Wait For Me

West Virginia Mountains #1

by Jo Huddleston

Can Julie, an only child raised with privilege and groomed for high society, and Robby, a coal miner’s son, escape the binds of their socioeconomic backgrounds? Set in a coal mining community in West Virginia in the 1950s, can their love survive their cultural boundaries?

This is a tragically beautiful love story of a simple yet deep love between soul mates, Robby and Julie. The American South’s rigid caste system and her mother demand that Julie chooses to marry an ambitious young man from a prominent and suitable family. Julie counters her mother’s stringent social rules with deception and secrets in order to keep Robby in her life. Can the couple break the shackles of polite society and spend their lives together? Will Julie's mother ever accept Robby?

INCLUDES DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Genres: Historical Romance

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 22, 2015

About the author

Jo Huddleston writes sweet Southern romances set in the 1950s, where you can escape into wholesome, faith-based love stories of deep commitment, hope, and happily-ever-after endings. Readers describe Jo as a wonderful storyteller whose books are sure to inspire and entertain you. Reviewers say Jo's books should be Hallmark movies.

She likes to laugh with people, but not at people. The beach is her favorite vacation spot. She’s a spectator fan of several sports, with tennis being her favorite. She doesn’t enjoy being in the dark and is fearful of snakes!

Jo holds a BA degree with honors from Lincoln Memorial University (TN), where she is a member of their Literary Hall of Fame. She earned the MEd degree from Mississippi State University.

Please visit Jo's website at www.johuddleston.com and get a free book when you sign up for her newsletter.

Reviews

[Becky Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Historical Series to Watch...

Jo Huddleston plunges the reader back in time to the coal mining area of West Virginia in the 1950s. Wait for Me, the first book of the West Virginia Mountain series, introduces star-crossed lovers Julie and Robby. Julie's father owns the coal mine, while Robby's family is part of the coal mining workers' village. Determined to keep Julie away from Robby and among her own social group, her mother plots to send Julie off to college...early. Julie, however, has learned how to plot from the best, and has an idea or two up her own sleeve.

This story was at times sweet;surprising with its twists; heartbreaking by some unexpected life curve balls; and a little nerve-wrecking as I identified with Julie as she scrambled to cover for her lies. Underlying are the themes of honesty, young love, purity, a desire to please God, social castes, and forgiveness of self and others.I wonder what direction the author will take the series from here?

I was gratefully gifted a copy of this book by bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wait For Me (The West Virginia Mountains Series) by Jo Huddleston
This is a story about Julia and she's just graduating from high school and looking forward to going to college. Her father owns the coal mine in town and all the surrounding buildings where the workers live and buy things at the store.
Her mother stays at home treasuring her time sitting on the screened in porch. The story also follows Roberto who after school runs the store. Because of circumstances like social class they should not be seen together or socialize.
Other friends of theirs come into the picture and you realize the phrase "from the other side of the tracks' is what this is based on. Her mother pushes her into the social class she was brought up to be in. She loves her friends in town.
Things I really like about this book are that it's in WVA-beautiful part of the US, it's about coal mining and how the owner takes care of not only the workplace but the living area the workers live. Love simple times where a walk in nature is an everyday occurrence.
God and religion are present and it's not forced down your throat but gently spoken of and you realize even the younger crowd flock for weekly meetings among their generation.
Love how the people help one another in times of need especially when the siren goes off meaning something is wrong at the mine. They each want to get ahead and follow their dreams.
Like the glimpse into the second book which also is about their lives down the road and a third. Book also includes Discussion questions and other works highlighted by the author at the end.
Romance, turmoil, tragedies, growing up, love in many forms are all part of this story which has twists and turns throughout. Not a dull book and I don't normally read on the weekends but I found myself finding time to do just that. Hope to get the opportunity to read the others in the series.
I was given the book by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest review

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is another beautifully written book by one of my favorite authors. I loved Julie so much. She is a young woman who is ready to go to college. She has had a very comfortable life. She is an only child and her family is quite wealthy. Julie doesn't show off her wealth, and enjoys hanging with friends. It's funny that her mother thought she should not associate with children of coal miners. Her mother was a bit snotty . I think in the time period this was written, the wealthy thought it was beneath them to socialize with people who were not shall we say well off. I very much enjoyed reading about the coal mines. The workers risked their life everyday and many became sick later in life .

