I liked this novel more than I thought I would, although I finished it with mixed feelings. Told from the perspective of Grace, a thirteen-year-old girl in Jubilee, Kentucky in 1963, this book is a combination of a family's story and wider historical events. Racial tensions are high, especially in this small Kentucky town, but Grace is focused on her brother Isaac, who is seriously ill. I found Grace's narrative very believable for a teenage girl who's struggling to get along with her mother and older sister while hoping for the best for her brother. I also found her voice to be somewhat annoying and not very open to the complications of the other characters (who I found much more interesting). ( )

I have mixed feelings about this book. It was pretty heavy and depressing. The ending, however, does offer hope! Set in Kentucky, 1963, a time of turmoil.

I did enjoy some of the characters. They are full of hidden strengths. Aunt June was a favorite, and so was Constance. Grace undergoes the most transformation. She grows up admist the tragedies in her life.

The lesson I took away from this book is to make your life count. Isaac touched so many people in his short life. I pray that I do the same. ( )

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. ( )