Based on an actual historical occurrence, the capsizing of the SS Eastland on July 24, 1915 in Chicago with the loss of hundreds of lives, Jocelyn Green’s new book is a beautifully-written and superbly-researched gem of a story. With colorful, layered characters and vivid imagery, this little-known slice of history comes alive on the page. I enjoyed getting to know insurance agent Olive Pierce and newspaper photographer Erik Magnussen as they interact and attempt to investigate cases concerning the tragedy.

Although the main characters of the story are fictional, a few of the minor characters were actual people, and parts of the plot are based on actual happenings. It was interesting to read the author’s note at the end of the book giving added information about the incident and her writing of the story.

With plenty of adventure, suspense, action, several twists and turns, and a dash of romance, this book is a treat for historical fiction lovers. Themes of individual worth, integrity, and the importance of family are woven throughout the story.

“What we do is not the sum of who we are.”
“You were made in the image of God, and who you are is bigger than what you do.”

Although this is the third book in the Windy City Saga series, it can be read as a stand-alone. The other two books are based around the Chicago fire and the Chicago World’s Fair and are also fantastic and beautifully written.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was one of those books that will sit with you for awhile.

There were so many take aways from this book! I loved the friendship aspect, the romance and the sleuthing! The strong women throughout. This is a series you can’t miss. I really hope there are more book in the future.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

Jocelyn Green's hallmark of exceptionally drawn characters and fiercely strong women who shine in the face of adversity is, here, used to great effect against the backdrop of a little known historical event. Green's pen loves Chicago and her talent for effusively deep research is on prominent and intelligent display.

“One can live with scars, however constricting they may feel. But one cannot live long with open wounds.”

I did not know a lot about the history of Chicago when I started reading The Windy City Saga and learned much through the first two books. This final installment of the series, set in 1915, delves into the very little remembered sinking of SS Eastland in the Chicago River and the aftermath. Through Olive’s eyes, the reader gets a taste of what an independent career woman faces in the early 1900s as well as trauma involved in surviving a shipwreck. A secondary plot of a mystery in the life insurance company that Olive works for adds an interesting twist to the story. It’s nice to see Sylvie and Kristoff again and somewhat bittersweet to see Meg alone after Nate’s death but thriving with her children and grandchildren. Erik is a neat character who balances out Olive’s prickly edges and pursues her despite her pushing him away. His romantic optimism is indeed quite heroic.
If you enjoy historical fiction that grabs your heart and mind, this book will enthrall you. I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

#BookReview: DRAWN BY THE CURRENT by Jocelyn Green

“Grateful for God’s providence. For grace and second chances.”

Have you read The Windy City Saga series? I have read the second book, Shadows of the White City, and it was good. But this one hits all the right spots. I love this book. I was hooked from the beginning with Olive and Claire’s stories. I didn’t want to put it down.

Let me tell you though that this wasn’t an easy read. Domestic abuse, the SS Eastland tragedy at the Chicago River, the lives lost and trauma of those who lived tore my heart. It was so sad but so well written that I wanted to keep on reading. Suspense,mystery and some life threatening situations added intensity and depth to the whole story. The flow of events and the characters made for great storytelling.

I liked Olive. She had to make difficult choices. I didn’t agree with all of them but it made things interesting. She had to learn that the end doesn't justify the means. That God’s grace is a great blessing. The faith elements in the book were amazing. Erik and Olive were goo together. The twist was unexpected.

I want to reread Anne of Green Gables after reading this book. There were many references to it. I just love DRawn by the Current and I highly recommend it!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Series:The Windy City Saga
Pub date: 01 Feb 2022

Thank you Bethany House and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

When I picked up this book, I was hooked from the first chapter and that is anomaly for me lately. I mean, a female insurance agent for Metlife in history? Wow.
The story is filled with tragedy, which would it be a book by Jocelyn Green if it was not, but there were some heartfelt moments that softened that, and I could not put it down. I stayed up too late finishing it, and my eyes will pay for it this morning, but it was totally worth it.

