What an engaging read! This book had me hooked from it’s surprising first line. I loved the setting of Nazi-occupied France—I can’t recall reading a book with this setting before, and it was expertly rendered in both its elegance and its affliction—and I loved the tension created by Kat’s sister being in a relationship with a high-ranking Nazi officer. There was a lot of potential for both Ellie and Eric (her boyfriend) to be clichéd or caricatured, but there were complexities to their personalities and their relationship that gave them dimension, even provided some glimpses of humanity in the case of Eric. Just glimpses, mind you!

Barrett and Kat were vibrant characters and their dialogue was fantastic. Banter is like catnip to me, whether it be trading quips, witticisms, or barbs, or simply an invigorating back and forth exchange. I think there was probably a bit of everything here! And the plot was intriguing, the tension stretching throughout the novel with Barrett and Kit having to downplay their anti-Nazi sentiments for the sake of their overall objectives—first and foremost, getting Ellie to leave her Nazi lover and return safely to England.

There’s plenty of romantic tension and chemistry between Barrett and Kit, but I did feel the angst was a little overdone at the end. Some of this angst was driven by an unlikely coincidence, which pulled me out of the story a little—as though I could suddenly see the author’s hand in the story—and while the final scene certainly had dramatic flair, I couldn’t quite swallow it whole. It, too, felt a little staged.

Nevertheless, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read overall—sophisticated, yet gritty, and flouting danger with every turn of the page.

What a great book. I love books set in World War II. I can’t even imagine being surrounded by Nazis and pretending you agree with them. Their complete hatred for the Jews and anyone that isn’t like them is sickening.

Kat has no idea what she is getting into when she goes to Paris and soon she discovers she is stronger then she ever gave herself credit for. Her sister seems pretty clueless and totally immature and selfish, but as the book goes on we see cracks in those traits.

I couldn’t wait to see how they would get out of Paris, what would the future look like once they got out?

Overall, a very good book full of tension, questions and romance.


A copy of this book was given given to me by the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

The Socialite is a very intriguing Historical Fiction book that centers on the lives of two sisters. Ellie, the youngest sister, trifles with danger when she leaves England and falls in love with a Nazi official, in occupied France. It is the wealth, splendor, and ‘forbidden love’ that she romanticizes that puts her in unimaginable danger and bewitches her to believe an irreality. That is when Kat is sent by her father to go ‘rescue’ her younger sister to France. Kat knows that rebuking her sister and trying to straight forward convince her to come home with her, won’t work. So Kat has to be as tactful and careful to act and fit her surroundings. Become another English Socialite girl in the midst of a world war on enemy territory. There, she meets a mysterious young man, a hidden rebellion, and a secret plan to bring down German rule in France. 🇫🇷 Vive la France!! *cheers*

Oh I had so much fun writing that little summary lol. My french wanted to start pouring and I couldnt help but insert a little bit at the end 🥰.

Well, this book was nicely written. The plot was very interesting and I feel the descriptions were very well done. I really liked the story idea, especially the sister part. I don’t know how Kat stayed so composed all the time, and sometimes it irked me, because if I would have been her I would have grabbed my sister by the hair dragged her with me to the other side of the world lol. (Yeah, I would have propbably been the worst person to choose to bring my enamoured younger sister back home *chuckles*)

The pacing may have been a little to slow for my taste, but I know historical fictions sometimes take their time to develop the story, so I won’t take points because of that. It was interesting to submerge in a time period that explored different world views and cultures in an alien place to the characters. The story was very intense but at the same time sweet and filled with hope and faith. I would recommend this book if you like sweet, clean, historical fiction, and have a love for sisterly centered plots.

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.

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.

The Socialite by J’nell Ciesielski has left me rather speechless. This book is an edge-of-your-seat kind of good. I think for about 89% of this story I was terrified. Ciesielski is a master storyteller adept at writing just that right level of detail that makes the reader’s imagination explode. I’ve read a ton of novels set during WWII so I know what atrocities occurred in the occupied territories across Europe, but this book takes things to a whole new level. There’s outwitting and fighting Nazi soldiers and officers, but there is also having tea and dinner with Hitler! I have never been so terrified for fictional characters in all my life. The tense action in this story is remarkable in that it NEVER seems to stop. I found it rather difficult to catch my breath while I was reading. I absolutely loved this story. The characters are excellently crafted. The plot is highly engaging and fast-paced. The romance builds perfectly. The research so clearly well done. But it’s the absolute terror and suspense that captivated me and made this book one I read well into the night.

