I couldn’t wait until Shadows of the White City became available—and then when it did come, I forced myself to wait a bit longer while I finished up some other review books (#ReaderProblems). When I finally did get to it, though, I was slightly disappointed—though it is an excellent book, it didn’t quite reach the mark the first book in the series did for me.

There was much to love here, though. The character’s personalities were beautifully fleshed out, and though there are several different points of view, I was never confused as to whose head I was in. I love how their love for books or music influenced the way they viewed the rest of the world and the people in it. Then there’s the fair, and all the fascinating little tidbits you learn about that along the way—never too much at once, just a bit dropped in here, and a bit there. I had the same experience with this as I did with one of Green’s other books—when the fair was mentioned in a different story, I instantly had the connection of “Oh yes, I know that place—I’ve been there!” because of this book. And the mystery, and the cultural struggles showed here—so beautiful and spot-on!

But as I said, I was a little disappointed with the read. It may be that the pacing wasn’t quite as fast as I had anticipated, or that the danger wasn’t quite as intense…I don’t know. All I do know is that I ended up setting the book down more than I wanted to, because it didn’t grip me quite as much as I expected it to.

In all, though, this was a great read. I’d love to have a copy on my shelf one day, and I can’t wait to see what treasures Green prepares for us next!

I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

The 1893 World's Fair comes to life in this immersive novel from Jocelyn Green. We first met the Townsend sisters in Veiled in Smoke, when they suffered through the Great Chicago Fire. Twenty-two years later, the city and the sisters have recovered, and the world has come to their door.

Meg is married with a family, but Sylvie has never found romance. She has, however, raised a Polish orphan named Rose who is now a headstrong 17-year-old. Rose takes violin lessons from their upstairs neighbor Kristof, who is a concertmaster with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Sylvie keeps busy running the family bookstore and giving tours at the Fair.

Rose has never stopped searching for her roots, and when she goes missing, Sylvie doesn't know if she's following a lead or has been taken in a sinister plot. Meanwhile, Kristof faces hard decisions about his derelict but talented brother, and continues to gently woo Sylvie, carrying deep feelings for a woman who may never return them.

Jocelyn Green's sterling research is on display here in these pages. She has more detail than one might notice if they truly were at the Columbian Exposition! It's amazing how much she was able to include about the time period and various cultures represented at the Fair.

Kristof was my favorite character. He made an absolutely dashing hero. I rooted for Sylvie to awaken to his love and choose him in return, though I understand why her focus needed to be on Rose. Due to all the circumstances surrounding the 1893 World's Fair, I wasn't sure what the outcome would be when she went missing. The twists and turns kept surprising me.

I would recommend this book for fans of historical fiction, or anyone wanting to know more about the Columbian Exposition.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Shadows of the White City is book number two in Jocelyn Green's The Windy City Sagas series. While it might be beneficial to read the previous book first as this one does pick up where it ended, this could really be read as a standalone with no problem as well I think.

When I pick up a historical fiction read, I so appreciate when I can tell that a fair amount of research has gone into creating the story. I'm no history buff by any means so of I'm being honest, the details could be completely made up and I would be none the wiser... but when a story is well researched, 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... seeing it all. Beyond that though, she does a great job of blending that history with a beautiful romance, a bit of mystery and messages of faith as well. All these elements combine to create a lovely story that fans of historical romance will be sure to love!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Jocelyn Green has once again penned a novel so moving, so thoughtful, and so well written that I could not stop thinking about it. Her attention to detail is simply amazing to me. Even the small stuff throughout the book is well thought out, and serves a purpose in the story. Her tireless research is evident on every single page. And her well crafted characters are some of my favorite.

Not only does Green allow readers to feel the storyline, she invites them to pause and contemplate things as they go. For example, there is a moment where Sylvie has found something that makes her realize maybe her true intentions for having Rose around are purely selfish. And while that may be a surprise to me as a reader, and certainly Sylvie as a character, it did make me stop for a moment. I could see both sides of the story at that very moment, and I wondered if I had similar things in my life that I thought I was doing for the benefit of another, but deep down had selfish motivations. It's scenes like this that allow readers to experience the story, not just read it.

