I was enchanted by Ciesielski's story of two diverse sisters struggling during the Nazi occupation of Paris during WWII. Readers will enjoy her descriptive prose and attention to historical detail.

Although the writing was smooth, I kept stumbling over the lack of believability of many plot points. A Scot passing as a bar owner in occupied Paris (of course he wouldn't come under suspicion!)? A barely legal daughter with no espionage background sent to, again, occupied Paris to fetch her sister by their FATHER?? That crazy ending?

Writing quality: 5 stars
Characters: 3 stars (villains are cardboard cutouts for the most part)
Historical background: 4 stars
Plot: 2.5 stars

Overall, this is a fun read if you're not bothered by whether things make sense or not and simply enjoy the ride.
I received an ARC of The Socialite from Thomas Nelson Publishing via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review & opinions expressed are my own. Disclosed per FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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.

The Socialite is a novel full of rich historical facts set during world war II. Readers follow two aristocrat sisters who were definitely naïve. It was interesting as Kat’s character develop as she was faced with a harsher world than she knew existed. It was definitely a well written book. While The Socialite didn’t necessarily keep my attention, I will be checking out her other books. Although it is labeled Christian fiction, there is no mention of God or anything Christian which is disappointing from a Christian publisher. Those who like historical fiction will find good content. I received a complementary copy of this book from Net Galley.

English socialite Kat needs to bring her sister home, but Ellie has become accustomed to a lavish lifestyle in Nazi-occupied Paris, thanks to her Nazi boyfriend, and has no intention of leaving. Scottish bar owner Barrett Anderson is working to undermine the tyranny in the city, and as it turns out, becoming entangled in Kat’s dilemma could prove beneficial. As the pair navigates the complicated circumstances, nothing is certain—and danger never feels too far behind.

J’nell Ciesielski’s The Socialite offers a fascinating look into the experience of Nazi-occupied Paris. A vividly described setting sets the story up to be quite atmospheric, while the characters—their personalities, their emotions, their choices (and romance!)—feel authentic. From beginning to end, The Socialite proves captivating, and I so enjoyed it. Historical readers, definitely pick up this book.

I was intrigued by the premise of this book because I have read numerous fictional novels about the resistance fighters of WWII, but it was interesting to get a glimpse into the glamorous lifestyle of the Nazi officers. The characters are captivating and their stories are interesting, making it easy to want to keep reading to explore them further. I like how they grow and change and particularly how Kat develops courage and determination during the story. I thought the author did a good job of creating a fictional story that seemed real to me, like it could have actually happened during that time period. The history is well researched and incorporated! Portions of the middle of the book were a little slow and I didn’t love Ellie’s character, but I think this story is well written and worth the read. I recommend it to those who love historical fiction!

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Graced with a sleek cover, this novel seemed interesting. I found the atmosphere of the time was well rendered. I’m not sure why the sentences in French were not really correct, but it might (sometimes) be on purpose. I was not really convinced by the female characters, especially Ellie whom I found very irritating. She comes across as too naive and frivolous given everything that’s going on around her. In general, it would’ve been an OK read if I had taken to the general plot. But I didn’t really get into it.

I'm always amazed at the different approaches various authors bring to one topic. I'm a huge fan of World War II fiction and I don't think I've ever come across a novel with this unique approach -- the war, in occupied France no less, from the perspective of the upper class. Displaced English socialites who get an up close and personal look at life among the Nazi elite in Paris. Fascinating and chilling.

Kat, an English socialite, needs to save her sister from the Nazis. This involves some espionage work! The sisters are daughters of Sir Alfred Whitford, and Kat has a certain set of responsibilities to him but trying to rescue Ellie from Paris was not in the plan. Ellie loves her life in Paris and refuses to leave and go back to a life dictated by her parents. Kat befriends Barrett who trains the Resistance fighters. He is willing to help for a price! Can Kat trust him?

I LOVED THIS BOOK. The characters were engaging, the plot moved quick but interestingly, and there were plenty of surprises along the way. Fantastic book overall. My library has already bought a copy for our collection because of my reccomendation!

Thanks Netgalley and the author for the complimentary copy of this book!

