An enjoyable read and well done mystery. Though I’m
partial to McDaniel’s 1920s settings, she delivers in this international WW2 spy story with detailed research and a heroine you’ll root for all the way. There were several cute interactions between Amelie and Finn that had me laughing out loud.

On a more serious note, my favorite line:

His jaw hardened. "That's the interesting thing about truth. It can be manipulated. Distorted."

"No, information can be twisted." I lifted my chin. "But truth? Truth will always rise from lies."

High 4⭐️
The Starlet Spy started out slow for me but I ended up really enjoying it. Wonderful characters with one of the best happily ever afters I’ve seen. **SIGH**
This was a WWII novel and I didn’t find it sad like a lot of WWII novels that I’ve read. The story took place mostly in Sweden and I learned a lot about what was going on during the war there. The romance was of course my favorite part, but it also had a decent amount of action packed mystery and suspense. I found it well written and enjoyed the authors notes at the end.
Thanks Barbour Publishing via NetGalley.

The author and the book's cover caught my attention. I adored how this author incorporated a lot of historical facts into her stories. I look forward to reading the author's reader notes, in which she breaks down all the real historical occurrences intertwined throughout this WWII fiction. This is a great approach for me to learn about historical events.

When they first seek her help Amelie says, "You realize I'm more intelligent than the idiot roles I'm in." The main character was witty, engaging, and real. I appreciated how she kept things grounded.

This book stands out to me because of the witty banter, well-rounded characters, elements of natural faith, an unexpected romance, and a dash of humor. If Ameile accepted the biggest responsibility she had ever been given, her life would be in jeopardy. She thinks that her ability to read people will let her trick others. I liked joining her as she attempts to piece together the clues in order to locate the missing papers before they are lost or end up in the wrong hands. In order to take on the most difficult role, she risks her entire career.

Espionage, bravery, courage, comedy, sensitivity, love, and a hint of romance are all present in this story. What’s not to love. I appreciate how she seamlessly ties in an inspirational thread. This is a great escape and one that works well for your next book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

This series, Heroines of WWII is a treasure trove of novels that, although fiction, are based on fascinating heroics and sacrifices women took part in during the horrendous days of war. The Starlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel is the newest book in the series.
Amelie Blake is an actress, a rising and successful star, who is approached by Henrik Zoltan, movie producer for a major role. The meeting is not at all what Amelie expects. She is needed for a serious undertaking, she is perfect for acting as a spy in her home country, Sweden. She joins the OSS, Office of Strategic Services and is sent to train at The Farm or Camp X as it is known. A blonde, her roles have been predominantly the pretty airhead type woman featured in films. Highly intelligent it is requested that she act the part of a blissfully ignorant beauty. I love her 'ditsy' remarks that she makes to appear less than intelligent. The humor is great. Her mission is to find top secret files that could be devastating to the world if it reaches the wrong people.
Finn Ristaffason is a wealthy shipping magnate who just may be a Nazi ally. He seems to be constantly in Amelie's way as she works to find the dangerous files. Does he want to attain them for the Nazi Regime? He watches her, as if he is trying to figure her out. His family member, Ann, is a lovely character in the story.
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from Barbour Books via NetGalley and this is my own unsolicited opinion about it. The suspense is excellent and the building attraction between Amelie and Finn adds to the plot. The references to true accounts of the time, real actors and to Amelie's relationship to her Hollywood world shows depth of research. I think that this is one of the best books in this series.

When she is approached by Henrik Zoltan, Amelie Blake thinks it's to discuss her starring in his next picture. She is not expecting him to propose that she return to Sweden, her homeland, to search for top-secret atomic research that has gone missing.

With Amelie’s Hollywood stardom, she has the perfect disguise. She will simply be who the world thinks she already is. An “all beauty, no brains” star coming home to visit her ailing mother. Not loving that perception of her, Amelie agrees to go and use her excellent memory to find the papers. Making matters more difficult is the suspicious but handsome Finn Ristaffason. With the Gestapo following her, no one can be trusted but Amelie finds herself asking if Finn can be.

World War II, romance, suspense, and espionage all wrapped up into a perfect story, The Starlet Spy was everything I love about a historical novel. @rachel_scott_mcdaniel has a way of writing that transports her readers back in time. I was on the shores of Sweden and running from the Gestapo with Amelie. I love feeling like I am a part of the story and this book gave me that feeling.