You will learn about history that you did not know about, with superb writing and things do not always go right for the characters. As with her others, it is very light on any romance, since that is not the focus, the history is. You will want to read books 1 and 2 before this one, as characters are mentioned that you would know from previous books, but you could also read it as a stand alone and not get too many spoilers.

A birthday excursion turns deadly when the SS Eastland capsizes with Olive Pierce and her best friend on board. Hundreds perish during the accident, and it's only when Olive herself barely escapes that she discovers her friend is among the victims.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Olive returns to her work at a Chicago insurance agency and is immersed in the countless investigations related to the accident. But with so many missing, there are few open-and-shut cases, and she tries to balance her grief with the hard work of finding the truth.

While someone sabotages her progress, Olive accepts the help of newspaper photographer Erik Magnussen. As they unravel secrets, the truths they discover impact those closest to Olive. How long will the disaster haunt her--and how can she help the others find the peace they deserve?

My review: Olive wants to be an insurance investigator. There's one problem. She's a woman. She discovers several issues with the insurance policies that her company has paid on. But she's a woman so she's not taken seriously. When she goes on an excursion aboard the SS Eastland with her best friend and it capsizes, she is but into a very difficult position. Her friend is in a very abusive marriage and fakes her death. With the help of Erik she achieves her goal of becoming an investigator. I found this book to be intriguing. The women of this time weren't expected to know anything of use.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

I jumped right into book three of this series, not unusual for me, let's be honest, but I can honestly say that it was totally fine. In fact, I enjoyed the characters so much that I started book 2 immediately after finishing. (Yes, I'm reading backward. It'll be fine, I promise.) I have only read one of Jocelyn's books before, and I loved it, so I had high hopes for this story. And yes, I loved Drawn by the Current. I think that Olive and Erik were both really fleshed out characters that had so much depth and growth going on. Olive realizing that being useful was not the entirety of her personhood was so powerful. I enjoyed the little bit of intrigue going on. I will say that I was surprised that the love interest didn't really show until about a quarter of the way in, which is unusual. I was about to chalk this one up as a non-romance, and you know what, I was okay with that, because the story was interesting and engaging. I think the portrayal of the accident was so moving, and the many storylines that took. At one point I know there were at least four different angles I was following, which kept the story moving. Now, here's where I may lose some of you who have read it, but I didn't care for Claire all that much. She just didn't have the emotion I expected to see, not until the very end. Overall, though, I think this series is probably going to be a favorite for lots of people. I'll tell you how books two and one go when I'm done reading them. Bottom-line, if you enjoy early 1900s romance, lots of mystery, Chicago, and sooooo many classical literature references, then you'll like Drawn by the Current. Have you read it? Who was your favorite character. Let me know in the comments.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley but all opinions are my own.

I adore historical fiction, and this is such an interesting premise. I recommend because of the story itself, writing style, and its ability to transport you into a different world/time period.

Chicago 1915. Loved the others in the series, this third one is quite tense as well as endearing, doesn't disappoint. A twisted story of tragedy, trauma and mistaken identities, this is very much like an Elliott Ness or Dragnet story. Detailed sleuthing and entwined people. You have to love the truly good people in this book. And admire Olive's tenacity and courage. And melt a little over Erik and admire him too. Shows how people can do things for good reason, but they're still wrong. Brings to life the horrific sinking of the SS Eastland, while still tied to the dock, with thousands on board and no way off or out. Olive works as a life insurance agent but wants to move up into an investigator position. Mysteries and conflict appear in some of the most unlikely places and people in Olive's life. Thoroughly engaging, excellent read.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#DrawnbytheCurrent #NetGalley #JocelynGreen #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

