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The Windy City Saga #1
Veiled in Smoke
Meg and Sylvie Townsend manage the family bookshop and care for their father, Stephen, a veteran still suffering in mind and spirit from his time as a POW during the Civil War. But when the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago's business district, they lose much more than just their store.
The sisters become separated from their father and make a harrowing escape from the flames with the help of Chicago Tribune reporter Nate Pierce. Once the smoke clears away, they reunite with Stephen, only to learn soon after that their family friend was murdered on the night of the fire. Even more shocking, Stephen is charged with the crime and committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum.
Though homeless and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life, but prove her father's innocence before the asylum truly drives him mad.
The sisters become separated from their father and make a harrowing escape from the flames with the help of Chicago Tribune reporter Nate Pierce. Once the smoke clears away, they reunite with Stephen, only to learn soon after that their family friend was murdered on the night of the fire. Even more shocking, Stephen is charged with the crime and committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum.
Though homeless and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life, but prove her father's innocence before the asylum truly drives him mad.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2020
362 people are currently reading
5781 people want to read
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December 28, 2019Times of disaster in our nation's history have always fascinated me, because of the change those disasters bring to cities, political boundaries, landscapes, economies, and most of all, people. The Great Chicago Fire wrought incredible change to Chicago and its residents. For the main characters of Veiled in Smoke, it was a refining process both painful and necessary for them to become the best versions of themselves. My hope is that readers will find some inspiration in their stories, some little boost to rise up out of the ashes of your own former dreams, and reconstruct better than ever before.
December 13, 2020
December 2020 - The second time around I listened to the audiobook version that was available through RBDigital. The story was as good as I remembered and the narrator gave a nice performance. I'm looking forward to reading Shadows of the White City in 2021.
December 2019 - I can't wait for you to meet my new friends Meg, Sylvie, and Stephen Townsend—owners of Corner Books & More. Yes, I know they are fictional characters, but I have walked through flames with these people! As you might expect, considering they are bookstore owners, the Townsend sisters have saturated their minds with good literature, so in reading their story you're likely to encounter some of your own literary friends—Alcott, Bunyan, Brontë, and Pyle to name a few.
Meg and Sylvie are complex characters who grow immensely over the course of the story. Although they frequently hold opposing views, they also recognize how much they need one another and are usually quick to make amends. Many of their disagreements stem from the need to care for their father, who came home from the war a changed man. Soldier's heart is the term they use, but today we know it as PTSD. The way Green portrays this mental health condition, as well as the strain it places on families, was so touching it brought tears to my eyes.
Veiled in Smoke is the first story I've read set against the backdrop of Chicago's Great Fire. I appreciate how the author portrayed major historical events through her characters. The facts came primarily through Chicago Tribune reporter, Nate Pierce, artist Meg Townsend filled in the sensory details, while Sylvie offered an example of the psychological toll the disaster precipitated. There's a ton of history between these covers and a mystery to boot! Sifting through the ashes as well as the clues was a satisfying experience.
If you love classic literature, you will feel connected to these characters. If you have a friend or family member serving in the military, this story will stir your heart. If you enjoy historical fiction that begs you to keep digging and discovering, Jocelyn Green is the author for you. Finally, if you enjoy a good mystery, Veiled in Smoke should not only be on your nightstand, it should move directly to the top of the stack!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
December 2019 - I can't wait for you to meet my new friends Meg, Sylvie, and Stephen Townsend—owners of Corner Books & More. Yes, I know they are fictional characters, but I have walked through flames with these people! As you might expect, considering they are bookstore owners, the Townsend sisters have saturated their minds with good literature, so in reading their story you're likely to encounter some of your own literary friends—Alcott, Bunyan, Brontë, and Pyle to name a few.
Meg and Sylvie are complex characters who grow immensely over the course of the story. Although they frequently hold opposing views, they also recognize how much they need one another and are usually quick to make amends. Many of their disagreements stem from the need to care for their father, who came home from the war a changed man. Soldier's heart is the term they use, but today we know it as PTSD. The way Green portrays this mental health condition, as well as the strain it places on families, was so touching it brought tears to my eyes.
Veiled in Smoke is the first story I've read set against the backdrop of Chicago's Great Fire. I appreciate how the author portrayed major historical events through her characters. The facts came primarily through Chicago Tribune reporter, Nate Pierce, artist Meg Townsend filled in the sensory details, while Sylvie offered an example of the psychological toll the disaster precipitated. There's a ton of history between these covers and a mystery to boot! Sifting through the ashes as well as the clues was a satisfying experience.
If you love classic literature, you will feel connected to these characters. If you have a friend or family member serving in the military, this story will stir your heart. If you enjoy historical fiction that begs you to keep digging and discovering, Jocelyn Green is the author for you. Finally, if you enjoy a good mystery, Veiled in Smoke should not only be on your nightstand, it should move directly to the top of the stack!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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August 21, 2019read for endorsement:
In Veiled in Smoke, Green frames a story of loss and redemption with sensory details, a nuanced historical backdrop and an intelligent eye for flawed and utterly engaging characters. Shadows of the ongoing War Between the States as well as a deep literary resonance underscore what is, at core, a study of the fallacies and strengths of the human heart. Green’s eye for suspense is coupled with her passion for an American city on the rise. For as much as my head was turned by Meg and Nate, so was I taken by Chicago—in smoke and in print, in industry and in architectural beauty. A thoroughly enriching and thoughtful reading experience by an absolute master of inspirational fiction.
In Veiled in Smoke, Green frames a story of loss and redemption with sensory details, a nuanced historical backdrop and an intelligent eye for flawed and utterly engaging characters. Shadows of the ongoing War Between the States as well as a deep literary resonance underscore what is, at core, a study of the fallacies and strengths of the human heart. Green’s eye for suspense is coupled with her passion for an American city on the rise. For as much as my head was turned by Meg and Nate, so was I taken by Chicago—in smoke and in print, in industry and in architectural beauty. A thoroughly enriching and thoughtful reading experience by an absolute master of inspirational fiction.
December 29, 2019
As someone who loves historical fiction I get excited when I discover a new read that covers less-explored history. Veiled in Smoke takes readers on a journey through the flames of the 1871 fire that swept through Chicago. As if cleaning up and rebuilding in the aftermath weren't enough, Meg and Sylvie find themselves in a desperate battle to clear their father's name of murder. As their world seems to be falling apart around them, the girls fight to persevere.
