What do you think?
Rate this book
American Anthem #3
Jubilee
At his beautiful mansion in the Hudson River Valley, the blind and brilliant musician Michael Emmanuel confronts a temptation he'd thought long vanquished. Meanwhile, in the teeming city streets of New York City, a deadly enemy from the past threatens physician Andrew Carmichael-an unlikely nemesis cloaked in a clergyman's robes. And the dauntless Vangie MacGovern meets a new calamity head-on as she struggles to save both her unborn child and her defiant eldest son. Join beloved storyteller B. J. Hoff for the startling and invigorating resolution to the New York City stories of The American Anthem series.
280 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
101 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Hoff
51 books146 followersBJ Hoff’s writing is known for her historical settings, her unforgettable characters, and her lyrical prose. She is the bestselling author of numerous historical fiction series, including the Riverhaven Years, the Mountain Song Legacy, the Song of Erin saga, the American Anthem series, An Emerald Ballad series, and her newest book Harp on the Willow.
Her five-volume Emerald Ballad series was the first major work of fiction to bring the Irish immigration experience to the CBA marketplace, and the work that first brought BJ an international reading audience.
Her readers know they can expect to meet some memorable people in her novels and also know that many of those people will be immigrants; Irish immigrants particularly but not exclusively.
BJ admits to a passion for building worlds. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements, secluded mansions, or coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life.
She’s intent on making her historical novels relevant to the present by developing characters and settings that, while staying true to the history and culture of their times, reflect many of the spiritual trials and social problems faced by contemporary readers. Her novels are meant to be stories that build a bridge from the past to the present.
Her literary awards include the Christianity Today’s Critics Choice Book Award for fiction; a Gold Medallion Award finalist; and a number of Excellence in Media Silver Angel awards. Her books have been translated into many foreign languages, and she frequently hears from her international readers in countries such as Ireland, England, Norway, and Germany.
A former church music director and music teacher, BJ writes from her home in a small town in east central Ohio. She and her husband share a love of music, books, and time spent with their family: two daughters and three lively young grandsons.
Her five-volume Emerald Ballad series was the first major work of fiction to bring the Irish immigration experience to the CBA marketplace, and the work that first brought BJ an international reading audience.
Her readers know they can expect to meet some memorable people in her novels and also know that many of those people will be immigrants; Irish immigrants particularly but not exclusively.
BJ admits to a passion for building worlds. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements, secluded mansions, or coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life.
She’s intent on making her historical novels relevant to the present by developing characters and settings that, while staying true to the history and culture of their times, reflect many of the spiritual trials and social problems faced by contemporary readers. Her novels are meant to be stories that build a bridge from the past to the present.
Her literary awards include the Christianity Today’s Critics Choice Book Award for fiction; a Gold Medallion Award finalist; and a number of Excellence in Media Silver Angel awards. Her books have been translated into many foreign languages, and she frequently hears from her international readers in countries such as Ireland, England, Norway, and Germany.
A former church music director and music teacher, BJ writes from her home in a small town in east central Ohio. She and her husband share a love of music, books, and time spent with their family: two daughters and three lively young grandsons.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 2, 2016
A great ending to the series; I really enjoyed this one!
October 27, 2020
A months-long span of trials and joys for Irish, Italian, and Scottish immigrants in late nineteenth-century New York culminates in a multifaceted composition involving and exceeding the musical in Jubilee by author BJ Hoff.
It's ironic that the third and final book in this ChristFic saga, with such a celebratory title, is perhaps the roughest read of the series. The people in this familial, medical, romantic, music-driven trilogy go through a lot, and how much of it comes to a head in this novel is rather heartbreaking at times. Maybe even depressing.
But none of the novels in this series are too long, which makes it easier to get through the darkest parts, since they don't last forever. While it wasn't my first time reading this book, I'd forgotten some parts, which led to some touching re-surprises for me, and other aspects that I remembered (and will never forget) had me in tears as I read them again. A particular friendship in this book is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen in fiction.
