Shadows of the White City - (The Windy City Saga) by Jocelyn Green (Paperback)

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.

Jocelyn Green is my favorite historical fiction writer and in her latest book, Shadows of the White City, her research does not disappoint! The setting is the World's Columbian Exposition (aka, the Chicago World's Fair of 1893) and it was so interesting reading about this period of time in U.S. history. Often, I stopped to Google names and places referenced in the book and that really helped me engage more with the story. The storyline was initially captivating but admit there were times when the plot seemed to drag on; however, in the last quarter of the book, I couldn't read it fast enough! I highly recommend Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green and believe you will enjoy it too!

All her life, Sylvie, has taken care of other people. For years, she was the sole care taker of her father. While in that role, she adopted, Rose, who she raised as her own daughter. Now, at 17, Rose is pulling away, and chafing against normal teenage rules. Rose viciously lashes out at Sylvie, claiming the rules are used to keep her from enjoying life, and that Sylvie isn’t her “real mom” anyway. Because of Rose’s rebellion, Sylvie relaxes some of the rules, and suddenly, Rose disappears. Has she left of her own free will? Or has she been kidnapped? Clues appear that can support either scenario. What is the truth? Set against the background of the fabulous 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, this story is exciting, and is a mystery right up to the very end. The real descriptions of the fair transport you to that thrilling time, while the puzzle of what happened to Rose will keep you turning the pages. Faith and God plays an integral part of the tale, and Sylvie, a self-sufficient woman, finds a long-time friendship might be something more. I highly recommend this 5-star book. Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Shadows of the White City, for the purpose of review.

I’ve never been to a World’s Fair, but after reading Jocelyn Green’s Shadows of the White City, I felt like I had. Ms. Green vividly describes the setting so well. I can almost see the massive buildings, feel the pressing of the huge crowds, hear the violin and orchestra music and smell the food aromas of the many countries represented on the Midway. Green tells us the Museum of Science and Industry is one of the original 1893 World’s Fair buildings, so I can only imagine what the whole fair settlement must have been like, teeming with crowds. Into this surreal setting Green inserts Sylvie Townsend, single, middle-aged Mimi to 17-year-old Rose. While Rose is longing to spread her wings and is searching for her biological family, Sylvie is holding on to her daughter tightly enough to suffocate her. As Sylvie struggles to sort out her relationship with Rose, she leans heavily on her neighbor, concertmaster Kristof. Kristof, in turn, struggles with his talented but slothful brother. We also see Meg, Sylvie’s sister, who is more prominent in the first book. Sylvie has a lot of re-evaluating of her life attitudes to do. Will she emerge bitter at God, Jozefa, and Rose, or will she be better? Kristof is a bit of a stuffed shirt, albeit with a tender heart. He makes a journey of self-discovery as he helps Sylvie and tries to deal with Gregor. He is a romantic, fluid character to cheer on he begins to view life through different eyes. Green’s poetic description of the orchestra music is entrancing. She obviously understands music well. Her research is impeccable, shown in her incredibly detailed descriptions. Twists are subtle. In several places, I felt like I knew what would happen, but a bit of a change causes the story to flow differently than expected. This book can stand on its own, but you will get so much more out of it if you read book one first. Notable Quotables: “It wasn’t Father’s timepiece I wanted. It was his time.” “...you can stop striving to earn a place you’ve already been given. You’re already a beloved child of God. You can’t perform your way into or out of His family. “ I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own, unsolicited.

This is the second book in the Chicago series. The original we met Sylvie Townsend during the Chicago Fire and we continue with her during the World Fair. I do not have the flair for writing as Jocelyn does, she brings her characters to life and you feel as if you are now in the story with them. She has taught me so much about the happenings of years past in the best way, weaving me into the storyline. I'm not going to give away too many details but strongly urge you to read it and enjoy it. I received this book from Bethany House Publishers but the opinions are my own

I found myself enchanted by the allure and sparkle of the Shadows of the White City. The excitement of the World's Fair in Chicago was contagious, and I found myself there amongst the bright lights (hence the nickname the White City, not to be confused with the Windy City, where it was held). On top of the fair excitement, there's a missing person, music, gambling debts, and more. I found myself on the edge of my seat more than once saying "Well, I did NOT see that coming!" Read as a standalone or catch Veiled in Smoke prior to gain a bit more background on some of the characters. Either way, you won't go wrong with this novel! Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a copy. All opinions are my own.