I was highly impressed with the character development in this story. I especially savored the mystery surrounding Stephen and his "soldiers heart" as it was called. I liked going inside his mind and getting a glimpse of the inner-conflict he was battling with. Even though his mind was playing tricks on him, he still had a good heart and loved his family and wanted to protect them. He asked God for help because he knew he couldn't fight the battle on his own. He was an intriguing character and was far more complex than one would initially think.
Seeing as the family owned a bookstore, you can imagine the literary references that were found throughout. Classical fictional characters were talked about as if they were true friends. Their love of reading naturally oozed out wherever they went and was infectious. It makes me want to go back and read some of the classics again!
I can't imagine losing not only my home, but my business and entire neighborhood to fire. As if it wouldn't be bad enough in today's world, I can't fathom the devastation it would have been in 1871 without many of the modern conveniences we have now. I cherished the amount of real history that the author added into the narrative to give the readers a glimpse of what it was really like after the fire. I love when history and fiction weave together in such a powerful way.
I will not share any spoilers but I was pleasantly surprised that there were twists and turns woven throughout that I wasn't expecting at all. The mystery kept me invested and the pace kept the pages turning.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and am now waiting impatiently for the next release in the series. I love Jocelyn Green's willingness to step out of the more commonly covered historical events to find something new to bring to readers. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
I was highly impressed with the character development in this story. I especially savored the mystery surrounding Stephen and his "soldiers heart" as it was called. I liked going inside his mind and getting a glimpse of the inner-conflict he was battling with. Even though his mind was playing tricks on him, he still had a good heart and loved his family and wanted to protect them. He asked God for help because he knew he couldn't fight the battle on his own. He was an intriguing character and was far more complex than one would initially think.
Seeing as the family owned a bookstore, you can imagine the literary references that were found throughout. Classical fictional characters were talked about as if they were true friends. Their love of reading naturally oozed out wherever they went and was infectious. It makes me want to go back and read some of the classics again!
I can't imagine losing not only my home, but my business and entire neighborhood to fire. As if it wouldn't be bad enough in today's world, I can't fathom the devastation it would have been in 1871 without many of the modern conveniences we have now. I cherished the amount of real history that the author added into the narrative to give the readers a glimpse of what it was really like after the fire. I love when history and fiction weave together in such a powerful way.
I will not share any spoilers but I was pleasantly surprised that there were twists and turns woven throughout that I wasn't expecting at all. The mystery kept me invested and the pace kept the pages turning.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and am now waiting impatiently for the next release in the series. I love Jocelyn Green's willingness to step out of the more commonly covered historical events to find something new to bring to readers. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
January 29, 2020
A must-read if you like authentic historical fiction! When I picked up my first Jocelyn Green book, I was hooked. I proceeded to read all the books she has written. I love her stories and frequently find myself googling the history she writes about after I finish her books. Veiled in Smoke grabbed my attention and never let go. Her real portrayal of the awful Chicago fire practically had me looking over my shoulder ready to run. The story of Meg & Sylvie Townsend and their civil war veteran & Andersonville prison camp survivor father Stephen is both heartbreaking and hopeful. I learned that what we now call posttraumatic stress disorder, was historically known as soldier's heart in veterans of the American Civil War. Author Jocelyn Green excels at research and storytelling, making every story she writes very interesting and meaningful. As I read about Meg's burn injuries and the slow and painful partial healing to her hands, my right hand and wrist are healing from 1st and 2nd-degree burns from a scary kitchen grease fire. I decided you really don't need to experience what the characters experience to love the story! Meg had to adjust to a new normal. She recalled her mother's prayer "There is beauty in the imperfect too. You are a God who uses broken vessels. You are not afraid of human limitations or scars." All of the Townsends are each on their own difficult journey learning about what matters most in life: faith, family, and friends. I highly recommend Veiled in Smoke for all historical fiction lovers and for all who enjoy a great story. And stay tuned at the end for the Author's Note with further information on the true history found in this book. I love this part and am so glad she includes it at the end of her stories.
Thank you to Bethany House and Net Galley for an early copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you to Bethany House and Net Galley for an early copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 5, 2019
This book was received as an ARC from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book was really intense and it got very deep and spiritual at parts too. My heart was hurt, broken and warm all at the same time. PTSD and mental illness is a topic that runs very strong in my heart and this was the definition of banning together and doing whatever it takes to save your family. Meg and Sylvie will stop at nothing to rescue their father and prove his innocence and save their family once and for all. Sisterly love and family bond is what it takes to save the family. This was a really powerful book that everyone in some way shape or form will connect with this book.
We will consider adding this title to our Christian Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
This book was really intense and it got very deep and spiritual at parts too. My heart was hurt, broken and warm all at the same time. PTSD and mental illness is a topic that runs very strong in my heart and this was the definition of banning together and doing whatever it takes to save your family. Meg and Sylvie will stop at nothing to rescue their father and prove his innocence and save their family once and for all. Sisterly love and family bond is what it takes to save the family. This was a really powerful book that everyone in some way shape or form will connect with this book.
We will consider adding this title to our Christian Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
January 23, 2024
Veiled in Smoke - Jocelyn Green - 5 Stars (Book 1 in The Windy City Saga Series)
I found my first favorite book of 2024! 5 stars. This book was a wonderful historical fiction story that immediately engages readers and brings you right into the thick of things in the 1871 Great Chicago Fire and its aftermath. We follow 2 sisters, Meg and Sylvie, and their father Stephen. Meg and Sylvie manage their family bookstore. Stephen is a Civil War Veteran and is going through some extreme war PTSD and certain events surrounding the fire land their father in an insane asylum. Meg and Sylvie work together, along with a reporter, Nate, to exonerate their father in a murder they don't believe he committed.
I personally related to both of the sisters in this story with how they handled some of the situations throughout the story for personal reasons I will not go into. I loved both characters and how the story unfolded as we saw what Stephen was going through in the asylum and the sisters in their journey to get him out.
Jocelyn Green is a phenomenal Christian historical fiction author and I can't wait to read more books from her. I learned so much about the Great Fire of Chicago and the faith element in this truly shows us that God can bring beauty to our ashes, He will always be there with us through times of trouble and we need to trust Him in his plan for our lives.
I highly recommend to anyone who loves a good historical fiction story with a bit of murder mystery and family elements.
Trigger warning for: PTSD details, treatment of prisoners of war and patients in an asylum.
