Firstly,I enjoyed so much this book, it was the perfect balance of historical fiction and romance since Svetlana's only escape was to be with the doctor

“The Ice Swan” is set in France and Scotland during World War I and the years immediately following. Svetlana, her mother, and her sister are White Russian aristocrats fleeing the Bolsheviks during the Russian Revolution. Svetlana is also a very accomplished ballerina. The family seeks refuge in Paris, but they aren’t beyond the Bolshevik’s reach, and are still in danger of being captured and returned to Russia to face execution
The historical fiction represented in this novel was divine. I've learnt so much about the Bolshevils and the Russian Revolution! These are my type of reads! I will definitely read more of this author in the future

This has everything I love in a book. Great writing, a love story, history, and royalty. Russian history is well told and researched. I found myself rooting for Princess Svetlana Dalsky and Edwynn MacCallan. Add in Paris and you will not regret reading this book.

When I saw this cover and read the title I knew there must be ballet and I had to read it. I was right. The beginning was crazy with the Bolsheviks and then WW1 and the Spanish flu, but as soon as Dr Wynn came on the scene I was in it. He is such an incredibly patient man. His struggles were heartbreaking and real because they reminded me of someone.
Svetlana is a Russian princess and former ballet dancer, just roll with it, she's Russian after all. The book is about half in Paris and half in Scotland though. Don't read the blurb because there's spoilers!
My absolute favorite scene is when Svetlana is dancing alone in the ballroom at midnight and it was so relatable. As a dancer when I totally related, and the scene was so poetically written. Svetlana's character is jaded and icy like the title, but also reminded me of myself.
I can't wait to buy the hard copy and add it to my collection of ballet books!
Opinions are my own, but thank you netgalley, J'Nell, and Thomas Nelson for the ARC!

“The Ice Swan” is set in France and Scotland during World War I and the years immediately following. Svetlana, her mother, and her sister are White Russian aristocrats fleeing the Bolsheviks during the Russian Revolution. Svetlana is also a very accomplished ballerina. The family seeks refuge in Paris, but they aren’t beyond the Bolshevik’s reach, and are still in danger of being captured and returned to Russia to face execution. Penniless and living in squalor, Svetlana has a chance encounter with Wynn, a Scottish doctor who also happens to be a marquis. As Svetlana is pulled into the Russian underworld of Paris and forced to use her talent to protect her family, Wynn goes to great lengths to save her- even though she struggles to trust anyone outside her family. This was an excellent, engaging read, and it piqued my interest in the historical setting. While reading, I wondered if a Russian princess would have even been allowed to study ballet- so I researched a bit and discovered that ballet dancing was actually very popular among the Russian aristocracy. I did a see a plot twist coming a while before it happened, but overall storyline was excellent and captivating. I will definitely be reading more of this author’s work!

As a fan of historical fiction, I found this novel quite interesting. This is not the first book I have read about the Russian Revolution and historically speaking it held its own with others. Unfortunately, however, I wasn't thrilled with the characters, which took away from my enjoyment of the complete book. I have read other books by J'nell Ciesielski and will continue to do so, as one book will not spoil her other writing for me. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The cover of this book is STUNNING! I really enjoyed this historical romance. The history of the Russian nobles has always fascinated me. This book did an excellent job imagining what could have happened to one Russian family.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Svetlana, her mother, and her sister are forced to flee from her beloved Russia as the Bolsheviks take power aiming to rid Russia of her aristocracy. The seek refuge in Paris still in the throes of war, where the conditions they live in are far beneath what they are used to in an attempt to remain unnoticed from the Reds, whose influence is far-reaching.

While out seeking new accommodations, Svetlana is injured and Edwynn MacCallan, second son of a Scottish Duke comes to her aid. Lucky for Svetlana, Wynn is also a surgeon. Though she tries to deny her feelings for him, he continues to become entangled her life and her attempts to outrun her enemies.

After being blackmailed by Leonid Sheremetev, a powerful Muscovite businessman living in Paris, Svetlana agrees to marriage of convenience to Wynn who can pay her family’s debts and protect her from the Bolsheviks.

