I love The Windy City Saga and feel like I've been to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair! Can you imagine seeing and riding on "Mr. Ferris" wheel! I enjoy all of the history described in Jocelyn Green's books. Sylvie is to be admired as she previously escaped the Great Chicago Fire, cared for her father and took in a poor motherless Polish child and raised her as her own. Now Rose is a young adult trying to be independent and Sylvie is working as a tour guide at the fair in addition to running her own bookstore! Shadows of the White City includes orchestra practices and performances, visiting various buildings at the Fair, some shady characters, helping those in need, love and even visiting brothels!
Sylvie knows that God has everything under control but, like most of us, had difficulty trusting His timing! If you enjoy historical fiction, you will not want to miss Shadows of the White City! I received an advance reader copy of Shadows of the White City from the author and Bethany House and an e-book from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

If you pick up a Jocelyn Green book, know that you'll be emerged into a world rich in description, imagination, history, and research. Shadows of the White City is absolutely no exception. This story delves into some of the darkness that surrounded the World's Fair. The year is 1893 and and Sylvie Townsend is living her greatest nightmare. Rose, the daughter that she took in as a young Polish immigrant has disappeared without a trace. Soon, Sylvie receives a not saying that Rose is fine, has moved out of her own accord, and not to come looking for her. Sylvie refuses to take the note as truth and begins a search with her upstairs tenant, Kristof. The relationship between the two of them begins to blossom, but Sylvie has been hurt before and has a difficult time choosing to let go. The characters are loveable and the setting is so well written it becomes like a character all it's own!

I received a complimentary copy of the book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I love how this story continues after the fire several years later. Sylvie has taken care of a child, Rose. She promised her father she would. Rose is now 17. The story centers around the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair. I really enjoyed the facts intertwined into the story. It seemed like they were a natural part of the story, not just thrown in for good measure. The story includes mystery, music, books, rebellious teen. Kristof and his brother has strife and trials. They live in Sylvie’s building. It’s a story I didn’t want to put down and enjoyed. Sylvie’s spunky niece, Olive, adds to the story. It’s nice to see Meg and Nate in the story also. I definitely recommend this book.

Shadows of the White City makes the most of its setting during the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. The author skillfully weaves details of the Fair into a story whose ups and downs often feel like a modern day fair ride. Sylvie Townsend is a natural born caregiver, first caring for her ailing mother and war-damaged father, then for a young Polish girl whose mother had passed away and whose father could no longer care for her. Now that seventeen-year-old daughter was running headlong in pursuit of her birth relatives leaving her adopted mother feeling unloved and worried. Jocelyn Green explores the theme of what it means to love, and what love both requires and allows. This exploration also occurs as Sylvie's friend, for whom she is also landlord, struggles to know how to best love his wayward brother.

I recommend this book to those who love well-written historical fiction, and especially to those who have experienced difficulties in familial relationships. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Shadows of the White City from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

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

Shadows of the White City is the second installment from Jocelyn Green’s The Windy City Saga. I had the pleasure of reading the first book, Veiled in Smoke, and was excited to have the opportunity to read this one, too. It does not disappoint. It was so very good. I enjoyed getting to know Kristof and Sylvie. The mystery, suspense, danger and adventure had me intrigued all throughout the book. So very good.

I am giving Shadows of the White City a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction. I will try to be patient as I wait for the third book from The Windy City Saga. I can not wait to find out what happens next.

I received Shadows of the White City from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

This author can't write a book without making you experience the feeling like you experienced the event.
Tonight, I feel as though I not only visited Chicago's World Fair, but I had a missing child as well. I mean, I was ready to storm the gates to find someone that wasn't even missing as the feelings of being there with Sylvie were so realistic.
This book is not a romance, even though there are brief hints of relationships, but instead the story of a mother and daughter finding that love is thicker than blood.

Another fabulous read by Ms. Green!
This is the 2nd book in the Windy City Saga Series.
Just wow!
I loved being swept back into 1893 at the fair!
Now, normally I love fairs but this one really took my breath away literally! The scenery oh my! Made me feel like I was there!
The Faris wheel! Just amazing. I think my mouth dropped open from my imagination at seeing for the first time! I'll never look at one again without remembering where it came from or how someone thought of it.
Ms. Green's description of each building and where it was truly remarkable. She's done her research well.
Sylvie and Rosey I was happy to see them again!
I really liked how she added some mystery in this book to keep it interesting. I kept turning the pages to see how it would all end. I wasn't one bit disappointed.
I didn't want to say goodbye because I very much enjoyed myself at the fair and I learned a lot.
Did you know that the fair came back to Chicago in the 1930's?
This story left my heart feeling full and satisfied and I am looking forward to the next book.
I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book and I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

I know when I begin a Jocelyn Green novel that I'm going to be submersed into a story rich with description and brimming with historical goodness. Shadows of the White City certainly had that and more!

