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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Thank you in advance to the publisher, Bethany House Fiction, and JustRead Publicity tours for providing a complimentary advance review copy. A positive review was not required. All words and thoughts are my own.
The Great Chicago Fire of October 1871 was a conflagration fire that burned for two days (8-10), killing 300 people and leaving 100,000 homeless. The rumor of it being caused by Mrs. Oleary and/or her cow are just that – rumors. She was cleared in the 1871 investigation.
Even after a reporter admitted that he made it up, the rumors persisted. In 1997, Chicago officially exonerated Oleary and the cow. While it started in the Oleary barn, the official cause was never established.
As someone whose family is primarily from Illinois, this is an important part of the state’s history.
It is against the backdrop of the fire that Jocelyn Green sets the first book in the Windy City Saga, “Veiled in Smoke”.
Green sets up the story in a few quick chapters (namely 1-3) – Meg and Sylvie are sisters whose father Stephen served in the Civil War. He came home a changed man, and as such has what we’d call in today’s time PTSD. In the novel it was referred to as “Soldier’s Heart”. The author depicts the sad and torturous ravages of war and that of a prisoner of war (POW).
After chapter 4 (when the fire starts), this novel has a lot going on in it – the fire, Stephen’s mental issues, a romance, a murder, and a mystery. In addition Chicago and the Townsend sisters are trying to reconstruct their lives (professionally and emotionally) among the ruins.
When Stephen is accused of murder, he is hauled off to the asylum. The sisters have to fight to get him back before he truly goes mad.
The cover drew me in – haunting, mesmerizing. It was as if you could hear the voices of those lost in fire. The woman on the cover (I’m assuming it is Meg) seems to be looking for answers, for hope, for something. She is lost, but hopeful. Scared but determined. This is a gripping story of tragedies within tragedies, but still has the hope and promise for a better outcome.
The characters – Stephen, Meg, Sylvie, and Nate are realistically crafted for the story as well as the time. I truly enjoyed them; and some of the supporting characters as well.
My heart broke for Stephen; and even his daughters as he battled his mental demons. The painful depiction of the ravages of the Civil War and the treatment as a POW is gut-wrenching and heart-breaking. She also brushes the brutal and questionable practices of the early asylums. Stephen is torn between trying to get better and wanting the emotional pain to cease.
Green subtlety, but respectfully, tackles the stigma of mental illness along with the impact on those around the person. She gives equal representation to what Stephen is going through, yet what his daughters are battling as well.
After the fire, they are not only rebuilding a city – but their lives. Among the ruins lie hope, solace, and change – along with determination. Meg is determined to find out who killed Hiram as she knows her father didn’t.
The mystery of the murder and behind is such a carefully crafted story, and the surprises that Green throws in definitely will have readers paying attention.
Green doesn’t spend any length of time on either subject though – nor does she rush things.
The fire, the murder, the rebuilding, the mystery – the author does a wonderful job at weaving fiction and the real history together. She does it so well, you would honestly believe that this story was part of that time. And, it is a perfect fit. The story’s progression is so natural that despite this being 416 pages, it doesn’t seem like it.
She keeps the reader interested and engaged, along with keeping the story going. I didn’t find any part boring. In fact, I enjoyed this as I read it and didn’t want to put it down. I’m eagerly awaiting the second novel in this series.
The author has a WONDERFUL selection of notes at the end of this book, and even using a search engine (my preference is Google), it was easy to research the Great Chicago Fire.
This novel not only shows the resiliency of the Townsend Family, but the entire city/community of Chicago. Even more so, this novel also shows the kindness of other communities that stepped in to help with money, clothing donations, and building materials.
Despite being from a Christian publisher (Bethany House); this book isn’t a preachy or overly religious themed book. God is mentioned throughout, more so after the fire, but he isn’t central to the theme. There are minor prayers as well as church attendance.
It is a clean book free from profane language and sexual situations. Those who enjoy Christian reads are sure to enjoy this book.
