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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The Socialite by J’nell Ciesielski has left me rather speechless. This book is an edge-of-your-seat kind of good. I think for about 89% of this story I was terrified. Ciesielski is a master storyteller adept at writing just that right level of detail that makes the reader’s imagination explode. I’ve read a ton of novels set during WWII so I know what atrocities occurred in the occupied territories across Europe, but this book takes things to a whole new level. There’s outwitting and fighting Nazi soldiers and officers, but there is also having tea and dinner with Hitler! I have never been so terrified for fictional characters in all my life. The tense action in this story is remarkable in that it NEVER seems to stop. I found it rather difficult to catch my breath while I was reading. I absolutely loved this story. The characters are excellently crafted. The plot is highly engaging and fast-paced. The romance builds perfectly. The research so clearly well done. But it’s the absolute terror and suspense that captivated me and made this book one I read well into the night.
The Socialite is rich in timely themes; there really is so much to discuss in this story. But the idea that resonated with me the most is the notion of our work here on earth. It is VERY easy to look at someone else and see their work as better than ours and then feel less than. In the New Testament, Paul often talks about the body of Christ and how we all have our part to play. He also makes it clear that there is no small part. I get that in theory, but in reality, it is sometimes hard to see what I do as something meaningful when compared to others. Kat Whitford, the heroine of The Socialite, feels the same. When there are men fighting on a battlefield against Hitler and his murderous minions, when there are spies playing deadly and severely dangerous games in the hopes of eliciting the right kind of information from their enemy, and when there are resistance fighters sacrificing their lives to bring freedom to the world, being the pampered daughter of a very wealthy British aristocrat feels pretty worthless in comparison. So Kat goes behind enemy lines in order to do what she can — attend the parties and such of the wealthy and elite Nazis to extract not just her errant sister who has fallen in love with one such Nazi but to extract as much information as she possibly can.
There is a very frank conversation between Barrett and Kat where he sets her straight. Everyone has usefulness. Just because she was born into a family with power, wealth, and connections doesn’t mean the only path for her is one of selfishness, luxury, and parties. Yes, Barrett is an operative for British intelligence. He works with resistance fighters preparing them to fight Nazis and Hitler. Yes, he can pretty much save the day. BUT Kat can do things that he cannot, and those things add up to getting all the way to the top — to Hitler himself. It takes a while for Kat to come to terms with her own value. At first she is hesitant to believe Barrett because her skills allow her into places where she can have the best clothes, food, and accommodations. To her, it’s guilt-inducing that she can eat the best of foods, yet all of France is in a shortage because of Hitler. But once Barrett’s words sink in, and Kat sees what she truly is capable of, does she understand the woman God made her to be in order to help win the war against evil. Even though it seems like a small part, there really are no small parts when fighting against the workings of a devil. This is really good for me to keep in mind when I find myself falling into the “doubt-myself” trap. We are all Esthers — here for such a time as this, and God doesn’t make mistakes.
The Socialite by J’nell Ciesielski is a novel I will not soon forget. Filled with characters that are unique and full of depth, a plot that doesn’t seem to ever let up, and themes that are timely for today’s world, I can say with 100% surety that The Socialite is a novel you do not want to miss.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Be swept into dangerous Paris on the arms of a pair of British socialites: one of whom is involved with a Nazi officer and the other who is trying to get her sister out of Paris. Throw in a Scotsman who is there to make sure neither of them gets killed and it’s a twist on occupied France. The romance sizzled. The action took the trio all over Europe as the Nazi flag hung from occupied countries. An engrossing read for those who love WWII novels.
A book about two sisters set during WW2. I enjoyed the story and the characters. I thought the book rambled a bit but it did keep my interest. It’s a nice romance book! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
Enjoyable & immersive! A bubbly story of society folks who oppose the Nazis for personal reasons & manage to best them while wearing beautiful clothing, frequenting clubs, swilling champagne, and, of course, falling in love. As I listened on Audible, this story reminded me of some of my favorite, melodramatic old movies, and the narrator was excellent. A fun storytelling experience!
