(4.5 stars) - "War makes monsters of us all" George R R Martin 

This book is a historical inspirational mystery romance!  

While this is not my usual reading fare, the description intrigued me enough to give it a try. It's not often that I read a book that checks off so many book categories and manages to be a credit to all of them.  And though it's a serious story, it manages not to be grim or dark.

The story takes place within the historical setting of Chicago's Great Fire. Sisters Meg & Sylvie have been trying to cope with the wreckage of their family by their father's PTSD resulting from his traumatic imprisonment during the Civil War.

They worry about their dad's safety - and about the safety of others around their dad. So it's their worst nightmare & then some when the Great Fire destroys their bookstore and their dad is accused of murdering his friend. 

Nate is a newspaper reporter who is helping the sisters. Especially Meg. They need to figure out who really did it in order to save their dad. However, over the course of their investigation, they will learn many things, including: it's fairly easy to appear to be a good person in the eyes of men; war leaves no one untouched; and all that really distinguishes the victim from the victimizer is circumstance.

The ending is impossible to explain without spoilers, but I'll say that it's open-ended, with a good portion of happy & hopeful for this story's main character focus. It definitely has me wanting to read book 2! 

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
*Religion: overtly Christian, organic to the story, not preachy

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.

Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green
4.5 stars

A thoroughly researched novel of The Great Chicago Fire. We follow two devoted sisters Meg and Sylvie as they are running thier bookstore after the civil war and right before the fire. It's always wonderful to read about characters who love reading and books. And that they love the work of Louisa May Alcott and Charlotte Bronte, who I love as well. They are taking care of thier veteran father who is suffering what was known at that time as Soldiers Heart but what we now know as PTSD. After the fire burns out, their father is accused of murder and sent to an asylum. Time is ticking down as Meg must free her father from the asylum, figure out who really did it, and pick up the pieces of thier shattered life.
The fire comes and takes practically everything from them. But then comes renewal and building of faith.

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Wow. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I love how Jocelyn was able to add real historical facts into this novel. It's actually something I love in books because I'm able to learn history. Usually I look into the events after I've finished reading a book to learn more!

Anyways...back to the book! I loved Meg's character, she was so likeable. Caring, tenderhearted, persistent, resilient just to name a few. Maybe I liked her so much because for once there was a main lead that didnt let her "disfigurement" distract her for long. Was she upset over her hands being severely burned, yes! But she did not let that stop her from picking right back up with her art or from falling in love.

This story had twists and turns and constantly had me guessing who the murderer was! Just when I thought I had it figured out, Jocelyn would throw in another twist that would leave me guessing again.

Veiled in Smoke was a wonderfully written book and I would definitely recommend this one!

Veiled in smoke

Jocelyn Green shows us once again how it is true that there is " no new thing under the sun." Families and people suffer today with issues, problems, just as they did in history. After any disaster there are the people willing to step in and help and those wicked who use suffering as a time to blame others and take advantage. The great Chicago fire left many without home or means to earn a living. The author does a masterful weaving of a story including history, mystery, and romance delightfully blended to give the reader much to ponder about how little some things have changed. Jocelyn never disappoints.
"Compassion she had discovered was not a bottomless well."
I received an advance copy of the book from the publisher and read a Net Galley e-copy. No review required- just freely given.

I loved this book!! I love Jocelyn Green's writing style as well! But I have to say that this book, Veiled in Smoke, intrigued me particularly, as I am from Chicago. We grew up learning about the Great Chicago Fire, Mrs O'Leary and her cow, etc. While it was a tragic time in the history of the city, Jocelyn Green turned this event into such a lovely character study amidst this horrid time. Just as Chicago rose again from the ashes, so do the heroes and heroines of this book. I love the romance between Nate and Meg. I have been to many of the sites Jocelyn Green cites, and I know of the rest...so it was neat to imagine my hometown as a step back in time. I enjoyed all of her literary references (e.g., the Bronte sisters) especially because I love books and bookstores (and have worked in them). The artist references are fun as well! And her dialague and detailed descriptions are spot on...puts one right at the table, so to write (e.g., Nate's unfolding silver from a napkin, dripping vanilla from a pie, etc. Awesome!!

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!

This is my favorite Jocelyn Green book so far. I loved this story. It started right off as a page turner. It dealt with some heavy topics like PTSD and mental illness. The historical detail is so interesting. I loved this time period, and learning about the Chicago fire was fascinating. The characters were deep and flawed. I really ached for them through out the book. There was a mystery that kept me guessing as well. The whole story was really well done. Highly recommended!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for free for the purpose of review.

