There were bits of this book that I really liked. Some of the scenes highlighting the contrast between the lives of the Nazi leaders compared to occupied France were vivid and atmospheric. The writer captures the uncomfortable atmosphere of a dinner party with Hitler wonderfully.</p>

My problem with the book is that I didn't really warm to any of the characters. Ellie is particularly selfish - I found it hard to believe that anyone who was living in Paris and having an affair with a married Nazi soldier would be so naive about the horrors of the regime and the true nature of her lover. She shows a remarkable ability to ignore things she does not like in return for material wealth.</p>

Kat is more likeable and resilient than her sister. Her relationship with Barrett develops nicely but I must admit that they found the ending of their story unrealistic (no spoilers, but I would be interested to see what other readers think about that). Barrett's back story and the revelations about his mother were a little too unrealistic and coincidental for me.

This was probably more romantic than most of the historical fiction I normally read. But there was lots of historical detail to recreate occupied France and lots of action to keep up the pace in the second half of the book.

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the advanced copy of the book in return for an honest review.

This book was so good!
I loved how well paced it was and I loved the development between the two main characters.
The banter and verbal sparring was so entertaining. Kat and Barrett couldn't be more different from each other, but they made such a great team. And I really liked how the author wove the danger of being in Nazi occupied France into the story. The whole situation with the sister was disturbing but very authentic in what happened during that time.
And this author can write some tension!! I love the tension. LOVED the kisses too ;) I am definitely coming back to this author for more!
I felt like the immersion into the resistance was a bit quicker than what would have actually happened, and sometimes the transitions between scenes happened abruptly, but I got used to this style as I kept reading. Great romance! Just an all around entertaining, great read!

Having been to France and lived in Paris, this book was intriguing and truly came to life. The history, the family bonds, the mystery and the drama of this story kept me reading long after dark. I enjoyed this author and hope to read more!

I was looking forward to reading this. While it is well written and vividly detailed, I did find it a bit predictable and formulaic, and, sadly, this book had more of a (cliched) romance angle than I'd hoped. I didn't connect as much with the characters as I did in the author's prior book. I found it hard to care about them, in general. And, I never really understood why the sisters were in Paris. It would've made more sense for the book to have used less American wording of things, as the characters weren't American. I know it's a work of fiction, but some parts just seemed a bit too unbelievable, and I had a hard time getting past that.

Paris is a dangerous place, and Kat finds herself playing a dangerous game in the middle of it. Her determination to save her misguided sister sets the tone for the book. I always love a book that has plot twists, and this one has some that kept me reading. I loved the description of Paris during this period of history and felt as if I were walking those streets. Kat and Barrette are outstanding characters, and give this story its spark. This author’s writing style is amazing and I will be watching for other books from her.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

We all know that we are not supposed to judge a book by it's cover, but I must admit it was the cover that first drew me to this story... it was absolutely breathtaking. Upon reading the description and seeing who the publisher was, I knew that I had to add it to my to read list.

I must admit, The Socialite was not quite what I was expecting! Coming from Thomas Nelson, I expected it to be Christian fiction as is their normal. I really didn't see any Christian content at all in the story. That's not a bad thing, but if you pick up the book with that in mind, it's certainly something to remember. Despite that, it is still a fairly clean read... though perhaps not squeaky clean. There is talk of an affair, a visit to a brothel, and some pretty passionate kissing--- though nothing goes into great detail. There are also a few unsavory terms used towards the end as well. Again, I would still personally consider it clean... but certainly not what one might expect from this publisher, and therefor worth noting.

All that said, I still very much enjoyed this story. It had a great mix of drama, romance and action all in one. The action wasn't always the high paced action... but it was in those slower moments when you never knew quite what to expect that it kept me in it's grasp. I couldn't put it down, wanting to see what would happen to these sisters in the end. I always love a story that really allows me to picture exactly what is going on, and I felt like the descriptions in this one very much put me right in that time and place.

Overall, a really intriguing read and one that fans of historical romance--- and particularly those set during WWII--- are certainly going to want to add to their reading list.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

J'nell Ciesielski takes readers behind enemy lines in 'The Socialite.' Ellie Whitford forgoes her aristocratic status to embrace a Parisian lifestyle. To her family's horror, she's a kept woman by a Nazis major and a pawn between English and enemy lines.

Her father sends Kat, his eldest daughter to retrieve Ellie before she's swept away by the regime's charade. As the christened steadfast daughter, Kat travels to Paris to do his bidding. What she doesn't know, is that her father employed Barrett Anderson to watch over and bring them home safely.

During a disastrous meet cute glance, Kat and Barnett hated each other but banded together to save Ellie. As an English socialite and Ellie's sister, Kat's awarded pedigree status by the Nazis. Shrouded as her suitor, Barrett and Kat infiltrate the system for the to save her sister and arm the Resistance.

I was awarded an early read by #NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Despite a slow start, I was soon swept away by the story. Ciesielski crafts a novel that's full of daring escapades, heart and love that transcends class and circumstances.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this. I will be posting a full review to Goodreads, Amazon, and Instagram.

This book will capture you attention whole-heartedly from the first page....and will not let go until you read the final page. A beautifully, well written story. Give yourself the gift of savoring this novel. Five Stars!

Be swept into dangerous Paris on the arms of a pair of British socialites: one of whom is involved with a Nazi officer and the other who is trying to get her sister out of Paris. Throw in a Scotsman who is there to make sure neither of them gets killed and it's a twist on occupied France. The romance sizzled. The action took the trio all over Europe as the Nazi flag hung from occupied countries. An engrossing read for those who love WWII novels.

