Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green

Shadows of the White City proves to be Jocelyn Green’s best novel yet. Or at least, the best novel I’ve read by her so far.

Book Blurb

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?

My Thoughts

With her descriptive settings and deft characterization, Green pulls you into the story. The World’s Fair provides a great backdrop for Sylvie’s quest to find her adopted daughter. And what a journey it is.

First, though, let me say that if you have not read Veiled in Smoke, the first book of this series, then I highly recommend you do. You’ll meet Sylvie and come to understand her and her qualms about love. But Shadows of the White City can be read as a standalone.

That being said, I was ecstatic to discover Sylvie’s story was next. Green did a great job setting the stage for the story. From the beginning, you come to appreciate the life Sylvie has built for herself, even if you know something’s missing. But you can tell she loves Rose. So when Rose disappeared, I felt the sting, too. Green does a great job of building suspense as you wonder where Rose has gone and if she’s coming back.

Honestly, though, my favorite part was seeing Sylvie grow closer to Kristof. Especially the little game they had where Sylvie would mess with something and Kristof would fix it.

There’s also a great spiritual arc about trusting God and accepting that you, and life, are not perfect.

Overall, Shadows of the White City is a beautiful tale historical romance fans will love.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)

Further Information

Click the book cover to purchase a copy from Bookshop.org, a website that supports independent bookstores. Or visit your favorite book retailer.

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