Interesting facts:
At the same time as the Chicago Fire was going there were other fires on October 8, 1871:
* Peshtigo Fire (killed 1200)
* The Great Michigan Fire (Port Huron, Holland, Manistee, Alpena)
No official cause has been found for those fires either.
Veiled in Smoke is a richly detailed story of sisters, family, love, and trust. Set during a fascinating time — featuring the Great Fire of Chicago in 1871 and the reconstruction period after the Civil War — it features a city and a family making sense of their lives in the aftermath of loss and destruction.
The many complexities of this novel are revealed at a steady pace along with the development and growth of characters. Meg, Sylvie, Nate, and Stephen share chapter points-of-view and convey the tension and emotions of events well – especially during the fire evacuation. From the dynamic of sisters to a love of literature, the trauma and aftermath of Andersonville prison, a couple new friendships and hints of romance, the way all of these elements work together is a feat in itself. This combined with a subtle mystery and suspense thread makes for a wonderful work of historical fiction.
A slight romantic element is there, too. While it is slowly explored from roots of friendship between the characters, it feels organic to the setting. Now I can talk about Nate! He is SUCH a likable gentleman. His character really shines a light on the theme of sharing everyday life with loved ones, with all its burdens and joys.
Author Jocelyn Green depicts history in a relatable way that always shines a light on unique or lesser-known aspects of the world. In a sense, this gives the past a voice, even in fiction. I’ve enjoyed each and every novel of hers I’ve read (3 to go!). Veiled in Smoke is just as enthralling and enjoyable. Its themes of second chances, trust in God’s unchanging nature, and the strength of love come to life along with the bustling city of Chicago as a backdrop. I am looking forward to the next book in this series — especially catching up with these characters and their bookstore!
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.
Jocelyn Green is a master at story telling and research! Her stories are SO well thought out and put together. Veiled in Smoke is a fantastic beginning to her Windy City Saga. There are some heavy issues addressed in this story, and they’re handled with grace and tact. The Townsend family, Meg, Sylvie, and their father Stephen own a bookstore in Chicago when the Great Fire occurs. Their entire store is burned down and Meg suffers burns on her hands. It’s such an immense struggle to try and start over after losing everything. Stephen suffers from, what we now call, PTSD after serving in the military and being a POW. Reading his story was quite moving, especially the parts written from his point of view. When the fire breaks out, and there is complete pandemonium, Stephen’s dear friend is murdered and he accused of it. Meg makes it her mission to prove her father innocent and discover who the real murderer is. I really enjoyed how the plot line moved along and the mystery of whodunit! It’s an excellent story, written extremely well, and I cannot wait to read book two in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
One of the best things about this wonderfully layered historical novel is that it is the first in The Windy City Saga. The horrors of the Chicago Fire, and even the aftermath of the Civil War, are carried by a story of two sisters who own a book store and their father, an emotional casualty of a Civil War prison. They lose nearly everything in the fire, plus their father to an insane asylum, but meet such compelling characters in the neighborhood who bless them but also complicate their lives even more. Jocelyn Green is a master at research, and also of story-telling. What a treat to savor yet another of her comely books.
“There is devilment afoot…”
Have you ever hugged a Kindle? It’s not as comfy as hugging a paperback, but still…I had to hug this story.
Wow. Wow!
This is such an impressive novel! History is brought to life across the pages of this touching story. It’s impossible not to remain on the edge of your seat during the chapters that dealt with the Great Chicago Fire. As the city’s rebuilding begins and the Townsend sisters struggle to pick up the pieces, secrets are brought to light and they must work together to clear the name of their beloved father, Stephen.
Veiled in Smoke is an emotional, beautiful and compelling book! I found every character, every trial, every triumph…everything to be just amazing! This book is filled with intrigue, mystery, vivid details and the absolute sweetest romance! I loved every page!
This was the first time I’d read anything by Jocelyn Green and I’m instantly a fan! I am looking forward to more from this series and I hope we get to see some of these characters again as the saga continues!