Julie's boyfriend is such a nice young man. He wants to make something of himself. I loved how much he respected Julie and believed they should not do anything until they are married. It was so refreshing to read how these two wonderful characters loved God and wouldn't allow temptation to deter them from their beliefs. One character really stood out to me. Her mother was at times judgmental and seemed to be very hard on Julie. I know her mom wanted the best for her daughter, but her bitterness was getting the best of her. There is something in the story that made me cry. I won't give it away but I will say that the author handled the subject with such grace and compassion. I can't forget go mention Julie's dad. Oh my goodness he was what I wished I had as a dad. He loved his wife and daughter unconditionally. He worked hard and treated his workers well. He did such wonderful and selfless things for others.

The story follows Julie and Robby as they tackle trying to be a couple , going to college and facing tragedy and hardships. Once again the author has written a story that penetrates the soul and leaves you with a sense of family , love and acceptance.

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network and the author. The review is my own opinion.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having grown up in a small community in Virginia in the 50s and 60s, I could easily relate to the story. We were a few hours away from the coal mines but had lots of furniture and textile plants in the area. The class system seemed to thrive as much in our area as it did in the small coal mining community where Julie and Robby lived. A big difference was that there were many more people in our area than in theirs so there was more than one wealthy family here. The story is a simple story about young love between a boy and a girl from different worlds. Julie was the daughter of the owner of the coal mine and everything else in the community. Her mother was extremely uppity and judgmental. Robby was the son of a coal miner. Possibly the most surprising part of the story is that Julie’s mother had never insisted that their daughter be sent away to a private school where she would have no contact with the children of the coal miners. But then I guess there would not be a story to tell. I enjoyed reading a book with a minimal amount of drama for a change of pace. I am not saying there was no drama but it took me back to a time when life was much calmer than what we see all around us today. Slowing down occasionally is a good thing.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wait for Me by Jo Huddleston is an easy read. It is set in the coal mining area of West Virginia in the 1950s. The story is not deep, but flows well and tells the story of trying to meld two different cultures. The story flows well and keeps you interested. It is a love story with a bit of tension being the two main characters are both on "the other side of the tracks" so to speak. And as a side interest, dementia also plays a part in the story. I enjoyed the book. I did notice a few grammatical errors. Mostly missing words. It wasn't detrimental to reading but did make me stop a couple of times to re-read what was written. I asked to receive a copy of this book so I could review it. This review is my honest opinion. Would I recommend this? Yes. Is it a Christian book? Yes, to the point they attend church and live clean lives. Is it preachy? No. Will you enjoy this? If you like love stories you will.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wait for Me by Jo Huddleston
Feb 8, 2019
I'm not sure what to say about this book.  It covered a lot of serious issues.  Dementia, suicide, lying, remaining pure till marriage, etc.  But I don't usually read in this time period.  It seemed like many things were too modern from my limited scope.  And the way they spoke, I'm not sure if it needed more editing, or the language was the way they spoke then and there.   It wasn't a bad story, but seemed to go on and on without really having much of a focus.  Definitely not the caliber I'm used to reading.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wait For Me:**** book 1 A West Virginia Mountain Series by Jo Huddleston

Claude and Lillian Capshaw have one daughter, Julia—or Julie to her friends. Claude owns several coal mines and currently live in the mining community of 1950's Charleston, West Virginia. Lillian is from a socially prominent family and insists Julia marry an ambitious young man from a suitable family. She even goes so far as to forbid Julia from associating with the miners and their families since they are not in their class. But Julie is in love with a miners son, Roberto Montagna who works in the coal town's store.

This is a sweet love story of Julie and Robby who are from very different class distinctions. They are determined to be together despite Julie's mother's objections. Thus lies, deception and secrets become the norm for Julie in order to see Robby. I loved Claude, he has such a kind heart and doesn't hold with any class distinctions. I had a hard time with Lillian and how snobbish she was. But felt bad for her as her dementia worsened. Some twists and turns and unexpected developments in the story line kept me reading to see how it would turn out. Honesty, love, forgiveness, staying pure till marriage and the struggles that entailed and strong faith are woven together in such a way to make a sweet romance.

~I received a copy of this book from TBCN and the author for my honest review~

[Robin Willson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Historical Romance set in the 1950's. This is best as a Young Adult selection. It covers issues like waiting until you're married for sex, dementia, parental disobedience, poverty of miners in a mining town, and wealth of the mine owner and his family, bettering yourself with education, as well as basic Christian values.

