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4.38 AVERAGE
4.38 AVERAGE
The Starlet Spy was the first book I’ve read of Rachel Scott McDaniel’s but I promise it won’t be the last!
Not only was her writing style utterly engaging, but I learned so much from this novel! She presented a WWII novel like no other I’ve read. With stunning characters and an incredibly unconventional plot, McDaniel paints a vivid picture of what it might have felt like as Nazism crept into America. I’ve never read another account quite like it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Not only was her writing style utterly engaging, but I learned so much from this novel! She presented a WWII novel like no other I’ve read. With stunning characters and an incredibly unconventional plot, McDaniel paints a vivid picture of what it might have felt like as Nazism crept into America. I’ve never read another account quite like it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This book! I have all the love for this wonderfully romantic and suspenseful book! From the start it was fast-paced and exciting with some mystery that kept me turning the page. There was such a wonderful attention to detail without being overly flowery. It made me feel like I went back in time and was experiencing all of it myself. I really enjoyed the setting and how it felt so glamorous and beautiful. Amelie was a great lead and I loved how she was elegant and down to earth all at once. All the characters were intriguing and had such great depth and mystery to them. I loved the MMC and how he strived to protect Amelie at all costs. I caught myself multiple times wondering who was I to trust and how it was all going to end. So tense and suspenseful, kept me on my toes. Many twists and turns!
I was able to finish up this book while in New Orleans and went to visit the WW2 museum. It put the book and its setting in a whole new light and it finishing up the book after seeing that hit differently. It was such a great experience!
I was able to finish up this book while in New Orleans and went to visit the WW2 museum. It put the book and its setting in a whole new light and it finishing up the book after seeing that hit differently. It was such a great experience!
The Starlet Spy was everything I could have asked for in a romantic suspense and more! I love books I can easily picture in my head, and favorite author Rachel Scott McDaniel really delivered a spectacular, WWII, movie-like must read! Set mostly in Sweden during WWII, American actress Amelie Blake is asked by the OSS to return to her homeland and become a spy for the war effort. Risking all sorts of danger, and even her heart, she plays a cat and mouse game to recover secret documents pertaining to atomic research. With heart palpitating suspense, a swoony enemies to lovers romance, 1940’s Hollywood glamour, and a touch of faith, this page turner stayed with me long after reading!
Amelie is not only gorgeous, but has a photographic memory, speaks three languages, and is brilliant. On film though, she’s portrayed as a “brainless, hapless, female.” It’s why she’s chosen to be a spy. Another reason is that Finn Ristaffason whom they suspect has the documents and may be a Nazi sympathizer, admires her greatly and has all her films. But, it’s Amelie who’s had a secret crush on him since she was a teenager in Sweden.
The delicious tension between them is off the charts. Amelie’s still attracted to the handsome Finn, but can she trust him? It’s a careful dance with her trying to get close to him but not falling for him again. Finn is quiet serious and it’s fun seeing him enamored and amused by her. I loved their enemies to lovers romance. The dancing on the beach and aurora borealis scenes were so good and the surprise ending was perfection.
The story is so well written and the suspense was intense. There’re so many moments where I was holding my breath hoping Amelie wouldn’t get caught. There are quite a few twists and turns that kept me guessing, and the villain was a bit of a surprise.
Highly recommend this well written, edge of your seat, romantic suspense that has all the feels of a classic 1940’s movie. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
Amelie is not only gorgeous, but has a photographic memory, speaks three languages, and is brilliant. On film though, she’s portrayed as a “brainless, hapless, female.” It’s why she’s chosen to be a spy. Another reason is that Finn Ristaffason whom they suspect has the documents and may be a Nazi sympathizer, admires her greatly and has all her films. But, it’s Amelie who’s had a secret crush on him since she was a teenager in Sweden.
The delicious tension between them is off the charts. Amelie’s still attracted to the handsome Finn, but can she trust him? It’s a careful dance with her trying to get close to him but not falling for him again. Finn is quiet serious and it’s fun seeing him enamored and amused by her. I loved their enemies to lovers romance. The dancing on the beach and aurora borealis scenes were so good and the surprise ending was perfection.
The story is so well written and the suspense was intense. There’re so many moments where I was holding my breath hoping Amelie wouldn’t get caught. There are quite a few twists and turns that kept me guessing, and the villain was a bit of a surprise.
Highly recommend this well written, edge of your seat, romantic suspense that has all the feels of a classic 1940’s movie. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
“‘Information can be twisted…. But truth? Truth will always rise from lies.’”
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Sweden & spies? Say no more, I’m sold!
As I’ve read very few books set within the Scandinavian countries, finding one—with spies & espionage, no less!—was incredibly satisfying, and my mystery-loving heart was thrilled by this adventure!
