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 … 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.
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Just when I think I’ve read – rather devoured – Jocelyn’s best book there’s another one equally stellar. This atmospheric cover & title is only the beginning. So happy this is the start of a series!
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.
I love stories about the Chicago fire, and this is a good one! It’s mostly a family drama instead of romance, but there is lots of unexpected twists. Jocelyn Green takes a little-known slice of history and plunks fascinating characters into a conflict in which both sides are massively sympathetic. She sprinkles in romance, faith, and strong women…all makings for a great novel!
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.
Chicago, 1871. One little spark will change everything…
Author Jocelyn Green has become a staple in my Christian historical fiction reading. I’ve read all, but I think one, of her novels. I’ve been looking forward to Veiled In Smoke since I first heard about it last year, and then when I saw that lovely old fashioned tinted photo style cover I was even more excited.
I’ve known about the Great Chicago Fire for a long time, not the nitty-gritties but the basic overview of facts, and yes, I knew that despite the Johnny Horton song Mrs. O’Leary’s cow was not “the one to blame.” Recently I’d read a few articles about the storm of fires that appeared over several states around the same time as the one in Chicago. So, this is interesting stuff to me.
I loved how Jocelyn Green brought all of the threads together, things that hadn’t really come to mind when thinking about the Great Chicago Fire. For instance, did you realize that the fire occurred only SIX years after the end of the Civil War? I hadn’t thought about it all. Can you imagine the PTSD that would be triggered by the trauma, in civilians and veterans alike? Veiled In Smoke asks all of those questions, and a lot more, and through the power of fiction brings them to life in vivid smoke-drenched color.
Once again, Jocelyn Green treats her readers to historically accurate fiction that will immerse you in early 1870s Chicago and leaves you fully invested in the characters lives. Veiled In Smoke is beautiful story, though tragic at times, of family, faith, and putting the broken pieces back together into something different, but stronger than before. There’s plenty of danger and drama, heartfelt moments, some romance, and really good murder mystery thread. It’s a great read and I am really looking forward to the next book in The Windy City Saga series…
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Veiled in Smoke, by Jocelyn Green, is the first book in The Windy City Saga. Set in Chicago immediately before and after the Great Fire of 1871, this well-written novel is thoughtful and honest as it boldly and effectively explores very difficult topics such as loss, trauma, and anxiety. Yet, through the despair, it leans into a hope that is raw and authentic. It is a tender story of the power of faith and the value of friends and family. It is a thoroughly captivating, emotionally-stirring, and truly thought-provoking novel.
Page after page, I could not turn away. I found this book and the perspectives contained within it to be incredibly compelling. Ms. Green has skillfully crafted authentic characters who are vulnerable, flawed, and achingly realistic. More than once, this novel broke my heart as I grieved for those who actually lived this story beyond the world of the printed page. As shown throughout history, and as illuminated in this story, the human capacity for survival and perseverance against great odds is nearly immeasurable. This book also reflects upon the truth that where there is great loss there will also be the possibility of significant renewal, restoration, and redemption.
Veiled in Smoke is truly an outstanding novel from beginning to end. Ms. Green’s talent for immersive storytelling is undeniable. Her writing is well-researched, descriptive, and very engrossing. Within every paragraph and page there is deep meaning, real truth, and thoughtful purpose. This story is utterly moving and wholly unforgettable. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Amazing historical fiction! A must-read book!
I loved the historical facts mixed into this beautiful story of tragedy and hope. The insight into a Civil War Veteran dealing with Soldier’s Heart (now known as PTSD) and his family was amazing. I felt the emotions of Meg and Sylvie, I felt the conflict between them as they had different ideas of how to care for their father. I understood the panic Stephen felt. The horrors of the asylum were so awful, sadly they were also true.
The fire itself was so well described I could almost smell the smoke and feel the crowds of people pushing to escape the flames. The murder mystery was an unexpected element that I enjoyed very much! I don’t give spoilers but the twists and turns kept me glued to this story.
Part of one of my favorite quotes is, “Gratitude-expanded inside Meg, for the uncounted steps, small and large, they’d all taken to reach this point.”
I’ve said before that I always learn something when I read a Jocelyn Green book, this one is no exception.
Today was actually the second time I read and/or listened to this book, (gifted a paperback and purchased the audio version).
A brand new series from Jocelyn Green starts with Veiled in Smoke a story of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Ms Green has done extensive research into this significant tragedy. I’m so glad that she included information about other fires that occurred that day such as the Peshtigo, Wisconsin fire. I lived in Marinette County, Wisconsin for a number of years and visited Peshtigo and it’s Fire Museum. She has woven many interesting facts into her story, among them quotes from songs penned after the fire and tidbits from the life of Charlotte Bronte and her sisters.
