Ice Swan

We know what lies in the balance at this moment, and what is happening right now. The hour for courage strikes upon our clocks, and courage will not desert us. AKHMATOVA The Russian Revolution has displaced many and murdered many more. Princess Svetlana Dalsky, her sister and mother must flee before they too, are caught up in the mayhem and killed. Arriving in Paris they must now try to survive with little more than the jewels hidden in the few clothes they have on their backs. 1918 finds Paris in the midst of The Great War. Refugees are everywhere. With great courage in the direst of circumstances, Svetlana remains strong and holds her little family together. Edwynn MacCallan, as the second son of the Duke of Kilbride, chooses to become a surgeon, since managing the estate goes to his older brother. Doing all he can to put the unfortunate wounded back together again, he dreams of returning to Scotland and his goal to help change the field of cardiac surgery. A chance meeting brings him into a whole new world, one that he certainly would not have chosen to be part of. The author takes us into the less desirable areas of life during wartime. The reader lives through many of the horrors along with these well developed characters. Through the many unexpected circumstances, the heroine remains focused, always ready to help the downtrodden. I found myself wondering what my reaction would have been and whether I would have had the courage and fortitude to stand strong. I wish I could give more than 5 stars to this incredible book, published by Thomas Nelson. An ARC was received through NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

"A man's heart holds a secret chamber where only one woman may enter. A place shaped for only her to breathe life into the darkened recesses and drum out a unique rhythm never before heard." I have loved every single J'nell Ciesielski book I have read and The Ice Swan is no exception. Set mostly in 1918 war-torn Paris, the author has that magical ability to bring that specific time period and place to life in full color - from the decrepit and deceiving conditions where the Russians aristocrats hide from the Bolsheviks to pain-filled and oftentimes hopeless atmosphere of the field hospital to peaceful Scotland. In the midst of fear, war, and struggle for survival, Svetlana and Wynn's romance is passionate, all-consuming, and quite delightful. Their dialogue is absolutely hilarious as perpetually hopeful and humorous Wynn attempts to befriend and then woo Svetlana who is unyielding and extremely proud. Circumstances continue to bring them together as Svetlana learns to accept Wynn's help and softens toward him. Wynn is absolutely endearing and thoroughly charming in his determination, focus, compassion, and wit. Wynn's complete devotion, love, and sacrifice for her is quite incredible. I also learned some history of medicine through Wynn's surgical brilliance, which was fascinating. If you enjoy historical romance, you will totally love this book. Another winner for the author! I received the book from Thomas Nelson via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.