What do you do if you are sent behind enemy lines to retrieve your sister and she is living with the enemy? J'nell Ciesielski ask just such a question in this little bit different WWII novel. She lets the reader wonder if it would be worth trying to rescue someone who does not want to be rescued. How do you rescue someone like that?
I enjoyed the book because it was full of intrigued and twist and turns. Just when I thought it was going okay, Ciesielski would add a bit more to the story to make sure you were not confident that everything was going to be okay.
Recommended reading for any WWII fans.

I'm addicted to WWII historical fiction, so I was very excited to receive a copy of The Socialite by J'nell Ciesielski. This book has everything I love about this genre: a strong female character, danger, espionage, suspense and a bit of romance. I found myself unable to put this book down, and it was truly a page turner as I followed the characters through dangerous twists and turns.

It is 1940 and British socialite is Katherine ‘Kat’ Whitford is determined to bring her sister, Ellie, safely back home to England. At this time, France is occupied with Nazis. Ellie has run away and is now dating a Nazi officer and working as a social secretary for the Nazi regime. Kat is disgusted with Nazis party and aware of the danger her sister is in, but has to hide that while she tries to persuade her sister to leave with her. Helping Kat in her mission to bring Ellie home, is Barrett Anderson who owns a local club, but is also part of the French Resistance, and unbeknownst to Kat was hired by her father to bring both sisters back home.

From here, The Socialite is jam-packed with page turning action, suspense, romance, and more than a few surprises. I loved the scenery and vivid prose; the author did a wonderful job illustrating the opulence granted to the Nazis in stark contrast to the harsh living conditions of the oppressed civilians. I was up reading late into the night as I connected with the characters and their dangerous journey. The writing was excellent, especially the witty dialogue. I thoroughly enjoying J’nell's latest novel. If you are a historical fiction junkie like myself or even a lover of romance books, I'm sure this story will appeal to you! You will connect with the characters, worry about them and cheer for them.

If you enjoyed reading The Alice Network, this book will appeal to you!

This was my first time reading a J'nell Ciesielski book, and I know for a fact it will not be my last!

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Harlequin Books for the copy of this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I've read one other novel by J'nell Cieselski, but this is her first published by Thomas Nelson. What I remember from her last one was a smart and spunky heroine who gets involved with an unconventional hero during WWI.

The Socialite is set in 1940 in the midst of occupied Paris, and delivers another smart and sophisticated heroine who gets thrown into the midst of the war. This time though, its not by her own choice. Her sole intention is to find her sister and bring her home, but soon learns that's not going to be an easy matter when she discovers Ellie has become the mistress to a Nazi officer and Barrett Anderson (literally) crashes into her life.

Chaos ensues providing an engaging read with espionage, the Underground Resistance and the characters having to navigate an increasingly dangerous set of circumstances as well as their burgeoning attraction.
At one point the sister get invited to Hitler's country retreat, meeting him and most of the German High Command. Having to hide your true feelings and intent in the heart of the dragon's lair is no easy task.

The Socialite presents a realistic view of the war, the sacrifices people had to make, but also the incredible courage involved. It also caries some interesting themes about how people have to veil the truth in the midst of evil, and sometimes make compromises in order to survive.

Its not all a serious war story though. There's banter aplenty between Kat and Barrett, as well as her sister and her boyfriend. Kat's internal monologue provide some of the best humorous interludes.
The characters also grow in a genuine way: its not just something we're told but can actually see.

I gave a lower rating for a few reasons. One was that there were a few things that came over as a little cliched or not entirely credible, second was that the story got a bit bogged down in its own complexity at times.

Finally, the Americanisms kind of got to me, coming from both the British and German characters. I know they have to make it understandable for the American audience, but I sometimes wonder, is it so hard to learn some words for things used in Europe? Rather then having European characters use terms and phrases that, honestly, make them less credible.

I could not really get past the reference to Kat's father being in a 'pushchair' at the end. That's a wheelchair surely? A 'pushchair' in Britain basically means one of those pram type efforts that babies and toddlers sit in..