I found my first favorite book of 2024! 5 stars. This book was a wonderful historical fiction story that immediately engages readers and brings you right into the thick of things in the 1871 Great Chicago Fire and its aftermath. We follow 2 sisters, Meg and Sylvie, and their father Stephen. Meg and Sylvie manage their family bookstore. Stephen is a Civil War Veteran and is going through some extreme war PTSD and certain events surrounding the fire land their father in an insane asylum. Meg and Sylvie work together, along with a reporter, Nate, to exonerate their father in a murder they don't believe he committed.
I personally related to both of the sisters in this story with how they handled some of the situations throughout the story for personal reasons I will not go into. I loved both characters and how the story unfolded as we saw what Stephen was going through in the asylum and the sisters in their journey to get him out.
Jocelyn Green is a phenomenal Christian historical fiction author and I can't wait to read more books from her. I learned so much about the Great Fire of Chicago and the faith element in this truly shows us that God can bring beauty to our ashes, He will always be there with us through times of trouble and we need to trust Him in his plan for our lives.
I highly recommend to anyone who loves a good historical fiction story with a bit of murder mystery and family elements.
Trigger warning for: PTSD details, treatment of prisoners of war and patients in an asylum.
December 23, 2019
The Great Chicago Fire
The great Chicago Fire of 1872 changed the lives of many people. It destroyed over 17,000 buildings killing 300 and leaving 100,000 homeless.
This is the story of one family, the Townsend family, and how their lives changed after the fire. It is also a mystery because there is the murder of a family friend of whom Mr. Townsend is accused during the fire.
The daughter's Meg and Sylvia must find a way to solve the murder and prove her father innocent. Nate a friendly reporter they meet during the fire helps them solve the mystery.
The devastation of the fire and how the people of Chicago dealt with it and rebuilt is amazing. Life goes on long after great catastrophes are long forgotten.
I love reading about these times in history that impacted so many and are now lost from memory. I loved the characters, the book was well written and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Jocelyn Green, Bethany House Publishers, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of the book.
The great Chicago Fire of 1872 changed the lives of many people. It destroyed over 17,000 buildings killing 300 and leaving 100,000 homeless.
This is the story of one family, the Townsend family, and how their lives changed after the fire. It is also a mystery because there is the murder of a family friend of whom Mr. Townsend is accused during the fire.
The daughter's Meg and Sylvia must find a way to solve the murder and prove her father innocent. Nate a friendly reporter they meet during the fire helps them solve the mystery.
The devastation of the fire and how the people of Chicago dealt with it and rebuilt is amazing. Life goes on long after great catastrophes are long forgotten.
I love reading about these times in history that impacted so many and are now lost from memory. I loved the characters, the book was well written and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Jocelyn Green, Bethany House Publishers, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of the book.
February 4, 2020
Glorious story. Can I give it 20 STARS?!
Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green is a superbly masterful story. Where do I begin?! The plot is excellent. I was immediately swept into the tension and anxiety of the days leading up the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Then the firestorm hits and I was right there with Meg, Sylvie, and Nate as they are desperate to escape the horrific flames. The pandemonium of the day, the chaos, the absolute sadness, the hopelessness — I experienced all these feels with the characters and more. The characters are unique, personable, endearing. I feel like I got to know them on a real, personal level, and I am genuinely going to miss them. I also enjoyed the very well-written mystery that kept me on my toes the entire read. And the themes are so poignant I am overwhelmed by the depth and complexity of this beautiful novel. There truly is SO much to love about Veiled in Smoke.
Meg and Sylvie are wonderful young women. They’re strong, intelligent, and independent. My favorite aspect of their character is that they keep moving forward no matter what life throws at them. Meg and Sylvie are not victims! When they were young, Meg and Sylvie’s father, Stephen, enlisted in the Civil War. While he was gone, Meg, Sylvie, and their mother had to keep moving forward and do life without a man. They had to figure out how to survive a war as women all alone. Stephen does come back and brings with him a case of severe Soldier’s Heart (PTSD) and some serious demons. And then their mother dies. Still, Meg and Sylvie move forward. Stephen keeps getting worse and worse. Then the Chicago Fire ensues and in minutes everything is gone. Meg and Sylvie are left broken, destitute, and homeless. They are worried about their father, their home, and their futures, but they don’t give up. Meg and Sylvie keep on keeping on!
Of the two sisters, I relate most to Meg. I relate to how Meg deals with things. Meg is what I like to call a wishful fixer. She wishes for something to be and then overworks to try to make her wish come true. Sure, she prays to God, but she is so busy trying to make what she wants a reality that she just can’t hear God. And, what she wants — to make her sister happy, to get her father back to healthy, to make enough money to help her family out of a tough situation, to put the pieces of her family back together again — are all good things. Why would God want all these things for her loved ones? I am the same. I wish for something good — for my mom’s sadness to go away, for my best friend’s cancer to disappear, for my daughter to outgrow her seizures — and then I work diligently to make these things a reality. Yes, I pray. I pray my heart out. But instead of waiting on God and allowing Him to lead, I just keep working. When nothing seems to be working the way I want, I work harder. I wear myself out until I am nothing more than a mess of tears and frustration. Like Meg, I, too, finally whisper to God, “I can’t.” The truth is, as Meg realizes too, I can never do enough. I can only do what God made me to do. In all my busyness to wishfully fix everything I step out of my bounds and cross into God’s space and take over. God is the Leader. He has my loved ones in His hands. I can’t fix everything, but He can in His time. That has to be good enough.
I could go on and on about this book. There is so much amazingness to discuss. But, I don’t want to accidentally spoil a thing. Truly, Veiled in Smoke is an excellent historical novel that I absolutely cannot recommend enough. If you are in the mood for a well-written, well-researched story to escape into, then purchase a copy of this novel today. You will not be disappointed that you did.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via her publisher, Bethany House, and NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green is a superbly masterful story. Where do I begin?! The plot is excellent. I was immediately swept into the tension and anxiety of the days leading up the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Then the firestorm hits and I was right there with Meg, Sylvie, and Nate as they are desperate to escape the horrific flames. The pandemonium of the day, the chaos, the absolute sadness, the hopelessness — I experienced all these feels with the characters and more. The characters are unique, personable, endearing. I feel like I got to know them on a real, personal level, and I am genuinely going to miss them. I also enjoyed the very well-written mystery that kept me on my toes the entire read. And the themes are so poignant I am overwhelmed by the depth and complexity of this beautiful novel. There truly is SO much to love about Veiled in Smoke.
