pickThe Socialite is the first book I have read by J"nell Ciesielski. I won't be the last. This is a historical fiction set in France during WWII.
Kate Whitford is the oldest daughter of Sir Walter Whitfield. She always follows the rules and does what a Lady should do.
Eleanor is Kate's younger sister. She is the total opposite. She has runoff to Paris and is staying with a German soldier. Kate goes off to get her back.
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Anne‘s writing speaks with a wisdom beyond her years, and was a more relatable account of her harrowing experience in hiding than I expected.
What a charming story!
This is exactly the kind of story I would have devoured as a kid. Growing up, I loved historical fiction, especially niche stories of children evacuating WWII London. I also enjoyed stories set in quaint country houses. This book had both!
I loved how the book incorporated Native American culture.
Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2025/08/25/review-the-blossoming-summer/
pickThis book was emotional, informative, captivating and beautifully written. I finished it in tears and with a new appreciation for what people endured during World War 2.
The women in this book are full of grit, love, passion and bravery. These pages capture a side of the war we often don‘t hear about. This is a must read to remind ourselves of the suffering people went through to give us the lives of freedom we live today.
This is an adorable, smart read for older grade schoolers & MS. It‘s about 3 orphaned Pied Piper/ evacuate siblings during World War II.
One of them is named Edmund, as a nod to CS Lewis‘ Narnia evacuee children.
They are hoping to find their forever home in the countryside.
pickThis turned out to be so much more than I expected. Caveat: I've never seen the film. Yes, there is a romance, but that's not the whole story. The writing is beautiful, but fairly dense - this is not an easy beach read. Nor is the subject matter feel-good fluff. Perseverance is rewarded, this was, for me, an incredible reading experience. I learnt so much, I FELT so much...just wonderful!
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Ciesielski writes a beautiful book that is full of suspense and intrigue. She made me feel as if I was right there with the characters. There is great character development, especially in Ellie (Eleanor).
If you like Historical Fiction, you should read this book. I highly recommend it. Could end up in top 5 of read books this year by me. 16h