The Socialite: A Novel of World War II, (Paperback)

The story blew me away with his details and historical facts. The story is rich in history and the author transported me back to when Hitler was in control. The man is pure evil and the thought of what he did to people is hard to comprehend. Everywhere you looked, his presence was known by the violence he loved to cast on others. \n\nKat was so determined to bring her sister back home that she will risk her life. I loved her spirt of family and how she would do anything to rescue her sister from the evil clutches of Eric. As I got to know Kat I soon saw that deep down in her heart she desired to have her father proud of her. Her mission to bring Ellie home was out of unconditional love for her sister and the need to have her father say he was proud of her.\n\nEllie was a real handful at times. She is so blind to Eric?s underhanded treatment of people that she finds herself like a puppet to him. She made me mad as she so willingly let him dictate her every step. Ellie is happy to see her sister but Ellie is stubborn and won?t believe that Eric is bad for her. I loved reading about how Hitler came into power and the struggles many people faced when he took everything from innocent people. The story is very detailed about the war and the fallout it had on the Jewish community. \n\nThere is so much going on in the story that at times I couldn?t turn the pages fast enough. The character I liked the most was Barrett. Oh my what a man of integrity he is. He will risk his life to protect Kat and Ellie. There were several scenes when Kat and Barrett clashed that I found to be frustrating. Kat is so determined to do things on her own which ends up putting her, Ellie and Barrett in grave danger. Barrett is willing to lay his life down in order for Kat and Ellie to find their way home to freedom. \n\nI enjoyed reading the story and think it made sone interesting points. Courage comes from within and to never give up hope. Trust your instincts and follow the path that leads to the truth. The story shows how easy someone can be manipulated when they want to be loved so badly. The ending is an epic adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat. If you love history this book is a must read. As I end my review I wonder if we would be brave enough to stand up for what we believe in? \n\nI received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

I am a huge fan of well written WWII novels, and "The Socialite," by Ciesielski is a prime example. I love the way the author researches so many minute details and weaves them into the larger story. "The Socialite" begins with Kat's journey to Paris to find her sister, Ellie, who has run off to be with a German officer, enjoying the spoils of war and entertainment that comes at a great cost. Kat's family is mortified at Ellie's choices and upset wtih Kat for taking matters into her own hands to retrieve her sister. A socialite would be most unexpected to step forward in times of crisis--but Kat is no ordinary lady of means. She wants to bring her sister back to safety and is willing to risk her own life to do so. She is the daughter of the respected Sir Alfred Whitford, and she will do what must be done, no matter the cost. Upon arrival in Paris, Kat gets to know a bar owner named Barrett. She soon finds Barrett is not what he pretends to be--he is actually helping the Resistance fighters in their attempt to break apart the war machine and return Paris to the peace they once knew. Kat finds that Barrett has more to offer than at first glance and sparks fly. But can Barrett be trusted? Kat must infiltrate the ranks of German soldiers to not only rescue her sister, but give helpful inside information to Barrett, who has realized the value Kat's socializing could provide the Resistance. Is Kat willing to help? Should Barrett even take such a risk with a woman he's falling for? Should he tell her the truth-he's been tasked with bringing Sir Whitford's girls back to him safely? Lush settings, beautiful imagery and the struggles of WWII crash together in this intriguing tale of being brave enough to stand up against evil, even if you're not sure you have the skills to do so. The characters are well written and the reader can't help but be wrapped up in the story. Ciesielski's books keep me captive until the last page--there's always so much emotion that holds me to the characters--that I am sad when the book is done. I can't wait to read more of her work in the future. I was an early reader, thanks to Thomas Nelson publishers. All opinions are my own.