Shannon Brown - Author
Welcome to my story space.
I've been an avid reader my entire life, someone who disappeared into books, found comfort in the characters, and learned early on the power of stories. Storytelling came just as naturally, becoming my way of understanding people, emotions, and experiences. My writing now weaves that lifelong love of books and emotionally honest storytelling focuses on resilience, survival, and healing.
About Shannon Brown
I grew up in Vermont, surrounded by quiet towns, long winters, and plenty of time to get lost in books and stories. Storytelling became an early companion, something I returned to again and again as both an escape and a way to understand the world around me. Some of my early favorites were The Boxcar Children, and Nancy Drew. I grew up being completely engulfed in Harry Potter. I still to this day lean toward Romance, Fantasy (especially Vampire based), and Sci-Fi.
I went on to attend the University of Main at Farmington, where I earned a double degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. I began working with children at just fifteen years old and have spent my life in roles centered on caring for, teaching, and advocating for them. That work deeply shapes the stories I tell and the perspectives I write from.
Writing has always been more than hobby, it has been an outlet, a refuge, and a constant thread through every stage of my life. I write with a deep respect for childhood, resilience, and the lasting impact of being seen and heard.
When I'm not writing, you'll usually find me planning my next trip, talking Disney, or spending time with my beloved pug, Loki. He truly believes he is the true main character of all my stories. I am also a big fan of wrestling, musical theater, and spending long days at the ocean.
Order Because of Jane Today
Told through the eyes of a stitched doll named Jane, this powerful memoir follows a little girl growing up in a house where love and fear lived side by side. Jane becomes both witness and silent protector through years of pain, resilience, and ultimately healing.
Based on true events, Because of Jane is a story of survival, strength, and the unbreakable spirit of a child who chose to rise above the trauma she was born into. As an adult, Maddie dedicates her life to helping other children escape the same darkness she once endured, ensuring the next generation grows up in safety and love.
Raw, haunting, and ultimately full of hope, this book is a reminder: even in the darkest rooms, light can still find a way in.
Reader Testimonials
Renee Koulouris
Captivating
This book is so well written. The vulnerability and honesty is transparent throughout. The author is so descriptive that you feel like you are there. It was written so thoughtfully that hard topics were displayed tactfully but will certainly invoke feelings. I highly recommend this book.
(Because of Jane)
Amie Silva-Naughton
A Heart-Wrenching and Beautifully Told Story of Resilience
A Heart-Wrenching and Beautifully Told Story of Resilience
Because of Jane is one of those rare books that stays with you long after you close the final page. Told through the imaginative eyes of Maddie’s beloved doll, Jane, this fictionalized retelling of the author’s own childhood trauma offers a perspective that is at once innocent, heartbreaking, and profoundly powerful.
The author brilliantly blends moments of sweetness and wonder with the devastating realities of domestic violence, addiction, and neglect. There are scenes so vivid you can practically smell the breakfast cooking on the stove, feel the warmth of hot cocoa after playing in the snow, and see Maddie’s face light up as her Papa — a beacon of safety and love — reads her bedtime stories or prepares Mickey Mouse pancakes. Papa’s presence brings comfort not just to Maddie, but to the reader as well; his attempts to give his grandchildren normal, happy memories in the midst of chaos are some of the most touching moments in the book.
At the same time, the story never shies away from the darker truths Maddie endures: the cruelty of peers who mock her for hand-me-down clothes, the turmoil of living with an alcoholic, abusive father, and the quiet strength of a mother doing everything she can to hold her family together. Watching the children struggle to find something good in their father — despite the pain he causes — is both heartbreaking and achingly authentic.
What affected me most is how real this book feels. The emotional honesty in these pages stirred up memories of my own childhood and made me reflect on experiences I had long tucked away. The author doesn't just tell a story; she invites readers into a lived reality, where innocence and trauma coexist in the same breath, where love tries desperately to survive in impossible circumstances, and where a child’s imagination becomes both refuge and witness.
Because of Jane is a courageous, beautifully written book that honors the resilience of children who learn far too early how complicated love can be. It is painful, tender, and deeply human. I am grateful to have read it, and I suspect many others will be too.
Highly recommended.
(Because of Jane)
Rebecca Toltz
I couldn't stop reading Because of Jane! I read the whole book in one sitting and cried nearly the whole time. Shannon Brown captures the fear and uncertainty in childhood trauma in such a way you can feel the raw emotions that Maddie and Wyatt felt. My heart is broken from this read but it is worth the heartbreak to know that this happens more than people realize. Highly recommend.
