Book Review: The Socialite by J’Nell Ciesielski

Posted May 11, 2020 by Asheley in review / 1 Comment

The Socialite by J'Nell Ciesielski
Book Review: The Socialite by J’Nell CiesielskiThe Socialite by J'Nell Ciesielski
Published by Thomas Nelson on April 14, 2020
Source: the publisher
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four-stars

Glamour, treachery, and espionage collide when an English socialite rushes to save her sister from the Nazis.

As the daughter of Sir Alfred Whitford, Kat has a certain set of responsibilities. But chasing her wayward sister, Ellie, to Nazi-occupied Paris was never supposed to be one of them. Now accustomed to the luxurious lifestyle that her Nazi boyfriend provides, Ellie has no intention of going back to the shackled life their parents dictate for them—but Kat will stop at nothing to bring her sister home.

Arrested for simply trying to defend himself against a drunken bully, Barrett Anderson is given the option of going to jail or serving out his sentence by training Resistance fighters in Paris. A bar owner serves as the perfect disguise to entertain Nazis at night while training fighters right below their jackboots during the day. Being assigned to watch over two English debutantes is the last thing he needs, but a payout from their father is too tempting to resist. Can Barrett and Kat trust each other long enough to survive, or will their hearts prove more traitorous than the dangers waiting around the corner?

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.

REVIEW:

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.

The Socialite by J'Nell Ciesielski

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. 

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About J’Nell Ciesielski

With a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories, J’nell Ciesielski weaves fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. Winner of the INSPY and the Maggie Award, she is a Florida native who now lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle.

Represented by Linda S. Glaz of Hartline Literary Agency

Asheley

About Asheley

Asheley is a Southern girl. She loves Carolina blue skies, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, and NC craft beer. She loves all things history but prefers books over everything.

You can find her somewhere in North Carolina, daydreaming about the ocean.

Find Asheley on Litsy @intothehallofbooks!

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