Reviews

Jubilee's Journey: Family Saga (A Wyattsville Novel Book 2) by Bette Lee Crosby

judithdcollins's review

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5.0

It was exciting catching up with beloved and memorable Southern characters from Spare Change (Wyattsville #1) in Bette Lee Crosby's second book in this compelling and riveting series, JUBILEE'S JOURNEY (Wyattsville #2)!

I have just finished an advanced reading copy of PASSING THROUGH PERFECT (Wyattsville #3), coming Jan 14, 2015. If you enjoyed this one, you will love reconnecting with Paul and Jubilee, once again and the two new adoptive parents. Their lives intersect with another family in need, for a powerful and riveting story of racial injustice. Once again, the kindness of strangers, helps save lives, and offers hope for the future.

Set in the rural poverty area of West Virginia, a poor coal mining father is forced work in the coal mines in order to support his family. His father and the one before him, wanted to break the cycle as it never had a good ending.

Without the proper education they keep following in their father’s footsteps when times are hard. Paul promised his dad before he died he would not ever work in the coal mine. He decides to keep his promise no matter what.

When his mom and dad both die, he is left as a child to support his younger sister Jubilee. A child himself, he uses what money they have a leave the town behind in search of an aunt and a new life. As they step off the bus in Wyattesville, Virginia, and after eating at the diner, Paul sees a sign in a grocery store window advertising help. He tells his sister to wait on the bench as he goes to apply for the job.

However, little does he know he is stepping into the middle of a robbery and gets caught in the crossfire. Left in the hospital with amnesia, the poor little sister does not know when he is coming back or what happened to her older brother. A stranger (Ethan Allen and Olivia from Spare Change #1) rescue her, taking her in, and try and figure out the mystery and pieces of the puzzle of the robbery and the identity of her aunt.

Fellow readers, you are always guaranteed a treat, and to fall in love with Bette’s well-developed characters; ones you will not soon forget, even after the books ends. Bette Lee Crosby, a master storyteller once again, delivers a heartfelt story of triumph over tragedy for a "Must Read Series.”

Fans of Catherine Hyde will enjoy the heartwarming story, coming with a special takeaway message.

A heartwarming, emotional, and poignant story of the exploration of a southern family, not always biological, and the kindness and compassion of strangers. An inspiring story of triumph over tragedy. Be sure and read PASSING THROUGH PERFECT, as each time you do not think Betters books can get better and surprises you with another winner—the best yet!

A special thank you to the author for a complimentary reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

Judith D. Collins Must Read Books

susanthebookbag's review

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5.0

Oh my, another book by Bette that I just loved. Jublilee's Journey is book 2 in the Wyattsville Series so I got to go back to that wonderful world of Wyattsville to spend time with the people I came to know and love from Spare Change. What an enjoyable visit.

Jubilee is born full of spunk and spunk is what helps her get through the trauma of her parents dying and being kicked out her home at the age of 7. She and her brother head to the city to find an aunt who they hope will take them in. Things don't go well and she is separated from her brother. Along comes Ethan Allen, who is the main character in Spare Change. He takes her under his wing and stands by her while they try to work things out. So once again, we become a part of the wonderful world of Ethan Allen and all those great characters who were there to help him, when he needed it.

I love Grandma Olivia, who is such a great character and has such a kind, caring network of friends who are always there to help her, even when their methods might be just a little questionable. I would love to meet Olivia and to be able to call her a friend. That's how real Bette's characters became to me, the reader.

Bette's writes so beautifully and creates a world that feels so warm and inviting. Her books are ones to savor and enjoy! And she writes great passages throughout the book that are just so amazing. She is one of my must-read authors!

hugbandit7's review

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5.0

Another winner of a book! I loved loved loved this story and how it tied in with the characters and storyline of Spare Change. Bette has written another winner and knows how to capture our hearts with her characters. There are some funny and emotional parts, all what makes a good story.

And knowing Bette like I do, I was quite surprised (and ecstatic) to see my name in her book as one of the minor characters!

nikkiethereader's review

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5.0

I just finished Jubilee’s Journey. It is a suspense novel written by Bette Lee Crosby. Jubilee and her brother, Paul, lose both of their parents. On the way to find their only living family, Paul gets involved in a robbery and is wrongfully accused of doing it. Jubilee is left without anybody she ever knew or loved because of it. Will Paul be found innocent or will he be arrested for a crime he didn’t commit?

I want to start off by saying that I really loved this book. I have to be honest and say that I haven’t fully read the first book yet. It’s called Spare Change. I did read some of it though and can’t wait to finish it. Both of these books have the power to sink you in from the very first few pages. I found that I felt for many of the characters. I love how well she picked up on the close minded hostility many southerners seem to hold on to as well. This isn’t an insult; just a fact.

I hated getting to the last page knowing that the story was now over. I’m left with a wicked book hangover wishing I knew what happened to the characters after the story ended. I’m sure there are many stories out there like this for me. It was beautifully written nonetheless. I’m so glad that I got the opportunity to read this book.

I fully recommend this book to everybody. I especially recommend it if you love suspense and thrillers. This is a real page turner for sure. Don’t get this book if you don’t plan on getting hooked on a book. Trust me on that. It is a book that you can really sink your teeth into. I can’t wait to read many more books by Bette Lee Crosby.

middleditch's review

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4.0

Not as good as the first book (Spare Change) but still charming and filled with interesting characters. Highly recommended.

wulfwyn's review

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5.0

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.

lsmoore43's review

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5.0

Bette Lee Crosby is not only a wonderful person, she is a wonderful author. Her books will leave a place in your heart long long after you finish reading them.

This was the sequel to Spare Change and continues with Ethan Allen and Olivia but is about a little girl called Jubilee(Jubie for short) and her big brother, Paul. After their parents have both passed they leave their home to go in search of an Aunt they never met. Paul is the best big brother in the world to little Jubie and after a bus ride to Wyattsville things take a dramatic turn for the worse. Now I could go on and tell you more about this story but that would only give away the best of the best. I will say that this is such an endearing story, filled with love, tears, happiness, more tears, laughter, a few more tears, searching, wondering if things will be okay thus a few more tears, finding, feeling, caring, sharing, laughter again, realizing you were wrong(someone in the story that is), forgiveness, more laughter and tears and much happiness. It is a refreshingly sweet story that will keep you wanting to read when you should be doing other things but can't because you just have to know what happens next.

Jubilee and Paul two sweet kids who both deserve a chance at love, laughter, happiness and a family to call their own. Will they get what they deserve? This is definitely one of the very best books I have read in a very long time. A historical fiction book that will leave you feeling wonderful. One of the very best books.. well since Spare Change.

A definite 5 star read.. Loved it!!
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