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 is the perfect story to read if you love glamour, suspense and romance.
English socialite Kat Whitford has traveled to Nazi occupied Paris to find her wayward sister, Ellie and bring her home, but Ellie isn’t onboard with that plan. She is happy in Paris with her Nazi boyfriend and all that his position can offer her.
Barrett Anderson runs a bar at night that many of the Nazis frequent and during the day he trains resistance fighters. He has been assigned to watch over Kat and Ellie, but finds the two sisters can be quite a challenge even with the payout being well worth it.
Can Barrett and Kat not only learn to trust each other during their dangerous endeavor, but also trust giving their hearts to one another?
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
In The Socialite, Kat Whitford chases her sister to Nazi-occupied Paris to bring her home. Which didn’t go as well as she expected. But Kat was determined to carry out her plan.
There is a lot of good WWII history in this book, which is very interesting, and something WWII buffs will enjoy. And I thoroughly enjoyed it as well. It is interesting reading different authors stories set in this time era, and the different ways they explain the area. And this author did an amazing job with her research and her writing.
The main characters were well created and developed well throughout the story. I had a problem with Ellie, I just never seem to connect with her for some reason. And her immature behavior did get on my nerves. But then this is what gives flavor to the story! I did like Kat, and enjoyed her personality. Though she had her father’s best interest at heart, I was glad to see her pull out of that and start living for Kat! She is a very brave young lady, and I admire her for that and for what she takes on to do for her father. I was excited for her meeting Barrett, but you will need to read the story for this new twist in the story.
As we follow Kat’s journey and that of her sisters, there is so much happening, a lot of action and romance and sometimes dangerous situations fall into their paths as well. This is a well written story, written in a difficult time on the world. I think you would love this one if you enjoy reading anything about WWII. My only problem with this story is that it is labeled as Christian, and I didn’t see a lot to put it in that category. But since I like the authors writing, I will be checking out other books by her, I would like to see what else she has to write.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine 1alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Nazis, Romance, Danger, and Paris! I don’t think I could have found a better historical fiction to wet my appetite. I’ve been a fan of World War II history most of my life, mostly because I really struggled to understand how much of Europe could have put up with the Nazis for as long as they did. I don’t like to give out spoilers in my reviews. I read a lot of reviews before I purchase a novel and giveaways tend to ruin the story for me. I will say this though: Seeing Ellie’s response to her Nazi boyfriend and love of the life he provides her, really allowed me to have some insight into the mind of some individuals during that time, especially those that accepted the Nazi’s ways initially. As far as Kit’s romance with the swoon-worthy Barrett goes- So. Much. Yes.
I really enjoyed J’nell’s writing style. Entertaining, fast-paced, sharp, and witty! This was the first book I’ve read by this author and intend to read more. Next up- Among the Poppies! 10/10 recommend!
Ciesielski is a newer to me author, but I enjoy stories set during WWII. This particular book captured my attention because of the stunning cover, the red of the dress and the Eiffel Tower in the distant background both drawing my eye. After reading the back cover description I was hooked.
Even after reading many novels set during this time, this is probably the first one I have read set both in Paris and within the occupier’s circles. It was a unique perspective, of someone who has access to those in charge, but isn’t actually part of that group. The resistance aspect is familiar, but again, from the view of someone who has infiltrated and is literally hiding in plain sight.
The tension is high from the very first pages, partly because of the setting in occupied France, and also because of Kat’s apprehension and discomfort. Who wouldn’t be uncomfortable traveling into an unsafe environment to rescue a family member? Then her unanticipated involvement in resisting rather than simply rescuing her sister and making for the border adds another intense level of pressure.
I had a really hard time liking Ellie at all. I could relate to Kat and extended a bit of sympathy to her sister for her sake, but I would have been tempted to leave her behind after discovering she didn’t need a rescue after all. Selfish and self-centered in the extreme, I mostly wanted to knock some sense into her! That’s a credit to the author; I kept reading because the story had me so thoroughly pulled in, despite my dislike of the reason our heroine was in Paris in the first place.
