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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I’ve never read a book by Jocelyn Green that I didn’t like. That said, this one is far from being my favorite of hers. It was an excellent book, it just didn’t grab me as much as the others I’ve read by her. At least not at the beginning. Usually I am hooked from the first chapter with Jocelyn’s books, but this one I found harder to connect to right away. Maybe it was because there are 4 different POV characters all introduced in the first 4 chapters, and so it took me awhile to fully connect with that many narrators.
It was interesting to read about the Chicago fire, but honestly, it wasn’t until the story suddenly turned into a murder mystery that I was really hooked. From then on it was extremely difficult to put down. So while the first part of the story failed to really grab me, eventually I was so engrossed that I could barely remember to eat.
Overall it was very good story and I enjoyed it. I appreciated how well researched it was and how it didn’t shy away from exposing the bad things that were done on both sides of the Civil War (The story takes place only a few years after the war, so the characters are still very much dealing with that event). I also found it fascinating to read about the experiences of soldiers with PTSD (long before it was called PTSD), and it was interesting, though disturbing, to see what went on in Insane Asylums of the time. I always admire just how much historical research and detail Green includes in her stories, without making them the least bit dry.
So yes, very good book. But I struggled to connect with the characters at the beginning, and honestly, I was disappointed when I found out who the murderer was. (I won’t say why, because I don’t want to spoil anything). So that’s why I’d say this is my least favorite of her books so far. Still a great read though!
I was very impressed with the style and the background research that was undoubtedly done for this book. I received it as a drawing prize–I don’t think it was an ARC as I usually receive a letter with those books.
The story begins with the father of two young women suffering effects of the battles of the Civil War. He is patrolling/standing watch as he had when serving, saying he has “soldiers heart” (reminding me of many of our men and women today but now it’s called PTSD). And then, the tragedy of the Chicago fire which I only knew about from an old poem or song about the cow who kicked over the lamp!
I recommend this book as it kept my interest with the intertwining stories –look for it.
The fires in Chicago are a devastating part of their history and have resulted in a lot of modern fire codes we have today. Reading this book was a little bit hard for me this year as I’ve been mainly wanting light and fluffy. Jocelyn’s time researching, however, is evident and really makes this historical novel shine.
Meg and Sylvie are fascinating characters to follow under problematic circumstances. They each deal with joy and pain in different ways but ultimately rely on each other. I love seeing their sisterly bond.
I started this book several months ago and just finished it. This doesn’t speak to how it is written, only me needing and prioritizing comedy over tragedy with other reads. Otherwise, this book is completely worth the read and the thread of hope throughout ultimately kept me coming back for more.
Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for the complimentary copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
What a great start to a new series by Jocelyn Green! I was engrossed from page one and couldn’t read fast enough. With wonderful insight and compassion, she brings us into the lives of the Townsend family as it is falling apart and struggling to come back together in the aftermath of the Civil War and the Great Chicago Fire. I highly recommend Veiled in Smoke and I can’t wait for the next in the series!
First, I highly recommend the audiobook as the narrator did a wonderful job changing voices to match the characters. As for the story, I enjoyed it as well, although perhaps not in the same manner as I would a light-hearted novel. This story was ripe with emotions, family drama, and a touch of romance. If you have family dealing with PTSD or dementia it can be a hard read or an enlightening read. It just depends on where you are in your personal life. For me, I loved the depth of character development and a glimpse into the challenges others face in their lives. The details of living through the fire were so gripping, it was as if I were there experiencing it with the characters. The mystery entwined with the story was well done and complex. While the ending was happy, it didn’t pretend the life-long effects of PTSD go away. You left the family knowing they would continue to face challenges but face them together with fortitude and faith.
I recommend this story for anyone who enjoys deep characters, tough issues, family drama, and a romance that stands true.
Veiled in Smoke is a book with so much depth, you can’t rush through it. Set during the Great Chicago fire, it tells the story of one family’s struggle to survive. It’s written well and I could clearly picture what was happening. I didn’t know a lot about the aftermath of the Chicago fire and this story gave me a much better picture of the devastation. I felt like I was there right along side the family. It was difficult to read about Meg’s father and his time in the asylum. It gave me the shivers. I really liked getting to know Meg and Sylvie better. I think the reader can learn valuable truths right along with the characters in the story.
