The Secrets of Windy Hill – Becoming Jesse, Book II

By Patsie McCandless

Secrets of Windy Hill standing book cover

Find The Secrets of Windy Hill at the following retailers:

Award Winning

2022 Wishing Shelf Finalist Award

Wishing Shelf Finalist Award (UK)

As judged by 9-12 yr old students in 12 schools around London

The Secrets of Windy Hill

~ Sequel to the multi-award-winning Becoming Jesse ~

Wonders.. glittering. Secrets… awakening.

Today is the day. Jesse O’Neil is embarking on his quest to find his disappeared grandmother, Jessica, on a remote island in New England. He has solved every puzzle, uncovered every secret, saved every penny, and planned every detail. He is ready to go, sure that nothing can go wrong.

But, oh, how very mistaken he is. First, Jesse has to get out of jail.

Join Jesse on his tantalizing journey from bustling New York City to the wonders of rural island life, leading him straight into a nest of bedeviling secrets on Windy Hill Farm.

As he encounters heart-rattling escapades, unexpected mysteries, and menacing perils, he tries to hold fast to his everyday magic – shining out from a heart that is still becoming, learning to trust, to love and lose … and love all over again.

Featuring classic illustrations and words that beg to be read aloud.

2022 Wishing Shelf Finalist Award

~ Wishing Shelf Finalist Award (UK) ~

As judged by 9-12 yr old students in 12 schools around London

What the Kids Say

“I liked that there was lots of suspense in the story. I also thought Jesse was brave and a good hero for the story.”
~ Boy, age 10

“This is a thrilling adventure story about Jesse who’s trying to find his grandmother. I liked Windy Hill Farm the best. I think the author is a good writer.”
~ Girl, age 11

“This is an exciting adventure story with interesting characters and a clever plot. I liked it.”
~ Boy, age 12

“Starts out exciting as Jesse is taken off in handcuffs. I liked this book. The plot was good with lots of twists to it. The best character is Jesse who’s sort of determined and often brave.”
~ Girl, age 12

Praise for The Secrets of Windy Hill

“Jesse’s action-packed, mystery-infused magic pulls on the heart and mind, as his adventures come to life in this winning tale of love and learning and light.”
~ MidWest Book Review

“Inventive. Intriguing. Lively and lyrical. With fun, loving characters and plenty of action.”
~ Benjamin Franklin Book Review, IBPA

“A thrilling adventure for 9 – 12 year old’s. A FINALIST and highly recommended!”
~ The Wishelf Book Review

Jesse crabwalking backwards
Jesse with a bag
Illustration of Jesse in handcuffs

Artwork by:
Patsie McCandless

Cover:
PaperSolo no paint – no pen – no ink
only layers of exquisite paper

Illustrations:
pencil / pen & ink
PaperSolo.com

Testimonials

“I wish there were infinite pages of Jesse.”

K.R., 9-year-old boy

“I adore this book and the world created within! It is as rich and complex as it is heartwarming and delightful.”

Lauren Helmer, Writer, Editor, Artist

“Jesse kept me on the edge of my seat! His adventures are irresistible. Most of all, Jesse still shines so much light on the world and wonders that are all around us.”

Gay Wasik-Zegel, Elementary School Librarian and Author of Stop Means Stop!

“May the good winds blow this book into the hands of thousands of children!”

Patricia Cook, Elementary School Teacher
“Readers young and old are sure to enjoy the fanciful humor and excitement that follow Jesse on his quest to find his grandmother. Priceless characters, clever wordplay, charming illustrations, and a story line so well-written it is a gift to read. An uplifting, highly entertaining book.”
Janet Auinger, ESL teacher, Berlitz School of Languages, Vienna, Austria

“’One moment of magic can transform your world.’ This quote from The Secrets of Windy Hill says it all. This can’t-put-it-down book is a perfect sequel to Becoming Jesse, filled with fun, suspense, and adventure. Even better, read it aloud!”

Saverio Rebecchi, Author, Inventor, Entrepreneur

“A pitch-perfect story full of thrills and laughter and adventure. Brilliant! Or, as Jesse would say: Brillish! Yes, this is more Jesse magic.”

Paulette P. Smith, Mother and Grandmother

“It’s excellent how we jump right back into action with Jesse. The story is so readable and immersive. I love the new characters, especially the animal look-alikes. It’s a breath of fresh air to be back in this world, seeking adventure and holding on to all the Light and love of this story.”

Adela Bateman, Parent and Passionate Reader

“I just loved the book. The story. The descriptions, the banter, the vocabulary. All are wonderful. I need more of Jesse. He is such an inspiration to adults and children alike. (Jesse and The Little Prince should meet!)”

Mary S. Wright, Community Theater Founder and Director

“What a whimsical, entertaining, joyful story of Jesse, on a determined search to find his Grandma Jessica. It is enLIGHTening to witness the love and support given to Jesse, especially from his Uncle Conor, and the inspirational guidance from his deceased Nana, Dearie, from ‘upstairs.’ The adventures prove to be a page turner! Once again, a book to be read by oneself, or read to any age.”

Patsy Gallagher Snyder, Early Childhood Educator

“I couldn’t wait to continue the journey with Jesse. The magic of childhood sparkles in Jesse, and his words — confuzzled, Diggity-boo, snollygoster — dance across the pages, leaving vivid pictures. Jesse approaches Elizabethtown with lots of adventures and Light Lessons — and that Light shining through is so much needed in our world today.”

Kathy Dickenson, Book Lover