Mark my words, this book is going to end up on everyone’s favorites list of 2020. Yes it was that good! The emotions just sneak up on you and don’t leMark my words, this book is going to end up on everyone’s favorites list of 2020. Yes it was that good! The emotions just sneak up on you and don’t let go. There was sorrow, fear, sadness, joy, love, respect, pity, and so much more. Green pulls the reader into the storyline, and makes them feel as if they are living it right alongside the characters. There were a few times I found myself holding my breath!
Green also manages to bring so many things to light. Things that are applicable today although they are in a historical novel. Soldier’s heart was not a term I was familiar with, but oh how it did touch my heart. I imagine it’s true of our soldiers today, and while they are not sent to the same treatments that were in this book, I can imagine that they are still not what our soldiers need. Stephen’s storyline affected me the most, and I’m so glad Green added his POV in the story. You only see it here and there, but it is enough to make a huge impact.
A theme that seemed to stay with me throughout the entire book was grieving. People grieve in so many differents ways, as did Meg and Sylvie. Both of them were completely stubborn in their ways, and while they claimed to have the right heart about stuff, they needed to understand that they were leaving each other out of the equation. Green hits the nail on the head with this point – we need communication. It grows relationships, clears misunderstandings, brings people closer together, and is vitally important in our everyday lives.
The other thing I love about Veiled in Smoke, is that I learned a lot about history. Honestly, I knew nothing about the great Chicago fires. I’m sure we learned about them at some point in school, but I just don’t remember. Green makes me want to go visit the library and find out more. I want to learn about real people that lived through it and hear their tales. I want to know what businesses were around and what happened to them. Don’t you love it when a book makes you want to learn? It almost makes you feel like a kid again!
Green has delivered readers a beautifully written novel that will move you to tears. But amidst all the fear, heartache and loss, is a powerful message of hope and prosperity. Tragedy doesn’t have to stay as something negative in a person’s life. We have a Maker who can turn it into something good. I highly recommend adding this book to your reading list!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
I was so excited to read the debut book from Rachel Scott McDaniel for many reasons. It is set in one of my favorite cities - Pittsburgh, it is from aI was so excited to read the debut book from Rachel Scott McDaniel for many reasons. It is set in one of my favorite cities - Pittsburgh, it is from a time period I have a fascination with - the Roaring 20's, and the main character works for a newspaper - something that really intrigues me. I had high expectations, and McDaniel delivered. And then some!
First of all, McDaniel did such a wonderful job of writing in the time period. I felt like I was in the midst of the Roaring 20's myself! It has to be so hard for an author to stray from using current day lingo in their books. I know I would have a problem with it! But McDaniel clearly did her homework on the speech, the workings of a newspaper during that time, Pittsburgh as it was in the 20's, and the women's suffrage movement. Even the littlest detail - like the meaning of yellow clothing and flowers. It just blew my mind how much thought and effort McDaniel put into this story.
Now, onto the storyline....and it was a good one! Oh my goodness. Elissa was such a strong character, ready to stand up for what's right. She had a mark she wanted to make in the world and she really didn't want others getting in her way. Unfortunately, she was kind of born in the wrong time period for that, but oh did she make her mark anyways. I loved her determination, but also her heart of gold. She had some growing to do - it's not easy to have someone come back into your life (aka Cole) that you didn't really want to.
Speaking of Cole, him and Elissa just really made the story. Even though they weren't this immediate couple, the sparks were flying and I found myself smiling, and even chuckling at times over things that happened with them. Especially when a certain "beau" was in the mix! But Cole, he had some issues he needed to get over. And this murder mystery was just the thing he needed in my opinion. Yes going on the hunt was fun for this reader, but seeing Cole and Elissa grow and just go through life was the highlight for me.
McDaniel is an author to watch for my friends. She has made her own mark on the historical fiction world, and it is a big one. I highly recommend you read this fantastic book! And when you're done, be sure to add McDaniel to your favorite author list. She belongs there!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
Loading...
