Glamour, treachery, and espionage collide when an English socialite rushes to save her sister from the Nazis. As the daughter of Sir Alfred Whitford, Kat has a certain set of responsibilities. But chasing her wayward sister, Ellie, to Nazi-occupied Paris was never supposed to be one of them. Now accustomed to the luxurious lifestyle that her Nazi boyfriend provides, Ellie has no intention of … intention of going back to the shackled life their parents dictate for them–but Kat will stop at nothing to bring her sister home.
Arrested for simply trying to defend himself against a drunken bully, Barrett Anderson is given the option of going to jail or serving out his sentence by training Resistance fighters in Paris. A bar owner serves as the perfect disguise to entertain Nazis at night while training fighters right below their jackboots during the day. Being assigned to watch over two English debutantes is the last thing he needs, but a payout from their father is too tempting to resist. Can Barrett and Kat trust each other long enough to survive, or will their hearts prove more traitorous than the dangers waiting around the corner?
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Page-turning adventure
Take a socialite from England, transplant her into the lair of a German Major and then send her sister and a Scotsman to bring her back to England.
It is 1941 in German occupied Paris. Ellie fancies herself in love with the German and Kat is here to change her mind and take her home to safety. Barrett, our Scotsman, is tasked with getting them both home in one piece. The character development was fabulous, especially in Kat as she grows from one who has always done what she is told into someone who can think and act for herself. I loved all the detail from Berchtesgaden and Chiemsee as I have had the privilege of visiting this incredibly beautiful area, including the Eagle’s Nest.
There is plenty of action, suspense and romance along with a few surprises in this page-turning adventure. With rich detail, the author takes the reader along, teaching us all a little more of what true hardship is especially during a time of war, when connections mean life or death.
This copy was received through Thomas Nelson, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. My comments and impressions were in no way solicited.
I found out about this book from social media because I follow a lot of authors and fellow book bloggers. I have always been interested in World War II so I was looking forward to reading this book. I was especially intrigued by the fact that at one point in the book, the three main characters end up dining with Hitler himself. I was very impressed with how well the author wrote that part of the book. She did a great job of conveying how the main characters felt repulsed by being not only in Hitler’s house but even more by the man himself. This book was so well written that I had to remind myself that it was fictional. I would definitely read another novel by this author.
As this book opens, we are in Paris, and what should be a beautiful place is now occupied by the enemy. Kat has made it there and wants to convince her sister to come home to England, and this is where we join the story,
I can’t even imagine the horror of living during this time of evil, but we are soon hobnailing it with the Germans and the leaders at the very top.
There is a bit of romance, violence, and a fear that those we begin to care about may not make it out alive.
I will note that this is definitely not a Christian book, and was surprised, but the read made this period very real.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
“A real man sees the treasure before him, and will fight tooth and nail to be worthy of the claim. No matter how long it takes him.”
This is the first book by J’nell Ciesielski that I have read and I’m wondering why I haven’t read her books sooner. The author takes a fascinating look at the underground French Resistance in 1941 Paris with two English socialites, Ellie and Kat, and a Scottish/French bar owner, Barrett, as main characters. The plot held me captive as Barrett was thwarted at every turn in his attempt to get the sisters back home safely; the twists and turns in the plot definitely provided a tense undercurrent of espionage that made the story quite exciting. The dialogue between Kat and Barrett is incredibly clever and witty. Though complete opposites, Kat and Barrett were equally lovable with Kat being the upper crust lady who travels within black and white boundaries of decorum and social duty and Barrett being the self-made working class man who relies solely on his wits and strength. By getting to know each other, Kat starts to break away from what is expected and Barrett begins to understand that his worth is more than what was allotted at birth.
If you enjoy well-written historical romance, you will definitely enjoy this one. Even through the horrors and atrocities of WWII, something beautiful can come forth. I received a copy of the book from Thomas Nelson via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
The Socialite is the first book I have read by J’nell Ciesielski. I can honestly say I like her style. The romance between Kat and Barrett was believable, and I enjoyed their chemistry. The progression of their relationship seemed as if it could have been based on a true story instead of purely fiction. At times it was hard seeing the Natzi’s point of view, and imagining how many of the officers had mistresses. Emma being one of those was an interesting point of view, and I’m sure her experience was much more glamorous than most. I enjoyed Kat’s perspective from being taken care of her whole life, to seeing that there was a lot worse suffering going on compared to rationing her lipstick. Getting to know Barrett broke down several of her misconceptions while opening her eyes to new possibilities. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. I don’t remember anything strongly faith based in this story, but it wasn’t overly graphic, and didn’t have any foul language. I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Socialite took my breath away. It’s as simple as that. Ciesielski has managed to bring all the emotions, capture my attention, and take me into a world that I find myself not wanting to let go of. Here’s the very first thing I wrote down in my notes as I was reading –
How is it possible to have a funny, adorable meet-cute, amidst a German (Nazi) party where the enemy is everywhere? I don’t know. But it happened and it totally worked.
