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.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

LaDelle & Jubilant is Cathy 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 & Jubilant and 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!

Interview with Cathy

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I grew up in Redondo Beach, a coastal town in Southern California outside Los Angeles and not far from Hollywood. I watched way too much television and shows like I Love Lucy, That Girl, and every variety show—especially Carol Burnett’s–enthralled me. I couldn’t imagine anything better than performing and making people laugh! In high school, all seniors had to take an assessment test to help us determine what career would be a good fit. My results: entertainer and forest ranger (forest rangers gave fireside talks to campers)! Nevertheless, I also had a bent for writing, so though I never made it on television (God’s grace, I’m sure), I continued my writing endeavors into adulthood.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I looked forward to writing assignments and did well with essay questions in high school and college. I loved expressing myself on paper and enjoyed doing research. Then, around age 30, I started writing stories and articles. In one year, I won a writing contest, had a magazine article, and a story in a Chicken Soup book published. These things encouraged me to keep going. Even during challenging or discouraging seasons, when I thought about giving up writing for publication for good, I couldn’t stay away for long. I did take a break for several years and worked as a writer for some non-profits. During that time, my focus was not on getting published, and it was a nice season. I needed a break from receiving rejections! Still, I knew, and continue to know, I’m meant to write.

What do you think makes a good story?

I like different kinds of stories, but I’m most drawn to those that are more character-driven than plot-driven. For me, a good story lets me get to know the characters and see them grow/evolve. The characters may be very different from me, but I want to relate to them on some level and root for them. I also want to be inspired somehow. Wendell Berry does this well in his books. I especially love Hannah Coulter and Jayber Crow.  When a story is also in the historical fiction genre, all the better! A good historical fiction story entertains, inspires, and educates—a nice trifecta!

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book?

I was surprised at how much I needed to learn as a writer! My editor opened my eyes to some of my weak spots, including my handling of Point of View. Understanding and writing within the confines of POV with each character was probably the biggest lesson I needed to learn. Working with my editor was humbling but oh-so-helpful! (What I learned is already helping me as I write my current manuscript.) Once LaDelle & Jubilant was written, edited, and before it was even published, I had a new learning opportunity to accept and engage with—marketing! It is a time-consuming but essential piece of being an author.

What project are you working on now, and how do we find your books?

I am currently writing another historical fiction novel. This one is very personal to me. It begins in Worms (pronounced varmz), Germany, in the 1890s where my grandfather’s birth mother was born and raised. After she found out she was pregnant, she traveled to New York by ship (in steerage) and gave birth to my grandfather while at sea. My book chronicles her journey as she suffered as an unwed pregnant woman, gave up her baby for adoption, and lived life as a German immigrant in New York and New Jersey. It’s a redemptive story.

My debut novel, LaDelle & Jubilant, set in Tuskegee, Alabama, in the 30s and featuring George Washington Carver, can be found on Amazon, Barnesandnoble.com, Target.com, and a few independent bookstores in the Louisville area.

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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/299bd/ladelle