Jocelyn Green has outdone herself again! She’s a master of historical detail and in this novel she has gone to great lengths to make the setting of Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 a totally vivid event. I can almost say I don’t know what fascinated me more: the plot, the deep and complex characters, or the richness in historical detail. You can fairly see this is a thoroughly well researched book, because everything about the setting, the ambience transpired of that particular era, is based on real historical facts. But enough of fawning over her historical talents. This is the second book in the Wind City Saga and this is Sylvie Townsend’s story, whom we met in the fist book, Veiled in Smoke. In the first book, she and her older sister Meg live through the Chicago Great Fire, which separates them from their mentally ill father (who has a severe case of PTDS) and has a traumatic effect on Sylvie that will later help her understand better her father as she cares for him in his last years. In this book, Sylvie is 43 years old and has been raising an adopted girl for 13 years, after the child’s father, a Polish immigrant, makes her promise on his deathbed that she’ll take care of her. Sylvie devotes herself to raising Rose, to her work in managing the bookshop, and lately as a part time tour guide at the Fair. But Rose is now 17 and is having a teenage identity crisis and longs to know more about her roots and family left behind. While she starts to investigate, and after having an argument with Sylvie about feeling somehow controlled and restrained, Rose mysteriously disappears, making Sylvie frantic with worry... The story was riveting! Other than the historical journey to the Chicago World’s Fair, it has an engaging plot with lots of twists in the quest of finding Rose and the motives of her absence, that kept me captivated until the last page. But the best part was the characters, flawed and relatable: there’s a lot of character growing in the book. Not only for Sylvie, who has to learn to let go of her daughter, to trust God in the outcome, and to open herself to be helped and even loved by those who care deeply for her. Kristof has his own growing story as the eldest brother of a musical prodigy and always favorite of his deceased parents. To learn his self worth, and to discover that protecting his younger brother from his persistent bad decisions may not be the best way to help him overcome his lack of will and the pursuing of an easy life. Above all, the most important message for me was what their mother used to tell the Townsend girls: “I am not afraid of storms, for the One that made the sea is in my boat with me”. I loved this quote so much! Although it can be easily said, but trusting God in our storms is a great challenge, but the outcome is peace and trust, in spite of the outcome, because God can bring good out of everything! I definitely recommend this story that touched me, that teached me more than one thing about life, faith, and also about history! I love history! A heart-tugging yet beautiful story of love and hope!

Shadows of the White City is the second installment from Jocelyn Green’s The Windy City Saga. I had the pleasure of reading the first book, Veiled in Smoke, and was excited to have the opportunity to read this one, too. It does not disappoint. It was so very good. I enjoyed getting to know Kristof and Sylvie. The mystery, suspense, danger and adventure had me intrigued all throughout the book. So very good. I am giving Shadows of the White City a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction. I will try to be patient as I wait for the third book from The Windy City Saga. I can not wait to find out what happens next. I received Shadows of the White City from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

If you like historical novels, then Jocelyn Green's books should be on your must read list! Green does an amazing amount of research and visits the locations she writes about. Her narrative is so natural that it feels as if the reader is walking down the street in another place and time. Shadows of the White City is no different, and is really more amazing because it is located in Chicago during the 1893 World's Fair. This Fair was bigger than most because it celebrated the 400th Anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the new world and took place just 15 years after Chicago was decimated by fire (which you can learn about in the first book in this series, Veiled in Smoke). Sylvie Townsend, a book store owner and adoptive single parent, works as a tour guide at the Fair. Through her visits to the Fairgrounds we get a first hand look at the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the event. So many interesting tidbits are shared as Sylvie leads tour groups or visits with her family. The scale and scope of the event is beyond comprehension! Sylvie's daughter, Rozalia, was saved from life in an orphanage when she was very young, but now a teenager, she wants to understand more about her Polish heritage. Then, without explanation she disappears. Unfortunately many young women were mislead and ended up in brothels at the time with little hope of escape. Sylvie and her boarder, Kristof Bartok, will leave no stone unturned to find out what happened to Rose. This book is full of adventure and intrigue, and is another book that is hard to put down. It isn't necessary to read Veiled in Smoke first to know what is going on, but I highly recommend it because it's an amazing book! Those who have read it will find some old friends in this one. Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for providing a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is book two in the Windy City Saga and takes place 22 years after book one. Although it can be read as a stand-alone I highly recommend reading Veiled in Smoke as seeing the changes and growth in Sylvia and Meg that has taken place is like watching your children grow up. These characters are like family and you feel their happiness and pain. There is so much research that goes into this authors books that you feel like you have stepped back in time and can experience the time and place. The descriptive words have you awestruck and you can hear the symphony and the crowds at the world’s fair. This book definitely involves your heart as you watch Sylvia learn to let go of the one she wants to hold the tightest to and Rose is torn with what she wants. I couldn’t figure this one out as it has some surprises in store for the reader that keeps you guessing. This is a story of family whether by birth or by choice, faith, discovery, and finding out that God loves us and doesn’t demand perfection just a willing heart. I can’t wait for book three as this author never disappoints but leaves you wanting more. This book is woven together with a three strand cord that cannot be broken and paints a masterpiece for you to behold. Going on my keeper shelf. #mustreadfavorite I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

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.