Kat Whitford lands in Nazi-Occupied Paris to persuade her younger sister Ellie to come back home. But when she sees how her sister is living and who she is hobnobbing with she doesn’t think she has a chance. Ellie has grown accustom to a luxurious lifestyle her handsome Nazi soldier boyfriend provides. This may slow her down, but she’s determined to do what it takes to get her sister to safety. Ellie didn’t realize the life-threatening situation she was in.

Ellie was the bell of the ball who created beautiful parties and knew who to invite making sure all had a good time. Barrett Anderson walks on the scene crashing one of Ellie’s parties. No one seems to notice but Kata. Their meeting was unexpected. Where did this man come from? Can he be trusted? Whose team was he on? Kat wasn’t going to let any man distract her of the mission at hand.

This author takes readers to these parties and introduces them to some surprise guests, I didn’t see meeting in this novel. It made things fun, interesting and suspenseful. I liked the characters and felt for their situations. I liked how the author masterfully weaves in the thread about “family, love and doing the right thing no matter the cost. It’s then you can live with yourself.”

You never know what you will and/or are capable of doing when your life and those of loved ones are in danger. I enjoyed the authentic love story woven in and the satisfying ending. This is the first WWII novel I’ve read that takes place with the upper socialites of the war. This is one that would work well for a book club pick. The author has included discussion questions for you. This is the first novel I’ve read by this author it won’t be the last.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary 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 www.psalm516.blogspot.com

This book was definitely not what I was expecting but I was so happy with it! It grabbed my attention right from the start and I love that character Kat. She is such a true to life character and I saw so much of myself in same of her actions. I loved how bold and fearless she is with all the trouble her little sister causes. And Barrett what a wonderful strong male character for Kat to spar with and eventually fall head over heels for. Such wonderful characters set in the backdrop of Nazi occupied Paris. Who go undercover in a way and luckily come out alive. Definitely 5 stars from me.

The Socialite by J'nell Ciesielski is a fast-paced well-written historical fiction that sweeps you away to another time another place. You will emerge yourself into this place in time. The characters are vivid, realistic, and relatable. They tell a story of love, heartbreak, and determination. A beautifully written story with witty dialogue and a touch of romance.

Kathleen Whitford is sent to Paris by her father to bring her runaway sister home
Kathleen is not happy about this journey but has no choice to do as her father says. When she arrives she finds her sister, Ellie, living very happily with a high ranking Nazi officer and she refuses to leave.
Katheleen finds assistance in nightclub owner, Barret Anderson as they try to persuade Ellis to come home.
I do not usually care for romance, but, this was well done and fit very well with the story in my opinion. A fast read, I finished in one day. Well done.
Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Publishers and J'nell Ciesielski for the opportunity to read this book for a fair review.

Another World War Two novel...yes! This novel is a well written treat for any historical fiction lover.  Interesting characters, tastefully done romance, and a storyline that keeps one turning the pages makes this a 5 star read! I almost didn't read it because, well, another World War Two novel...but I am glad I did.

When I chose this I didn't realize it was "romance." The plot line was interesting but a bit far-fetched. A quick read with a predictable ending.

The Socialite begins with Kathleen Whitford arriving in Paris from London to capture her runaway sister, Ellie, for a trip back home. Kat is not happy with the assignment demanded by her father, Sir Alfred Whitford, but with concern for Ellie's safety, she enters the strange world of Nazi-occupied Paris.

Ellie's lifestyle includes, among other luxuries, a boyfriend, Major Eric von Schlegal. Kat and Ellie have always been very close, but now Ellie's decadent lifestyle creates a wall that seems impenetrable. Kat detests Eric on sight and begins plotting on how she can extricate Ellie from his grasp and get her home.

An unlikely ally shows up, Barrett Anderson, a Scot who owns a nightclub called The Blue Stag. Ellie's social circle spends late nights at the club, and Barrett works hard to win Kat's friendship and more.

As historical fiction, The Socialite is formulaic and turns to romance to spice up the plot. I don't usually read romance novels, but this was one that deserves attention. I loved Barrett's efforts and his back story. The book was sad in the appropriate place for a WWII novel and sweet in the romantic struggles of the three young people. I enjoyed it for a short weekend read.

Thank you to the author, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this e-ARC.

Didn't rock my world but it was enjoyable. The time period and aesthetics of the story were on point but I wasn't attached or engaged with the story in a deep and visceral way. Though it was slated as a romance - I would call this more just straight fiction/ historical fiction.

I am a big fan of historical fiction. But this book was Just ok for me and a Quick Read. I liked that it made me think of all The sacrifices people gave to protect their country. What they did to survive. I liked that The book remind us how Much horrific things a man and hisfollowers can do. We must never forget this Black era. and we must not let it happen again. what I did not like about this book. I did not like the romance in this book. IT was too Much cliche. But i am thankful to netgalley and the Publisher for letting me Read this book in exchange for an honest review

I was pleased to be able to read and review this book through Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing. I truly enjoyed the book. It is listed as a Christian book, but there truly wasn't much about being a Christian at all. But, it is a mostly clean book. One sister is living in open sin with someone but that is as "bad" as it gets.

The story has a new twist on living during WWII. It told a little about the French resistance, it told a little about the Nazi's but it was mostly a love story. It was well told and the characters were very believable. It was a story that draws you in and you are pulling for the heroine throughout.

The Kindle edition I was given was an ARC and it needed very little in the way of additional editing. This was very encouraging to me. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to my friends. My review is totally my own opinion and I am not required to leave a positive review. I give this book a 4 out of 5 star review.