Honestly? Every single little detail in this entire story worked. I loathed the bad guys. They were perfectly scripted. In a scene where the ultimate enemy in the book makes the scene (don’t want to give away spoilers), I could feel his eyes burning through me. Me – the reader! Yeah, that is how much Ciesielski draws you in, and makes you not only a reader, but a participant in the story. I couldn’t tear my eyes from the pages before me, and yet I purposefully read slowly so that I could savor each and every word.
Kat and Barrett stole the show. They each had their own quest, and yet found a way to (sometimes) work together to reach the final goal. The kissing? Yeah, fans needed. The romance? Watch out husbands because you most likely will be compared to Barrett a time or two. And while this was a great romantic story, it was so much more than that. It was growth for both of them that really made the story. Kat needed to learn to think for herself, instead of doing her father’s wishes. Barrett needed to understand his worth in the world – that he was someone who was special and had things to contribute.
As if romance, character growth and great villains weren’t enough, Ciesielski brings so much history to this story that makes me want to dive in deeper. She brings to light so many things about such a dark time in our history. New perspectives, interesting facts, and characters that while they are fictional, I would bet have similar traits to individuals living in that time period. I ended up having discussions with my family about the time period as I was reading this, talking about the different historical aspects brought up in the book. It made for interesting conversation, and I can’t remember the last time I was truly excited to talk about this time period!
I could go on and on about this book, but the bottom line is that readers will not want to miss the opportunity to read this. I know for sure this will be a reread of mine in the future, and on my favorites of 2020 list. Highly recommend reading this exquisitely crafted book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Gorgeous evening gowns. Sparking jewels. Flowing champagne. And high-ranking German officers. The Socialite is an exquisite and dangerous tour of occupied France during World War II. The high-risk tension of the story is present from the first page, as Kat enters the den of lions in hopes of saving her sister. But as Kat chooses to step into the world of espionage to help the Resistance in their fight, her goals and perspective change.
Kat is an amazing woman and yet still realistic. Despite the overwhelming fear of being constantly surrounded by the enemy, Kat had an amazing knack for keeping her cool and brandishing her courage and strength. I found myself rooting for her from the very beginning.
Barrett is a complex and private man, but his loyalty to the people under his protection belies his true heart. It may take a while to warm up to him, but he is worth getting to know. I love his witty banter with Kat, and his insistence on making her see the best parts of herself.
As with other stories about this period in history, it can be difficult to read the cruelty and evil that abounded through the land, destroying people’s lives and entire cultures. But it is important for younger generations to remember what happened, even if it is within the work of fiction.
The Socialite was a stellar read for me. There was more than once my heart pounded hard alongside Kat’s as she stared evil in the face. Any fan of historical fiction will enjoy the fast-paced, nail-biting thrill of The Socialite.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This was an enjoyable book. It took me a little bit to get into the story, but once I was caught up in the story I couldn’t put it down. The book reads like a drama which allowed for development of the characters. Kat has a heart of love for her sister that drives her to face the dangers of working behind enemy lines. Kat finds a unlikely partner in Barrett. Both are from opposite ends of the social ladder, yet they work together. Both learn from one another as they face the dangers to their lives and their livelihoods. I recommend this book to those that love deep characters, WW2 fiction, romance, and intrigue.
I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Espionage and danger abound
My rating is 4.5 stars
Intrigue and espionage abound in this World War II adventure.
Kat, a proper English lady, finds herself in occupied France, living in an apartment paid for by her sister’s lover, a Nazi officer. As she attempts to influence her sister to return home without alienating her, she becomes embroiled in espionage and even finds herself a guest of Adolph Hitler himself!
Barrett is a scrappy Scot who runs a bar. Trains resistance fighters. And rescues damsels in distress. I enjoyed his brash confidence and quick thinking. Kat drove him crazy with her innocence and a face that gave away her feelings so clearly.