I like to jot down notes as I'm reading, and one thing I wrote was that when Sylvie was giving tours around Chicago, I really felt like I was on the tour. The details are just so extraordinary, and again this is just another way that Green makes the story alive for readers. Along with the twists and turns. Oh my goodness the last probably 1/4 of the book I was hanging on the edge of my seat. I thought one thing and Green took me in a different direction. Then another twist came, and after awhile I just stopped trying to figure it out and enjoy the ride!

I think what I enjoy most from Green's novels are the faith themes. This was not at all in your face, but more like someone sharing their own testimony. In these pages you will learn the important of relying on God rather than yourself, trusting that God can take of others, and waiting on God's timing. It really hit home for me.

Shadows of the White city is full of friendship, a slow building (yet still sweet) romance, trials, temptations, and even a peek at the aspects of historical Chicago we tend not to think about. I highly recommend reading this beautifully written novel. It will take your breath away.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"Shadows of the White City" is a beautiful book that has been an excellent surprise to me.

I have been reading more and more historical fiction recently and I am generally really blown away by the quality of the writing, the descriptions and depth of character of the protagonists. "Shadows of the White City" was no exception.

Taking place in Chicago during the 1893 World Fair, the books relates the struggle of Sylvie, an American women, to accept the need of independence and belonging elsewhere, and ultimately the "escape" of her seventeen-year-old adopted daughter, Rose.
From the second chapter, I was really drawn into the book and I kept reading late into the night, wondering what surprise would meet me at the next page. There were quite a few twists and turns, and it kept my on my toes all along.

In some ways, I related to Rose, because I am a young women who loves independence too, but I felt sorry for Sylvie too as she had to see her daughter grow up and fly from the nest. On the other hand, I did not like Rose as a character that much, as I found her character did not have much depth and she had different behaviours that were completely contradictory. I much preferred Sylvie and Kristof, the musician, who went through a subtle but real change in their visions of themselves, others and the world, who really grew throughout the book, alone and together. Some secondary characters, such as Sylvie's sister Meg, where interesting as well, but could have been a bit more developed, like a small parallel story. However, I understand that Meg already had her own story told in "Veiled in Smoke" (which I'd love to read, now!)

The one and only place in this book was Chicago, but what a rich world this was! The author really walked us through the World Fair as if we were there, through the various building, exhibitions, and she teaches us a quantity of small details through the voice of Sylvie who is a tour guide at the Fair (which, in my opinion, is an masterful way of introducing so many anecdotes in the book, with us barely realising it). For once, I nearly missed my childhood books full of pictures, for I would have loved to see visuals of what the Fair must have looked like. It's hard to imagine such an event happening more than a century ago! But even just in my mind, I love the journey through it.

Lastly, I appreciated the ending very much, as it really wrapped up the story in a fantastic way.

I think the rating of this book as well as the many glowing reviews speak for themselves, but I add my voice and stars to it to warmly recommend "Shadows of the White City".

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

Admittedly, I have never read any of Jocelyn Green's novels. Shadows of the White City didn't even sound overly interesting to me, but it got quite a few raving reviews, so I decided to give it a shot. And I can honestly say that I am not disappointed.

First of all, I love the setting for the story. I am from Chicago, but don't know much about its history. So, I was very excited that the book took place during the World's Fair. And how Green described it, I felt like I was really there, experiencing all the sights and sounds along with the characters.

I also enjoyed the plotline of the novel itself. As an adopted child, Rose is questioning everything and uncertain as to where she fits in. Because of this, her and Sylvie's mother-daughter relationship is strained.

When Rose disappears, however, Sylvie stops at nothing to find her daughter.

I loved all the twists and unexpected turns in the story. Green does a great job of throwing her readers off track and keeping them guessing. I loved Sylvie's drive to find Rose, doing whatever it takes, refusing to believe her daughter just ran away from her.

Kristof was also a great character. Honestly, I was more interested in his story than the main plot. The situation with his brother, Gregor, and the fact that he was dealing with emotional trauma made his storyline intriguing.