The Socialite is rich in timely themes; there really is so much to discuss in this story. But the idea that resonated with me the most is the notion of our work here on earth. It is VERY easy to look at someone else and see their work as better than ours and then feel less than. In the New Testament, Paul often talks about the body of Christ and how we all have our part to play. He also makes it clear that there is no small part. I get that in theory, but in reality, it is sometimes hard to see what I do as something meaningful when compared to others. Kat Whitford, the heroine of The Socialite, feels the same. When there are men fighting on a battlefield against Hitler and his murderous minions, when there are spies playing deadly and severely dangerous games in the hopes of eliciting the right kind of information from their enemy, and when there are resistance fighters sacrificing their lives to bring freedom to the world, being the pampered daughter of a very wealthy British aristocrat feels pretty worthless in comparison. So Kat goes behind enemy lines in order to do what she can — attend the parties and such of the wealthy and elite Nazis to extract not just her errant sister who has fallen in love with one such Nazi but to extract as much information as she possibly can.

There is a very frank conversation between Barrett and Kat where he sets her straight. Everyone has usefulness. Just because she was born into a family with power, wealth, and connections doesn’t mean the only path for her is one of selfishness, luxury, and parties. Yes, Barrett is an operative for British intelligence. He works with resistance fighters preparing them to fight Nazis and Hitler. Yes, he can pretty much save the day. BUT Kat can do things that he cannot, and those things add up to getting all the way to the top — to Hitler himself. It takes a while for Kat to come to terms with her own value. At first she is hesitant to believe Barrett because her skills allow her into places where she can have the best clothes, food, and accommodations. To her, it’s guilt-inducing that she can eat the best of foods, yet all of France is in a shortage because of Hitler. But once Barrett’s words sink in, and Kat sees what she truly is capable of, does she understand the woman God made her to be in order to help win the war against evil. Even though it seems like a small part, there really are no small parts when fighting against the workings of a devil. This is really good for me to keep in mind when I find myself falling into the “doubt-myself” trap. We are all Esthers — here for such a time as this, and God doesn’t make mistakes.

The Socialite by J’nell Ciesielski is a novel I will not soon forget. Filled with characters that are unique and full of depth, a plot that doesn’t seem to ever let up, and themes that are timely for today’s world, I can say with 100% surety that The Socialite is a novel you do not want to miss.

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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.

This book will sweep you away to Paris in the middle of WWII. Kat & Ellie are two sisters who are caught in the middle of all the excitement. Kat is determined to rescue her stubborn sister (who thinks herself in love with a Nazi soldier) and take her home to England. Ellie is equally determined to make her own choices, none of which include returning home while she's living the high life in Paris.

I think Kat is my favorite character. She's the older sister, and she feels responsible to get her younger sister to safety. Unfortunately, Ellie doesn't really want to be rescued because she thinks she's found her true love in Eric, a high ranking Nazi. And then there's also Kat's love life, or lack thereof. She's attracted to Barrett. But she's not sure about anything relating to love, because of where she's at, you know, caught in the middle of the war with Germany....so all of this romance is very intriguing.

This story is about sisters, family issues, and more. The 1940s came to life before my very eyes.

Can you imagine going to a party where Hitler is in attendance? Gazing into his very eyes? Mingling with Nazis? Pretending to be in agreement with all they stand for? This is what Kat has to play at, while she tries to convince her sister to leave her lover, to escape to a safer place. But Eric is just as determined that Ellie will never leave.

Ms. Ciesielski does a superb job at showing us how the upper class lived in those days, how they dressed, what they wore, and more.

This story is filled with rich settings, delightful characters, intrigue, danger, and the horrors of that terrible war. All of these are just so beautifully portrayed in these pages. I found this to be very intriguing, and rather an eye opener. The horrors of WWII are not ones we want to read about, but rather what we must read to be aware of what happened in the past, so as to never repeat those same terrible events again.


Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

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.

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

Gorgeous evening gowns. Sparking jewels. Flowing champagne. And high-ranking German officers. The Socialite is an exquisite and dangerous tour of occupied France during World War II. The high-risk tension of the story is present from the first page, as Kat enters the den of lions in hopes of saving her sister. But as Kat chooses to step into the world of espionage to help the Resistance in their fight, her goals and perspective change.
Kat is an amazing woman and yet still realistic. Despite the overwhelming fear of being constantly surrounded by the enemy, Kat had an amazing knack for keeping her cool and brandishing her courage and strength. I found myself rooting for her from the very beginning.
Barrett is a complex and private man, but his loyalty to the people under his protection belies his true heart. It may take a while to warm up to him, but he is worth getting to know. I love his witty banter with Kat, and his insistence on making her see the best parts of herself.
As with other stories about this period in history, it can be difficult to read the cruelty and evil that abounded through the land, destroying people’s lives and entire cultures. But it is important for younger generations to remember what happened, even if it is within the work of fiction.
The Socialite was a stellar read for me. There was more than once my heart pounded hard alongside Kat’s as she stared evil in the face. Any fan of historical fiction, will enjoy the fast-paced, nail-biting thrill of The Socialite.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Whenever you mix romance and World War Two you can get a audience.But put the setting in Paris and you have a hit.The main characters are well developed and #Jnell Ciesieielski will make you wish for that love.💜

