Thank you to Bethany House Publishing for a gifted copy of Shadows of the White City. All opinions are my own.

Sylvie knows that Rose isn't her biological daughfer but she has raised her since she was four years old. Sylvie owns a bookshop and also works as a guide at the Chicago World's Fair. When Rose disappears from the fair Sylvie must rely on her neighbor, Kristof, to help her to find Rose. Sylvie has always felt like Rose's mother but Rose wants to know more about her birth family. As a Polish immigrant who was raised as an American she has a foot in each world and doesn't really feel she belongs in either world. Where can she be? Did she leave or was she taken?

At first the story felt bogged down with reminders of the Chicago fire but I didn't realize this is the second book in the Windy City Saga. It made more sense once I realized this is a series. I feel this book can be enjoyed as a standalone but I now want to read the first book, Veiled in Smoke, to learn more about Sylvie and her sister, Meg.

The historical facts in this story are very interesting. The setting is the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. The author does an amazing job describing the fair. One of my favorite parts of a historical fiction book is the author's notes at the end. This one is especially detailed and definitely worth reading.

Bonus...Sylvie owns a bookshop so there are numerous book references to some favorite classics and, on top of everything else, the book covers are gorgeous.

Christian
Historical Fiction
Release Date: February 2, 2021

Shadows of the White City is book two in the Windy City Saga by Jocelyn Green. It is a historical fiction book set during the World’s Fair in Chicago in the late 1800’s. It is a continuation of the story of the Townsend family from Veiled in Smoke.
The exhaustive research that Jocelyn does allows her to writing to be so full of details that the story becomes truly immersive. The buildings almost appeared in my vision as it was being described by the guides and I felt like I was walking through the midway as she was describing it.
I highly recommend this book. The hope that sprung out of the first book, Veiled in Smoke, continues here, even when things don’t always go as expected. The characters are so real I want to be friends with them and, even though I know that they are fictional and it is not possible, I walked away feeling like I am.
I was given an advance reading copy of Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green for honest feedback of the book.

When Sylvie Townsend took in young Rose Dabrowski to raise as her own, she wanted nothing more than to keep her safe. But as Rose grows older, she both chafes at Sylvie’s control and longs to learn more about the family she once had. When Rose disappears, is it merely an attempt to escape Sylvie’s ever-watchful eye, or is something more sinister at work?

Set amidst the glitter and crowds of the Chicago World’s Fair, Shadows of the White City is a sweeping story of love, of loss, and of learning to let go. History buffs will relish the myriad of historical details about both the fair and the city of Chicago.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A spellbinding story of faith, love, and family from Jocelyn Green! Shadows of the White City drew me in from the beginning and never let me go. Green’s impeccable writing combined with a riveting depiction of the Chicago World’s Fair will utterly enchant readers.

Since I tend to read stories that feature younger main characters, I was a bit worried I wouldn’t be able to connect with Sylvie and Kristof, but my fears were quickly put to rest. Green’s expertly written tension and fantastic emotional buildup kept me completely engaged in their story, and in the lives of those around them. I felt like I was at the Fair, experiencing everything the characters were!

Amazingly crafted, Shadows of the White City is not to be missed. It is the first novel of Green’s I have read, and most certainly not the last. Her way with words is truly astounding. I’m very excited to go back and read Meg’s story in Veiled in Smoke, and I cannot wait for the last book in the series! 5/5

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

Once again, Jocelyn Green has followed up her unforgettable novel, Veiled in Smoke, with another novel that tells an astonishing historical story wrapped in amazing facts about the World’s Fair held in Chicago during 1893. This story picks up with Sylvia and Meg, and their lives since the Great Fire. Sylvia takes center stage in the story as we learn of her life 20 years later.

Jocelyn meticulously researches the background for her stories. She intertwines these into her story so the reader not only reads a novel that they cannot put down but learns about the period it is written in. Her faith is strong, and she interlaces situations and verses to uplift the reader and give inspiration.

