I loved Jubilee's Journey. I came across it on GR and was intrigued by the synopsis. I had not heard of the author before coming across the book. After listing the book "to read" I received a message from the author stating I may want to read Book 1 first, Spare Change. I took her advice and read it. I was not certain if the characters I knew from Spare Change would be a part of Jubilee's Journey, so I was delighted to find them included in a big way. It is for this reason I would recommend reading Spare Change first. It is not necessary but I found knowing Ethan Allen's story enhanced my enjoyment of this book.
In this book Jubilee and Paul are children who come to Wyattsville after losing both their parents. Something happens upon their arrival and suddenly they are in trouble. Ethan, a child who not long ago was alone and in a jam, is determined to help Jubilee.
I love that the author has children who are strong, resilient and kind. Though bad things have happened to them they are capable of loving, caring and trusting. They believe in each other and refuse to give up. There are a few adults who do bad things but most of the adults are kind and caring. I like how the author keeps things real with characters who make mistakes and may judge badly yet are able to change when they find the truth. It is the kind of story that takes you back in time and makes you long for days gone by. It tells us bad things can happen to good people but if you keep faith and keep going, good things are possible. Good people are out there. It is this message that makes this book uplifting. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
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Jubilee and her brother, Paul leave home after both their parents die. They are in search of an aunt they have lost touch with.
As they come to Wyattsville where the aunt resides Paul spies a Help Wanted sign in a store. He goes in to apply and tells his 7 year-old sister to wait on the bench outside the store and wait for him and he will be back. Meanwhile, the store is robbed and both the owner and Paul are shot.
Ethan Allen, a young boy on his way to school sees Jubilee sitting on the bench. On his way home he sees the same girl sitting on the bench. Ethan Allen takes her home to his step-grandmother, Olivia. Olivia questions Jubilee and tries to help her find out what happened to her brother, as well as; locating her aunt. ( )

(Fiction, Women’s, Southern)

Wyattsville Novel Book 2

This is a continuation of the story in Spare Change (above). It has the same characters and the same charming southern writing—but without the plot twist at the end that would have been cliché a second time around.

However, I didn’t find enough unresolved tension in this story to make it quite as interesting the debut.

I received a complimentary ecopy from the author. This did not affect my review.

3½ stars ( )

Title: Jubilee’s Journey (Wyattsville Series #2)
Author: Bette Lee Crosby
Pages: 300
Year: 2013
Publisher: Bent Pine Publishing
My rating is 4-1/2 stars.
When you look up the novel to purchase and read, you might notice that there is a prior book titled, Spare Change. According to the author, if you’re going to read Passing through Perfect, which is the 3rd book in the series, it is important to read the 2nd book first. I was reminded when I started Spare Change that some novels just aren’t conducive to a reader. However, that doesn’t mean all books by that author aren’t worth reading as I discovered.
If you remember Loretta Lynn along with the movie that gave fans a glimpse into her life, A Coal Miner’s Daughter released in 1988, you’re going to enjoy Jubilee’s Journey. I did because it starts with the opening scene of two people falling in love (Benjamin & Ruth) and then due to life events beyond their control the father works in a coal mine. Benjamin promised his father he wouldn’t follow in his steps, but events forced on him brought about doing the exact opposite.
First the children, Paul and Jubilee, lose their mom but not before she extracts a promise from Paul. Then, years later their father is killed in a mining accident and years before that Paul’s father made him promise not to go into the mine. Now Paul is faced with either breaking his promise or having to leave the cabin because it belongs to the mining company. Paul packs up some precious items and holding his sister’s hand begins a journey with nothing being certain.
The author then throws in a life-changing event that sets both Paul and Jubilee on a difficult journey. The tale is a very heart-gripping one along with a suspenseful thread woven in the book. If you look at the picture of the little girl on cover, I wouldn’t be surprised if you found her to be just a cutie like I did! Then, reading the tale with that picture of her in your mind really draws you further into the happenings that bring both joy and sorrow but overall hope. Out of the disasters in life or even setbacks we don’t always know or see how God can bring forth good, but He does as you’ll read Jubilee’s Journey.
While there are no sexual descriptions or innuendoes anywhere in the book, there are sprinkled in the pages a cuss word here or there. However, I didn’t let that distract me from the story as a whole. I hope authors continue to understand and perhaps write books that are free from these words because the story stands brightly without them!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )

“We’ll name her Jubilee, because this child is a celebration of our love.”

Thus, Jubilee’s story began and you will not want to miss it.

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Jubilee’s Journey is the sequel to Spare Change. Spare Change was the first book of Bette Lee’s that I read and it is still my favorite. I have been an avid fan of hers ever since.

The southern charm and giving nature of the characters captivate me. It makes me think of Hillary Clinton’s book, It Takes A Village. This book drives home the point that a community can accomplish so much more than a single individual. We can definitely learn some lessons from the loving and giving characters in Bette Lee’s novels.

I love her covers and this one speaks to me as strongly as all the others. They are some of the most touching and emotional covers in their simplicity. The cover design for Jubilee’s Journey was done by Kathleen Valentine of valentinedesign.com. Bette Lee will also occasionally incorporate a friend or fan’s name into her novels.

Living in coal country is never easy, but for Paul and Jubilee it became impossible.

Their mother died and my tears began. Paul did his best to be there for Jubilee – he never returned to school, so he did all he could think of to make Jubilee’s life better and took care of the house. After his father’s death, they were evicted from the only home they had ever known. How would Paul keep his promise to his mother to take care of Jubilee and his promise to his father to never work in the mine?

He knew of an aunt in Wyattsville, Virginia. He only had a name, Anita, but off they went.

Hurt McAdams dad had abused him and raised him with fear. As a defense, he took the offensive line and became a bully, then a murderer. He ended up in Wyattsville on his search to find his father and make him pay for his miserable life.

Oh no, Paul is in the store looking for work and here comes Hurt. I am very fearful, my heart is heavy with dread. I knew it. Bette!!!! But, what’s this? Who should arrive but Ethan Allen and I breathe a sigh of relief. No way will he allow anything bad to happen to Jubilee.

“Grandma Olivia’s nice. She helps kids in trouble.”

That being said, I knew things would be okay. Somehow.

Bette Lee Crosby writes stories as if they are biographies. They are full of the cruelties and unfairness of life, but also the beauty and wonder. The worlds and dialogue are so real, I feel as if I am there and I feel frustrated because I do not know what to do to help. She packs so much life and realism into her novels, sometimes a BOX of tissues is not enough. I laugh and cry with the characters. I go through their highs and lows, their ups and downs, all the while trying to figure out how Bette is going to make this end with a happy ever after.

The ending left me begging for more. I was sitting on the edge of my seat as if my happiness was on the line.

I received this book from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review. I can hardly wait to see what she has in store for us next. ( )