The Blog
Winner in the Firebird Book Awards!
We're thrilled to share that Jane and Elaine have been named a Third Place Winner in the New Fiction – First Time…
Read →Discover Not In This World — a powerful debut novel inspired by true events and praised by readers across America and beyond. Here you will find the story behind the book, hear from Jane, and explore the remarkable life that inspired this unforgettable journey.
Not In This World
A forbidden bond. A world at war. A story that refuses to be forgotten.
Inspired by true events, Not In This World unfolds in segregated Kentucky, following a young Black man named Paul Carew who forms an extraordinary bond with Jane, the spirited white child placed in his arms as an infant. Their connection carries them from the Jim Crow South to wartime Europe, through racism, prejudice, forbidden love, and the devastation of World War II.
Not In This World is an unputdownable sweeping historical novel about love, identity, and the ties that transcend race, class, and convention.
“This is very, very good—you will be published. I love Paul and Jane… can’t wait…”
Awards & Recognition
American Legacy Awards
★★★★★
Finalist
2026
LGBTQ+ Fiction
American Legacy Awards
★★★★★
Finalist
2026
General Fiction
American Legacy Awards
★★★★★
Finalist
2026
African American Fiction
What People Say
“The book haunts you and stays with you and breaks your heart. I’m a screenwriter and after reading it I couldn’t stop thinking: this beautiful book has to be made into a movie. My second thought was: I have to write the script.”
“Closely-observed, beautifully rendered and deeply affecting, Paul’s story is told with elegance, economy and empathy. Readers, know this: Not in This World is out of this world.”
From the Blog
The Blog
Celebrating todays Firebird Book Awards with the chickens!
Celebrating today's Firebird Book Award in the sunshine with my favourite friends. They haven't read the book yet, but…
Read →News from Jane
Be the first to hear about the upcoming sequel, exclusive news, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life on their historic highland estate.