I enjoyed the romance. Barrett is an interesting hero that kept me on my toes, and I loved that he challenged Kat’s status-quo behaviors. I am largely a rule-follower myself, but he made some good points, especially about several of the mindless “good daughter” expectations that she adheres to, and much more convincingly that her no-rules at all sister.
This is a novel about family, and about doing the right thing, even when it isn’t easy. It is well-written and engrossing, and I highly recommend it for fans of WWII fiction, historical romance, family dramas, or those who simply enjoy fiction that transports the reader to another time and place and makes them consider some deep questions.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
Wow, just wow! Such an amazing read! This book is written by a new-to-me-author, I actually own all of her other books and have been wanting to read one of her books for over a year now, but just hadn’t gotten around to it! The Socialite is my first of her books, but it most definitely will not be the last! This book is so rich in historical detail that I felt like I had been transported to WWII Nazi occupied Paris!
I love historical romance and this book is full of so many things I love about the genre, including a thread of danger and suspense that leads up to a nail biting last several chapters!
I immediately liked Kat, I admired her bravery and spunkiness, and her willingness to do whatever it took to save her sister! Barrett was such a fun character, and oh so swoon-worthy, I loved him so much and couldn’t help smiling every time he was in a scene! The banter between Kat and Barrett was fabulous and had me cracking up more than a few times!
I truly did love this book so much!
The Socialite is a delightful read and definitely one for the keeper shelf! I highly recommend this stunning, gorgeously written book!
I am super excited to dive into J’nell Ciesielski’s backlist, and am eagerly anticipating her next book! I’m hoping Ellie will get a book of her own!
(5 Stars!)
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own!
The story blew me away with his details and historical facts. The story is rich in history and the author transported me back to when Hitler was in control. The man is pure evil and the thought of what he did to people is hard to comprehend. Everywhere you looked, his presence was known by the violence he loved to cast on others.
Kat was so determined to bring her sister back home that she will risk her life. I loved her spirt of family and how she would do anything to rescue her sister from the evil clutches of Eric. As I got to know Kat I soon saw that deep down in her heart she desired to have her father proud of her. Her mission to bring Ellie home was out of unconditional love for her sister and the need to have her father say he was proud of her.
Ellie was a real handful at times. She is so blind to Eric’s underhanded treatment of people that she finds herself like a puppet to him. She made me mad as she so willingly let him dictate her every step. Ellie is happy to see her sister but Ellie is stubborn and won’t believe that Eric is bad for her. I loved reading about how Hitler came into power and the struggles many people faced when he took everything from innocent people. The story is very detailed about the war and the fallout it had on the Jewish community.
There is so much going on in the story that at times I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The character I liked the most was Barrett. Oh my what a man of integrity he is. He will risk his life to protect Kat and Ellie. There were several scenes when Kat and Barrett clashed that I found to be frustrating. Kat is so determined to do things on her own which ends up putting her, Ellie and Barrett in grave danger. Barrett is willing to lay his life down in order for Kat and Ellie to find their way home to freedom.
I enjoyed reading the story and think it made sone interesting points. Courage comes from within and to never give up hope. Trust your instincts and follow the path that leads to the truth. The story shows how easy someone can be manipulated when they want to be loved so badly. The ending is an epic adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat. If you love history this book is a must read. As I end my review I wonder if we would be brave enough to stand up for what we believe in?
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Even though I don’t have a sister I found myself wondering, as I read The Socialite, what I would have done and how far I would have gone to protect my sister if I thought that she was in danger, or worse yet, involved with a person who followed an ideology based on hatred and murder. This is the premise of J’Nell Ciesielski’s story and what a story it is! Romance, betrayal, danger, and espionage are included and this is definitely a book that you won’t soon forget. Ciesielski has created characters that seem to jump off the pages in this beautifully crafted story and she has given me an entirely new perception of England, Paris, and France during the era of Adolf Hitler and World War II.
If you enjoy historical fiction and clean romantic fiction, you will certainly want to read The Socialite. The cover alone is incentive enough to add it to your bookshelf!
I received a copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit.