I loved that it was set in Sweden and gave a little of the history of Sweden’s neutrality during the war. Learning something new about history while reading is one of my favorite things. I love when an author uses real historical events to enhance their stories. Rachel does so in a beautiful way.

The suspense in this novel was superb. I had my suspicions of who could and couldn’t be trusted. I loved following the leads with Amelie and trying to figure out how it would end. The ending was perfect in that it both surprised me but also validated my suspicions.

I also loved the Christian theme throughout the book. While Amelie is constantly trying to know who to trust, she knows God is always the answer.

The Starlet Spy is the perfect read for anyone who loves World War II, romance, and suspense. I absolutely loved this new release from Rachel Scott McDaniel. After finishing it, I quickly added it to my list of favorite reads for the year.

Thank you to the author and @barbourbooks for an advanced copy. These opinions are my own.

I am always impressed with Rachel Scott McDaniel's research and the way she weaves her stories around true historical events. The Starlet Spy is no exception, so make sure you read the Author's Notes at the end of the book. Amelie Blake, not her real name, is a Swedish born, Hollywood actress of some renown. She had been typecast as a less-than-intelligent, blond bombshell. That, along with her actual intellect and her Swedish background, made her the perfect person to go undercover for the Office of Strategic Services. McDaniel takes Amelie on the adventure of a lifetime as she aids the Allies, and possibly discovers true love.

McDaniel's writing style is crisp, flows smoothly, and is highly engaging. She creates vivid mental images, incorporating all of her readers' senses and a wide range of emotions, all made more intense by how closely the fictional events align with the true ones. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Starlet Spy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

This is a fantastic historical mystery/romance. A Hollywood movie star from Sweden is recruited to return to her homeland to help find stolen documents that cannot fall into Nazi hands. It’s well written, fast paced, with lots of unexpected twists and turns. Definitely add this to your TBR list if you like: a WWII setting, spies and espionage, a quick-thinking heroine, a hero who’s moods are broody and broodier, lots of action, Christian themes, family drama, and an amazing ending. This is the first book that I’ve read by this author and I definitely want to check out her other titles.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ebook to review. A positive review was not required and all options are my own.

Rachel Scott McDaniel has quickly risen in the ranks of my favorite Christian authors, and this book was no exception to my love for her work. Adorable romance, intriguing mystery, and a fast-paced plot meant that I did not want to stop reading. (and I ended up finishing it in a day so I'd say that's a good sign) I'm sad it's over. I want to stay with these characters forever. (I know a sequel is unlikely but like... I'd read one...)

I was instantly invested in Amelie and her story, wanting her to succeed from the start. World War II from Sweden's point of view isn't something I've read about before, so that was super interesting! (I don't think I've read many books at all set in Sweden, actually. I should work on that.) The intrigue was high as we're introduced to the cast of supporting characters, and I didn't know who to trust!

Speaking of supporting characters... the romance. *happy sigh* I loved it. If you (like me) are a sucker for the love story in The Sound of Music, you should read this one. (there's not many plot similarities, but they gave me the same vibes) The grumpy x sunshine, the protective natures, the dance scene?? I'm a puddle on the floor for these two.

"The Starlet Spy" was everything I hoped it would be, and I'm so glad. Five stars from me!

**I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**

Once again Rachel Scott McDaniel has transported me into a new timeline with amazing characters that I just didn't want to leave. It is no surprise that I have loved every single book of Rachel's she truly has a gift of captivating the essence of the time period that she writes in and think she excelled in writing about the WWII era.

In this story we encounter Amelie Blake, a Swedish Hollywood movie star that everyone thinks is just all looks and no brains. Producer Henrik Zoltan approaches here but not for the role she expected. Rather Amelie becomes a recruit to spy on the Swedish elite without being noticed. Her mission seems simple acquiring lost documents that are crucial to the allies. In the process she is re-acquainted with someone from her past. Finn Ristaffason a gorgeous shipping magnate who definitely pops up anytime Amelie needs rescuing.

Rachel did a great job at keeping me engaged throughout the story. I honestly did not know who the villain was until they came into being. The romance was perfection!! Seriously if you haven't read any of her other books then you are missing out because she writes the most swoony-worthy scenes and kisses!! There are faith elements, witty banter and humor throughout this story that you don't want to miss out on.

