Shadows of the White City

Written by Jocelyn Green

Narrated by Leah Horowitz

She promised a dying father she would keep his daughter safe. She can’t fail now.

The one thing Sylvie Townsend wants most is what she feared she would never have—a family of her own. But taking in Polish immigrant Rose Dabrowski to raise and love quells those fears—until seventeen-year-old Rose goes missing at the
World’s Fair, and Sylvie’s life unravels.

With nowhere else to turn, Sylvie seeks help from her boarder and Rose’s violin instructor, Kristof Bartok. Fluent in several languages, his skills are vital to helping Sylvie navigate the immigrant and international communities where their
investigation leads.

From the glittering architecture of the Fair to the dark houses of Chicago’s poorest neighborhoods, they’re taken on a search that points to Rose’s long-lost family. Is Sylvie willing to let the girl go? And as Kristof and Sylvie grow closer, can
she reconcile her craving for control with her yearning to belong?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781705017302

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 Shadows of the White City

[Candice Howard · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was wonderful! It kept me on the edge of my seat but had excellent pacing! All the loose ends were tied up beautifully and it was a story that reflected the power of loving enough to let go. I loved book one, book two was even better, and now I'm on to book three! I highly recommend this series!

[beautyinthebinding · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In Shadows of the White City, Jocelyn Green weaves a story of a young woman’s disappearance (Rose) and the desperation of her adoptive mother (Sylvie) with the 1893 World’s Fair. This novel contains deep strands about parent-child relationships and mental health issues (specifically PTSD), both of which the author deftly treats with consideration and hope. Although this novel stands as the second installment in The Windy City Saga and can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Veiled in Smoke first because some of Sylvie’s issues derived from Chicago’s Great Fire in that novel.Meeting and experiencing Sylvie’s story in the first novel prepped me for Shadows of the White City. I immediately connected with Sylvie due to my own struggles with PTSD, but some readers may find her less captivating as she is flawed and a bit overbearing when it comes to her daughter. In truth, I disliked several characters in the book, including Rose. Kristof, on the other hand, offered Sylvie a respectful, gentle love that endeared him to me and made me hope that their slow burn romance would blossom.In summary, Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green is a deep, thoughtful novel that I enjoyed returning to nightly. This historical fiction novel offered nuggets of truth to meditate on as it explored relevant issues in a vibrant World’s Fair setting. I look forward to the next novel in this series. Five stars.Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

[estherfilbrun · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I couldn’t wait until Shadows of the White City became available—and then when it did come, I forced myself to wait a bit longer while I finished up some other review books (#ReaderProblems). When I finally did get to it, though, I was slightly disappointed—though it is an excellent book, it didn’t quite reach the mark the first book in the series did for me.There was much to love here, though. The character’s personalities were beautifully fleshed out, and though there are several different points of view, I was never confused as to whose head I was in. I love how their love for books or music influenced the way they viewed the rest of the world and the people in it. Then there’s the fair, and all the fascinating little tidbits you learn about that along the way—never too much at once, just a bit dropped in here, and a bit there. I had the same experience with this as I did with one of Green’s other books—when the fair was mentioned in a different story, I instantly had the connection of “Oh yes, I know that place—I’ve been there!” because of this book. And the mystery, and the cultural struggles showed here—so beautiful and spot-on!But as I said, I was a little disappointed with the read. It may be that the pacing wasn’t quite as fast as I had anticipated, or that the danger wasn’t quite as intense…I don’t know. All I do know is that I ended up setting the book down more than I wanted to, because it didn’t grip me quite as much as I expected it to.In all, though, this was a great read. I’d love to have a copy on my shelf one day, and I can’t wait to see what treasures Green prepares for us next!I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