Meg and Sylvie are wonderful young women. They’re strong, intelligent, and independent. My favorite aspect of their character is that they keep moving forward no matter what life throws at them. Meg and Sylvie are not victims! When they were young, Meg and Sylvie’s father, Stephen, enlisted in the Civil War. While he was gone, Meg, Sylvie, and their mother had to keep moving forward and do life without a man. They had to figure out how to survive a war as women all alone. Stephen does come back and brings with him a case of severe Soldier’s Heart (PTSD) and some serious demons. And then their mother dies. Still, Meg and Sylvie move forward. Stephen keeps getting worse and worse. Then the Chicago Fire ensues and in minutes everything is gone. Meg and Sylvie are left broken, destitute, and homeless. They are worried about their father, their home, and their futures, but they don’t give up. Meg and Sylvie keep on keeping on!
Of the two sisters, I relate most to Meg. I relate to how Meg deals with things. Meg is what I like to call a wishful fixer. She wishes for something to be and then overworks to try to make her wish come true. Sure, she prays to God, but she is so busy trying to make what she wants a reality that she just can’t hear God. And, what she wants — to make her sister happy, to get her father back to healthy, to make enough money to help her family out of a tough situation, to put the pieces of her family back together again — are all good things. Why would God want all these things for her loved ones? I am the same. I wish for something good — for my mom’s sadness to go away, for my best friend’s cancer to disappear, for my daughter to outgrow her seizures — and then I work diligently to make these things a reality. Yes, I pray. I pray my heart out. But instead of waiting on God and allowing Him to lead, I just keep working. When nothing seems to be working the way I want, I work harder. I wear myself out until I am nothing more than a mess of tears and frustration. Like Meg, I, too, finally whisper to God, “I can’t.” The truth is, as Meg realizes too, I can never do enough. I can only do what God made me to do. In all my busyness to wishfully fix everything I step out of my bounds and cross into God’s space and take over. God is the Leader. He has my loved ones in His hands. I can’t fix everything, but He can in His time. That has to be good enough.
I could go on and on about this book. There is so much amazingness to discuss. But, I don’t want to accidentally spoil a thing. Truly, Veiled in Smoke is an excellent historical novel that I absolutely cannot recommend enough. If you are in the mood for a well-written, well-researched story to escape into, then purchase a copy of this novel today. You will not be disappointed that you did.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via her publisher, Bethany House, and NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 31, 2020
Whenever I read a Jocelyn Green novel I know it's going to be impeccably researched.
Reading this I've been transported to the Great Fire of Chicago in 1871.
So many interesting facts learned not just about the fire and the Civil War.
We also learn a previously detail about the fire we have all probably heard has just been made up to see newspapers at the time.
The authors brings to life this time period with her vivid descriptions and we can feel the desperation of the characters as they are involved in this seemingly helpless situation .
The characters showing amazing resilience to get through all presented. The human spirit really is so much stronger than we realize with God's help we can pull through so much!
The depth of the story was unveiled layer by layer and I enjoyed getting to know the characters as their personalities unfolded.
This book really shines!
Highly recommended!
Expected publication: February 4th 2020 by Bethany House Publishers
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Reading this I've been transported to the Great Fire of Chicago in 1871.
So many interesting facts learned not just about the fire and the Civil War.
We also learn a previously detail about the fire we have all probably heard has just been made up to see newspapers at the time.
The authors brings to life this time period with her vivid descriptions and we can feel the desperation of the characters as they are involved in this seemingly helpless situation .
The characters showing amazing resilience to get through all presented. The human spirit really is so much stronger than we realize with God's help we can pull through so much!
The depth of the story was unveiled layer by layer and I enjoyed getting to know the characters as their personalities unfolded.
This book really shines!
Highly recommended!
Expected publication: February 4th 2020 by Bethany House Publishers
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
January 1, 2020
....I’m not afraid of storms, for the One who made the sea is in my boat with me. - Meg’s mother
The opportunity to learn more about little known historical events is one I greatly appreciate. Once again this author does not disappoint, weaving a story around the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that puts the reader right in the middle of this horrific conflagration. The refining of the various characters was incredible to follow as they all strove to become better versions of themselves. The resilience of the survivors as they immediately start to rebuild portraying a tapestry of hope that never dies, the entrepreneurship of the young and the faith that all things could be new was woven throughout this fabulous novel.
Meg, Sylvie and Stephen own the Corner Books & More - a wonderful shop filled with books of all ages. While Stephen repairs the rare books, Meg spends her time painting scenes from the old masters. Will Stephen’s unfortunate war-time memories from his tenure in Andersonville change the course of this life as well as that of his daughters? PTSD is real and I appreciated the sensitivity the author used when writing how this can affect a lifeWill the Great Fire permanently scar this family?
‘The story isn’t over yet - we never know what the next chapter holds. God is working and things are happening even when it’s not written on the page right in front of us - Meg
I received an ARC through Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. The comments, impressions and 5 star rating are my own and were in no way solicited.
The opportunity to learn more about little known historical events is one I greatly appreciate. Once again this author does not disappoint, weaving a story around the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that puts the reader right in the middle of this horrific conflagration. The refining of the various characters was incredible to follow as they all strove to become better versions of themselves. The resilience of the survivors as they immediately start to rebuild portraying a tapestry of hope that never dies, the entrepreneurship of the young and the faith that all things could be new was woven throughout this fabulous novel.
Meg, Sylvie and Stephen own the Corner Books & More - a wonderful shop filled with books of all ages. While Stephen repairs the rare books, Meg spends her time painting scenes from the old masters. Will Stephen’s unfortunate war-time memories from his tenure in Andersonville change the course of this life as well as that of his daughters? PTSD is real and I appreciated the sensitivity the author used when writing how this can affect a lifeWill the Great Fire permanently scar this family?
‘The story isn’t over yet - we never know what the next chapter holds. God is working and things are happening even when it’s not written on the page right in front of us - Meg
I received an ARC through Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. The comments, impressions and 5 star rating are my own and were in no way solicited.
