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5 Things You Might Not Know about the Great Chicago Fire of 1871
Today in 1871, the Great Chicago Fire began. It would continue to burn into October 9 and 10 before rain fell and helped douse the flames. I spent months studying this historic event for my novel Veiled in Smoke, and learned plenty along the way. Did you know:
1) The fire wasn't Catherine O'Leary's fault.
While it is a matter of historical record that the first sparks began in her barn on DeKoven Street, Catherine was first blamed for starting the fire by reporter Michael Ahern...
3 Civil War Audiobooks Available from 40 New Channels
My Civil War audiobooks Wedded to War, Widow of Gettysburg, and Yankee in Atlanta, which have been available exclusively on...
Now in Audio: Yankee in Atlanta
Yankee in Atlanta is now available as an audiobook through Audible and iTunes! This is book 3 in my Heroines Behind the Lines Civil War series. Here's what it's about:
She hid from her past to find a future—and landed on enemy soil. When soldier Caitlin McKae wakes up in Atlanta, the Georgian doctor who treats her believes Caitlin’s only secret is that she had been fighting for the South disguised as a man. In...
Cabin Fever? Travel the World with these Books
So much has changed since my last blog post. But for many of us, even though businesses are beginning to re-open in certain areas of the country, we're still not going very far. If you're itching to travel, check out the books below. Some are old enough that libraries may already have them, and some are new releases. Because I am on a rewriting deadline (Monday!), I'm just going to let you click the links to the books' Goodreads pages to read more about the ones that interest you, OK? I hope you find some great ideas in the list below!
- Australia. ...
25+ Ideas for Stay-at-Home Reading
I hope and pray you are safe and learning how to cope and take care of yourself and your family during this global pandemic. Just as you are creating space around you socially, I hope you're also carving out mental space that can be filled with good things completely unrelated to COVID-19, the news, empty grocery shelves, etc.
To that end, I'm recommending books that will whisk you away and inspire you. You'll find 5 nonfiction titles, 10 novels, and 10 series to choose from. Did you know that reading just ...
Meg and Sylvie's Book Club
In my novel Veiled in Smoke, 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. Stephen is accused of a murder that takes place the night of the fire, and committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum. Though homeless and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only...
Veiled in Smoke Travel Guide: Visit the Chicago of 1871’s Great Fire
After the Great Fire of 1871 destroyed Chicago’s business district and rendered 100,000 people homeless, the city lost no time in rebuilding. Within two years, the downtown area was completely reconstructed, and better than ever. But if you visit Chicago today, you’ll still be able to find glimpses of the Chicago my characters in Veiled in Smoke knew well.
1. The Chicago Fire Academy
We know for sure the site where the Great Fire began: Catherine O’Leary’s barn....
Happy Release Day! 5 New Must-Read Books
It's a big day for new releases! I'm delighted to share Veiled in Smoke's launch day with several others! There are several releasing today, but I'm limiting this post to just five. Take a look at this variety. I think you'll find there is something for every reader!
Veiled in Smoke (The Windy City Saga #1)
by Jocelyn Green
Historical Fiction (Great Chicago Fire of 1871)
Meg and Sylvie Townsend manage the family...
Pre-order Veiled in Smoke, get a free book and more!
Get ready for The Windy City Saga to kick off with a novel of the Great Chicago Fire! Pre-order Veiled in Smoke from any retailer and get a free ebook of...
Searching for Novel History in Chicago
Well, it’s starting to feel like fall around here. I’ve packed away our summer clothes, brought out the sweaters and scarves, and my kids are asking for flannel sheets. October also marks the beginning of my intense writing season for the book that’s due to my publisher in February. That’s right—eleven days after Veiled in Smoke releases, the second book in the same series (The Windy City Saga) is due. Book #2 in this series doesn’t have a title yet, but it picks up with the same family...
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