Wow! This is another new favorite book of mine! Jocelyn Green has outdone herself again with this fabulous novel set in 1871 during the Great Chicago Fire that devastated a a huge part of the population.
This novel is very rich in historical detail, and even if I’m not an historian and I didn’t know much about this tragedy it seems so well researched accurate, so much so that I felt I was living the tragedy along with the main characters.
The story centers around the Townsend family which consists of Meg and Sylvie, two young sisters, and their mentally ill father, Stephen, who still hasn’t recovered from the scars from the Civil War, especially because of the trials he endured in Andersonville, a camp for prisioners of war from the Union Confederacy, to which he survived, but seems to live and relive all over again in his mind sometimes not able to distinguish the difference between the images inhis mind and reality. It’s what in our days we call PTSD, but at that time, it was called “Soldier’s Heart” and there was little experience on how to treat it well and help the patients to overcome depression, paralizing fear and lessen post traumatic effects that make them suffer so much (nightmares, reliving the past, guilt, etc).
Meg and Silvie both manage their father’s bookshop, as he is no longer able to, while taking care of him, but they barely make ends meet. Meg is an accomplished painter who is slowly gaining customers who like her paintings of characters from the classical literature. Amidst their daily struggles, the later known as the “Great Chicago Fire” rages their town and threatens their lives. As they fight to rescue their most important valuables, Meg gets her hands injured, and their father disappears with the few possesions they rescue and doesn’t come back to them. Thankfully, Nathan (Nate), a young journalist for “The Tribune”, once in charge of his stepsiblings and now independent, comes to their aid and leads them away from the fire. But so much is lost, their home destroyed… And the next day, they find out their father is taken to the city’s asylum for the mentally ill, accused of murdering Hiram Sloane in a rage of lunacy, who happened to be his closest friend before dying and who was like an uncle to the Townsend sisters… Things couldn’t seem to be more difficult and hopeless, but, while Sylvie has her doubts and resentment of her father’s attitude after the war, Meg vows she will do everything in her power to prove her father’s innocence. Will she succeed? Will they be able to start anew, when all her possesions are almost gone? Will Meg recover the use of her right hand so she can Paint again? Will Nate resist the urge to not involve himself with Meg and her sister and concentrate on his profession, which seems at stake? You’ll have to read this endearing story to find out how the Townsend sisters fare amidst this tragedy.
This was a beautiful deep and compelling story about family, loss, forgiveness, mercy and unconditional love. The plot is complex but very engaging and so realistic. The characters have to deal with difficult struggles and challenges, and I loved how they grew up through out this story. Meg was an amazing character. I loved her kind and sweet nature, her faith and uncinditional trust in her father, no matter his mental state, how she devoted to take care of him and ached for him when she couldn’t, it was a beautiful sight to behold, and an inspiring model because we are always surrounded by mentally ill people, loved ones or not, that need our care, patience and understanding. Sylvie, on the other hand, has a rebellious streak, but she also has a kind heart too, even if she’s a bit reluctant to trust her father and has a bit of resentment too. She had a lot to learn in this story too… But her love for her sister Meg was also inspiring and I loved watching how both of them watched out for each other at all times. Nate was also a great character, a man with a heart of gold and a huge sense of responsability. I liked how he aimed to only tell the truth in his job as a journalist. That was a hard struggle, as staying firm with the truth can carry some negative consequences, like the risk of losing his job, but it was freeing for him to stand on his convictions (he also learned from a few mistakes, but don’t we all?). And last but not least, I loved Stephen. Getting a glimpse into a battered mind still grieving from the devastating effects of the war was humbling, and very realistic. It was heartwrenching too, the way he suffered with his mind illness, and the way his daughters suffered for him too. It’s not an illness easy to understand, even if it’s quite understandable when you glimpse the suffering this souls have being through, of loss, of senseless killing, etc. These people are héroes and require all our affection, care, patience and understanding. This book really helped me see how many people can suffer (and I don’t mean only soldiers) this kind of depression and need our comfort, support, love and security.
Meg and Nate’s romance was sweet and clean, and so endearing. Not love at first sight, but more of a friendship and mutual admiration that slowly turn into much more. It was heartwarming.
This story left me enlightened and inspired in many ways. And Jocelyn’s style is vivid and refreshing. I never felt that the story dragged, on the contrary, it flowed at a good pace. I always had a hard time to leave the book in order to sleep the hours I needed.
I can’t wait for the next book in this saga. Hopefully it will be Sylvie’s own story…
I can’t recommend this story enough! I truly loved it and think many of you will too!
I received a copy of this book from the Publisher Vía NetGalley but wasn't required to post a positive review. This is totally my honest and unbiased opinion.