This novel is about so much more than the fire that took a considerable toll on Chicago. Ms. Green brought to life not only the fire and it’s aftermath but also the struggles of the Townsend family. Stephen and his daughters, Meg and Sylvie, owned a bookstore and lost everything in the fire. The author shows the effects that the Civil War and imprisonment had on Stephen as well as conditions in the Cook County Insane Asylum. There is a murder mystery to figure out and questions of trust in God and their fellow man to sort out.
Meg has injured her hands in the fire and dashed her hopes of being an artist: “Pain seared. Panic threatened . But there would be an end to this night, Meg told herself, an end to the ocean of flames surging toward them. There would be an after. This was not the end of the story, or at least, it didn’t have to be, though it looked and felt and sounded like the Last Day on earth.”
Ms. Green writes with such vitality that I was put right into the action. She captured and held my attention with the description of the fire’s devastation and the problems that seemed insurmountable after such an event. She also included hope, grace and mercy as Meg ponders: “What mercy that God was not limited by that which limited her. What grace that His power and presence remained, regardless of whether she felt close to them. She must trust Him for what she could not see. Wasn’t that the essence of faith? Her hands were bound. His were not.”
With a determined heroine and a kind and patient hero, this story is a winner.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I wasn’t required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
I loved my time immersed within the pages of this captivating story! I stayed up way too late last night reading this story because I just couldn’t put it down without knowing what would happen. Bleary-eyed today, with my heart lingering with these endearing characters I’ll strive to do this book justice with my words.
There are many stories that came out of the devastating Great Fire of Chicago in October 1871, but none of them as both immersive and inspirational. Jocelyn Green has the uncanny ability to bring historical events vividly to life in both her words and in the very life she breathes into the characters she writes. Often while reading this story I would be so involved that I missed things happening around me (of course some of that was football, so I didn’t feel too bad. Hahaha!)
This story is sure to check all the boxes of even the most discerning of readers. With a sweet soft thread of romance, a puzzling mystery to unravel, an unassuming villain, and especially characters that feel like new friends, you are sure to find a new favorite and a story that you won’t be able to quit talking about to everyone you meet!
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)
This book is excellent! Jocelyn Green put so much detail into her book that the story just came to life for me! I loved that the main characters owned a book shop and were bookish. I also really enjoyed the different character perspectives. I think it gave the story more depth. I really can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Author Jocelyn Green has done it again. Veiled in Smoke is one her best books. Green researches the Great Chicago Fire and gives us a beautiful story with all the feels.
Well developed characters who you will grow to love make this story one that is hard to put down. There is much depth in them as they go through some really difficult trials, grow, and not only survive but thrive. You’ll be cheering them on.
Green does a wonderful job of putting the reader in Chicago before, during, and after the Great Fire. So descriptive, I’m sure I smelled smoke and felt the despair of the people. And yet romance blooms, keeping the story from becoming overly heavy. Throw in a mystery and you have something for everyone. I highly recommend reading it!
I received a complimentary copy but was not required to leave a review.
Jocelyn Green is known for her historical novels centered around an American conflict. In her new release she centers her novel around the Great Chicago Fire. Great is a perfect description of Veiled in Smoke, book one of the Windy City Saga!!!!
Ms. Green sets the stage with poignant detail and great imagery. With great care, respect, and grace Ms. Green shows PTSD in her character, Stephen. His struggle is felt through the pages. My heart ached for him. With each page turn I wanted things to be easy and peaceful for him.
I loved Meg and Sylvie! They were endearing characters, who were flawed and beautifully crafted. Their sisterly relationship was authentic and endearing. They were determined to persevere amid the circumstances of not only what their father was dealing with but the devastation of the fire along with the loss of their home, and business.
Ms. Green put so many historical facts into the narrative, it felt as though I had been transplanted into 1871 Chicago.
As a history lover I found this first installment of Jocelyn Green’s new series to be informative, beautifully crafted, poignant, tragic, but most of all memorable. I highly recommend it!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
FAN-tastic! Yes I’m a fan and yes it was fantastic- can I say we need more stars, as five isn’t enough. Impeccable research and impressive writing skill draws you into the story and keeps you there to the very end. I was torn between wanting to get to the end and never wanting it to end. You will feel like you are in the midst of the great fire and watching the sparks fly and the ashy remains. The strength the characters show amidst adversity while holding on to their faith to see them through is admirable. I needed tissues,especially over Stephen and the atrocities that happened in the treatment of his soldiers heart. I loved the sisters Meg and Sylvie and how differently they reacted to the same situations and handled them. It shows the uniqueness of each personality and how God loves each of us and never leaves us. From the setting of the bookshop to the budding romance to an untrustworthy character you will be engrossed from beginning to end. This book isn’t just entertaining but shows how with God we are all resilient and we can watch Him make beauty from ashes. Highly recommended. This one is definitely a winner and goes on my keeper shelf as it has treasures to discover inside.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
“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. We are transformed. So if I were you, I would not pray for the father you knew, but for your father made new, not in spite of the scars but because of them.”