"Thank you for bringing Jane into your world."- Shannon Brown
One Who Knows
Enlightening Truth
This book guides the reader through experiences of childhood trauma in a way that is both educative and captivating, yet emotionally raw, all wrapped up into one compelling narrative. Maddie's doll, “Jane,” is her confidante, protector, and comforter, helping Maddie endure a world filled with confusion, fear, and yes, love. The writing style allows the reader to feel what no one wants to know, feel, or address in our society, but which must be acknowledged and addressed for the sake of all our children. Yet, it is also written in a gentle way, allowing the reader to become engaged and inquisitive, and not be disinclined to continue reading about such an uncomfortable topic. It's one of those books that you will not put down and will read in one sitting. Kudos to the author for writing her truth and becoming the person and advocate that she is today. Hope is such a powerful word, and the author instills hope.(Because of Jane)
Lynn Bushey
Brilliantly done! It will tug at your heart strings💕
Well done! This novel caught my interest right away. Telling the story through the eyes of Jane is brilliant. Jane is not just a doll, she provided comfort and light when things were dark. The author was so descriptive that I could hear the characters voices , see their expressions, and feel the emotions. Amongst the darkness there was love and strength. A must read. I think so many will be able to relate to little Maddie💕(Because of Jane)
Marsha Rowell
This book will make you cry, take your breath away. I couldn't put it down. Very well written. (Because of Jane)
Crystal LeBoeuf
A Different Kind of Survival Story
This book offers a powerful and deeply moving portrayal of a child growing up in the shadow of domestic violence and abuse, told from a perspective that is both refreshingly different and profoundly human. Rather than focusing solely on the darkness of fear and pain—which are described with honesty and emotional weight—the story also illuminates the often-overlooked strength found in family love, resilience, and quiet acts of support.
What makes this book stand out is its balance. The author does not shy away from the harsh realities of abuse, yet the narrative never feels hopeless. Through moments of connection, courage, and perseverance, the story reminds readers that even in the most difficult circumstances, love can exist alongside trauma—and that it can be a source of survival and healing.
This is not just a story about suffering; it is a story about endurance, compassion, and the possibility of light at the end of the tunnel. For readers who have experienced similar situations, or who seek a more nuanced and hopeful perspective on domestic abuse, this book offers both validation and quiet reassurance that strength can grow even in the most fragile places.
Misha
Because of Jane by Shannon Brown is a deeply emotional and meaningful true story told in a unique and touching way. The story is shared through the voice of a stitched doll named Jane, who belongs to a little girl named Maddie. Through Jane’s eyes, the reader witnesses Maddie growing up in a home where love and fear live side by side. Jane becomes more than a doll she is a source of comfort, a quiet listener, and a sense of safety for a child who needs it most.
The book shows how children often cope with difficult situations in simple but powerful ways. Maddie clings to Jane during moments of fear, confusion, and sadness, trusting her with thoughts she cannot share with others. The doll silently witnesses family struggles, broken moments, and small sparks of care. This gentle way of telling the story allows the reader to feel the emotions without being overwhelmed, making the experience both moving and easy to follow.
As the story moves forward, it shifts from pain toward strength and healing. The reader sees Maddie grow into an adult who refuses to let her past define her future. Instead of carrying the hurt forward, she chooses to protect and support other children who face similar struggles. This part of the book is inspiring and shows how survival can turn into purpose and compassion.
This book is highly recommended for readers who value true stories with heart and meaning. It is especially important for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to better understand childhood trauma and resilience. Because of Jane is not only a story of pain, but also a powerful reminder that hope, healing, and change are always possible.
Anthony Sasha
Because of Jane is a raw and powerful memoir that approaches childhood trauma with sensitivity and emotional depth. Telling the story through the perspective of a stitched doll is a striking and effective choice, allowing the narrative to bear witness without judgment while protecting the voice of the child at its center.
The journey from fear and survival to healing and purpose is deeply moving. As the story shifts into adulthood, the transformation of pain into compassion gives the book its lasting impact. Though difficult at times, this memoir ultimately offers hope and reminds readers that even the darkest beginnings do not define the end.
Connect with Shannon
Contact Information
Reach out to Shannon Brown for any inquiries, collaborations, or to share your thoughts on her work. Your feedback is valued, and Shannon is always eager to connect with fellow book enthusiasts.