The Ice Swan is interesting and face-paced. It’s definitely more historical romance than historical fiction, but an enjoyable read nonetheless. I’d give this novel three stars, some of the characters needed more development and some plot points seemed a bit ridiculous to me. Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson Publishing and of course J’nell Ciesielski for the advanced copy.

despite the slow beginning i really did enjoy this book i loved the writing, it was easy to follow. i also loved the winter vibes it had i think it would have been a great winter read.
the historical parts were interesting and while i found the characters love story underwhelming i did enjoy reading how they slowly (the princess mostly) opened up to each other, having duel perspectives certainly helped.
princess svetlana was strong, cold and emotionally distant sometimes and it worked so well because wynn was completely the opposite.

overall it was fun easy read 4/5

As a whole, this was a good, light historical fiction read. I did not find the main romantic interest worthwhile and it was hard to buy many of the plot points brought up within the book. It's hard to stay interested when the character has a general fascination with someone for their beauty and the object of their attention is...dull. This is one of those airport purchases you read because it's light and entertaining.

The Ice Swan is a wonderful experience reading a novel that contains a myriad of attractive details and beautifully brings everything together via the simple expedient of utilizing superb prose. Ms. Ciesielski sets her story in the early part of the twentieth century when three cataclysmic events occurred at the same time effecting most of the world. These were World War One, the Spanish flu which killed more people than the war and the Russian revolution which changed the destiny of millions of people.
Wynn Macallan is a surgeon operating at a facility near the western front on British soldiers wounded in combat. He is a committed individual doing everything in his power to save those unfortunates that come to his operating table. Originally from Scotland his family is of royal blood. He is the second son and in the normal course of events his older brother would be in line to take the position of Duke at the proper time. Wynn is quite content with the arrangement and is more than willing to be a surgeon. His older brother is serving as an officer commanding troops at the front and is the designated heir to the Dukedom.
Princess Svetlana Dalsky is part of the Russian royal family and when it becomes evident that a revolution has begun and she is sought with intent to execute her she flees her home in the middle of the night. Going with her are her mother and a faithful servant. They escape with their lives and a few pieces of jewelry sewn into their corsets making their way to Paris. With no funds to set up their normal lifestyle they are forced to take refuge in a
shelter set up by the French government but only allotted a small piece of a floor housing many refugees.
It is fated that Wynn and Svetlana meet and it is their relationship that makes the novel an excellent love story. Their lives are affected when
Wynn's brother is killed in action and he must reluctantly leave surgery to take over the Scottish Dukedom. Svetlana has a boyfriend that did not
escape Russia plus she promised to wait until her father and brother arrive to be with the family. They stayed behind in order to help the
army that is fighting against the communists that have taken over Russia. She is therefore, reluctant to return a love that Wynn quickly shows for
her. Any reader picking up the book will have no problem being caught in the emotional interchange by these two people. Five star reading and a
strong reason to look for the next novels that Ms. Ciesielski writes.

I really enjoyed this book a lot. It’s sweet, historical, and fun. For taking place in such a heavy time period, the book was light and I think this is due to the witty personalities of the main characters Wynn and Svetlana. The two are swoon worthy and I love their growing relationship. At times I found the mom to be extremely unbearable but her presence in the novel wasn’t large toward the end of the book. I thought since it took place in Paris, I would fall in love with the city but when the book moved to Scotland, that swept me off my feet. Thank you to net galley and the publisher for an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Having read Ciesielski’s previous novel THE SOCIALITE and loving it, I was so excited to get an advanced copy of THE ICE SWAN from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review.

Unfortunately, the Ice Swan fell flat for me. It pains me to leave a lukewarm review but I was never pulled in and my interest ebbed and flowed through the novel. I’m not sure if I just wasn’t in the mood for a historical fiction novel at the time or if it just wasn’t for me. I will still include in book lists of summer reads on our blog as just because it didn’t work for me, doesn’t mean it won’t work for others. 2.5/5 stars.

First of all, I cannot get enough of this cover. I’d buy the book based on the cover alone. Thankfully, the story inside is equally as captivating.

