This story gripped me from the beginning and kept me on tenterhooks the whole way through. The characters and plot were well developed, and the history included was rich in accurate detail. From found family to a missing persons case to an orchestra and its music and a late-bloomer romance, there were many things to cherish about this book. I can hardly wait to read the next story in this series.

Content: alcohol, gambling, taverns, prostitution, victim “missed” the person who stalked her and kept her prisoner (pretty sure this is not healthy), substance abuse, drugs

Sylvie Townsend's worst fears are realized when her adopted daughter goes missing during the Chicago World's Fair.

Compelling and engaging from the very start, I loved this follow up to Veiled in Smoke. Though the setting and the characters are familiar, this book takes place just over twenty years later, and could be read as a standalone without difficulty. I loved the premise from the beginning, at forty-three, Sylvie has never married, but poured her life into her daughter and bookstore. When her daughter starts asking difficult questions about her origins, she fights the urge to protect her, but finds herself living her worst nightmare when Rose goes missing.

This story is so well done with a riveting and heart-wrenching plot, that tackles difficult topics of loving and letting go, that had me glued to the page and imagining the worst. Kristof is a well disciplined, kind, intelligent and even keeled man, and I was so glad that Sylvie had him to help her in her search. I loved seeing them work together and realize hopes that they had thought passed them by, absolutely one of my favorite things about this story!

Overall, this book does an amazing job of bringing the Chicago World's Fair to life, with a compelling and suspenseful storyline that kept me fully engaged, as well as seamlessly integrating a strong message of faith and trusting God. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a very well- researched interesting historical read. The main characters had a lot of growth to them and the plot kept you interested.

Jocelyn Green has a true talent in bringing history to life through fiction! The historical research she does is obvious in her writing and this book is no exception. I felt like I learned so much about the time period just from reading this novel! I loved the first book in this series, so I was greatly looking forward to this next installment. It was great to read more about Sylvie (she was introduced in the first book) and her tender heart. I really like the raw emotion written into her difficult story; it makes her jump off the pages and seem real to me. Despite difficult circumstances, there is a thread of hope and fantastic spiritual truths expertly interwoven into the plot. The romance is sweet and yet deep and real at the same time. I really liked Kristof! The suspense added to the easy readability. I loved this book and I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I thought this was an enjoyable, clean read (albeit a bit long at times)....I appreciated the character development. Thank you for allowing me to read and review!

Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green is book 2 in the Windy City Saga, but it easily reads well as a stand-alone. As usual with Jocelyn Green books, I loved the writing style and how through description alone, the city of Chicago and the World’s Fair become their own character.

I absolutely loved Kristof! He was by far, my favorite character in this story! I loved how patient he was with everyone, especially with Sylvie. Speaking of Sylvie, I struggled with her a bit. I get that she wanted to be single and independent but after awhile, it got a little annoying, especially when her friend Beth was around. Beth kinda drove me crazy and I wondered why Sylvie continued to be her friend as the story progressed.

I thought the mystery of Rose’s disappearance was good, but I did feel it went on a bit too long and it was hard to believe those responsible were never held to account. I did like the little twist at the end of the story!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread was light.

After reading Veiled in Smoke, I was pretty sure I would enjoy Shadows of the White City. Sure enough, I was immediately pulled into the story and had a hard time putting it down. I was very surprised by the mystery in this story, though! I enjoyed getting to know Sylvie in this story, and seeing her grow and change. I could feel her anxiety when Rose disappeared without a trace, and was nearly as frustrated as her when things just didn't add up. I loved the way Kristof helped her, and was surprised with them when the truth was finally revealed at the end. I also enjoyed the glimpses of the World's Fair. The conversations Sylvie had with her sister Meg about grief were quite meaningful to me: “One does not simply get over the death of one's child,” and “Healing doesn't mean forgetting the loss, nor does it mean enshrining it.” I also appreciated Karl's statement to Kristof that “You can't perform your way into or out of His faily. It's grace, son.” This is an excellent book, and I'll definitely be watching for more books by this author.
I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

The joy of this book for me were all the references to the World's Fair held in Chicago in 1892-1893. The Fair had a nickname as the White City. In this coming-of-age story, Rose yearns to know her heritage as she was orphaned as a child. Sylvie (Mimi) had gladly taken in Rose, at the request of Rose's father, to help as his economic circumstances were leading him to a home for foundlings. Sylvie and that father met outside the home and agreed that her home would be a much better opportunity for Rose. Well cared for and loved, Rose still desired to know about her homeland. For the fair people came from around the world, including a clever Josephine from Poland. She is wealthy but alone and contrives a friendship with Rose.
In a story of the lines of Solomon and the two women who both lay claim on the same baby, both Josephine and Sylvie claim Rose. True love is what separates the two women.