I listened to most of this story as an audiobook. I thought the narrator did an excellent job telling the story and bringing to life the emotions throughout the story. She spoke in a easy to listen to voice that didn’t detract from the story.
I recommend this book to my family and friends.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. I also purchased a copy for myself. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I almost walked away from this one several times, but in the end stuck with it because of the overwhelmingly positive reviews it had gotten. I’m so glad I did, as I really enjoyed the story once it really started rolling… The initial bits establishing the family dynamic were very interesting, as was the fire itself – but I lost the feel for the characters and story on its immediate aftermath. I found it again with the asylum and rebuilding angles and the mystery about the shooting though, and from there I was catapulted directly into the sisters’ world and stayed there until the very end. Despite that oddly uneven blip for me, I found this an engaging and interesting tale that covered several issues in American history that I wasn’t all that familiar with, and that also offered a solid mystery and family storyline that combined into a complex and richly descriptive tale that I quite enjoyed.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
Jocelyn Green adds such depth to her stories. The details that she weaves throughout VEILED IN SMOKE moved this story forward. I felt an amazing connection to the people and the tragedy of the fire. I’ve read well-written stories about the Chicago fire but the is was the best ever. Jocelyn surprised me and I’m thrilled that this is the first of a series because I want more! I want to spend more time with the other characters in this novel! At least I hope they will be there — but if they are not Jocelyn will make it okay! This is a highly recommended read! 🙂
Historical fiction author Jocelyn Green employs impeccable research and exquisite storytelling skills to provide the reader a peak into the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Historically accurate, Veiled in Smoke promises to be another best-selling award winner for Green.
Living above the family bookstore, in the business district of Chicago, sisters Meg and Sylvie Townsend run the bookstore by day, retiring to the quietness of their apartment above in the evening. Sadly, all does not always remain a quiet night for their father, Stephen, returned home from the Civil War during which he was held in a prisoner of war camp. Suffering from nightmares, and most likely what we today call Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, Stephen spends his days re-enacting the war in the small yard behind the bookstore. Many think him crazy, a man to be mocked and feared; his daughters knew him to be a man lost to himself, and them.
When fire sweeps through the business district, Stephen experiences back-flashes, panics and fleeing into the frantic mob, becomes separated from his daughters. When they somehow find themselves reunited, it was to learn their home and family bookstore had been destroyed. Not only that, a family friend was found murdered and the two sisters are shocked to learn their father accused of the crime.
With their father committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum, the sisters are further distressed to learn they are forbidden to visit. Focusing on rebuilding their lives, their home and their livelihood, Meg and Sylvie determinedly set about surviving in a city that has become foe, rather than friend. Neighbors and friends move away while the sisters rebuild. Even more, Meg is determined to find the truth of who killed their father’s friend, freeing their father from a fate worse than a prisoner’s camp, the asylum. Suddenly the streets are far more dangerous than the fire that burned their lives to the ground.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
This is one of the best historical fiction books I’ve read this year!
After reading this book, and thoroughly enjoying Green’s Between Two Shores Between Two Shores last year, I think I’ve found a new favorite author. This story was incredibly well done.
I love stories that have complex plots—and this one had it! The history was a major portion of the story, but never once was I distracted by details—it flowed naturally with everything else, so I found myself learning a lot about the Great Chicago Fire while immersed completely in my character’s current experiences. Then there was a mystery element which I was curious about the entire book, and hoping so much that one character wouldn’t be involved in the entire time! This book also covered a form of PTSD, and learning to begin again after terrible setbacks that would make some people give up…this felt like it had it all.
There was so much to be learned from and enjoyed in this book, and I doubt I’ll ever look at this particular event in history the same again. As a historical fiction lover that likes a touch of romance but not too much of a focus on it, I really appreciated that element in this book. It was just there—but a sub-plot. The characters were also well-formed, and if it weren’t for the fact that I was sucked into the story so much, I would have liked to pay more attention to how they were developed through the story. I enjoyed this enough that I would love to have it on my shelf someday. Highly recommended.
I requested a free review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
I had been looking forward to reading Veiled in Smoke ever since I saw the cover last fall. From the rose and grey colors to the woman’s gown to the smoke swirls encasing the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire, it’s a perfectly lovely combination.
This is a wonderful intriguing book both inside and out. All of the characters were interesting in their own right, with the two sisters being distinct from each other, even though their day to day situations were often the same. The author transported me to several fantastic historical locations whose details painted a vivid picture without overloading the senses.
