The Ice Swan
Page 39
—Aimie K. Runyan, internationally bestselling author of Across the Winding River and Daughters of the Night Sky
“Ciesielski has created a fresh and original tale in this inspiring World War I romance about a dour Scottish laird and an American socialite. Vivid descriptions, complex characters, and the underlying mystery and intrigue create a sense of atmosphere and suspense. A satisfying and highly enjoyable read that I recommend for readers of historical fiction, mystery, and romance.”
—Tea Cooper, author of The Woman in the Green Dress
“Author J’nell Ciesielski skillfully layers the plot of The Socialite with several complications . . . What makes the book a fun read is not just the accuracy of the period details but the dangerous intrigue the author creates for her heroine.”
—Historical Novel Society
“With sweeping romance and evocative prose, Ciesielski transports readers to WWII–era Paris, where a British aristocrat loses her heart to a Scottish spy . . . 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.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review, on 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. Painting a portrait of excess from inside the top tiers of the Nazi war machine, the hopeless glitz and glamour of the elite creates sparks of tension through Ciesielski’s vivid imagery and the raw experiences of those resisting their oppressors at the same time they must survive in their world. Creating balance between a brave heroine and hero—the first naive but steely Kat, reluctantly partnered with the more-than-capable Scot Resistance fighter, Barrett—their pulse-pounding journey leaves the reader breathless to the very last page. The Socialite shines bright as the City of Light, and then some!”
—Kristy Cambron, award-winning author of the Lost Castle series and the bestselling debut The Butterfly and the Violin
“In the tradition of Ariel Lawhon and Kate Quinn, The Socialite immerses readers in the glamour and destruction of Nazi-occupied Paris. Featuring two sisters whose travails and triumphs recall the cinematic real-life story of the Mitford family, the book is a portal into a world at times opulent and deadly as two people bound by conscience navigate the grey waters of the City of Light in its bleakest hour of darkness. 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 and Murder in the City of Liberty
“With dramatic intrigue and inspiring romance, The Socialite will delight readers looking for World War II novels. The unique characters, riveting plot, and sparkling prose bring 1940s Paris to life. Well done and highly recommended.”
—Carrie Turansky, award-winning author of No Ocean Too Wide and Across the Blue
“Readers will devour each moment leading up to the satisfying ending.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review, on The Songbird and the Spy
“With lovely prose and her impeccable attention to history, author J’nell Ciesielski once again delivers a riveting, romantic adventure in The Songbird and the Spy. In this gripping tale of espionage and romance, the perils of WWII come to life as forbidden attraction between a German captain and a mysterious French waitress threatens to expose their secrets, jeopardizing themselves and countless others trapped inside Nazi-occupied France. Intrigue, danger, and romance abound in Ciesielski’s sophomore novel and will guarantee to keep you on the edge of your seat. The Songbird and the Spy is a must-read for those who love WWII historical Christian fiction!”
—Kate Breslin, bestselling author of High as the Heavens, on The Songbird and the Spy
“Unlike most romances set in this time period, this one never sugarcoats the ugliness of war. There are moral dilemmas, friends die, and survival is hard. Love grows through stolen moments, not dramatic declarations. This carefully researched novel is rich with historical details . . . Readers will relish this powerful story of battlefield love.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Among the Poppies
“Ciesielski opens the doors to a setting of WWI not yet fully explored by other authors of this genre, allowing readers to discover the intricacies of occupied France in a new and fresh way. With enough secrets to last a lifetime, readers will be on the edge of their seats, cheering on the heroes. Action-filled and captivating, readers who enjoy books with espionage, war, and romance should definitely read this one. Get lost in time in this moving story of faith, freedom, and love.”
—Hope by the Book on Among the Poppies
“From page one, the characters pull you in and keep you reading! J’nell Ciesielski pens her story with beauty and skill.”
—Roseanna White, bestselling author of the Ladies of the Manor and Shadows Over England series, on Among the Poppies
Also by J’nell Ciesielski
Beauty Among Ruins
The Socialite
Among the Poppies
The Songbird and the Spy
Copyright
The Ice Swan
Copyright © 2021 J’nell Ciesielski
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other—except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.
Thomas Nelson titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fundraising, or sales promotional use. For information, please e-mail SpecialMarkets@ThomasNelson.com.
Publisher’s Note: This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. All characters are fictional, and any similarity to people living or dead is purely coincidental.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Ciesielski, J'nell, author.
Title: The ice swan / J'nell Ciesielski.
Description: Nashville, Tennessee : Thomas Nelson, [2021] | Summary: "Amid the violent last days of the glittering Russian court, a Russian princess on the run finds her heart where she least expects it"-- Provided by publisher.
Identifiers: LCCN 2020056021 (print) | LCCN 2020056022 (ebook) | ISBN 9780785248422 (trade paper) | ISBN 9780785248439 (epub) | ISBN 9780785248446 (downloadable audio)
Subjects: GSAFD: Love stories.
Classification: LCC PS3603.I33 I28 2021 (print) | LCC PS3603.I33 (ebook) | DDC 813/.6--dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020056021
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020056022
Printed in the United States of America
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