Review: The Socialite by J'nell Ciesielski

The Socialite

by J'nell Ciesielski

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Pages: 368

Format: book

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  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?


Kritters Thoughts:  Another World War II historical fiction, but this one felt unique and different.  Two sisters are in Paris, France and one has become quite close to a Nazi general and the other is trying to get her sister out and return to the safety of their family home.  With secrets galore this story is about love and family in a time that isn't easy for France and the world.  

I have read many a book set both in this time and this place, but this one felt so different from the crowd.  Through the eyes of the privileged, but they interact with all sorts of people in the book.  This sounds weird to say, but I loved reading of their interactions with Hitler and his wife.  The dinner at his home and their conversations were so interesting.  I don't know that I have ever read a historical fiction book that had him included in the story.  I believe it was right for the author to include him since her lover would obviously have interacted with him and I am thankful that the author gave us the reader that inside glimpse.  

The story was a great combination of women's fiction with a good mystery inside.  The pacing was so great, I just kept reading and reading.  It had the feel of a great heist at the end and I loved that part.  

This was my first read from J'nell Ciesielski and I will have to check out her backlist to read another one or more.


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Berkley  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.