I was rather excited to read The Socialite as I had previously noticed J’nell Ciesielski‘s other World War II novels. I did not know her books are considered Christian novels until I saw it’s Christian romance category on Amazon and that the publisher is Thomas Nelson. I began to wonder if this classification was correct after reading it because of the lack of discussions about faith, slightly more steamy romance, and a few British swear words.
A quick scan of her earlier book Among the Poppies showed more references to God and prayer over all. Despite the illicit relationship The Socialite is a cleanish romance.
Kat is sent by her father to retrieve the prodigal daughter from a clandestine relationship with a Nazi officer in France. She arrives unaware her father has employed Barrett Anderson to return both Kat and Ellie safely to England.
Ellie is infatuated with her German boyfriend Eric von Schlegel. Or rather, she is in love with his money and the pampered lifestyle he gives her. She rationalizes his controlling behavior until he has cut her off from all her friends except his carefully chosen German friends. Although she rebelled against her father’s controlling schemes, she doesn’t recognize her boyfriend is acting the same way.
Ellie recognizes the dangerous situation she has placed herself in after Eric suggests unusual relationship terms. Unfortunately she has not told her sister the true nature of her affair with Eric. Both Kat and Barrett begin to see how impossible reaching England safely will be when they discover Eric is already married.
I enjoyed reading Kat’s journey through personal growth. Her reaction to people trying to control her was not so different from mine. Kat tried to please her father even when she resented his interference. It’s liberating to set personal boundaries.
“I’ve lived my whole life trying to do what was right, what was expected, but I see now it was out of fear of disappointing that I agreed in the first place. I should have said no to a great many people along the way.”
“You should’ve told them to take a flying leap.”
Her lips quirked.
“In hindsight many of them probably deserved that.
But in all those people you were never one I tried to please out of wanting to curry favor. I can be myself without fear of reprisal.”
Kat and Barrett’s first meeting is humorous. I also loved when Kat showed unexpected courage. Barrett’s occasional use of Scottish brogue is delightful.
Religious freedom is an essential right. Reading WWII books helps me realize the importance of tolerating everyone’s beliefs and in having faith that mine will be respected as well. I was moved to tears by the kindness of one historical French community toward the Jews in another WWII novel I thoroughly enjoyed, Children of the Stars by Mario Escobar.
Kathleen (Kat) Whitford hates the Nazis’ inhumane treatment of the Jews. It’s hard for her to hide her disgust. She is appalled when she learns about deportation camps. She, and I, wonder how people allowed this to happen. Barrett’s cautionary explanation makes a lot of sense. I had not realized there was an ‘official narrative’ or restriction of the media in that time period.
I enjoyed the historical details and amusing scenes in this novel. I did not like the contrived technique of withholding a minor detail until the second to last chapter. The last chapter or brothel in another chapter weren’t quite to my taste either. Otherwise, the book is well written.
Reading this story can influence us to consider how we treat other people; it has inspired me to reflect on some of my biases. The need to wisely choose dating standards and recognize desirable attributes in a spouse is another important theme. If you like historical romances with strong female characters, I think you will enjoy The Socialite.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own.
As an English socialite, Kat and her sister Ellie had to live to a certain standard. But when Ellie, the younger sister, flees to Paris and becomes a social secretary for the Nazis, something has to be done to bring her back to England. Kat decides she is the one to do it.
I have to say I normally love reading historical fiction, and this book was no exception. The characters and scenery came to life throughout the pages. I did not care for the Nazis in any form or fashion. Eric, Ellie’s love-interest, proves to be everything I despise about Nazis.
Barrett Andersen is training freedom fighters in France, and he is tasked with keeping the sisters safe and getting them back to England. I think one of my favorite parts of the story was finding out about Barrett’s history and his family. I also loved reading about the interactions between Barrett and Sir Alfred Whitford at the end of the story.
So if you enjoy reading historical fiction, check out this book for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
I am often amazed by the breadth of World War II stories authors develop. In The Socialite, J’nell Ciesielski delves readers into Nazi occupied Paris with two sisters.
Ellie willingly ignores the truth of what’s happening around her. Her desire for the finer things, parties, and prestige lead her to poor decisions. Ones that lead to her sister traveling to Paris intent on bringing her home.