December 17, 2019
"Veiled in Smoke" by Jocelyn Green focuses upon the lives of Union Civil War veteran, Stephen Townsend, and his daughters, Meg and Sylvie. He suffers from “soldier’s heart”, now called PTSD, which has a profound effect upon his family. The reaction of his daughters to his illness, who work in his book store, rings with hope, love and acceptance. When their father’s troubles overwhelm, they rise to the challenge especially when those in authority inflict the unthinkable upon their father. After interviewing Stephen for a series that reporter Nate Pierce is writing, his heartfelt empathy for this hurting family during their time of crisis, causes him to get involved. Then when Jasper Davenport moves next door, life gets complicated. Sylvie takes a shining to this handsome man, but how much does she really know about him? Quite a few points in this story ring true from this reviewers experience, but an added bonus is that in places the writing sings with high prose. Although this book is not a romance in the classic sense, since it is based upon actual people and events, it falls into the category of an historical novel with romantic elements in the storyline. Without doubt, "Veiled in Smoke" by Jocelyn Green is a captivating, exquisite story to be savored. This reviewer highly recommends this book. It’s an awesome five star read.
December 18, 2019
What an exciting story!!! A very clean, but exciting story of two sisters and their father who is struggling with his survival of Andersonville prison camp during the civil war..Nate, a reporter from the newspaper, enters their life and he finds he is deeply attracted to Meg, the oldest sister. The younger sister, Sylvie, meets the young and handsome nephew of their family friend, but is he everything he seems? The great fire of Chicago, a murder, a lost will, all comes together in this tale of mystery, with a love story entertwined. Great writing makes for a fantastic story that keeps you guessing until the very end!!!
March 30, 2020
Rich in historical detail, Veiled in Smoke casts light on a significant event and also on “soldier’s heart,” what we now know as PTSD. Meg and Sylvie are appealing heroines, as they struggle with their father’s condition and with their losses from the fire, each in her own way. Both sisters have to confront errors in thinking that have created a wedge between them, and their journey is realistic and touching. Once again, Jocelyn Green has penned a must-read novel.
January 6, 2020
A fascinating, suspenseful, engaging read set during the Great Fire in Chicago. Compelling characters, exciting and page-turning action with twists and turns and an excellent capture of the setting and individual problems of each main character. I felt like I knew and understood each of them. And the hope thread throughout was masterfully woven in. Kept me turning pages from beginning to end, and occupied my thoughts when I had to be torn away. Highly recommended!
*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
January 9, 2020
The Great Chicago Fire was quite a moment in American history. Almost a third of the rapidly growing city burnt down, destroying over 17,000 buildings. With a city in ruins, thousands upon thousands were left homeless. What did they do? Rebuild. Fast. Veiled in Smoke tells a story of a family in this very setting. I learned quite a bit of history reading this book. I also have to say that Jocelyn Green handled the topic of PTSD better than any book I’ve ever read. Good, biblically accurate, spiritual lessons were interwoven throughout the story and didn’t sounding preachy. As for areas of improvement, I found the book to be a little on the slow side. I also found the romance, while not necessarily the focus of the story, failed to capture my interest. That being said, I’d recommend this book to historical fiction fans.
January 6, 2020
Persevering in the face of tragedy:
An interesting yet somewhat depressing tale. It tragically deals with the fire that destroyed much of Chicago
as well as PTSD and the terrible treatment of those with mental health issues. However it also highlights the resiliency of the residents and how many were able to persevere by relying on their faith. It was a reminder that when all seems hopeless God is there, He cares and intervenes on our behalf.
Whilst I enjoyed the elements of mystery and intrigue; I generally found it slow going and tedious and felt it was overly long at 416 pages.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
An interesting yet somewhat depressing tale. It tragically deals with the fire that destroyed much of Chicago
as well as PTSD and the terrible treatment of those with mental health issues. However it also highlights the resiliency of the residents and how many were able to persevere by relying on their faith. It was a reminder that when all seems hopeless God is there, He cares and intervenes on our behalf.
Whilst I enjoyed the elements of mystery and intrigue; I generally found it slow going and tedious and felt it was overly long at 416 pages.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
January 8, 2020
I've always been a fan of Jocelyn Green's stories because she is such a phenomenal storyteller!!!! (Yes all the exclamation points were necessary ;) So when I started reading Veiled in Smoke, I was immediately captivated by her imagery. She painted the scenes with such amazing strokes of brilliance that I could almost smell the smoke of the Great Fire of Chicago and glimpse its devastation.
The characters were well-developed and beautifully flawed. And can I just say that Stephen's journey brought tears to my eyes on SO many occasions. His war-shattered heart made me root for his wellness. (BTW I love that Jocelyn tackles sensitive subjects like PTSD with delicate grace.)
And now let me gush over Nate! His cleverness balanced with his tenderness made him a hero to be celebrated! I love that his thirst for the truth never trespassed on his convictions. Meaning he was fair, loyal, and all things swoony.
I also loved the sisters, Meg and Slyvie. Their sibling relationship was authentic and beautiful. It was moving to experience their young hearts mature through the difficult trial. Their characters were seriously forged through FIRE!
All in all this story was poignant, exceptional, and will forever be in my heart. Well done, Jocelyn Green.
The characters were well-developed and beautifully flawed. And can I just say that Stephen's journey brought tears to my eyes on SO many occasions. His war-shattered heart made me root for his wellness. (BTW I love that Jocelyn tackles sensitive subjects like PTSD with delicate grace.)
And now let me gush over Nate! His cleverness balanced with his tenderness made him a hero to be celebrated! I love that his thirst for the truth never trespassed on his convictions. Meaning he was fair, loyal, and all things swoony.
I also loved the sisters, Meg and Slyvie. Their sibling relationship was authentic and beautiful. It was moving to experience their young hearts mature through the difficult trial. Their characters were seriously forged through FIRE!
All in all this story was poignant, exceptional, and will forever be in my heart. Well done, Jocelyn Green.
February 2, 2020
I absolutely adore Jocelyn Green's books, like A Refuge Assured. When I saw Veiled in Smoke, I had to get it. The book takes place in 1871, in Chicago. Sylvie and Meg are sisters. Meg is a painter and Sylvie runs her father's bookstore. Their father Stephen, is a war veteran and has what doctor's call a soldier's heart, or what we know today as PTSD. One night, a glow shows up in the sky of Chicago. Only it isn't a glow. It is a fire, a fire that would destroy almost the entire city of Chicago. As the fire rages around them, Sylvie and Meg become separated from their father. After the fires die down, they discover that their father has been arrested for murder by insanity and put into an asylum. Will they be able to free their father and rebuild their lives from scratch.
