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KERNELS was selected by the Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition as a Notable Book in 2022! 
Five Star Review from Readers Favorite!
(December, 2021) "To read these stories is to discover how unexpected ordinary life can be." This debut collection of short stories by author Mary Behan showcases her relentless curiosity and insight into the human condition, and displays her considerable talent for evoking an emotional reaction in the reader. In settings ranging from Ireland to Iowa, from Norway to New York and beyond, her characters embark on journeys that leave them indelibly changed. These are tales of loss and pleasure, of poignant relationships and chance encounters. Reading Kernels, one experiences heart wrenching moments of sorrow intertwined with unexpected surprises of joy and comfort. The paperback ($14) is available from Amazon. However, consider ordering it from your local bookstore. They appreciate your business.
The ISBN for the paperback is 978-1734494341. The e-book ($3.99) is available through Amazon Kindle, Barnes and Noble Nook, Apple Books, Rekuten Kobo, and other e-book vendors. The ISBN for the e-book is 9781734494358. If you enjoy Kernels, consider writing a short review (or just clicking on stars) and posting it on Amazon or Goodreads or any of your favorite sites. This is a great way for indie authors like me to get our books noticed. Just scroll down to the bottom of the linked pages and you’ll find the place. 
Mary's first novel, A Measured Thread, has won two awards: Shelf Unbound Notable Indie Book for 2020 and a Silver Medal in the 2020 eLit Awards. The novel is also a Finalist in the 2021 Page Turner Awards. A Measured Thread is a powerful story that explores questions of guilt, abandonment, redemption, and the consequences of the choices that we make. Looking back on her life, Maggie O'Connor is rightfully pleased. Fifty years ago she left Ireland with a single suitcase and a dream. After a long and satisfying career, she is enjoying retirement on her farm in rural Wisconsin — until she falls. Determined to regain her independence, she hires Isobel, a young woman who is also an immigrant. Helping Maggie clean house, Isobel discovers a cache of letters that Maggie wrote to her parents those many years ago and begins to read them aloud to Maggie. But the letters contain a secret, one that Maggie has kept for fifty years. A secret that threatens to destroy her life and that of the people around her. With little time left she must make a choice — give up or face her past. You can buy the paperback ($15) through any of the usual outlets including Amazon. However, consider ordering it through your local bookstore. They appreciate your business. (ISBN 978-1-73449-430-3) The LARGE PRINT edition ($18) is available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble and your local bookstore. (ISBN 978-1-73449-433-4) The e-book ($3.99) is available through Amazon Kindle, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble Nook, Kobo, and Apple Books. (ISBN 978-1-73449-431-0) The audiobook (narrated by the author; from $9.99) is available through Audible, Apple iTunes, Scribd, Kobo, Walmart, Google Play, Chirp, hibooks, Audiobooks.com, NOOK Audiobooks, hoopla, libro.fm You can also download it through your local library (ISBN 978-1-7344943-2-7) If you enjoy A Measured Thread, consider writing a short review (or just clicking on stars) and posting it on Amazon or Goodreads. This is a great way for indie authors like me to get our books noticed. Just scroll down to the bottom of the linked pages and you’ll find the place. Readers Favorite Review for A Measured Thread:
Review Rating: 5 stars! Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer The author constructs a plot with many twists and turns, building to an unforeseen ending. The character of Maggie is complex as her past is unveiled, bit by bit. As a retired science professor, she was professionally successful but she harbored painful life events. The author skillfully crafted this main character, as well as Isobel and Vic. Both characters are essential to the story, providing support and solutions to Maggie’s current dilemmas. Another charming feature of this book includes the colorful descriptions of Maggie’s Wisconsin property in the valley and the visit to her Irish homeland. Author Mary Behan has penned a remarkable novel in A Measured Thread. It is poignant in many ways, fully demonstrating the circle of life. Five Stars from Gregory Renz, winner of the gold medal in the 2019 Readers Favorite International Book Award for his debut novel, 'Beneath the Flames'. A MEASURED THREAD by Mary Behan was written in such an authentic voice and laced with such emotion, I felt I was reading a gripping memoir. But it’s not a memoir, it’s a wonderful novel that tells the story of a woman’s search for peace and forgiveness as she reaches the end of her years. The protagonist, eighty-year-old Maggie, is beautifully flawed. She’s set in her ways; knows what she wants and what she doesn’t want and makes sure everyone knows it. Her comfortable world is rocked when she falls and can’t take care of herself. This propels the story forward where she begins to examine her life and questions decisions she made; decisions that affected her parents and her search for a rewarding life. The setting of her rustic home in Southwestern Wisconsin is described in vivid detail and takes the role of an important character in the story. The reader is also treated to wonderful portrayals of Ireland and what her life was like there before immigrating to the United States. The story is masterfully told with dialogue that rings true and action that jumps off the page. The tension in the story built to a climax that left me breathless. Bravo, Mary Behan. Nicely done. Mary and Val wrote a memoir about their boarding school days in Ireland, Abbey Girls Two sisters give an hilarious and poignant account of boarding school life in Ireland in the 1960s. Mary and Valerie Behan were eleven years of age when they were sent to Loreto Abbey Rathfarnham, a convent on the outskirts of Dublin. The Abbey was the Mother House of the Loreto Order of nuns who had established convents throughout the world. In their 60s and living in the United States and Canada, Mary and Valerie began a correspondence about their six years at the Abbey. Although they shared many of the same experiences, to their astonishment and delight they found that they saw the same world through very different eyes. Their school days are recounted in a series of letters that describe a fascinating, self-contained world governed by religion and tradition. |
One of these stories, "Here Lies Janet Cowles", won an Honorable Mention in the Writers Digest 90th. Annual Writing Competition.