I enjoyed reading this book! It was just what needed! I feel like that comes across in the story and makes it feel more authentic. Jocelyn Green does that well. She truly does a great job of creating this world of Chicago World's Fair of 1893 that makes us feel like we are right there. A nice blending of history with a beautiful romance, a bit of mystery and messages of faith as well. All these elements combine to create a lovely story
4 stars

I had heard high praise for this series, and am so glad I took time to pick it up! Such a delightful read and one that quickly made me a new fan of not only the series, but the author as well!

In Shadows of the White City, Jocelyn Green weaves a story of a young woman’s disappearance (Rose) and the desperation of her adoptive mother (Sylvie) with the 1893 World’s Fair. This novel contains deep strands about parent-child relationships and mental health issues (specifically PTSD), both of which the author deftly treats with consideration and hope. Although this novel stands as the second installment in The Windy City Saga and can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Veiled in Smoke first because some of Sylvie’s issues derived from Chicago’s Great Fire in that novel.

Meeting and experiencing Sylvie’s story in the first novel prepped me for Shadows of the White City. I immediately connected with Sylvie due to my own struggles with PTSD, but some readers may find her less captivating as she is flawed and a bit overbearing when it comes to her daughter. In truth, I disliked several characters in the book, including Rose. Kristof, on the other hand, offered Sylvie a respectful, gentle love that endeared him to me and made me hope that their slow burn romance would blossom.

In summary, Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green is a deep, thoughtful novel that I enjoyed returning to nightly. This historical fiction novel offered nuggets of truth to meditate on as it explored relevant issues in a vibrant World’s Fair setting. I look forward to the next novel in this series. Five stars.

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

This is an excellent, well-written Christian historical novel. The author has done in-depth research and woven those facts into a fascinating storyline. There’s a combination of something here for all Christian readers: romance, suspense, and lessons in faith. The intriguing, interesting characters around everything out into a novel to love.

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

While it took me a long time to read, I really enjoyed this book. I love historical fiction and this one was really well done. The different backgrounds and storylines that fit into the bigger story were very interesting and the writing was exceptional. It had a good ending (and if you know me, you know I’m picky with endings) that summed everything up nicely. I hope to read more books from this author.

This book was excellent! I think I loved this one more than the first one! Jocelyn Green’s descriptions are so detailed that this story just came to life for me! I’m eagerly awaiting the next book!

Sadly, I did not have time to read this book before it was archived, however, I still believe it is a worthwhile read!

Thank you #netgalley and @bethaneyhouse for this e-ARC in return for my honest review.

This is a wonderful historical book that brings to life the beautiful city of Chicago during the Columbian Exposition of 1893. Jocelyn also brings us a beautiful story of a family that you come to know and can relate with while they deal with grief, financial struggles, fear, rebellion, and acceptance.

I really recommend this book to both adults and young readers as the message of family, and God’s love is prevalent and present through a dynamic and suspenseful story of a girl that goes missing during the fair.

Whether you want to visit Chicago, are a Chicagoan or love the city you will enjoy knowing more about the history and how this beautiful city rebuilt after the fire.

I absolutely loved this book, & I am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future.
5 ⭐️

#BookReview: SHADOWS OF THE WHITE CITY by Jocelyn Green

I have always been fascinated by the Chicago World Fair and it’s fun to visit the sights through this book. I would be amazed like everyone else and will surely make the most out of this momentous event. This is my first book by the author and it will not be my last. She has a way with words that pulls you in with the depths of the character’s emotion.

Sylvie has loved Rosie for a long time and it’s evident in how she takes care of her. But it seems like her love is stifling Rosie. Rosie wants to be more independent and just wants to explore the world out there. Some parts of this book are hard to read but it’s essential to create the story. Grief, addiction, anxiety and love. Love is not about blood only but in relationships built and opening our hearts to others. It tells us to trust in God despite the sadness surrounding us and to continue seeking him. Such a gripping story! 4 stars

Thank you Bethany House and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Apologies for taking so long to get this feedback to you.

Shadows of the White City was such a lovely story filled with so much deep, raw emotion. I did find the story a bit slow and repetitive especially when compared to Veiled in Smoke which I found was so exciting and interesting. Overall though it was a great book set in a fascinating time and place, I loved all the characters, especially Kristoff, and it had the most beautiful ending. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book but all opinions and views expressed are my own.

I was so happy to read the sequel to Veiled in Smoke and see what happens in Sylvie's life. I enjoyed the "older" romance since Sylvie and Kristof are both in their 40's. Learning about the World Fair in Chicago of 1893 was fun and I just had to research more about the Ferris Wheel. The mystery surrounding Rose's birth was interesting and kept to glued to the book until I finished it all within a day.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.