This is a wonderful, sweet story of a young couple who are from the same town, but different social classes. Because of her mother's views, Julie, the daughter of the mine owner, is expected to attend school but not socialize or interact with the other children. Of course this rarely works. Told in first person, the tale is about Julie and how her life unfolds within this restricted life frame, then after she goes away to college. It's also about a young man from her town whom she loves, and revelations about her father and how he feels about the miners he employs. It's written in a format for younger readers.

Thank you to Cheri and Fred at The Book Club Network, the author Jo Huddleston and the publisher Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications, for the opportunity to read this book. I was given a free E-book in exchange for an honest review, which you found here.

I would definitely suggest this book to my family or friends who have young adult children. I see it's the first in a series. I'd be interested to know how Robby and Julie do as time goes by! Great cover too.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wait for Me is a romance story between Julie, the daughter of the owner of a West Virginia coal mine, and her beau, Robbie, the son of a coal mine worker. Taking place during 1955, these two young people on the verge of graduating high school are completely in love with each other and must sneak around to be together. Julie’s mother is very prejudice against the miners and their families and decides for Julie to be sent to college right after graduation, during the summer months instead of waiting for the fall. Julie’s father reluctantly agrees. And so begins the biggest deception Julie and Robbie have ever done.
This story for the most part was sweet and focused on the romance between the two lovebirds, and gives us a peak into what life was like during the 1950’s. Even though I was bothered by all the deception, which is shown as wrong, I did like watching Julie and Robbie stick together to overcome their obstacles. There were a few dark issues addressed that frankly surprised me and I do wish the relationship between Julie and her mother could have been better. However, Julie and her father grow closer together through the trials, which was a joy to watch unfold. Also this book really had a lovely cover that caught my eye. I did receive a copy of this book for an honest review from The Book Club Network, Inc. and the opinions are my own.

[Rachel Dodson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robby and Julie love each other, but Julie's mother does not think that Robby is good enough for her. Will their love be enough? Can they show her parents that they are truly meant to be?
I really wanted this book to be a favorite of mine. I enjoyed the setting and the plot but there was something about it that I just didn't connect with. I sometimes got confused during the story because it would jump around in a weird way.and I felt as if I sometimes needed more information to follow the story properly. As I said before I loved the setting in a coal mining town in Virginia. I really enjoy rural and southern or country settings and this book was no different. I also enjoy the 1950's time period. The characters were believable and felt very really in my mind. I identified well with Julie. A girl trying to please her parents and also be happy. I think for me this book was almost an awesome book but it just didn't hit home with me.
I hope to read other things by Jo and give her works another try.
I received this book from the publisher through the Book Club Network in exchange for my opinion. A positive review was not required.

[Donna McGinnis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two young people very much in love with each other whose relationship is in danger of ending because they are from two different society's. Julie is being groomed for high society and a marriage to someone of wealth and the same social standing in the community. Her father owns a West Virginia coal mining company. Robby's father is a worker in the coal mine. Julie's mother has a strong prejudice against the men who work in the mines and their families. Her mother wanting to separate Julie and Robby wants to send Julie to college right after graduation. How can they make a life together and get her parents to accept Robby? Will true love win in the end?
The setting is in Charleston, West Virginia in 1955. Jo Huddleston's storytelling draws you into the story with characters that come to life right before your eyes. A story of love, deception, obstacles, wanting to please God, honesty and forgiveness. An amazing love story and a very enjoyable read. Look forward to reading book 2.

I received a free copy of this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.

[Billie Conrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wait for Me by Jo Huddleston takes place in West Virginia in 1955. During the course of the book, the main characters, Julie and Robbie, finish their senior year in high school and start college. Julie’s father owns the coal mine where Robbie’s father works. There is a good look at the class distinction that took place between mine owners and workers in that time. The story is a good romance between the two, if a bit predictable. Julie and her father face dealing with Julie’s mother’s illness. Julie and Robbie face some important decisions. The characters are Christians; this is a book that you can give to your daughter or granddaughter with confidence as to the quality of the story and the romance. I received a copy of the book from the author by way of The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for an honest review.