The other side characters, such as Sylvie's sister, Meg, and her family, made the story that much more compelling and enjoyable.

However, I probably would have connected with the characters more if I had read the first book in the series, Veiled in Smoke. But Shadows of the White City could be a stand-alone. Either way, though, I now want to read the first novel.

Overall, I would recommend this novel. It's a gripping story filled with fantastic characters in a wonderful setting.

I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

Life somehow finds a way to move forward, even a big city like Chicago. In the first of the series of The Windy City Saga, sisters Meg and Sylvia along with their father and neighbors had just survived the Great Chicago fire, now some years later the city is putting on the World's Fair. I have read some other novels on the World's Fair which I found exciting and really what a fun thing to do. I had just never realized the timeline with the Great Fire.

Sylvia is still living in the city and still has her little bookshop. The only thing missing for her is a family. Yes she has her sister Meg and her brood, but Sylvia also longs to be a mother. Times are very tough for immigrants and one father gives Sylvia his little girl as he knows he cannot care for her. Sylvia's dreams of motherhood have come true as she takes little Rose to be her own.

But as most mothers know, as their children grow they get notions and ideas. Rose wants to locate her remaining family. Nothing wrong with that, I just felt that Rose was a bit unthankful toward Sylvia and how she perceived Sylvia suffocating her. Sylvia just cared for Rose, like any mother, and did not want to lose her seventeen year old daughter, especially in a city that pretends to offer everything.

Then the unthinkable happens and Rose disappears. My mama's heart hurt with Sylvia and I felt the desperation and her fear. However, in steps Kristof, her tenant who is secretly smitten with her and wants to do all in his power to protect and spare Sylvia. Kristof was a hero carrying a lot of familial hurt around inside, but he was a good man.

What they find is a nest of seedy underbelly dealings in the White City, but more than that both Sylvia and Kristof need to learn to let go of those they love the most. This was a beautiful story of learning to let go and watching how long ago dreams can still come true.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

As this is a second book in a series, it was somewhat necessary to read the first book to understand the characters, however, it was also a great stand-alone novel as well. The characters were well developed and the suspense of what happens to Rose is what drives this novel.

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Shadows of the White City is was focused on a different part of the world's fair than gets looked at a lot which was nice. We got to see more of the immigrant side and what they were doing as well as the musicians and how important that was for the fair. For me, it was nice to see this part of the fair as so much of the Chicago World's Fair books that I read are about the murders that happened there.
I enjoyed the characters and how they were all so different and they did talk to one another about things and weren't constantly keeping secrets besides a select few whose entire lives were secrets.

Sylvia and Rose were realistic characters especially for the time and how Rose was wanting to know about her past and biological parents. Sylvia was doing all that she could to make Rose feel loved but Rose just always had that wanting of more because she remembered some but not enough she felt like.

As for the mystery part of this book I did enjoy it. Sylvia never giving up and asking those around her for help was so nice especially because of how close everyone was and how they had noticed things that had been happening and were able to piece some stuff together. I was not expecting this mystery to end the way it did though, but I did enjoy all the twists and turns it took.

Overall I enjoyed this book. The characters were enjoyable and worked together in a nice way for a change. Lessons were learned for everyone throughout the book. So many of them have changed their lives since what happened in this book happened that caused them all so much stress. I just really liked this ending and I'm so glad it ended on a happy note because there for a while it seemed like it might not.

I am interested in reading more from this author after this one.

I love books set during the World Fair, and I'm not sure why. lol. This book is no exception! I enjoyed the setting, as well as the characters. This is a wonderful, historical read!

Shadows of the White City
by Jocelyn Green
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Christian | Historical Fiction
Pub Date 02 Feb 2021


I am reviewing a copy of Shadows of the White City through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:



Sylvie Townsend wants a family more than anything but she fears she is destined never to have a family of her own. But when Sylvia takes in Polish Immigrant Polish immigrant Rose Dabrowski to raise and love quells those fears, that is until seventeen year old Rose goes missing at the World's Fair, and Sylvie's world unravels.




