I'm addicted to WWII historical fiction, so I was very excited to receive a copy of The Socialite by J'nell Ciesielski. This book has everything I love about this genre: a strong female character, danger, espionage, suspense and a bit of romance. I found myself unable to put this book down, and it was truly a page turner as I followed the characters through dangerous twists and turns.
It is 1940 and British socialite is Katherine ‘Kat’ Whitford is determined to bring her sister, Ellie, safely back home to England. At this time, France is occupied with Nazis. Ellie has run away and is now dating a Nazi officer and working as a social secretary for the Nazi regime. Kat is disgusted with Nazis party and aware of the danger her sister is in, but has to hide that while she tries to persuade her sister to leave with her. Helping Kat in her mission to bring Ellie home, is Barrett Anderson who owns a local club, but is also part of the French Resistance, and unbeknownst to Kat was hired by her father to bring both sisters back home.
From here The Socialite is jam-packed with page turning action, suspense, romance, and more than a few surprises. I loved the scenery and vivid prose; the author did a wonderful job illustrating the opulence granted to the Nazis in stark contrast to the harsh living conditions of the oppressed civilians. I was up reading late into the night as I connected with the characters and their dangerous journey. The writing was excellent, especially the witty dialogue. I thoroughly enjoying J’nell's latest novel. If you are a historical fiction junkie like myself or even a lover of romance books, I'm sure this story will appeal to you! You will connect with the characters, worry about them and cheer for them.
If you enjoyed reading The Alice Network, this book will appeal to you!
This was my first time reading a J'nell Ciesielski book, and I know for a fact it will not be my last!
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the copy of this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
