The Ice Swan opens in the chapter of Russian history, 1917, when the Bolsheviks are ridding the country of royalty. Distant relatives of the Tsar, Princess Svetlana Dalsky and family are fleeing the Blue Palace in Petrograd, seeking safety in Paris. Known as the “cold, conceited, condescending” princess, Svetlana crosses paths with Scotsman surgeon, Dr. Edwynn MacCallan, second son of wealthy Duke of Kilbride. Svetlana and Wynn, each facing fears and distanced by pride and stubbornness, are flung closer when the influenza epidemic strikes her family. A Paris hotel turned hospital is where Dr. Wynn performs daring cardiac surgery and Svetlana reveals her servant heart. Svetlana, a princess who speaks six languages and finds joy in ballet, has become indebted to Sheremetev, ruler of the underworld and the decadent White Bear Club. With his disgusting offer of marriage to offset her mother’s debts and the alarming announcement that the entire Romanov family has been executed, Svetlana races from the club with Wynn in close pursuit.
Readers will thrill to Ciesielski’s crisp details and dialogue as “revolution, murder, and survival tend to block out the pretense of happiness.” Ciesielski’s stunning descriptions of Paris streets and charming exchanges showing humor are delightful; especially as Wynn translates Scottish expressions and puns for Svetlana. Ciesielski uses analogies of caring for plants and the changing threads in a pattern to explain Svetlana’s transformation and tangled feelings. Wynn’s conundrum is very rightly compared to women’s choices and their right to vote. Readers need to bundle up to face the decisions of “duty vs. personal desires, finding grace out of ruin, and turning fear to trust.” Along with traditional Scottish kilts and bannocks, royal tiaras and vareniki, readers will weep with joy at this astonishing story. The Ice Swan, elegant Svetlana will warm readers’ hearts, and as Wynn would say, “It’s a bonny read!”

The Ice Swan is one of my favourite historical fiction novels that I’ve read this year. I loved the strong characters, the hard-fought-for romance and the suspense of this wartime book.

The story follows Svetlana, a Russian princess in exile and on the run from the Bolsheviks. She runs across Wynn, who is a Scottish aristocrat and surgeon in Paris.

I received a complimentary copy of this in ebook, but I went ahead and bought a copy of the audiobook anyway. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The narrator did a fantastic job of managing the accent changes between the Russian and Scottish characters.

I loved the main characters, Svetlana and Wynn, as they romantically duelled with each other and tried to avoid the threats that came against them. They were both strong-minded and stubborn. It was great to watch their development from two independent individuals to a couple, growing in trust and love.

The book kept me on my toes until the end with more than a side order of suspense in places.

A very enjoyable, exciting, and heartwarming read.

I picked up “The Ice Swan” because I was in the mood for a historical romance, which is how it was branded on Netgalley. I am more of a romance reader than a historical fiction reader, and I would recommend this book to someone who is most interested in historical fiction than romance.

The beginning of the novel hooked me right away. I have not read a lot of books that take place during World War I - but I did watch Anastasia as a child and watching Svetlana flee Russia with her mother and sister was completely captivating. I thought it was incredibly interesting to read about Wynn being a surgeon during this time period.

This novel is a slow burn, and I will admit that I was in the mood for something a little faster - more romantic tension, higher stakes in every scene, something that kept me on the edge of my seat. It is not the fault of the author that their book runs counter to my tastes in the moment. I think I wanted Svetlana and Wynn to have a little more in common - something to work together for. At times, their relationship felt very surface level - Svetlana as the beautiful damsel in distress and Wynn as the heroic savior. Overall, I liked The Ice Swan.

This was a beautifully written story that is sure to captivate historical fiction fans. I am so very happy to have discovered this author.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Ice Swan was a pleasant surprise for me. Fleeing from Russia following the revolution, Princess Svetlana Dalsky, her mother, and her sister attempt to seek refuge in Paris. They are not welcomed with open arms and are forced to go into hiding in the basement of a church. Svetlana is determined to help her family get back on their feet but, she runs into trouble everywhere she turns. And not only does she run into trouble, she also runs into surgeon Wynn MacCallen who seems to be her only saving grace in the dark and confusing world which has now exploded into World War I.

I loved the backdrop which The Ice Swan presented. There was intrigue and suspicion all over France. Svetlana and her family are wealthy but the only wealth that they have managed to obtain are the jewels sewn into their clothing. These jewels also cause them nothing but trouble and get them involved with some very dangerous people. Throughout all of this, there is such a continuous tension that had me turning pages. This tension continues when Svetlana and her family have to go to Scotland for their safety during WWI.

Svetlana and Wynn have multiple chance meetings before Svetlana agrees to let Wynn help her. There is a powerful dynamic between the two characters. They start out as strangers with the potential for so much more, especially once they wind up in a marriage of convenience. Svetlana is a character that embodies female strength and resistance while Wynn is a character that embodies a male empathy and a desire to help others. These characteristics work very well together and are not afraid to call each other out when the are wrong.