For an uplifting story that will inspire you spiritually and will motivate you to research more about this amazing period in history, read this marvelous tome, you will not be disappointed.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Shadows of the White City picks up a couple decades after the first book, following a much-older Sylvie. While the first book provides some background for her as a character and her relationships with some supporting characters, the book can be read as a stand-alone.

Like the first book, Jocelyn Green takes an event I knew rather little about and brought it to life, although admittedly, I did know a bit more about the 1893 grWorld’s Fair, although my main frame of reference is in true crime, and this book has nothing to do with that, they just share the same setting, although it’s not lacking in mystery and anguish with a mysterious disappearance. Even so, it was fascinating to learn about the sheer scale of the event, especially when thinking about the sheer scale of it, which she also breaks down in her ending historical note.

Sylvie is very much the standout here, dealing with her daughter’s disappearance and the questions of what happened, and her grief as a parent is well-conveyed, even as someone who doesn’t have and doesn’t plan to have children of my own. And the fact that the relationship she has with Rose was established through adoption added another layer to me, as I feel like I rarely see stories with fairly positive rep for adoptive families, or adoption in general.

And while romance is not the main focus, I liked that the bond that develops between her and Kristof never felt forced or over-or underdone…it was a friendship that grew into more in the midst of the other intense things going on, and it was well incorporated.

I enjoyed this installment in the series and I can’t wait to see where the next book takes these characters! If you like emotionally gripping, evocative historical fiction with a strong mystery thread throughout, I think you’ll enjoy this.

"Shadows of the White City" is a Christian historical romance set in the summer and fall of 1893 in Chicago. The historical details were largely focused on the World Fair hosted in Chicago, including details about the exhibits and layout as well as some of the dangers caused by the fair. These details were woven into the story, and they did slow the pacing. Frankly, there were so many storylines going on that the pacing seemed slow even if the story was interesting.

The main characters were likable, reacted realistically to events, and matured as people as they had to make difficult choices. At about 40%, it was obvious to me where Rose was, but the characters didn't even consider this option for another 20% of the story. Even if their lack of suspicion was natural, it felt drawn out to have them keep searching places that were less and less likely when I knew that they were looking in the wrong places. Kristof also had to deal with the fact that his brother's bad choices were impacting others and potentially putting others in danger. Sylvie wrestled with allowing her attraction to Kristof when it meant that he would have control of her life and her business. Their feelings grew as they spent time together and supported each other through the difficulties.

Several characters struggled with the need to belong or feel valued and were reminded that God counted them as precious. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this book to fans of historical romances, especially those interested in what the World Fair was like.

With the backdrop of the magnificent 1893 Chicago World's Fair, author Jocelyn Green captivated me from the very first page of her newest novel 'Shadows of the White City'. Her impeccable research and expert story-telling bring this story of family, belonging, and letting go, to life.

This story finds Sylvie from 'Veiled in Smoke' now in her 40's living with Rose, her 17-year-old adopted daughter. Rose is really struggling and searching for her roots trying to find where she belongs. All the people in their circle of friends and family add a beautiful dimension to their lives. I love how they help one another through difficult times. I fell in love with Kristof, their tenant, and friend, who is a man of incredible kindness and integrity who supports Sylvie in many ways, especially during her really tough moments. Sylvie also helps him with a struggle he has with his brother. Such a sweet relationship between Sylvie and Kristof. I found the story compelling and truly enjoyed the backdrop of the Chicago World's fair, with the fascinating exhibits, events, and people that were there.

Some of my favorite quotes from Shadows of the White City.
"Some families we're born into, and some are of our own choosing."
"She could imagine herself like a character in the middle of a book, with the first half of the chapters wiped out, and the rest of the chapters yet unwritten. It was disorienting being so untethered to either past or future."
"Just because you can't control everything doesn't mean it isn't being handled. Trust the One who is far better at orchestrating every detail than we could ever be."
"Waiting is such hard work", he said. 'But remember, just because we are still doesn't mean that God is. We can rely on him."
"It wasn't romance she craved, but love, belonging, knowing, and being known. "

I highly recommend this outstanding example of inspirational historical fiction!