If you want a book where the author emotionally takes you on the journey that the characters are going through--this is the book for you. Jocelyn Green has an absolute amazing way of portraying real life emotion that breathes off the page. When that happens, you get characters and stories that stick with you for years, if not decades. This is a story that you will not soon forget. For that reason alone, I would say to add this book to your bookshelf. Beyond that ability that Green demonstrates though, she also creates characters that are relatable, deep, and driven. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.

"We can never be who we once were, because we keep changing and growing. We're not defined by our hurts, but by God's grace we can overcome them. We are transformed. So if I were you, I would not pray for the father you knew, but for your father made new, not in spite of the scars but because of them."

Jocelyn Green is a master storyteller who knows how to infuse rich historical detail into an intriguing and emotion-laden fiction. With a burned out 1871 Chicago as the backdrop, the author weaves a beautiful story of love, loss, betrayal, fear, resilience, and faith that will linger long after the last page has been read. The Great Fire of Chicago comes to life within the pages of the book as well as the long, tedious, painful but also joyful rebuilding of the city and lives. Within this rebuilding are layers that make the story so thought-provoking; the author addresses the barbaric treatment of those institutionalized for mental illness, the breath-stealing helplessness of PTSD, difficulty overcoming dyslexia and physical handicap, need for true forgiveness, and the spirit and bond of brotherhood among people of all stations in the midst of tragedy. This is a book that must be savored and not rushed through. Every time I'm in Chicago, I'll think of Nate and Meg.

Nate is a steadfast, loyal, and protective hero. As a newspaper reporter, he has the knowledge and connections to help Meg and her family when Meg's father Stephen is accused of murder and locked up in an asylum for insanity. Meg is a painter, a dreamer of optimism who wants desperately to prove her father's innocence and to help him get better. Her younger sister Sylvie has a voice in the story and she balances Meg out by being practical and blunt. A surprising voice in the story is Stephen himself as he fights the demons from the war and struggles to hold onto his faith in the midst of darkness. The subtle suspense and twist in the plot are well laid-out and work to keep the story moving at a good pace.

If you enjoy historical fiction, this book is a must read. And it's the beginning of a series, too! I can't wait for the second book.
I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

Rich in historical details--from the Great Fire itself to the reconstruction efforts afterward to the way that patients in the Cook County Insane Asylum were treated--this novel quickly transports readers back to Chicago in 1871, setting the stage for a fascinating story. With the mystery of who really killed their family friend, Meg and Sylvie adjusting to life after the fire, and Stephen trying to regain his life altogether, there's a lot going on, but it all fits together well and moves along quickly. The message of healing through God was tender and believable without being overbearing. With so much to like about this book, I'll definitely be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series and reading Green's other books in the meantime.
4.5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I loved my time immersed within the pages of this captivating story! I stayed up way too late last night reading this story because I just couldn’t put it down without knowing what would happen. Bleary-eyed today, with my heart lingering with these endearing characters I’ll strive to do this book justice with my words.

There are many stories that came out of the devastating Great Fire of Chicago in October 1871, but none of them quite as both immersive and inspirational. Jocelyn Green has the uncanny ability to bring historical events vividly to life in both her words and in the very life she breathes into the characters she writes. Often while reading this story I would be so involved that I missed things happening around me (of course some of that was football, so I didn’t feel too bad. Hahaha!)

This story is sure to check all the boxes of even the most discerning of readers. With a sweet soft thread of romance, a puzzling mystery to unravel, an unassuming villain, and especially characters that feel like new friends, you are sure to find a new favorite and a story that you won’t be able to quit talking about to everyone you meet!

