The day before July 4, 1976, as a nation observes its bicentennial, one family’s preparations spark quiet reckonings—of loyalty, longing, and the cost of independence.
About Bicentennial Eve
Bicentennial Eve: A Wisconsin Novella is a gentle, slice-of-life tale of a family on the eve of the USA’s 200th birthday. As the cast of characters go about their day, each of them struggles with their own passing of time. From Grandma Kitty’s quest for some adventure to young Skylar’s search for a taste of first love, each family member is looking for a little independence of their own against the backdrop of a changing country.
Author Julie A. Jacob’s created a believable world in the fictional Wisconsin Lakeshore community of Middleport. Her writing is impeccable, drawing the reader into the story with great attention to the cultural details of the times. Bicentennial Eve is more than a nice story; it is a testament to the lasting values that make up family and a look into the rural communities that make up Midwestern America.
Those who appreciate the charm of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town will love the character of the small-town view of America in 1976. Julie A. Jacob has found something special that endures through the decades.
Published by Fresh Water Press, 2026.
Praise for Bicentennial Eve
“The stunning story rolls back the decades to 1976 and makes you feel connected to the characters even after you put the book down. Time periods, styles, and fashions may change, but family and community are constant.”—Amy Meyer, Manitowoc County Historical Society Executive Director
“This poignant story of a family’s day in 1976 and beyond will touch readers.”—Lisa Lickel, Creative Wisconsin magazine editor and author of the Forces of Nature series
“Bicentennial Eve delivers a heartwarming slice of life in a small town on the shore of Lake Michigan.”—Mary Behan, author of the award-winning novels A Measured Thread and Finding Isobel
“. . . an evocative, unforgettable portrait of a family on the brink of change. Perfect for fans of rich family dramas and coming-of-age tales.”—Marie Zhuikov, author of The Path of Totality
Julie A. Jacob, Writer 