Thank you very much to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for letting me read an early copy. It was truly my pleasure! All opinions are my own.

I had enjoyed Ms Green's civil war novels and had hoped I would enjoy this one as well...and I was not disappointed! A very interesting premise and a different location/time in history than most historical fiction is being published nowadays, so a refreshing change!

This story, set during the 1893 World Fair in Chicago, held my attention from beginning to end. The characters I had grown to know and love from the first book in the series - Veiled In Smoke (you don't HAVE to read it first, as this story stands alone, but I would probably recommend it) - are back, and just as engaging and real, along with some new additions that will also grab you.

Green does an excellent job of developing characters and setting, and keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. I didn't know until the very last chapter exactly what was going to happen (and that is the best way to experience a book, in my opinion). And she sure knows how to weave hope into a story. Highly recommended.

Shadows of the White City
by Jocelyn Green
Back of the Book: “The one thing Sylvie Townsend wants most is what she feared she was destined never to have--a family of her own. But taking in Polish immigrant Rose Dabrowski to raise and love quells those fears--until seventeen-year-old Rose goes missing at the World's Fair, and Sylvie's world unravels.
Brushed off by the 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.
From the glittering architecture of the fair to the dark houses of Chicago's poorest neighborhoods, they're taken on a search that points to Rose's long-lost family. Is Sylvie willing to let the girl go? And as Kristof and Sylvie grow closer, can she reconcile her craving for control with her yearning to belong?”
Impressions: I was overwhelmed with the drama of this book. I was interested in finding out what happened but I also felt there was too much going. The wisdom of the characters was overshadowed by their plights.
Rated: Kidnapping
Liked: As I read, I appreciated the dilemma of Sylvie’s role in Rose's life and Kristof’s role in Gregor’s life as they mirrored each other in learning to love by letting go. As a mother, I see how hard it is to balance teaching my boys to be independent and make good choices and then allowing them the independence to make mistakes and learn. It is hard to give that freedom but they are their own person and I do believe that without that freedom they will not learn which would be a great disservice.
Disliked: I felt like there were too many elements of drama. It was easy to follow but it was over the top.
Quotes: “You’re still telling me what to do. That doesn’t feel like love to me, it feels like a cage.”
“You know what to do. Examine your fears, and if they’re baseless, discard them.”
“I don’t need to think less of men to believe that women deserve the right to vote, do I?”
“The opposite of fear is not courage. The opposite of fear is faith. You can’t take care of her, but we can still believe that God can, and will and is doing so right now.”
“I am not afraid of storms, because the One who made the sea is in my boat with me.”
“…just because we are still doesn’t mean that God is. We can rely on Him.”
“’ Doing the right thing,’ she said at length, ‘often means doing the hard thing. That takes courage.’”
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

Jocelyn Green is one of my favorite historical fiction authors! The beauty of her novels is how they could stand on their own if you were to remove the romantic elements. To me, this demonstrates the author's thorough grasp of the events, culture, and prevailing attitudes of the people she is striving to portray. When you read one of Green's novels, you are invited to walk beside her characters through a season of their lives. In Shadows of the White City, readers rejoin Sylvia and Meg Townsend 14 years after the Great Fire to take in the sights and sounds of the World's Fair.

A great deal of this novel focuses on Chicago's restoration efforts, the size and grandeur of the World's Fair, and the disappearance of Sylvie Townsend's adopted daughter, Rose. As always, Green's writing oozes colorful details and depictions of her setting. The addition of a mystery was a new and welcomed element, even if I didn't find Rose to be a sympathetic victim. Still, her character highlighted the plight of immigrants while enabling the author to deliver a beautiful message about adoption. Even though romance is not the main thrust of the story, a touching friends-to-something-more develops between Sylvie and one of her neighbors that will warm your heart.