Moving quickly and whisking me away to another time and place, The Socialite was fascinating. Barrett’s secrets and feelings of inadequacy due to the circumstances of his birth created a barrier between Kat and himself.
As you may imagine, with Kat’s sister being a mistress, the story deals with some seedy subjects but handles them delicately. Though labeled as “Christian” on Amazon, there is no mention of God, nor any life-change due to His influence in the story, so I didn’t classify it as such. In fact, the romance between Kat and Barrett was a little steamy. At one point in particular, it is clear that if their kissing had not been interrupted, things would have gone much further. There is no indication that either felt this would be wrong, other than for the sake of what society might think.
If you enjoy clean historical fiction, with a little passion, The Socialite is a great option for you.
Read my review of The Socialite by J’nell Ciesielski at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Prepare to be transported in time. I fell in love with Kat and Barrett. A strong-willed, stubborn heroine with intelligence and an honorable soldier fulfilling a job in order to start a new life just beg for attention as their story unfolds. While they are the main love story, Kat’s sister, Ellie has her own story to tell as she is the mistress of a high-ranking Nazi officer and finds herself in hot water. I appreciated Kat’s devout commitment to her sister and that once earned, her loyalty never falters. Ellie has some growing up to do, and she does as the story unfolds. Barrett has a past to overcome and must learn to trust in hope again. Kat learns to fight for what she wants and the chemistry between these two is palpable. I enjoyed the friction created from their growing pains and loved the ending. A must read for fans of WW2, clean, historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.
Saving my sister from the Nazi
“The Socialite” is a book filled with suspense, adventure and life and death choices. It is the story of love between two sisters and the romance between those sisters and their men on different sides of the political scene. Ellie is in love with a Nazi officer and Kat falls in love with a Scottish resistance fighter named Barrett.
Kat travels from England to Paris to rescue her sister Ellie who has run away and is now living with a Nazi officer name Eric. Kat must persuade her sister to give up her Nazi lover and return home. Unknown to her Kat’s father has hired a certain Scottish bar owner to not only look out for her but a handsome reward if he makes sure both sisters arrive back home safely.
Their escapes across Paris on their way to home are adventure filled. From a Scottish bar, to a dinner with Hitler, to hiding in the sewers to an abandoned barn in the country the thrills just keep coming. The book is a page turner and you won’t want to put it down until it is finished.
I enjoyed the journey this book took and the ending was the best. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a good book.
Thanks to J’Nell Ciesielski, Thomas Nelson Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of the book.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I am really excited to be able to add her to my list of historical fiction authors to follow! I am a fan of historical fiction and this one was so engaging and interesting to me. The 1940’s setting in Paris during WWII was the perfect backdrop for this book.
All three of the main characters (Kat, Barrett and Ellie) in this book were so interesting. It was a pleasure getting to know them and understand their fears and dreams and see how those motivated their actions. They were all layered and human, making mistakes, making sacrifices and showing courage. Trust didn’t come easily for any of them yet they all desired it. Trust and love. Which leads me to the growing romance between Kat and Barrett. Mmmm, yum. I loved it. The attraction, the chemistry, the kissing. Yup, it was nicely done.
Once I got into this book I had a hard time putting it down. It had an excellent balance of intense situations and emotional moments. The plot moved forward at a good pace and I was fully invested in it. I was surprised a few times with the twists the plot took which is always a good thing! I loved this story!
Content: violence, peril, kissing, mention of affairs and mistresses (with no details)
– I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
After seeing the beautiful cover and reading the story description, I knew I had to read J’nell Ciesielski’s newest book, The Socialite. Set in France in 1941 with German troops occupying the country, I found this slice of history to be fascinating but poignant. Ciesielski’s obvious research and carefully crafted characters shine through and set the stage for a captivating story. Kat Whitford is sent to Paris to bring her sister Eleanor home, while Barrett Anderson is charged with bringing them both home safely. Of course, this doesn’t prove to be an easy task. I enjoyed the witty dialogue and the chemistry between Kat and Barrett. The characters come alive on the page, and the gripping plot is paced well to keep the action going.
