Book Review >> Shadows of the White City

Happy weekend, y'all!

I'm back!!!

However briefly it may be. ;D And with a long overdue book review---BUUUUUT also to say that our little girl FINALLY arrived on February 27th!

And she is beautiful. <3 She's now seven weeks old & has the SWEETEST smile. And her baby coos are heart-melting! She's such a liefje (LEEF-ye)---Dutch for "sweetheart." And Gabriel is an adorable big brother! He's quite affectionate towards her & even shares his precious blankie with her! <333 Certainly melts this mama's heart.

It's been a challenging few weeks, but we're managing to get into some kind of rhythm. I gotta say, y'all, newborn life is HARD. But oh what a blessing it is to be charged with raising littles. Challenging, difficult, emotional, mentally & physically exhausting---YES. But so, so WORTH IT.

Anywho.

On to the review! Hopefully soon, I can share an update of my little family (with photos, of course). Having moved, we are extremely limited in our internet service (honestly not a bad thing), so I have no idea when it may happen, but stay posted! And I'll still have book reviews coming as well. :]

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SHADOWS OF THE WHITE CITY

The Windy City Saga #2

Jocelyn Green

Bethany House Publishers | February 2nd, 2021

Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction

{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?

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I was provided with a complimentary copy thanks to Bethany House, in exchange for my honest review.

WARNING: Possible Spoilers!

THE BASICS

Please note: This is the sequel of the Windy City Saga. That said, I did not read the first novel of the series, nor do I believe it to be required as this novel fills you in on the happenings of the first rather well. That said, I'm sure it is recommended in order to know the characters a little better (especially that of the secondary characters in this one---Sylvie's sister Meg, for instance, & more of their background), but definitely not necessary in my opinion. :] I did not feel at a loss or confused in any way.

Sylvie was a real, relatable character. She had her flaws, was rather overprotective & assertive of her adopted teenage daughter. Rose was a sweet girl, but I found myself a little irritated at her & sympathizing with Sylvie in regards to the things she would say to Sylvie & her attitude. Understandable in regards to the story, but still, I felt for Sylvie, despite her overbearing behavior. All turned out well in the end, though. ;D

VIOLENCE

Thugs of a powerful man threaten two brothers; one brother owes money & the man threatens to destroy the violin (the brothers' livelihood) to get them to comply. The thugs rough them up a little & punch one brother in the nose.

A girl is found to have a bruise on her wrist---it's discussed how that came to be & wondered at the how.

SPIRITUAL CONTENT

This is a Christian novel & therefore has the characters praying on behalf of others & often muttering silent prayers. Scripture is referenced a time or two.

Sylvie suggests where a prostitute might find help in getting out of such circumstances, but is immediately told that the "church-goers" would not accept her & others like her because they were sinners and not good enough for the likes of them.

LANGUAGE // ALCOHOL & DRUGS

None.

Cannot recall any at the moment. (I completed this book quite a while ago...HEH.)

ROMANTIC CONTENT

There's sweet attraction between Kristoff & Sylvie, but very much a slow-burn romance. He gives her all the space she needs & respects her above all else, but still makes his intentions known to her & allows her the choice to choose him or not. Being such an independent woman in her early 40s, he hopes for the best.

A 17-year-old girl goes missing (of her own choice, at first)---her adopted mother (Sylvie) is worried sick with worry & all the worst-case scenarios, doing everything in her power to attempt to find her---going so far as to question local brothels. A woman in a brothel explains how a girl of such stature couldn't possibly be in one of the houses, and reveals her skimpy clothing & low neckline to Sylvie & her friend.

Rose admits to kissing a young man. (That same young man is accused of stalking her obsessively & has quite a controlling character.)

Sylvie & Kristoff share at least one tender kiss.

CONCLUSION

All in all, this was quite a good story. Albeit, probably not one I would read over & over again. I adored Kristoff & his upright character---how he stood firm on his beliefs & faith especially on the hard decisions. And I quite admired Sylvie. She found she was holding on too tightly to some things & had to learn to let go in order for bigger blessings. Plus, she owned a bookshop. *YESSS* ;D

Oh & there's some PLOT TWISTS! So, if you enjoy hearty, clean story about faith & family, you'll enjoy this novel. :]

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4 OUT OF 5 STARS