My god. This is an absolutely heart-wrenching read. There were multiple times throughout this book where I had tears streaming down my face. The backdrop is the Great Chicago Fire. The detail is both stunning and terrifying. The terror of the fire is palpable in this story. Even though the characters portrayed are fictional, they felt so real. Jocelyn Green is a master at producing real emotion within her stories. Growing up with sisters, I could really relate to the sisterly dynamic.
The aspect that had the most impact is the discussion of mental illness. Stephen suffers from PTSD from the Civil War, which is triggered by the fire. It really brings to light the pain and suffering felt by so many. In 1871, soldier's heart was not really understood and many asylums were just meant to lock up patients rather than actually help them. Some parts of the story did get a little preachy. Not everyone will be cured by prayer but can be a comfort to some people. Everyone is different, and the author does dive into that fact.
Some people may find this book a little slow. Not me. I thought it flowed beautifully. There is suspense and a few plot twists that were quite jaw-dropping. This book is for those who love history or books that revolve around historical events. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book!
My god. This is an absolutely heart-wrenching read. There were multiple times throughout this book where I had tears streaming down my face. The backdrop is the Great Chicago Fire. The detail is both stunning and terrifying. The terror of the fire is palpable in this story. Even though the characters portrayed are fictional, they felt so real. Jocelyn Green is a master at producing real emotion within her stories. Growing up with sisters, I could really relate to the sisterly dynamic.
The aspect that had the most impact is the discussion of mental illness. Stephen suffers from PTSD from the Civil War, which is triggered by the fire. It really brings to light the pain and suffering felt by so many. In 1871, soldier's heart was not really understood and many asylums were just meant to lock up patients rather than actually help them. Some parts of the story did get a little preachy. Not everyone will be cured by prayer but can be a comfort to some people. Everyone is different, and the author does dive into that fact.
Some people may find this book a little slow. Not me. I thought it flowed beautifully. There is suspense and a few plot twists that were quite jaw-dropping. This book is for those who love history or books that revolve around historical events. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book!
May 24, 2020
3.5 stars
Honestly, I have been mulling over my review for awhile because I'm not really sure what I thought about a number of things. First, the story starts with the fire and that's some really gripping storytelling, with graphic details about the fire that honestly had me putting the book down to settle my stomach. But then the scene switches suddenly to a completely different scene and we have the girls getting used to life in a fancy house. Then again it’s back to the bookstore lot and everything changes again, plus there’s the insane asylum that lends lots of dark detail.
The asylum scenes are super intense and deal with similar material as another I read this year, The Gray Chamber, but I think it was even more gritty than the other novel.
It also addresses the issues of the most famous of the Civil War’s prisons, Andersonville and Camp Douglas. While I did appreciate the highlight that the North has their own infamous place (which most fiction conveniently ignores) the statistics in the end notes also ignored the additional facts that, while the South was so pinched for food that even the guards were starving, the North was pinched neither for food nor cloth and had no reason to starve their prisoners and leave them forcibly exposed to harsh winter temperatures. It left me with an interesting conflict because I admire the wish to show that the North wasn’t perfect as far as prisons went, but then it fell short because I felt she was making excuses by comparison and basically saying “yeah, it was really bad, but it wasn’t so bad because they were worse.” And the guard who was there “wasn’t so nasty because he only stole personal items from the prisoners but didn’t torture them” and I was a bit shocked that his thefts would be considered so lightly.
Meg was my favorite of the sisters. Her staunch spirit even when faced with personal losses as well as material ones and I really enjoyed having a character who was that adult in her emotional responses rather than finding a corner to go mope in. She’s a strong woman without being unnecessarily abrasive, which I really liked. Sylvie was not as vibrant to me but that may change in the next book, since her character was showing positive signs near the end of the book.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
Honestly, I have been mulling over my review for awhile because I'm not really sure what I thought about a number of things. First, the story starts with the fire and that's some really gripping storytelling, with graphic details about the fire that honestly had me putting the book down to settle my stomach. But then the scene switches suddenly to a completely different scene and we have the girls getting used to life in a fancy house. Then again it’s back to the bookstore lot and everything changes again, plus there’s the insane asylum that lends lots of dark detail.
The asylum scenes are super intense and deal with similar material as another I read this year, The Gray Chamber, but I think it was even more gritty than the other novel.
It also addresses the issues of the most famous of the Civil War’s prisons, Andersonville and Camp Douglas. While I did appreciate the highlight that the North has their own infamous place (which most fiction conveniently ignores) the statistics in the end notes also ignored the additional facts that, while the South was so pinched for food that even the guards were starving, the North was pinched neither for food nor cloth and had no reason to starve their prisoners and leave them forcibly exposed to harsh winter temperatures. It left me with an interesting conflict because I admire the wish to show that the North wasn’t perfect as far as prisons went, but then it fell short because I felt she was making excuses by comparison and basically saying “yeah, it was really bad, but it wasn’t so bad because they were worse.” And the guard who was there “wasn’t so nasty because he only stole personal items from the prisoners but didn’t torture them” and I was a bit shocked that his thefts would be considered so lightly.
Meg was my favorite of the sisters. Her staunch spirit even when faced with personal losses as well as material ones and I really enjoyed having a character who was that adult in her emotional responses rather than finding a corner to go mope in. She’s a strong woman without being unnecessarily abrasive, which I really liked. Sylvie was not as vibrant to me but that may change in the next book, since her character was showing positive signs near the end of the book.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
November 5, 2020
One of my biggest fears has always been losing all of my material possessions. Over the years, I've seen and heard countless news stories of entire homes being destroyed by fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, and other disasters. I myself have been through more than one hurricane/tropical storm in my lifetime, but my family and I never lost that much. In 2003, Hurricane Isabel knocked two trees on our house...but, my cousin, who was and still is a local contractor, and his crew made quick work of it; the only thing that was permanently lost was the booklet to one of my CDs. A later storm was actually milder in terms of wind speed and even how long the power stayed out...but, we still lost the entire contents of our freezer. Still, that fear of losing everything has always lingered...and probably always will.
Since this story talks about one of the most devastating fires in history, it was hard to read at times...but, that was kind of the point. I could identify with the characters' struggles, especially when other people's unkind actions during such a tough time did absolutely nothing to help the situation. (Been there, done that...countless times.) So, I enjoyed this novel; it drew me in and gripped me like a good book should. I was a bit disturbed that a villain in this story had the same first and last name as a real-life friend and neighbor of mine; however, I doubt the author had my friend in mind when she wrote this story.
