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Description
About the Book
Glamour, treachery, and espionage collide when an English socialite rushes to save her sister from the Nazis.Book Synopsis
When an English socialite embarks on a dangerous journey to save her sister from the Nazis, glamour, romance, and espionage collide.As the daughter of Sir Alfred Whitford, Kat has a certain set of responsibilities. 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 going back to the shackled life their parents dictate--but Kat will stop at nothing to bring her sister home.
Barrett Anderson was arrested for defending himself against a drunken bully of high birth. Given the option of jail or training Resistance fighters in Paris, Barret chooses the latter. He poses as a bar owner, entertaining Nazis at night while his men train 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.
From the moment Kat and Barrett meet, tempers flare and sparks fly amid false assumptions. Despite their differences, they'll have to find a way to trust each other in order to survive their deadly mission. In the end, their hearts may prove more traitorous than the dangers waiting around the corner.
At once a daring journey into occupied Paris and an unfolding love story, The Socialite will entrap readers with its scintillating prose and unforgettable characters.
Praise for The Socialite
"An atmospheric, engrossing romance for fans of Downton Abbey and Somewhere in France. A real gem!" --Aimie K. Runyan, internationally bestselling author
"Smart, savvy, and seductive, J'nell Ciesielski's The Socialite takes the reader on a high-stakes thrill ride through the darkness of WWII-occupied Paris. The Socialite shines bright as the City of Lights, and then some!" --Kristy Cambron, bestselling and award-winning author
"In the tradition of Ariel Lawhon and Kate Quinn, The Socialite immerses readers in the glamor and destruction of Nazi-occupied Paris. A picture-perfect portrait of early 1940s Paris, this impeccably researched love story stands out in a sea of WWII-era fiction with its distinctive crystalline voice and unforgettable hero and heroine." --Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration
"A satisfying and highly enjoyable read that I recommended for readers of historical fiction, mystery, and romance." --Tea Cooper, author of The Woman in the Green Dress
- World War II historical romance
- Full-length stand-alone novel
- Book length: 110,000 words
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs
Review Quotes
'Ciesielski's vivid characterizations and lush historical detail quickly draws readers into this expertly plotted tale. Readers looking for an immersive, high-stakes historical romance will be wowed.'--Publishers Weekly Starred ReviewDimensions (Overall): 8.2 Inches (H) x 5.4 Inch (W) x 1 Inch (D)
Weight: .6 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 368
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Sub-Genre: Historical
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Format: Paperback
Author: J'Nell Ciesielski
Book theme: World War II
Language: English
Street Date: May 29, 2020
TCIN: 79514733
UPC: 9780785233527
Item Number (DPCI): 059-04-3048
Origin: Made in the USA
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Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 1 inches length x 5.4 inches width x 8.2 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.6 pounds
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4.5 out of 5 stars with 8 reviews
100% would recommend
6 recommendations
A gripping story of courage, survival, and love
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
- 5 years ago
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.
Great Historical Romance!
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Connie Saunders - 5 years ago
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 wasn't obligated to write a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
Interesting and Detailed
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Lucy Reynolds - 5 years ago
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 German officer 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.
Page-turning adventure
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Betti - 5 years ago
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.
unique fictional look at WWII
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
- 5 years ago
"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.
Interesting!
4 out of 5 stars
- 5 years ago
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.
Exciting WWII Read!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
EmilyP - 5 years ago
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 German 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 with 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 German 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 German 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.