[queenofheartsreview · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

An Overall Enjoyable ReadJocelyn 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 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.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Shadows of the White City, by Jocelyn Green, is book two in The Windy City Saga. This story takes place in Chicago and follows after book one in the series. Rose’s mother passed away on the ship to the US and her father cannot care for her. When he goes to the orphanage he meets Sylvie and she convinces him to let her care for Rose. As Rose grows older, and her father passes away, she wishes to lean about her biological family. She posts a notice at the World’s Fair and meets other Polish people. Shortly after she goes missing and Sylvie along with her family and friend, Kristof, search for her.This is a nice historical Christian story. It is well written, with well introduced character so it makes a nice stand alone story as well. Having not read the first book, I did not have trouble following the story at all. I appreciate the focus on the love and devotion within a family, regardless of how the family came together. I also appreciate the faith of the characters and their continued search for Rose. The story did seem to go slow at some parts, but the story line is such that I wanted to keep reading to see what happened to Rose and why. I also enjoyed the parts of Kristof and the struggles he has with his brother and the decision he has to make.I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[thedeffenbaughs6 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was my first book by Jocelyn Green and it definitely won't be my last! This is the second book in the Windy City Saga and although it was pretty easy to follow this book along I would recommend you reading the first one just so you can have some background on Sylvie and Kristof. This story definitely has the element of mystery and suspense and although it's not focused on romantic love it does have some of that as well. This story has you traveling to Chicago's World's Fair of 1893 and like I mentioned before it continues to the story of Sylvie although she is now older and has an adopted teen daughter Rose. Sylvie is a single mom. She takes in Rose as a child trying to discourage her father to leave her at the orphanage. She promises him that she would take care of her and protect her. Sylvie is definitely a mama bear and at times I found her to be too overprotective over Rose. At the same time Rose seems a bit selfish and hurtful in the way she tends to treat Sylvie. I do understand where she is coming from but I was so upset every time she threw it in her face that she wasn't her true mother. Gah!! I felt so bad for Sylvie that I definitely excused her for being such a mama bear. When Rose disappears that's when the story definitely gets extremely interesting and it truly captivates you. There were some twists I was definitely not expecting but it definitely made the story. I also enjoyed the love story between Sylvie and Kristoff. Although it wasn't the focus it was there and it was so sweet and truly a perfect addition to the story. I do want to know if we will see Kristoff's brother again as he had his own story that I am not sure is quite finished yet. So I am very curious if we will see him again. The author does a spectacular job at the details in this story. She truly paints a vivid picture of what life was like inside the World's Fair and makes you feel like you are there. You can tell that she truly excels in researching her history and it definitely is evident in this story. If you haven't picked up anything by her I highly suggest that you do! (Especially if you like historical fiction!)I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my own!

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

I’ve never been to a World’s Fair, but after reading Jocelyn Green’s Shadows of the White City, I felt like I had. Ms. Green vividly describes the setting so well. I can almost see the massive buildings, feel the pressing of the huge crowds, hear the violin and orchestra music and smell the food aromas of the many countries represented on the Midway. Green tells us the Museum of Science and Industry is one of the original 1893 World’s Fair buildings, so I can only imagine what the whole fair settlement must have been like, teeming with crowds.Into this surreal setting Green inserts Sylvie Townsend, single, middle-aged Mimi to 17-year-old Rose. While Rose is longing to spread her wings and is searching for her biological family, Sylvie is holding on to her daughter tightly enough to suffocate her. As Sylvie struggles to sort out her relationship with Rose, she leans heavily on her neighbor, concertmaster Kristof. Kristof, in turn, struggles with his talented but slothful brother. We also see Meg, Sylvie’s sister, who is more prominent in the first book.Sylvie has a lot of re-evaluating of her life attitudes to do. Will she emerge bitter at God, Jozefa, and Rose, or will she be better? Kristof is a bit of a stuffed shirt, albeit with a tender heart. He makes a journey of self-discovery as he helps Sylvie and tries to deal with Gregor. He is a romantic, fluid character to cheer on he begins to view life through different eyes.Green’s poetic description of the orchestra music is entrancing. She obviously understands music well. Her research is impeccable, shown in her incredibly detailed descriptions.Twists are subtle. In several places, I felt like I knew what would happen, but a bit of a change causes the story to flow differently than expected.This book can stand on its own, but you will get so much more out of it if you read book one first.Notable Quotables:“It wasn’t Father’s timepiece I wanted. It was his time.”“...you can stop striving to earn a place you’ve already been given. You’re already a beloved child of God. You can’t perform your way into or out of His family. “I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own, unsolicited.

[amybooksy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Shadows of the White City is the second installment from Jocelyn Green’s The Windy City Saga. I had the pleasure of reading the first book, Veiled in Smoke, and was excited to have the opportunity to read this one, too. It does not disappoint. It was so very good. I enjoyed getting to know Kristof and Sylvie. The mystery, suspense, danger and adventure had me intrigued all throughout the book. So very good.I am giving Shadows of the White City a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction. I will try to be patient as I wait for the third book from The Windy City Saga. I can not wait to find out what happens next.I received Shadows of the White City from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

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

Every time I would think that I had figured out what would happen next something new happened. I really felt for Sylvie. You could tell that Rose was a teenager since she really had a hard time expressing how she felt to Sylvie. I loved all the descriptions of the Chicago Worlds Fair. I would have loved to really hear the symphony play. This story gets into suffrage, adoption and family. 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.

