Dear Mrs. McDaniel,

This book is stunningly, incredibly beautiful. And I don't just mean the cover, though it certainly is that. I am convinced I will forever be the biggest fan of your storytelling style, but notwithstanding, I thought this book was phenomenal.
I loved Amelie right from the very beginning. Her determination to do anything to help the allies in the war against the Nazis--even assume the dreaded persona of "blonde bimbo" (her words, not mine)--was admirable and made me love her right away.
Finn was the perfect hero. He was broody and imperfect, and his secrets will keep you guessing for a while. But the way he and Amelie start figuring out how to work together, and solving their mysteries, is exciting and riveting.
Every time I thought I had things figured out, another clue would come to light and I would need to start all over with trying to figure out what was going on. And I still didn't have an accurate guess once everything came to light at the end!
As my own family heritage includes Swedish ancestry, I have a soft spot for all things Swedish, so naturally that facet of this story endeared me to the story right away. But that isn't the only thing that kept me engaged. The main characters are incredibly well written and exciting, the side characters provide the exact right touch of cheer and humor (or mystery), the mystery kept me guessing, the suspense is on-the-edge-of-your-seat perfect, and the history was well researched. And the book is so well-written. It's a reread worthy book, and I do look forward to immersing myself in this breathtaking book again in the future.
Thank you for writing wonderful books I can drop into and have become a part of me.
Love, Jessica

**I received a copy of this book from the publisher and author via Netgalley. I also listened to the audiobook via an app I pay for with my own funds. The audiobook is very well done and I recommend that as well. ( )

The Starlet Spy is hands down one of the best books I have read this year. I am not typically a reader of historical fiction, but Rachel Scott McDaniel has become a must read author for me. She must be a great author to keep my attention in a genre I don't typically read. She takes readers back in time and intrigues them with the page turning mysteries she writes so well. This was a story set during World War II and kept me guessing until the end. I totally did not see that ending coming. I can't wait until her next one.

Thank you to Barbour and Netgalley for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely 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. ( )

4.5 Stars

I have read many WWII stories, but The Starlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel stands out among many of the others because of its unique setting and premise.

And actress who is tapped as a spy and sent to Sweden to root out the secrets of a man. Finn is such a serious character, and I thoroughly enjoyed Amelie’s efforts in getting him to break out of his solemnity. Plus watching her act like the silly blonde was entertaining at points.

There are also some great plot twists in the books. The Starlet Spy is one of my favorites in the Heroines of WWII series. ( )

Title: The Starlet Spy
Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel
Pages: 259
Year: 2023
Publisher: Barbour
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If you are a fan of historical fiction or if you just love a good story, here is an excellent novel to choose! History has many unsung heroes that come to light when an author goes digging and finds a gem to share with audiences. Rachel Scott McDaniel shines the spotlight on WWII as well as the people who dared to do the right thing and were willing to lose all in the hopes that others might be saved.
The year is 1943 and an actress by the name of Amelie Hart is playing the role of a damsel in distress. Many times she has been cast as a blond bimbo, but readers will soon realize just how intelligent and brave this actress can be. When she is asked to return to her home in Sweden and spy for the Allies by getting close to a suspected sympathizer of the Nazi regime, she isn’t all that thrilled to go. However, she returns to her home and unknowingly starts on a journey that has many twists and turns during her attempt to locate a missing scientist’s manuscript.
Finn Ristaffason is a rich man. He once met this starlet, and he is soon to meet her again. What Amelie thinks about him and what she thinks she knows is called into question when his actions and words match the file she read before she started the quest. It is hard for her to keep secrets from her mother as she embarks on locating the manuscript to make sure it doesn’t fall into enemy hands. The manuscript has nothing to do with a movie; it is about an atomic weapon. Finn is suspected of being a Nazi sympathizer and a womanizer, which makes Amelie apprehensive about staying at his home with his grandmother and other questionable characters.
I read the author’s note before beginning the novel. It is usually a practice of mine to do so as I want to know the real history before enjoying the fictional work presented. I had no idea about the moment in history Rachel shares in the story or the many unsung heroes of WWII. From the start to the very end of the book readers will attempt to figure out who the real culprit is, and who just may be a double agent. So, plan for an afternoon of exciting drama that unfolds and holds you captive until the words “the end” appear. I must say it is one of the best suspense, historical fiction works of 2023, and audiences will surely miss a gem of a story if they don’t read the novel.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. ( )