This book takes place twenty plus years after the end of the first in the series, Veiled in Smoke. Sylvie Townsend is now in her early forties, never married, but for the last thirteen years she has cared for a young orphan, Rozalia (Rose) Dabrowski. Now seventeen, Rose is straining against Sylvie's protective instincts and wanting to make connection with any Polish visitors to the World's Columbian Exposition who may have known her parents. When a Polish actress takes an interest in Rose, who later goes missing, Sylvie is frantic. She accepts the help of Kristof Bartok, a friend and one of the renters in the building that also houses her book shop. He also is struggling with issues with his brother who lives recklessly. Sylvie and Kristof both must learn that loving sometimes means letting go and God can be trusted. One of my favorite quotes is from page 338: "'Doing the right thing,' she said at length, 'often means doing the hard thing. That takes courage. And faith to believe that he'll be all right without you there to make sure of it.' As soon as she heard the words, she feared she needed them as much as he did." There are many twists and turns in this very interesting story that also gives well researched details about the Exposition. I was happy that Meg, Nate, Karl, and Anna from the previous book were included in this one. I enjoyed Shadows of the White City and highly recommend it. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own.

Shadows of the White City is the second book in Jocelyn Green's new series, The Windy City Saga. Having read Veiled in Smoke, set during the Great Fire of Chicago, I was excited to read this new book. I was not disappointed. Green does an extraordinary job with the historical details about the 1893 World's Fair. Twenty-two years after the fire readers are reunited with Sylvie and Meg and see how their lives have evolved. The book is rich in period details and historical flavor and is filled with well-rounded, vivid characters. Characters who are believable as all their flaws and foibles are portrayed, along with their strengths and humanity. Emotions and reactions are realistically portrayed through the characters as they search for a missing teenager. One quote from the book, "Sometimes you just have to let a man live with his decisions. This is not your burden to bear." resonated well with me. Sometimes as one deals with loved ones who make poor choices, it is hard to give that burden to God and know that He is in control. Shadows of the White City is a complex and multifaceted story that reminds readers that God is in the business of restoring lives and families, of healing the brokenness that is within each of us. With vivid characters, an action-packed storyline, strong spiritual truths, and a sweet romance, the author has penned an amazing story. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will not want to miss Shadows of the White City. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

Shadows of the White City is an exciting read! It is set at the Chicago's World Fair in 1893. The characters are literally brought to life in this book! Rose, a young woman who is desperately searching for her family; Sylvie, a mother wanting to hang on to her adopted daughter and Kristof, the hero who is in love with Sylvie and battling his own demons. The rest of the characters truly make this story special! So does the aspect of hope and love that is interwoven throughout the book. The descriptions of the World's Fair literally bring the fair to life! My compliments to Jocelyn Green for another job well done! 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.

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.

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 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 from Bethany House Publishers. All 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.

"Healing doesn't mean forgetting the loss, nor does it mean enshrining it. Healing, at least for me, has meant holding both the blessings I once had and the blessings I still do, but holding them loosely in open hands." This is book 2 in the Windy City Saga and it continues the journey of the Townsend sisters in 1893 Chicago, some twenty-two years after the Great Fire and the first book. Because of the gap in time, this book can be read as a stand-alone, but reading the books in order will allow for better appreciation of who Sylvie is and what shaped her young adulthood. Jocelyn Green has a way of drawing her readers into her incredibly detailed and delightful world; this time she takes us into the heart of the Chicago World Fair and the music that surrounds the White City. The writing is beautiful as always. The characters are flawed, raw, down-to-earth and the plot is intriguing, engaging, and oftentimes heart-wrenching. The faith journey is rocky yet rewarding and fulfilling. It's another winner from Jocelyn Green! Sylvie is now a woman in her forties raising a seventeen year old Polish orphan as her own. Sylvie is independent, practical, hard-working, and satisfied with her life until her Rose leaves their home under strange and mysterious circumstances. Sylvie's anxiety and fear as a mother frantically searching for her child is heart-breaking and totally relatable. Kristof, a Hungarian violinist who rents his apartment from Sylvie, is a gentle, compassionate, tender soul who strives for perfection. When he runs into trouble with his brother Gregor, Kristof and Sylvie both realize their similar struggle for control and for finding a place to belong. The disparity between Chicago's immigrant poor and its middle class is astounding and eye-opening, especially surrounded by the glitz and opulence of the World Fair. The intrigue following Rose's disappearance offers gasp-worthy twists and turns to the plot as Sylvie and Kristof unravel clues to find her. As they work together, their long-standing friendship blossoms into a sweet, steadfast, and patient kind of romance that is sigh-inducing. I also enjoyed reconnecting with Meg and Nate, whom we met during the first book. This historical fiction has it all - captivating writing, great plot, enchanting setting, lovely characters, and themes of grace, acceptance, and freedom. If you're a historical fiction fan, you will absolutely love this book. I received the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

Love love and love this story!! Learning to let go of someone that we love to let them make their own choices is one of the most difficult lessons in life. And trusting God to watch over and care for them when we have no control over the situation is just as hard. He loves them even more than we do and will give us the hope, peace, and strength to take Him at His word whenever we need it. He's got both them and us in His hands and will never let us go. I received a copy from the publisher, all thoughts are my own.