Libby Jacobs’ novel, Sea Sonata, is a beautifully crafted story about an exceptionally gifted musician named Jane. The book weaves together the mystical allure of belief in magic, a love that feels profound and unwavering, heartache at its deepest level, and the transformative power of music. Masterfully exploring the complexities of human emotion and connection, the novel pulls readers into Jane’s world, making them deeply invested in her journey.
From childhood trials to betrayal by the man she believed to be her true love—and an unimaginable loss that will leave readers yearning to embrace her—Jane’s story unfolds with emotional 
depth. Each chapter reveals new details, keeping readers eager to uncover more of Jane’s truth. As layers of her life are peeled back, both pain and moments of triumph emerge, guiding her toward her destiny.
Jacobs recently achieved her decades-long dream of publishing her first novel—leaving readers eager for more. However, she is no stranger to the literary world. She previously published Wolf Note, a collection of acclaimed short stories showcasing her keen understanding of the human experience. In addition to fiction, Jacobs has also found success as a playwright, with her works performed at prestigious venues such as the Lincoln Center in New York City.
For those aspiring to pursue a creative path, Libby Jacobs is a positive role model. She embodies the perseverance and passion required to turn dreams into reality. Her life is a testament to the power of dedication, talent, and a love for language. Her intelligence, grace, and genuinely kind heart define her at her core.
Jacobs holds master’s degrees in both education and theatre, which laid the foundation for her career as a playwright and director. She has directed productions at Coach House Theatre and Weathervane Theater in Akron, Ohio, further cementing her contributions to the arts.
In Sea Sonata, Jacobs’ deep love for theatre and music shines through. Her lyrical writing style immerses readers in Jane’s world, making it difficult to put the book down—or stop thinking about it afterward. “My background in theatre definitely helped with writing the descriptions,” Jacobs explained. “When I was directing in community theatre, I often worked with tiny, strange, and nearly impossible stage spaces. It forced me to transform odd spaces into believable locations and help characters develop beyond what was in the script. It’s similar to how musical notes on a one-dimensional staff must be brought to life in multiple dimensions. Working on a nearly bare stage taught me to create worlds from nothing.”
Music is deeply embedded in Jacobs’ life and Sea Sonata. Through both music and words, she explores the depth of the human condition. Her personal experience with music spans multiple instruments. “I have played the piano, violin, and flute,” Jacobs shared. “I studied violin the longest, but I always wanted to play piano as well. Writing this book was a kind of wish fulfillment—something I believe is true for many novelists. I could never play piano as skillfully as Jane, but through her, I could experience that moment of musical magic.”
Jane’s extraordinary piano talent is central to Sea Sonata. “I studied piano as an adult, but I thought I was too old to become an accomplished pianist,” Jacobs admitted. “That’s another reason it was so enjoyable to let Jane begin playing at such a young age.”
A particularly compelling element of the novel is Jane’s instant infatuation with her professional music teacher. This dynamic adds emotional depth to the story. “That aspect came from imagining where a relationship like that could lead if it became romantic,” Jacobs revealed.
Jacobs hopes that readers will take away a powerful message from Sea Sonata: “A full life benefits from having passions. You don’t have to reach your goals—reaching for them is worth the journey.”
When asked if she plans to write more, Jacobs gave a promising response for her fans. “Yes. I don’t have a particular project in mind yet, but if I write more books, they will be fiction. I prefer fiction because nonfiction is concrete and frequently provable. Fiction, to me, is far more mysterious. Even when writing fiction, I immerse myself in history and nonfiction as a foundation for the story.”
This is evident in Sea Sonata, where Jacobs incorporates Irish folklore into Jane’s history. For Jacobs, this choice was deeply personal. “Because of my Irish background, I wish I knew more about my heritage. The Irish are a people of music and poetry—both have always been deep passions of mine. My grandfather was Irish, but he didn’t live long enough for me to know him well. In my mind, he has always been an important part of our Irish history.”
Her daughter, Dr. Shellie Hipsky, expressed her admiration for her mother’s literary achievement. “I am forever thankful that I was raised by Libby Jacobs as my mom! She is an inspiring role model for me as an author and as a loving, giving mother. I am thrilled to see her novel Sea Sonata reach readers around the world,” said Hipsky.
No stranger to love and loss, Jacobs was married for 55 years to her wonderful husband, Dr. Jack Jacobs, who recently passed away. In the face of grief, Jacobs offers her readers this heartfelt advice: “Follow your heart and love all you can.”
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