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.

Oh, that I would be as bold in the face of evil.

There are books that make us feel satisfied with the ending and the overall feeling of the story. Warm, fuzzy emotions flood us as the characters evolve with the events around them. Sadly, we never think about the story again once we leave the raving review. It made us feel good, but it didn’t impact us.

That cannot be said of The Socialite.

Let me try to unpack this for you without giving anything away because I think there are things we need to stop and look at.

Those of us who have siblings know all to well how they can drive each other crazy. Each person has their own personality and it is bound to irritate the other(s). J’Nell does a marvelous job portraying the differences and complexities of the Whitford sisters. Their individual quirks and habits annoy the other sister but neither of them can imagine life without the other in it. Their love and dedication are as reliable as their frustrations. When they work together, they are force to reckoned with. They look at challenges differently but face them head on and together.

Barrett, oh wow! He is complex and raw and rugged. His mannerisms might be a turn off at first, but once you get to know him, you will understand why. I liked this guy. A man’s man but only because he doesn’t know how to be transparent. His history pulled at my heart stings while at times I wanted to slap some sense into his think scull. The fact that he is willing to do what ever it takes to get these two women home safely is commendable, but the heart of the hero is a little battered.

Kat is a young women who has no idea how valued she really is. In a world that still viewed women as show pieces, she felt like she was the first draft of a masterpiece. Despite her feelings about herself, she does the unthinkable and sneaks into Nazi occupied Paris to pull her sister from the party’s clutches. I loved her boldness as she starred into the eyes of “the devil himself” and wouldn’t let his scare tactics shake her, until later. She may have said she didn’t need a man to rescue her, but I would say that she appreciated his help. Kat and Barrett kept each other grounded as they moved about in the glittering hell.

Now, to the part that sapped all warm and fuzzy for me, and not in an entirely bad way.

The Nazi’s were evil incarnate and J’Nell displayed it thoroughly. The history, the visual descriptions, the hate—it all just oozed from the pages. There were moments that I cried because I know how real this was. J’Nell did such a wonderful job that even I wanted to reach through the pages and do something unthinkable to Eric or Hitler.

I could not put this story down. There wasn’t a meal to cook or a show to watch that was more important than binge reading this story. This book held me captive and I have no regret. Thank goodness it was Mother’s Day weekend. It would be well worth the investment to have a copy of your own, maybe a paperback so you can share it. There were some amazing things to think about, but I don’t want to give it all away. Lol. Just pick up a copy, you’ll see why.

**I was given a copy of this book from the publisher through CelebrateLit Publicity so that I can give my honest opinion. A raving review was not required.

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 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.

I am a huge fan of historical fiction, especially WWII stories, but this book was just okay. It certainly wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. Solid 3 stars.

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.

Take a socialite from England, transplant her into the lair of a Nazi 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.

The Socialite is full of a cast of characters that transports the reader to World War II Paris. English socialite Ellie blindingly devoted to Nazi officer Eric, and Kat is tasked by their father to "rescue" her sister from the German occupied city. But with Ellie unwilling to be rescued, the rugged Scottish Barrett is secretly hired by the girls' father to help Kat and her sister return to their English life of gentility. Each flawed yet personable character takes us on a range of emotions of sympathy to outright rage to heartfelt swoons. J'nell Ciesielski invites us to share in a 3D romance amidst the well researched war where no one is safe.

To what lengths would you go to rescue your family when they are traveling down a dangerous path?

I love reading historical fiction set during WWII and even more so since traveling to Europe myself. Ciesielski brings Paris alive during this time period as Kat travels there in an attempt to "rescue" her sister Ellie, who is dating a Nazi officer. The added suspense to the typical historical fiction novel is one of my favorite to read and the plot in "The Socialite" does not disappoint. I found myself unable to put this down.

Does Kat succeed in bringing Ellie home? You'll have to read to find out!

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this and give my honest opinion!