Due to the amount of time that has elapsed in the lives of the Townsend sisters, I believe it is possible for this novel to stand alone. On the other hand, I wouldn't want anyone to miss the life-changing event that shaped the women you find in this story. Be sure to carve out time to enjoy The Windy City Saga!

I received this book from the publisher through the NetGalley review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This was an excellent historical novel, taking place during the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. While this one is the 2nd in the author's Windy City Saga, this one could definitely stand alone. The events of this novel take place 22 years after the first one and while the main characters (sisters Meg and Sylvie) are the same, they are clearly not the same people so to speak. The events of the first novel come up in this one, so it is helpful to have the background, but enough history is given that it's not essential. In this novel, Meg has married and has a family and Sylvie is an "old maid" who has adopted a young Polish immigrant whose father was taking her to the orphanage. The theme of adoption is prevalent through the pages of this book, which is one that is near and dear to my heart. I enjoyed seeing the sisters as older and it was nice to see a romance develop between a couple in their 40s as well. This book had all the makings of a good historical novel - good character development, an interesting historical setting, a mystery that had lots of twists and turns, and internal conflict galore. In addition to the adoption theme, there were also themes about forgiveness, perfectionism, prodigals, and relying on God. The faith thread was solid throughout. If you enjoy a good inspirational historical novel with a light romance thread and a solid family message, I'd strongly recommend this one.

Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

“Just because you can’t control everything doesn’t mean it isn’t being handled. Trust the One who is far better at orchestrating every detail than we could ever be.”

In Shadows of the White City, the second book in The Windy City Saga, Jocelyn Green brings the simple message that God is in control, and even though we don’t know His timing or His plans, we need to trust Him, to surrender all to Him. Even if that could mean losing those we love most.

Green shows this message throughout the story that follows Sylvie Townsend, no longer the young lady she was in Veiled in Smoke, but a woman in her forties who has committed her life to raise the daughter of Polish immigrants who passed away.

With her daughter, Rozalia, now seventeen, the trial of being a parent to a child, not physically her own rears its ugly head, and brings with it worry, fear, and a lack of confidence, but also a chance for growth and new beginnings. This story is a journey filled with heart-wrenching choices I was glad Sylvie had to make and not me.

The theme of love also wove its way throughout the story, the love between a child and the parents she lost, an adoptive mother and child, love of family and friends, and a budding romance in a time of Sylvie’s life where she wouldn’t have thought romance possible. It was sweet and tender, yet showed the dirt beneath the nails.

And just to keep you on your toes, the author added in a mystery to be solved, one that dragged you through twists and turns until the secret was finally revealed. There were times when I thought I had it figured out, but then my question came up in print and was turned down as a possibility…until it wasn’t. Oh, Jocelyn Green is good, let me tell you. She would throw out bombshells that literally made my jaw drop, and my mind would end up following the path she wanted me to follow instead of the one I thought I should have been on. She kept me guessing, and because of that, reading.

This was a powerful story set among the backdrop of the Chicago Worlds Fair. I enjoyed reading about the fair, and because of the details Green so carefully revealed, I felt as though I was there with them, in a place I had never before seen but longed for. I appreciate the author’s ability to bring her world to life, and that is done through the extensive research I know she has done on the subject.

If you’re into historical fiction, love a good intrigue, and enjoy a story that knows how to pull at your heartstrings, then I would highly recommend Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green.

I received a copy of Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley. Opinions are my own.

Once again the author has opened my mind to the wonders of history and all that we can learn from it. From the Great Chicago Fire to hosting the world at the Colombian Exposition in 1893, I have acquired a completely different view of this city. The well-developed characters allow us to walk with them through the Fair, so we can smell the roses and see all the amazing things that were invented and built for the world to see.

