By Jocelyn Green
Published by Bethany House
Description:
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.
Rich in historical details--from the Great Fire itself to the reconstruction efforts afterward to the way that patients in the Cook County Insane Asylum were treated--this novel quickly transports readers back to Chicago in 1871, setting the stage for a fascinating story. With the mystery of who really killed their family friend, Meg and Sylvie adjusting to life after the fire, and Stephen trying to regain his life altogether, there's a lot going on, but it all fits together well and moves along quickly. The message of healing through God was tender and believable without being overbearing. With so much to like about this book, I'll definitely be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series and reading Green's other books in the meantime.
4.5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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