5 stars!!! This is easily in my top 3 for this year so far. The characters, the intrigue, the drama, the EVERYTHING! McDaniel’s writing immediately immerses the reader into 1940s America, followed by Sweden. She masters the show, don’t tell process in this. Each character you meet comes with a degree of heft that shows the amount of time she put into getting to know and develop each character. The PLOTTTT was so thick and not cookie cutter, but also hit that sweet spot of not having tiresome twists that overdo it (my complaint in most suspense these days). I was just so enthralled in every second that I was reading. I mean…SPIES! Missing documents! Forgery!

And that romantic subplot!!! Amelie and Finn just wind up with the sweetest story. It was just SO. GOOD.

On top of that, there are some lines that STILL make me laugh out loud when I think of them! Good-looker, indeed!

I received a copy through NetGalley, all thoughts and opinions are enthusiastically my own.

This was really an unexpected book for me. I thought it would be a lot more about the war and I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't.

Amelie Blake is a famous actress in America during World War 2. She is from Sweden and Sweden is neutral during the war. The American government comes up to ask if she will be a spy for them. and then the story takes off. I liked the plot a lot. It was just enough suspense and action but not so much that you get super anxious reading trying to see what will happen next. She is a very well rounded out character and I like when you can read a book and just flow with it. It was like a movie in my head. I really did love the love story in here. so sweet and just really perfect the way that they get close. This book wasn't preachy, and I appreciated that. Also, I liked that at the end of the book the Author, Rachel Scott McDaniel gives you references to things that actually happened during the war what she incorporated into the book.

Overall, it was a good read with great characters and a good plot.

This book was sent to me from Netgalley.

McDaniel’s first foray into historical fiction is a fascinating one. Following Amelie Blake, a Swedish actress, during the height of World War II, McDaniel brings readers to the worlds of Hollywood, espionage in Europe, and neutral Sweden. Amelie, as it turns out, occasionally works with the American OSS to thwart Nazi efforts across Europe, and her new mission takes her back to her homeland of Sweden -- a land which, for Amelie, is full of ghosts and past memories. McDaniel’s characters are dynamic, with uncertain moralities and hidden agendas, and she has successfully created and populated a world of espionage full of dubious characters, secrets, and mysteries. Amelie’s perspective, too, is brilliantly crafted, as is McDaniel’s portrayal of Amelie’s public and private personas (as well as her spy persona). As for the setting, McDaniel brings neutral Sweden to life, placing emphasis on the uncertainty and insecurity of neutrality and the clandestine operations of Axis and Allied powers alike. McDaniel’s story is brilliantly complex and clever, bringing hallmarks of spy thrillers into the historical fiction genre, and, as far as debut novels in a new genre go, The Starlet Spy is a strong start to McDaniel’s prospective historical fiction career.

Rachel Scott McDaniel is a relatively new author to me but one that I am quickly coming to enjoy greatly. This was my second read by her and the premise of the story intrigued me from the moment I read the synopsis. There were certain parts of the book where the pacing felt slightly slow but overall, the story was definitely interesting. The true historical facts weaved throughout were fascinating and the story did keep me intrigued to see where it would go with the twists and turns woven into it. Amelie's struggles with needing to feed into the superficial way the world saw her in order to accomplish a much greater and more impactful mission endeared me to her character. There was so much more beneath the surface to both her and Finn that the world didn't get to see. That made it all the more beautiful to watch them make it past each other's defenses and fall in love with the person underneath. Their scene with the Northern Lights was one of my favorites. I believe my favorite part of this book was the tender love story between the two characters. I look forward to reading more of Rachel Scott McDaniel's stories in the future.

The Starlet Spy is an enthralling WWII novel. The author obviously researched quite a bit about Sweden's involvement in this war. Although they were technically neutral, they definitely had their part to play in it. The author tells a great story, using a strong foundation based on real events and people of that time period. The story she created off of the basics from history made for a terrific novel with plenty of suspense and a bit of romance. Loved, loved, loved the ending.

It was so nice to have the "Author's Notes" to describe the many historical facts which were used in the writing of this book.

Rachel Scott McDaniel is a new author for me. She provides a clean read along with a fabulous story. I look forward to reading other books written by her.

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

“But mistakes shouldn’t define our futures. We should never allow them that power.”

Rachel Scott McDaniel is a talented author that just keeps getting better and better. The Starlet Spy is a fantastic story that is largely based on historical happenings. Although it is fiction, many of the events actually happened, and several of the people mentioned actually existed. The main characters are well-drawn, engaging, and drew me in immediately. Amelie is intelligent, plucky, and daring which contradicts her on-screen persona as a ditzy blond actress. Finn Ristaffason makes an intriguing hero whose gruff demeanor is at odds with his actual feelings and thoughts. I enjoyed their relationship and amusing banter.