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)

I’ve heard of the great fire of Chicago. Probably read a little bit in history class. I don’t think I knew the extent of what it really was until this book. The author did a fantastic job of describing the fire and the panic of that night. She continues on with the rebuilding of Chicago in the days after the fire. All this is told through the Townsend Family. Meg, Sylvie and their father Stephen. There’s also a news reporter Nate and a law student Jasper. Stephen is a Civil War prisoner of war survivor. His time at Andersonville has changed him. Seeing how mental illness was handled during that time is history is heartbreaking. There’s also a mystery going on in the story. And a sprinkling of romance. I enjoy books that use real events in history and add fiction to the story! The author always does a great job with that. This book is no exception. I definitely recommend this book. Historical fiction readers will enjoy this read. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All cites stated here are my own.

Jocelyn Green is known for her historical novels centered around an American conflict. In her new release she centers her novel around the Great Chicago Fire. Great is a perfect description of Veiled in Smoke, book one of the Windy City Saga!!!!

Ms. Green sets the stage with poignant detail and great imagery. With great care, respect, and grace Ms. Green shows PTSD in her character, Stephen. His struggle is felt through the pages. My heart ached for him. With each page turn I wanted things to be easy and peaceful for him.

I loved Meg and Sylvie! They were endearing characters, who were flawed and beautifully crafted. Their sisterly relationship was authentic and endearing. They were determined to persevere amid the circumstances of not only what their father was dealing with but the devastation of the fire along with the loss of their home, and business.

Ms. Green put so many historical facts into the narrative, it felt as though I had been transplanted into 1871 Chicago.

As a history lover I found this first installment of Jocelyn Green's new series to be informative, beautifully crafted, poignant, tragic, but most of all memorable. I highly recommend it!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I will admit that it took me several chapters to get into this book, but once the mystery was revealed I was hooked. I am glad that my past experiences with this author gave me the motivation to keep reading knowing the hook would come.

Set in 1871 Chicago, the story gives the reader the insight into what we now would refer to as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) both from the perspective of survivors of the Great Conflagration and of Civil War veterans, especially prisoners of war, and their families. The author's extensive historical research into the treatment of burns and of mental illness in the setting of this story is quite evident, and it plays a huge part in the story. Recent research shows that fiction readers tend to be more empathetic than those who don't spend much time reading fiction. I would venture to say that it is books like Veiled in Smoke and authors like Jocelyn Green that contribute to this. One's heart cannot help but go out to the characters in this story, even to those who are on the wrong side of the law.

I highly recommend this book and am happy to have received a copy from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Jocelyn Green is one of my favorite authors and I was thrilled to see she had written a new book and it is the first in a series!! The name is Veiled in Smoke – The Windy City Saga 1. On October 8, 1871 the great Chicago fire started. This is the story of that tragic day and the effect of the ensuing aftermath on sisters, Meg and Sylvie Townsend as they find there was greater evil afoot that night than just the fire.

Ms. Green uses the third person to tell her story, but she adds a twist. Each chapter deals with a separate member of the family. This gives a unique twist to the story that allows you to feel and see the story thru each one’s eyes. It also keeps you reading so you get an insight on everyone’s thoughts.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next one in the Windy city Saga. Jocelyn has a talent for bringing historical events to life in a manner that keeps you turning pages. Her attention to detail is outstanding!

I love this author and this is one of my favorite books. This was a fantastic start to this series. I loved how she got in the Chicago Fire and the insane asylums. This showed how horrible the insane asylums were during this time period. I loved the characters throughout the book. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Green has written a compelling novel based on the historic fire that took place in Chicago in 1871. She did her research well and brings us a true happening of this horrendous fire. She wove in believable characters and true christian faith in her telling of this historical event…..The story of Meg & Sylvie Townsend and their civil war veteran and prison camp survivor father is heartbreaking. I learned that what we now call PTSD, was historically known as soldier’s heart in the veterans of the American Civil War. I loved reading about these two strong sisters, who differed in opinions yet both loved their father in spite of his “ilness”. We read of the devastation the fire caused in the city and even in the midst of this, some sought after greed and money, even to committing murder. It was sad to read about the mental institutions of that day and how the inmates were treated. You will be touched by this historical read and feel like you were right there in the smoke. I highly recommend this book if you like intrigue, historical fiction, and romance……. I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

"Veiled in Smoke" is the perfect title for this book.
Not only does Jocelyn Green explores the tragedy brought by the Great Chicago Fire and how it covered the population with uncertainty, but also, especially through Stephen Townsend, Green considers the depth and layers of trauma.