Five Fantastic Stars! I totally recommend this book! Veiled in Smoke is available now – visit http://www.christianbook.com to purchase!
I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley. A positive review was not required. Opinions expressed are my own
I could not help but to squeal with delight when I found out Jocelyn Green had a new series, The Windy City Saga, coming out. Veiled in Smoke does not disappoint. I loved every single page of this book. It is probably one of my favorites I have read by her to date. She obviously did extensive research to write this book. The historical details were so vivid, I felt like I was right there with the characters living in the moment of the events surrounding the story.
I am giving Veiled in Smoke a very well deserved five plus stars. I can not wait for the second installment from The Windy City Saga to release.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I was going to use some quotes in this review and even saved some but that’s not how’ I work. I decided to let the Lord lead me in this review.
Jocelyn Green sure knows how to get your adrenaline pumping with excitement, fear, learning about love and to appreciate what is right in front of you the whole time
The setting is absolutely perfect for all that I’ve described above.
Imagine yourself if you were caught in a huge fire that big and in the middle of the whole town trying to escape. Impossible you say? Pretty much but for some, like Meg, Sylvie and their father came through. Oh and we can’t forget Nathaniel Pierce investigative reporter.
I just love him for his kind, caring and persistence to get things done even if it is the right thing to do.
Sometimes doing the right thing isn’t what others would have us do. They only want to hear had truths, lies and whatever else the case may be.
I also want you to Imagine how you’d feel after you’ve lost everything except the clothes on your back. You’d be in shock of course but I think I’d throw in that I’m thankful for being alive too!
What one door closes another one will open. Maybe there are some lessons that God wants to teach us that we never would have seen before.
I love how Green shows how this wonderful family survives the fire with God’s Grace. I of course held my breath and I certainly felt myself panicking along with all of Chicago to get away from it.
Green writes about what we know as today PTSD and what was known then Soldiers heart. I had to look it up to see what the definition was. Let’s just say, I learned quite a bit.
I finished this book in two days because it was sooooo good! And exciting too!
Yes, there were a few places where it dragged a bit but then it picked up when there was some mystery involved.
No, I didn’t like Jasper at all! He made me upset for a bunch of reasons.
Green is a talented author who does her research well. I think I’m now a forever fan.
This is my favorite book besides Echoes Among the Stones.
I’m looking forward to seeing what Green has in store for us in the next book.
I give this book five stars all the way and I wish more.
The cover is awesome as always. I love that it gives you a hint of things to come.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House for an incredible read so far for 2020.
I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
4.5 Stars
The historical fiction books that have the greatest impact on me are those that put me in a particular event or time period and bring it to life. In Veiled in Smoke, Jacelyn Green not only brings the horror and destruction of the Great Chicago Fire to readers’ attention, she also gives us a look into the speedy rebuilding of the city and lives through the eyes of the Townsend family.
Meg, Sylvie, and Jonathan have a comfortable existence with their bookstore, even with the difficulties the two sisters have with caring for their father. But when they lose everything (even more than belongings), each of them responds in different ways.
Throughout the book, Green deftly paints the efforts of the city and the people to come back from devastation while shadowing it with a mystery. The author also patiently and honestly describes Jonathan’s PTSD from the Civil War, and his daughters’ frustration and helplessness in knowing what to do for him.
There’s some romance in there as well, but Veiled in Smoke is about family, the way they interact, and the sacrifices they make for each other
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
What a powerful story to make you see the Great Chicago fire from different eyes. Deeply captivating with emotions that flow with the characters. So wonderfully written to make us see a different side of living with the aftermath of horrors that existed during the Civil War. This author has a way with words and a gift of storytelling. I loved Meg and her imperfectness. Sprinkled with lessons to learn. Then Nate comes along and is so sweet and wonderful to her – what a loving hero. Well worth the read!
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for providing me a copy. This is my own opinion.
The Great Chicago Fire was far from the beginning of Meg and Sylvie Townsend’s problems. Could loosing everything be the key to rebuilding their lives? The night of the fire is nothing but a terrifying black space in Stephen Townsend’s mind. Could he have committed the crime he’s been convicted of?