First off, I'm thankful the author gave Sylvie Townsend her own story. After the heartbreak Sylvie endured in Veiled in Smoke, I really REALLY wanted to see her get a happily ever after.

The author did such a brilliant job of setting that I felt the Chicago World's Fair had become a character itself. The scenes were painted in my mind with all the vibrancy and excitement that goes along with such a place. Impeccable research! But I expect no less from a skilled storyteller like Jocelyn Green!

Another thing I absolutely LOVED was the characters' journey. Sylvie had an amazing character arc - you can experience her growth! Same can be said for Rose and Kristof. And can we take a minute to celebrate older heroes that possess maturity, tenderness, and the capability to make a reader fan her face? In case I didn't make myself clear, I just ADORE Kristof.

Take all this literary awesomeness and toss in a twisty turvy mystery, and you have a story worth all the accolades!

*I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

If you like historical novels, then Jocelyn Green's books should be on your must read list! Green does an amazing amount of research and visits the locations she writes about. Her narrative is so natural that it feels as if the reader is walking down the street in another place and time. Shadows of the White City is no different, and is really more amazing because it is located in Chicago during the 1893 World's Fair.

This Fair was bigger than most because it celebrated the 400th Anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the new world and took place just 15 years after Chicago was decimated by fire (which you can learn about in the first book in this series, Veiled in Smoke). Sylvie Townsend, a book store owner and adoptive single parent, works as a tour guide at the Fair. Through her visits to the Fairgrounds we get a first hand look at the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the event. So many interesting tidbits are shared as Sylvie leads tour groups or visits with her family. The scale and scope of the event is beyond comprehension!

Sylvie's daughter, Rozalia, was saved from life in an orphanage when she was very young, but now a teenager, she wants to understand more about her Polish heritage. Then, without explanation she disappears. Unfortunately many young women were mislead and ended up in brothels at the time with little hope of escape. Sylvie and her boarder, Kristof Bartok, will leave no stone unturned to find out what happened to Rose.

This book is full of adventure and intrigue, and is another book that is hard to put down. It isn't necessary to read Veiled in Smoke first to know what is going on, but I highly recommend it because it's an amazing book! Those who have read it will find some old friends in this one.

Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for providing a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Bethany House Publishers, Jocelyn Green, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!

I finally have been having moments where I can focus. I miss reading but my mind is so scattered. Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green is the second book in The Windy City Saga. This is the perfect book to get back into a routine. Sylvie Townsend and her sister survived The Great Fire in Chicago and now it is the year 1893, the year of The Great Columbian Exposition. Sylvie never married but raised a young girl named Rose as her own. Rose is anxious about learning of her roots which are causing conflict between her and Sylvie. One day, Rose does not come home. Girls have been vanishing in large numbers throughout the city. Sylvie gets help from her tenant Kristoff, who is a violinist with the Columbian Exposition Orchestra and has insights into the area. He also has a brother with a gambling addiction…could the debt and Rose’s disappearance be related? Or did Rose venture off in search of long-lost family?

So it is 1893. People are disappearing. Was I the only one hoping for an HH Holmes serial killer plot twist?! No…just me? I know, probably a little too dark but the timeline adds up perfectly. Although that is the beauty of the history around Chicago, there are so many options! The mystery surrounding the main plot is intriguing and will keep readers guessing until the very end. The resolve did extend a little longer than I would like but overall I enjoyed the mystery and suspense.

I did love the fact that Sylvie doesn’t need a man in order to feel successful and supported. It is also refreshing to have a love story between two characters who are more middle-aged, rather than 19-20 years old. Love can come at any age. Love also doesn’t have to be romantic. The main focus is that family does not need to be a blood relation. Familial love is just as important and complex as romantic love. Overall, this is a wonderful addition to the series and I hope that there are more books to look forward to! I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

This story picks up thirteen years after the Chicago fires mentioned in book one. I was gripped from the start as I was able to connect with characters from Veiled in Smoke (book1). It was fun to see Sylvie and her sister had become parents and the paths their lives were on. I liked how quickly the author emotionally grips the reader and sucks them into this grand adventure. “Sylvie hadn’t always leapt to the worst possible conclusion. But being a parent seemed to enlarge her imagination as much as it did her heart.”

I appreciate the authors research for this project as she makes this spectacular event shine helping us imagine what the far was like in all its glory. I loved how she walks readers around the 1893’s World’s Fair taking them to some intriguing, memorable events. The author states…”I only had room to share with you a small fraction of what I learned in my research.”

I liked how she spelled out what was fact and what was fiction in author notes, here are a few notes; “there really was an Exposition Orchestra and their contract was broken, the plight for women’s suffrage was real along with Chicago day and the record-smashing crowd of 751,026.” Wow!