(Though this is published by Thomas Nelson, I would not consider it Christian fiction. However, this did not affect my rating or enjoyment of the story.)
This is one of my favorite books of 2020. I devoured it. Such fantastic historical descriptions and presentation of World War II occupied France as well as of all the characters – including all the side characters. The 2 main characters drew me in immediately. I adored the conflicting personalities and the pretty heavy attraction between the two, of which they kept denying. On top of all that, the action and fear they encountered around every corner kept me turning pages.
What left me awe-struck was the way she describes Hitler through the eyes of these characters, and the encounters in which they have with Nazis. It was very entertaining and romantic, with a well-executed historical backdrop. Bravo. I highly recommend this read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, there are a lot of WWII novels out there but this one had such a unique setting and plotline. And that cover is just gorgeous! If you love books set during WWI and WWII with a good dose of romance then you should definitely give this and J’nell Ciesielski’s other books a try!
I had checked this book out from my library and honestly wasn’t sure if I was going to have time to read it before it needed to be returned. Then I read the first line—”Bloody lipstick.”—and knew there wasn’t going to be an issue with finishing it on time. I liked the feisty, but rule-following, British socialite Kat Whitford from the start. She certainly keeps her cool much better than I would have in a 1941 Nazi-occupied France.
The Socialite, by J’nell Ciesielski, is an intensely gripping story of courage, survival, love, and conviction. With captivating characters, relevant themes, and a riveting plot, this historical fiction novel is as exciting as it is fascinating. Page after page, Ms. Ciesielski’s unquestionable writing talent is on full display. Her thorough research and thoughtful insight meld beautifully together with elements of history, suspense, danger, faith, and romance to create a genuinely moving novel that is truly entertaining and intriguing.
Set mainly in occupied France during WWII, the story unfolds against contrasting backdrops of gluttony and privation, control and powerlessness, and falsehoods and truth. With curfews, blackout curtains, fear, and rationing as their daily reality, the characters make difficult choices and face dire threats as they struggle for hope and freedom for the oppressed. While they do what they can to thwart the evil in their midst, they persevere with gritty determination. The opportunities, the choices, and the trials that the characters endure are intricately developed, and from them their complex motivations and desires are ultimately revealed. With the incorporation of such themes as worthiness, liberty, redemption, and love, this novel abounds with significance and meaning.
With its compelling characters, war-time setting, enduring themes, and engaging plot, The Socialite is an achingly poignant, emotional-stirring, thought-provoking, and utterly memorable novel. I was wholly invested in this well-written story from the stunning beginning to the dramatic conclusion. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
*I was given a copy of this novel from the publisher and Celebrate Lit. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
A Captivating Page-Turner!
Once again author J’nell Ciesielski delivers an edge-of-your-seat romantic adventure! She hooked me from page one when her main character, British debutante Miss Kathleen Whitford stepped through the doors into a French ballroom full of Nazis to try and rescue her reckless younger sister, Ellie, and take her home. But in German-occupied Paris during WWII there was intrigue, betrayal, and death at every turn, and while Kat determines to pull her sister from the clutches of her Nazi lover, she has no idea of the danger she’s going up against. Secrets abound, not only with Ellie’s treacherous blond German officer who’s high up in Hitler’s favor, but Paris bartender Barrett Anderson has a mission of his own as he tracks Kat and Ellie’s every move. This story is jam-packed with action, suspense, romance, and more than a few surprises and kept me reading well into the night. I thoroughly enjoyed J’nell’s latest novel and I’m sure it will appeal to readers of both historical war-time fiction and romance!
This is an exciting book about Paris during the WWII. There are many ways to view this time period and this book shows us the differences between the rich and the poor, the way the conquering Nazis were treated and the way the Parisian citizens lived and the vengeance of the Nazis vs the people working in the Resistance. The characters were very well written and the plot was exciting and kept me turning pages to see how the book would end.
