The Great Chicago Fire was far from the beginning of Meg and Sylvie Townsend’s problems. Could loosing everything be the key to rebuilding their lives? The night of the fire is nothing but a terrifying black space in Stephen Townsend’s mind. Could he have committed the crime he’s been convicted of?

Opening the pages of a new Jocelyn Green book is always an exciting experience. I know I’m going to get some beautiful writing, strong characters that I want to connect with and a story that pulls at my heartstrings. Set around the Chicago fire of 1872, Veiled in Smoke had all that and so much more. Stephen Townsend’s arc was a highlight of the book for me. His struggle with PTSD and the horrors he faced during the Civil War were gutting, as was reading about the treatment of those with psychological needs during that time.

Green’s research really shined in this novel. I knew a little about the fire and had heard the bit about it being blamed on poor Mrs. O’Leary and her cow, but I hadn’t really considered what life was like after the immediate danger was over. The resilience of not just the Townsends but the entire city of Chicago is really astounding. This is a must read and I cannot recommend it enough! It’s also the start of a new series so we’ll get the opportunity to revisit the soon.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Jocelyn Green's debut book in her new series captured my attention right from the beginning. Filled, as always, with her attention to historical detail, complex characters, and plot driven suspense, I can't wait for the rest of the books in this series.

With a wonderful focus on a long standing side effect of war, PTSD, that can be traced as far back as war in Biblical times, we get a startling glimpse into the treatment of the men who fought in the Civil War as well as those who were placed in prisoner of war camps that left long lasting scars both physically and mentally. So many were misunderstood by both their families and the medical community and were labeled insane and did not receive the kind of help they really needed.

We see how the problem of PTSD affected both Meg and Sylvie when their dad arrives home and is no longer the man they remembered. Then add the horrors of the Chicago fire that devastated most of the city, and it was a catalyst for injuries, nightmares, and crime. The suspense was great throughout
this book accelerating to a surprising climax. After losing everything including their father, their health, and their home, the Chicago fire becomes the key for Sylvie and Meg to rebuild their lives.

4.5 Stars

The historical fiction books that have the greatest impact on me are those that put me in a particular event or time period and bring it to life. In Veiled in Smoke, Jacelyn Green not only brings the horror and destruction of the Great Chicago Fire to readers’ attention, she also gives us a look into the speedy rebuilding of the city and lives through the eyes of the Townsend family.

Meg, Sylvie, and Jonathan have a comfortable existence with their bookstore, even with the difficulties the two sisters have with caring for their father. But when they lose everything (even more than belongings), each of them responds in different ways.

Throughout the book, Green deftly paints the efforts of the city and the people to come back from devastation while shadowing it with a mystery. The author also patiently and honestly describes Jonathan’s PTSD from the Civil War, and his daughters’ frustration and helplessness in knowing what to do for him.

There’s some romance in there as well, but Veiled in Smoke is about family, the way they interact, and the sacrifices they make for each other


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The most important thing about history is that we learn from the past and how that past connects to today's events so that we can avoid the same mistakes and repeat our successes. "Veiled in Smoke," by Jocelyn Green tells the story of Meg and Sylvie Townsend who are dealing with tragedy (an ever-present concern) while simultaneously working to solve a murder mystery and clear their father Stephen who suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of the Civil War and his time as a POW. Though the story is historical fiction, its application is timeless and real for so many today.



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

I need to start by discussing this stunning cover! It’s so striking and captivating and I absolutely love it! The buildings, the smoke, the back of the dress, it’s just all so perfect!

Jocelyn Green’s superb writing skills once again shone through and she crafted a vivid story that transported you back in time. And overall this was a beautifully written story. But I will admit that the first three-quarters were a little slow going for me and I found it easy to get distracted. Now again, this is in no way a knock on the writing at all, it was more a matter of taste and me liking things to move a little faster. I also really really wanted more from the romance-most of the moments that could have been considered romantic we were only told about in hindsight. The last quarter though was a lot more fast paced and I was really intrigued by the twists she threw in!

As for the characters, some were likable, like the hero, Nate, and some were a little harder for me to get behind. Stephen, the father, was the hardest for me. The mental issues he had as a result of his time in the war, while heartbreaking, were really hard to read, especially when we got his point of view as well.

Overall this was a beautifully written historical! And I loved getting to know more about the Chicago Fire and what life was like afterward for those who lived through it.

I could not help but to squeal with delight when I found out Jocelyn Green had a new series, The Windy City Saga, coming out. Veiled in Smoke does not disappoint. I loved every single page of this book. It is probably one of my favorites I have read by her to date. She obviously did extensive research to write this book. The historical details were so vivid, I felt like I was right there with the characters living in the moment of the events surrounding the story.
I am giving Veiled in Smoke a very well deserved five plus stars. I can not wait for the second installment from The Windy City Saga to release.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

If there was ever a book that I wanted to hold close to my chest, this would be the one. From the very beginning, I was hooked. My heart went out to the Townsend family, the main characters of this story, and I found myself wanting to know more about them. Jocelyn Green knows how to grab her readers and pull at their heartstrings. The struggles the Townsends face are all too real.

