A Southern coming-of-age story about love, loss, forgiveness, hope, and growing up in the early 1960's.

A character driven read set during a time when racial tensions were high, Grace Mockingbird is a young woman growing up in the South, estranged from her mother and trying to find her out path. One of the bright spots in her life is her younger brother Isaac, who is something of a prodigy. But when he takes sick, the eggshell-thin walls begin to crumble even more.

A well written read, with characters that detach themselves from the page with their sorrows and contradictions. We see a lot of folks acting out of their hurt, as well as others who despite all of their pain and suffering choose to lift others up and show kindness instead. I enjoyed the complex characters.

I also found it interesting that this story was based loosely on the author's life, and her growing up years.

Overall, this was a touching coming of age tale, more character driven, and Grace is a compelling voice. I loved getting to know the characters through her eyes, and I could understand why she made the choices that she did. Heartbreaking and healing, this book definitely takes you through an emotional gambit!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ( )

The Year of Jubilee by Cindy Morgan is a thought-provoking novel with an undertone of sadness.

Written from thirteen-year-old Grace Mockingbird’s perspective, this moving story of life in small Kentucky town is incredibly engrossing. Grace is devastated by her younger brother and best friend Isaac’s illness. Her older sister Sissie is causing the family problems with her unexpected rebellion. While their parents are at the hospital with Isaac, their Aunt June stays with them and provides minimal supervision as she trusts her nieces.

In the midst of their family’s turmoil, the civil rights movement comes to the forefront as the local Ku Klux Klan becomes more active. One of Grace’s teachers is instrumental in introducing Grace to her neighbors who just happen to Black. For the first time in her life, Grace finally finds unconditional friendship but will there be a price for and her family to pay?

With a subtle undercurrent of faith, The Year of Jubilee is a poignant novel that is beautifully written with relatable characters. Grace easily captures the reader’s heart. All of the characters are extremely well-drawn and vibrantly life-like. The small-town setting springs vividly to life as do its residents. The storyline is engaging and provides an intimate peek into the Mockingbird’s household and the tragedies they have experienced. Cindy Morgan brings this heartfelt novel to an uplifting, realistic conclusion. ( )

Cindy Morgan has won thirteen Dove awards, including Songwriter of the Year. She has written two adult non-fiction books, and one children's picture book. The Year of Jubilee is her debut adult fiction novel, but it reads like the work of a seasoned author. This coming-of-age story is told through the eyes of thirteen-year-old Grace Mockingbird who is growing up in the small town of Jubilee, Kentucky in 1963. Her story focuses on challenges to the relationships within her family and among different parts of her community. Those having grown up in the south during the civil rights movement will identify with the struggles, as unfortunately will some who still see or live with disparities. Morgan deals with the theme of the purpose of suffering within both of these storylines, doing so with great wisdom and empathy. Her character development for both primary and secondary characters is skillfully accomplished resulting in strong emotional reactions on the part of the reader.

Even though we are only a third of the way through the year, I believe The Year of Jubilee will be one of my top five book at year's end. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. ( )

enjoyed Cindy Morgan's music, so when I learned she had written a fiction novel, I requested a copy to review. I was hooked from the start. The wide range of topics covered in this book amazed me.

The story was told from the perspective of Gracie, a fourteen-year-old girl with whom I identified. This coming-of-age story is emotionally charged and action-packed. It gives readers a front-row ticket to historical events as they unfold in a little American community in Kentucky in 1963.

Readers may sense Gracie's sorrow in 1963 as she tries to understand her brother Isaac's illness and the civil rights movement. She caught glimpses of it on TV and in Miss Adams' life, where she is helping the cause.

Through her characters, the author demonstrates how to love your neighbor and when to stop punishing yourself for past mistakes and instead march on to freedom. One character says to the other, "To forgive is to release a prisoner only to find out it was you."

"We don't always have a choice about what happens to us, but we always have a choice about how we respond," teacher, Miss Adams says to Gracie.

The KKK, segregation, loss, family strife, coming-of-age, a very ill family member, faith healers, and racism are among the topics that may be upsetting to some readers given the historical period.
This is a deep, thought-provoking novel that pulls at your heartstrings, makes you feel the agony of the past, and then makes you look around with a sorrowful, yet hopeful heart, at what's happening in the world today.
I valued the natural spiritual thread that runs through genuine characters who confront these challenges as best they can.
This is not an easy book to read because it deals with difficult issues, but it is a gripping story that leaves the reader with a lot to think about. This is an engrossing novel that I couldn't put down. It would be an excellent choice for your book group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/ ( )

I received this book as an advanced reader copy. It was a good book to read. The historical aspects that were mentioned led to the story line of this book. The characters will tug at your heart and make you wanting to read quicker. ( )