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 Chicago Tribune reporter Nate Pierce. Once the smoke clears away, they reunite with Stephen, only to learn soon after that their ...
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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 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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New. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 416 p. The Windy City Saga, 1. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
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Fine. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 416 p. The Windy City Saga, 1. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
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Chicago, 1871. One little spark will change it all
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.)
Claudia
Feb 4, 2020
Wonderful Characters
I will admit that it took me several chapters to get into this book, but once the mystery was revealed I was hooked. I am glad that my past experiences with this author gave me the motivation to keep reading knowing the hook would come.
Set in 1871 Chicago, the story gives the reader the insight into what we now would refer to as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) both from the perspective of survivors of the Great Conflagration and of Civil War veterans, especially prisoners of war, and their families. The author's extensive historical research into the treatment of burns and of mental illness in the setting of this story is quite evident, and it plays a huge part in the story. Recent research shows that fiction readers tend to be more empathetic than those who don't spend much time reading fiction. I would venture to say that it is books like Veiled in Smoke and authors like Jocelyn Green that contribute to this. One's heart cannot help but go out to the characters in this story, even to those who are on the wrong side of the law.
I highly recommend this book and am happy to have received a copy from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.
Anne R
Feb 4, 2020
Fascinating historical fiction
Veiled in Smoke is the first book in Jocelyn Green's new series, The Windy City Saga. Having read a couple of other stories from this author, I was excited to read this new book, and I was not disappointed. Green does an extraordinary job with the historical details about the 1871 Great Fire that blazed through Chicago. Emotions and reactions to the devastation are realistically portrayed through the characters as they write or paint about, or stressfully relive the horror. The book is rich in period details and historical flavor and is filled with well-rounded, vivid characters. Characters who are believable as all their flaws and foibles are portrayed, along with their strengths and humanity. The heartbreaking and poignant subjects of PTSD, or soldier's heart, as it was labeled in the late 19th century, and the care of the mentally ill are described with finesse and expertise. I enjoyed learning more about the Civil War and the management of prisoners, especially the policy of 'Galvanized Yankees.' The author has also included several pages of interesting and informational notes at the end of the story. One quote from the book, "We will thank God as soon as we can." resonated well with me. Sometimes in the middle of chaos, it is hard to give thanks but there is a hope present that we will be able to see beyond the pain and see His goodness. Veiled in Smoke is a complex and multifaceted story that reminds readers that God is in the business of restoration and that He uses broken people and situations to bring about healing and growth. With vivid characters, an action-packed storyline, strong spiritual truths, a climactic murder mystery, and a sweet romance, the author has penned an amazing story. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will not want to miss Veiled in Smoke. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