With plenty of suspense, intrigue, history, and a dash of romance and inspiration, this story has a little of everything. The uplifting message of courage, hope, and optimism in the face of unfathomable danger makes this an unforgettable tale.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson Publishers through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The Socialite by J’Nell Ciesielski is a stand-alone World War 2 era novel. Sent to occupied Paris by her father, Sir Alfred Whitford, to bring home her wayward younger sister, Kat never dreamed what awaited her there. Ellie has disgraced the family name and taken up with a Nazi officer. Now Kat must figure out a way to get her sister safely back to England. Barrett Anderson is working for British Intelligence, training resistance fighters in the basement of his pub in Paris. Sir Alfred hires him to bring his girls home safely. Will Kat and Barrett be able to rescue Ellie from the clutches of her Nazi suitor or will they be killed in the power struggle? The story line had great potential. The characters were very likable and meshed well. You had the good guys and the bad guys that made for that good vs. evil content. I liked Kat’s character. She was able to work thru her hurt and pain and find forgiveness. There was just a lot of things in the story that could have been left out.
Disclaimer: This book had a lot of innuendo, drinking, smoking, kissing, heavy making out, content not appropriate for younger readers. The war scenes were very graphic.
I received this book from Just Reads for my honest review.
I am a huge fan of well written WWII novels, and “The Socialite,” by Ciesielski is a prime example. I love the way the author researches so many minute details and weaves them into the larger story.
“The Socialite” begins with Kat’s journey to Paris to find her sister, Ellie, who has run off to be with a Nazi officer, enjoying the spoils of war and entertainment that comes at a great cost. Kat’s family is mortified at Ellie’s choices and upset wtih Kat for taking matters into her own hands to retrieve her sister. A socialite would be most unexpected to step forward in times of crisis–but Kat is no ordinary lady of means. She wants to bring her sister back to safety and is willing to risk her own life to do so. She is the daughter of the respected Sir Alfred Whitford, and she will do what must be done, no matter the cost.
Upon arrival in Paris, Kat gets to know a bar owner named Barrett. She soon finds Barrett is not what he pretends to be–he is actually helping the Resistance fighters in their attempt to break apart the Nazi war machine and return Paris to the peace they once knew. Kat finds that Barrett has more to offer than at first glance and sparks fly. But can Barrett be trusted?
Kat must infiltrate the ranks of Nazi soldiers to not only rescue her sister, but give helpful inside information to Barrett, who has realized the value Kat’s socializing could provide the Resistance. Is Kat willing to help? Should Barrett even take such a risk with a woman he’s falling for? Should he tell her the truth-he’s been tasked with bringing Sir Whitford’s girls back to him safely?
Lush settings, beautiful imagery and the struggles of WWII crash together in this intriguing tale of being brave enough to stand up against evil, even if you’re not sure you have the skills to do so. The characters are well written and the reader can’t help but be wrapped up in the story. Ciesielski’s books keep me captive until the last page–there’s always so much emotion that holds me to the characters–that I am sad when the book is done. I can’t wait to read more of her work in the future.
I was an early reader, thanks to Thomas Nelson publishers. All opinions are my own.
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Thomas Nelson/TNZ Fiction, JustRead Publicity Tours for providing a complimentary advanced review copy. A positive review was not required. All words are my own.
J’Nell Ciesielski is a new-to-me-author and she doesn’t disappoint.
Some “trigger” or content warnings might include:
* Anti-Semitism
* Nazis (particularly Adolf Hitler)
* Genocide (or rather a hint at it)
* Homicide
* Suicide
I have, as of last year, been choosing to read certain books outside my preferred genre. One of the historical time periods I enjoy – World War II. My grandfather served on an escort carrier in the Pacific, and my grandmother was home in the states with a young son (he was born in December 1943). Also, my grandmother’s family is from the Alsace-Lorraine area. So, the story grabbed my attention.
J’Nell Ciesielski’s “The Socialite” takes a dark, yet somewhat romantic turn in 1941’s occupied Paris.
The cover is striking, yet simple – a young woman on a balcony overlooking the Parisian skyline. One would hardly know anything is wrong from that view. No one would know or suspect that deep underneath the beauty is something ugly, sinister, and evil.
While it was hard to start at first, I was soon drawn in and felt like I was right there as it was happening. It was hard to put down, and at times I had to as I needed to breathe. At times subtle and light, this was at times terrifying – especially the scenes with Hitler. These were scenes I thought could have been left out, but at the same time, they highlight the reality of the evil that was present in that time.
This richly historical novel doesn’t hesitate to pull out all the stops. Intriguing, daring, bold, dangerous, shocking, brutal, passionate, edge-of-seat read that includes high society and spies. This also included violence and murder. It was a highly emotional read for sure.