Opening the pages of a new Jocelyn Green book is always an exciting experience. I know I’m going to get some beautiful writing, strong characters that I want to connect with and a story that pulls at my heartstrings. Set around the Chicago fire of 1872, Veiled in Smoke had all that and so much more. Stephen Townsend’s arc was a highlight of the book for me. His struggle with PTSD and the horrors he faced during the Civil War were gutting, as was reading about the treatment of those with psychological needs during that time.
Green’s research really shined in this novel. I knew a little about the fire and had heard the bit about it being blamed on poor Mrs. O’Leary and her cow, but I hadn’t really considered what life was like after the immediate danger was over. The resilience of not just the Townsends but the entire city of Chicago is really astounding. This is a must read and I cannot recommend it enough! It’s also the start of a new series so we’ll get the opportunity to revisit the soon.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
What a sensory treat for the readers! From the opening chapter, Jocelyn Green took her readers into the smoke and flames and allowed them to emerge from the ashes by the end of the story. Green does a fabulous job at allowing readers to grasp the horror of the Great Chicago Fire on a personal level. I really enjoy the mystery aspect that intermingled with the rebuilding of each individual character’s lives. From forgiveness and PTSD, Green sprinkles in elements that are even popular today to empathize with a number of different readers. Romance occurs between two sets of characters, but it really wasn’t overwhelming. I didn’t feel like it was the guiding force for the story Green needed to tell. Instead, it was the reconstruction of lives and hearts. I really enjoyed spending time with this story, and I can’t wait to see what book number two in this sage entails. Fans of Elizabeth Camden or Green’s other works should pick up this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I love books filled with history like this one.
I loved the author’s writing style of each character telling the story. It helped in enjoying the book.
Meg, Stephen, Sylvia, though family were very different people. Each was dealing with their own issues. Stephen’s was deeper than others, after the war and imprisonment, he returned home a battered man. I admired his daughters patience and sacrifice for him. The lenghts they were willing to go for family was very heart warming.
My heart went out for Hiram, but his sweet nature was endearing.
The Chicago wide fire brought a whole new kind of calamity on the Townsend family but the bond of family was not easily destroyed especially when they had Nate the reporter on their side.
If you are a lover of history and heartwarming, tear-jerking stories with profound faith based themes, you’d love this one.
God is present, ever present even in our pain and distress.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
A fascinating story about the Great Fire!
Heartbreaking and heartwarming – this is such a beautiful story!
I loved the way the author tied the Great Fire of Chicago together with the struggles of the soldiers returning from Civil War suffering from what had been known as “soldier’s heart”; or as we call it today, PSTD.
Stephen, Meg and Sylvie’s father, was probably my favorite character. Broken by the war and his time in the prison camp, he returned a mere shell of himself. Despite the moments where he lost touch with reality, he had a heart that yearned for the Lord and was filled with compassion for those in need. He was, in fact, obsessed with hunger. Seeing the inside of the horrible asylum through his eyes was so. . . real.
Historically factual details from the fire and the reconstruction of the city fill this fictional account. And unless you were already familiar with this period, you might find yourself, as I did, quite surprised by some of the challenges faced by those attempting to rebuild their city and their lives.
Some very colorful characters appear along with the main ones, such as the young entrepreneur who began selling relics from the fire. The types of objects he found were amazing!
There was a mystery surrounding one of the characters. I went back and forth, certain at one point I knew he was bad and what his secret was. Then, I was ashamed of myself for doubting him. But then. . . Again I questioned him and continued to vacillate until the truth was finally revealed!
The Townsend family knew the Lord and had been raised to understand Scripture yet until their faith was tried, literally, by fire, that knowledge wasn’t truly taken to heart. Stephen’s experience was the most dramatic. He knew the Lord, has Scripture memorized and cried out in his distress. Yet he had to come to a place of brokenness, complete surrender before he was able to begin to trust God for his deliverance.