[Toni Mcintire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads.com. While a historical fiction, many of the issues brought up are still prevalent today. Mother's disapproval of Julie associating with the workers of the mine her father owns. Mother's desire for Julie to find a boyfriend and marry within the social station her mother feels they live in. But Julie loves Robby, a coal miner's son. When she is sent away early to West Virginia University Robby hides in the car and goes with her. The story line speaks of the trials of staying pure until marriage, suicide, early dementia and social casting. It speaks of trusting in the Lord to know your future and praying to lean unto His understanding. Beautifully written. I look forward to readying more of Jo Huddleston's books.

[Stella Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wait For Me is a story of two young people whom society says cannot be together. However that does not stop Julie and Robbie from sneaking around mainly due to her mother's attitude about the Mine Owner's daughter socializing with the son of a Miner. Set in 1955 the class distinctions were firmly in place at that time. The lies started in high school and remained into the college years to keep their relationship a secret. I appreciated two young people who are determined to keep themselves pure and please God in their relationship. The story also deals with Alzheimers Dementia and Suicide. This is a book that will touch your heart in many ways as Julie and Robbie struggle with jealousy and the effort to have a life together.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author, but I definitely look forward to reading more by her. This was a wonderful and heartwarming story about Julie, the daughter of the owner of a coal mine, and Roberto, the son of a coal miner, finding their way to crossing the social barriers between their classes and finding their happily ever after. The author also does an outstanding job of capturing the spirit of a coal mining town during the 1950's. I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review, and I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good historical Christian romance.

[Dianne Sidebottom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is in "Forget Me Not Romance" volume 1. I hadn't read any of her books.

The story involves two teenagers who believe they love each other Julie n Robby. (Julia's mother has high social expectations on Julia but as the story unravels she is dealing with a complex issue that affects all). Claude, Julie's father has a lot of stress on himself being an owner of coalmines, employing the men n their families in the community, his wife's issue n separation of his daughter who goes off to college. Julie's first dorm room mate was a dark character n her response is extreme. On the whole a clean story that paged turned with life circumstances that can be hard to tackle. sweet read.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I read Wait For Me. I felt like I had stepped back into 1955 and this book would made a great movie. Julie and Robby, had a hard time just to get to see one another because of Julie ' s mother dislike of the coal mine workers. Julie's family was rich because her dad own the mines. Robbys was poor because his family worked the coal mines. So many obstacles to face for this young couple. Jo Huddleston did a wonderful job writing Wait For Me, I will be reading her other books also.

[Diana Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review
Wait for Me
By Jo Huddleston

I loved this story by Jo Huddleston. This is book 1 in the The West Virginia Mountains series. Julia falls in love with a coal miners son. He also falls in love with her. One big problem they are from 2 different society's. Julia being from a high society it is not permitted. They have such a deep love for one another how can they make this work? How can they get her parents to see he is a wonderful guy? Looking forward to book 2. If you haven't read anything by Jo Huddleston pick this up. This story spoke right to my heart.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, I was not sure how I would like Wait For Me. My, I was surprised at how much I really enjoyed it. I thought the story Jo Huddleston weaved was great. I just loved the love birds, Robby and Julie. I can not wait for book 2 of the West Virginia Mountains series to release.
I d not keep many books and this one is a keeper.
Great, clean book.
5 plus stars.
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review, which was given.

[Patricia Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wait for Me is a sweet story set in a simpler time--one I would love to go back to. Jo Huddleston is a great story teller, and I sat down with the book, intending to read a chapter or two. Two hours later I was three-quarters of the way through the story. Truly enjoyed it, and it's a book I would share with anyone.

[Galinda Barefoot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story of a two teenagers falling in love in West Virginia during the 50’s and the struggles they have to go through. They are from different backgrounds her father owns the coal mine where his father works.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.

[Beverly Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good Christian Romance

I really enjoyed the novel; I originally downloaded because I live in West Virginia and was curious about the story line. It was a very well written and you felt involved with and could identify with Julie's good heart Would recommend. Just downloaded Book #2 in the serie

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful romance. What a neat story of overcoming social barriers What a neat story about Christian love and helping others What a thoroughly neat story Read it you will appreciate it. God bless you

[Lori Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wait For Me is book one in the West Virginia Mountain series. I found it an entertaining, easy read. I found the love and honesty refreshing. I look forward to the next in the series.
I received the book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Cammie Klaskin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julie and Robbie overcome all the obstacles to be together in this lovely Christian romance. This is a wonderful story from beginning to end. I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.