The 1893 World's Fair must be the topic du jour lately, because this is the third book I've read in that setting in the past month! I had not read the first book in this series, Veiled in Smoke, and while I feel that probably left me without some of the character background so that I would understand their depths, it was still a very readable book as a stand-alone. Each of the main characters has some sort of 'shadow' in their past that leaves them with feelings of insecurity and guilt, all of which crop up when one of the younger main characters goes missing. A little bit of romance, a little bit of mystery, a whole lot of history, and we have a book that comes together to keep the reader waiting to see what comes next!

Shadows of the White City
I was privileged to read an advance copy of Shadows of The White City. What a lovely blending of themes. This is a historical peek into what it must have been like in the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. The story was so well researched that I felt my feet began to ache just thinking of the task of walking through all the exhibits, I could hear the music and all the various languages buzzing in the air. Loved the inclusion of all the cultures and tastes of a large multicultural city. Yet it also clearly gave glimpse into the dangers lurking beneath the surface in such a setting. But best was the multifaceted look into complex personalities. I am not fond of romance stories, but enjoyed this look at late arriving love when it is slowly developing over time. There was mystery woven into the story as well. It made it a broader experience to have read Veiled in Smoke, the story of the Chicago fire with the same characters 22 years earlier. Jocelyn Green makes history alive with a talented blending of actual people who lived in a time and place and her vivid imaginary characters. Wonderful truths blend into this story that I could not put down. Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy.
#NETGALLEY

Shadows of the White City is a perfect addition to the Windy City Saga series. It is set in Chicago twenty-two years after the Great Fire which is chronicled in the first book Veiled in Smoke. In this beautifully written story of family relationships, love, and faith, Ms. Green once again demonstrates her superlative storytelling skills. The historical aspect of the story relating to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair is phenomenal evidencing extensive research! Vivid descriptions and sensory imagery put you at the scene whether it be “the Fair’s manicured lawns, sculptured fountains, and neoclassical buildings of monumental scale” or the “seedy, notorious streets” and “overcrowded tenements” of Chicago. Through these descriptions I could see the opulence of the architecture, hear the sounds and feel the excitement of the Midway, and smell the odors of the Stock Pavilion—a full sensory experience! The exciting plot keeps your attention with its twists and turns and unexpected and sometimes deceptive revelations. The fictional characters are wonderfully well-crafted and unforgettable and mesh seamlessly with real historical characters, events, and settings. The gentle, sweet friendship-to-love relationship of fortyish couple Sylvie and Kristof is heartwarming. Spiritual truths abound as characters learn to let go and trust God to calm their fears and doubts and provide for their needs. This emotionally rich story will definitely stay with you long after the last page is turned! I loved this book and highly recommend it as a must read. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I tried getting into this and it just didn’t hold my attention. From what I read, I was excited that it took place at the Worlds Fair in Chicago but I didn’t connect with the characters at all.

Shadows of the White City was a great read. Most of the story centered around Rose, Sylvie's adopted daughter, who was missing. One day she just didn't come home at all and there was no trace of where she could be. She enlists the help of Kristof, her tenant and upstairs neighbor who secretly cares for Sylvie.a great deal. He helps her in every way he can, and the girl does eventually return, and the mystery just seems to grow, instead of being truly solved. There is a great climax to the mystery and it has a happy ending for all. While it is a great stand alone novel, I realized at one point that this is second of a series of books and I had read the first one, Veiled in Smoke. which was also a very exciting book. I loved it!

Dear Mrs. Jocelyn Green,

Your story is like a waltz through our hearts. Thank you. You move us from shadow to shadow in such an effortless way that the reader I don't think will truly appreciate the immensity of the journey they are taking until they reach the end of the story. Beautifully done, my dear. Beautifully done. I cannot wait to read the next installment of the Windy City Saga. I am hoping for Gegor story...or maybe even Ivan's.

"Choice is one of the greatest gifts there is."

I have loved the setting of the World's Fair--there is so much history that you cause us to experience. No matter how much I may be told of the World's Fair, I feel I know it even more now that you've allowed me to experience it through story.

Once again, thank you for taking me on this journey. I have grown. You have walked me through an experience that will cause me to conduct life with an open and passionate heart and with so, so much love, "more than music can express."

Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green takes place twenty-two years after Veiled in Smoke. Sylvie in now in her 40s and is raising a teenage orphan girl, Rose, that she adopted as a young child. The setting of the novel is the Chicago World’s Fair and Green’s detailed descriptions of the fair and the time make the reader feel as if they are a participant. The characters are dynamic and well developed. Kristof is a friend to Sylvie and offers her insightful encouragement when she is looking for Rose who has gone missing at the fair. At one point Kristof tells Sylvie, “The opposite of fear is not courage. The opposite of fear is faith. You can’t take care of her (Rose), but we can still believe that God can, and will and is doing so right now.”
The novel has a strong message of faith. Faith not in man or self, but in God. Faith that God is in control and our need to trust in Him and to allow God to walk along side us daily.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Jocelyn Green pens historical stories that will not fail to teach you something about America's history. In Shadows of the White City, Green takes us for a walk through a city that has just recovered from the great fire. There are parts that are still needing help. Immigrants a pouring into the city and there is just not enough room for them all.
Sylvie and her daughter Rose are trying to do what they can during a time of great change and excitement for Chicago. Sylvie is trying to protect Rose as she had promise her father she would. Rose just wants to find out as much as she can about her birth-parents.
Beautifully penned, Shadows is a recommended read for any and all Historical fiction fans.

This book will take readers back to the Chicago's World's Fair of 1893. The vivid descriptions of the many events at the fair will cause readers to become a part of the wonder and excitement of the an event. History comes alive through this beautifully told of story of love, family and redemption. Readers will sympathize with Sylvie as she struggles with Rose's feelings and Kristof as he deals with his brother. The disappearance of Rose has a strange twist that will keep readers guessing. Recommended!

The setting for this book is the 1893's World's Fair, and it takes place in Chicago, Il. Through the words of the author we take in this spectacular event, and visit many of the expositions.

We are given a bit of sweet romance, a kidnapping, a meeting with some dark character looking to receive their gambling winnings! We also have the dynamics of a mother and daughter relationship, and a brother and brother one also.

You can see that trusting God helps in all the situations, and you will quickly be turning the pages and looking for answers here, and hoping for the best out come.

This is book that I became very involved in the characters lives, and in the end, I didn't want to leave!

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

Freedom to Choose

A wonderful story of love, understanding and forgiveness. The wisdom to know when to hold on and when to let go. A feeling of belonging which all of us need to have.

In the background of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair we experience the lights, sounds and magic of the world's fair. The music, the food and the fashions of that time in history. So many different nationalities, so many different acts to see from a Polish restaurant to Houdini's act.

We meet again the sisters Meg and Sylvie from Jocelyn Green's first novel About Chicago Veil of Smoke". We agonize over the challenge Sylvie has with her adopted daughter Rose. The choices she has to make and the heartbreaking decision to let Rose go, to give her the choice of freedom.

We meet Kristof and his brother Gregor. The friendship between Kristof and Sylvie, and the struggles between Kristof and his brother.

It is a story of life and relationships. A time for compassion and a time for strength. When letting go tugs at the heart and holding on is selfish. Love must be freely given and trust must be freely awarded.

I enjoyed reading this story very much and would recommend it. I think you will like it as well.

Thanks to Jocelyn Green, Bethany House Publishers, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of the book for an honest review.

Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green is an interesting story of the Chicago World’s Fair. The characters are my favorite part. They were realistic and haunting as they worked through their struggles and the hunt to find Rose. I liked that there was hints of romance between Sophie and the guy upstairs, but it did not become the main focus of the story. It was well-written and a little sweet as they slowly fell in love with each other. The plot with the hunt for Rose and working with the musicians for the Chicago World’s fair was nicely handled. I loved seeing parts of this historical elements. One downfall to the novel: I wish there was more parts of showing what the World’s Fair did to the economy and the surrounding people. We were stuck in the little bubble of the fair and Sophie’s home. Was it good because it provided jobs? What about the people hired? There was a little bit of this included with Lottie’s family. I, personally, just wanted more. It is still a delightful novel to spend time with. I believe fans of historical fiction will enjoy this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

The title, Shadows of the White City, fits this book so perfectly. Nearly every character in this novel has a shadow of the past and or present that lingers alongside them throughout the pages. Like most shadows, they cause doubt, insecurity, grief, addictions, obsessions, a longing for love and belonging. Set in Chicago during the World's Fair the plot is centered around the disappearance of one of it's characters and the ongoing search to find her again. This is not a fluffy, light hearted read...being a mother of daughters, frankly... it kept me awake at night. There is a strong message of learning to trust in God and believing that he is working on our behalf even when we aren't seeing "results' of his hand.

If you enjoy books set during the World's Fair or stories with a bit of romance and a mystery to solve then I think you would enjoy Shadows of the White City.