For Sylvie the years since the Fire have brought many changes - the most wonderful being her daughter Rozalia. The theme of found family resonates through the whole book. It was heartwarming to see how blood is not the only way a family is born. Needless to say, along with family comes many times of stress and worry. This story is no different. Regardless of hurt, etc. you are still family, just like God’s family. You cannot earn or perform your way into His love. You cannot lose His love by stumbling or making mistakes. He has grafted you into His family. You belong.

This ARC of The Windy City Saga, #2 was received through Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. The rating, impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

"The one thing Sylvie Townsend wants most is what she feared she was destined never to have - a family of her own. But taking in Polish immigrant Rose Dabrowski to raise and love quells those fears - until seventeen-year-old Rose goes missing at the World's Fair, and Sylvie's world unravels.

Brushed off by the 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.

From the glittering architecture of the fair to the dark houses of Chicago's poorest neighborhoods, they're taken on a search that points to Rose's long-lost family. Is Sylvie willing to let the girl go? And as Kristof and Sylvie grow closer, can she reconcile her craving for control with her yearning to belong?"

If I could time travel the Chicago World's Fair would be high on my list. Thankfully I can do this via an armchair thanks to writers like Jocelyn Green.

“Where we are weak, God is strong. He can take our smallest offerings and make of them a feast. But for now we focus on finding her.”
Shadows of the White City is the second book in the Windy City Saga series and takes place twenty-two years after the Great Chicago Fire that was in book one. Ms. Green is a master storyteller as she weaves a beautiful story of love, faith, and family. The amount of research that went into this book is incredible. The way the author describes the fountains, the buildings, I could hear the fountains, the footsteps of others, the music of the symphony. Each character had to learn to trust God and that He would provide for them even mending hearts.

I highly recommend reading Veiled in Smoke and Shadows of the White City. Take a trip back to the World’s Fair. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

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

In this, the second book in the Windy City Saga, the self-reliant Sylvie Townsend sees it as her duty to look out for those close to her. Conflict ensues when Rose, the orphaned immigrant Sylvie has dedicated her life to raising, pushes back. Rose wants to find her “real” family. Then Rose disappears. Did she run away? Or was she abducted at the 1893 World’s Fair, the “White City” where too many young girls vanished without a trace? Longtime friend and neighbor, Kristof, supports Sylvie, modeling unselfish love and faith in God’s sovereign care for His children.

Although the book begins slowly, the pace picks up with Rose’s disappearance. The many characters can make the story challenging to follow at times. However, each character has a vital role in the narrative, contributing to the many twists and turns of the plot. The author’s extensive research of the 1893 World’s Fair brings this event to life in vivid detail.

I was first introduced to these characters in the first book in the Windy City Saga series (Veiled in Smoke) that was set during the Great Fire. This sequel jumps ahead several years to the Columbian Exposition, another one of my favorite historical fiction settings. I loved getting to see how the characters' lives had changed and how their faith had grown despite many personal setbacks and disappointments. I hope Jocelyn Green writes another book in this series so I can spend more time with these characters.

I was utterly captivated by the glitter of the Chicago World's Fair brought to life under the expert pen of Jocelyn Green. While there is so much historical detail packed into the pages of this story, it does not read as a dry, historical account, but rather of an event that has been lovingly brought back to life within its pages. I felt as if I was given eyes to see and experience it in person. That is the true gift of great fiction, one that carries its readers to another time and place.

While the story of the Chicago's fair appealed to my history loving heart, I found Sylvie's story tugged at my heart in unexpected ways. It is a story of finding a place to belong, of family and trust. The age old story of a parent that must learn to give wings to their young, hoping that they will choose the love that will always be there. A love that does not cage another, but rather gives it the wings to fly.
Tucked within the pages is an unexpected hero who will appease the reader's romantic heart. Within the mystery and romance is a gentle faith thread, one of self-less love and reliance on God to direct our paths that will stay with the reader long after the last page has been read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.