Kat is both stubborn and pressured to succeed. When she meets Barrett, she begins to understand the horrors inflicted by Hitler and his regime.
Ciesielski delivers a story chalk full of opulence juxtaposed with oppression while offering hope through the resilience of a few and a foundation of faith.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The cover is the most wonderful aspect of this novel that attracted me to the story. I have read J’nell Ciesielski’s previous two novels, so I am knowledgeable about her writing style. She does a fabulous job at crafting a deep dimensional characters that carry around their share of burdens. Kate is a complex character who will do anything, literally, to rescue her sister, Ellie, from the hands of the Nazi’s. While Barrett, the hero, sacrifices himself and rescues Kate and Ellie too many times to count. The plot gave me mixed feelings. It has been done before. Who didn’t try to escape the Nazi’s during World War II? But it had the feeling of being a slight different with the sister coming to rescue her sister who was in a current relationship with a high ranking Nazi officer. The romance between Kate and Barrett at times seemed a little out of place. I didn’t really buy that they liked each other as much as Ciesielski lead on. Yes, there is the happily-ever-after moment for fans who have to have those moments in every story. Overall, J’nell Ciesielski has captured an essence of World War II played out by deeply wounded characters who wants their families whole again. Fans of Melanie Dobson or Sarah Sundin might enjoy this novel. I did.
I received a complimentary copy of The Socialite by J’nell Ciesielski from Thomas Nelson Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Right on the first page Ms. Ciesielski plunges her heroine right smack in the midst of danger. And the conflict doesn’t let up.
In occupied France, it’s hard to know who to trust, and Barrett Anderson doesn’t make a good first impression. In fact, Kat is sure he’s a burglar at best, a Nazi at worst.
“He’d crashed in on her like a bomb, blasting her well-laid plans to shards and scattering them to the four winds.”
Ms. Ciesielski had written a vivid story of conflict, with so many layers, so many twists. The writing is exquisite, drawing the reader into each scene, page after page. Her characters are vibrant and real, the dialogue compelling and crackling. This is my first novel by Ms. Chisielski but it won’t be my last!
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, The Socialite, J’Nell Ciesielski, Celebrate Lit Publicity
The Socialite by J’Nell Ciesielski is one of the best historical fiction novels I have read recently. Nazi occupied Paris comes alive with dangers far beyond Nazi soldiers. I was impressed with the author’s research into this time period and how quickly she set the scene. I loved the two main sisters and the contrast between their personalities. This book had plenty of action and peril, as you would expect of a World War II novel. But it is just as much a beautiful love story— one of my favorites of the books I’ve read this year. I highly recommend this book to readers of historical fiction and women’s fiction. It’s an amazing read. I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
My favorite Historical Era to read and I loved the different aspect the author took. You will see through the eyes of a rich Socialite who goes to rescue her selfish sister from the clutches of a Nazi who is lavishing her with the lifestyle she wants. This gives you a peek into the inside lifestyle of Hitler and his cronies. At times it made me shiver and clinch my teeth at the injustices. Kat has always obeyed the rules of her social standing but when she meets Barrett her eyes are opened to the atrocities and she finds strength she didn’t know she possessed. It is a heart stopping escapade with interspersed romance. My only disappointment was it is marketed as Christian fiction but contained no faith elements. In my opinion that would have made the story stronger. This is my first book by Ms. Ciesielski and I look forward to reading more, as she has a unique approach. Interesting and entertaining.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Historical fiction has always been my favorite genre, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. One of the time periods that I tend to gravitate toward is WWII, and I’ve read fairly extensively within that category. As such, there aren’t many storylines that I haven’t encountered. This book, however, brings some interesting twists that make it distinguishable, and I have a feeling that it’s one read I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. Also, since the author is new to me, I am delighted to be able to add to my list of must-read Christian authors.