This story illustrates why my favorite genre is historical fiction. I get to learn a lot about actual slices of history while enjoying a good tale and vicariously visiting other lands. I’ve been on a short visit to Stockholm, so I was able to visualize it a bit, but I’d love to go to Malmo, Sweden, because some of my ancestors lived there. It was interesting to learn a little more about it.

With plenty of history, action, intrigue, suspense, and a dose of romance, this book has something for everyone. I recommend this book to those who enjoy clean historical Christian fiction. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book! I particularly loved the storytelling and the characters. This book kept me hooked and I couldn't wait to know what happened.
I just reviewed The Starlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel. #TheStarletSpy #NetGalley

This outstanding, intense, edge-of-the-seat novel is one of my top favorites this year! This talented author brings to life the main characters, each with a depth of faith, wisdom, and values. Most are Christians who live their faith even when to do so puts them at great risk. It is 1943, and WWII has brought unrelenting challenges and dangers. There is mystery, suspense, and betrayal. There is also faith, love, and spiritual substance. The author seamlessly wove together historically accurate, real people and events with engaging fictional characters, making a fascinating and compelling read.

Amelie is a wealthy Swedish actress who lives and works in Hollywood. Her mother used to work two jobs to barely get by. Amelie’s goal for her successful career, without compromising her faith, was to make sure Mamma would not have to work again. Sweden is home, a neutral country during both world wars. Amelie owns an elegant apartment in Stockholm for her and her mother. Amelie is brilliant, loves her mother, and has a strong work ethic. Her success came from God, having learned that “Value was not a trophy to be won from other people’s acceptance.”

On the last day of filming, Amelie was visited by a well-known movie producer. He requested her help for Sweden and the Allies that she was uniquely qualified to give. He asked her to consider Queen Esther, who helped save the Jewish people of her day. She is a resident of Sweden, and fluent in three languages. She is welcomed by the elite in both countries, and is used to the dreaded role of a beautiful, blond bimbo. Within hours, she was on a plane to Europe. She is to find missing documents valuable to both sides of the war. Whoever finds them would own the outcome of the war. They could not land in Nazi hands.

Amelie stayed at their apartment, and had to keep her work a secret from her mother. She was to meet, spend time with, and learn all she could about a man suspected of having enemy ties. Finn is a shipping magnate, incredibly handsome, and aloof. The US intel officer had told her that Finn was her biggest fan, but he did not act like it. He and his grandmother, Anna, lived at their family estate. Anna was a childhood friend of Amelie’s beloved, late grandfather. She wanted to meet Anna and learn about her grandfather’s childhood. Anna warmly welcomed her to stay as long as she wants. A blessing, both as a granddaughter and an actress turned spy.

After Amelie witnessed a murder, she and Finn tentatively became friends. They pursued the same killer, the same documents, and leaned on the Lord for wisdom and safety. After seeing the aurora borealis for the first time, Amelie realized, “If He could ignite the heavens, I could trust Him to impart light into my darkness.” What Amelie and Finn learned about the Lord, each other and who was behind the murder of someone dear to Finn and the destruction around them would change the trajectory of their lives. If the documents got into the right hands.

Plot twists kept the suspense rising and the pages turning. When I finally thought I knew who the bad guy was, an astounding plot twist totally changed everything! I was very satisfied with the solutions and ending, but miss these characters already! I highly recommend this fabulous novel to those who appreciate Christian historical fiction set in WWII Europe.

From a thankful heart: I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

Really loved this book! Loved the storytelling and loved the characters. Kept me hooked and needing to know what happened.

I thought this book was really good. I loved learning more about WWII and some of the ways that information was obtained in order to help end the war. I loved how well researched this story was and I loved the characters. I loved how Amelie was willing to put her life at risk to not only help the people in the country she currently lived in but also to help the people of Sweden where she grew up. I liked the romance between her and Fynn Ristaffason. I thought that was a nice touch to the story. I was inspired by the characters and knowing that some of the events were based on actual events was really interesting.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

The Starlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel is the eleventh book in the multi-author Heroines of WWll series. Hollywood actress Amelie Blake is offered the role of a lifetime. She is asked to travel back to Sweden and find the top-secret atomic research that has gone missing. You often hear of the heroes of WWll but what about the heroines? Loosely based on actual historical events, The Starlet Spy, weaves an intriguing, edge-of-your-seat tale.


I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.

I like fiction that is based on history or bits of it. This book had a good storyline but the writing style was just not for me.

First book I've read by this author.
Writing was well done.
Historical aspects well researched.
The Christian elements not preachy! Thank you for that btw.
Clean romance but not the main plot will most likely read more by this author in the future.

I NEVER miss a book by Rachel McDaniel. She has quickly become an absolute favorite of mine. I love her stories. I really enjoyed this book. The setup with an actress becoming a spy was a fun one and I was definitely guessing throughout the story. Great read!

"This day had been one of desolation, my plans and goals destroyed. But there was beauty among the ruins. We only needed to keep our eyes open or we'd miss it."

