“Beauty Among Ruins is a sweet, sweeping romance that embraces the strain on the home front in the rugged Scottish Lowlands in the First World
War. The protagonist, Lily, is charming and affable as she transitions from a posh life as a Manhattan socialite to an aide
in a convalescent hospital. The dashing Laird Alec MacGregor is deliciously brooding; a true mirror of the breathtaking terrain
over which he presides. The rest of the cast of characters, both friend and foe, are all a delight. Ciesielski deftly and
accurately re-creates the intricacies of a stately castle-turned-hospital that absorbs the reader from the first page. An
atmospheric, engrossing romance for fans of Downton Abbey and Somewhere in France. A real gem!”
—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
