The Ice Swan

J'nell Ciesielski

Jul 2021 · Sold by Thomas Nelson

About this ebook

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 romance
• For fans of Kate Quinn, Beatriz Williams, and Aimie K. Runyan
• Full-length, stand-alone novel (approx. 120,000 words)
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Ratings and reviews

The Ice Swan by J’nell Ciesielski is another excellent story by this author. I absolutely adore her books, so rich in history, and yet filled with intricate and personal stories. I loved getting a different view of Europe, especially France, during World War I. From the flames of revolution in Russia to the colonies of Russian refugees in Paris to the soothing heather-laden hills of Scotland, this story transports you to another time, another culture, to a search for freedom and peace in all its forms. I loved these characters. They are deeply crafted and brought to life beautifully. I love the rich history surrounding Svetlana--a history of elegance, brutal revolution, survival, and hope. I loved how much she changed, and how Wynn was able to help her accept a world of possibilities completely different from her old hopes and dreams. Wynn was fantastic. A combination of haughty surgeon and soft-hearted teddy bear, he was a charmer and a hero on so many levels. This story is complex and far from a light-hearted read. But it still lifts the heart to see two people who’s lives have been ravaged by war come together and seek new expectations for their lives. To build from the ashes. And to discover the true persons at their core. But be ready. Once you start on this journey with Svetka and Wynn, there’s not stopping until the end! Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book. Any fan of Christian historical fiction will enjoy this story. I was given a copy of the book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

We know what lies in the balance at this moment, and what is happening right now. The hour for courage strikes upon our clocks, and courage will not desert us. — AKHMATOVA The Russian Revolution has displaced many and murdered many more. Princess Svetlana Dalsky, her sister and mother must flee before they too, are caught up in the mayhem and killed. Arriving in Paris they must now try to survive with little more than the jewels hidden in the few clothes they have on their backs. 1918 finds Paris in the midst of The Great War. Refugees are everywhere. With great courage in the direst of circumstances, Svetlana remains strong and holds her little family together. Edwynn MacCallan, as the second son of the Duke of Kilbride, chooses to become a surgeon, since managing the estate goes to his older brother. Doing all he can to put the unfortunate wounded back together again, he dreams of returning to Scotland and his goal to help change the field of cardiac surgery. A chance meeting brings him into a whole new world, one that he certainly would not have chosen to be part of. The author takes us into the less desirable areas of life during wartime. The reader lives through many of the horrors along with these well developed characters. Through the many unexpected circumstances, the heroine remains focused, always ready to help the downtrodden. I found myself wondering what my reaction would have been and whether I would have had the courage and fortitude to stand strong. I wish I could give more than 5 stars to this incredible book, published by Thomas Nelson. An ARC was received through NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

About the author

Bestselling author J’nell Ciesielski has a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories while weaving 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. She is a member of the Tall Poppy Writers and lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle. Learn more at www.jnellciesielski.com.