The Ice Swan

by J'nell Ciesielski

Book Overview

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 hoping 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, 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

Adventurous World War I historical romanceFor fans of Kate Quinn, Beatriz Williams, and Aimie K. RunyanFull-length, stand-alone novel (approx. 120,000 words)Includes discussion questions for book clubs

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0785248420
• ISBN13: 9780785248422
• Release Date: July 2021
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Intriguing historical romance

J'nell Ciesielski is a new-to-me author, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Ice Swan. The tidbits of information regarding ballet throughout the story and the historical aspect of the Russian revolution of 1917 and the Bolsheviks were quite interesting. The author gives a realistic portrayal of what some Russian royals had to endure, the continued dangers even after they fled the country, and the severe societal and financial reversals. Marriage of convenience stories are a favorite of mine, and I found the changing and development of Svetlana and Wynn's relationship throughout the story very satisfying. I loved both of these characters--Svetlana for her strength and loyalty to her family, and the responsibility she shows in fulfilling her roles in life, despite the huge changes in her life, and Wynn for his protectiveness toward Svetlana, and the way he handles the unexpected challenges he faces--both learning to thrive even though things are not as they wished or had been taken from them. Several twists to the plot with some wow-I-did-not-see-that-coming situations kept my interest high. Readers who enjoy historical romance will not want to miss The Ice Swan. I will be looking for more of Ms. Ciesielski's books. I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. I was not required to write a favorable review, and the opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.