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lynnuwatson's review against another edition
5.0
Jocelyn Green explores so many aspects of family relationships, unmet expectations within the family, where do I belong in this family, what really makes family and more. Characters return from Veiled in Smoke (particular emphasis on Meg's younger sister, Sylvie. I love the story of her daughter's (Rose') disappearance. Set among the spectacular sites, sounds, aromas, tastes, exhibits, attractions of The spectacular White City (The Columbian Exhibition - Chicago World's Fair 1893), there are so many people, so many possibilities, and so many potential traps. Where has Rose gone and why? New twists right to the end, along with a thread of romance for Sylvie (now 43 with no perceived need for a man in her life). The theme of God's choosing each of us as special to Him, and including us in His family without cost or performance runs deeply through the book.
Now how long a wait until Book 3 in the series????
I love Jocelyn's writing. This one was no exception!
Now how long a wait until Book 3 in the series????
I love Jocelyn's writing. This one was no exception!
farmfreshlisa's review against another edition
4.0
Shadows of the White City is the second book in the Windy City Saga. This story picks up initially about 10 years after the first book when Sylvie takes into her home a polish immigrant girl Rose when she's about 6 years old. The story then jumps ahead ten more years to when Rose is 17 and Sylvie is in her 40s. Sylvie is the sole propriator of the family bookshop and she loves being a mother to Rose. But as she's getting older Rose goes "teenager" on her and begins to pull away. Rose is on a quest to learn her Polish family history.
Meanwhile this is all happening when Chicago is hosting the Worlds Fair...and Sylvie works as a tour guide when not at her bookstore. She is very close friends with her boarder Kristof Bartok who is Rose's violin instructor and concermaster for the orchestra at the worlds fair.
Long story short--Rose disappears after becoming involved with some Polish friends who claimed to know her family. And since Sylvie has no idea what has happeend to her, she enlists Kristof's help in navigating the various communities their search leads them through.
Sylvie has to go on a journey to release control of everything and everyone and allow God to work "without needing her help."
Her friend Kristof reminds her in the story...
So so so true! He goes further later by saying
I love that advice so much, but you know I also relate to Sylvie's rebuttal.
And that I think sums up our biggest challenge with waiting on God to assist!
So so so much food for thought in that passage. I wrote it down in my quotes journal!
Kristof himself is on a journey of learning to let his younger brother face consequences and not always "saving him". And Rose herself is on a quest to find her true identity--
I think I actually liked book #1 more than book #2, even though book #2 was very well flushed out and I was able to follow and identify with various characters. I LOVE anything related to the Worlds Fair and loved exploring the music side of things with this book and the lush cultures that World's Fair brought to America!
I'm going to give this book a solid4 stars !
Lisa’s Ratings
5⭐ = Unforgettable. Make me FEEL emotions. I laughed or cried. I didn't want to put it down or let it end. They became my friends. A personal favorite.
4⭐ = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others. But I didn't *feel* anything.
3⭐ = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting. But nothing stellar or unforgettable. Not sure I will recommend it.
2⭐ = The book was tolerable, but I almost didn't like it.
1⭐ = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Meanwhile this is all happening when Chicago is hosting the Worlds Fair...and Sylvie works as a tour guide when not at her bookstore. She is very close friends with her boarder Kristof Bartok who is Rose's violin instructor and concermaster for the orchestra at the worlds fair.
Long story short--Rose disappears after becoming involved with some Polish friends who claimed to know her family. And since Sylvie has no idea what has happeend to her, she enlists Kristof's help in navigating the various communities their search leads them through.
Sylvie has to go on a journey to release control of everything and everyone and allow God to work "without needing her help."
Her friend Kristof reminds her in the story...
"Do what you can in your areas of influence, but remember that the outcome is not your responsibility alone."
So so so true! He goes further later by saying
"Just because you can't control everything doesn't mean it isn't being handled. Trust the One who is far better at orchestrating every detail than we could ever be."
She counters back: Are you saying I don't have enough faith? Or that I should just pray and hope for the best?"
Kristoff replies "What I'm saying is that we are, all of us, far less independent than you may want to admit. Life is not a solo performance...All I mean to say is that sometimes we can foll ourselves into believeing we don't need God's help. But we do. We always do, but in a crisis it's more obvious. God can solve this puzzle, Sylvie."
I love that advice so much, but you know I also relate to Sylvie's rebuttal.
I know He can. But will He?....I don't doubt God's ability. But sometimes I struggle to trust His timing.
And that I think sums up our biggest challenge with waiting on God to assist!
"Waiting is such hard work," he said. "But remember, just because we are still doesn't mean that God is. We can rely on Him."
So so so much food for thought in that passage. I wrote it down in my quotes journal!
Kristof himself is on a journey of learning to let his younger brother face consequences and not always "saving him". And Rose herself is on a quest to find her true identity--
I think I actually liked book #1 more than book #2, even though book #2 was very well flushed out and I was able to follow and identify with various characters. I LOVE anything related to the Worlds Fair and loved exploring the music side of things with this book and the lush cultures that World's Fair brought to America!
I'm going to give this book a solid
Lisa’s Ratings
5⭐ = Unforgettable. Make me FEEL emotions. I laughed or cried. I didn't want to put it down or let it end. They became my friends. A personal favorite.
4⭐ = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others. But I didn't *feel* anything.
3⭐ = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting. But nothing stellar or unforgettable. Not sure I will recommend it.
2⭐ = The book was tolerable, but I almost didn't like it.
1⭐ = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
blogginboutbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed VEILED IN SMOKE, so I was interested to read more about its characters. SHADOWS OF THE WHITE CITY starts 22 years later and uses the Chicago World's Fair of 1893 as its colorful backdrop. This installment features Sylvie, an old maid who's distraught after her adopted daughter goes missing. Although Sylvie is not the most exciting character, she is sympathetic and likable. As an adoptive mother, I empathized with her emotions and struggles as she sought to understand her daughter's identity crisis. The mystery at the heart of the book is interesting, although it feels drawn out and, in the end, becomes rather predictable. My problem with VEILED IN SMOKE is that it just went on and on and on and SHADOWS OF THE WHITE CITY has this same problem. It could have wrapped up a whole lot quicker. Still, the plot moved along steadily enough that I kept reading, wanting to know what was going to happen next. All in all, I ended up enjoying it because of the likable characters, intriguing setting, compelling enough plot, and the fact that it's a clean (although there are references to prostitution, white slavery, opium use, etc.), uplifting, and faith-promoting (without being TOO preachy) read.
I'd give this book 3 1/2 stars if I could; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
I'd give this book 3 1/2 stars if I could; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
bonniereads777's review against another edition
4.0
Shadows of the White City is the second novel in The Windy City Saga by Jocelyn Green. It can be read as a standalone.
Sylvie Townsend has been bringing up Rozalia Dabrowski (Rose) for 13 years since her parents died. However, Rose, now 17, is anxious to look for any Polish relations she might have and feels Sylvie is too controlling.
In 1893, Sylvie is a tour guide at the Chicago World's fair, and her tenant, Kristof Bartok, is lead violin in the Exposition Orchestra. Kristof is also Rose's violin instructor. While Sylvie tries in vain to keep Rose as her daughter and part of her family, Kristof is dealing with his wild, selfish, and out of control brother, Gregor. Their problems are compounded when Rose disappears.
The descriptions of the Chicago World's Fair are fascinating and well researched. The underlying themes are letting go of the people you love, appreciating what you already have, and forgiving the hurtful actions of others. Different types of obsession are examined through many of the characters, particularly Ivan and Jozefa. Perfectionism, manipulation, and control are also shown through Kristof and Sylvie.
My favorite quote: "I hope you have since learned you can stop striving to earn a place you've already been given. You're already a child of God. You can't perform your way into or out of His family."
This is an interesting trip to the Chicago World's Fair in 1893 combined with family struggles and a sweet romance. The author's note at the end provides more wonderful history of Chicago and the World's Fair.
Sylvie Townsend has been bringing up Rozalia Dabrowski (Rose) for 13 years since her parents died. However, Rose, now 17, is anxious to look for any Polish relations she might have and feels Sylvie is too controlling.
In 1893, Sylvie is a tour guide at the Chicago World's fair, and her tenant, Kristof Bartok, is lead violin in the Exposition Orchestra. Kristof is also Rose's violin instructor. While Sylvie tries in vain to keep Rose as her daughter and part of her family, Kristof is dealing with his wild, selfish, and out of control brother, Gregor. Their problems are compounded when Rose disappears.
The descriptions of the Chicago World's Fair are fascinating and well researched. The underlying themes are letting go of the people you love, appreciating what you already have, and forgiving the hurtful actions of others. Different types of obsession are examined through many of the characters, particularly Ivan and Jozefa. Perfectionism, manipulation, and control are also shown through Kristof and Sylvie.
My favorite quote: "I hope you have since learned you can stop striving to earn a place you've already been given. You're already a child of God. You can't perform your way into or out of His family."
This is an interesting trip to the Chicago World's Fair in 1893 combined with family struggles and a sweet romance. The author's note at the end provides more wonderful history of Chicago and the World's Fair.
pjsartfun's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
elvenavari's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars.
I loved the parts about Sylvie and Kristof. I did not love the parts about Rose. Even with everything that was revealed at the end, I felt like Rose acted like a spoiled brat and a little communication could have gone a long way in this situation.
I loved the parts about Sylvie and Kristof. I did not love the parts about Rose. Even with everything that was revealed at the end, I felt like Rose acted like a spoiled brat and a little communication could have gone a long way in this situation.
kristensreadingnook's review against another edition
4.0
In this sequel to Veiled In Smoke, we follow Sylvie Townsend a bookstore owner and part-time tour guide at Chicago’s World Fair. Sylvie is the adoptive mother of Rose whose parents both died when she was young. At 17, Rose is questioning who she is and where she came from. One day she doesn’t come home from the Fair and Sylvie must search for her on her own when the authorities refuse to help. There are questionable people attending the Fair and girls have been going missing frequently. Was she taken? Did her boyfriend have anything to do with it? Is she simply searching for her long lost relatives?
The only book I’ve ever read about the World’s Fair was Devil in the White City (which was fascinating), so this was an enjoyable read to get back to that time period. I could picture a lot of the setting because the writing was atmospheric. Jocelyn Green is also great at writing her characters. I could feel what both Sylvie and Rose were feeling as Sylvie struggled to hold on to Rose when she was feeling strangled by her mother’s love.
While this is a sequel, it can be read as a stand-alone book. I listened to Veiled in Smoke before I read this one because I wasn’t sure, but it can definitely be read separately.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
The only book I’ve ever read about the World’s Fair was Devil in the White City (which was fascinating), so this was an enjoyable read to get back to that time period. I could picture a lot of the setting because the writing was atmospheric. Jocelyn Green is also great at writing her characters. I could feel what both Sylvie and Rose were feeling as Sylvie struggled to hold on to Rose when she was feeling strangled by her mother’s love.
While this is a sequel, it can be read as a stand-alone book. I listened to Veiled in Smoke before I read this one because I wasn’t sure, but it can definitely be read separately.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
queenofheartsreview's review against another edition
3.0
Jocelyn Green’s "Shadows of the White City," book two in the “Windy City Saga,” is a historical Christian novel set in Chicago, in 1893, during the excitement of the World’s Fair. Sylvie Townsend is a generous and loving woman who has run the family bookstore and taken care of her ailing father for years. When a Polish immigrant approaches her in with his young daughter, Rozalia “Rose” Dabrowski, she agrees to raise the girl as her own.
As years pass, Sylvie and Rose have become like family to one another. Rose has grown up to become a beautiful young woman and Sylvie, like any mother, is protective of her adopted daughter. When Rose suddenly vanishes at the 1893 World’s Fair, Sylvie sets out to find her and enlists the help of Kristof Bartok, a tenant who lives in her building. Amidst the harrowing search, Sylvie cannot deny her growing attraction to the handsome Kristof.
This was my first time reading a novel by Ms Green and it was quite a ride. The beginning was slow but once Sylvie’s search for Rose started, I was hooked. This thread of mystery throughout the story was consistent and it kept things interesting. The overall tone was mysterious, ominous, and ultimately hopeful. The plot was well-developed but it was also pretty predictable. Nevertheless, it had me guessing all along.
The narrative and flow were strong. There was a good balance between showing versus telling. The dialogue and prose complemented each other to create a fairly cohesive reading experience. However, there were points where awkward word usage took me out of the story.
The characterization was good. Sylvie was human, believable, and easy to relate to. She was such a strong protagonist even though I found her frustrating at certain points. Rose, who was written well for the most part, came across as flat and unbelievable at times. She was the character I had the hardest time connecting with. Since there were a lot of characters, I had a difficult time keeping tracking of everyone.
This book was rife with rich, beautiful descriptions that I found compelling. Ms Green brought the 1893 World’s Fair to life and depicted such a fascinating setting for the story to take place. I think my favourite aspect of this book was the author’s passion for this time period and setting. Her interest in the World’s Fair really shined through the story and it made me enthusiastic to read it.
Ms Green included a wonderful Author’s Note that shed light on the history behind the World’s Fair, elaborating on historical figures and locales. She included a map of the 1893 World’s Fair and reader discussion questions, which was a great touch. While this book had some issues, I liked the story overall.
I graciously received this complimentary copy of "Shadows of the White City" by Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All ideas and thoughts expressed herein are my own. I received no remuneration for this review.
The Queen of Hearts Review
www.QueenofHeartsReview.com
As years pass, Sylvie and Rose have become like family to one another. Rose has grown up to become a beautiful young woman and Sylvie, like any mother, is protective of her adopted daughter. When Rose suddenly vanishes at the 1893 World’s Fair, Sylvie sets out to find her and enlists the help of Kristof Bartok, a tenant who lives in her building. Amidst the harrowing search, Sylvie cannot deny her growing attraction to the handsome Kristof.
This was my first time reading a novel by Ms Green and it was quite a ride. The beginning was slow but once Sylvie’s search for Rose started, I was hooked. This thread of mystery throughout the story was consistent and it kept things interesting. The overall tone was mysterious, ominous, and ultimately hopeful. The plot was well-developed but it was also pretty predictable. Nevertheless, it had me guessing all along.
The narrative and flow were strong. There was a good balance between showing versus telling. The dialogue and prose complemented each other to create a fairly cohesive reading experience. However, there were points where awkward word usage took me out of the story.
The characterization was good. Sylvie was human, believable, and easy to relate to. She was such a strong protagonist even though I found her frustrating at certain points. Rose, who was written well for the most part, came across as flat and unbelievable at times. She was the character I had the hardest time connecting with. Since there were a lot of characters, I had a difficult time keeping tracking of everyone.
This book was rife with rich, beautiful descriptions that I found compelling. Ms Green brought the 1893 World’s Fair to life and depicted such a fascinating setting for the story to take place. I think my favourite aspect of this book was the author’s passion for this time period and setting. Her interest in the World’s Fair really shined through the story and it made me enthusiastic to read it.
Ms Green included a wonderful Author’s Note that shed light on the history behind the World’s Fair, elaborating on historical figures and locales. She included a map of the 1893 World’s Fair and reader discussion questions, which was a great touch. While this book had some issues, I liked the story overall.
I graciously received this complimentary copy of "Shadows of the White City" by Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All ideas and thoughts expressed herein are my own. I received no remuneration for this review.
The Queen of Hearts Review
www.QueenofHeartsReview.com
abigailt's review against another edition
5.0
“Just because you can’t control everything doesn’t mean it isn’t being handled. Trust the One who is far better at orchestrating every detail than we could ever be.”
In Shadows of the White City, the second book in The Windy City Saga, Jocelyn Green brings the simple message that God is in control, and even though we don’t know His timing or His plans, we need to trust Him, to surrender all to Him. Even if that could mean losing those we love most.
Green shows this message throughout the story that follows Sylvie Townsend, no longer the young lady she was in Veiled in Smoke, but a woman in her forties who has committed her life to raise the daughter of Polish immigrants who passed away.
With her daughter, Rozalia, now seventeen, the trial of being a parent to a child, not physically her own rears its ugly head, and brings with it worry, fear, and a lack of confidence, but also a chance for growth and new beginnings. This story is a journey filled with heart-wrenching choices I was glad Sylvie had to make and not me.
The theme of love also wove its way throughout the story, the love between a child and the parents she lost, an adoptive mother and child, love of family and friends, and a budding romance in a time of Sylvie’s life where she wouldn’t have thought romance possible. It was sweet and tender, yet showed the dirt beneath the nails.
And just to keep you on your toes, the author added in a mystery to be solved, one that dragged you through twists and turns until the secret was finally revealed. There were times when I thought I had it figured out, but then my question came up in print and was turned down as a possibility…until it wasn’t. Oh, Jocelyn Green is good, let me tell you. She would throw out bombshells that literally made my jaw drop, and my mind would end up following the path she wanted me to follow instead of the one I thought I should have been on. She kept me guessing, and because of that, reading.
This was a powerful story set among the backdrop of the Chicago Worlds Fair. I enjoyed reading about the fair, and because of the details Green so carefully revealed, I felt as though I was there with them, in a place I had never before seen but longed for. I appreciate the author’s ability to bring her world to life, and that is done through the extensive research I know she has done on the subject.
If you’re into historical fiction, love a good intrigue, and enjoy a story that knows how to pull at your heartstrings, then I would highly recommend Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green.
I received a copy of Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley. Opinions are my own.
In Shadows of the White City, the second book in The Windy City Saga, Jocelyn Green brings the simple message that God is in control, and even though we don’t know His timing or His plans, we need to trust Him, to surrender all to Him. Even if that could mean losing those we love most.
Green shows this message throughout the story that follows Sylvie Townsend, no longer the young lady she was in Veiled in Smoke, but a woman in her forties who has committed her life to raise the daughter of Polish immigrants who passed away.
With her daughter, Rozalia, now seventeen, the trial of being a parent to a child, not physically her own rears its ugly head, and brings with it worry, fear, and a lack of confidence, but also a chance for growth and new beginnings. This story is a journey filled with heart-wrenching choices I was glad Sylvie had to make and not me.
The theme of love also wove its way throughout the story, the love between a child and the parents she lost, an adoptive mother and child, love of family and friends, and a budding romance in a time of Sylvie’s life where she wouldn’t have thought romance possible. It was sweet and tender, yet showed the dirt beneath the nails.
And just to keep you on your toes, the author added in a mystery to be solved, one that dragged you through twists and turns until the secret was finally revealed. There were times when I thought I had it figured out, but then my question came up in print and was turned down as a possibility…until it wasn’t. Oh, Jocelyn Green is good, let me tell you. She would throw out bombshells that literally made my jaw drop, and my mind would end up following the path she wanted me to follow instead of the one I thought I should have been on. She kept me guessing, and because of that, reading.
This was a powerful story set among the backdrop of the Chicago Worlds Fair. I enjoyed reading about the fair, and because of the details Green so carefully revealed, I felt as though I was there with them, in a place I had never before seen but longed for. I appreciate the author’s ability to bring her world to life, and that is done through the extensive research I know she has done on the subject.
If you’re into historical fiction, love a good intrigue, and enjoy a story that knows how to pull at your heartstrings, then I would highly recommend Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green.
I received a copy of Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley. Opinions are my own.
cbear550's review against another edition
5.0
Does Jocelyn Green ever disappoint?!****
I absolutely adored Veiled in Smoke, so I'm excited that this one is just as good. Sequels can be tricky, but this one is done oh so well. I will start by saying that this book will not stand alone. You need to read the first one, Veiled in Smoke, if you want to know what's going on.
Jocelyn Green never fails to make me feel as if I am there, and Shadows of the White City is no different. The descriptions were rich, detailed, yet not long and boring (no offense to Game of Thrones but wellllll) Sometimes the details were overwhelming, but I felt that it was because the fair was a crowded and overwhelming experience. In these details we also learn so many fun historical tidbits. The author always puts so much research into her books and it really shows.
If you're looking for a romance then this book may not be for you. There is a romance, but it's a romance that has developed slowly over years that is finally two best friends becoming more. If you read the first book you'll understand why it develops that way. I usually like a romance aspect in books and I did enjoy this one, but this is not a historical romance by any means.
The plot! Oh the plot! I could rave about it for several paragraphs. Just when I thought I finally had everything figured out, bam, plot twist! The thing I loved about these plot twists in particular is that they are easy to follow. I think we all have read a book where there were so many turns that you end up confused and wondering what's going on. That's not the case here. The plot is so interesting that I read the majority of the book in one sitting. I had to restrain myself from skipping to the end because I just had to know what happened! Also bravo to the author on an excellent faith plot. I love my novels with a lot of Christian and this book has exactly that.
5 stars to Jocelyn Green! If you enjoy historical fiction you're going to want to pick this one up! I hope to gift a few copies to my small group, it's that good.
****Okay so maybe I wasn't the biggest fan of her book Between Two Shores, but I'm a sucker for a happy ending. It's really nobody's fault.
I absolutely adored Veiled in Smoke, so I'm excited that this one is just as good. Sequels can be tricky, but this one is done oh so well. I will start by saying that this book will not stand alone. You need to read the first one, Veiled in Smoke, if you want to know what's going on.
Jocelyn Green never fails to make me feel as if I am there, and Shadows of the White City is no different. The descriptions were rich, detailed, yet not long and boring (no offense to Game of Thrones but wellllll) Sometimes the details were overwhelming, but I felt that it was because the fair was a crowded and overwhelming experience. In these details we also learn so many fun historical tidbits. The author always puts so much research into her books and it really shows.
If you're looking for a romance then this book may not be for you. There is a romance, but it's a romance that has developed slowly over years that is finally two best friends becoming more. If you read the first book you'll understand why it develops that way. I usually like a romance aspect in books and I did enjoy this one, but this is not a historical romance by any means.
The plot! Oh the plot! I could rave about it for several paragraphs. Just when I thought I finally had everything figured out, bam, plot twist! The thing I loved about these plot twists in particular is that they are easy to follow. I think we all have read a book where there were so many turns that you end up confused and wondering what's going on. That's not the case here. The plot is so interesting that I read the majority of the book in one sitting. I had to restrain myself from skipping to the end because I just had to know what happened! Also bravo to the author on an excellent faith plot. I love my novels with a lot of Christian and this book has exactly that.
5 stars to Jocelyn Green! If you enjoy historical fiction you're going to want to pick this one up! I hope to gift a few copies to my small group, it's that good.
****Okay so maybe I wasn't the biggest fan of her book Between Two Shores, but I'm a sucker for a happy ending. It's really nobody's fault.