An inspiring, emotional story from Jocelyn Green about an overlooked piece of America’s history. Drawn By the Current will tug at readers’ heartstrings but keep them engrossed in a tale of adventure, romance, and faith. I really liked Olive’s character, and Erik was a great supporting character. I definitely recommend this one to readers who enjoy historical fiction! 4.5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The third in the Windy City Saga features the sinking of the Eastland one July several years after the Titanic. Having never heard of this event, this proves to a very enlightening read with much details. I did enjoy the characters and the quest Olive for closure for the grieving families was heartfelt. Claire's escape from her husband seemed a little far fetched. I enjoyed the insertion of historical characters and the delightful bookstore. Recommended.

d on February 9, 2022 by dixiegran
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Drawn by the Current (The Windy City Saga Book #3) by Joycelyn Green
Green has written another exciting read. She always does her research well and then weaves a most interesting tale around the happenings. This is a story about the sinking of the SS Eastland passenger ship on July 24, 1915 in the Chicago River. A total of 844 passengers and crew were lost…Olive Pierce, the heroine, works for MetLife’s main Chicago office. Her desire is to become an investigator for the company but because she is a female she is not considered for the promotion in any way. At last she has her chance when the ship sunk and there are so many claims, she is able to go with the adjuster as he seeks out the claimant’s family. This book is so intriguing as it deals with so many facets of life…. loss of life, identity theft, undercover and not what he is believed to be friend, danger and suspense, wife abuse, the trauma of surviving a devastating disaster, survivor guilt, friendship and of course romance. All in all this novel has everything it takes to keep you reading until a most satisfying ending….Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

Jocelyn Green novels are some of my most favorite books. The way she weaves historical fact into the lives of beautifully crafted characters makes her stories some of the best in market today. Drawn by the Current, the final installment in The Windy City Saga series, is my new favorite of her stories. There really is a lot to love about this book, but my favorite aspect is that this book got me to talk a lot. For most books, I sit in my comfy chair and ignore the world, but for some really special reads I involve my family (whether they like it or not). Drawn by the Current is one such book that forced me to engage my hubby in multiple conversations. The SS Eastland disaster was discussed on many nights. I am utterly shocked by the gross negligence that caused the devastating deaths of 844 people, and I made sure my husband is aware of this historical atrocity. And the moral and ethical conversations my husband and I engaged in based on the timely themes and topics found in this book were some of the most fun conversations we’ve had in a while. Ultimately, Drawn by the Current is an excellent story — one I won’t soon forget.

This story brings up a lot of difficult life issues such as trauma, PTSD (before it was named), life and death, madness, abuse, identity, and life purpose. There is also a compelling discussion about doing whatever it takes to survive. What I like about this survival conversation is how Green illustrates this topic through multiple perspectives. One of the main characters, Claire, finds herself in an abusive relationship. She enlists the help of the heroine, Olive, to escape this awful relationship because Claire is getting to the point where she won’t survive another round of beatings. Olive agrees to help Claire, but really struggles with what they agree to do. I found that as I was reading, I was more and more frustrated with Olive and her issues with Claire’s plan. Are there sketchy elements to Claire’s plan? Yes. If you look at things from a purely black or white perspective, yes, there are some sketchy aspects to Claire’s plan. And I really LOVE that Green points this out and forces the reader to wrestle with these things as much as Olive does. Because you know what?! Life is messy and it isn’t simply black and white. Life is A LOT of grey.