Overall I loved this story but it is no surprise to me as I absolutely love this author and I impatiently yet eagerly await her next book. If you enjoy historical fiction and old Humphrey Bogart type movies you will definitely enjoy this book!

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Hollywood actress Amelie Blake has a new role to play: spy. In the midst of WWII, Amelie returns to her homeland of Sweden to go undercover. She will need to use her intelligence, acting ability and a unique skill to help her secure information for The United States Office of Strategic Services. But Amelie soon learns that things are not always what they seem.

I really enjoyed this book. The story was intriguing with espionage elements, suspenseful plot and mysterious villains. The romance was fantastic. Give me a grumpy hero and I’m a goner! Amelie and her love interest had great banter and some very swoony moments. I loved the historical details and definitely recommend reading the author’s notes to see what parts were actually true.

This was my first book by Rachel and I look forward to reading more from her.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

📖
🔥kissing
🤬none
❓murder

It's 1943. A Hollywood bigwig approaches Hollywood star Amelie Blake with an offer to play the lead role in his upcoming film--with a catch. He actually wants to recruit her to spy. The United States Office of Strategic Services (OSS) needs someone to infiltrate the Swedish elite. Amelie is regarded as a ditzy blonde, as that's the sort of role she often played. Her mission is to find crucial documents, but rich shipping magnate Finn Ristaffason gets in her way at every turn. The Germans have invaded, and anyone could be a spy, a German informer, or a freedom fighter. How can she tell the difference?

It was slower moving than I expected, but a huge plus for me was the total absence of graphic rape-threats and suchlike that too many of these tales seem to have to feature. (I know it happened. I don't need to read fiction about it.) I liked Amelie, who tries to navigate this tense, dangerous world with her morals intact. Interesting read.

Synopsis: “No, information can be twisted…But truth? Truth will always rise from lies.” As an actress in World War 2, Amelie Blake feels as though her job is somewhat meaningless. In comparison to the soldiers’ sacrifices, acting seems silly at such a time. But what she doesn’t know is that she possesses an invaluable skill—or two. When approached with a dangerous mission, Amelie has an opportunity to make a difference as an Allie spy. But as the mission unfolds, a handsome stranger, Finn Ristaffason, stands in the way and only time will tell where his true allegiance lies. With intelligence, beauty, and an impeccable memory, Amelie sets to find out just how much she is capable of.

Analysis: Say hello to another favorite historical fiction! I loved this inside look into espionage and acting during this time period. When Leslie Howard from Gone with the Wind was mentioned, I was even more drawn into the story. With espionage as a main theme, the plot was intriguing! This is a well-researched novel that brings to light what I think is a relatively unknown aspect of WW2. I also loved the depth of the characters. Rachel writes about what womanhood was like in this time period for Amelie so well but also hints at what the future holds. Plus there’s that swoon-worthy, old-fashioned romance that I love. I love a good WW2 fiction book, and this one was the perfect combination of true history, romance, and an intriguing plot!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content Rating: Clean

Title: The Starlet Spy

Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel


Ch: 33


Pg: 259


Series: Heroines of WWII 11


Genre: Christian historical fiction Christian Historical Romance


Rating: 5 stars


Publisher: Barbour



It was the whole female spy heroine that got me to pick up The Starlet Spy. I’m a sucker for WWII books and books with spies. Not to mention that I’ve loved all of Rachel’s previous books. And though this one is a departure from her usual 1920s dual time novels. I enjoyed this one from start to finish. And the fact that this was the first WWII novel that I read set in Sweden kept me turning pages.


I enjoyed meeting all the characters, especially Amelie and Finn. Throughout The Starlet Spy it felt like I was traveling through Sweden with Amelie and loved what she got from seeing the Northern lights which happens to be on my travel bucket list. To some readers the faith content might seem subtle, but I saw it all through the story it wove through every aspect of Amelie’s life.


And of course, I’ve not got to try Salmiak as a fan of black licorice yes I know I’m weird. Amelie Blake has become my second favorite Rachel heroine Devyn Asbury from Undercurrent of Secrets will always be my favorite as a fellow Louisville girl.





