A Recent Review.

Back to Back 5 Stars!

I have been quite sick with bronchitis so I have neglected to look at the reviews on Goodreads lately.  Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the first two books of The Unforgettables were each given a five star review by Sylvia.

Here is what she wrote for each book:

Ruby and Sal
Ruby and Sal (The Unforgettables Book 1) 
by 

Jane O'Brien (Goodreads Author)

Sylvia's review

Apr 17, 2018

it was amazing

I am remiss in not having read this book earlier. I look forward to reading books by this author. Her research and attention to detail provide for a robust adventure in the western Michigan setting. Having grown up there, her books provide another view of a familiar place. The story is full of fascinating characters and O’Brien is masterful at developing an intriguing story around them. Such an imagination but so carefully mixed with historical fact. Could hardly wait to open the next of the set. Wonderful way to relax and envision the past.

Maisy and Max

Maisy and Max (The Unforgettables, #2) 
by 

Jane O'Brien (Goodreads Author)

 

Sylvia's review

Apr 17, 2018

it was amazing

After finishing book one, I could hardly wait to start this one! This is a set you don’t want to start in the middle as the author has carefully woven her research into a charming genealogy of a delightful tale. Each twist adds another reason to read just one more chapter. O’Brien keeps you wondering what connection or event is next.

Thank you, Sylvia.  I can't wait to see what you think of Ivy and Fox!  

Happy Easter!

Is your Easter holiday combined with Spring Break?  In my area, public schools close the first full week in April, and this year that begins with Easter Sunday.  If you're heading with your family to the beach or somewhere else warm, take along a Jane O'Brien book.  They're a perfect beach read, and they offer an escape to another time.  Start book one in any series.  You'll be hooked, I promise.  Go to Jane O'Brien's Amazon author page and choose from any one of the three series available.
Just click here:
Jane O'Brien

Another Five Star Review!

Not one or two but three Five Star Reviews from Reader's Favorite.  I am thrilled beyond all measure.  The Tangled Roots of Bent Pine Lodge is the first book in The White Pine Trilogy and it was my first published novel.  I was hesitant to submit it for a review, but it cam through with flying colors.  Here is what the reviewer had to say.  Let me know what you think.

BOOK REVIEW

Reviewed by Deborah Stone for Readers' Favorite

The Tangled Roots of Bent Pine Lodge by Jane O’Brien quickly evolves from a simple romance into a complex and interesting story with depth and surprises. Kate Lemanski returns to the log cabin that her great-grandfather built in the Michigan woods. Her family visited the grandparents here and then vacationed here when the cabin passed to Kate’s parents. After her parents' deaths, the home passed to Kate and her twin sister, Lily. Lily has her glamorous life and wants no part of living in the woods, so Kate bought her out and has taken up residence to begin life over. After a painful divorce, she is content to be alone for a while. She adopts Hoagy, a yellow Lab, and settles into her new life with ease. Conor McAuley has been taking care of the property and has everything ready for her return. While clearing out her mother’s things, Kate finds her grandma Sophie’s journal, which was left there specifically for her. Because Kate researches genealogies, her grandmother has left her with a family riddle of her own to solve. A family secret that could change everything for Kate. As she gets to know Conor better, she finds that they have met before. There is a definite attraction, but there may be a huge roadblock. As she learns more about Conor, she also begins to unravel the family secret.

Jane O’Brien delivers vivid and realistic characters that are well developed and convincing. As the story unfolds, it takes on layers of depth that reveal characters and character traits that will draw you in deeper. Personal issues, heartache, loss and betrayal - family secrets that change lives forever and revelations that take Kate on a quest for truth and eventually lead her right next door, to Conor’s house. Jane O’Brien skillfully reveals the pieces of the puzzle and allows us a peek at what may be ahead. The Tangled Roots of Bent Pine Lodge is the first book in The White Pine Trilogy and I look forward to following these characters through the next two installments. Jane O’Brien has introduced us to characters that we want to know more about. Jane’s first book is complete in itself and stands alone.

All Author Interview

I've been interviewed by All Author, so if you want to know more about me, here's your chance.

https://allauthor.com/interview/Janeobrien/

Let me know what you think.

Netflix vs. Reading

     Maybe you know that March is National Reading month, and that's all well and good, but if you live anywhere in the northern part of the U.S., you know that February is the time to hunker down and stay indoors.  It's a short month but it can be ferocious.  This is when I get most of my reading done, well that is until I let Netflix take over my life. I'm currently binge watching Jane the Virgin and I can't get enough.  But when I get tired of TV, I will read until my eyes can't take it anymore and then it's back to Jane Gloriana Villanueva in Miami.  I also like a good laugh out loud, and Jane and her telenovela father, her Spanish speaking abuela, her sexy young mother, the two handsome men she loves, and her darling little boy, provide that for me.  And don't forget the romance -- so sweet. And if you've read my books, you know how I love romance. But I digress.
    So even though I'm watching TV, I'm also doing research on my next book.  I love to study human behavior and see how they react in certain situations.  I can do that by reading also, because I am transported to that time and space where the author has placed her characters.  It's a new experience every day, and if I don't like where I am, I can close the pages and move on to another book.
     What I find fascinating is that when I read I can be in a totally different venue than my husband who is reading right beside me.  He might be chasing a bad guy through Washing D.C. in the latest spy thriller, and I could be kissing Rhett Butler in Atlanta.  It's truly magical when you think of it.
     If I were to take a poll I wonder how many of you would choose a book over television.  I'm still a book lover, and always will be, but I have to admit that when Gone with the Wind comes on TV and I can see Rhett Butler in living color on my large screen TV, there is no choice.  So, Netflix vs, Reading.  Let me know your thoughts.

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.