Book Recommendation - Shadows of the White City


 Jocelyn Green is well known in the Christian historical fiction field as one who writes intriguing stories with wonderful characters and fascinating places in history. This one took place during the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. I learned a great deal about the time period, the World's fair in general and enjoyed a great story with well-rounded, likable and relatable characters, a subtle romance and a strong thread of family and belonging. In preparing for this book, I've also enjoyed the youtube videos the author has included on her Facebook page (link below) showing pictures of the set-up at the World's Fair in 1893 and giving "virtual tours" of the fairgrounds so to speak. That really helped me to visualize and has made me interested in knowing more about the Fair and that timeframe. 

Here's a bit 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? 

This book releases on February 2, 2021. For more information, check out the following links:

Jocelyn Green's website: https://www.jocelyngreen.com/ 

Jocelyn Green's facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jocelyngreenauthor

My full 5 star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3396887688

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