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!