Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green

Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green ISBN-13: 9780764233319 Paperback: 384 pages Publisher: Bethany House Released: February 2nd 2021

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
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 Review:
Shadows of the White City is a Christian historical romance set in the summer and fall of 1893 in Chicago. The historical details were largely focused on the World Fair hosted in Chicago, including details about the exhibits and layout as well as some of the dangers caused by the fair. These details were woven into the story, and they did slow the pacing. Frankly, there were so many storylines going on that the pacing seemed slow even if the story was interesting.

The main characters were likable, reacted realistically to events, and matured as people as they had to make difficult choices. At about 40%, it was obvious to me where Rose was, but the characters didn't even consider this option for another 20% of the story. Even if their lack of suspicion was natural, it felt drawn out to have them keep searching places that were less and less likely when I knew that they were looking in the wrong places. Kristof also had to deal with the fact that his brother's bad choices were impacting others and potentially putting others in danger. Sylvie wrestled with allowing her attraction to Kristof when it meant that he would have control of her life and her business. Their feelings grew as they spent time together and supported each other through the difficulties.

Several characters struggled with the need to belong or feel valued and were reminded that God counted them as precious. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this book to fans of historical romances, especially those interested in what the World Fair was like.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.