About the Book
Book: LaDelle & Jubilant
Author: Cathy McIlvoy
Genre: Historical Fiction/Christian Fiction/Southern Fiction/Black/African American Historical Fiction
Release Date: August 14, 2023
Set in the 1930s, this Southern feel-good novel about a controlling widow and the troubled nephew she’s asked to care for invites you on a journey of faith and surrender while weaving in the amazing true-life character, George Washington Carver.
LaDelle Harris, a fiery 51-year-old widow and head librarian at the Tuskegee Institute, likes things her way: orderly and predictable. So, the last thing she wants is to take care of her 12-year-old nephew, Jubilant, for the summer— or maybe forever. But when her estranged brother, the Reverend Ashton Bartley, suffers a heart attack and she’s asked to look after his son, she can’t say no.
While LaDelle focuses on doing all she can to keep Jubilant from creating chaos in her well-ordered life, it seems Abel Fisher, the manager of the Piggly Wiggly, is taking an interest in her. Amid all that’s happening, Jubilant is bent on returning to Huntsville to be with his daddy.
Can a menopausal woman with a need for control and a troubled pre-teen boy make peace with God and each other as they struggle with their fears and issues? Some gracious neighbors and Professor George Washington Carver may be able to help.
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This book is a fun read. It is about two characters learning how to put their trust in God and growing spiritually. It has George Washington Carver as a character also. I think any reader would enjoy this book. I am amazed that a 12 year child can change a widow’s heart. But, I know that it happens in real life as it does in fiction. This is a book that has history as part of the story. I think a mature younger child( maybe 12 & up) would also enjoyed this book.
About the Author
LaDelle & Jubilant isCathy McIlvoy’s first published work of fiction and was initially inspired by her admiration for George Washington Carver. Her interest in him and Tuskegee grew as she taught her sons about this genuine man of faith. She especially wanted her two youngest, bi-racial sons to know about this scientist with his impressive accomplishments and commendable character, who looked like them.
Cathy’s desire to learn more about Professor Carver put her on a plane from California to Alabama, where she soaked up all she could and enjoyed more than one unforgettable meal of catfish, grits, and sweet tea. Her time spent on campus at Tuskegee University, including several visits to the George Washington Carver Museum located on campus, fueled ideas for LaDelle & Jubilantand continues to be a highlight in her life. Cathy was also fortunate to receive an endorsement for her book from Dana Chandler, Archivist at Tuskegee University.
Today, Cathy and her husband make their home near one of their sons in Louisville, Kentucky where she writes, and they minister to pastors, leaders, and missionaries through Standing Stone Ministry. In addition to having four grown sons, Cathy and her husband are blessed with amazing daughters-in-law, a growing brood of grandchildren, and—though calling them a blessing is a matter of debate between her and family members—two persnickety cats.
More from Cathy
“A personal relationship with the Great Creator of all things is the only foundation for the abundant life. The farther we get away from self, the greater life will be.”
-George Washington Carver.
A Note About George and My Journey With Him
Although Professor Carver doesn’t appear in LaDelle & Jubilant until chapter nine, he’s not only an important character, but the impetus for writing the book in the first place!
The truth is, I am fascinated by George Washington Carver and want everyone to know about him. Due to his accomplishments, he was often referred to as “The Wizard of Tuskegee,” “The Peanut Man,” and, my personal favorite, “The Black Leonardo.” An agricultural chemist, professor, artist and more, George was a renaissance man in many ways. Though born into slavery and sickly as a child, God had big plans for him, and George was faithful. He viewed his work as worship to the Lord and service to his community and beyond.
After doing much research about George, the South, and the history of Tuskegee University, it felt surreal to travel to Alabama and spend time where Professor Carver had lived and worked for 47 years. For several days, I soaked up all I could—the George Washington Carver Museum, Booker T. Washington’s home, called The Oaks, the stately brick buildings on campus, and the thriving agricultural area which is still used for instruction. As a middle-aged Caucasian woman, I’m sure I stood out at this historically Black university as I ate in the student cafeteria and roamed the grounds, poking my head into buildings and snapping photos.
After engaging all my senses and imagination while exploring the place George called home for most of his life, I flew back to California with a belly full of sweet tea and my mind full of fresh insight and inspiration. Years after that trip, I finally finished LaDelle & Jubilant!
I hope you are entertained and inspired by my historical, character-driven novel. I also hope it compels you to look further into the life of George Washington Carver.
Happy reading!
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 24
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 25 (Author Interview)
The Lit Lady, January 25
Lighthouse Academy Blog, January 26 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 27
Texas Book-aholic, January 28
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 29
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 30
Books I’ve Read, January 31
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 1
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 2
Simple Harvest Reads, February 3 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, February 4
An Author’s Take, February 5
Artistic Nobody, February 6 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, February 6
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Cathy is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
What books are you currently reading?
ReplyDeleteI am currently reading Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers--for the second time! It's a long book (467 pages), but the story is so engaging, I feel like I fly through it. The first time I read it a few years ago was on Kindle. This time I'm reading the paperback. I think I retain stories better when I read them in this form.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting book. Def worth checking out further!
ReplyDelete