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. (Goodreads)
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. (Goodreads)
My Thoughts
Jocelyn has such a way with writing historical stories. I have read a few books about the Chicago fire but this one is my favorite. I loved the characters and probably my favorite thing about this book is Stephen's story. I can not even imagine what it must have been like to come home after fighting in the Civil War. It is really awful to think that people who clearly would be suffering mentally and emotionally after the war, would be committed to an insane asylum. Most historical novels take you into the battle or the time during the war, many don't describe the realities after such horrors. I love that Jocelyn brought this to light in this story. I was also fascinated with the historical tidbits that involve the fire. This book takes you right into the chaos of the ashes. I felt like I was there in the middle of it all.
I am excited to read the next book and if you enjoy reading historical fiction I recommend you pick this one up!
Five Stars.
"I received this book from Bethany House for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."
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