The Ice Swan by J'nell Ciesielski
Publication
Date: July 6, 2021
Thomas
Nelson
Amid
the violent last days of the glittering Russian monarchy, a princess on the run
finds her heart where she least expects it.
1917,
Petrograd. Fleeing the murderous flames of the Russian Revolution, Princess
Svetlana Dalsky hopes to find safety in Paris with her mother and sister. But
the city is buckling under the weight of the Great War, and the Bolsheviks will
not rest until they have erased every Russian aristocrat from memory. Svetlana
and her family are forced into hiding in Paris’s underbelly, with little to
their name but the jewels they sewed into their corsets before their terrifying
escape.
Born
the second son of a Scottish duke, the only title Wynn MacCallan cares for is
that of surgeon. Putting his talents with a scalpel to good use in the
hospitals in Paris, Wynn pushes the boundaries of medical science to give his
patients the best care possible. After treating Svetlana for a minor injury, he
is pulled into a world of decaying imperial glitter. Intrigued by this
mysterious, cold, and beautiful woman, Wynn follows Svetlana to an underground
Russian club where drink, dance, and questionable dealings collide on bubbles
of vodka.
Out
of money and options, Svetlana agrees to a marriage of convenience with the
handsome and brilliant Wynn, who will protect her and pay off her family’s
debts. It’s the right thing for a good man to do, but Wynn cannot help but hope
the marriage will turn into one of true affection. When Wynn’s life takes an
unexpected turn, so does Svetlana’s—and soon Paris becomes as dangerous as
Petrograd. And as the Bolsheviks chase them to Scotland and beyond, Wynn and
Svetlana begin to wonder if they will ever be able to outrun the love they are
beginning to feel for one another.
“The
Ice Swan is a ray of light in the middle of a Europe that was sinking into
darkness. Ciesielski’s talent for storytelling from the heart is a feast for
the readers’ eyes.” —Mario Escobar, international bestselling author of
Remember Me and Children of the Stars
I had always been such a huge fan of J'nell Ciesielski, having enjoyed both THE SOCIALITE an BEAUTY AMONG RUINS this past two years, so when I heard about this upcoming novel about a Russian princess I was all over this book.
First of all, the gorgeous book cover said it all in this thrilling historical fiction story about the Bolsheviks' annihilation of the Russian monarchy which forced Princess Svetlana into hiding in Paris, and where a chance meeting with a handsome and brilliant Scotsman, who was also a surgeon and a son of a duke may help Svetlana, who was once part of the Russian aristocracy.
This may be by far my most favorite storyline and historical fiction read from author J'nell Ciesielski - from the heart wrenching life Svetlana had to endure, the characters, and that incredible back story of wealth and power to now going through extreme poverty.
There was just so much to the story that you find yourself rooting for these characters as they show their strength and resilience in overcoming adversities, adn maybe thier happy ever after too.
It was also a story about a family of privilege now losing everything, and going through the hardships and escaping persecution that just keeps your heart at bay as you see the extremes in the transition in their lives. I loved the back story and learning in depth about the Russian monarchy was incredible.
I found the pacing of the story incredibly thrilling that kept my attention and me fully entertained. There were a lot going on in the story and I loved every minute of it.
Historical fiction fans - do not miss this incredible book!
With a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories, J’nell Ciesielski weaves fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. Winner of the Romance Through the Ages and the Maggie Award, she is a Florida native who now lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle. Learn more at www.jnellciesielski.com.
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