The story begins in Paris during the end of WWI. Wynn MacCallan is the second son of a Scottish duke, but prefers his title as surgeon. He’s charming and brilliant and completely captivated by the Russian woman he meets in the streets of Paris. Princess Svetlana Dalsky escaped the Revolution with her mother and sister, and survived the Bolsheviks only to find herself at the mercy of a powerful Russian club owner. Wynn’s solution is a marriage of convenience.

I loved the combination of Svetlana’s cold exterior with Wynn’s relentless pursuit. Both characters were well developed and intriguing in their own way. My only reservation came with the plot, as some parts were slow and annoyingly predictable.

All in all, this is one I would recommend if you’re a fan of historical fiction. It’s a clean read that highlights fascinating history and a cast of characters you won’t soon forget. I’ll be reading more by J'nell Ciesielski in the future.

I received this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.

Princess Svetlana Dalsky had known nothing but luxury and pampering her entire life until the Bolsheviks attacked the Blue Palace in Petrograd, Russia. Svetlana, along with her mother and sister and many other Russians fled to Paris to escape the Bolsheviks. They were secreted away in a crowded damp church basement for months. They were betrayed, stalked, hunted, and lived in constant fear as they endured a demoralizing existence as their fate was determined elsewhere. Would they would ever see home again?

Dr. Edwynn MacCallan fought to saves lives in the operating room. His daring and cutting edge technique raised eyebrows and tempers. Surgery may have been his dream but war was not, nor being a duke, but we don’t always get what we want.

J’Nell Ciesielski’s novel is full of intrigue, romance, history, and memorable characters. I loved Svetlana and Wynn but Mrs. Varjensky and Leonid were also among my favorites.

Another great read!

I received an ARC of The Ice Swan from Thomas Nelson Publishing through Netgalley.

Entertaining book. It started well but had parts that were not well developed. The Doctor seems to fall for a women who up to that point showed no personality and was rather vapid. That he was intrigued, I get. She didn't grow as a character and her decisions to contribute to the plot did little more than make no sense historically. Her mother was just plain stupid and her sisters character was never developed beyond being sweet. I found the friendship of the two Doctors more interesting than the love story. I did finish the book so it was not totally bad otherwise I would have put it down. It's an okay beach reach that wasn't the most interesting.

I received a temporary digital advanced copy of The Ice Swan by J'nell Ciesielski from NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

While her home burns around her, Princess Svetlana Dalsky, flees Russia with her mother and sister. The Russian Revolution has stripped them of their home and all they know. The three flee to Paris, as have most of the Russian nobility. There, they are met with suspicion, contempt, and even hatred from some.

Svetlana is determined to find safety for her family. In her travels throughout the city, she meets surgeon Wynn MacCallan, a British noble putting his career before his title and pushing the boundaries of cardiac medicine. MacCallan seems to always be there when Svetlana falls into trouble and willing to help in any way possible, including marrying her. At the end of the war, MacCallan send Svetlana to his home in Scotland; however, the Bolsheviks are still hunting Russian nobility and it seems that Svetlana and her family cannot find true safety anywhere.

The Ice Swan was a gorgeous historical novel mixing WWII, cardiac advancements, ballet, and nobility seamlessly together. Just when I was starting to tire of the plot in Paris, Ciesielski brings us to Scotland. I would highly recommend this novel.

This book took me away, from Russia, to Paris, to Scotland.
It was a memorable adventure.
I was really interested in learning about the people who had to flee the Russian Revolution, in this book we see young woman and her fractured family forced from their homelands. I really enjoyed the hero in this story, Wrenn was outgoing, bold and confident and he was exactly what this story needed! He had his own quirks and flaws but I really admired his confidence to step out and do something bold.
The heroine was really hard for me to warm up to. But hence the title that is part of the plot, though she had experienced hard times and much of her aloofness I think was based on the culture she came from.
I just didn't like how long it took her to realize how she needed to grow. I would have liked a bit more of a spiritual thread to be present, but that is just my personal preference in stories like these.
In all it was enjoyable and the plot was well paced. I liked the bit of action and mystery to it.
A good clean historical set in ww1 era.
I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All opinions are completely my own and honest.