A few of my favourite things that I just have to mention:
✨ the special weapons — my inner nerd was enthralled over fountain pens that squirt cyanide & lockpicks hidden in hairbrushes
✨ Amelie giving Finn a “smiling lesson”
•
•
•
Sweden & spies? Say no more, I’m sold!
As I’ve read very few books set within the Scandinavian countries, finding one—with spies & espionage, no less!—was incredibly satisfying, and my mystery-loving heart was thrilled by this adventure!
A few of my favourite things that I just have to mention:
✨ the special weapons — my inner nerd was enthralled over fountain pens that squirt cyanide & lockpicks hidden in hairbrushes
✨ Amelie giving Finn a “smiling lesson”
Hollywood actress Amelie Blake has a new role to play: spy. In the midst of WWII, Amelie returns to her homeland of Sweden to go undercover. She will need to use her intelligence, acting ability and a unique skill to help her secure information for The United States Office of Strategic Services. But Amelie soon learns that things are not always what they seem.
I really enjoyed this book. The story was intriguing with espionage elements, suspenseful plot and mysterious villains. The romance was fantastic. Give me a grumpy hero and I’m a goner! Amelie and her love interest had great banter and some very swoony moments. I loved the historical details and definitely recommend reading the author’s notes.
This was my first book by Rachel and I look forward to reading more from her.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book. The story was intriguing with espionage elements, suspenseful plot and mysterious villains. The romance was fantastic. Give me a grumpy hero and I’m a goner! Amelie and her love interest had great banter and some very swoony moments. I loved the historical details and definitely recommend reading the author’s notes.
This was my first book by Rachel and I look forward to reading more from her.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
“That time all those years ago was so painful and scary. I questioned if I’d ever survive the weight of it. But I look at you and remember God breathes light into our darkest moments. That’s what you are to me. My brightest light. My greatest joy.”
Once again, Rachel has written a captivating historical fiction filled with faith, intrigue, and romance. Her attention to detail is impeccable, making for fascinating stories with exceptional characters.
The WWII era was such a dangerous uncertain time with new catastrophic weapons and maniacal enemies lurking among the shadows. The need for undercover agents and counterintelligence was at an all time high. The risks were great and ordinary people rose to the challenge to make the world a safer place. Amelie Blake was no exception. Her character was so admirable; humble beginnings, an intense desire to serve her country, and a kindhearted, discerning spirit that guided her way through doubts and fears. Her special skills, dogged determination, and unwavering trust in God making her irreplaceable agent.
And let’s not leave out Finn! Brooding and seemingly unaffected by the Hollywood starlet, Finn was an enigma. It was wonderful watching his appreciation and respect grow for Amelie. The moments they spent together trying to solve the mystery, all while unraveling their preconceived notions of one other, were refreshing and very romantic.
I have always loved a good spy story, add in some old Hollywood glamour, a blonde bombshell, and a handsome, brooding Swede, what a spectacular trifecta!
Thank you to #netgalley for my advance copy, all opinions are my own.
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I enjoyed this book. The suspenseful plot and espionage elements kept the pace going nicely and I was engaged with Amelie’s romance as well. I thought the ending was just perfect and enjoyed the audio.
Content Notes: Mild violence, no language, kisses
Content Notes: Mild violence, no language, kisses
While Rachel McDaniel’s 1920s stories will always be my favorites of hers I’ve been loving seeing her foray into some other time periods and the fact that this time period just happens to be my favorite was definitely a bonus!
Amelie was a fantastic heroine, the world saw her as an empty-headed actress but she had depth and intelligence that they didn’t get to see. I admired the way that she took on the risk without a second thought and gave her all to carrying out her mission to the best of her ability.
Finn was wonderful as well, a serious hero with a hidden gentle side, who wouldn’t fall in love?! There was no pretense with him and I loved that and the way he maturely reacted to things definitely gave him bonus points.
My favorite scenes were definitely any with Finn and Amelie together and I was completely invested in their developing relationship!
The mystery and intrigue kept me engaged throughout the book and I didn’t see the ending coming!
Definitely a winner in my book and I highly recommend!
Amelie was a fantastic heroine, the world saw her as an empty-headed actress but she had depth and intelligence that they didn’t get to see. I admired the way that she took on the risk without a second thought and gave her all to carrying out her mission to the best of her ability.
Finn was wonderful as well, a serious hero with a hidden gentle side, who wouldn’t fall in love?! There was no pretense with him and I loved that and the way he maturely reacted to things definitely gave him bonus points.
My favorite scenes were definitely any with Finn and Amelie together and I was completely invested in their developing relationship!
The mystery and intrigue kept me engaged throughout the book and I didn’t see the ending coming!
Definitely a winner in my book and I highly recommend!
fast-paced