Veiled in Smoke follows this family of three - father Stephen, and daughters Meg and Sylvie - right before, during, and after the Great Fire of Chicago. Ever since returning from a POW camp called Andersonville during the Civil War, Stephen’s mind has not been all together sound. He is constantly held up in the past, protecting his home from dangers unseen, from “Johnny Rebs” no longer in the picture.

"Stephen was pacing the flat, block-long roof, patrolling to keep his property safe from dangers only he imagined."

Because of this condition, later known as Soldiers Heart, and the rough replica of Andersonville Stephen creates in his backyard, he is seen by his neighbors and passersby as a complete nut job. It is this position that lands him in the asylum for allegedly shooting his friend Hiram in cold blood during the night of the fire.
The story was believable, as if a true retelling, and at times I wanted to yell at the men running the asylum, reach in and help Meg and Nate (a reporter for the Chicago Tribune) find the truth about what happened that night and get Stephen back. I wanted to know if my hunches were right about certain people in the story, though at times I wanted to be wrong. I was in this story for the long haul, and I happily indulged.

As great historical fiction novels do, this story left me wanting to know even more about the fire that is still widely known to this day. Jocelyn Green brought it to a place I never knew, and I loved learning through the eyes of her characters, through her beautiful use of prose.

As a Christian, I appreciated the way the author brought God into the story. He was real, relied on, and conversed with. And at times, questioned. How these characters interacted with Him became mini-lesson in and of themselves.

"What a mercy that God was not limited by that which limited her. What grace that His power and presence remained, regardless of whether she felt close to them. She must trust Him for what she could not see. Wasn’t that the essence of faith?"

This story is well worth the read, especially if you love learning about history, seeing it play out before you, and growing deeper in your own faith in the process.

I love books filled with history like this one.

I loved the author's writing style of each character telling the story. It helped in enjoying the book.

Meg, Stephen, Sylvia, though family were very different people. Each was dealing with their own issues. Stephen's was deeper than others, after the war and imprisonment, he returned home a battered man. I admired his daughters patience and sacrifice for him. The lenghts they were willing to go for family was very heart warming.

My heart went out for Hiram, but his sweet nature was endearing.
The Chicago wide fire brought a whole new kind of calamity on the Townsend family but the bond of family was not easily destroyed especially when they had Nate the reporter on their side.


If you are a lover of history and heartwarming, tear-jerking stories with profound faith based themes, you'd love this one.

God is present, ever present even in our pain and distress.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

Veiled in Smoke, by Jocelyn Green, is the first book in The Windy City Saga. Set in Chicago immediately before and after the Great Fire of 1871, this well-written novel is thoughtful and honest as it boldly and effectively explores very difficult topics such as loss, trauma, and anxiety. Yet, through the despair, it leans into a hope that is raw and authentic. It is a tender story of the power of faith and the value of friends and family. It is a thoroughly captivating, emotionally-stirring, and truly thought-provoking novel.

Page after page, I could not turn away. I found this book and the perspectives contained within it to be incredibly compelling. Ms. Green has skillfully crafted authentic characters who are vulnerable, flawed, and achingly realistic. More than once, this novel broke my heart as I grieved for those who actually lived this story beyond the world of the printed page. As shown throughout history, and as illuminated in this story, the human capacity for survival and perseverance against great odds is nearly immeasurable. This book also reflects upon the truth that where there is great loss there will also be the possibility of significant renewal, restoration, and redemption.

Veiled in Smoke is truly an outstanding novel from beginning to end. Ms. Green's talent for immersive storytelling is undeniable. Her writing is well-researched, descriptive, and very engrossing. Within every paragraph and page there is deep meaning, real truth, and thoughtful purpose. This story is utterly moving and wholly unforgettable. I recommend it wholeheartedly.  

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

Heartbreaking and heartwarming – this is such a beautiful story!

I loved the way the author tied the Great Fire of Chicago together with the struggles of the soldiers returning from Civil War suffering from what had been known as "soldier's heart"; or as we call it today, PSTD.

Stephen, Meg and Sylvie's father, was probably my favorite character. Broken by the war and his time in the prison camp, he returned a mere shell of himself. Despite the moments where he lost touch with reality, he had a heart that yearned for the Lord and was filled with compassion for those in need. He was, in fact, obsessed with hunger. Seeing the inside of the horrible asylum through his eyes was so. . . real.