Veiled in Smoke is the first book in Jocelyn Green's new series, The Windy City Saga. Having read a couple of other stories from this author, I was excited to read this new book, and I was not disappointed. Green does an extraordinary job with the historical details about the 1871 Great Fire that blazed through Chicago. Emotions and reactions to the devastation are realistically portrayed through the characters as they write or paint about, or stressfully relive the horror. 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. The heartbreaking and poignant subjects of PTSD, or soldier's heart, as it was labeled in the late 19th century, and the care of the mentally ill are described with finesse and expertise. I enjoyed learning more about the Civil War and the management of prisoners, especially the policy of 'Galvanized Yankees.' The author has also included several pages of interesting and informational notes at the end of the story. One quote from the book, "We will thank God as soon as we can." resonated well with me. Sometimes in the middle of chaos, it is hard to give thanks but there is a hope present that we will be able to see beyond the pain and see His goodness. Veiled in Smoke is a complex and multifaceted story that reminds readers that God is in the business of restoration and that He uses broken people and situations to bring about healing and growth. With vivid characters, an action-packed storyline, strong spiritual truths, a climactic murder mystery, and a sweet romance, the author has penned an amazing story. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will not want to miss Veiled in Smoke. 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.

I stayed up late reading this book last night...for the second night in a row! But I had to know how it finished!
I just love this story! The characters, the setting, the events, all of it is so well written.
This is such a good telling of the happenings of the Great Fire of Chicago.
This is an event that I've heard about, but hadn't really known any real details about.
Jocelyn Green took this historical event and made it really come to life for me.
I could feel the terror as the Townsend sisters were forced to run for their lives, leaving their home and all their belongings behind. I was horrified at the events that took place.
I loved seeing this through their eyes, really feeling what it might have been like for the Chicago residents.
I also really enjoyed the mystery in this book. I tried to figure out what was going on, had a few suspicions, but ended up being amazed at how it all turned out.
This book is one that's worth reading. And rereading.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

First, can we just look at this cover? I love the colors and the feel of it perfectly matches the story within which is beautifully written. It is detailed, descriptive, and written in such a way that you can picture what is happening. The part of the story where the fire happened was so detailed and so tense that I felt like I was there! I was immediately drawn into this story and felt for the characters and what they were going through.

There are several points of view. This really worked for me because the transitions were seamless and I felt like I really got to know each character better as they were going through their individual struggles. While I liked most of the main characters in the story, Nate was my absolute favorite! What a great character. My least favorite character was Stephen - Meg and Sylvie’s father. I felt like too much of the story revolved around him and I wanted to read more about each sister.

The mystery was very well done. It kept me guessing until the end. I am looking forward to the next story in the series. I am hoping it’s about Sylvie!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I had never read Jocelyn Green before, but the premise of Veiled in Smoke appealed to me, even though, to my shame, I knew next to nothing about the Great Chicago Fire prior to picking this book up. Thus, this book proved to be a learning experience, in addition to being a fairly captivating story.

I enjoyed the family element at the center of the story, especially with the two daughters, Sylvie and Meg, concerned about the health of their father, Stephen, who was a POW in the war. Stephen is by far the most intriguing, well-written and at times tragic character, because given the state of his physical and mental health and the poor understanding some medical professionals had of it at the time, there are some scenes when he’s in the asylum which go to some pretty dark places.

The plot surrounding the girls surviving in the aftermath of the Fire without him, especially as he’s been implicated in a murder of someone close to him is interesting, and I loved seeing them and reporter Nate begin to put all the pieces together. And I felt the lead-up to the identity of the killer was well done, especially as they are not who they present themselves as.

I did have some issues becoming invested in Meg and Sylvie themselves. Apart from their love for their father, I didn’t find much to recommend in them. I mean, Meg is an artist, a point she makes light of at one point by pointing out the irony that she shares a name with Meg in Little Women, but identifies more with Amy. It’s this and other literary allusions the two make that had me lost for the majority of the book. While, t the end, it is revealed in a discussion question to be choice made to highlight the different forms of the written word, given that letter writing and news articles also play a role in the story, I didn’t feel this was conveyed well.

This is a pretty good story about a historical event I’m glad to have learned just a bit more about. I recommend it to those looking for well-researched historical fiction with a bit of suspense.