With Wynn being a surgeon, it gave an opportunity for a J'nell Ciesielski to weave in discussions on the advances in medicine that were occurring at the time. Like I said, Wynn always has a desire to help others and this sometimes results in him putting his career in danger with a risky procedure. This also impacts the dynamic between him, his family, and Svetlana.

The Ice Swan was a little uneven at first but once things evened out, I was hooked. This is a beautifully written historical fiction book. It was my first introduction to J'nell Ciesielski but, I do not think it will be my last. She is a very strong writer who made me get deeply lost in the world which she created.

This author is fast becoming one I wouldn't want to overlook.
This book took me on a journey, from Russia to France, to Scotland, I get more insight on the war of the Bolsheviks and follow Svetlana and her family on this journey to freedom. The unexpected twists and turns that keep you turning the pages and wanting to know what happens next. The romance between Wynn and Svetlana and home it bloomed from a marriage of convenience and definitely the growth of these characters made for a wonderful story.
I would have enjoyed more of the faith elements in the story though but in all it was an awesome tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit tours. All opinions expressed are solely mine

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 whose 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 no 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.

This was just a mediocre book. I couldn't really say I even liked the main character, Svetlana overly much. Her mother was definitely a royal pain who thought the world revolved around her and she ought to be treated like royalty. Even though they were fleeing for their lives because they were royalty. The story line wasn't bad but I just couldn't seem to get into this book.

I was given this book by Thomas Nelson Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Two Wars, Two Perspectives, One Chance at Life and Love

At 25% into the book, I loved the characters (even the ones who annoy the pants off me, and trust me. Svetlana is annoying as all her imperious get out. That's what the whole character growth thing is all about, right?

The juxtaposition of the Russian revolution during WWI, set in Paris where another revolution occurred almost a hundred-fifty years earlier... fascinating.  Doing all that with a cardiologist working near Paris with all the battle wounded and a Russian princess who happens to be a ballet dancer? What's not to love?

The hot and cold relationship fits so perfectly in the personalities of both the characters and their respective countries.

Historically...

This book has everything going for it. I always forget the Russian Revolution took place right at the end of WWI.  Unlike many revolutions and wars for independence in history (French and American in particular), I've never been in support of either side of this one.  Ciesielski does a fabulous job of showing the unyielding, arrogant imperiousness of the Russian royals contrasted with the brutal, determination of the bolsheviks to slaughter them all. I find it strange to realize that those same Russians fled to the very country who treated their own nobles in the same way during their revolution--off with their heads, if you will.

Add to that the advances in medicine and technology, and this book has it all.

Along with a lovely romance.

Mostly. I can absolutely see what both of the characters love about the other.  The way it takes time for each to lay their hearts on the line for the other to accept or reject--perfect.  It makes total sense. Ciesielski even did a fabulous job of making me semi-understand Lana's mother. Never thought that would happen.

My only quibble is the over-the-top protestations of undying love at the end. I kept telling myself that someone like Lana would, when she finally allowed herself to love and for that love to be known, could tip over from icy to fiery both in word and in deed.  But frankly, I rolled my eyes.

Seriously.  IT was like a page.  Maybe a page and a half of an entirely otherwise perfect book.  And I suspect 99% of other readers loved that.  So I'm calling this book a five-star, perfect win. In fact, despite requesting a review copy, I purchased it myself. Bravo, Ms. Ciesielski.  Bravo!

Historical romance. Adventurous. Mysterious. Engaging characters. Well researched story line. Captivating cover art. Five stars.

I gave this book a fair shot, 25%, but it was just not doing much for me, sadly. I could not read beyond that.

All things considered, this is a fairly conventional “marriage of convenience” romance plot. I liked both our main characters, particularly Wynn. Svetlana’s imperious mother really bothered me, but she finally improved nearer to the end of the book. I loved secondary characters Leonid and Mrs. Varjensky.

But what I really want to talk about here is the writing. There were so many examples of words being used…not quite correctly. It’s almost as if this had been written in a language other than English and run through Google Translate—a similar level of almost correct English. Syntex is also quite stilted and overly formal, even for a Russian Princess whose first language is not English.

As and English teacher, writer, and editor myself, this was really dismaying. As a writer, it is your job to make sure the words mean what you want them to mean. You need to take nuances into account. And in the instances where the writer fails, than the editor, by very definition, needs to pick up the slack. Both failed in this book. Thomas Nelson is a large enough publisher that this is really inexcusable. Mind you, this was an ARC, so hopefully, things have been improved in the final version.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Mob activity. Violence. Lying. One character is a prostitute.

Who Might Like This Book:
People who like clean romance and don’t get distracted by editing issues.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Also reviewed at http://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2021/08/july-releases-for-summer-downtime.html

I have had the pleasure of reading previous books by J’nell Ciesielski in the past. I was excited to have the opportunity to read her newest release, The Ice Swan. This one has got to be my favorite I have read by her to date. I was transported back in time to World War I. Russian Princess Svetlana Dalsky finds her life in danger and has to go into hiding in Paris, France. An injury leads her to a Scottish duke and surgeon, Wynn MacCallan. I adored their story and often on the edge of my seat to see how it would all end for them. I loved it!