I received a copy of this book from the author I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

The Starlet Spy was everything I could have asked for in a romantic suspense and more! I love books I can easily picture in my head, and favorite author Rachel Scott McDaniel really delivered a spectacular, WWII, movie-like must read! Set mostly in Sweden during WWII, American actress Amelie Blake is asked by the OSS to return to her homeland and become a spy for the war effort. Risking all sorts of danger, and even her heart, she plays a cat and mouse game to recover secret documents pertaining to atomic research. With heart palpitating suspense, a swoony enemies to lovers romance, 1940’s Hollywood glamour, and a touch of faith, this page turner stayed with me long after reading!

Amelie is not only gorgeous, but has a photographic memory, speaks three languages, and is brilliant. On film though, she’s portrayed as a “brainless, hapless, female.” It’s why she’s chosen to be a spy. Another reason is that Finn Ristaffason whom they suspect has the documents and may be a Nazi sympathizer, admires her greatly and has all her films. But, it’s Amelie who’s had a secret crush on him since she was a teenager in Sweden.

The delicious tension between them is off the charts. Amelie’s still attracted to the handsome Finn, but can she trust him? It’s a careful dance with her trying to get close to him but not falling for him again. Finn is quite serious and it’s fun seeing him enamored and amused by her. I loved their enemies to lovers romance. The dancing on the beach and aurora borealis scenes were so good and the surprise ending was perfection.

The story is so well written and the suspense was intense. There’re so many moments where I was holding my breath hoping Amelie wouldn’t get caught. There are quite a few twists and turns that kept me guessing, and the villain was a bit of a surprise.

Highly recommend this well written, edge of your seat, romantic suspense that has all the feels of a classic 1940’s movie. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.

I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue with this story! The author did a wonderful job of bringing to life some interesting history that I hadn't read much about. This book is excellent!

The Starlet Spy is such a fun, engaging read! I love Rachel’s other books, which are all set in the 1920’s. However this one takes place during the beginning of World War Two, which I love to read about, so I was thrilled when I found out she was writing this one! She did a fantastic job! This book has a great mix of romance, intrigue, and history. I know of very few WWII fiction books set in Sweden, and I enjoyed the historical tidbits spread throughout the novel. The mystery and intrigue kept my attention, from the first moment when Amelie was mysteriously approached by a strange vehicle in the beginning, up until the excitement at the very end! The romance was on point, as usual. Finn is a great example of dark and brooding. I liked that Amelie had to determine which side his loyalties were on… it definitely made for some interesting moments! This is a book that kept me on the edge of my seat! If you enjoy reading about WWII, romance, and spies, this book is definitely for you! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy. All thoughts are my own; I was not required to write a positive review.

Solid story. The plot moves quickly, but I found myself wishing for more character development. I liked Amelie, but the rest of the characters were almost forgettable. Overall, though, I really liked it.

I loved this book. This was one of those stories that kept me up late reading and I had to force myself to set aside so I could get some sleep. McDaniel had me hooked from the beginning.

I love Amelie’s character. Her strength and character make her a compelling heroine, as does her the facade she puts on.

While normally I like having both the male and female POV in a romance, having the whole story told through Amelie’s eyes added to the suspense. I got to learn more about Finn at the same time Amelie did, and putting together all the clues about him was a fun experience.

The story wraps up in a satisfying way, and the villain was surprising but believable.

Overall, The Starlet Spy is a suspenseful historical romance you don’t want to miss.

Rachel Scott McDaniel has instantly become a favorite of historical fiction. She makes me feel a part of the story. This one is set during WWII and mainly in Sweden. I love the new perspective we get off the war. The storyline of an actress acting as a spy was very fun and kept it a good pace. I loved the chemistry between Amelie and Finn. I’m excited for this new series!

A great mystery / suspense historical romance by Rachel Scott McDaniel told in first person, single point of view from our dear heroine. It is a clean read with light mentions of faith-based content.

Set against the backdrop of WWII in Sweden, the author weaves a story of love and espionage and mystery seamlessly. Who can you trust? Who can you love? These are questions woven from page one to the very end.

I loved the characters and the settings. I was carried along in the moments and didn't want to book to end, yet I wanted answers to the above questions.

Make sure to read the author's note at the end! And if you listen to the audiobook, try to at least borrow the ebook from a library to read it!


I know this would be an amazing book and I'm upset at myself for putting off reading it for so long. I am so thankful to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for selecting me to receive an advanced copy. I waited until close to publication date to read and review it honestly. I only wish I'd read it sooner!