Recommended for anyone who likes Historical Novels with strong female leads, or World War 2 fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Come see how far a sister’s love can go in this book full of glamour, intrigue and romance. @jnellciesielski latest release by @tnzfiction is a memorable account of brave people trying to survive in a city taken over by the enemy. The historical research was impeccable! And the character endearing! It was interesting to see a story told from people that lived within the Nazi community.

Kat has come to Nazi-occupied Paris to rescue her sister Ellie, who is in a relationship with a Nazi. Ellie has a glamorous life in Paris, with fine clothing and parties with like-minded friends. She really doesn’t think about what all of that glitz and fun means for her family and to other people. Kat is afraid for her sister, who has always been a bit of a wild card and does not like being told what to do. Ellie does not want to go back home. Kat ends up getting help from a local bar owner named Barrett Anderson who secretly works as part of the Resistance. Unbeknownst to either sister, Barrett has been keeping an eye on them both.

My favorite part of this story is the sister relationship. Kat and Ellie are so different, but they are family. Their relationship reminds me of my own with my sisters, except for the whole Nazi part. The writing is lovely and it was easy to be transported to Paris in 1941. I enjoyed the relationships in the story, particularly that of Kat and Barrett, which develops into a romantic relationship. I felt a ton of suspense with Kat working for the Resistance. There was so much danger involved. And I do not blame Kat one bit for risking her life in trying to save her sister.

The Socialite is suspenseful and dangerous with a great romance and wonderful sisterly bond.

<i>I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you, Thomas Nelson!</i>

This was my first book by J’nell Ciesielski and I couldn't have been more impressed! I haven't read a lot of historical fiction, but I've read a handful from both adult fiction and young adult fiction genres and I would have to say that The Socialite falls in my top three favorite historical fiction novels of all time.

Kat was a very well-developed main character who was extremely relatable to the reader which is one of the most important things in my opinion. Her sister Ellie though annoying at times (and intentionally written to be this way, I assume) was also very well thought out and added to the sister dynamic of real-world relationships. Totally reminded me of me and my sister’s bickering and how we both look up to, respect, and turn to one another in a time of need. The plot of Ellie having a Nazi boyfriend was intriguing from the start. I was completely hooked and needed to know just who this guy was and was he good or bad… and well, you’ll get your answer and it will leave your jaw open like mine was, I’m sure.

I think that the author did an excellent job of portraying how love really does blind people throughout her book. Barrett Anderson is probably one of my new favorite book boyfriends. This book played out like a movie in mind and I couldn’t stop reading and obsessing over it! I don't think that I could find a single person who doesn't like historical fiction novels that would not love this book I highly recommend this one too readers of all ages who love World War Two history and to see that love shines even in the darkest of times. Ciesielski is definitely an auto-buy author for me now!

The Socialite by J'nell Ciesielski is a tale of two sisters in war torn France during WWII.

Kat and Ellie are daughters of Britain's prominent man and their life is not their own. They are expected to follow many rules and do as their parents think best.
Ellie is a rebel who runs away to France and gets into relationship with one of the highest Nazi officers leading the life of privileged few.
Kat runs after her to bring her back home. There they meet Barret who is training resistance members while posing as a bar owner. He is tasked with saving two sisters but also has a job to unearth needed secret information for the Crown.

The most memorable thing for me was that overwhelming feeling of fear and dread during the Nazi occupation. The author did a masterful job portraying life and horror of what was going on in the world at that time. I was at the edge of my seat waiting for the ax to fall.
Another thing was how silly, stupid and idiotic Ellie was. She considers herself a wise woman of the world but is spectacularly ignorant and unable to see what is going on in front of her eyes and realize that seriousness of the situation she put herself in. I really had a hard time trying to understand things that she did.
Nice set of characters, some of them very likable and some really horrid but realistically portrayed.
This book has it all, love, romance, spies, espionage, danger. A great historical novel.

The Socialite was such a great story, I had a hard time putting the book down! Set in Paris during WW2 the story is much different than any others I have read. I really liked the characters and the many twists throughout the story. A good read and will suggest this book to others!!

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 NetGalley and Celebrate Lit. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

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.