I liked tagging along with Rose as she plays in the Exposition Orchestra at the fair. I enjoyed that aspect of the story, along with the restoration efforts still underway in Chicago. I was surprised by the disappearance of Rose, who was Sylvie Townsend’s adopted daughter. I liked how the author lets readers walk into some cultural events at the fair all the while tracking down clues as to Rose’s whereabouts.

This story would work well for your next book club pick, it’s such a rich story with complex characters much to discuss. It also has the perfect blend of adventure, mystery, and a splash of romance. There are discussion questions to use at your meeting. It’s a win win for your book club and reading experience.

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

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

This one was mixed feelings for me. I liked the story itself, but it seemed to take forever to get to it - a lot of extra happenings and details that bogged me down. That being said, I entirely acknowledge that sometimes I can feel that way if my reading pattern or mind frame just isn't where it should be going into a book. Judging by the other reviews, I'm in the minority of opinions so take that for what it's worth and know I mean no disrespect to the author who I'm sure has put heart and soul into her work.

The overall story was a hit for me and I absolutely loved being a part of the World's Fair. I will admit to expecting a different angle on the missing person having read other works about missing persons in this time frame. Kristoff was probably my favourite character - he seemed so steadfast and balanced - and I enjoyed the elements of music, of immigration, etc. I did not like Rose or Sylvia (eek.) They both struck me as a bit selfish and uncommunicative... but relationships are tough and there were definitely redeeming aspects for both of them. By the final chapter, I was glad I persisted and I probably enjoyed the last half of the book more than the first. It's not a poorly written novel by any means, it just didn't strike the right chord with me throughout and I had a difficult time escaping into it as a whole.

Every time I would think that I had figured out what would happen next something new happened. I really felt for Sylvie. You could tell that Rose was a teenager since she really had a hard time expressing how she felt to Sylvie. I loved all the descriptions of the Chicago Worlds Fair. I would have loved to really hear the symphony play. This story gets into suffrage, adoption and family. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I have long been a fan of series books because you get to know the characters so well and they almost become friends. This is book #2 in what promises to be a 3 book series: The Windy City Saga, and that means there’s more to look forward to after finishing this part of the story. Shadow of the White City takes place 22 years after the Great Chicago Fire which was the setting for Book #1. The book begins with a brief prologue that provides the introduction to Book #2. The character development and changes since book #1 slowly unfold in Jocelyn Green’s wonderful story telling style. The book is full of action and twists and turns and of course, historical information deeply woven into the story. Sylvie Townsend is the main character of this book and it traces her fears, yearnings, and hopes for Rose whom she took in as a child. Parts of the story are so foreign to our thinking of the 21st century but reflect the desperate plight of immigrants at the end of the 19th century. Story makes learning history so memorable and this one was very memorable, and Jocelyn Green does an impeccable job of researching her books and is my favorite author of historical fiction. There are vivid and lively descriptions of the Chicago World’s Fair, it’s exhibits and even a map. Add to that a bit of romance and the story is complete. My only sadness is that I have to wait quite a few months to read Book #3! If you enjoy learning and at the same time reading an inspiring story, I think you will enjoy Shadows of the White City.

I was provided with a digital copy of the book from Bethany House for my honest review.

Where do I begin with this story?! Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green is a rather turbulent read. Don’t get me wrong. I loved this book, but I think Green should have added the subtitle “or, Every Parent’s Worst Nightmare” so I had a warning for what I was getting into. Shadows of the White City has everything one comes to expect from a Jocelyn Green novel — a superb setting, complex characters who wheedle their way into the reader’s heart, a highly engaging plot, themes and messages that are timely and thought-provoking, and OUTSTANDING historical detail. But, the subject matter is HARD — a missing child. My mama’s heart struggled a lot and I did have to put the book down several times so I could hug my daughter and take a breather. A true testament to great fiction, Shadows of the White City is a story that readers won’t want to miss and won’t soon forget!

Sylvie is a character unlike any I’ve really ever read and I LOVE her. Reading Sylvie’s character, in many ways, was like looking in a mirror. Before my child was born I would not have considered myself a fear-filled person. But after Bella came, Fear became the greatest consistent battle of my life. I hate it when people tell me to “just trust God” as if this is the magic answer to solving the problem of fear. The truth is I do trust God, but I am also a realist and I recognize that my will and God’s will are often two totally different things. God is not a genie in a bottle and often my prayers don’t produce the results I want. You know why? Because God is the Boss, not me. Just because I pray for my daughter’s safety doesn’t mean God won’t allow something bad to happen to her. It’s a stinky fact of life, but in this I really do just have to trust God, which is often very hard.