Another story, "The String of Pearls" has been published in the Irish Literary Magazine, Crossways. A third story, "The Conversation" was published in The Adirondack Review in March, 2022. Here are two author interviews about Kernels. Author Interview (written - Christine-Keleny) and Author Interview (audio - Sun Prairie Community Radio with Rex Owens). What readers are saying: "The stories are really gripping. So intense and so satisfying. I loved them — I found myself deeply moved." "A beautiful collection of short stories - I read the entire book in one sitting!" "I loved these short stories, each held me emotionally. I empathized with the protagonist in these stories. I was in the plane in “The Boys Club”. I knew the score in the ‘Business of Science’, and I also fell in love with Dadanawa. Read it." Listen to Mary being interviewed by Rex Owens on Sun Prairie radio (The Sun, 103.5) about writing A Measured Thread.
Here's a link to Mary's Author Interview with Christine Keleny about writing her novel. Listen to Mary being interviewed by Linda Thompson on The Author Show about writing her novel. Click on author archived interviews.
What readers are saying: "I found it so gripping that I finished it in only two sittings." "Extremely well written, clear, engaging and just what all good books do: make you turn pages and stay awake at 5.57am!" "My copy just arrived, and I’ve started reading... I’ve consumed 50 pages and I am totally captivated!" "I literally scanned ahead to see what was coming because I couldn't wait." "I loved it, and the ending had me in tears." "...deserves a place on Oprah’s book club! truly!" 
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The ebook it is available from:
Amazon http://www.amazon.com
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com
iBooks http://www.apple.com/ibooks
The paperback is available from:
Amazon http://www.amazon.com
In Ireland the paperback is available from:
Kennys Bookshop, Galway http://kennys.ie (with free shipping worldwide)
The audio book (read by Val and Mary) is available from:
Amazon's audio platform http://www.audible.com
iTunes http://www.apple.com/itunes
Reviews for Abbey Girls
Review Rating: 5 stars!
Reviewed By Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite
Abbey Girls by Valerie Behan and Mary Behan is a non-fiction memoir that will take you back
in time and give you an uncharted look at Ireland in the 1960s. Although this might seem like
an ordinary memoir, it really is not at all. Imagine two girls living in a boarding school and
spending a lot of time together. Now flash forward many decades and imagine the two women
sharing their old times, only to find that they both perceived the events rather differently.
Abbey Girls is basically about the six years Mary and Valerie Behan spent at the Loreto Abbey
Rathfarnham boarding school. The book is mostly in the style of letters that the two sisters
wrote to each other. The two sisters are recounting their days at the boarding school that
followed strict tradition and religion. The reader will feel a sense of camaraderie with these
two women because we all have felt this connection with our very close/best friends.
Their letters are very humorous and downright hilarious in some places. Plus, readers get to
see the old Dublin and Ireland, and how things were in the '60s. The storyline in itself is based
on real events that happened in these women’s lives and is why this book has a certain charm
to it that cannot be ignored. It is bittersweet, sweet, and very infectious. I am really certain
that any person who reads this will not be able to put it down.
Review Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Judge in the Writers Digest Self Published Book Awards
Review Rating: 5 stars!
Reviewed By Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite
Abbey Girls by Valerie Behan and Mary Behan is a non-fiction memoir that will take you back
in time and give you an uncharted look at Ireland in the 1960s. Although this might seem like
an ordinary memoir, it really is not at all. Imagine two girls living in a boarding school and
spending a lot of time together. Now flash forward many decades and imagine the two women
sharing their old times, only to find that they both perceived the events rather differently.