Paris 1941 – Kat, a rich aristocrat from Britain has arrived in Paris to rescue her sister Ellie. Kat was always the perfect daughter who followed the rules of society while Ellie was the wild child who wanted to do things her own way. Several months before Kat arrived, Ellie ran away to Paris and started living with a high ranking Nazi officer. Ellie is living the life of luxury in Paris with Eric and has no intention of going back to Britain. She is thrilled with her life – her jewelry and furs bought for her by Eric and the ability to attend all the good parties in Paris with the other high ranking Nazis and their women. Kat despises the Nazis and knows that Ellie will be in deep trouble if she keeps following the life style she is living. Kat has the problem of keeping her feelings to herself while staying with Ellie and Eric. Helping Kat out is Barrett, the owner of a bar that caters to the Nazis while working with the Resistance and training new recruits. The more time that Kat spends with Barrett, the more that she is drawn to him even though she tries not to get involved with him, she does become involved with the resistance work that he was doing. In his own way, Barrett uses Kat and her social skills to infiltrate the Nazi inner circle in Paris. Even though he appears to be trying to help Kat and Ellie, he is hiding a secret from them that could ruin his growing relationship with Kat.
The four main characters of the novel are all leading totally different lives and working for different causes – Eric is a Nazi who strongly believes in the goals of the Third Reich, Ellie, his mistress goes along with whatever Eric wants, her sister Kat is against the goals of the Nazis and Barrett is part of the resistance who wants the Nazi regime overthrown. They are living much too close to danger and when it erupts the main question is who will survive?
Page-turning adventure and drama await you within the exciting pages of this story set in war-torn Paris. Every scene is vivid and realistic, and brings you right into the front of the action. I was pulled into the story so completely that I frequently found myself holding my breath and calling out warnings more often than I can count. I didn’t want to put the book down for a moment.
If you enjoy stories that are set during World War II then you won’t want to pass up the chance to snag a copy of this latest book from author J’nell Ciesielski. The characters in this story will linger in my memory for a long time to come!
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Thank you HFVBT for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Socialite
By: J’nell Ciesielski
REVIEW
Paris. 1940’s. WWII. It was a time of great destruction and atrocities, and it was also a time of glitz and glamour. Into this scene enter two sisters, Ellie and Kat, who are English debutantes and raised to behave within a strict set of standards. Ellie is in Nazi occupied Paris with her Nazi boyfriend, and Kat has been sent by their father to fetch Ellie home. Unfortunately, Ellie has had this taste of freedom plus a lavish boyfriend, so she has no intention of going home and back to the rules. Events progress and Kat and Ellie end up under the watch of a man named Barrett because he is being paid by their father. Kat and Barrett possibly have feelings for each other, but it’s hard to trust anyone with Nazis everywhere. The Socialite is rich with historical detail that transported me, a compelling storyline and characters I cared about, so needless to say, I was riveted from the first page. The whole thing felt dangerous, and I was stressed out! Anyone who reads fiction from this time period will enjoy the story. I highly recommend picking up a copy because you will not be disappointed.
J’nell Ciesielski hits it out of the park with this story. Exciting and engaging, filled with action and a moving romance. The characters jump off the page, their faults as interesting as their strengths. I loved every moment and didn’t want the adventure to end! It has become an all time favorite!