I can't put in a review all the reasons why, despite some flaws its got, the magnificent American Anthem series is one of my all-time favorites. But to describe the personal experience I've had each/every time I've read these novels, I'll borrow a phrase from this closing book: God happened.
It's ironic that the third and final book in this ChristFic saga, with such a celebratory title, is perhaps the roughest read of the series. The people in this familial, medical, romantic, music-driven trilogy go through a lot, and how much of it comes to a head in this novel is rather heartbreaking at times. Maybe even depressing.
But none of the novels in this series are too long, which makes it easier to get through the darkest parts, since they don't last forever. While it wasn't my first time reading this book, I'd forgotten some parts, which led to some touching re-surprises for me, and other aspects that I remembered (and will never forget) had me in tears as I read them again. A particular friendship in this book is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen in fiction.
I can't put in a review all the reasons why, despite some flaws its got, the magnificent American Anthem series is one of my all-time favorites. But to describe the personal experience I've had each/every time I've read these novels, I'll borrow a phrase from this closing book: God happened.
August 19, 2018
[2.5 out of 5 stars]
Is it necessary for EVERY character of marriageable age to fall in love?! If all Christian romance fiction is like this I'm not interested in reading more.
Ms. Hoff's love of music is very evident from beginning to end. That's the one part I loved. Hmm...Maybe I need to read a book focused more directly on music soon. I'd almost certainly enjoy it.
A sweet read but it failed to hold my attention. I'm actually relieved that it's the last in the series!
Is it necessary for EVERY character of marriageable age to fall in love?! If all Christian romance fiction is like this I'm not interested in reading more.
Ms. Hoff's love of music is very evident from beginning to end. That's the one part I loved. Hmm...Maybe I need to read a book focused more directly on music soon. I'd almost certainly enjoy it.
A sweet read but it failed to hold my attention. I'm actually relieved that it's the last in the series!
April 30, 2022
Jubiliee: American anthem 3 Hoff, B J 3 Hist.F 3) Maestro forms family from former sister in law & daughter, dr. with reputation to loose chooses honesty in face of black mail, hardened police officer finds love with abused woman with 2 children -little black & white 9/29/2016 9/26/2016
May 18, 2022
Excellent. Great series.
March 21, 2023
One of the best series I have read recently! Must read all 3!
March 23, 2012
The third and final installment of the American Anthem series takes the reader on a journey of love, anguish, suspense, intrigue, grace, hope, and redemption. Life in New York in the 1870's holds fullness of life for the characters in Jubilee.
Michael Emmanuel looks forward to starting a new life with a new bride, yet seems to fail at every turn in winning the respect and admiration of his father, who had held such high regard for his former career in opera. Having turned his back on such a life, Michael is content in his work as a composer, but he struggles to complete a musical composition that is most dear to his heart. Will he overcome the feelings of inferiority his father is placing on him, heal the breach growing between them, and finish the anthem in time for it's public debut?
Dr. Carmichael has managed to forge out a respectable practice, and his clientele is growing. But will it survive the scandal that is venomously unleashed by a foe who will stop at nothing but complete destruction? And what part does a recovering opium addict have to play in the doctor's redemption, and ultimately her own?
The MacGovern family has been blessed upon their arrival in the New World, amidst a backdrop of sorrow and loss. A new menace threatens to undermine the happiness they have found, and bring it all to naught. And young Renny, who came in the place of their son, harbours a grief that seeks to overwhelm her hope of new life, new love, new family. What will it take to restore the joy this family seems to have lost in a moment of time?
Amidst all the heartbreak and uncertainty, a song of joy, a song of hope, a song of love is forming, and it's utterance upon the instruments that bear its power will bring healing to those who have come through a time of great trouble, to a time of great reward.
