Kindle here

AND The Lighthouse Trilogy has recently been grouped together for Kindle.  Click here.

Hopefully, I'll be able to add the third book to the Unforgettables which is not a trilogy but may go on for a few more titles.  Who knows?  It all depends on my muse.  How long will she stay with me?

Maisy and Max Review

And finally.  Maisy and Max, the second book in The Unforgettables series is available in paperback.  The Kindle version will link to it in about three days.  I'll fill you in when that happens.  Please take the time to read the awesome five-star review.  I submitted it to a reviewer for  pre-published review.  I am thrilled with her comments.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1546423087/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1494506677&sr=1-1&keywords=Maisy+and+Max#customerReviews

Publish Date Alert

Just a quick note to let you know that Maisy and Max should be available on the 11th of this month, if all goes well.  It may not be in Kindle on that date but the paperback will be available.  Kindle typically shows up a day or two later.  I'll keep you informed of any changes.  Thanks for following me.  You're going to love this one!

Book Two Preview

  I'm moving through book two of The Unforgettables quickly since I already had the story in my mind.  This book has almost created itself.  I'm happy to give you a sneak peek which can also be found at the end of book one, Ruby and Sal.  Maisy and Max may be ready to published as early as the end of this month or early May. It promises to take you a wild ride.  Here you go!                                                        

                                          Maisy and Max

                                                                  Prologue, 1889-1890


     Edward was eager to leave London.  The circus had been here almost two months, since the beginning of November, and even though the weather had been a little more agreeable the last few days, it was still cold and damp.  He was told the temperatures would continue to climb away from the 5-7 degrees Celsius it had been hovering at, but numbers didn’t really matter when you were cold.  Cold was cold.  He was looking forward to the crossing to New York, and then P.T. Barnum would take its winter break in Connecticut, before starting on their scheduled route again in April.  Edward didn’t usually mind traveling, but this year it had been wearing on him a little more than it usually did at the end of the season.  The extended months for the European tour had been difficult.  Maybe it was because he was without a mate.  A nice woman would have done wonders to keep him warm at night, and the companionship would have been a whole lot better than the roustabouts he usually chummed with.  The simple fact was that Edward was growing up and ready to settle down, something he never would have thought about himself in a million years.
     A walk in the rain was probably a bad idea, but Edward needed some time alone.  He had to think about his future and ponder what was to become of him if he ever left the circus life.  He roamed from street to street, each one more dismal than the last.  London was a dark and dreary place in the 1890s, especially if you were poor.  He stopped for a minute to look around and get his bearings, trying to decide if he was lost, when a shop window decorated with brightly colored scarves caught his eye.  The festivity reminded him of circus colors meant to attract attention.  He crossed the street to see what it was about, and as he drew near he could read the letters painted on the glass -- Fortune Telling.  See Your Future.  Edward smiled to himself because they had the same type of fortune tellers at the circus, and he knew they were all a sham.  He had been in on some of the shake downs himself, helping a poor soul who only wanted some answers to feel better about herself.  Some marks were more difficult than others, but they all caved eventually.  Out of curiosity as to how they did things here in England, he entered.  His experience would be good for a laugh when he retold it back at the grounds.
     A small bell tinkled when he opened the door, and shortly after a striking woman dressed in a turban and a long loose kaftan came to greet him.  Her makeup was exaggerated, and she wore an excess of jewelry – huge gold hoops in her ears, and several necklaces around her neck.  The colors of the gems flashed in the light.  Her expression was blank as she beckoned him to come behind the curtain of beads; the bracelets on her wrist clinked pleasantly with the movement of her hand.  Edward smiled to himself when he saw the traditional crystal globe on the table with a burning candle beside it.  It was exactly the way the circus fortune teller was set up, but when he sat down across from her, he felt the hairs on his arms stand up.
     “So, you Want to know your fortune?” she asked in a sultry tone, as she leaned forward and stared directly into his eyes.
     “Uh, yes,” said Edward.  He was a little shaken, and he had no idea why -- he knew the drill.  “I am trying to make a decision, and I thought I could use some help.”
     There was silence as she studied him, making him feel very uncomfortable.  “You want a mate?” she asked in her thick accent.  “Yes, I can see it clearly.”
     Edward wondered if she was trying to sell herself to him.  He turned a deep shade of red.  She laughed making him feel embarrassed; he was not an innocent child; he had had experiences – just not any kind of permanent relationship.  “Yes, actually,” he stuttered.  “Perhaps, I am looking for a wife.”
     She smiled for the first time.  “Now we are getting somewhere.  Give me your hands.”  Edward reached across the table and took both her hands in his – she gasped, and pulled back.
     “What?  What happened?” he asked.
     “I think you are a very special man.  I think you are the one.”
     “What do you mean?”
     She reached up to her neck an unclasped what looked like a ruby and diamond necklace, but as he well knew, it was the same kind of fake paste that all the circus performers wore.  She wrapped it around her fingers and closed her eyes, then she took his hands into hers once again, with the necklace touching them both.  Edward felt a warmth and tingle right down to his toes.  He smiled, relaxed and closed his eyes; it felt like home, it felt like comfort; it felt like love.
     “What is your name?” she softly asked.
     “Edward.  Edward Woods.”
     Her eyes widened.  “You are Gyspy?  You speak Romany?”
     “No, I don’t speak Romany, but I have been told that my ancestors are Romani from Wales.”
     “Of course you are.  So I thought.  Here, take this.”  She separated her hands from his and pushed the necklace into his hands alone.
     “Why?”  Edward was completely puzzled.  He had come here for a reading, not a piece of jewelry.
     “This necklace has special powers.  It has been waiting many years for you.  It wants to be with you and you only.  It will bring you the answers you need, and when you know the time is right, you will pass it on to the one you love and receive wondrous results.”  Then she smiled a very seductive smile.  “would you like to try it out?”
     Edward did not have a clue what she was talking about, and beautiful as she was, he had no intention of doing what he was sure she was suggesting.  Besides he couldn’t afford to buy the necklace, anyway.  After last night’s card game, he was flat broke.
     She laughed out loud, as she read his mind.  “No, there is no need to pay me for the bauble.  It is yours, as it should be.  I have only been the caretaker.  It is my pleasure to find the rightful owner.  Now, go and find your woman; she will be much more eager than I.”
                                                               ---------------------------------