As an introvert, the title “The Socialite” honestly makes me a bit nervous, and the obvious opulence displayed by the forward—facing woman on the cover is also polar-opposite to my nature. Looks can be deceiving, though, and that could function as a tagline for this story. With a diverse panoply of characters, author J’nell Ciesielski takes readers into Nazi-occupied France in 1941, as the Fuhrer is continuing to establish his control throughout Europe. Where the novel becomes unique is in its focus, exploring the lives of two sisters whose paths have diverged. Ellie is more of a free spirit, no longer wanting to be tied down by her demanding parents, whereas Kat has always been the model older sister, obedient and yielding. Thus it falls on her to retrieve Ellie from the very heart of the Nazi regime in Paris, where Ellie is living with and romancing a Nazi officer named Eric von Schlegel. Of course, that is very much easier said than done, and a bar owner and important member of the Resistance, training fighters underground, arrives on the scene.
Needless to say, “The Socialite” is brim-full of action and adventure, as well as romance and the whole gamut of human emotions. An exhilarating read, I love how it engages the reader by taking situations that were plausible for the time and not only allowing readers to feel that they are experiencing events right along with the characters, but also to witness the characters’ thoughts. By doing so, readers realize that courage is not always strong and mighty, but more often a determination to succeed against the odds with the Lord’s help, by the grace of God. Another point that this book reinforces is that there can be some good in even the seemingly most evil people and events, and that sometimes we hide inside our ivory towers to try to escape what is happening when in fact God is calling us to suit up and march into battle.
Fans of Kate Breslin’s “For Such a Time”, especially, and any Christian historical fiction and historical romance books will want to meet and read “The Socialite.” There is still much that we can learn from history, starting with the reminder that God goes before us and behind us, protecting and guiding us through every obstacle.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
I love historical fiction books. They reach in and grab my soul. This one is even better because it deals with WWII which is a time period we have gravitated to in our learning but also in our reenacting. Obviously, this year our reenactments are few and far between but that just means more time to research.
This one is one that I’m going to be grabbing bits and pieces and researching from for years as French Resistance is one of the impressions we are starting to cultivate for my teenage daughter who wants to join in the fun.
I liked how we have a sister versus sister action. One sister is enjoying living life and doesn’t care about politics as long as she has her cushy living conditions. The other sister is more about propriety and what is right and good. Very fun and makes for lots of drama and suspense.
Highly recommend this book. It was wonderful and I’d read it again.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This is the second book I have read by J’nell and I loved it! There are so many novels set during World War II. I have many favorites from that genre. Each is so different and moving. The author has found her niche with her unique plots and characters. The Socialite focuses on the rescue of a beloved daughter and sister from the evil clutches of a Nazi madman. Just writing the word Nazi vibrates with potential drama and action. Two spoiled rich entitled sisters meet their match against the tyranny of Hitler.
I usually do not include quotes from the novel, but this one is full of phrases that capture the true essence of the novel. “Never in a hundred years would she have dreamed of life plopping her here in a beautiful city thrown under a merciless shadow with a trained saboteur as her bodyguard.” Wow! I know you want to read it now.
“The aristocracy pride themselves too much on what is not spoken… I’m finding what’s left unsaid is most often what we regret.” The lines of societal class are wavy or non-existence during this war. It does not matter who the characters’ fathers are. It is war.
Enjoy this novel set in Paris, 1941.
An author friend recently asked for the most romantic line from a book we’d read recently. I couldn’t think of one. Now that I’ve read J’nell Ciesielski’s The Socialite, I have the answer. “Most women would have crumbled by now, but not you. And as long as I’m next to you, I’ll not let you.” (Swoon!)
“For good or bad, family has its way of leaving a mark on you no matter how far you roam.” If I could quote only one line that sums up much of the conflict in this novel, this would be it. Kathleen Whitford has traveled to Nazi occupied Paris to bring home her rebellious, wandering sister, Ellie. Unfortunately, Ellie is running from her controlling family into the arms of a German officer. Kat struggles with Ellie’s behavior, but then Kat begins to realize she herself is desperate to escape her family’s expectations of her. Also desperate to escape secrets is Scots barkeep Barrett Anderson, running from a past threatening to arise from a drunken alley to overtake him. Pawns in a game where the loser forfeits life and/or the war itself, all three are in dire need of escaping the Gestapo.