After being brushed off by authorities, Sylvie turns to her boarder Kristof Bartok, for help. He is Rose's violin instructor and the concertmaster for the Columbian Exposition Orchestra, and his language skills are vital to helping Sylvie navigate the immigrant communities where their search leads.





This book will take you from the glittering architecture of the World’s Fair to the dark houses of Chicago's poorest neighborhoods, they are lead on a journey that points to Rose’s long lost family. But I’d Sylvie willing to let the girl go? And as she and Kristoff grow closer, can she reconcile her craving for control with her yearning to belong?




If you are looking for a Historical Christian Ring, that will take you back to late Nineteenth Century Chicago, I would highly recommend Shadows of the White Century.


I give Shadows of the White City five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Shadows of the White City
By Jocelyn Green
4.5 stars

It was so great to revisit the characters in this book that I became so attached to in the first of the series. We're transported twenty years into the future and now the main characters are in their forties and have children.

During the 1893 Chicago's World's fair Sylvie's teeage daughter goes missing. Sylvie's friend and boarder, Kristoff takes on the search with her. The author immerses us in all the cultures of the World's fair. Food, smells, sounds, accents, all come alive. The story line of the race to find Rose was exciting but heart wrenching.

I would have liked a little more explanation of the jump to the future and who Kristoff is and how they met. I feel that was rushed to get to the plot.

But, I adore Kristoff. I'm a sucker for a gentlemen.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I’ve been looking forward to reading this novel for some time now, partly because I love Jocelyn Green’s storytelling, but also because it’s rare to be able to revisit characters twenty years on from when you first met them. Meg and Nate (from Veiled in Smoke) are only side characters in this novel, but it was lovely to meet their children and catch up with them—kind of like going to a high-school reunion and finding out what everyone’s been up to!

Jokes aside, Jocelyn Green has once again delivered a story that is historically rich and yet deeply relevant to the modern reader. In fact, setting the novel during the World’s Fair really brought home just how little human nature has changed in spite of technological advances. Our desire for community and for family will never change, and this story explores those themes through the lenses of adoption and immigration. And although much has changed for women in terms of their ability to be single and independent, there is still a dominant mindset, both in the church and our culture in general, that women cannot be both single and fulfilled. Sylvie’s story not only counters that belief in a balanced way, but also works through the complicated emotions that can arise when a single, independent woman does find someone with whom they would very much like to share their life.

And on the subject of Kristof—all the heart eyes. First of all, he’s a musician. Second of all, he’s a wonderful human being. Although, perhaps I should have put those in reverse order! As a musician, of course I loved that the Exposition Orchestra featured so prominently in the story, but Kristof’s relationship with his brother Gregor added an extra layer to the novel’s exploration of family dynamics, and he is just such a steady, loyal presence for those he is closest to. Alpha heroes have their place, but a great beta hero? That’s where it’s at for me.

Jocelyn Green is a definite must-read for lovers of historical fiction.

Jocelyn Green is one of my favorite historical fiction authors, so her new release was high on my list this year. Shadows of the White City takes readers to Chicago during the World's Fair, a fascinating event, yet not without dangers. I found this one to be even more enjoyable than book one. The characters really drew me in, and I love the allusions to classics like Little Women by Sylvie. The lessons are indeed powerful and never didactic.

Sylvie has used her relationship with Rose as a crutch for many years, not realizing that it has been keeping her from truly living. Rather than facing her solitary life and letting go of the past, she has wrapped her life up into taking care of Rose and lost herself in the process. Kristof - oh, such a gentleman! I just adore him. Some may have heard me say before but I just love a noble, trustworthy male lead. Broody has it's place for sure, but it's not my favorite hero archetype, so I was all in with Kristof. I hope no one takes this the wrong way, but I appreciate when characters are barely out of their teens - publishers take note - readers like "older" characters, too!

The historical details are gorgeous, giving readers just what we need to establish a strong sense of place and to recognize the magnitude of the scale and scope of the world's fair, yet not so much to the point of being overwhelming.