Breathtaking descriptions and masterful turning of phrases combine to make Veiled in Smoke a pleasure to read.
Read my review of Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
I must admit I have some conflicted feelings regarding this book. It is brilliantly written, and I definitely enjoyed the story, but there was an aspect that…well, I guess it was a trigger for me, and therefore how it ended was a bit of a wound to me. I couldn’t deeply connect with main character Meg. Going into the story, I assumed that this story would be equally shared between the two sisters, and gravitated more towards Sylvie. Though her story was more of a side story, and I struggled with some of the ways she was treated. Before I go on to explain some of what triggered me, I do want to preface it with saying how beautifully the author writes. This novel is gorgeous, and the story told vibrant and captivating. I still consider it a good read, worth my time, and I look forward to reading the following books in this series. The history was portrayed wonderfully, and the tragedy real. As I don’t wish to spoil the book for anyone, I will warn that you may want to wait on reading the rest of this review until you have read the book for yourself. So, with that being said….
I really liked Sylvie. I really liked the relationship that blossomed between her and Jasper. It felt like throughout the novel though, that her feelings and her personal journey were not very well respected by the main character and supporting characters. It was really all about Meg and her end happiness. I know we are to root for the main character, but I couldn’t help but feel triggered by the fact that Sylvie was so often not given a voice or validated in any of her feelings. So yes, this ended up being a trigger for me but that doesn’t mean it will be for anyone else.I have hopes that the next book in this story will be about Sylvie. However, I confess I still feel sorrow that she couldn’t have the ending she wanted in this book.
Again, my feelings will not reflect everyone’s, and as I also said this author is an excellent writer so her books are definitely worth the read!
Veiled in Smoke is an engaging story and a surprisingly layered mystery. There are also some charming elements that should make any reader’s heart go pitter-patter. Sisters Meg and Sylvie run a bookshop, Corner Books & More. Meg paints portraits of literary heroines. There is a beloved copy of Little Women with notations from their mother – happy sigh! The characters tugged at my heart, and they all faced various realistic challenges. The overarching challenge is surviving Chicago’s Great Fire, as well as facing the results of its aftermath. I believe this is the first novel I’ve read that is set during the time of Chicago’s Great Fire. The historical details are fascinating. Green really pulls readers into the story with its realism and well-developed characters. While typically I am not a huge fan of character jumping within a story, in this case, it gives a well-rounded picture of everything that is going on, with both the characters and the city itself after the fire. I enjoyed each perspective equally, and it seems to me that it takes a talented writer to accomplish that.
Often at odds with one another, Meg and Sylvie are still wise enough to know that they have to depend on each other to combat the post-fire challenges. Not only is their father, Stephen, accused of a crime they can’t believe he committed, but he also has a condition known then as soldier’s heart, and there is a fierce stigma attached to those who suffer from it. While Meg faces a physical injuries from the fire, Sylvie faces an internal hurt, a surprising way that she can connect to her father. Both must come to terms with these new aspects of their life, but they refuse to let their father live out his life in miserable imprisonment.
I enjoyed the differences between Meg and Sylvie, and while the story focuses mostly on Meg, I feel that Sylvie still has a worthwhile story. I’m hopeful that the continuation of her story is the next one in the series, but regardless, I look forward to returning to the world of this story and learning more of Sylvie, Meg, and Stephen.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a review, and all opinions expressed here are my own.
A poignant look at life being rebuilt in the midst of dust and ashes. I thoroughly enjoyed the various storylines, although the main emphasis was centered on Meg, the oldest of the Townsend sisters. I appreciated the glimpses of life in the Windy City before, during and after the Great Fire. Stephen, their father, a civil war survivor suffering from soldier’s heart, loves his daughters, but he’s not sure how to settle into his new life. Things go from troubling to impossible when he is accused of murdering his best friend. The points of view from each of their experiences was powerful and shed light into why some people respond to trials the way they do. Despite dark moments, remnants of hope and light kept each of them anchored to their faith. Nate is a huge help in this time of trial and helps Meg find peace, love, joy, and freedom. A deeply satisfying look at family, friendships, betrayal, PTSD, and loyalty in hard times. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and all opinions expressed are solely my own.