I can safely say this book is about family, about the hurt we can cause to those we love the most.
But, most powerfully, how love is also the way to rise from the ashes into reconciliation. Not all can be as it once before, but the foundation that keeps people together does not waver, only strengthened through storms and fire. Yes, the biggest and strongest character development happens within the Townsend family, and maybe this is my one complaint... I do not mind if the romance takes second place, but I didn't feel the organic development of it between Meg and Nate. Overall, I did enjoy the novel.

Filled with impeccable research, "Veiled of Smoke" is sure to satisfy the heart of any history lover.

I must confess, one of the reasons I requested an ARC of this book was its gorgeous cover. I also love historical fiction and had never read a book set in Chicago during the Great Fire of 1871. This book follows the fate of two sisters whose father suffers from soldier's heart (or PTSD as we call this disorder now). Their bookshop and house go up in flames in the fire, and in addition to that, their father is accused of murder and gets locked away in an insane asylum. This book is quite slow-paced, but at the same time, the plot moves along enough to keep the reader engaged and vested in the story. The murder mystery line is also interesting and kept me turning the pages.

Another aspect of the book that I appreciated but might be a turn-off for others is the main characters' emphasis on staying strong in faith and putting their trust in God. This theme gets stronger as you get farther into the book. I think overall, the author tried to stay true to the time period. The characters' manners and conduct certainly seem historically accurate to my inexpert eye. 5 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed this book.

This book is excellent! Jocelyn Green put so much detail into her book that the story just came to life for me! I loved that the main characters owned a book shop and were bookish. I also really enjoyed the different character perspectives. I think it gave the story more depth. I really can't wait for the next book in the series!


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green is a superbly masterful story. Where do I begin?! The plot is excellent. I was immediately swept into the tension and anxiety of the days leading up the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Then the firestorm hits and I was right there with Meg, Sylvie, and Nate as they are desperate to escape the horrific flames. The pandemonium of the day, the chaos, the absolute sadness, the hopelessness — I experienced all these feels with the characters and more. The characters are unique, personable, endearing. I feel like I got to know them on a real, personal level, and I am genuinely going to miss them. I also enjoyed the very well-written mystery that kept me on my toes the entire read. And the themes are so poignant I am overwhelmed by the depth and complexity of this beautiful novel. There truly is SO much to love about Veiled in Smoke.

Meg and Sylvie are wonderful young women. They’re strong, intelligent, and independent. My favorite aspect of their character is that they keep moving forward no matter what life throws at them. Meg and Sylvie are not victims! When they were young, Meg and Sylvie’s father, Stephen, enlisted in the Civil War. While he was gone, Meg, Sylvie, and their mother had to keep moving forward and do life without a man. They had to figure out how to survive a war as women all alone. Stephen does come back and brings with him a case of severe Soldier’s Heart (PTSD) and some serious demons. And then their mother dies. Still, Meg and Sylvie move forward. Stephen keeps getting worse and worse. Then the Chicago Fire ensues and in minutes everything is gone. Meg and Sylvie are left broken, destitute, and homeless. They are worried about their father, their home, and their futures, but they don’t give up. Meg and Sylvie keep on keeping on!

Of the two sisters, I relate most to Meg. I relate to how Meg deals with things. Meg is what I like to call a wishful fixer. She wishes for something to be and then overworks to try to make her wish come true. Sure, she prays to God, but she is so busy trying to make what she wants a reality that she just can’t hear God. And, what she wants — to make her sister happy, to get her father back to healthy, to make enough money to help her family out of a tough situation, to put the pieces of her family back together again — are all good things. Why would God want all these things for her loved ones? I am the same. I wish for something good — for my mom’s sadness to go away, for my best friend’s cancer to disappear, for my daughter to outgrow her seizures — and then I work diligently to make these things a reality. Yes, I pray. I pray my heart out. But instead of waiting on God and allowing Him to lead, I just keep working. When nothing seems to be working the way I want, I work harder. I wear myself out until I am nothing more than a mess of tears and frustration. Like Meg, I, too, finally whisper to God, “I can’t.” The truth is, as Meg realizes too, I can never do enough. I can only do what God made me to do. In all my busyness to wishfully fix everything I step out of my bounds and cross into God’s space and take over. God is the Leader. He has my loved ones in His hands. I can’t fix everything, but He can in His time. That has to be good enough.

