The Ice Swan by J'nell Ciesielski Published by Thomas Nelson on July 6th 2021
Genres: Historical Fiction
Pages: 400
Format: ARC
Source: Netgalley
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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 Russians sure have a thing about their social status and religion, don’t they? And vengeance. Oh and trains. Good grief. What is it with all the trains??
Russia. Revolution. Disillusionment. A Doctor torn between love, passion, truth and responsibility.
“Tea. Because ladies often use it as social lubricant for gossip.”
I believe Svetlana looks just like me. She is gorgeous and regal and always puts others before herself. Her love for her sister and loyalty to her crazy Mama is enduring. But she struggles to let it go and just be happy. The cold never seem to bother her very much either. She is also a tragic Princess Odette who has to pirouette and jeté like a swan for an evil sorcerer a very bad man. Will her handsome prince/duke/doctor be able to save her, or will they both end up in the lake?
This perfect Russian Tea Cake Book is one of our highlights for this year. The blend between history, romance, intrigue, family dynamics, self preservation and humor was simply splendid. Although the pace might be a bit slow here and there, try to think of it as The Dance of the Cygnets. It’s mostly upbeat and in perfect rhythm, but every now and then there’s just the slightest dip in tempo. But it still remains a beautiful performance.
About the Author
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 black and white movies. Best selling author of The Socialite, she is a Florida native who now lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter and lazy beagle. Learn more at www.jnellciesielski.com
I just added The Ice Swan to my TBR Thanks!!
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This is a wonderful post. I'd forgotten all about Doctor Zhivago, that was *such* an epic movie! And for Anastasia, I'd also recommend that old Ingrid Bergman movie, just in case you haven't seen that already… (And I'm really singing that tune out loud.)
I haven't seen the Ingrid Bergman movie no! Will have to keep an eye out. I love Anastasia's soundtrack. One of my favorites.
Thank you for such a wonderful and unique review! You got all the vibes I was going for 🙂
I feel so honored that you took the time to visit my blog and to leave a comment! You are such a talented author and I can't wait to read more of your books!
Frozen is a favorite around here and I desperately want to read The Ice Swan. It looks gorgeous!
Hi Katherine! Oh it's a lovely book and I just know you will enjoy it too!
Frozen is a huge favorite here and Elza is ever so chuffed that she can be be Elsa's namesake.
I love Frozen and Downton Abby. XO
So glad to hear that! Both are favorites of us too. I guess Frozen speaks for itself if you watch my blog!
This looks so good. I need a good Russian story. I will have to add this one to my list!
Hi Heather, you won't be disappointed. I think The Ice Swan will appeal to a large variety of readers.
"A Gentleman In Moscow" is an excellent book; very unusual pacing, which throws some readers off, but I really enjoyed it. I've read this book and "Rule of Civility" by the author Amor Towles, and will seek out others.
Thank you for this book review.
I have read A Gentleman in Moscow yes and I LOVED it! I've listened to it on audible, but would one day read it in paper form as well.
One of my favorite movies is Dr. Z. He was so handsome in his youth.
Have a fabulous day. ♥
My Mom also thought Omar Sharif was a very handsome man and she loved Doctor Zhivago.
The Ice Swan was a gorgeous book and I can't recommend it enough.
So much delight in reading this post. I love Doctor Z and if I ever get 3 hours completely to myself, I will watch this again. Of course, for me, it would have to be on a snowy day;)
Hi Diane! I remember watching Doctor Zhivago with my Mom for the first time when I was in High school.It was one of her favourite movies ever. Haven't read the book yet and I've heard that you need The Secrets we Kept as well. It's in our Book Club, will see if I can take it next month.
wonderful post filled with so much goodness
sherry @ fundinmental
Thank you Sherry! It was a wonderful book and I think it will appeal to a large spectrum of readers.
I love the video you posted! Doctor Zhivago was a DVD I considering purchasing this week, cool you happened to mention it. I have never read it though.
Hi Tina! I've watched that video a couple of times yesterday! Loved it as well. Doctor Zhivago is a gorgeous film. I've actually never read the book. Have you read The Secrets We Kept? I have it in our Book Club and apparently you have to read that as well if you read Doctor Zhivago. Hope to get to it soon!