The Socialite
by J'nell Ciesielski
Published by Thomas Nelson
Publication Date April 14, 2020
Genres: Historical Fiction, Clean Romance, Action/Adventure
Setting: France World War II Era - 1939 - 1946
Main Character Ages: 25-34
Written for: Adults
Pages: 368
Synopsis:
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 would like to thank Netgalley, Thomas Nelson Publishing for giving me a copy of this book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
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Intrigue and espionage abound in this World War II adventure.
Kat, a proper English lady, finds herself in occupied France, living in an apartment paid for by her sister’s lover, a Nazi officer. As she attempts to influence her sister to return home without alienating her, she becomes embroiled in espionage and even finds herself a guest of Adolph Hitler himself!
Barrett is a scrappy Scot who runs a bar. Trains resistance fighters. And rescues damsels in distress. I enjoyed his brash confidence and quick thinking. Kat drove him crazy with her innocence and a face that gave away her feelings so clearly.
Moving quickly and whisking me away to another time and place, The Socialite was fascinating. Barrett’s secrets and feelings of inadequacy due to the circumstances of his birth created a barrier between Kat and himself.
As you may imagine, with Kat’s sister being a mistress, the story deals with some seedy subjects but handles them delicately. Though labeled as “Christian” on Amazon, there is no mention of God, nor any life-change due to His influence in the story, so I didn’t classify it as such. In fact, the romance between Kat and Barrett was a little steamy. At one point in particular, it is clear that if their kissing had not been interrupted, things would have gone much further. There is no indication that either felt this would be wrong, other than for the sake of what society might think.
If you enjoy clean historical fiction, with a little passion, The Socialite is a great option for you.
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About J’nell Ciesielski
Believing she was born in the wrong era, J’nell Ciesielski spends her days creating heart-stopping heroes, brave heroines, and adventurous exploits in times gone by. Winner of the Romance Through the Ages contest and Maggie Award, J’nell can often be found dreaming of a second home in Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. Born a Florida girl, she now calls Virginia home, along with her very understanding husband, young daughter, and one lazy beagle.
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