This novel reads like a locomotive. The characters load onto the train, the whistle blows, and the locomotive begins its travels down the track. As the train gains speed and moves through the hills and valleys, and curves and straightaways, the reader is taken on a trip that is not always comfortable, and never sleepy. There are stops along the way to search for a hidden treasure and to refuel the engine for the next portion of the trip. When it finally chugs into the destination depot, readers feel like they have been wrung out and tossed on the ground, hardly able to find their footings beneath them.
Amelie Black is a Hollywood movie star most often cast into the role of a ditzy blonde with no brains behind her gorgeous blue eyes. She is recruited by the Office of Strategic Services to find a manuscript that was written by Niels Bohr before he fled Denmark to Sweden. The manuscript holds secrets that could lead to the development of an atomic bomb, and should those secrets fall into the wrong hands, it could prove devastating to the rest of the world, at large. Never knowing who she can and cannot trust, she is largely on her own in finding this manuscript until Finn Ristofferson inserts himself into the search. Even though she is beginning to find herself growing warm toward Finn, she is still not sure she can trust him, but he proves himself time and time again, both worthy of her trust, and worthy of her love.

Rachel Scott McDaniel is the latest author recruited by Barbour Books to add to their Heroines of World War II series, and she doesn't disappoint. Her characters are fully fleshed out, her settings are movie-worthy, her plot lines are unpredictable and quite readable, making this a wonderful book to cozy up to and learn something in the process.

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a missing manuscript hunt for good measure.

Barbour Books provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

WW2? yep. Spies? yep. Hollywood glamor? Yep. Sweden and the secrecy around its involvement during the war with getting famous Jewish scientists into its country? Yep.

This new offering from the fabulous [author:Rachel Scott McDaniel|19531612] has the markings of a book I'd pick up in a heartbeat. The cover is so swanky! I loved that this book was written in the 1st person narrative with Amelie's thoughts and actions. I feel that helped the book since she is supposed to be pretending to be a certain persona.

Also, her "secret gift"? I LOVE learning about that skill! It's fascinating to me. I loved how it even comes to play in one of the end scenes--not how I imagined it would be.

Amelie and Finn have a great story that stays interesting the whole book. For the record I TOTALLY caught the double meaning of one of the character's words in the middle of the book--so I was NOT surprised by the ending. LOL. I was happy to be correct.

this is a solid book and I recommend it to anyone who loves the topic of WW2, spies, and Hollywood!

Happy to give it 4 solid stars!

**I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are 100% my own!

I’m so glad I was lucky enough to read the eARC of this book.

It was a great blend of history and fiction, plenty of action and twists and turns to keep you hooked! It’s been a while since I read a book set during WWII and I really enjoyed the fact this was centred around a driven, independent, fierce female character.

AHHH!! Rachel Scott McDaniel has done it again!!

This brilliant historical WWII romance is everything I love about her books. Charming, mysterious, and thoroughly romantic, I was hooked from the first line and could not put it down.

Famous movie star Amelie is asked by the Allies to return to her homeland of Sweden as a spy to retrieve some missing documents about atomic research. Her main suspect? A shipping magnate named Finn.

As the danger increases and Amelie attempts to piece together the clues, Finn is suspiciously and consistently nearby and getting in the way. But Amelie must decide if she can trust him - and quickly - before he has completely stolen her heart.

What I loved:
WWII era
Enemies to lovers
Single POV
Spy intrigue
Foreign setting - Sweden
Dancing on the beach
Celebrity romance
Brooding hero
Mystery and suspense
The chemistry and tension
The author's notes
Great character development
Plot twists
Aurora Borealis scene
Light Christian themes
Fast-moving plot
The extremely romantic epilogue!!

I am still in a bit of a book hangover from reading this one; the only thing I didn't like about it was that it ended!

I was completely invested in the mystery (yea, totally guessed everything wrong!) as well as the romance, and oh my hannah, the tension between the two was so well done! Finn is the ultimate broody hero and I love how he and Amelie slowly let their walls down and let the other see them for who they truly are. Such a beautiful and sigh-worthy love story that pretty much melted me into a happy little puddle.

At this point, all I want to do is pick it back up for a re-read which I am sure I will do many times over.

Trust me, my friends. Go read it and fall in love. You do not want to miss this one!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book. wow!!!, this book had it all bundled in a neat package tied up with a bow. The story of Amelie Blake a Swedish born American actress recruited by the OSS during WW II to spy on a Swedish businessman and try to locate atomic bomb info was a great story. This book had everything a reader could wish for historical facts, a bit of romance, mystery, and scripture passages. This book was quick paced, had a very interesting cast of characters, I did not suspect who the “ Bad Guys “ were, great plot development that kept me guessing. I appreciate a book that has a great story, without a lot of profanity and sex, that I can just enjoy reading for pleasure and gaining some historical knowledge . I would highly recommend this book and I will research this author for other books.

The starlet Spy is a romantic suspense set during WWII in Sweden.
It is an exciting adventure with some unexpected twists.
I loved it!