Jocelyn Green is a master storyteller who knows how to infuse rich historical detail into an intriguing and emotion-laden fiction. With a burned out 1871 Chicago as the backdrop, the author weaves a beautiful story of love, loss, betrayal, fear, resilience, and faith that will linger long after the last page has been read. The Great Fire of Chicago comes to life within the pages of the book as well as the long, tedious, painful but also joyful rebuilding of the city and lives. Within this rebuilding are layers that make the story so thought-provoking; the author addresses the barbaric treatment of those institutionalized for mental illness, the breath-stealing helplessness of PTSD, difficulty overcoming dyslexia and physical handicap, need for true forgiveness, and the spirit and bond of brotherhood among people of all stations in the midst of tragedy. This is a book that must be savored and not rushed through. Every time I’m in Chicago, I’ll think of Nate and Meg.
Nate is a steadfast, loyal, and protective hero. As a newspaper reporter, he has the knowledge and connections to help Meg and her family when Meg’s father Stephen is accused of murder and locked up in an asylum for insanity. Meg is a painter, a dreamer of optimism who wants desperately to prove her father’s innocence and to help him get better. Her younger sister Sylvie has a voice in the story and she balances Meg out by being practical and blunt. A surprising voice in the story is Stephen himself as he fights the demons from the war and struggles to hold onto his faith in the midst of darkness. The subtle suspense and twist in the plot are well laid-out and work to keep the story moving at a good pace.
If you enjoy historical fiction, this book is a must read. And it’s the beginning of a series, too! I can’t wait for the second book.
I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
I have read almost all of Jocelyn’s books and this is her BEST one! I highly recommend you read this book. She has so many details regarding the Chicago fire, prisoners from the Civil War, and the conditions they had to live in, as well as the hardships of the reconstruction of the city. All wrapped up a mystery that threatened their lives.
The Great Chicago Fire is not a subject that I can remember reading about. Of course, I know the song about the cow and Mrs. O’Leary.
Veiled in Smoke is a beautifully written novel. It brought a part of history to life that I am slightly familiar with. The amount of destruction and the displaced families were vivid. I could picture the scenes that Jocelyn Green described.
The story focuses on Meg and Sylvie. They are sisters whose home and business was destroyed. They have the additional stress of taking care of their father who suffered from PTSD from his time as a POW during the Civil War. The conditions of the asylum and the resources used to help soldiers were very lacking. It makes me grateful for how far we have come in understanding and as a society.
The book has a happy ending. It helps me find hope that happiness can be found after difficult trials.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Why did I wait so long to read “Veiled in Smoke” by Jocelyn Green? She is on my list of top five writers. This book is just what one expects from this outstanding author. Her characters have a depth of brokenness while still carrying future hope in their hearts. The prose is simply amazing. (She describes light through a prism as being “shattered”, not “refracted”.) Her research is impeccable. Her ability to seamlessly weave fact and fiction together makes for a great storyline. Her references to authors and their works at the time help create an atmosphere of “being there”. I can’t wait to read the next two novels in the series!
Veiled in Smoke is the first book in Jocelyn Green’s The Windy City Saga series. Meg Townsend simply wants to help her father and paint, but when the Great Chicago Fire destroys everything, she must figure out if she and her sister and father can rise from the ashes along with the rest of the city.
Nathaniel Pierce meets the Townsend family when he visits to interview their father for an article series he’s writing for the newspaper. Stephen Townsend is a Civil War POW survivor who suffers from Soldiers Heart or PTSD. When he comes across a lost Stephen in the chaos of the fire, Nate must decide whether to involve himself with the family. And Meg in particular.
As a Chicagoland native, I grew up with stories of the Chicago Fire. So, whenever I see a novel set during that time, I’m immediately intrigued. Jocelyn Green brings the terror, confusion, and aftermath of the fire into striking light. Not an easy book to read since it delves so deeply into trauma, but the author handles the topic both respectfully and honestly.
If you enjoy stories set in Chicago that explore it’s complicated history, Veiled in Smoke is an excellent choice. The twists and turns leave the reader hoping for a happy ending.
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I purchased a copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
Veiled in Smoke is rich in historical detail surrounding the Great Fire of Chicago. It offers an honest look at pain and loss during catastrophe.
Green doesn’t shy away from the agonizing details, including the atrocities that occurred in the insane asylum. Each character in this story has a personal stake in the events unfolding in 1871.
The dedication page sums it up well: “To all those who feel wounded by loss and pain. May God bring you beauty from ashes.”
Highly recommended if you enjoy historical fiction.
What a tragic story. As you live through the fire that destroyed a large portion of Chicago and the horrendous way individuals with mental health issues were treated. Their faith in God was inspirational. The spiritual focus was done well and not too preachy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House Publisher for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.