Ruby and Sal

It's finally here and ready to order in both paperback and Kindle.  Order a book today, and leave a review when you are finished on Amazon.  Tell me about it and I will enter you in a drawing to win one of 3 autographed copies of book 2 in this series, which should be coming out this summer.

Excerpt from Ruby and Sal

     I'm waiting impatiently for the proof of my next book to arrive, and as soon as it does, if all is well, it will be available in Kindle almost instantly and then in paperback in a few days. So while we wait, I thought I should offer you a small piece of chapter one.  It's just enough to set the stage, but believe me, the subject matter is much more than you are reading here.  Enjoy!

                         Chapter One

     Ivy stood outside the door of the nursing home and waited.  She waited for her spinning head to clear.  She waited for her breathing to even out.  She waited for her hands to stop shaking.  It happened each time she came here – the heart palpitations and shortness of breath.  She wondered if she would ever get over the feeling of loss when there was no loss as of yet.  Each and every time she needed to give herself a pep talk before she went in.  “I’m a grown woman.  I can handle this.  I can do it.”  Then she took a deep breath, and putting her own feelings of hopelessness aside, she placed one foot in front of the other and walked in.

     The lobby was bright and cheerful.  Fall decorations of leaves and mums lined the bulletin board, announcing the week’s activities; Crochet and Knitting Club on Monday at 9:30; Bingo on Tuesday and Thursday at 3:00; a Sing-a-long in the cafeteria at 2:00 on Wednesday; Wheelchair Volleyball on Friday at 10 a.m., and a Fish-fry on Friday at 5 p.m.  All-in-all it was a wonderful place.  Gone were the odorous smells of old-folks homes as in days past.  This home smelled like soap and air freshener.  The nurses and aides were always smiling, happily bringing cheer to each room as they entered.  They called each patient ‘honey’ or ‘sweetie’ and never seemed to tire of helping those in need.  In Ivy’s opinion they were God’s angels on Earth.

     Ivy walked the hallway toward room 206 and she greeted each person she passed.  Some were in wheelchairs, while others moved slowly with walkers, most likely getting in the required steps for the day.  She greeted Mrs. Moore who blew her a kiss each time she, or anyone else, passed by.  Then there was Mr. Barnes, a long-time resident, who always asked her the score of the Detroit Lions game, even when it was no longer football season.  A few residents didn’t seem to know where they were at all; they sat quietly in a perpetual doze, wrapped in blankets as their heads lolled forward.  But no matter what the level of alertness, each resident was treated with respect and given the dignity they deserved after living a long life, and being contributing members to society.

     Ivy stopped in front of the door she was seeking, took a deep breath, and with a quick knock, entered.  Her grandmother was in a tilt-back chair, watching game shows, her feet propped up on the raised footstool.  Ivy always felt awkward at this point, not wanting to disturb her grandmother’s TV.  How she longed for the days when her Nana’s face would light up as she entered the room.  “Hello, Dear.  How was your day?” she would say every day after school.  And then later, “Ivy, darling.  How are you?  Is everything okay at work?  Tell me about it.”  Her never-ending patience as she listened to Ivy’s tales and woes always amazed her.  Since she was an only child and her mother had died at a young age, her grandmother, a widow already, had moved in and helped her father raise her.  Olivia had become a mother and a grandmother all rolled up into one.  Maybe, Ivy often thought, if she hadn’t had so much attention showered upon her, she wouldn’t feel so angry at times at how things were now.  She had chastised herself many times about her disappointment in her grandmother.  ‘How dare she, leave me like this, with no one to talk to except GG,’ she would think, but immediately after, she would feel selfish and immature.

     Olivia Morton was Ivy’s grandmother on her father’s side.  Her father, Thomas, was living in Los Angeles now and rarely came to see his own mother.  Ivy understood that he had a job, a new wife, and other children – young children, but she never understood why he ignored his mother the way he did.  He said it was too hard, seeing her like this – he couldn’t handle it.  Well, it was hard on Ivy, too, but someone had to show up once in a while and make sure she was taken care of.  So she did what she always did each visit, she put on a big smile, and called out loudly, “Nana, it’s me.  Ivy.  How are you this morning?”

     The old woman raised her cloudy grey eyes, and looking straight at Ivy, she said, “Who?  Who are you, now?”

Book Cover Preview

Here it is!  

The cover for my newest book.  

I'm thrilled with it. 

 There might be a few changes before publication but they would be small.  We're shooting for a publication date of sometime mid February.  Ruby and Sal is currently in the proofreading and editing process.  Can't wait to get it to you!