Shadows of the White City ticked all my boxes - romance, mystery, historical details, and a beautiful faith message. I do recommend reading book one first, as it sets up a lot for Sylvie's character in this story. Green is an excellent author and never disappoints. I'm just sad that it's another long wait for her next book!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher; this review is my honest opinion.

Starting in 1890 Chicago, but mostly contained in 1893, Sylvie saves Rose from going into an orphanage that couldn't care for so many children, just as her father was bringing her there. Sylvie took Rose in and raised her like a daughter. Sylvie owned a bookstore and lived above it, also renting out rooms. Kristof and his brother, professional violinists, live in one the rooms. Things transpire that Sylvie and Kristof get closer as they both have to live with letting their loved ones go. One of those books you look forward to picking up again. Never a dull moment. This was also when the Worlds Fair was held in Chicago and has lots of descriptions of the wonders that were to be seen. Excellent read!

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#ShadowsoftheWhiteCity #NetGalley

I loved the message that was in this book! I'm in love with the greatness of this writer! You just felt like you were there back in this time. I can't wait to read more from this fantastic Author!

Great book by Jocelyn Green! I loved learning more about the Chicago World’s Fair and what that was like. I also liked learning about what the city was like for immigrant. I also liked that we got to read Sylvie’s story. You feel so sorry for her in “Veiled in Smoke” that you want her to find someone who will love her. I liked that her finding love took place when she was older and that she found a man that truly cared for her and would help her through anything. I like the characters and I loved the story.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

"The opposite of fear is not courage. The opposite of fear is faith." - Kristof - Shadows of the White City

When her adopted daughter went missing, Sylvie had to learn to trust God and His goodness. To trust Him even when circumstances appeared so bleak. Jocelyn Green depicted her grief and the desperation of her search so well I felt Sylvie's pain as she attempted to continue to work at the World's Fair despite her broken heart.

In addition to the emotional search for the missing Rose was Sylvie's hurt over Rose's attitude towards her as she searched for her "real" family. Oh, how that must have hurt! To pour out your heart and care on a child for so many years and then have her reject you in favor of strangers!

I loved reading about the World's Fair and especially enjoyed the beautiful descriptions that allowed me to better visualize it through the tours that Sylvie gave. There was no point at which I felt I was being lectured to about it due to how the information was conveyed. Too bad it isn't possible to go back in time to visit it myself - I would have loved to experience it in person!

Through Kristof, I was able to see the heart of a man breaking for the choices his brother had made and the dilemma of what to do - or not. He also struggled with the need for perfection, even to the point of needing to straighten items on the table that were askew. What a kind and gentle man he was!!

Shadows of the White City introduced me not only to the World's Fair but also to some of the seedier aspects of Chicago and its tenements. My heart ached at the treatment of the immigrants and at the conditions in which they lived.

Readers who love historical fiction with a strong Christian message will enjoy this lovely story.

Shadows of the White City, by Jocelyn Green, is book two in The Windy City Saga. This story takes place in Chicago and follows after book one in the series. Rose's mother passed away on the ship to the US and her father cannot care for her. When he goes to the orphanage he meets Sylvie and she convinces him to let her care for Rose. As Rose grows older, and her father passes away, she wishes to lean about her biological family. She posts a notice at the World's Fair and meets other Polish people. Shortly after she goes missing and Sylvie along with her family and friend, Kristof, search for her.
This is a nice historical Christian story. It is well written, with well introduced character so it makes a nice stand alone story as well. Having not read the first book, I did not have trouble following the story at all. I appreciate the focus on the love and devotion within a family, regardless of how the family came together. I also appreciate the faith of the characters and their continued search for Rose. The story did seem to go slow at some parts, but the story line is such that I wanted to keep reading to see what happened to Rose and why. I also enjoyed the parts of Kristof and the struggles he has with his brother and the decision he has to make. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Although the book was long and seemed to drag in certain parts, it was a fascinating read. It reveals the importance of family, integrity , and historical truths. Since I didn't read book one in this series I need to go back and read it. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will enjoy this book!