Rachel Scott McDaniel never disappoints. Every book I have read by this stellar author has captured my imagination, heart, and spirit. The Starlet Spy is no exception. From page one, there is action, intrigue, drama, and mystery that pulls the plot at a fast clip. Tons of historical tidbits dot the storyline as Amelie, a Hollywood movie star in 1943, gets involved in a high-speed chase through Sweden for a missing research manuscript on atomic bomb. The plot is detailed and complex and flows smoothly with lots of surprises and plot twists. Amelie is so lovable - down to earth, intelligent, resourceful, playful, sunny, determined, loyal. Finn is powerful as a shipping magnate, broody, serious, and equally as intelligent and loyal as Amelie. They do have a history so it was lovely to see them overcome the obstacles. And the romance! Wow, Finn has a knack for sweeping Amelie, the sophisticated star, off her feet and he will sweep you off yours as well.

It's a completely engrossing spy novel with historical details and romance. You don't want to miss this one!
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Barbour Fiction via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

I requested to read and review this book through CelebratLit and all thoughts are my own opinion.

The story is a Christian book but is not preachy. It is a clean book. The story flows well and the two main characters are fairly well developed. The editing was quite well done and did not distract me from the story.

This is an easy read, part mystery, part love story, and mainly historical fiction. There are a lot of actual historical facts woven in with the fiction. They are explained at the end if you didn't pick them up as you read.

I enjoyed this book and give it a 4 out of 5-star review. If you enjoy historical fiction you will enjoy this story.

Why I chose this book: This cover is gorgeous, right?! I was intrigued by that at first then was sold on the description. I have enjoyed WWII stories and my favorite of the year is currently Code Name Edelweiss (about Nazis in Hollywood). Since this also involved an actress and spy work, I thought I'd give it a try.

Type of Book: WWII, Sweden.

Overall: I'm impressed. This book is entirely written in first person POV, and just ONE POV. Yep, that's right. The entire story is told from Amelie's POV. And it works. I loved this story. Sure, there were a couple things I questioned as I read, but overall, this gets a 4.9 from me. I plan to add it to my WWII section in the library.
So many Christian fictions gloss over God, or can't find the balance and get preachy. The Starlet Spy actually references God, praying, and God's character--which I appreciated. This is a perfect blend of realistic faith.

Favorite Quotes/Characters: How can a character be my favorite without even having a POV? I don't know but McDaniel did a stellar job of helping us get to know characters through body language and Amelie's perspective. I really enjoyed the different approach. And how can one not love Amelie? She is a strong lead character who is able to tell this tale effortlessly.

Bookshelf worthy? Yes.

Teenability: Definitely teen appropriate. There are two "love scenes" at the end of the book but it's all contained and easily skipped if you wanted to. It's not crazy involved but does use words such as: "igniting, equal fervor, pulling him flush against me, nuzzled my cheek, pressed a fiery trail of kisses along my jawline, delicious pressure of his lips". Again, this is all contained in one long paragraph that you could skip and not miss a beat in the story.

(While I received this book in advance in exchange for an honest review, I also purchased this book because, as I said, it's bookshelf-worthy. I don't find that to be true of all the books in this Heroines of WWII series but this one is for sure!)

I can't remember if I have read any other works by this author. I desired to read this one due to the Heroines of WWII series. I have enjoyed every book of this series. Each book is able to be read as a stand-alone.

This author has a way with words, and I was quickly whisked away to a land of spy and intrigue during WWII. Amelie was an extremely likeable character and the twists and turns that help her uncover the true villain were very well done.

I thank you netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

World War II. A Hollywood actress. Suspected spy activity.

I've often read that famous actress Greta Garbo was a spy in WWII, so I was immediately drawn into this story of Amelie Blake, a young Swedish actress who decides to aid the war effort by becoming a spy. She is beautiful, brave, and dedicated to protecting freedom, but there are so many obstacles thrown into her path.

The Starlet Spy is set in both Hollywood and Sweden during the years 1943-1945, and it alternates between the glamour of making movies and the danger involved in working undercover during WWII. Author Rachel Scott McDaniel kept me guessing with the twists, turns, and questions. Does the one man that Amelie thinks she can trust actually have ulterior motives?

If you're looking for romance, suspense, and heart-pounding adventure, grab a copy of The Starlet Spy. It's a great addition to the Heroines of WWII series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. These are my own thoughts.

Thank you to Net Galley and Barbour Publishing for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This was a really good story! It takes place in 1943, mostly in Sweden. Movie star Amelie Blake is asked to return to her homeland of Sweden as a spy. She is trying to recover some files that cannot get into the hands of the Nazis. Along the way, she is slowly developing a relationship with Finn Ristaffason. Lots of intrigue and mystery in this story. I liked the way the author included many historical facts, and then let the reader know which parts were fact, as well as which parts were fiction. I also like the way the romance between Amelie and Finn developed over time. The scene where they were dancing was one of my favorites. I really liked this book, and I want to go back and read the other books in this series.