About Jane Merling
Jane Merling has had a book in her hands for as long as she can remember. After a long, successful career in accounting, this Canadian born author now enjoys spending her days in her beachside community on Lake Huron.
Jane has been an avid reader all her life and when she finds an author she likes she reads as much of their work as possible. She belongs to a book club and often try authors on the recommendation of other members.
When she’s not participating in her book club or devouring the works of Stephen King, Sydney Sheldon or John Grisham, Jane finds bliss behind her keyboard writing her next great story.
Her debut novel, Pearls on a String, was born from a fascination of history and genealogy, and through the freedom of writing, Jane has learned to follow the mantra: positive things can always be found in negative situations.
Books by the author
Pearls on a String
Available Now
“A captivating historical fiction that uncovers family secrets and connects the past to the present.” — Tomi Alo, Independent Book Review
When the present is forced to reckon with the past, what secrets, tragedies, and triumphs lie in wait?
Set in the progressive 1980s, the young, independent, and successful Sarah Langner decides to move to the beach where she will be rediscovering herself after her separation from her husband.
And yet, she has never felt alone. She has the support of her two loving parents, friends, and occasional roommate, Zipper.
All things considered, Sarah’s life is one well-lived. However, when her parents decide to sell the house where her cherished late grandmother, Ava Langner, had lived for decades, she stumbles upon many family secrets that will change her life… forever.
Author Interview with Jane Merling
What inspired you to write Pearls on a String?
I have always been fascinated by history and genealogy. Living through Covid 19 made me think of World War One, the Spanish Flu of 1918 and how these events changed lives. Past generations did not discuss personal struggles or family secrets and histories get buried. Learning about the lives of people who came before us provides the confidence to make decisions, even if we don’t recognize it as such.
My story is set in the 1980’s; a time when feminism was emerging and words like mental health, equality, single parenting, sexuality and sexual orientation were becoming part of an open conversation. These things always existed but knowing how ancestors dealt with them can raise self esteem and help deal with the effects of stress. Learning of ancestor’s bravery in the face of adversities they faced can be liberating.
What did you learn writing this book?
Covid 19 reinforced my belief that positive things can always be found in negative situations. The pandemic has forced many of us to slow down and reflect on things that are important to us. We have travelled to countries much older than Canada and I always found myself wondering about the early life of people in those places.
I wrote the first version in the winter of 2021 in about three weeks and in long sittings. A friend read it and encouraged me to expand the story, so I revised it a number of times in short sprints.