Finally, as an author myself, I often see plot twists coming, but this story actually kept me guessing. Twice I thought I had it all figured out, then the author made me guess again, which I truly loved. I recommend reading her historical notes at the end which discuss her research for the story and distinguishing fact from fiction. I believe there are two more books to this series and you can be sure I will be pre-ordering them.
This is the first book by Jocelyn Green that I have read and she is definitely an author whose books I will want to pick up again. I thought this book was a great depiction of the Great Fire of Chicago. I thought she did an amazing job at showing up how both people deal with trauma. I also loved that there was both a mystery to solve and romance. I also loved how as the characters relied on God he could help them with their individual problems. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
Having read all of Ms. Green’s other books, I was waiting excitedly to read this one. I was not disappointed! This book grabbed my attention from the captivating beginning and kept it through the satisfying end.
Veiled In Smoke chronicles the lives of the Townsend family—Stephen, a Civil War veteran, and his daughters Meg and Sylvie—as they battle to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and deal with the changes that this catastrophic event brings to their lives. As the city is reconstructed so must their lives be! Added to the devastation of the fire is an unveiled murder, Stephen’s arrest and incarceration in the insane asylum, and the efforts of his daughters and a reporter Nate Pierce to uncover the truth, clear Stephen’s name, and reunite the family. The story flows at a fitting pace with a few surprises along the way. The characters are well-developed and engaging. A touch of romance adds interest to the story.
Vivid detailed descriptions and sensory imagery, especially those relating to the disastrous fire and the ravaging after effects of war on a man’s mind and spirit, transport the reader to the scene and add depth and emotion to the story. Descriptive lines like this bring the story to life: “Glowing embers fell like red snow on his hair, his shoulders, each one a stinging needle digging into his flesh.” Can’t you just see and feel that scene? This poignant quote describing Stephen was quite memorable: “There was something wrong with him, something mysterious and perpetual, something she hadn’t been able to fix with love and time and willpower.”
With her extraordinary storytelling skill, Ms. Green excellently weaves real history into the fictional plot showing evidence of extensive research. The thread of faith is also skillfully woven throughout the story. I loved this book and am looking forward to the next book in The Windy City Saga Series. I highly recommend this narrative especially for lovers of historical fiction.
Good writer, learned about Chicago fire, lost interest about 2/3rds through
I was really looking forward to reading Jocelyn Green’s newest book, Veiled in Smoke, and it was definitely worth the wait! Jocelyn has a gift of seamlessly tying together historical facts and a great story, and for this reason, she is one of my favorite authors. When I open one of her books, I truly feel like I am greeting an old friend.
I knew very little about the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and several times during the course of reading Veiled in Smoke, curiosity compelled me to stop and google details regarding this time in history. It was easy to fall in love with the fictional Townsend family portrayed in this story and since this is the first book of Jocelyn’s new, The Windy City Saga, I know I will read about them again. I loved that they owned a bookstore and I loved the honest portrayal of hard family relationships. My mind often wandered back in time as I imagined what life would have been like had I been alive after this great tragedy, and to me, that’s a sign of a great book.
I don’t believe in giving the book away so I will stop here but I strongly encourage you to get your hands on Veiled in Smoke. You won’t be disappointed.
What do you do when your world burns? When the family and the future you thought you’d have fade away like ash?
Jocelyn Green grapples with these questions and more in this intriguing look into one of Chicago’s greatest tragedies.
Meg and Sylvie thought their family would be complete when their father returned from the Civil War. Turns out, their heartache was only beginning. But perhaps, even through the deepest pain, God can bring impossible healing and incredible redemption.
Although written in a different style than I normally enjoy, Veiled in Smoke challenged me, fascinated me, and drew me in as I experienced the Great Fire and followed the path of one family’s journey through the flames and into an unexpected future.
I especially appreciated how the author dealt with the struggle of PTSD–in a time when it was not only misunderstood but also erroneously mistreated. My favorite aspect of this topic addressed in the book was the way Sylvie’s relationship with her father changed as they walked through this journey together.
Also, Nate and Meg’s friendship and eventual romance were absolutely adorable and so enjoyable to read, particularly as Nate supports and encourages Meg through some of the biggest struggles of her life.
I will admit that I expected the story to go a different way and was slightly disappointed when it didn’t, however, that is more of a personal thing. 😉
Content Advisories: This was a very clean book with light romance. Some topics to be aware of include traumatic scenes (including a fire and POW struggles) as well as a heavy emphasis on PTSD.