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

Shadows of the White City is the second book in Jocelyn Green's new series, The Windy City Saga. Having read Veiled in Smoke, set during the Great Fire of Chicago, I was excited to read this new book. I was not disappointed. Green does an extraordinary job with the historical details about the 1893 World's Fair. Twenty-two years after the fire readers are reunited with Sylvie and Meg and see how their lives have evolved. 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. Emotions and reactions are realistically portrayed through the characters as they search for a missing teenager. One quote from the book, "Sometimes you just have to let a man live with his decisions. This is not your burden to bear." resonated well with me. Sometimes as one deals with loved ones who make poor choices, it is hard to give that burden to God and know that He is in control. Shadows of the White City is a complex and multifaceted story that reminds readers that God is in the business of restoring lives and families, of healing the brokenness that is within each of us. With vivid characters, an action-packed storyline, strong spiritual truths, and a sweet romance, the author has penned an amazing story. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will not want to miss Shadows of the White City. 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.

[sbmc-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"Healing doesn't mean forgetting the loss, nor does it mean enshrining it. Healing, at least for me, has meant holding both the blessings I once had and the blessings I still do, but holding them loosely in open hands."This is book 2 in the Windy City Saga and it continues the journey of the Townsend sisters in 1893 Chicago, some twenty-two years after the Great Fire and the first book. Because of the gap in time, this book can be read as a stand-alone, but reading the books in order will allow for better appreciation of who Sylvie is and what shaped her young adulthood. Jocelyn Green has a way of drawing her readers into her incredibly detailed and delightful world; this time she takes us into the heart of the Chicago World Fair and the music that surrounds the White City. The writing is beautiful as always. The characters are flawed, raw, down-to-earth and the plot is intriguing, engaging, and oftentimes heart-wrenching. The faith journey is rocky yet rewarding and fulfilling. It's another winner from Jocelyn Green!Sylvie is now a woman in her forties raising a seventeen year old Polish orphan as her own. Sylvie is independent, practical, hard-working, and satisfied with her life until her Rose leaves their home under strange and mysterious circumstances. Sylvie's anxiety and fear as a mother frantically searching for her child is heart-breaking and totally relatable. Kristof, a Hungarian violinist who rents his apartment from Sylvie, is a gentle, compassionate, tender soul who strives for perfection. When he runs into trouble with his brother Gregor, Kristof and Sylvie both realize their similar struggle for control and for finding a place to belong. The disparity between Chicago's immigrant poor and its middle class is astounding and eye-opening, especially surrounded by the glitz and opulence of the World Fair. The intrigue following Rose's disappearance offers gasp-worthy twists and turns to the plot as Sylvie and Kristof unravel clues to find her. As they work together, their long-standing friendship blossoms into a sweet, steadfast, and patient kind of romance that is sigh-inducing. I also enjoyed reconnecting with Meg and Nate, whom we met during the first book. This historical fiction has it all - captivating writing, great plot, enchanting setting, lovely characters, and themes of grace, acceptance, and freedom. If you're a historical fiction fan, you will absolutely love this book.I received the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

[eamace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Once again the author has opened my mind to the wonders of history and all that we can learn from it. From the Great Chicago Fire to hosting the world at the Colombian Exposition in 1893, I have acquired a completely different view of this city. The well-developed characters allow us to walk with them through the Fair, so we can smell the roses and see all the amazing things that were invented and built for the world to see.For Sylvie the years since the Fire have brought many changes - the most wonderful being her daughter Rozalia. The theme of found family resonates through the whole book. It was heartwarming to see how blood is not the only way a family is born. Needless to say, along with family comes many times of stress and worry. This story is no different. Regardless of hurt, etc. you are still family, just like God’s family. You cannot earn or perform your way into His love. You cannot lose His love by stumbling or making mistakes. He has grafted you into His family. You belong.This ARC of The Windy City Saga, #2 was received through Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. The rating, impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The setting for this book is the 1893's World's Fair, and it takes place in Chicago, Il. Through the words of the author we take in this spectacular event, and visit many of the expositions.We are given a bit of sweet romance, a kidnapping, a meeting with some dark character looking to receive their gambling winnings! We also have the dynamics of a mother and daughter relationship, and a brother and brother one also.You can see that trusting God helps in all the situations, and you will quickly be turning the pages and looking for answers here, and hoping for the best out come.This is book that I became very involved in the characters lives, and in the end, I didn't want to leave!I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.