Calamity Turns to Hope
Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green is set in Chicago during the Great Fire that swept through the city on October of 1871. The story focuses on the Townsend family whose bookstore is burnt to the ground during the fire. Sisters Sylvia and Meg care for their father who was a prisoner of war during the Civil War. Stephen now suffers from “soldier’s heart”, which is now known as PTSD. Meg is an artist, but during the fire she burns her hands while trying to save a treasured copy of Little Women that had belonged to their mother. The sisters are separated from their father during the fire. When the smoke clears, they discover that their father’s friend, Hiram Sloane, has been murdered and their father has been accused of the murder and sentenced to the insane asylum. The sisters seek the help of Chicago Tribune reporter, Nate Pierce, to prove their father’s innocence and free him from the asylum.
This is an outstanding historical fiction novel that also contains elements of a good mystery. The reader will keep turning pages to discover who is responsible for Hiram’s murder and does the missing will have anything to do with why and who murdered Hiram.
The characters are dynamic and their lives are transformed as they grow in faith through their adversity and trust God to make something beautiful out of ashes. There are many great quotes in the novel. One of my favorites is the encouragement Nate gives to Meg when he says, “We are not defined by our hurts, but by God’s grace we can overcome them. We are transformed.”
This is the first book I have read by Jocelyn Green. I was excited to discover that this book is book one in the Windy City Saga. I can’t wait to read more books by this author.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Historical fiction readers will love this start to the a new series by this author. The great Chicago fire and aftermath is described in detail through the Townsend family's eyes. Lots of historical facts, along with actual people made this an interesting novel. The treatment of "soldier's heart" was heartbreaking as Stephen strived to get better. I did feel the story was a little long and drawn out but very well researched. I learned a lot through this book. Recommended!

"There is beauty in the imperfect too. You are a God who uses broken vessels.

You are not afraid of human limitations or scars."



Veiled in Smoke is the first book in a new series written by Christy Award winning author Jocelyn Green. This book is set in Chicago during the time surrounding the Great Fire. Overall, I would say that I enjoyed reading this book, although my absolute favorite Jocelyn Green novel is still The Mark of the King.



The depth of research done by Jocelyn Green always adds authenticity to her novels and makes them leap from the page. The fire itself was portrayed in such detail and descriptive prose that I could picture the fire in my minds eye and almost feel the heat on my skin. Her characters are multi dimensional and had many obstacles to overcome before and after the fire. Like us, the characters are not perfect. They struggle mentally, physically and emotionally as the residents of Chicago pick up the remnants of the life they once knew. A bit of romance and a murder mystery kept things interesting. I always enjoy trying to solve "who did it" before the characters do. This book reminds us that life is ever changing and we are but clay in the hands of the Master Potter. He can make something beautiful out of the broken...all we have to do is let Him. If you enjoyed reading Into the Whirlwind, by Elizabeth Camden, then I think you will enjoy reading Veiled in Smoke.

Veiled in Smoke will be available for purchase from your local or online book retailer February 4, 2020.

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

“I’m not afraid of storms, for the One who made the sea is in the boat with me.”

With a setting in Chicago in 1871 during the time of the Great Fire, Jocelyn Green once again makes history come alive with Veiled in Smoke, a story of great loss and tragedy along with hope, reconstruction, and growth. Having lost almost everything they owned in the fire, Meg and Sylvie and their father Stephen Townsend must rebuild their lives both physically and emotionally. The author deals compassionately, but realistically, with Stephen’s PTSD/Soldier’s Heart disabilities from fighting in the Civil War and his captivity and deprivation afterward, and the struggles his family has while trying to help him.

Green’s richly detailed descriptions and obvious deep research enhance the story greatly. Her colorful and complex characters come alive on the page with all their strengths and brokenness. I especially loved Meg’s strength in fighting through her physical limitations after the fire and her devotion to helping her family. Nate Pierce’s compassion and tender help to Meg’s family is very touching.

“We can never be who we once were, because we keep changing and growing. We’re not defined by our hurts, but by God’s grace we can overcome them.”

If you’re looking for a story rich in history, suspense, emotion, and inspiration with a touch of romance thrown in for good measure, you’ll enjoy this beautifully written tale. Threads of courage, hope, faith, compassion, and love of family are deftly and seamlessly woven throughout the pages. This book is bound for my keeper shelf while I try to wait patiently for the next in The Windy City Saga series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author and Bethany House and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Jocelyn Green’s Veiled in Smoke is full of historical detail, rich imagery, and engaging characters. From the beginning of the novel, Green creates empathy for Meg and her struggle to cling to what remains of her family. Her sister Sylvie is not only a practical foil to Meg’s emotional journey but another view of the wounds the Civil War wrought on American families.

This post-Civil War drama reaches past the tensions between North and South, Confederate and Yankee. Instead, Veiled in Smoke focuses on the mental toil soldiers faced in the aftermath of war. By exploring the war that continued at home, Green’s novel can touch a chord with many readers whose loved ones suffer with PTSD.