Wow! This is another new favorite book of mine! Jocelyn Green has outdone herself again with this fabulous novel set in 1871 during the Great Chicago Fire that devastated a a huge part of the population.
This novel is very rich in historical detail, and even if I’m not an historian and I didn’t know much about this tragedy it seems so well researched accurate, so much so that I felt I was living the tragedy along with the main characters.
The story centers around the Townsend family which consists of Meg and Sylvie, two young sisters, and their mentally ill father, Stephen, who still hasn’t recovered from the scars from the Civil War, especially because of the trials he endured in Andersonville, a camp for prisioners of war from the Union Confederacy, to which he survived, but seems to live and relive all over again in his mind sometimes not able to distinguish the difference between the images inhis mind and reality. It’s what in our days we call PTSD, but at that time, it was called “Soldier’s Heart” and there was little experience on how to treat it well and help the patients to overcome depression, paralizing fear and lessen post traumatic effects that make them suffer so much (nightmares, reliving the past, guilt, etc).
Meg and Silvie both manage their father’s bookshop, as he is no longer able to, while taking care of him, but they barely make ends meet. Meg is an accomplished painter who is slowly gaining customers who like her paintings of characters from the classical literature. Amidst their daily struggles, the later known as the “Great Chicago Fire” rages their town and threatens their lives. As they fight to rescue their most important valuables, Meg gets her hands injured, and their father disappears with the few possesions they rescue and doesn’t come back to them. Thankfully, Nathan (Nate), a young journalist for “The Tribune”, once in charge of his stepsiblings and now independent, comes to their aid and leads them away from the fire. But so much is lost, their home destroyed… And the next day, they find out their father is taken to the city’s asylum for the mentally ill, accused of murdering Hiram Sloane in a rage of lunacy, who happened to be his closest friend before dying and who was like an uncle to the Townsend sisters… Things couldn’t seem to be more difficult and hopeless, but, while Sylvie has her doubts and resentment of her father’s attitude after the war, Meg vows she will do everything in her power to prove her father’s innocence. Will she succeed? Will they be able to start anew, when all her possesions are almost gone? Will Meg recover the use of her right hand so she can Paint again? Will Nate resist the urge to not involve himself with Meg and her sister and concentrate on his profession, which seems at stake? You’ll have to read this endearing story to find out how the Townsend sisters fare amidst this tragedy.
This was a beautiful deep and compelling story about family, loss, forgiveness, mercy and unconditional love. The plot is complex but very engaging and so realistic. The characters have to deal with difficult struggles and challenges, and I loved how they grew up through out this story. Meg was an amazing character. I loved her kind and sweet nature, her faith and uncinditional trust in her father, no matter his mental state, how she devoted to take care of him and ached for him when she couldn’t, it was a beautiful sight to behold, and an inspiring model because we are always surrounded by mentally ill people, loved ones or not, that need our care, patience and understanding. Sylvie, on the other hand, has a rebellious streak, but she also has a kind heart too, even if she’s a bit reluctant to trust her father and has a bit of resentment too. She had a lot to learn in this story too… But her love for her sister Meg was also inspiring and I loved watching how both of them watched out for each other at all times. Nate was also a great character, a man with a heart of gold and a huge sense of responsability. I liked how he aimed to only tell the truth in his job as a journalist. That was a hard struggle, as staying firm with the truth can carry some negative consequences, like the risk of losing his job, but it was freeing for him to stand on his convictions (he also learned from a few mistakes, but don’t we all?). And last but not least, I loved Stephen. Getting a glimpse into a battered mind still grieving from the devastating effects of the war was humbling, and very realistic. It was heartwrenching too, the way he suffered with his mind illness, and the way his daughters suffered for him too. It’s not an illness easy to understand, even if it’s quite understandable when you glimpse the suffering this souls have being through, of loss, of senseless killing, etc. These people are héroes and require all our affection, care, patience and understanding. This book really helped me see how many people can suffer (and I don’t mean only soldiers) this kind of depression and need our comfort, support, love and security.