Rachel McDaniel has aced it again as she goes international penning a wonderful addition to Barbour’s great Heroines of WWII series! Set in Sweden in 1943, this story, featuring a Hollywood actress and a ton of spies, revolves around recovering missing top-secret atomic research that “if it falls into the wrong hands, could turn the dynamic of the entire war.” The historical aspect of the story is amazing—a brilliant blend of fact and fiction! The intriguing plot with some surprising twists and revelations kept me reading expectantly from the mysterious beginning to the satisfying ending! The compelling characters are diverse and relatable. I love the heroine Amelie and hero Finn and the way their romantic relationship develops. I appreciate the gentle faith tread woven throughout the story and especially highlighted in the northern lights scene. This is one of my favorite historical reads of the year, and I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Who better to play a spy than a movie star? Amelia is Swedish, so she knows Sweden. She’s sent to investigate Finn, a wealthy businessman suspected of Nazi leanings and who may have possession of a missing briefcase of atomic research.
Sweden was a hotbed of intrigue during WWII. Plenty of dubious characters keep Amelia guessing about what happened to the briefcase. A little too confusing maybe, requiring a lot of summary conversation to wrap up the story.
The author provides an overview of the research she included in the story. (Finn’s thought to be a huge fan of Amelia’s. After all, he purchased all her films. Were individuals able to buy their own copies of movies in the early 1940s?)
Perhaps the best part, though, is Amelia’s realization that while her plans and goals were destroyed, there is beauty among the ruins. We need to focus, not on our problems, but to look up.

Well-written WWII historical fiction with views that are appropriate for the time, for example how women in movies were portrayed. I haven’t read a WWII novel that plays in Sweden before and enjoyed getting a taste of what it must have been like during a time when they were neutral while many European countries were occupied by the nazis. The author sprinkles quite a few Swedish words throughout the book, giving it an authentic vibe. Add to that some historically accurate events such as the Danish fishermen helping the Jewish population escape to Sweden and you already have the ingredients for a good story. The main characters are very pleasant and you find yourself rooting for them. Quite a few different people are introduced in the early part of the book and any of them can be the “bad guy”. As the story progresses, you start to get a feel for some of the good guys, but the bad guys stay in the dark for a very long time. I love the imaginary way the author writes. “Cigarette smoke climbed to the rafters, leaving a darkened haze the ceiling lamps fought to push through.” It’s suspenseful, but won’t keep you from going to sleep. Thoroughly enjoyable tale. Very good choice for lovers of WWII, suspense or romance. Perfect for those who like all three!

Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. I was not required to leave a positive review and all opinions are my own.

Wow this was so good! This historical romance fulfilled my old Hollywood Glamor need and also my need for WWII nostalgia. I couldn't put it down.
I just reviewed The Starlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel. #TheStarletSpy #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

I really enjoyed this book! During WWII, a famous Actress, Amelie Blake, goes back to her home country of Sweden on a spy mission for the OSS. She is supposed to keep an eye on/not trust Finn Ristaffason because he could be a Nazi sympathizer. She is also tasked with finding missing research. Along the way she finds out who she can trust and who she can’t. As she searches, Finn figures out she is not the dumb blonde she acts like and they develop a friendship but can she really trust him?

Like I said, I really liked this book. This is my first book I’ve read by this author and I definitely need to read more. Her writing flows really well and keeps the story moving to where there are no dull moments and you want to find out what happens next. In the author notes she mentions that Amelie Blake was based on Greta Garbo, which I found fascinating. Actually all the authors notes were really interesting, especially since a lot of truth was included in the story. I loved the relationship between Amelie and Finn! They were so great together and the chemistry was just perfect. Absolutely love this book! Clean and highly recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Content: kisses, Murder

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

The Starlet Spy easily earns a strong five-star rating! I highly recommend this spectacular book to everyone who enjoys reading historical romance, historical fiction, or Christian fiction. The novel includes many genuine facts as well as entertaining details -- and storytelling at its finest.

Rachel Scott McDaniel includes historically accurate facts in her novels. The Starlet Spy contains the most of any of her novels. I am so glad she does this -- the result is a powerfully wonderful story.

From the stunning cover to the one-of-a-kind World War 2 characters to the multiple country settings to the Christian faith content, The Starlet Spy is a must read. Adventure, espionage, mystery, suspense, bravery, courage, humor, tenderness, love, and romance await readers from the first page to the last.

A few Scriptural truths are shared including the reminder that we should not focus on our problems but instead look up to our Creator and King. If God can ignite the heavens with aurora borealis, we can trust Him to light the darkness around us and to guide us on the straight and narrow path.

I received an eARC of The Starlet Spy from NetGalley, Rachel Scott McDaniel, and Barbour Fiction. I was not required to write a positive review or paid to do so. The words above are my honest review of this terrific book.

Within thirty days of The Starlet Spy’s publication date, 08.01.23, I will post this review to my blog, Goodreads, Amazon, Christianbook.com, Barnes & Noble, BookBub, BAM, etc.

#TheStarletSpy #NetGalley #BarbourFiction #BarbourPublishing

“‘Information can be twisted…. But truth? Truth will always rise from lies.’”
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Sweden & spies? Say no more, I’m sold!

