To what lengths would you go to rescue your family when they are traveling down a dangerous path?

I love reading historical fiction set during WWII and even more so since traveling to Europe myself. Ciesielski brings Paris alive during this time period as Kat travels there in an attempt to "rescue" her sister Ellie, who is dating a Nazi officer. The added suspense to the typical historical fiction novel is one of my favorite to read and the plot in "The Socialite" does not disappoint. I found myself unable to put this down.

Does Kat succeed in bringing Ellie home? You'll have to read to find out!

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this and give my honest opinion! ( )

Mixed feelings on this one - it's a fun book to read, but not quite as compelling as some of the other WWII-era historical fiction I've read. The first half of the book, despite a setting in occupied Paris, feels like a party description, as Kat and her sister Ellie parade through stylish Parisian apartments, nightclubs, museums, and even take a slide trip to Adolf Hitler's Bavarian hideout. Danger eventually catches up to these two sisters, but not before Kat falls in love and Ellie (finally!) breaks off her affair with a Nazi officer. The last half of the book picks up the pace, as they attempt to escape France with Nazis on their heels. Overall, this made for an enjoyable read, but it felt implausible in comparison to other novels which have explored this era. ( )

Kat Whitford lands in Nazi-Occupied Paris to persuade her younger sister Ellie to come back home. But when she sees how her sister is living and who she is hobnobbing with she doesn’t think she has a chance. Ellie has grown accustom to a luxurious lifestyle her handsome Nazi soldier boyfriend provides. This may slow her down, but she’s determined to do what it takes to get her sister to safety. Ellie didn’t realize the life-threatening situation she was in.

Ellie was the bell of the ball who created beautiful parties and knew who to invite making sure all had a good time. Barrett Anderson walks on the scene crashing one of Ellie’s parties. No one seems to notice but Kata. Their meeting was unexpected. Where did this man come from? Can he be trusted? Whose team was he on? Kat wasn’t going to let any man distract her of the mission at hand.

This author takes readers to these parties and introduces them to some surprise guests, I didn’t see meeting in this novel. It made things fun, interesting and suspenseful. I liked the characters and felt for their situations. I liked how the author masterfully weaves in the thread about “family, love and doing the right thing no matter the cost. It’s then you can live with yourself.”

You never know what you will and/or are capable of doing when your life and those of loved ones are in danger. I enjoyed the authentic love story woven in and the satisfying ending. This is the first WWII novel I’ve read that takes place with the upper socialites of the war. This is one that would work well for a book club pick. The author has included discussion questions for you. This is the first novel I’ve read by this author it won’t be the last.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org ( )

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.

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.

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. Thank you, Thomas Nelson! ( )

English socialite Kat needs to bring her sister home, but Ellie has become accustomed to a lavish lifestyle in Nazi-occupied Paris, thanks to her Nazi boyfriend, and has no intention of leaving. Scottish bar owner Barrett Anderson is working to undermine the tyranny in the city, and as it turns out, becoming entangled in Kat’s dilemma could prove beneficial. As the pair navigates the complicated circumstances, nothing is certain—and danger never feels too far behind.

J’nell Ciesielski’s The Socialite offers a fascinating look into the experience of Nazi-occupied Paris. A vividly described setting sets the story up to be quite atmospheric, while the characters—their personalities, their emotions, their choices (and romance!)—feel authentic. From beginning to end, The Socialite proves captivating, and I so enjoyed it. Historical readers, definitely pick up this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )