I’ve been thinking a lot lately about readers—and not in the abstract, “thank you for your support” way authors are supposed to say—but in the real, human way. The way certain readers don’t just read your books… they step into your life and stay.
At my recent New Jersey book event, I looked up and saw Mari Lou walk into the ballroom, and for a moment, I honestly couldn’t process it. It’s been years. Decades, really.
Mari Lou was one of my very early readers, back when I’d only published two or three books for Harlequin Presents. We first met at NJRW in 2002, and I remember her warmth immediately—but what I didn’t fully understand then was how special that kind of connection would be, and how enduring.
I don’t get to the East Coast as often as I’d like, but over the years I’ve been able to see Mari Lou here and there—she came to my She’s Gone Country event in New Jersey in 2010—and then this past April, she surprised me again.
After we saw each other, Mari Lou shared these photos and this note in my Jane Porter Fans & Friends group on Facebook. “I’d just finished chemo, and my hair was growing out, and you made me feel like I was your long-lost friend. You don’t know how much that meant (and still means to me.)”
I didn’t know. I knew how much I loved meeting Mari and how much her kindness resonated with me. It’s scary being a new author, and it’s intimidating at times. As authors, we show up, we sign books, we talk, we smile—we hope we’re making people feel seen, but we don’t always know when it matters, or how much. And yet, somehow, those moments stay.
Twenty-four years.
Twenty-four years of her showing up in my life in the most unexpected and meaningful ways. Twenty-four years of someone reminding me that what I do matters. And the truth is, that kind of affirmation isn’t always easy to come by in this industry.
But Mari Lou isn’t just one special story. She’s part of something bigger. Over the years, so many of you have become more than readers. You’ve become part of my life. Women I recognize in a crowd. Women I look for when I travel. Women I sit with, talk with, laugh with–and sometimes cry with. Women who have shared their stories with me, trusted me with pieces of their lives, and let me be real, not just an author brand. You, my readers and friends, have made my world larger and richer. You are one of the biggest reasons I continue to write.
Yes, I’m a storyteller. I always have been. But I don’t want to write in a vacuum. I don’t want my stories to exist in isolation, sent out into the world without connection or conversation. I love being read. But even more so, I love connecting with readers because I am one, too.
Books have shaped my life in every possible way. They’ve been my escape, my comfort, my joy. And getting to share that is one of the greatest gifts this career has given me.
These are my people. YOU are my people.
So thank you, Mari Lou, for taking the time to come see me—then and now, across all these years.
Thank you to every reader who shows up, who sends an email, who comments on Facebook or Instagram, who reaches out in ways big and small.
I can’t imagine being Jane without all of you, my cherished book girls.
For a chance to win a JP package with a mug, tea, gift card and lots of books, tell me how we met–or how you found me. I’m celebrating you, my readers and friends. You mean everything to me! (The winner will be announced Friday.)
I had read your Harlequins for years. We finally met at a tea in Austin with my bff Tina. Then Tina and I were at your Dallas luncheon and your tea in Tulsa. Looking forward to RAGT and your tea in Albuquerque!
I found you several years ago when I won a copy of Oh Christmas Night! Been a fan ever since!
I have been reading your books forever!! I first met you at RWA in San Antonio, I was in awe. Have seen you since at different events and always enjoy my time with you!
I found your books through Brenda Novak’s subscription box and I was hooked. I started reading more of them and then I brought my mom to the Mother’s Day tea you hosted in Akron, Ohio in 2023 and finally got to meet you in person. It was so enjoyable talking to you. I feel like I’ve gotten to know you over the past few years and call you a friend.
I’ve read your Harlequin Presents for years. When I moved to OKC in 2018, I heard you were hosting an event in Dallas but couldn’t attend since I had just started a new job. My co-worker attended. I was so excited when I heard you were hosting a tea in Austin. My BFF Amy and I attended the tea, a luncheon in Dallas, and a tea in Tulsa. Can’t wait to see you at RAGT.
I found in my Harlequin days. The same way I found Brenda. I think I have read almost every book that you have written. And now I’m getting to meet you at RAGT2026. I can’t wait.
I still remember meeting you by accident all those years ago, maybe 15. Being the book girl I am, I needed more books and headed to my local Barnes and Noble. I saw a sign saying that you were going to be there for a signing. A clerk told me that you wrote women’s fiction and romance. I was always looking for new authors to love. I listened to other fans talk about your books. You took the time to tell me about them and if books were part of a series. I bought everything I could, and there was one book missing, you told me to email you and you would send it to me. I couldn’t believe it, you actually sent it and some goodies! I followed you on Facebook, and became one of your biggest fans! I love that we met by accident, and thank you for also introducing me to some of my best friends and favorite authors like Megan Cane. So happy to call you a friend too and can’t wait to see you soon.
I found you through Brenda Novak’s readers boxes. I met you first in Austin, Texas, then at a tea in Tulsa, Oklahoma and then last December in Dallas. Texas.
Your events are warm and so fun, and it is like visiting a cherished friend. Thank you.
I was waiting in the lobby for my Dr appointment & picked up a Redbook magazine, starting reading the short story by JP.
It was from her Flirting with Forty. I couldn’t put it done, read what was there then it stopped …. I had to go buy the book to finish the story!! I was hooked. I could relate as I was going through a divorce with two small sons.
I tell people, my favorite author, is Jane Porter & you have to go purchase her books!!
I think of Jane as a friend, so real as a human being & such a great author. I love hearing everything she has to say, great advice, great mother & wife.
I will follow JP forever!! I just hope to meet her one day
Please continue to write those fabulous romance books & I will continue to purchase or win them.
Thank you for your friendship
I found you through a book giveaway and became a forever fan and friend.
I read the book Flirting with Forty and then the movie. I started following you on Facebook and loved your books,
Then you came for a tea and meet you and enjoyed that so much! ❤️
I started reading you way back when you were writing Harlequins and you quickly became one of my favorites and read every one of your books. I connected with you through Facebook and eventually was able to join your reader group and am thrilled to be here. I have never met you in person but maybe someday.
I have read several of your books over the years. Dont recall how I discovred them. Then found you again on facebook and started reading your books again. Hope maybe some day you can do a signing in the Suffolk County area of NY.
Congratulations, Pat! You are the winner of the blog giveaway. Please send me your address via email and let me know which 3 books of mine you’d like included in your package! 🙂
I discovered your books through Flirting with Forty. I admit, covers catch my attention and that one did it. After reading it, I contacted you through email to let you know how much that story resonated with what I was going through at the time. There were many similarities, including a good friend buying a trip to Hawaii for me. After reading Flirting with Forty, I bought as many of your books that I could find and binge read them all. I haven’t missed one since then. Even though we have only met (in person) a couple of times, I feel you have become part of my family.
My first Jane books were the Bellevue Wives, Odd Mom Out and Mrs. Perfect, back in 2007-2008. Loved the characters and of course, being in western Washington. My, how my collection has grown over the years. I fell in love with Marietta, Montana and more so with Langley Park in England. Lol. I finally got to meet Jane in person at a tea celebration in Issaquah with another sweet author, Christina Dudley. Grateful, grateful for Facebook and newsletters that give me my Jane fix every day of positive energy and following her incredible family and friends.
from the library
Met you in line at Starbucks. RWA Literacy signing 2018 in Denver. You alone are a gift but then you introduced me to Shari. Best day ever. You are. Blessing! Thank you for the book worlds you build and the friendship.
I found you with Harlequins and have been following you ever since. We’ve never met in person. But we may since you found Brown County and you might be wearing a Proud Purdue Mom sweatshirt – are you sure he wouldn’t be interested in Rose Hulman in Terre Haute???
I’ve been reading you books since your debut The Italian Groom. We met at the RWA book signing in NYC back in 2004, I think. I remember being so nervous about meeting you because I loved your work and didn’t want to fangirl too hard. We had dinner in NYC in 2005, I flew to the RWA Atlanta book signing to see you specifically for the day and I saw you at a book signing in Cranford, NJ. You are one of the most genuine, generous and caring authors I have met. and I am so happy to read your work. Thank you for being you. Much love to you.
I honestly don’t remember where I met you. I know I’ve passed my love of you onto many other people.
My first book by you was Flirting With Forty. I commented on your page how much I enjoyed it. You asked if I had ever read any other books written by you. Then you sent me. the Wyatt and Sheenan series. Thank you for being so generous with your books.
We met through your books and me begoming your Scottish Reviewer.
You are a treasured friend who one of these days I hope we meet in person.
This resonates so much with me. Absolutely love and adore this story.
Your Harlequins drew me in at first. Still own every single one you have ever written. Love your Harlequins. I need that HEA.
But I’m staying for every book you are writing. Because your way for writing will always be magical to me. You make stories come alive on the pages. Thank you for writing.
What an amazing friendship you two have and can go places together it’s beautiful
Years ago I found one of your books at the library and I have been reading them ever since.
I am not sure how I first heard of you or came across your books but I am so GLAD I did. Thank you for your writing the books I love to escape in. Thank you for your inspiration. And thank you for your friendship! Don’t ever change.