Since this story talks about one of the most devastating fires in history, it was hard to read at times...but, that was kind of the point. I could identify with the characters' struggles, especially when other people's unkind actions during such a tough time did absolutely nothing to help the situation. (Been there, done that...countless times.) So, I enjoyed this novel; it drew me in and gripped me like a good book should. I was a bit disturbed that a villain in this story had the same first and last name as a real-life friend and neighbor of mine; however, I doubt the author had my friend in mind when she wrote this story.
January 16, 2020
I love that Jocelyn Green's novels have a heavy emphasis on history. In Veiled in Smoke, the setting is the Great Fire of Chicago in 1871.
All three main characters are beautifully written. Stephen is a Civil War Veteran that continues to suffer from what he experienced during the war and Andersonville specifically. His young adult daughters, Meg and Sylvie, long for the return of the father they knew prior to the war. Meg and Sylvie are both practical and pursuing professions while caring for their father. Meg is an artist and Sylvie runs the family bookstore.
The fire dramatically alters their life and the main focus of the novel is how these three respond and recover following the fire. It's an engaging story that includes a mystery element. I look forward to continuing this family's story in the second book of the series.
My gratitude to publisher Bethany House for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
All three main characters are beautifully written. Stephen is a Civil War Veteran that continues to suffer from what he experienced during the war and Andersonville specifically. His young adult daughters, Meg and Sylvie, long for the return of the father they knew prior to the war. Meg and Sylvie are both practical and pursuing professions while caring for their father. Meg is an artist and Sylvie runs the family bookstore.
The fire dramatically alters their life and the main focus of the novel is how these three respond and recover following the fire. It's an engaging story that includes a mystery element. I look forward to continuing this family's story in the second book of the series.
My gratitude to publisher Bethany House for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
January 28, 2024
Jocelyn Green is an amazing author, who excels at transporting the reader to a past time that feels extremely real, where the characters have experiences that are hard and emotional, but faith weaves a message of hope throughout.
This book taught me about two historical aspects that I'd heard of but didn't know much about: the use of asylums and the Chicago fire. Greene lets the reader experience the fire through all of the main characters' perspectives (Meg, Sylvie, Stephen, and Nate)-- from the firefighters' first attempts to stop it, to citizens fleeing for their lives, to the eventual end of the Fire. The descriptions were so vivid it, helped me picture something I have a hard time picturing as a modern person: huge portions of a city burning.
But this book is so much more than a few people surviving a catastrophic event. This book is pretty emotionally heavy as it deals with the topics of PTSD, alzheimers/dementia, and other mental illnesses/difficulties, added with a layer of complexity due to the lack of knowledge in mental health and helpful treatment of the time. There are several scenes within an asylum that were so sad to read because I have no doubt the author did her research to make it as realistic as possible.
This particular story didn't hit on topics that were especially meaningful to me and my personal experience at this point in my life, but I can definitely see it having a strong emotional impact on certain readers. I personally also was a tad aggravated at Sylvie at some points, but that's probably a me thing.
This is my second book by Jocelyn Green and she is definitely a favorite author. I recommend this book if you love historical fiction, familial elements, a tad bit of mystery, multiple third person perspectives, and the topic of mental health.
Content: asylum treatment, PTSD, OCD, dementia/alzehimers, dyslexia, catastrophic event/disaster
Faith rating: 2/3
This book taught me about two historical aspects that I'd heard of but didn't know much about: the use of asylums and the Chicago fire. Greene lets the reader experience the fire through all of the main characters' perspectives (Meg, Sylvie, Stephen, and Nate)-- from the firefighters' first attempts to stop it, to citizens fleeing for their lives, to the eventual end of the Fire. The descriptions were so vivid it, helped me picture something I have a hard time picturing as a modern person: huge portions of a city burning.
But this book is so much more than a few people surviving a catastrophic event. This book is pretty emotionally heavy as it deals with the topics of PTSD, alzheimers/dementia, and other mental illnesses/difficulties, added with a layer of complexity due to the lack of knowledge in mental health and helpful treatment of the time. There are several scenes within an asylum that were so sad to read because I have no doubt the author did her research to make it as realistic as possible.
This particular story didn't hit on topics that were especially meaningful to me and my personal experience at this point in my life, but I can definitely see it having a strong emotional impact on certain readers. I personally also was a tad aggravated at Sylvie at some points, but that's probably a me thing.
This is my second book by Jocelyn Green and she is definitely a favorite author. I recommend this book if you love historical fiction, familial elements, a tad bit of mystery, multiple third person perspectives, and the topic of mental health.
Content: asylum treatment, PTSD, OCD, dementia/alzehimers, dyslexia, catastrophic event/disaster
Faith rating: 2/3
May 15, 2023
I admit to being a cover snob and this one completely draws me in. The sepia tones and the haze of smoke shrouding the city's ruins...just wow...totally sets the mood. And with the heroine standing on the edge -- visual imagery of the precipice she's teetering on as her whole life tumbles down around her. Whew! What a powerful lure to the unsuspecting reader. (And I might be a tad giddy over the embossed lettering on the cover. I'm tactile nerdy that way.)
This is the first book in The Windy City Saga series and, wowsers, saga is right! It reads like an epic classic with rich descriptive prose and an involved plot that carried me away to another time and place. Jocelyn Green is known for her impeccable research and the historical details in this novel add such rich layers to characterization and plot.
Drama, mystery, intrigue and even a touch of romance -- my bibliophile senses are still swimming. This is the kind of book you lose yourself in. Seriously, I barely came up for air and lost sleep because I couldn't leave these characters to sort out their lives without me there to encourage them on. :-) It's kind of left me tongue-tied, actually. Definitely the kind of multi-sensory delight a reader needs to experience for herself.
Gobsmackingly good!
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/05/15/v...
This is the first book in The Windy City Saga series and, wowsers, saga is right! It reads like an epic classic with rich descriptive prose and an involved plot that carried me away to another time and place. Jocelyn Green is known for her impeccable research and the historical details in this novel add such rich layers to characterization and plot.
Drama, mystery, intrigue and even a touch of romance -- my bibliophile senses are still swimming. This is the kind of book you lose yourself in. Seriously, I barely came up for air and lost sleep because I couldn't leave these characters to sort out their lives without me there to encourage them on. :-) It's kind of left me tongue-tied, actually. Definitely the kind of multi-sensory delight a reader needs to experience for herself.