This was a lovely, wonderful book. I hadn’t read anything by J'nell Ciesielski until a few months ago and after reading 2 of her books now, I absolutely need to go read everything she’s written.

Set during WWI and the Russian Revolution, mostly in Paris, a member of the Russian nobility, Princess Svetlana Dalsky, escapes from Russia to Paris, where she meets Scottish surgeon (and duke) Wynn MacCallan. What starts off as a marriage of convenience turns into so much more.

I have to say Wynn and Svetlana’s story was amazing, with a wonderfully written story with themes of survival, sacrifice and love. I actually loved both of their characters from the beginning, even some of Svetlana’s almost cold pride, because you know she was just trying her best to make it through her current situation. Another spectacular part of this book was the clear amount of research put into it, the historical details of this era that we’re included were so well done.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Full review will be published on my blog a little closer to publication date.

Russia, October 1917. As Petrograd is raging with Revolution, nobles are fleeing the city, among them Princess Svetlana Dalsky with her family.

France, 1918. Edwynn MacCallan is a medical officer at English hospital in Paris. He is a second son of Duke of Kilbride. Since his brother will inherit the estate, he finds a profession where he can feel useful. Fascinated with the groundbreaking research and techniques being developed in Germany, he seeks the best treatments for his patients. And that means if a patient is in his hands and he has seconds to make a decision, he may apply the newest advances in medicine without having time to consult with his superior. And that may put him under questioning and jeopardize his career.

In Paris, Svetlana as a Russian emigre has to be careful who she can trust. When her cut leg needs tending, Dr. MacCallan pays attention not only to her wound, but also to her beauty and mannerism which suggest she comes from aristocracy.

She doesn’t find anything treasonous in his eyes; only kindness and understanding. But can she trust him? It is safer to trust no one as her family is hunted simply for being nobility. Stripped away from all their privileges, they live in the same hard conditions as all emigres do. It’s not only food that is scarce, but also shelter. They have to make themselves as discrete as possible until the revolutionaries are defeated in Russia.

But the doctor cannot forget a young woman with pale blue eyes.

There is another complication. White Bear serves as relaxation place for Russian nobles in Paris. Svetlana’s mother sits at a gaming table. She gambles without having money to cover now her debt. And debt needs to be paid. Svetlana becomes a pawn. Once ballerina in Russia, now she needs to put her dancing skills and herself on display at the White Bear to pay the debt.

Her story brings interesting aspect of White emigres – nobles of the imperial court of Tsar Nicholas who escape the Russian Revolution. Stripped of their privileges, they try to find some way of normalcy in a new place. And one of those places is White Bear, where privileges are upheld, but debts are made creating new problems. His story brings interesting groundbreaking medical procedures of the time. Together, creating a fascinating story with absorbing characters.

It is written with beautiful prose and an engaging dialogue, combined with atmosphere of suspense created by underlying mystery and intrigue. The deftly plotted story with lush descriptions takes time with revealing the plot.

(4 stars: Interesting story, beautifully written, but has a slow pace).

3.5 Stars

The Ice Swan by J'nell Ciesieskli is a mixture of the Ice Swan with a little bit of Russian history during World War I and after. The plot was a different, but it captured my attention. There were moments that I flipped through the story in the second half because nothing was happening, but a little thoughts and pondering on their relationship and where they should go from here. It featured the early stages of cardiology, so I found that interesting. There was instances of the threat of influenza that killed many people during World War I, so it was nice to see history played out before my eyes. Other than that, I, personally, wanted to see more with the Bear bar. It held more intrigue than the rest of the plot. Underhand deals. Gambling. Sex trade. Not that Ciesieskli showed any of these things. She did keep the story in the safe category, but the reader can allow their imaginations to run wild and catch what was hidden off stage. Overall, The Ice Princess was an okay story, but it was not my favorite story about World War I. It was definitely different since it featured the Russian side to World War I. If readers enjoyed this story, they might want to pick up Romanov's by Nadine Brandes.

I received a complimentary copy of The Ice Swan by J'nell Ciesieskli from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.