Book 2 is here!
If you loved Ruby and Sal
as much as I did
get ready to be swept away
by Maisy and Max!
Author Jane O’Brien continues the magic, the romance, the enchantment of unforgettable characters, living in unforgettable times and unforgettable places. And the most unforgettable of all…the ruby and diamonds necklace!
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My 5 Star Review…
The magic continues! Author O’Brien is known for crafting memorable, likeable characters. Many of them are ordinary regular folk, some have problems and flaws but they all leave a lasting picture in our minds. Author O’Brien also paints word descriptions of her beloved western Michigan and we can see the crimson sunsets, hear the sound of the waves and the birds, and sense the peace of the forests. The scenery and the weather are like characters, too and enrich the story for us.
So, let’s get on with the story, shall we? Maisy and Max is the second book in “The Unforgettables” trilogy. While this book can stand alone and Ms. O’Brien deftly weaves in the back story, I recommend that you start with the first book in the series to get the full impact. And why not read “Ruby and Sal”? The first book was my favorite…until this book, Maisy and Max.
We meet several generations in book two, starting in 1895 with Edward, a circus performer with Barnum and Bailey who has come to a crossroads in his life. He takes a walk in rainy London, where the circus stays for the winter, and stumbles into a fortuneteller’s shop. Edward is greeted by an old gypsy who unclasps a glowing ruby and diamond necklace and gives it to him- insisting that he is the rightful owner. The necklace starts the story of magic, fantasy, and enchantment. We will see that the necklace has a seductive pull on the women who wear it and their lovers, beginning with Edward and his new bride.
Edward marries Clara and they eventually settle in western Michigan. They have a son Max. When Max falls in love with the charming Maisy, Edward gives Max the necklace so Max can present it as a birthday gift to Maisy. The moment the necklace touched Maisy’s neck…it pulsed its secret message and warmed her through and through. I enjoyed the enchanting descriptions of Max and Maisy’s wedding parade. As the mesmerizing story continues, we learn that the necklace seems to protect the women, but causes chaos with the men. Maisy and Max have a child, but terrible trouble comes to them. Maisy and Max make a difficult decision, which leads to the events that occurred in book 1.
Tweet ThisFrom Maisy and Max, the necklace goes to Ruby and Sal, who we met and loved in Book 1, and eventually the necklace affects the present day, with the continuing story of Ivy and her quest for love and fulfillment.
Ivy goes to a Buster Keaton movie revival at Frauenthal Theater and an odd woman with bangles and scarves slips in by her and tells her, “Do as I say child and your life will be full and happy.” Readers will be enthralled with Ivy’s journey as she seeks her future by learning more about her past.
Maisy and Max has powerful love and romance, secrets, magic and enchantment, all told to us in Author O’Brien’s clear, bell-like voice. The ruby and diamond necklace brings it all together as it travels from generation to generation, seeking its rightful owner.
Author O’Brien has called this series, The Unforgettables and at first I assumed that the “unforgettables” were Al Capone in the first book, and Buster Keaton in the second book. But, after finishing this beautiful Book 2, I have decided that “the unforgettables” are really people like you and me- people who want love, understanding, joy and perhaps moonlight and a dock to dance on. (N.B. Be sure to read the Author Notes at the end of the book!) Highly, highly recommend. This book is an “unforgettable” read.
Jena C. Henry May, 2017
Want to read more by Jane O’Brien? Here is a review and another review and another feature story.
Meet the Author
I wrote my first book when I was 10 years old. It was handwritten with a pencil and consisted of 10 chapters about a girl becoming a homecoming queen who was then asked to ride a float in the Tournament of Roses Parade. I passed it around to all of my friends and told them I wanted to be a writer.
Today, as a grandmother, I am finally fulfilling my lifelong dream, after having my eighth book published, which includes three trilogies. I live in Western Michigan and write mystery romances set in that area. I am also interested in genealogy so most of my stories are about family and the intricate connections of relatives, past and present, on the family tree.
About the Author