I could go on and on about this book. There is so much amazingness to discuss. But, I don’t want to accidentally spoil a thing. Truly, Veiled in Smoke is an excellent historical novel that I absolutely cannot recommend enough. If you are in the mood for a well-written, well-researched story to escape into, then purchase a copy of this novel today. You will not be disappointed that you did.

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via her publisher, Bethany House, and NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

As a reader who enjoys historical fiction, this book hits the mark, and then some.
We are there for the great Chicago fire, and we learn facts about the survivors of both the fire and the Civil War, and also learn some previously held thoughts were not true.
Although this story is fiction, wow, it really could all be true and we meet those who were involved.
This story has a little for everyone, of course with the fire, we are shown survival, a bit of romance, perseverance. We learn facts about the building codes, I didn’t know about the bricks before, and all those luxuries we take for granted.
This is a story of survival, and we are shown folks that will do just about anything for just stay alive, that includes murder. I was quickly immersed in this book, and loved how they loved the Lord, and forgiveness rings true here!
You don’t want to miss this one!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

(4.5 stars) - "War makes monsters of us all" George R R Martin 

This book is a historical inspirational mystery romance!  

While this is not my usual reading fare, the description intrigued me enough to give it a try. It's not often that I read a book that checks off so many book categories and manages to be a credit to all of them.  And though it's a serious story, it manages not to be grim or dark.

The story takes place within the historical setting of Chicago's Great Fire. Sisters Meg & Sylvie have been trying to cope with the wreckage of their family by their father's PTSD resulting from his traumatic imprisonment during the Civil War.

They worry about their dad's safety - and about the safety of others around their dad. So it's their worst nightmare & then some when the Great Fire destroys their bookstore and their dad is accused of murdering his friend. 

Nate is a newspaper reporter who is helping the sisters. Especially Meg. They need to figure out who really did it in order to save their dad. However, over the course of their investigation, they will learn many things, including: it's fairly easy to appear to be a good person in the eyes of men; war leaves no one untouched; and all that really distinguishes the victim from the victimizer is circumstance.

The ending is impossible to explain without spoilers, but I'll say that it's open-ended, with a good portion of happy & hopeful for this story's main character focus. It definitely has me wanting to read book 2! 

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
*Religion: overtly Christian, organic to the story, not preachy

Whenever I read a Jocelyn Green novel I know it's going to be impeccably researched.
Reading this I've been transported to the Great Fire of Chicago in 1871.
So many interesting facts learned not just about the fire and the Civil War.
We also learn a previously detail about the fire we have all probably heard has just been made up to see newspapers at the time.
The authors brings to life this time period with her vivid descriptions and we can feel the desperation of the characters as they are involved in this seemingly helpless situation .
The characters showing amazing resilience to get through all presented. The human spirit really is so much stronger than we realize with God's help we can pull through so much!
The depth of the story was unveiled layer by layer and I enjoyed getting to know the characters as their personalities unfolded.
This book really shines!
Highly recommended!

Expected publication: February 4th 2020 by Bethany House Publishers
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green
4.5 stars

A thoroughly researched novel of The Great Chicago Fire. We follow two devoted sisters Meg and Sylvie as they are running thier bookstore after the civil war and right before the fire. It's always wonderful to read about characters who love reading and books. And that they love the work of Louisa May Alcott and Charlotte Bronte, who I love as well. They are taking care of thier veteran father who is suffering what was known at that time as Soldiers Heart but what we now know as PTSD. After the fire burns out, their father is accused of murder and sent to an asylum. Time is ticking down as Meg must free her father from the asylum, figure out who really did it, and pick up the pieces of thier shattered life.
The fire comes and takes practically everything from them. But then comes renewal and building of faith.

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Veiled in smoke

Jocelyn Green shows us once again how it is true that there is " no new thing under the sun." Families and people suffer today with issues, problems, just as they did in history. After any disaster there are the people willing to step in and help and those wicked who use suffering as a time to blame others and take advantage. The great Chicago fire left many without home or means to earn a living. The author does a masterful weaving of a story including history, mystery, and romance delightfully blended to give the reader much to ponder about how little some things have changed. Jocelyn never disappoints.
"Compassion she had discovered was not a bottomless well."
I received an advance copy of the book from the publisher and read a Net Galley e-copy. No review required- just freely given.