Ciesielski presents the occupied people, the German conquerors, and the those who mingle in between so well. I don’t read much WWII fiction, and now I remember why not. Ciesielski is not overly gruesome, but just the thought of the atrocities that the Jews or Allied sympathizers faced had my heart beating triple time in terror. Amidst all the double-speak and wondering if the trio could stay out of German concentration camps, I had to laugh when one character well-described consorting with the German hierarchy… “we climb up the social ladder of snakes.”
I loved some history tidbits. Like how rationing caused women to go from silk stockings to cotton stockings to staining their legs with tea. Ugh! Or how the German officers would require only German music be played. So, talented, wily artists would adapt well-known English tunes to mock their captors and cheer their countrymen.
I had to smile, even as I was very anxious whether the three would be found out.
Themes include betrayal, escaping family expectations, and overcoming pride.
One theme, Barrett repeatedly reminds Kat, is that everybody serves an important purpose in the machinery of espionage. No role is more glorious nor less crucial. So reminiscent of the body of Christ, where each has a job, and all are needed, whether they appear so or not.
What I may have wished for: an inclusion of God in the story, and a little less emphasis on lengthy details of kisses. Physical love is indeed powerful, but I like best when it is subtle and hinted at.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. This in no way influences my opinions, which are solely my own.
This intense novel based in occupied France during WWII was a stunning read. We see a brief sampling of atrocities committed, especially as seen through the eyes of two young women who had been unaware of the true scope of the propaganda and its effects throughout Europe. The characters are very well-defined throughout by their conversations and actions. While not a specifically Christian read, it is a clean read, and a healthy reminder of how our true battle is not against people, but against the unseen forces of evil.
Ellie is the younger daughter of Sir Alfred Whitford in England. She is the dreamer, the one who refuses to follow the rules, the one who left about a year earlier to find her happiness. Her older sister, Kat, has always been the responsible rule-follower. Kat and Ellie had been very close, and the betrayal of Ellie leaving without even a goodbye cut deep.
Sir Alfred has always been very overprotective of his daughters, laying out strict rules that most could not live up to. When Ellie was located in Paris, he was going to go haul her home. Knowing Ellie would run away as fast as she could when seeing their father, Kat battled with him to go herself. It is 1941, and France is occupied by the Germans. Sir Alfred works together with his friends in England’s Secret Intelligence Service to get her in safely. Getting both of them out could be a different matter.
Ellie is living the high life, at least much higher than most in Paris. She is mistress to a German major, Eric. He helped her get a coveted position as Social Secretary of Paris. She spouts the party lines easily when a horrified Kat arrives to see – and hear – what Ellie is up to. She is smart enough to know how to work with Ellie to not drive her further to Eric’s arms.
Barrett is a Scottish pub owner in Paris. His pub is a front for an underground French resistance training cell. Unbeknownst to her, Sir Alfred had hired him to make sure Kat and Ellie get out of France safely. He didn’t plan on the growing attraction between them, and fears what will happen when she learns he took the job to make enough money to start over in America. Ellie frequently uses his club to entertain for functions of the Germans. Kat planned to never rely on, or care about, another man, but those plans begin to change. Especially when he lays down his life to save the sisters.
I have appreciated earlier books by the author, set in WWI and WWII, and this continues in the same excellence in historical novels. This fabulous novel is intense when describing the depth of the starvation, murder, and hatred. Even so, this is a compelling read. Family secrets abound. Whether they are faced and dealt with while on the run effects the outcome of the mission. The character of Barrett and the sisters grows throughout. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who appreciates WWII novels that include surviving in occupied countries, family drama, and romance.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Celebrate Lit, and this is my honest review.
The Socialite is my first introduction to J’nell Ciesielski’s writing. It definitely will not be the last. I really enjoyed this story. I love to read World War II era novels and this one does not disappoint. I thought this was a great story. It involves a lot of action, danger, adventure, suspense and romance. This is one book I could not predict what would happen next. I was intrigued from start to finish. I have to admit I was not too sure of Ellie, but adored Kat right from the start. She was such a brave woman of her time.
I am giving The Socialite a very well deserved five plus stars. I would love to read more by this author in the future. I would recommend this one for those who enjoy Clean Historical Fiction Romance, especially World War II era in Europe.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.