DNA – Did Not Anticipate

DNA - Did Not Anticipate

How one man’s search for his roots changed his past, future, and definition of family.

DNA – Did Not Anticipate is the true story of Cincinnati native, J Steven Osborne, who began a search for his Native American ancestry in 2021. Through a DNA test, he discovers a first cousin in Prince Edward Island, Canada – a near impossibility given his Kentucky-based heritage and family. The DNA test he had taken was intended to detail his genetic makeup but it delivered more information than he ever bargained for.

Following an arduous genealogical investigation by his wife, Becky (a part-time forensic genealogist), most of what he believed about his life and family begins to unravel. With each day and data point, previously hidden family secrets are discovered while familial losses and emotional chaos mount. His mother, whom he had known as a very religious person, unintentionally reveals elements of her past that are diametrically inconsistent with the woman he had known.

His journey descends from disbelief to loss, to anger, to resentment and shame. Only with the help of the people who are closest to him, including the family he thought he had lost, is he reassembled and finds peace in his new identity.

With humor, vulnerability, and resilience, this story offers hope and guidance for those navigating similar experiences. This life-is-stranger-than-fiction story (true and documented) has more twists than what any fiction writer would reasonably consider creating. It leaves most readers in shock and saying, “You can’t make this stuff up”.

Available now on Amazon and your local bookstores in hardback, paperback, and Kindle. An audiobook release is coming in May 2025.

About the Authors

J Steven Osborne
Becky Brower Osborne

Steve Osborne is a successful tech entrepreneur, sales trainer, commercial real estate investor, and professional speaker for over 30 years. His irreverent humor, witty style, and exceptional story telling skills have made him an audience favorite. He credits his life-changing NPE experience to his wife’s suggestion that he learn more about his ethnicity.

Becky Osborne is an accomplished community service leader, business executive and genealogist. It was Becky’s research and technical abilities combined with her love for genealogy that set the course for Steve’s shocking DNA discovery. Married since 1993, Steve and Becky attended Miami University and have two adult daughters.

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Reader Testimonials

“As I read DNA – Did Not Anticipate, I found myself nodding along in recognition. From laughing out loud at Steve’s teenage misdeeds, to the raw and emotional accounts of Steve’s past and devastating DNA surprise, this book is the perfect blend of humor and heartbreak.”

– Lily Wood, Host of NPE Stories

“Author J Steven Osborne and I could be the same person. We’re obviously not. My misattributed story is very different. Steve weaves a compelling story about navigating his trauma to come out feeling whole.

This book will help others heal from similar trauma—or better understand the impact of misattributed trauma felt by others.

– Peter J. Boni, Author: Uprooted: Family Trauma, Unknown Origins, and the Secretive History of Artificial Insemination

“DNA – Did Not Anticipate takes readers on an emotional journey through the shocking discovery of J Steven Osborne’s misattributed parentage. Blending moments of gut-wrenching grief with laugh-out-loud observations, Osborne’s storytelling makes this an unputdownable read.

In the end, this memoir reminds us that family is not just about DNA, but about the people who stand with us—no matter when or how they come into our lives.”

– Kara Rubinstein Deyerin, Founder and Executive Director of Right to Know

“DNA – Did Not Anticipate is a powerful, humorous, and thought-provoking memoir that captures the unexpected consequences of modern genetic testing. It is an essential read for those interested in genealogy, DNA surprises, and the complex dynamics of family identity. The book stands as both a cautionary tale and an inspiring journey of self-discovery. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy personal stories of resilience, humor, and truth-seeking.”

– Laura Olmsted, Executive Director/Founder, DNAngels, and author of Finding My Roots: A Journal of Discovery and Reunification.

“DNA Did Not Anticipate tells the unflinching no holds barred tale of the roller coaster journey that J Steven Osborne went on after a DNA test revealed that his biological father was not the man whose name was on his birth certificate. It’s an unputdownable compulsively readable masterpiece. It’s a riveting and important book: the best of its genre that I’ve read. I can’t recommend it highly enough.”

– Jo Lloyd, Somerset, United Kingdom

“With humor and heart, Steve and Becky Osborne masterfully navigate the emotional journey of uncovering a long-held secret about Steve—one intentionally kept from him by his mother. Together, they unravel this deeply personal mystery, carefully balancing raw emotion with moments of levity. The story is both poignant and uplifting, and I was captivated from start to finish—an absolute page-turner. At its core, this book speaks to the universal experience of identity, family, and the truths that shape us.”

– Jon Baime, Producer “Filling in the Blanks”.

“Reading DNA – Did Not Anticipate I was immediately struck by the authenticity of the voice. Steve and Becky use science, faith, optimism, frustrated aspirations and, in the end, an unlikely quiet confidence to reconcile how he came to be with who he is. In the process they teach us that the definition of family can be fragile, often painful, but ultimately it is a choice that gives us voice.”

– Eric Hansen, City Manager, City of Mason, OH

I couldn’t put this book down! Shocking and astonishing life-changing events! I could practically hear the author telling his story to me, the reader, as if I was his best friend. I was able to imagine (and experience) the full range of emotions he must have felt—betrayal, anger, frustration, confusion, loneliness, relief, closure, happiness, and love. I found myself tearing up or smiling in nearly every chapter.

– Robin Throckmorton, Author, Entrepreneur, HR Thought Leader

“DNA: Did Not Anticipate is at times raw and other times a bit self conscious. But this is largely because it’s genuine and authentic. It was written by a man who’s had his entire life flipped on its edge, and then found a way to flip it back upright. I have no doubt that others who’ve experienced similar upheavals in their lives would see themselves in this story and perhaps find hope that there’s a road to the other side.”

– Carolyn Stoll, Director of Online Instruction, University of Cincinnati

“This memoir takes you on a wild ride as the author discovers the surprises his DNA test results reveal. The author’s candor and humor make situations that are truly tragic interesting and palatable for the reader. I read it practically in one sitting. Long after you finish, it will make you ponder the power of genetics, fate, love and what really makes a family.”

– Helen Fox, Mason, Ohio

“Reading DNA – Did Not Anticipate felt like sitting across from the authors, listening to their raw and unapologetic truths. The humor, depth, and vulnerability were uniquely captivating. It’s a remarkable exploration of identity and family. I can see how their family dynamics have built such tenacity and wit. It is an honest and unforgettable read.”

– Maxwell White

Events Calendar

March 11th
Official Book Launch

Celebrate the official launch of DNA - Did Not Anticipate!
Available on Amazon.com

MARCH 11

April 1st
Paperback Edition Available

The Paperback edition is now available on Amazon.com

April 1

April 30th
Shop Local in
Mason, OH

Steve and Becky will be at the Shop Local event in Mason, OH and can sign your copy of the book

Add to Calendar

April 30th

May 1st
Release of the Audiobook

DNA - Did Not Anticipate
will be available in Audiobook format

Add to Calendar

May 1