Historically factual details from the fire and the reconstruction of the city fill this fictional account. And unless you were already familiar with this period, you might find yourself, as I did, quite surprised by some of the challenges faced by those attempting to rebuild their city and their lives.

Some very colorful characters appear along with the main ones, such as the young entrepreneur who began selling relics from the fire. The types of objects he found were amazing!

There was a mystery surrounding one of the characters. I went back and forth, certain at one point I knew he was bad and what his secret was. Then, I was ashamed of myself for doubting him. But then. . . Again I questioned him and continued to vacillate until the truth was finally revealed!

The Townsend family knew the Lord and had been raised to understand Scripture yet until their faith was tried, literally, by fire, that knowledge wasn't truly taken to heart. Stephen's experience was the most dramatic. He knew the Lord, has Scripture memorized and cried out in his distress. Yet he had to come to a place of brokenness, complete surrender before he was able to begin to trust God for his deliverance.

Breathtaking descriptions and masterful turning of phrases combine to make Veiled in Smoke a pleasure to read.

Green takes readers on a journey...not only in history, but also a journey of self discovery to become the best version of yourself despite what life throws at you...or maybe it is thanks to what life throws at you. Life is all about changes. No one stays the same. Circumstances change a person, but we should always strive to become the best version of ourselves. This is what the characters in this book go for...they are well developed and true to live. I felt for them. This is a book with great depth that I will treasure for a long time.

Veiled in Smoke is different from any other novel I’ve read by Jocelyn Green. And I love that it is so unique.
I’d never read anything set during the time of the Great Fire, so it was really interesting to read about what it could have been like to experience that, and then the aftermath.
This novel isn’t a light read. Jocelyn tackles heavy subjects, but she does it with tact and grace. PTSD, or a form of it, is one of those subjects. Stephen Townsend’s struggles after the war and Andersonville are real and raw. He’s often misunderstood, by himself, his daughters, and society. But as the book progresses, Jocelyn corrects some of those things in subtle ways, taking on even our own misconceptions of mental illness and the affects of PTSD. Meg and Sylvie’s own struggles post-fire highlight what this looks like.
There are no easy answers in this book. No simple conclusions or neat, tied up bow at the end. But that’s what I think makes it such a good book. The ending is satisfying, and I love where Meg’s story goes. But I also love that the door is left open. These characters had become so real, that to close the door like that was all that would happen in their lives would have felt cheap.
In all, I really liked this book, and the elements of romance and mystery that were spread throughout.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I love how Jocelyn Green can take a point in history and turn it into an amazing story that feels so real. When this book first started I was surprised I was getting to see the story through the viewpoint of so many of the characters. But I found out I loved that, and it rounded the story out much nicer than I could have guessed. The characters were all very well done, with their own flaws and struggles. This book is not the kind where everything is good as new by the end as if nothing bad ever happened. It is more real than that. It shows people facing struggles and working to overcome them. To find a new path in life, and work though the problems that are holding them back. It was really quite inspiring.

The parts about Chicago during and after the fire were also very well done. I had always heard of it, but this is probably the first time I got a closer look into what it may have really looked and felt like. And the added mystery was also very interesting and I really enjoyed following it. Jocelyn Green is very good at adding twists and turns into the story to throw you off the trail and keep you guessing.





I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green is an engaging story set against the backdrop of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

Her cast of characters are well developed and provides an interesting glimpse into the horrors of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, in this case, referred to as "soldier's heart." Stephen Townsend's mind still entangles him with the brutality he endured during the Civil War. At times he can't seem to discern reality from his nightmares. His daughters, Sylvie and Meg, disagree on how best to help their father. On the night of the fire, their worst fears about his sanity come to fruition (or so it seems). With the help of Chicago Tribune reporter Nate Pierce, they soon begin to unravel a horrible plot aimed to keep their father locked up in an insane asylum.

But that is only one part of this incredible tale that will keep you riveted. The aftermath of the fire leaves artist Meg badly burned and her sister Sylvie showing PTSD symptoms. Add to that a murder the police arrest their father for, and you have a book that will keep you up for hours.

The mystery, romance and spiritual elements, along with the historical accuracy of the period and attention to detail, make Veiled in Smoke a book you want to put on your to-be-read list!

I received this book courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley.

Superb! The epic beginning grabs you and the way the plot is a thread drawn out from these events makes for a tremendous story. I decided some of Jocelyn Green’s previous books often end in very dramatic fashion with a battle either on land or sea. In both The Mark of the King and Between Two Shores this conclusion holds true. I like that in Veiled in Smoke, a pivotal moment in the action appears at the beginning and this sets in motion all the consequences that follow.
This book is such a fine example of historical fiction. The details add a layer of richness to the story that I surmise will propel this book onto many recommended reading lists. Her skill in writing stories with an appreciation for the military certainly is on display between these pages. Her handling of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in early times is eye opening.
We meet a big cast of characters and each one is so memorable. The characters through their words and actions clearly show their goals, inward struggles, and values. Each character was so well developed. Every character added an essential dimension to the story. I think this lineup of characters in the the historical Chicago setting is a cornucopia of stories just waiting to be told. I’m eagerly looking forward to Windy City Saga Book 2.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of Veiled in Smoke from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. #VeiledinSmoke, #NetGalley

The Civil War might’ve ended in 1865, but its impact was felt long after.

