Title: Shadows of the White City
Author: Jocelyn Green
Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: #2 The Windy City Saga
Publisher: Bethany House
Release date: 2 February 2021
Pages: 400
PURCHASE AT
Amazon US | Amazon AU
iTunes | Barnes & Noble | Koorong
About the Book
The one thing Sylvie Townsend wants most is what she feared she was destined never to 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 world unravels.
Brushed off by the authorities, Sylvie turns to her boarder, Kristof Bartok, for help. He is Rose’s violin instructor and the concertmaster for the Columbian Exposition Orchestra, and his language skills are vital to helping Sylvie navigate the immigrant communities where their search 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?
Excerpt
Rising, Sylvie walked around the edge of the Basin, weaving a path between other visitors. The Statue of the Republic reared up out of the Basin on its pedestal, nearly blinding in its gold-leaf brilliance. Passing under a massive arch, she entered Music Hall and closed her parasol. Rose had probably slipped inside unnoticed, and Sylvie had worried for nothing.
Forgoing the grand auditorium, her heels tapped briskly up the stairs and down the hall toward the practice rooms, following the sound of strings to an open door.
The small space was alive with music. Kristof’s tuxedo jacket was folded over the back of a chair and his shirtsleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing forearms finely honed from a lifetime of playing the violin. A black bow tie flared at his collar. He exuded precision, control, command.
“She hasn’t been here,” Sylvie said.
Kristof’s bow lifted as he faced her. The last note bounced off the wall and fell. “Not yet. If she doesn’t come soon, we’ll have to reschedule the lesson.” A hint of impatience threaded his tone. He wasn’t really angry, Sylvie knew. He was punctual and expected everyone else to be the same.
“If she doesn’t come soon, the lesson will be the least of my worries.” Sylvie snapped open a paper fan painted with the Court of Honor.
Brows lowering, his expression shifted from a violinist strung tight to that of a compassionate friend, which was what the confirmed bachelor had become to her over the last two years. Reserved, yes, and somewhat preoccupied, but he was reliable and metronome-steady. He was safe.
“Please, sit.” He laid down his instrument, then pulled out the piano bench for her. “What’s going on?”
She remained standing.
Sunlight shone on his dark brown hair, glinting on grey threads at his temples. “Is she on her own?”
“She was meeting Hazel and some of Hazel’s friends—all responsible and a little older than Rose. It’s likely they lost track of time.” Yet she could not keep the concern from her voice.
Review
I’ve been looking forward to reading this novel for some time now, partly because I love Jocelyn Green’s storytelling, but also because it’s rare to be able to revisit characters twenty years on from when you first met them. Meg and Nate (from Veiled in Smoke) are only side characters in this novel, but it was lovely to meet their children and catch up with them—kind of like going to a high-school reunion and finding out what everyone’s been up to!
Jokes aside, Jocelyn Green has once again delivered a story that is historically rich and yet deeply relevant to the modern reader. In fact, setting the novel during the World’s Fair really brought home just how little human nature has changed in spite of technological advances. Our desire for community and for family will never change, and this story explores those themes through the lenses of adoption and immigration. And although much has changed for women in terms of their ability to be single and independent, there is still a dominant mindset, both in the church and our culture in general, that women cannot be both single and fulfilled. Sylvie’s story not only counters that belief in a balanced way, but also works through the complicated emotions that can arise when a single, independent woman does find someone with whom they would very much like to share their life.
And on the subject of Kristof—all the heart eyes. First of all, he’s a musician. Second of all, he’s a wonderful human being. Although, perhaps I should have put those in reverse order! As a musician, of course I loved that the Exposition Orchestra featured so prominently in the story, but Kristof’s relationship with his brother Gregor added an extra layer to the novel’s exploration of family dynamics, and he is just such a steady, loyal presence for those he is closest to. Alpha heroes have their place, but a great beta hero? That’s where it’s at for me.
Jocelyn Green is a definite must-read for lovers of historical fiction.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Previous Books in the Series
Read my review for Veiled in Smoke
About the Author
Jocelyn Green is a former journalist who puts her investigative skills to work in writing both nonfiction and historical fiction to inspire faith and courage.
The honors her books have received include the Christy Award in historical fiction, and gold medals from the Military Writers Society of America and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.
Complex and nuanced characters, rich historical detail and twisting plots make her novels immersive experiences. Her fiction has been praised by Historical Novel Society, Romantic Times, Library Journal, historians specializing in her novels’ time periods, as well as popular and acclaimed authors Laura Frantz, Lori Benton, Jody Hedlund, Sarah Sundin, Joanne Bischof, Julie Lessman, and more.
Jocelyn loves Broadway musicals, the color red, strawberry-rhubarb pie, Mexican food, and well-done documentaries. She lives in Iowa with her husband, two children, and two cats she should have named Catticus Finch and Purrman Meowville.
Connect with Jocelyn: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Excellent review, Katie! Jocelyn is an AMAZING author!
Thank you. She is!
Lovely review, Katie! I totally agree with everything in it. I also love Jocelyn’s writing. Isn’t it great to have favorite authors and know that you’ll enjoy everything they write?
It’s the best! ❤️