The Socialite
A Novel of World War II
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4.1 • 42 Ratings
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
When her younger sister runs away to Paris to live with a German officer high up in Hitler’s favor, English socialite Kat embarks on a dangerous journey to save her sister from the Nazis. Glamour, romance, and espionage collide in this exciting, high-stakes adventure.
As the daughter of Sir Alfred Whitford, Kat has certain responsibilities. Chasing her wayward younger sister, Ellie, to Nazi-occupied Paris was never supposed to be one of them. Unfortunately, Ellie has grown accustomed to the luxurious lifestyle her Nazi lover provides and has no intention of going back to the shackled life their parents dictate—but Kat will stop at nothing to bring her sister home.
Barrett Anderson was arrested for defending himself against a drunken bully of high birth. Given the option of jail or training Resistance fighters in Paris, Barrett chooses the latter. He poses as a bar owner, entertaining Nazis at night while his men train right below their jackboots during the day. An assignment to watch over two English debutantes is the last thing he needs, but a payout from their father is too tempting to resist.
From the moment Kat and Barrett meet, tempers flare and sparks fly. Despite their differences, they’ll have to find a way to trust each other in order to survive this deadly mission. In the end, their hearts may prove more traitorous than the dangers waiting around the corner.
Both a daring journey into Nazi-occupied Paris and a captivating love story, The Socialite will enchant readers with its beautiful prose and unforgettable characters.
Praise for The Socialite:
“Smart, savvy, and seductive, J’nell Ciesielski’s The Socialite takes the reader on a high-stakes thrill ride through the darkness of WWII–occupied Paris.”—Kristy Cambron, bestselling and award-winning author
“In the tradition of Ariel Lawhon and Kate Quinn, The Socialite immerses readers in the glamor and destruction of Nazi-occupied Paris. A picture-perfect portrait of early 1940s Paris, this impeccably researched love story stands out in a sea of WWII-era fiction with its distinctive crystalline voice and unforgettable hero and heroine.”—Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration
Exciting World War II historical romanceFull-length, stand-alone novelBook length: 110,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
With sweeping romance and evocative prose, Ciesielski (The Songbird and the Spy) transports readers to WWII-era Paris, where a British aristocrat loses her heart to a Scottish spy. Kat Whitford uses her family connections to travel from England to occupied Paris at the request of her father to bring her wild child younger sister, Ellie, back home. But Ellie, besotted with her vile boyfriend, Nazi officer Eric von Schlegel, refuses to leave and insists she is happier living with him than she had been under the thumb of her controlling father. While in Paris, Kat meets Barrett Anderson, a Scotsman working for the British government who has been tasked with keeping an eye on the Whitford sisters. The attraction that blossoms between the richly drawn protagonists grows as Barrett sees the authentic woman behind Kat's aristocratic facade, and she glimpses the caring nature that lies beneath his sarcastic wit. When Kat finally convinces Ellie to flee Paris, Eric refuses to let her go, and Barrett steps in to keep them safe, using his contacts with the Resistance to evade the Nazis. Ciesielski's vivid characterizations and lush historical detail quickly draws readers into this expertly plotted tale. Readers looking for an immersive, high-stakes historical romance will be wowed.
Customer Reviews
Scottish brogue, hemlines, and spoiled rich women
I was rather excited to read The Socialite as I had previously noticed J’nell Ciesielski‘s other World War II novels. I did not know her books are considered Christian novels until I saw it’s Christian romance category on book sites and that the publisher is Thomas Nelson. I began to wonder if this classification was correct after reading it because of the lack of discussions about faith, slightly more steamy romance, and a few British swear words.
A quick scan of her earlier book Among the Poppies showed more references to God and prayer over all. Despite the illicit relationship The Socialite is a cleanish romance.
Kat is sent by her father to retrieve the prodigal daughter from a clandestine relationship with a Nazi officer in France. She arrives unaware her father has employed Barrett Anderson to return both Kat and Ellie safely to England.
Ellie is infatuated with her German boyfriend Eric von Schlegel. Or rather, she is in love with his money and the pampered lifestyle he gives her. She rationalizes his controlling behavior until he has cut her off from all her friends except his carefully chosen German friends. Although she rebelled against her father’s controlling schemes, she doesn’t recognize her boyfriend is acting the same way.
Ellie recognizes the dangerous situation she has placed herself in after Eric suggests unusual relationship terms. Unfortunately she has not told her sister the true nature of her affair with Eric. Both Kat and Barrett begin to see how impossible reaching England safely will be when they discover Eric is already married.
I enjoyed reading Kat’s journey through personal growth. Her reaction to people trying to control her was not so different from mine. Kat tried to please her father even when she resented his interference. It’s liberating to set personal boundaries.
“I’ve lived my whole life trying to do what was right, what was expected, but I see now it was out of fear of disappointing that I agreed in the first place. I should have said no to a great many people along the way.”
“You should’ve told them to take a flying leap.”
Her lips quirked.
“In hindsight many of them probably deserved that.
But in all those people you were never one I tried to please out of wanting to curry favor. I can be myself without fear of reprisal.”
Kat and Barrett’s first meeting is humorous. I also loved when Kat showed unexpected courage. Barrett’s occasional use of Scottish brogue is delightful.
Religious freedom is an essential right. Reading WWII books helps me realize the importance of tolerating everyone’s beliefs and in having faith that mine will be respected as well. I was moved to tears by the kindness of one historical French community toward the Jews in another WWII novel I thoroughly enjoyed, Children of the Stars by Mario Escobar.
Kathleen (Kat) Whitford hates the Nazis’ inhumane treatment of the Jews. It’s hard for her to hide her disgust. She is appalled when she learns about deportation camps. She, and I, wonder how people allowed this to happen. Barrett’s cautionary explanation makes a lot of sense. I had not realized there was an ‘official narrative’ or restriction of the media in that time period.
I enjoyed the historical details and amusing scenes in this novel. I did not like the contrived technique of withholding a minor detail until the second to last chapter. The last chapter or brothel in another chapter weren’t quite to my taste either. Otherwise, the book is well written.
Reading this story can influence us to consider how we treat other people; it has inspired me to reflect on some of my biases. The need to wisely choose dating standards and recognize desirable attributes in a spouse is another important theme. If you like historical romances with strong female characters, I think you will enjoy The Socialite.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own.
Page-turning adventure
Take a socialite from England, transplant her into the lair of a German Major and then send her sister and a Scotsman to bring her back to England.
It is 1941 in German occupied Paris. Ellie fancies herself in love with the German and Kat is here to change her mind and take her home to safety. Barrett, our Scotsman, is tasked with getting them both home in one piece. The character development was fabulous, especially in Kat as she grows from one who has always done what she is told into someone who can think and act for herself. I loved all the detail from Berchtesgaden and Chiemsee as I have had the privilege of visiting this incredibly beautiful area, including the Eagle’s Nest.
There is plenty of action, suspense and romance along with a few surprises in this page-turning adventure. With rich detail, the author takes the reader along, teaching us all a little more of what true hardship is especially during a time of war, when connections mean life or death.
This copy was received through Thomas Nelson, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. My comments and impressions were in no way solicited.