Patriarch Stephen’s experience with this misunderstood condition is juxtaposed with Sylvie’s response to the horrific Great Fire that ravaged much of Chicago. Sylvie is thrust on an emotional journey to better understand her father. And through this, the reader gets a better understanding of the different forms PTSD can take. There is much discussion on what constitutes insanity. Stephen’s experience in the asylum is a bit disheartening. But mostly because it leaves the reader questioning their own understanding of PTSD and other mental illnesses.

The fire scenes are gripping and pull you into the tragedy. But for me, the most compelling part of the novel was the aftermath. Sylvie’s grit. Meg’s unflinching support. Nate’s search for the truth. Stephen’s war with the ghosts of his past. Their stories entwine to show that Southerners weren’t the only ones trying to rebuild after the war.

And although Meg can come off as a bit naive, it’s hard not to root for her to help her father. Sylvie’s angst can come off as a bit hardhearted, but her hurt comes through in her strained relationship with her sister. Their relationship provided the most compelling arc, in my opinion. But the romance is just as engaging.

As heroes go, Nate is one you can root for and swoon over. From the moment he walked onto the page, I loved him and wanted to know more about him. His devotion to his step-siblings not only provides an interesting arc but also fleshes his character out better than paragraphs of description.

Overall, Veiled in Smoke is a well-written tale of a family’s struggle to adapt in post-Civil War Chicago, showing that a family tested by fire can either break or come out stronger.

(Review will go live on the blog on Feb. 4)

One of the things that I most enjoyed about Jocelyn Green’s writing is the way in which she seamlessly weaves interesting historical facts into an engaging plot. I appreciated this well researched book which put the Great Chicago Fire and the aftermath in context. The realistic and flawed characters were refreshing, as they struggled with more than just the fire. The characters portrayed ordinary people who had to keep going despite devastating loss. As friendships and family relationships are tested, deeper lessons are learned and healing begins. Every reference to literature, simply added to my enjoyment. Rich with history, this novel is a must read. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

“It was a lie, Meg had realized years ago, that the end of the war meant the end of suffering.” The Civil War is over, and the boys and men who survived are home. Yet Meg and her sister, Sylvie Townsend, discover that Stephen Townsend’s time in notorious Andersonville has wreaked havoc with his grip on reality. Meanwhile, Nathaniel Pierce of the Chicago Tribune interviews Stephen as a veteran. Life becomes murky when the city catches fire and Stephen’s best friend is murdered, leaving Stephen the cops’ main suspect.
Jocelyn Green is an expert at creating historically accurate and intriguing backgrounds while painting in-depth portraits of her characters. Both Meg and Sylvie exhibit intense loyalty and love for their parents, as well as a great need for their approval. Unfortunately, their understanding of their parents’ love and care is limited by the blinders they wear.
The young ladies also wear blinders when it comes to the young men in their lives. They cannot truly see the love, honesty, and true character (or lack thereof) of their beaux.
So many ideas and themes are presented. Forgiveness. The idea that it’s ok to be imperfect, and in fact, sometimes imperfect is better. Also, accepting life as it is, imperfect, not expecting it to be rosy or requiring others to be perfectly well or perfectly behaved all the time. (Ouch! Preaching to myself!!) True compassion. Sometimes we can’t achieve this until we’ve walked a mile in somebody else's shoes, or at least had a bit of hardship in life. Faith, believing God is limitless and truly in control.
Two more thoughts. It was hard to breathe as I traveled with Meg and Sylvie and Nate as they desperately tried to outrun the Great Fire. I could smell the smoke, my lungs felt full to bursting, and my anxiety level was high. And then many somethings began falling from the sky!
I had never heard of the term, “soldier’s heart.” How fitting. How sad. So many times, we, the civilians for whom those men and now women sacrificed, refuse to understand and accept with open arms our vets who return to us.
As usual, Jocelyn Green will have me thinking for a long time to come about people and their treatment of others.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. No positive response was required. All opinions are my own.

Veiled in Smoke
By Jocelyn Green
Sisters Meg and Sylvie along with their dad are navigating life post-civil war. With Stephen suffering from undiagnosed soldiers’ heart (PSTD) the girls struggle to manage their household. In the midst of their family distress, the city of Chicago experiences the Great Fire leaving them homeless. Following the fire, their father is charged with murder causing an uproar of emotions from the sisters. Stephen is taken to an asylum. Life seems to be falling apart piece by piece but the girls are not alone.
Much is happening in this story but this was well written. There were wonderful twists and turns throughout. I loved the history of the civil war and the Great Chicago fire shared in this story as well. This was easy to enjoy but stimulating that I didn’t want to put it down.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.
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