Overall, FOUR STARS for a well-written and recommended Historical Christian Fiction read.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book for FREE, and a positive review was not required.
Amazing! Full of romance, mystery, and the devotion of family and friends, “Veiled in Smoke” brings to life the devastation and aftermath that swept through Chicago. Jocelyn Green’s novel is thoroughly researched with facts from the Great Fire of Chicago and Civil War (from both sides) veterans and the treatment during and after the war. A beautiful start to The Windy City Saga novels.
This is the first book that I have read about the Great Chicago fire and what an atmospheric read it is. Taking place not too long after the Civil War, sisters Meg and Sylvie are trying to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives along with carrying for their father who is having PTSD issues from being a prisoner of war. They support themselves by running a bookstore and Meg is a talented painter that helps supplement their household.
Devastatingly, a fire sparks that brings total destruction to Chicago, and Meg and Sylvie barely make it out alive. They lose everything. Even their plot of land during the aftermath is in jeopardy. But more than the loss of their property, their father Stephen is taken away to an asylum and accused of murdering his dear friend. With no visitation and no way to get their father a fair trial, Meg and Sylvie must rely on their own wits along with newfound friend Nate, who is a reporter and Jasper who was a bit of a mystery to me.
I have read many books about asylums and at times this story evoked great pity and anger and anguish in regards to the unfair treatment that Stephen received. Granted this was before the awareness of PTSD, but the asylum’s were evil places and inhumane in their treatment of the patients.
I enjoyed stepping back into a historical moment and time and witnessing through the eyes of these characters the horror that could only be overcome by their faith and love for each other. There is a thread of romance along with the mystery of who the real murderer is. I had my suspicions, but the twists and turns prevented me from being absolutely positive.
This is the first of the series for this family and I am looking forward to continuing reading about their journeys.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Mark my words, this book is going to end up on everyone’s favorites list of 2020. Yes it was that good! The emotions just sneak up on you and don’t let go. There was sorrow, fear, sadness, joy, love, respect, pity, and so much more. Green pulls the reader into the storyline, and makes them feel as if they are living it right alongside the characters. There were a few times I found myself holding my breath!
Green also manages to bring so many things to light. Things that are applicable today although they are in a historical novel. Soldier’s heart was not a term I was familiar with, but oh how it did touch my heart. I imagine it’s true of our soldiers today, and while they are not sent to the same treatments that were in this book, I can imagine that they are still not what our soldiers need. Stephen’s storyline affected me the most, and I’m so glad Green added his POV in the story. You only see it here and there, but it is enough to make a huge impact.
A theme that seemed to stay with me throughout the entire book was grieving. People grieve in so many differents ways, as did Meg and Sylvie. Both of them were completely stubborn in their ways, and while they claimed to have the right heart about stuff, they needed to understand that they were leaving each other out of the equation. Green hits the nail on the head with this point – we need communication. It grows relationships, clears misunderstandings, brings people closer together, and is vitally important in our everyday lives.
The other thing I love about Veiled in Smoke, is that I learned a lot about history. Honestly, I knew nothing about the great Chicago fires. I’m sure we learned about them at some point in school, but I just don’t remember. Green makes me want to go visit the library and find out more. I want to learn about real people that lived through it and hear their tales. I want to know what businesses were around and what happened to them. Don’t you love it when a book makes you want to learn? It almost makes you feel like a kid again!
Green has delivered readers a beautifully written novel that will move you to tears. But amidst all the fear, heartache and loss, is a powerful message of hope and prosperity. Tragedy doesn’t have to stay as something negative in a person’s life. We have a Maker who can turn it into something good. I highly recommend adding this book to your reading list!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This novel takes us to the Great Chicago fire, to give us an inside view of other stories happening at the same time. The eye opening experience of soldiers suffering from PTSD or “Soldier’s Heart”, was really sad, but also so educational. You live through the trauma of the fire with the characters, see what they saw, and live it. The trauma from the fire, also demonstrates a great example of PTSD from a traumatic event as well.
The book is well written, well researched and highly enjoyable. It has one of the most beautiful covers ever as well. This author takes her time on research, and while some of her books have a small romance thread, this is a historical novel, not a romance. It would appeal to both men and women, in my opinion.
I obtained this book from the publisher. The opinions contained herein are my own.