Wednesday, February 12, 2020

VEILED IN SMOKE by Jocelyn Green, Reviewed by Kim and Rebecca

KIM'S REVIEW:
First, can we just look at this cover? I love the colors and the feel of it perfectly matches the story within, which is beautifully written. It is detailed, descriptive, and written in such a way that you can picture what is happening. The part of the story where the fire happened was so detailed and so tense that I felt like I was there! I was immediately drawn into this story and felt for the characters and what they were going through.

There are several points of view. This really worked for me because the transitions were seamless and I felt like I really got to know each character better as they were going through their individual struggles. While I liked most of the main characters in the story, Nate was my absolute favorite! What a great character. My least favorite character was Stephen - Meg and Sylvie’s father. I felt like too much of the story revolved around him and I wanted to read more about each sister.
 

The mystery was very well done. It kept me guessing until the end. I am looking forward to the next story in the series. I am hoping it’s about Sylvie!
*I received a complimentary copy but was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"We will thank God as soon as we can."

Devastated barely begins to describe Meg and Sylvie Townsend's demeanor after losing virtually everything but their lives following the Great Fire that swept through the streets of Chicago like a demonic locomotive in the fall of 1871. Their home and their business gone. Their battle fatigued and mentally fragile father lost in the masses.

Finding respite in the home of a family friend, the disappointments continue to multiply when they discover that their father has been accused of murder and subsequently committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum. Being the oldest, Meg bears the weight of responsibility; determining to paste the fragments of her family back together, while struggling to accept life with new physical infirmities of her own. Adamant about her father's innocence, she is less certain about the damage to his mind being reparable; the scars attributed to his Andersonville imprisonment run deep. Leaning on a Chicago Tribune reporter for advice, Meg and Nate Pierce proceed cautiously towards unearthing the facts about the night that changed everything. What they find could prove to be as damaging as what they lost.

Beautifully written, brilliantly plotted, and intentionally populated with one of a kind characters, "Veiled in Smoke" proves that what is born from the ashes can transcend the original; to God be the glory.

"I am not afraid of the storms, for the One who made the sea is in my boat with me."
*I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. 



BackCover Blurb:
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.

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:

2 comments:

  1. Wow, this book sounds very intriguing and like a very good page turner! I really love the cover, it is Beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing your reviews on this book . I will definitely add it to my TBR list.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review, ladies!

    ReplyDelete

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