Abbey Girls is basically about the six years Mary and Valerie Behan spent at the Loreto Abbey
Rathfarnham boarding school. The book is mostly in the style of letters that the two sisters
wrote to each other. The two sisters are recounting their days at the boarding school that
followed strict tradition and religion. The reader will feel a sense of camaraderie with these
two women because we all have felt this connection with our very close/best friends.
Their letters are very humorous and downright hilarious in some places. Plus, readers get to
see the old Dublin and Ireland, and how things were in the '60s. The storyline in itself is based
on real events that happened in these women’s lives and is why this book has a certain charm
to it that cannot be ignored. It is bittersweet, sweet, and very infectious. I am really certain
that any person who reads this will not be able to put it down.
Review Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Judge in the Writers Digest Self Published Book Awards
What Readers are saying:
"As two sisters compare and contrast their memories and perspectives, it creates a conversation. Using this framework, your book engages the reader to join in the conversation by conjuring up her school memories during that time of her life, also comparing and contrasting those to yours and the issues you raise about the people, classes, arts and sports, traditions and the environment.
I want to thank you for taking me back to that time and place in my life. I had loads of fun thinking about it all. A joy to consider the similarities and differences between our worlds, yet the things i loved and the hurdles needing to be jumped weren't so different. There is a natural critique that occurs, illuminating those things it brought to my life and influencing who I am today." EK
And from Amazon...
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it!
A perfectly delightful and personal look into an Irish girls' boarding school in the 1960s. The recollections of these two sisters paint a vivid picture for the reader, a look into a world far different from the ones most of us have experienced. It's little wonder that Mary and Valerie have remained so close for all these years, sharing precious memories such as these. I loved reading it. JM
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pure delight!
What a charming story shared by two sisters. They definitely made the most of their educational foundation and became successful young women. (I just think they will be forever young) I have a strong feeling that they have so much more to share about their adventurous lives. It would be nice to read the next phase. EHP
4.0 out of 5 stars
The format of letters back and forth is unique and makes for a fun read!
Entertaining and enlightening view into life as a teenage girl in an all-girls school in Ireland. The format of letters back and forth is unique and makes for a fun read! CO
5.0 out of 5 stars
Surviving the Abbey
I found this book to be a thoroughly enjoyable traveling companion on a recent long flight from the Midwest to the west coast. From the start, it held my curiosity about what a "boarding school" education in the UK is all about. Especially one that's provided in a convent by a contemplative order of Catholic nuns. I was delighted to find out that being in the hands of strict, but kind, sisters during adolescence, all the while being separated from loving parents, could be something to look back on with gratitude and many fond memories. Mary and Valerie Behan, the two sisters who explore memories of the boarding school scene through back and forth letters over a two year period, find out to their surprise, that, though their memories of daily life and momentous events were often similar, how they experienced life during this time was unique and individual. The authors did more than survive the Abbey, the Abbey gave them the tools to live positive and productive lives. JH
5.0 out of 5 stars
A delightful reminiscence of growing up in Ireland and in ...
A delightful reminiscence of growing up in Ireland and in a Catholic private boarding school in the mid-1900’s. The authors (sisters) successfully convey the similar experiences and different perspectives of their boarding school lives. The connection between the education they received and their later success as scientists and scholars is remarkable, making this an enjoyable and worthwhile read! jbp
4.0 out of 5 stars
What is memory?
Intimate and we'll written, this is a brief and charming memoir in the form of letters between two sisters, who spent time in an Irish boarding school in the 1960s. Almost too brief, would have enjoyed more stories, an easy quick read, wish there was more to it. R
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful, enlightened, and hilarious!
Beautiful, enlightened, and hilarious recollections of life at an Irish girls boarding school in the '60s. I loved reading the differing perspectives and memories of the same events, and how those boarding school years shaped their future lives. KL
5.0 out of 5 stars
Delightful, insightful, and an interesting peek into the ...
Delightful, insightful, and an interesting peek into the mysterious world of memory and recall of the childhood experience set a European private school setting. CS
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely delightful
I've only just read as far as the "look inside" pages online preview but look forward to continuing with the print version as soon as it arrives. GS
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love reading childhood stories
I love reading childhood stories. The picture I imagined of Ireland in 1950-60's while reading the book was just delightful. More books !! :) KSTK
5.0 out of 5 stars
Irish education in the '50s-'60s
A fine personal diary about the great education that can come out of the Catholic world view. Nicely told, with love and care. AC