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the free copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Set in the midst of the Chicago World's Fair, Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green, weaves a story of Sylvie's family. Sylvie chains to be an independent woman who does not need a man to be happy. She has worked the family's bookstore, taken care of her father (who returned from Andersonville prison a broken man) and her mother (who grieved over the loss of who her husband was). When she sees a man taking his daughter to an orphanage, she volunteers to care for little Rosalie. She spends the next thirteen years dedicating her live to Rosalie's care. There are also renters who live on the 3rd & 4th floors above the bookstore who have become like family. Kristof teaches Rose violin.

At seventeen, Rose is asserting her own independence and wants to learn more about her Polish family. After meeting a Polish actress, Rose disappears. Has she run away? Did Ivan, a suitor, take her? Did some gangsters take her as insurance for the debt one of Sylvie's renters owed? As Kristof helps Sylvie search for Rose, affection grows beyond friendship for them.

This story teaches that family is more than shared blood. It is love that makes us family. We also learn we must sometimes let a loved one go, for them to choose to come back.

This is one of my most anticipated releases for 2021, as I am a fan of both Jocelyn Green and all things Chicago. So if this book disappointed me, I knew it was going to be a hard fall! But it truly wasn't.
Set during the Chicago World's Fair of 1893, Shadows of the White City continues Sylvie's story from Veiled in Smoke- and she's now 43 and the single parent of an adopted teen.
Shadows of the White City was a lot of things:
-dripping with information, it is a very detailed and descriptive look at the World's Fair, per Green's usual style.
-it is a mystery as the characters search for a missing person.
-it is a (dare I use the words "middle aged?") love story, gentle and respectful.
-it is a thoughtful, probing look into motivations of our own hearts, shines the gospel on them, and gives us the tools to love with a more selfless, pure, faith-based love.

I liked that the characters were older, because they were more grounded and mature as they interacted and made difficult decisions; nothing about their story was about their raging hormones or physical attractiveness, which is a nice relief from a lot of romances. The secondary characters were anything but flat. Each of them added their own challenges to the story and had interesting growth. Having read all of Jocelyn Green's published fiction, I think the Windy City ones are some of my favorites, because although they don't protect you from the dark underbelly of the times, they are less graphic and gritty than her earlier works. We are told that young women disappear into brothels never to be found again, but we don't have to go see it for ourselves. This makes a far less traumatizing book for the reader and one of the reasons I enjoyed it. Shadows had a completely happy ending (even in the romance. Unlike *some* of Green's books😂), which is a huge plus for me.

I loved seeing 1893 Chicago, although I imagine not every reader will care for the extent of the detail as much as I did. Shadows of the White City reminded me of everything I love about Jocelyn Green's writing. I love the thoughtfulness of it, I love her characters, I love the theology and the way she writes. I wouldn't have changed anything about this book.

I received an advance copy from Netgalley and the publisher but I was not compensated or required to leave a positive review. All opinions are entirely my own.

SHADOWS OF THE WHITE CITY is the second novel in The Windy City Saga by JOCELYN GREEN, but it can easily stand alone.
In 1880 Sylvie Townsend saves Rozalia Dabrowski from the orphanage where her father, Nikolai Dabrowski, is about to leave her. She brings her up as her own daughter, but when Rose is seventeen she starts looking for her Polish relations. This results in problems and Rose's disappearance in 1893, against the backdrop of the Chicago World Fair, where Sylvie is a tour guide and where her friend and tenant, Kristof Bartok, is lead violin in the Exposition Orchestra.
The book is largely about families and relationships, particularly about caring enough to let go, bringing in the story of the Prodigal Son where Kristof's brilliant brother, Gregor, is concerned.
Whereas Sylvie, as a forty three year old spinster, is unsure of herself and her abilities as a mother and tends to be controlling, she shows unconditional love towards Rose, as opposed to those whose love is purely selfish.
We get a good idea of the vastness of the Exposition, the huge crowds, a lot of them foreigners, and the hopelessness of looking for someone who does not seem to want to be found. We also see the poverty of the immigrant communities and those who are out of work due to the countrywide recession.
Sylvie and her friend Beth Wright bravely search the brothels, much to Kristof's horror, as he sees himself as Sylvie's protector. His language proficiency is a great help in the search.
Young girls seem to be disappearing in the crush of visitors and Sylvie is afraid her beautiful daughter has been abducted for nefarious purposes. She is suspicious of everyone, particularly Ivan, who seems to have been stalking Rose before she disappeared.
I like the way the author takes us right into the characters' emotions and feelings of confusion about where they belong.. There is a great Christian message here, but I will leave it to you to read about it!
I am not going to tell you any more, excepting to say that it is an inspiring and exciting read, with a strong message of hope in spite of some of the subjects that are dealt with, and I highly recommend this lovely book to anyone who enjoys historical, romantic suspense,
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.,