I really enjoyed the historical details added to this suspenseful story. The research that J’nell Ciesielski did is evident and the cultural references added to a fuller experience of the times. The storyline was action packed, as one would expect when reading about resistance to the Nazi regime. The characters who decide to fight against evil find that they also have to fight against lies that they have believed about themselves, their identity and their past. As a plan to escape France develops, so does a romance with battles of its own. If you are interested in a romantic historical adventure, I highly recommend The Socialite. I can’t wait to see what Ciesielski writes next. I won an ARC of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
The Socialite, the first novel I’ve read by J’nell Ciesielski, captivated my attention immediately. Although the story takes place in Nazi-occupied France during WWII and the sad happenings of that time are depicted, I appreciated that the storyline isn’t overwhelmingly dark. The plot focuses not on the atrocities of that time, but on the characters and their relationships. I quickly found myself invested in the lives of Kat, Ellie, and Barrett. Kat and Ellie’s sisterly bond persisted even through times of disagreement and danger. Kat and Barrett suited each other. I enjoyed their blossoming romance and how they prodded each other’s personal growth.
The Socialite by J’nell Ciesielski is written for the general market as a clean historical fiction novel with underlying inspirational themes. This beautiful novel oozes historical research and earns a five-star rating from me. I had a hard time putting it down and would love to reread this novel in the future.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
I was pleased to be able to read and review this book through Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing. I truly enjoyed the book. It is listed as a Christian book, but there truly wasn’t much about being a Christian at all. But, it is a mostly clean book. One sister is living in open sin with someone but that is as “bad” as it gets.
The story has a new twist on living during WWII. It told a little about the French resistance, it told a little about the Nazi’s but it was mostly a love story. It was well told and the characters were very believable. It was a story that draws you in and you are pulling for the heroine throughout.
The Kindle edition I was given was an ARC and it needed very little in the way of additional editing. This was very encouraging to me. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to my friends. My review is totally my own opinion and I am not required to leave a positive review. I give this book a 4 out of 5 star review.
The Socialite by J’nell Ciesielski is an excellent historical fiction novel. This book literally has it all: history, romance, adventure, passion, and has definitely drawn me into its pages from beginning to end.
Yes, this is a WWII era book, but this book has so much more. It sets itself apart from the rest in several ways:
1. The plot itself (which you can read from the synopsis) is actually interesting and unique.
2. Kat and Barrette are excellent main characters. Their personalities, histories, and chemistry are amazing. I like the complexity and fire rhat ignites each of them.
3. The plot is actually unique and refreshing. There are several twists and turns that I did not see coming…bravo!
4. The excellent prose and descriptions that the author used to give the reader an inside to the characters thoughts and motivations, as well as the descriptions of the landscapes and locations were so amazing that I literally felt like I was there. I was beyond impressed with the way the author was able to create such beautiful text and images throughout the book.
This was an amazing read that grabbed me from the beginning and kept me enraptured until the end. It will be one of my favorite books this year.
5/5 stars Enthusiastically recommend.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A slightly different view of World War II …An English woman, Kathleen, manages to get into Nazi occupied Paris to try to bring her sister back to England. But her sister is the mistress of a high Nazi official and is happy with the social situation. Kathleen is joined by a native born Scott. It is touch and go and an interesting story as they work to get back out of Nazi territory.
The Socialite is a historical romance. So that lets you know that I am split on whether I enjoyed this book. I love historical fiction! But I do not like romance books at all! So let’s focus on the things I enjoyed about the book. The dialogue was good and enjoyable. I loved the historical time period of Nazi occupation of France. Though it is a romance, there is no steamy sex scenes…just some heavy kissing.
As for what I did not enjoy is that this book is about a spoiled socialite who is living the “high life” in France during WWII. The fact that she is willing to ignore the atrocities going on around her to be with her Nazi boyfriend. Though I know there were people who turned their heads and took advantage of the “privileges” of being in a relationship with the Nazi occupiers, it just disgusted me to read about it.
The plot will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. This book will appeal to historical romance fans.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
This is a great story for fans of historical romance – especially WWII time period. Kat Whitford chases her wayward sister to German occupied France to discover she’s involved with a high ranking Nazi. Kat struggles with her high brow upbringing against seeing first hand how truly awful the Nazis were. She teams up with Barrett Anderson, who leads a team of underground dissenters. I enjoyed this story. Lots of action combined with a love story makes this an intriguing read.