Man, did I wrestle! Perhaps I wrestled with Olive because Olive comes from a really stable, loving family. She has never experienced a single moment of physical abuse from anyone in her family circle so physical abuse in a marriage is a completely abstract notion to her. Yes, she knows abuse is wrong, and yes, she feels badly for Claire, but Olive is not OK with perpetrating a lie in order to save one life. To Olive, the math doesn’t add up and this pricks at her conscience. To save Claire according to Claire’s plan means that Olive would have to lie to family, friends, and employers, and this makes Olive feel guilty. I do not believe it is ever OK to trade one bad act for another. We should not fight evil with evil. BUT I do think that sometimes the human-made rules we are forced to live within should be bent a little to protect life. Could Claire have come up with a better plan? Sure, if she was in her right mind. But when you are being beaten to the point where you suffer from multiple head wounds, miscarriages, broken ribs, and other broken bones, you stop thinking clearly. You get desperate and you do whatever it takes to not die. If this means a lie looks like the best option, you take it because other solutions don’t seem possible. My issue with Olive is that she never seems to recognize the rock and hard place her best friend finds herself in. She doesn’t acknowledge that Claire doesn’t really have safe options available to her considering the depth of Claire’s husband’s brutality. And she never sees just how desperate Claire is to survive. People who don’t experience certain things will not be able to understand those who are forced to make difficult choices.

Drawn by the Current is a fantastic story that I cannot recommend enough. This story is seriously good and should not be missed. If you are a fan of exquisitely written Historical Romances, or you just want to read a compelling, gripping story, then I highly recommend purchasing a copy of Drawn by the Current today. You will love this book!

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

Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House Fiction for the gifted book!

Covering several heart breaking occurrences, including the real life incident of the SS Eastland capsizing in the Chicago River, this book manages to extract hope and a happy ever after amidst sadness and tragedy. I have never been to Chicago, but reading this book transported me there in the early 1900s. The scenes were all so vivid, as were the characters, that I was completely entranced by this story. The women in this story are gutsy and vivacious and you can see them starting to break the stereotypical roles of their day. This story is about morality, friendship, and what version of the truth really matters. 

This book is the third in a trilogy but I did not feel like I was missing out by not having read the first two, which now I do plan to go back and read.

Content Warning: Domestic Abuse, Drowning, Stalking

Olive Pierce is a MetLife insurance agent who wants to get the opportunity to become an insurance investigator. Erik Magnussen is a freelance photographer. When they meet as a result of the 1915 USS Eastland disaster in Chicago, will their work to unravel missing persons mysteries lead to something more? Find out in this suspenseful page-turner filled with authentic historic details of the true events. Historical fiction at its best!

Drawn by the Current cover a historical event that I knew absolutely nothing about. It cover the capsizing of the SS Eastland in Chicago which resulted in hundreds of deaths. This part of the book was one of my favorites even though it was horrific. When an author can uncover those "hidden" parts of history, it only makes the story that much more real and captivating!

Olive is a great character, she works in a male dominated field as a death insurance agent...but still has the tenacity and the grit to keep going and not let the glass ceiling limit her. She pushes past her male chauvinistic co workers and boss and makes a name for herself. The disaster happens right at the beginning of the book which makes you as a reader feel like your diving in head first. There are also a couple other plots that have mystery, suspense and of course a sweet romance.

The romance was really sweet. I think Erik is one of the best characters in this book. He is just a solid good guy and I definitely was always happy when he was on the page. This is a sweet romance but I did find myself wanting a little bit more chemistry and romantic moments between them to seal the deal.

This was a solid book and I find that my favorite elements of this book (the historical/mystery parts) really stole the show with the romance aspect feeling secondary!

I really would like to read more Jocelyn Green in the future because I really like her voice in what i've read so far.

Based on the true historical story of the SS Eastland and its capsizing, Olive Pierce and her best friend Claire are there to celebrate Claire's birthday along with the workers of a local company who are celebrating their annual summer fair, picnic, and game day along with their families. Olive barely makes it out alive when the boat capsizes but her friend doesn't. When Olive returns to work at the insurance company where she works and begins to investigate for claims, she realizes there are few open and shut cases and some things she finds just don't add up. When newspaper photographer, Eric Magnussen begins working with Claire after she asks to look at the pictures he's taken, problems seems to spiral out of control.