Meg and Nate’s romance was sweet and clean, and so endearing. Not love at first sight, but more of a friendship and mutual admiration that slowly turn into much more. It was heartwarming.
This story left me enlightened and inspired in many ways. And Jocelyn’s style is vivid and refreshing. I never felt that the story dragged, on the contrary, it flowed at a good pace. I always had a hard time to leave the book in order to sleep the hours I needed.
I can’t wait for the next book in this saga. Hopefully it will be Sylvie’s own story…
I can’t recommend this story enough! I truly loved it and think many of you will too!
Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green is a well-researched novel of history, drama, suspense, and mystery. This historical fiction novel captivated my attention from beginning to end. I never lost interest even though I had to spread out my reading. The vibrant prose brought to life the setting, characters, and, quite potently, Chicago’s Great Fire. This novel is what I’d consider a “heavy” read because of the devastation and drama. However, as the story progresses, hope and resilience do appear.
For me, part of Veiled in Smoke’s appeal lies in the authenticity of the main characters. The tangled family relationships and dysfunctional dynamics were true-to-life. I liked the characters’ honest and messy progress toward healing. As someone with PTSD, I could relate to Stephen and the author’s treatment of his “soldier’s heart” condition was kind and sensitive, addressing the issue in healthy manner.
Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green commences The Windy City Saga novels and I can’t wait for the second installment. 5 Stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Jocelyn Green has written several compelling books, each very different. Every time I think I can categorize her into a certain genre or time period, she surprises me with her next novel. One thing is common to all of her books that I have read, however: they are excellent, deep reads that engage both my thoughts and my emotions, leaving an impression long after the last page has turned.
In this novel, Green takes us to the time of the Great Chicago Fire. That in itself is dramatic, and she does an excellent job of placing the reader in the shoes of the people who experienced what had to be both harrowing and horrific. Through more than 20 pages, I was swept along with the characters, feeling the chaos and fear, wondering what would happen next and how they could possibly survive as the world around them exploded.
But the story is not simply about surviving a horrible fire, or even the aftermath. Instead we get a mystery, and we also get a view of a family trying desperately to heal from the wounds of war, the multiple losses staggering. We also get the story of a daughter and a sister, balancing the needs of others, trying to hold everything together for her family members as she experiences her own setbacks and personal losses, trying to understand her role in the larger picture of life beyond survival.
And woven throughout is a beautiful thread of faith, of clinging to the truth of God’s Word when we cannot even be sure our own mind is not betraying us. Several characters have mental health issues of varying degrees and stemming from different sources, but it clearly reveals how much at the mercy of our own minds we can be, how what we perceive may not even be truth. But God always tells the truth, both it and He, Himself are firm and fixed and completely trustworthy.
Though not an easy read for various reasons, this is definitely a worthwhile book to take in and sit with for a while. I still need some time to process it fully, but I have a strong suspicion that this will be one of those books that I revisit often, mining more and more out of its fictional pages to apply to my very real life. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy historical fiction of any kind; there is much here to think on, regardless of primary interests or time period preferences.
I received a review copy of this book from the author and publisher but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
Don’t let the beautiful cover distract you! Veiled in Smoke is jam-packed with murder, mystery, love, heartache, perseverance, spirit, and history–let’s not forget about the Great Chicago Fire. This wonderfully-researched novel will have your heart racing as fast as the fire took the city.
Meg and Sylvie, the two main characters, are sisters who own a bookshop together: Corner Books & More. One is the accountant, while the other paints portraits of literary figures. Together, they watch over their father who ails from soldier’s heart, what we know today as PTSD, from the US Civil War.
The subtle ties of history with the fictional characters will leave you in awe at the rebuilding of Chicago and the rebuilding of a family.
The first installment of three, I found myself satisfied with an ending, but excited for what comes next.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a copy. All opinions are my own.