In 1871, Civil War veterans and their families were still dealing with the ravages of war on the human psyche. What we might recognize today as PTSD was then observed merely as insanity. In many cases, the easiest answer was to lock the sufferers in insane asylums and highly medicate them. That is the fear Meg and Sylvie have for their father, a former prisoner of the notorious Andersonville, in Jocelyn Green’s new novel.

Veiled in Smoke starts 10 days before the Great Fire. These chapters introduce the major players of the piece and describes their lives in the Windy City. I read these passages with a sense of foreboding. I knew these places and people would be irreparably changed by the flames. The older men were of frail mind, while one of the younger men was full of guilt because he couldn’t serve. The hardships each person had faced leading up to the fire shaped them into the beings they’d become by October 1871. When the fire finally arrives, I also felt their despair and urgency as they attempted to escape the flames.

The fire is obviously the focus of this first book in the Windy City Saga, but it’s so much more than that. This is a novel about the plight of the veteran, and their families. While Stephen survived Andersonville, his friend was a prison camp guard in the north. During the novel, we meet veterans missing limbs, Confederate soldiers who took an oath to the Union and were then disowned by family, and men locked away for having PTSD. As a military wife, Green “gets it” and portrays each character in a sympathetic light. This then, is not only the story of a city being rebuilt but of man’s attempt to rebuild his/herself. And, because this is a Christian fiction novel, we see how trust and faith in God can assist with that. As one character says to another: “Your refinement comes not from charm school or polite society, but from coming through the fire.” The fire is the testing placed on us all.

Disclaimer: Although I received a copy of this book from the author and the publisher, the words and opinions below are my own.

Having devoured the Heroines Behind the Lines series by Jocelyn Green, I was thrilled to receive a complimentary advance copy of Veiled in Smoke through NetGalley. The book begins with emotional tension that persists throughout the entire book. The father in the story is dealing with the aftermath of his experiences as a prisoner during the Civil War. While the family struggles to help him, the Chicago Fire causes an upheaval that adds to the problem and sends him to an asylum where he is constantly drugged and mistreated. His faith in God helps him rise above it, but not in an unrealistic "everything is fine now" sort of way. The sisters deal with their own insecurities and learn to understand their father's sufferings. Although this book was emotionally difficult for me to read much at a time, I love that the story ends positively and encourages the reader that we "are not defined by our hurts, but by God's grace we can overcome them."

A poignant look at life being rebuilt in the midst of dust and ashes. I thoroughly enjoyed the various storylines, although the main emphasis was centered on Meg, the oldest of the Townsend sisters. I appreciated the glimpses of life in the Windy City before, during and after the Great Fire. Stephen, their father, a civil war survivor suffering from soldier’s heart, loves his daughters, but he’s not sure how to settle into his new life. Things go from troubling to impossible when he is accused of murdering his best friend. The points of view from each of their experiences was powerful and shed light into why some people respond to trials the way they do. Despite dark moments, remnants of hope and light kept each of them anchored to their faith. Nate is a huge help in this time of trial and helps Meg find peace, love, joy, and freedom. A deeply satisfying look at family, friendships, betrayal, PTSD, and loyalty in hard times. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and all opinions expressed are solely my own.

Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green is a well-researched novel of history, drama, suspense, and mystery. This historical fiction novel captivated my attention from beginning to end. I never lost interest even though I had to spread out my reading. The vibrant prose brought to life the setting, characters, and, quite potently, Chicago’s Great Fire. This novel is what I’d consider a “heavy” read because of the devastation and drama. However, as the story progresses, hope and resilience do appear.

For me, part of Veiled in Smoke’s appeal lies in the authenticity of the main characters. The tangled family relationships and dysfunctional dynamics were true-to-life. I liked the characters’ honest and messy progress toward healing. As someone with PTSD, I could relate to Stephen and the author’s treatment of his “soldier’s heart” condition was kind and sensitive, addressing the issue in healthy manner.

Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green commences The Windy City Saga novels and I can’t wait for the second installment. 5 Stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Veiled in Smoke
by Jocelyn Green
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Christian

I urge you to read this book if you enjoy being caught up in a good story emotionally. Thanks to Net Galley and Bethany House Publishers for sending me the ARC of this book. I love Jocelyn Green as an author. The details are there and written in a compelling way.