Michael Emmanuel looks forward to starting a new life with a new bride, yet seems to fail at every turn in winning the respect and admiration of his father, who had held such high regard for his former career in opera. Having turned his back on such a life, Michael is content in his work as a composer, but he struggles to complete a musical composition that is most dear to his heart. Will he overcome the feelings of inferiority his father is placing on him, heal the breach growing between them, and finish the anthem in time for it's public debut?
Dr. Carmichael has managed to forge out a respectable practice, and his clientele is growing. But will it survive the scandal that is venomously unleashed by a foe who will stop at nothing but complete destruction? And what part does a recovering opium addict have to play in the doctor's redemption, and ultimately her own?
The MacGovern family has been blessed upon their arrival in the New World, amidst a backdrop of sorrow and loss. A new menace threatens to undermine the happiness they have found, and bring it all to naught. And young Renny, who came in the place of their son, harbours a grief that seeks to overwhelm her hope of new life, new love, new family. What will it take to restore the joy this family seems to have lost in a moment of time?
Amidst all the heartbreak and uncertainty, a song of joy, a song of hope, a song of love is forming, and it's utterance upon the instruments that bear its power will bring healing to those who have come through a time of great trouble, to a time of great reward.
January 20, 2009
The third and final installment of the American Anthem series by B.J. Hoff.
Dr. Andrew Carmichael, engaged to Dr. Bethany Cole, finds his practice and clientele threatened. Only desiring to help an unfortunate woman, and make the man responsible for her situation accountable, he finds his reputation tarnished by a scandal he never imagined.
Conn and Vangie MacGovern have made a new life working for Michael at Bantry Hill. Their estranged son Aidan, who was on his way to reunite with his family, dies enroute to America. Vangie who, along with their infant son, nearly dies in childbirth, must find the strength to go on without her beloved first-born. Will Conn accept that Nell Grace, his eldest daughter, is an adult and capable of choosing her own love, and will he accept Paul, Michael's cousin, as the man of her choice?
Susannah and Michael, engaged to be married, must not let Michael's father divide them. Michael, under pressure to complete his American Anthem, must also convince his father that his choice to write music, over performing opera, is the right one for him.
My one regret with this story is that while the ending is appropriate and loose ends are tied up, Susannah and Michael's wedding was not included. I also think that they should have been able to continue their conversation about children, and for Michael to understand why Susannah was fearful of childbirth.
A compelling conclusion to a terrific trilogy. I was sad to see this series come to an end.
Dr. Andrew Carmichael, engaged to Dr. Bethany Cole, finds his practice and clientele threatened. Only desiring to help an unfortunate woman, and make the man responsible for her situation accountable, he finds his reputation tarnished by a scandal he never imagined.
Conn and Vangie MacGovern have made a new life working for Michael at Bantry Hill. Their estranged son Aidan, who was on his way to reunite with his family, dies enroute to America. Vangie who, along with their infant son, nearly dies in childbirth, must find the strength to go on without her beloved first-born. Will Conn accept that Nell Grace, his eldest daughter, is an adult and capable of choosing her own love, and will he accept Paul, Michael's cousin, as the man of her choice?
Susannah and Michael, engaged to be married, must not let Michael's father divide them. Michael, under pressure to complete his American Anthem, must also convince his father that his choice to write music, over performing opera, is the right one for him.
My one regret with this story is that while the ending is appropriate and loose ends are tied up, Susannah and Michael's wedding was not included. I also think that they should have been able to continue their conversation about children, and for Michael to understand why Susannah was fearful of childbirth.
A compelling conclusion to a terrific trilogy. I was sad to see this series come to an end.
September 2, 2009
Although there were some loose ends left untied with this book, I considered this a worthy ending to an enthralling series. I really enjoyed the story that B.J. Hoff painted in my imagination. I also like her style and I hope to read more of her books in the future.
September 21, 2008
Uplifting trilogy.
November 1, 2008
Last in the American Anthem series - another excellent read!
April 30, 2017
I love how God really does work everything out for good. Yes, we have fears and struggles, but the more we give them to the Lord, the more He can help us and set us free, and make us more like Himself. A great ending to another great series!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews