Veiled in Smoke

Written by Jocelyn Green

Narrated by Leah Horowitz

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781980064374

Jocelyn Green

Former military wife Jocelyn Green is an award-winning author of multiple books, including Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives, and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front, which inspired her Civil War novels Wedded to War and Widow of Gettysburg. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Military Writers Society of America, Christian Authors Network, and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She lives in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with her incredibly supportive husband and two adorable children. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.  

Reviews for Veiled in Smoke

[Becca Peterson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[Teri Voskuil · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book made the time period in history just after the Civil War and the devastation of the Chicago Fire come to life for me, far more than any boring history lesson that only force feeds facts. The characters were vivid and the plot was suspenseful and intriguing. This was another one of Jocelyn Greene’s masterpieces!

[crystal_caudill · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed the historical details of this story. Although there were four points of view, it managed to be well done and not hard to follow. If you have family dealing with PTSD or dementia it can be hard to read or enlightening to read. It depends on where you are in your personal life. It was a good story that was very well plotted and enjoyable, the romance was sweet but light, and it really was more of a family saga. I would definitely recommend it to others, with the forewarning that it can be a bit heavier of a read.

[khoyt-43756 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Why did I wait so long to read "Veiled in Smoke" by Jocelyn Green? She is on my list of top five writers. This book is just what one expects from this outstanding author. Her characters have a depth of brokenness while still carrying future hope in their hearts. The prose is simply amazing. (She describes light through a prism as being "shattered", not "refracted".) Her research is impeccable. Her ability to seamlessly weave fact and fiction together makes for a great storyline. Her references to authors and their works at the time help create an atmosphere of "being there". I can't wait to read the next two novels in the series!

[ellenh_28 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This historical fiction piece was interesting in that I didn't know much about the Chicago fire nor the Peshtigo fire that was going on at the same time. The story was interesting also, but it seemed to be pretty slow. Green is a Christian fiction author also and that puts a different spin on philosophy and attitude. I probably won't read the other books in the series.

[estherfilbrun · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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 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.

[medwards429 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

[hes7 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Experience the Great Chicago Fire with Meg and Sylvie Townsend in the beginning of the new Windy City Saga from Jocelyn Green. As fire sweeps the city, the lives of Meg and Sylvie change, of course. The aftermath of the disaster brings murder, secrets, and a desperation to save their father (and some romance, too!). Meg and Sylvie often find themselves at odds with each other, but time and again, prove wise enough to reconcile and work together in order to sort through the intrigue and overcome the obstacles.If you love historical fiction, Veiled in Smoke is a book to add to the TBR pile immediately. Green brings history to life with vivid detail and crafts her characters within that history authentically. Everything about this story is superb, and I loved it.I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[beautyinthebinding · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The historic Chicago Fire that I have heard about all of my life comes alive in Veiled in Smoke, as author Jocelyn Green describes the blazing inferno, the feelings of desperation as people tried to escape, and the overwhelming efforts to rebuild the city. Green also relates the personal family drama centered around Civil War veteran Stephen Townsend and his two daughters Meg and Sylvie, as they suffer property loss and become separated during their rush to escape. This intriguing story includes an insane asylum, a charge of murder, and the sister's efforts to clear their accused father's name. Reporter Nate Pierce and the nephew of the murdered man also play important roles in the Townsends' story. Will this Civil War veteran be acquitted? Is there a conspiracy to be uncovered? Can the city of Chicago ever fully recover from this horrendous event? This book is labeled as historical fiction and the historical detail that Green has included is amazing; I appreciate that she shares many of these details in her Author's Notes at the end of this book. It is apparent that she has devoted endless hours to researching the Great Chicago Fire but it is her ability to inject the human element that makes this such a remarkable read. She doesn't just talk about the Chicago Fire that destroyed Chicago in 1871. She made me feel the fear and the helplessness trying to flee the fire, not to mention the hopelessness when it was over. She shines a light on the Civil War that had just ended six years earlier and the scars that were left behind. Stephen Townsend never fully recovered from his experiences in a prison camp and, what people then considered as mental illness, we today recognize as the debilitating condition PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). She also shows the emotions of two young women devoted to their father and experiencing the uncertainties that life was throwing at them.If you enjoy historical fiction, sweet romance, a mystery to solve, and a wonderful story of faith and perseverance, you will want to read this book. Veiled in Smoke is a story that you won't soon forget!I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts in this review.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love this author and this is one of my favorite books. This was a fantastic start to this series. I loved how she got in the Chicago Fire and the insane asylums. This showed how horrible the insane asylums were during this time period. I loved the characters throughout the book. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[susanstitch · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am so excited about this new series, The Windy City Saga, that Jocelyn Green has started. Veiled in Smoke is set in Chicago at the time of the Great Fire in 1871. This is a fabulous story of the event, the destruction, and the amazing resilience of the people as they rebuilt their city, but it is also SO much more!Veiled in Smoke is a story of destruction, despair, hope, and redemption wrapped around an intriguing mystery and a bit of romance!I am absolutely amazed at the amount of research that went into this book and the way Green has intricately woven together so many aspects of life at that time. The heartbreakingly realistic story of the fire and its aftermath had my heart racing as characters ran for their lives and had me in tears as they returned to find their wonderful homes and city desolate. The pain of lost businesses, friends, and even abilities was raw and palpable, and as a reader I was praying for them and cheering them on as they rose above their situations and found new ways to support themselves and each other. This was especially timely for me as I have watched my daughter and her town of Panama City work to recover from the deadly hurricane that hit last year and I've watched from afar as the California and Colorado wildfires have devastated those areas.The book also includes fascinating secondary stories that provide the reader with a sense of witnessing the inside operations of an insane asylum, the heart-rendering realities of prisoner of war camps and the resulting PTSD (called Soldier's Heart at the time), the operations of an 1800's newspaper, and the changing face of the art world! And it is done in such a way that it seems very logical and in no way overwhelming or confusing. As a history buff, I was in awe!I highly recommend this book if you like intrigue, historical fiction, and romance that doesn't feel forced. I am in awe of authors who are able to make me feel like I am standing in the midst of history, and Jocelyn Green is a master.Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a copy. All opinions are my own.