As I’ve read very few books set within the Scandinavian countries, finding one—with spies & espionage, no less!—was incredibly satisfying, and my mystery-loving heart was thrilled by this adventure!

A few of my favourite things that I just have to mention:
✨ the special weapons — my inner nerd was enthralled over fountain pens that squirt cyanide & lockpicks hidden in hairbrushes
✨ Amelie giving Finn a “smiling lesson” 😂
✨ dancing on the beach
✨ the northern lights scene
✨ the sheer amount of history included—I learned so much!

The plot moves quickly, and I was thoroughly invested. (And more than a little nervous, haha.) There were so many pieces to fit together & the underlying question of who to trust, yet it all comes together in a heart-pumping finale. All my hunches were completely off, and I was outsmarted on every level. But somehow I’m not mad about it. Just trust me when I say it’s brilliant. 😂

And the characters were lovely! Amelie has only been seen for what people want to see in her. Finn—our stoic with a heart of gold—is the one who unravels to pieces to see the real heart underneath the façade of the blonde actress, who is far smarter than anyone gives her credit for. Plus, they’re adorable together!

This book was an absolute stunner!


*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Rachel Scott McDaniel employs her considerable writing skills and presents readers with an enthralling WWII novel, a first for her. The action of "The Starlet Spy" takes place in neutral Sweden, a somewhat unconventional location.

Using her acting talent to considerable effect, Amelie Blake becomes a spy underneath her blonde bimbo persona, with occasional humorous results. Finn Ristaffason is her primary target, yet a lovely romance blooms.

This fast-paced read is full of red herrings. Many people fall under suspicion, yet only a few are truly guilty. Good or bad, all characters are well-developed. While entirely off-screen, Niels Bohr plays an initial part. And while everyone knows of Hitler's atrocities, this book offers a unique perspective of Germany's methods of acquiring needed materials.

There is fiction and a lot of fact in this beautifully written novel. Rachel Scott McDaniel is a gifted wordsmith. Plus, the ending is supremely romantic. I look forward to reading more of her work. This is part of a series, and although I've only read one other installment, I shall read the others.

Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an ARC of this outstanding tale.

Swedish movie star Amelie Blake is recruited by the OSS to return to her homeland and her close to a man suspected to have Nazi ties with the goal of finding stolen scientific notes and keeping them from Nazi hands. She plays the role of a dumb blond while her wit and powers observations are anything but. In the process, she starts to fall in love with the man in question. Who can she trust?
Love this book! Amelie has a hilarious wit, and she's smart but not infallible. I love her banter with Finn. Lots of twists and turns and tons of excitement! She does use some words that I'm not sure were used back then (i.e. phone instead of telephone and car instead of automobile). And describing kisses as "thorough" is a little TMI to me. But this is a really great book with an awesome plot and colorful characters! Grateful to receive an ARC through Net Galley.

Also, I'd LOVE to see Axel and Elias get their own stories!

One of my favorite parts of this book was the author's note at the back, where we learn that it's based on a true story and she derives fact from fiction. Set against a backdrop of WW2 Sweden, we have Finn and Amelie, two protagonists who are both good at acting, and a cast of characters interwoven in a spy novel where almost nothing is at it seems to be. When you get to the end, you'll want to reread some parts, looking for the clues dropped along the way...

A delightful historical novel with glamor and horror in equal doses. Heroism, defiance, and struggle in the face of injustice.

The Starlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel views World War II spy operative working in Sweden who happens to be a Hollywood starlet. The story opens with a view of Amelie Blake working on her latest movie. Then readers are taken for a ride as they will view who she actually is and then have her return home to Sweden to try to capture a traitor to the American people. There is plenty of action and hunting for clues throughout the story. Even moments where Amelie has to use her acting skills in order to infiltrate the enemy lines. A nice scene with a pool table. As for the characters, Amelie and Finn, Amelie was definitely more relatable and defined. Readers will empathize with her plight to come up from the ashes to make a name for herself. Whereas, on the other hand, Finn comes from a lot of money, and he does not really change for the better or worse throughout the story. Romance blossoms between the two, but personally, I did not buy it. It seemed to be there as a plot device. Not any swooning or real sparks flying. Overall, The Starlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel promised what would be a glorious novel with a Hollywood Starlet during World War II. It was a nicely handled intriguing novel.

I received a complimentary copy of The Starlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

First I loved the author's notes, so much fact is built into this book, and the author tells us which is really true, and there is quite a bit!

This is the story of a movie actress, she comes from Sweden and is making movies in Hollywood, all to help her Mom. We travel with her as she is asked to help in the war effort. Of course, Amelie does, and we walk with her as she encounters danger, and maybe some sweet romance, all the while trying to thwart the evil that has invaded Europe. While her country is neutral, there is a lot going on here, and some people appear to be helping the enemy, but whom?

There are a lot of twists and surprises, yes, I was surprised by whom was involved, and some that I thought were! I was quickly page turning for answers!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a historical fiction set in WWII in Sweden with the premise of a movie star as a spy. I loved this read as it was quick, easy, cl an, and the characters were so likeable! Amelie is a fantastic heroine who thinks on her feet!!! I will read more by this author.