There’s a glorious moment — glorious because this moment showed me I’m not alone in this world — where Sylvie and Kristof discuss trusting in God and Sylvie states, “I know [God] can. But will He?” A few lines further down she continues with, “I don’t doubt God’s ability. But sometimes I struggle to trust His timing.” YES!!! All that Sylvie is implying with these words is exactly how I feel. God is God. I know He is fully capable of swooping in just at the right minute and saving the day. But will He? Will His timing coincide with what I think is best? I mean how could it ever be OK to not save a missing child? Doesn’t everyone want that? But there are millions of cases of kids who disappear and who are never ever seen again this side of Heaven. How do we mamas and daddies wrap our minds around all the potential dangers out there in the world and NOT fall into some level of fear as we consider the best ways to protect our babies?

To trust God means that I recognize that sometimes I have to wait. Sometimes I have to be still. Sometimes I have to accept that there are things I cannot do anything about. This is where actual trust comes into play. I have to trust that in those scary moments where I have no power and where there is no move for me to make that God is working hard. Romans 8:28 tells us that God is ALWAYS WORKING everything together for the good of those who love Him. More times than not we do need to sit still and get out of God’s way. We moms and dads have to remember that God loves our kids more than we ever can, and we have to take peace in the fact that He’s got them no matter what. This might not take all the fear away, but it definitely allows some peace to enter our hearts. This is a great reminder I needed and I really appreciate watching Sylvie come to this conclusion too!

Shadows of the White City is a powerful story. This is not a novel to enter into lightly. When you pick up this beautiful novel understand that you are going to wrestle with a lot of hard truths. In my humble opinion, Shadows of the White City is a story not to be missed and I highly recommend it.

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author, Jocelyn Green, via NetGalley. I also received a paperback copy of this novel from the publisher, Bethany House Publishing, in order to read and review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

"𝑭𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒏, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒏." - Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green.

I finished reading "Shadows of the White City" by Jocelyn Green and it is really good! 5⭐. Faith, Family, Love, Letting Go, & Forgiveness. This story sucked me in and brought out all the emotions. I can relate to the characters in one way or another. I really felt this one.
A great historical fiction with Mystery and Romance!
*Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the advanced read. All opinions are my own.

This beautiful story about the true meaning of family and belonging kept me turning pages. Jocelyn Green is an excellent tour guide through the Chicago World’s Fair. She offered wonderful descriptions and adds interesting facts without overwhelming the reader. Her literary references dispersed throughout the book made me smile and truly enhanced the story. I especially enjoyed the relationship that deepened as the story progressed proving that Green knows how to write romance. The mysterious disappearance of seventeen year old Rose involved many clues which take the reader through different areas of Chicago. I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging novel and it is definitely for you keeper shelf! I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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

"Healing doesn't mean forgetting the loss, nor does it mean enshrining it. Healing, at least for me, has meant holding both the blessings I once had and the blessings I still do, but holding them loosely in open hands."

This is book 2 in the Windy City Saga and it continues the journey of the Townsend sisters in 1893 Chicago, some twenty-two years after the Great Fire and the first book. Because of the gap in time, this book can be read as a stand-alone, but reading the books in order will allow for better appreciation of who Sylvie is and what shaped her young adulthood. Jocelyn Green has a way of drawing her readers into her incredibly detailed and delightful world; this time she takes us into the heart of the Chicago World Fair and the music that surrounds the White City. The writing is beautiful as always. The characters are flawed, raw, down-to-earth and the plot is intriguing, engaging, and oftentimes heart-wrenching. The faith journey is rocky yet rewarding and fulfilling. It's another winner from Jocelyn Green!

Sylvie is now a woman in her forties raising a seventeen year old Polish orphan as her own. Sylvie is independent, practical, hard-working, and satisfied with her life until her Rose leaves their home under strange and mysterious circumstances. Sylvie's anxiety and fear as a mother frantically searching for her child is heart-breaking and totally relatable. Kristof, a Hungarian violinist who rents his apartment from Sylvie, is a gentle, compassionate, tender soul who strives for perfection. When he runs into trouble with his brother Gregor, Kristof and Sylvie both realize their similar struggle for control and for finding a place to belong. The disparity between Chicago's immigrant poor and its middle class is astounding and eye-opening, especially surrounded by the glitz and opulence of the World Fair. The intrigue following Rose's disappearance offers gasp-worthy twists and turns to the plot as Sylvie and Kristof unravel clues to find her. As they work together, their long-standing friendship blossoms into a sweet, steadfast, and patient kind of romance that is sigh-inducing. I also enjoyed reconnecting with Meg and Nate, whom we met during the first book. This historical fiction has it all - captivating writing, great plot, enchanting setting, lovely characters, and themes of grace, acceptance, and freedom. If you're a historical fiction fan, you will absolutely love this book.

I received the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.