Talk about a gripping story with historical depth and a ton of heart! Before reading this book, I confess I wasn’t really familiar with the Great Fire. What a fascinating backdrop of history for this story to include. Veiled in Smoke drew me in immediately and I felt like I was standing in Chicago, breathing the smoke and running from the fire.
Told through several different character perspectives, the story carried me away with the Townsend family, who not only survived the Civil War, but the Great Fire of Chicago as well. Their long road to recovery is heartbreaking at times, but the truth and poignancy of their journey felt real and important to share.
I’m so glad I read this book. The characters were well crafted and realistic in their strengths and their struggles. The romance is subtle, but heartwarming. And there are some surprising twists as well! Veiled in Smoke is a work of art.
About the Book
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 after Meg burns her hands in an attempt to save a family heirloom, they 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 not only died during the fire–he was murdered. Even more shocking, Stephen is charged with the crime and committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum.
Though homeless, injured, 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 Here
About the Author
Excellent review, Savanna! Jocelyn is one of my must read authors. I’m excited to read this series.
Thanks for stopping by, Caryl. You definitely don’t want to miss this story! 🙂