Kathleen “Kat” Whitford is there to “rescue” her sister, Eleanor “Ellie” Whitfield from Nazi-occupied France. In addition, Kat is also there to rescue Ellie from becoming a pawn in the Third Reich’s propaganda machine. And, Ellie has no idea that her German lover is a married man with his own agenda.
Barrett Anderson, who is unassuming as a barkeep, is not only there to watch over them, but he is part of the resistance. I truly loved Barrett and Kat. And, had the situation not been as serious as it was, their banter would’ve been hilarious.
While categorized as a romance, there was more focus on the intelligence as well as escape of Kat and Ellie than on the romance with Barrett and Kat.
The “romance” between Eric and Ellie was creepy and disturbing; though not unrealistic for the time and situation it was set in.
Ellie begins to see Eric’s true evil when he shoots a Jewish man who breaks into the pub during a “party”. But, that still doesn’t convince her to leave – even his “punishment” of her and her sister. Once she and Kate learn of Eric (and his wife’s) true intent for her, Ellie knows she has to leave.
This is where the escape took up most of the plot, and was an edge of the seat journey that towards the end almost had me holding my breath.
Kat’s progression as a character was not surprising. She was the older, and obviously more mature of the siblings. There was one incident that surprised me that it didn’t seem to haunt her as perhaps it should’ve. Barrett’s past was revealed in chapter 25 and it was heart-breaking.
While the story had a “happy as can be, given the circumstances” type of ending (remember this was 1941 and the war wouldn’t end until 1945), I was still deeply concerned about the true fate of two of the “servants” from Ellie’s apartment – Pierre and Sylvie. Pierre (and his probably his family) and Sylvie were apparently hauled off towards Poland. Although I am almost certain most everyone knew what their fate was. That was what disturbed me the most. I think I would’ve felt better about the ending if they had been revealed to have been “okay”.
The ending did; again, given the situation; make me smile. Kat’s impulsiveness and determination were a wonderful sight and showed that her progression wasn’t just because of the circumstances or a plot device.
Ellie’s progression was more “told” by way of Kat mentioning it to Barrett. I would’ve liked to have seen more of a progression with her, and perhaps seen her one final time before the story ended.
Even though this was distributed by TNZ Fiction/Thomas Nelson, a Christian division of HarperCollins, this book has no real Christian references. This is a clean read with no real sex scenes and no offensive/questionable language. There is some heavy kissing with references to prostitutes and a whore house.
I would like to see a sequel to see where Ellie’s story might end up along with concluding Pierre and Sylvie’s fate – whatever it might be. Also, as I felt there could’ve been a “post-war” epilogue to see how all the characters ended up or where, that would be great to include in a potential sequel.
Those who enjoy a spy/intrigue fictional story set in World War II or fans of the author may enjoy this read.
This author has a special talent for weaving history and romance together in special characters. That special ability to bring people to life, and show what it was like to live back in time. This time WW2 in Paris, after the German occupation. Kat’s sister got herself into Paris and was being kept by a German officer. She was an official organizer of parties for the social elite, a Brit bringing her social talents to the party and living it up to the hilt. Their father sent Kat to bring her home, his wealth and connections getting her into the area. He also hired Barrett to keep them safe, without her knowledge. The story is a balance of the horrors of Hitler and his elite officers and every day life in high social circles, until the shine started coming off, revealing the evil beneath. I don’t think I breathed much for the entire last half of the book. I was on edge the whole time. Fabulous story, completely engaging!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheSocialite #NetGalley
A gripping tale with danger around every corner:
What a thought provoking and amazing book! It revealed the complexities of war and the bravery of those willing to stand up and fight for what they believed in. Kat comes from a well-to-do and privileged background yet she is willing to risk it all to save her spoilt and misguided younger sister. She is pulled into the dark and dangerous world of espionage and the French Resistance; luckily she has charming Barrett to guide and protect her. As they spend more time together Kat and Barrett fight their mutual growing attraction, sure that their vastly different backgrounds mean they could never have a lasting relationship. They each have insecurities and things in their past that they have to work through and I enjoyed seeing their personal growth.
This is a sweet, clean love story about putting your trust in another and learning your own self worth. It takes you on a wild ride through Paris, the French countryside and even into Bavaria, Germany. I highly recommend this book and look forward to hopefully reading more from this talented author!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.