Claire was a wonderful, gutsy, caring lady filled with determination and compassion. I loved her and Eric's Sherlock and Watson partnership and how well they worked together. Green's theme of whether or not it is okay to withhold the truth from someone as well as the consequences that can occur wound beautifully throughout the story line. Warren was a well developed villain, and Green's theme of wife abuse and what friends should do added a strong second theme to the story.

This has been a wonderful series, and each book read well as a stand alone with the connection being the city of Chicago.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

This might be my favorite Jocelyn Green book yet and I have read many. So many layers happening in this story. It really is like a romantic suspense.

I really liked Olive, she is such a strong character although she pushes things and gets herself in a lot of tough situations.

The interesting things was Erik didn’t make an appearance for a long time in this book. Usually you meet the “hero” earlier, so that was different but played into the story.

This was a book I didn’t want to put down.

A copy of this book was given to me through the Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House for access to this arc .

One thing I immediately liked is that Olive is a career woman and a twenty-nine year old one at that. She takes pride in her job and in her work and wants to get a promotion she knows she’s earned. Olive is like a bloodhound on the trail but also has the instincts to nose out clues while putting two and two together. Once she’s given her word to a client, she intends to keep it. She’s also a wonderful friend to Claire and it’s only because of Claire’s controlling husband keeping Olive away that Olive wasn’t fully aware of why Claire had been making excuses to avoid seeing her and had missed the gradual change in her friend. The depiction of a victim of domestic violence is chilling.

The terror of the ship rolling over and the desperate struggle for survival was horrifying. I once watched a documentary about the sinking of a Scandinavian ferry which interviewed survivors who often mentioned that those who kept their heads and didn’t panic were the ones who made it out. Olive keeps her head and gets her motley band out but the nightmares and flashbacks haunt her. When water laps at her chin as she bathes the river stink off, her heart lurches. Her aunt – who survived the Great Chicago Fire – knows and helps Olive through the exhaustion and sudden emotional survivor guilt which follow. Grief is physical.

As Olive begins to look into clients still missing after the disaster, the full horror of how it will affect the working class victims – mainly tight knit members of the sprawling immigrant community in Chicago – dawns on her. Entire families are gone or are left with gaping holes in their lives. One case Olive works hardest on is of a young mother whose body has still not been found. Without closure, her family can’t move on nor will they get her life insurance payout until potentially years into the future when she’s finally declared dead. Unlike some of the awful stories I’ve heard recently about insurance companies doing everything to avoid paying benefits, Olive works hard for her clients.

Before long, Olive gets the help of a handsome photographer to help her look for clues and follow up on leads. Erik’s history as an orphan searching for family history makes Olive think more about her own supportive family and how lucky she’s been to have and know them all her life. But it also starts her pondering her role in the family dynamics and business. When she’s faced with planning her future, will she settle for what’s comfortable and will aid others or strike out for what she herself wants? I like the inclusion of this character growth for her and also for others but it also seemed to suddenly pop up. There is a sudden reveal towards the end that I didn’t see coming and I’m still conflicted on how I felt about it and how it was resolved.

The various threads that Olive is working on are well thought out and clues are sprinkled in as the book progresses. Everything made sense and nothing felt like a deus ex machina ending. Though I didn’t care for how one work situation ended, I have to admit that I can understand why a character did something and that this ended up giving Olive the push to follow her heart. Though this is an inspie, it’s more Inspie-Lite with characters occasionally mentioning their belief in God while not preaching at anyone. I’d also say the story edges more towards women’s fiction with a romance as it mainly focuses on Olive and is told from only her POV. Historical details are plentiful though not overwhelming.

I liked that Olive stood up for herself and went after what she wanted. She could have just knuckled under to the lack of support from her male boss and colleague but didn’t and insisted on seeing things through. Her struggles to separate her identity from her job were realistic. The domestic violence and aftermath of the ship disaster on victim remains might be hard to read about. When the story ends, Olive has found her heart’s desire and her future and I’m interested in going back and reading the previous books in the series. B