Gobsmackingly good!
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/05/15/v...
January 23, 2020
Once again, Jocelyn Green delivers a well tended story. Expertly researched, this novel helps readers to see, feel, hear, smell, and even taste history that we might not have studied in school. But even better, the characters are easy to love and feel so very real. Another beautiful book from Jocelyn!
June 10, 2022
I had to sit on this for a day before writing. First I want to say Jocelyn Green is an excellent historical fiction writer. This is the 3rd book I've read of hers and it's so well researched. You can really feel like you're back in time. The downside to that is part of this book takes place in an insane asylum. My mom was schizophrenic and she spent a good chunk of my childhood in mental institutions. I try to avoid any content that has to do with that. Those scenes were incredibly hard to read, but I do appreciate how authentic she made it. This book had twists and turns and good faith content. I related with the sisters and their relationship with their father. The emotions they went through were quite realistic.
A few triggers. I might be missing some, but I think these were major ones to mention.
This book has scenes of the torture of prisoners, post tramatic stress, hallucinations, medical mistreatment.
A few triggers. I might be missing some, but I think these were major ones to mention.
This book has scenes of the torture of prisoners, post tramatic stress, hallucinations, medical mistreatment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2020
"We will thank God as soon as we can."
Devastated barely begins to describe Meg and Sylvie Townsend's demeanor after losing virtually everything but their lives following the Great Fire that swept through the streets of Chicago like a demonic locomotive in the fall of 1871. Their home and their business gone. Their battle fatigued and mentally fragile father lost in the masses.
Finding respite in the home of a family friend, the disappointments continue to multiply when they discover that their father has been accused of murder and subsequently commited to the Cook County Insane Asylum. Being the oldest, Meg bears the weight of responsibility; determining to paste the fragments of her familiy back together, while struggling to accept life with new physical infirmities of her own. Adamant about her father's innocence, she is less certain about the damage to his mind being reparable; the scars attributed to his Andersonville imprisonment run deep. Leaning on a Chicago Tribune reporter for advice, Meg and Nate Pierce proceed cautiously towards unearthing the facts about the night that changed everything. What they find could prove to be as damaging as what they lost.
Beautifully written, brilliantly plotted, and intentionally populated with one of a kind characters, "Veiled in Smoke" proves that what is born from the ashes can transcend the original; to God be the glory.
"I am not afraid of the storms, for the One who made the sea is in my boat with me."
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Devastated barely begins to describe Meg and Sylvie Townsend's demeanor after losing virtually everything but their lives following the Great Fire that swept through the streets of Chicago like a demonic locomotive in the fall of 1871. Their home and their business gone. Their battle fatigued and mentally fragile father lost in the masses.
Finding respite in the home of a family friend, the disappointments continue to multiply when they discover that their father has been accused of murder and subsequently commited to the Cook County Insane Asylum. Being the oldest, Meg bears the weight of responsibility; determining to paste the fragments of her familiy back together, while struggling to accept life with new physical infirmities of her own. Adamant about her father's innocence, she is less certain about the damage to his mind being reparable; the scars attributed to his Andersonville imprisonment run deep. Leaning on a Chicago Tribune reporter for advice, Meg and Nate Pierce proceed cautiously towards unearthing the facts about the night that changed everything. What they find could prove to be as damaging as what they lost.
Beautifully written, brilliantly plotted, and intentionally populated with one of a kind characters, "Veiled in Smoke" proves that what is born from the ashes can transcend the original; to God be the glory.
"I am not afraid of the storms, for the One who made the sea is in my boat with me."
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
February 17, 2020
Jocelyn Green's debut book in her new series captured my attention right from the beginning. Filled, as always, with her attention to historical detail, complex characters, and plot driven suspense, I can't wait for the rest of the books in this series.
With a wonderful focus on a long standing side effect of war, PTSD, that can be traced as far back as war in Biblical times, we get a startling glimpse into the treatment of the men who fought in the Civil War as well as those who were placed in prisoner of war camps that left long lasting scars both physically and mentally. So many were misunderstood by both their families and the medical community and were labeled insane and did not receive the kind of help they really needed.
We see how the problem of PTSD affected both Meg and Sylvie when their dad arrives home and is no longer the man they remembered. Then add the horrors of the Chicago fire that devastated most of the city, and it was a catalyst for injuries, nightmares, and crime. The suspense was great throughout
this book accelerating to a surprising climax. After losing everything including their father, their health, and their home, the Chicago fire becomes the key for Sylvie and Meg to rebuild their lives.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
With a wonderful focus on a long standing side effect of war, PTSD, that can be traced as far back as war in Biblical times, we get a startling glimpse into the treatment of the men who fought in the Civil War as well as those who were placed in prisoner of war camps that left long lasting scars both physically and mentally. So many were misunderstood by both their families and the medical community and were labeled insane and did not receive the kind of help they really needed.
We see how the problem of PTSD affected both Meg and Sylvie when their dad arrives home and is no longer the man they remembered. Then add the horrors of the Chicago fire that devastated most of the city, and it was a catalyst for injuries, nightmares, and crime. The suspense was great throughout
this book accelerating to a surprising climax. After losing everything including their father, their health, and their home, the Chicago fire becomes the key for Sylvie and Meg to rebuild their lives.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
February 5, 2020
What an amazing book!!! Chock full of adventure, mystery, a touch of romance and best of all interesting HISTORY! I really felt every emotion of the characters. This might be my new favorite by Jocelyn Green. Loved the historical facts afterwards. I learned new things today by reading this book!
January 9, 2020
3.5/5⭐️
I struggled a bit with this one. While the story and writing were fine, I found it a bit too drawn out and thought it could have been tightened up.
The story takes place around the Great Fire of Chicago and has a two-pronged plot line, a murder mystery and one family’s struggle to keep their faith through the aftermath of the murder and fire. While the murder mystery was fairly transparent, I found the family’s struggles and interactions, while sometimes annoying and tiresome, also quite compelling and moving.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BethanyHouse for providing me with the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.
I struggled a bit with this one. While the story and writing were fine, I found it a bit too drawn out and thought it could have been tightened up.
The story takes place around the Great Fire of Chicago and has a two-pronged plot line, a murder mystery and one family’s struggle to keep their faith through the aftermath of the murder and fire. While the murder mystery was fairly transparent, I found the family’s struggles and interactions, while sometimes annoying and tiresome, also quite compelling and moving.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BethanyHouse for providing me with the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.
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