Shadows of the White City (The Windy City Saga Book #2)

Jocelyn Green

Feb 2021 · The Windy City Saga Book 2 · Baker Books

About this ebook

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?

Ratings and reviews

Shadows of the White City The Windy City Saga #2 By Jocelyn Green Sylvie Townsend never thought she'd have a family of her own until she opened her home to four-year-old Rozalia Dabrowski. She promised Rosa's father to provide his daughter a loving and safe home. But thirteen years have passed and now Rosa is trying to find her place. With the World's Fair now in Chicago Rosa sees this as a chance to connect with her Polish roots. But when Rosa disappears Sylvie doesn't know what to do. Turning to Kristof Bartok is her only option when the police dismiss her concerns due to Rosa's age. Kristof has the language skills necessary to talk to those who are temporarily in the Windy City for the Exposition, at least those who may have knowledge of Rosa's whereabouts. I have to admit I was a little surprised with how everything played out in this story in regards to Rosa. The need to find connections. To find a place that feels like home, of belonging, of family, is the driving force in this story. It is sad that Rosa felt as she did, that the family her in all those years ago wasn't enough and yet if I was in her place I too would want to know who were my people, who my parents were. To gather memories of others, to have something to cherish. I also can understand Sylvie's position of wanting to control everything (there are references to Sylvie's past that explain some of her insecurities). But this need for control can also be seen as smothering. And when you combine Rosa and Sylvie's needs tendencies one can understand why everything occurred as it did. This is the second book in the Windy City Saga series and it is able to be read as a standalone book. I have not yet read the first book and was able to easily follow the story. I have since purchased the first book just because I enjoyed this one as much as I did. This is for fans of Historical Fiction as the vast majority of the story is set in 1893 Chicago. I was intrigued about what Ferris Wheels were like - not an open seat with a safety bar but a cage in which one could walk around. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - All thoughts expressed are my own.

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 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.

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.

About the author

Jocelyn Green is the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including Veiled in Smoke, The Mark of the King, A Refuge Assured, and Between Two Shores. Her books have garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly and have been honored with the Christy Award and the Golden Scroll. Jocelyn lives with her family in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.