[sbmc-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"We can never be who we once were, because we keep changing and growing. We're not defined by our hurts, but by God's grace we can overcome them. We are transformed. So if I were you, I would not pray for the father you knew, but for your father made new, not in spite of the scars but because of them."Jocelyn Green is a master storyteller who knows how to infuse rich historical detail into an intriguing and emotion-laden fiction. With a burned out 1871 Chicago as the backdrop, the author weaves a beautiful story of love, loss, betrayal, fear, resilience, and faith that will linger long after the last page has been read. The Great Fire of Chicago comes to life within the pages of the book as well as the long, tedious, painful but also joyful rebuilding of the city and lives. Within this rebuilding are layers that make the story so thought-provoking; the author addresses the barbaric treatment of those institutionalized for mental illness, the breath-stealing helplessness of PTSD, difficulty overcoming dyslexia and physical handicap, need for true forgiveness, and the spirit and bond of brotherhood among people of all stations in the midst of tragedy. This is a book that must be savored and not rushed through. Every time I'm in Chicago, I'll think of Nate and Meg.Nate is a steadfast, loyal, and protective hero. As a newspaper reporter, he has the knowledge and connections to help Meg and her family when Meg's father Stephen is accused of murder and locked up in an asylum for insanity. Meg is a painter, a dreamer of optimism who wants desperately to prove her father's innocence and to help him get better. Her younger sister Sylvie has a voice in the story and she balances Meg out by being practical and blunt. A surprising voice in the story is Stephen himself as he fights the demons from the war and struggles to hold onto his faith in the midst of darkness. The subtle suspense and twist in the plot are well laid-out and work to keep the story moving at a good pace.If you enjoy historical fiction, this book is a must read. And it's the beginning of a series, too! I can't wait for the second book. I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As a reader who enjoys historical fiction, this book hits the mark, and then some.We are there for the great Chicago fire, and we learn facts about the survivors of both the fire and the Civil War, and also learn some previously held thoughts were not true.Although this story is fiction, wow, it really could all be true and we meet those who were involved.This story has a little for everyone, of course with the fire, we are shown survival, a bit of romance, perseverance. We learn facts about the building codes, I didn’t know about the bricks before, and all those luxuries we take for granted.This is a story of survival, and we are shown folks that will do just about anything for just stay alive, that includes murder. I was quickly immersed in this book, and loved how they loved the Lord, and forgiveness rings true here!You don’t want to miss this one!I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

[anne_rightler-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[eamace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

....I’m not afraid of storms, for the One who made the sea is in my boat with me. - Meg’s motherThe opportunity to learn more about little known historical events is one I greatly appreciate. Once again this author does not disappoint, weaving a story around the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that puts the reader right in the middle of this horrific conflagration. The refining of the various characters was incredible to follow as they all strove to become better versions of themselves. The resilience of the survivors as they immediately start to rebuild portraying a tapestry of hope that never dies, the entrepreneurship of the young and the faith that all things could be new was woven throughout this fabulous novel.Meg, Sylvie and Stephen own the Corner Books & More - a wonderful shop filled with books of all ages. While Stephen repairs the rare books, Meg spends her time painting scenes from the old masters. Will Stephen’s unfortunate war-time memories from his tenure in Andersonville change the course of this life as well as that of his daughters? PTSD is real and I appreciated the sensitivity the author used when writing how this can affect a lifeWill the Great Fire permanently scar this family? ‘The story isn’t over yet - we never know what the next chapter holds. God is working and things are happening even when it’s not written on the page right in front of us - MegI received an ARC through Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. The comments, impressions and 5 star rating are my own and were in no way solicited.