Review of The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green

 

About the Book ~

For years her explorer father promised Dr. Lauren Westlake she'd accompany him on one of his Egyptian expeditions. But as the empty promises mounted, Lauren determined to earn her own way. Now the assistant curator of Egyptology for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lauren receives two unexpected invitations.

The first is her repentant father's offer to finally bring her to Egypt as his colleague on a new expedition. The second is a chance to enter the world of New York's wealthiest patrons who have been victims of art fraud.

With Egyptomania sweeping the city after the discovery of King Tut's tomb, Detective Joe Caravello is on the hunt for a notorious forger preying on the open wallets of New York's high society. Dr. Westlake is just the expert he needs to help him track the criminal. Together they search for the truth, and the closer Lauren and Joe get to discovering the forger's identity, the more entangled they become in a web of deception and crime.

For more information about Jocelyn Green and her books, check out her website here! 

My Thoughts ~

The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green is the cat's pajamas and other fun slang from the Roaring Twenties!

The Roaring Twenties is the cream in my coffee, so The Metropolitan Affair caught my attention right away! I enjoyed how the author portrayed some of the glitz and glam of the era through different avenues such as Lauren's work though the museum, while also showing the seedy underbelly via Joe's work as a detective. I also loved how the author addressed some of the sexism and misogyny against women in the workplace. I thoroughly enjoyed learning different facets of Egyptian culture in a historical setting -- so fun!

The spiritual journey in The Metropolitan Affair made me cry! Though Joe had some profound moments of choosing to trust, Lauren's spiritual journey took center stage! Lauren's abusive father horrifically colored her view of her worth and God. However, it was the way the author showed the complete, sacrificial love of God wholly though Lauren's mother that undid me. I loved how the author depicted this profound truth that is often missing from the broader conversation.

Four Stars ~ The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green is the bee's knees! The Metropolitan Affair is the first book in the author's new series, On Central Park. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series! 

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girls. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green

 

About the Book ~

She promised a dying father she would keep his daughter safe.
She can't fail now.

The one thing Sylvie Townsend wants most is what she feared she would never 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 life unravels.

With nowhere else to turn, Sylvie seeks help from her boarder and Rose's violin instructor, Kristof Bartok. Fluent in several languages, his skills are vital to helping Sylvie navigate the immigrant and international communities where their investigation 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?

For more information about Jocelyn Green and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green is every bit evocative as it is romantic!

The World's Fair stunned as the backdrop to the mystery and romance that comprised Shadows of the White City! I haven't read enough fiction set in the midst of The World's Fair. The author's attention to the historical details -- from the whimsey to the fantastical to the innovative --  gave my imagination a delightful excursion!

I greatly enjoyed the depth that the author layered into the characters, especially the multiple lies and wounds that the characters had to overcome. I found this to be so true to the human experience! While I didn't end up in love with the characters, Sylvie and Kristof's respective journeys and personal growth as they individually accepted that they needed to let go and trust God was wonderful. However, the most striking spiritual truth (for me!) proved to be how families can be born or chosen, but they are no less family -- a deeply moving message!

Three Stars ~ Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green will sweep readers into another world! Shadows of the White City is the second book in The Windy City Saga. The story can be read as a standalone, but the details of the past and character connections will be richer if the first book has been read.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Between Two Shores by Jocelyn Green

About the Book ~ 

She has always moved between worlds, but now she must choose a side.

The daughter of a Mohawk mother and French father in 1759 Montreal, Catherine Duval would rather remain neutral in a world tearing itself apart. Content to trade with both the French and the British, Catherine is pulled into the Seven Years' War against her wishes when her British ex-fiance, Samuel Crane, is taken prisoner by her father. Samuel claims he has information that could help end the war, and he asks Catherine to help him escape.

Peace appeals to Catherine, even if helping the man who broke her heart does not. But New France is starving, and she and her loved ones may not survive another winter of conflict-induced famine. When the dangers of war arrive on her doorstep, Catherine and Samuel flee by river toward the epicenter of the battle between England and France. She and Samuel may impact history, but she fears the ultimate cost will be higher than she can bear.

For more information about Jocelyn Green and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Between Two Shores by Jocelyn Green is a surprising and compelling tale!

The author brought this period in history to life! I confess that I knew very little about the Seven Years' War, but the research and attention to detail that went into Between Two Shores is astounding. The author skillfully handled each side of the conflict, showing the ugly truth and heartache of ALL the people with sensitivity and understanding.Sensitive readers, please be aware that there are some disturbing brutalities and deaths described. But given the time period and nature of the story, these things were not out of place. Additionally, abusive relationships are also woven into the novel. I applaud the author's sensitive handling of the lies that may keep someone in this situation, but I know that this may be a painful trigger to some readers.

Catherine was a unique and complex character! Her struggle with her personal identity between her warring heritages in addition to loving people who were labeled as "the enemy" was captured so well. The push and pull of where she should go, who she should help, how she should act, and who she was leaped off the page and landed in my heart! Each nugget of truth as Catherine finds herself is truly empowering! There wasn't a traditional romance in store for Catherine; rather, the author chose to go with an angle that illustrates loving someone and letting them go. While this made the story beautiful in its own way, it was still heartbreaking. Nevertheless, this also helped reinforce that this story was truly Catherine's journey from emotional chains to freedom as a unique child of God.

Three Stars ~ While the story wasn't really for me, Between Two Shores by Jocelyn Green was a beautifully written and expertly crafted emotional journey with compelling truths! I look forward to trying some of the author's earlier stories.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!