I am giving The Ice Swan a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical romance. As always, I will be looking forward to reading more by J'nell Ciesielski in the future.

I would give this 3.5 stars. While I am a huge huge fan of Ciesielski, I did read an ARC copy on my Kindle, and the format, along with distracting publishers banners scattered on each page, made for an interrupted and disjointed reading. This book has all the potential for an excellent read....a Russian princess meets a Scottish Duke, a setting in Paris, in Russia, in Scotland, love, adventure, mystery, history. My main disappointment was the reading format led to distracted reading and interrupted flow of the novel.

A sweeping love story that rivets the reader with narrow escapes, nefarious characters, strong family bonds, and a hero and heroine whose fragile love will be tested by lies born of pride and the troubles of the world around them.
In trying to outrun her heritage, Princess Svetlana wilts under the pressures of saving her family single-handedly. All Wynn wants is a chance to further medical science and woo the icy princess. A marriage forces Svetlana to open her heart just as Wynn’s world collapses. Can Svetlana pick up the pieces of their marriage her once stoic heart would have abandoned?
If you’re looking for a sweet, clean read with two very different characters who learn to adapt to an ever changing world then The Ice Swan is for you.

Svetlana and her family have come to Paris seeking a refuge from the Russia Revolution that has upended their life. Wynn is the second son of a Duke, toiling as a surgeon, his protective nature prevents him from walking away from the displaced princess and her family in need.

An engaging story set in Paris during the heat of the Great War, the sparking chemistry between Wynn and Svetlana brings this book to life as their regard for each other grows. Though Svetlana is a princess, she is determined to make the best of their current situation, I admired her for courageously facing her family's new reality head on. Wynn is a compassionate and daring surgeon, with an unflagging humor, I loved how he is there for Svetlana when she needs him and draws her out of her shell of propriety.

Overall, a well written story with engaging characters who have an endearing chemistry and charming dialogue between them. The author does a great job of bringing the bleak landscape to life, along with the plight of those displaced by the conflict. Definitely recommend this gem of a read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

J'nell Ciesielski has written a compelling story that encompasses the Russian revolution, battles in France during WWI, and aristocracy in Scotland in The Ice Swan. Princess Svetlana Dalsky gets her mother and sister out of Petrograd when the Bolsheviks came to the castle intent on killing them. Her father and brother stay to fight. The ladies settle in Paris, hiding in a church basement when she meets Scottish surgeon Wynn MacCallan who is working as a private citizen in a hospital for the wounded. Svetlana trusts no one, but around every turn she finds Wynn is a person who comes to her rescue.

Can Svetlana keep her family safe? What does she have to sacrifice to do this? Will she learn to trust Wynn while he is fighting his own battles to advance cardiac surgery? This story is a new twist on a WWI story. If you enjoy historical fiction with a little intrigue, you'll enjoy this book.

On the run from the Bolsheviks, Princess Svetlana and a few members of her family attempt to hide their royal heritage from any outsiders they come across. Hiding out in a church, only sneaking out at night to get food or needs attended to, Svetlana is the epitome of an icy beauty. Wynn, a physician, happens to see her and a fellow refugee fleeing from the abuse rained upon them by locals. No one knows who they really are, just that they don't belong. Wynn's curiosity gets the better of him and he follows the Russian beauty back to the church. Why is he so drawn to this woman, who obviously has secrets?

Thus begins the combustible, embattled story of "The Ice Swan." The reader is taken back to 1917 to see the devastation of the Great War and is immediately drawn in to the terror hidden beneath the facade Svetlana clings to. Wynn is equally intricate, falling for a woman he knows is out of his league, but choosing to pursue anyway. Can he offer her the security and safety to be herself and finally feel loved?

The characters are detailed, as are the settings, which makes Ciesielski's work stand out to me. She's great at research and helping the reader understand the pressures the characters are facing. Ciesielski always brings a ray of hope in the midst of dire circumstances, and this book is no exception.

Will Wynn and Svetlana's paths continue to diverge, or can they make a go at love? What will they do when Paris is flooded with Bolsheviks, ready to dismantle the rest of the royal family? Don't miss this exciting, romantic story of finding who you really are in the midst of unimaginable circumstances.

If you're a fan of Anastasia or Anna Karenina, "The Ice Swan" will be one to add to your list! I was an early reader, thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I received a free advance reader's copy and am leaving this review voluntarily...

This was a beautiful story. While Wynn was instantly likeable, Svetlana took a bit of work to like. However, I understood why she was the way she was and eventually she grew on me. Her mother's antics, while hilarious at first, started to annoy me after a while. Seeing the way she behaved made me realize why Svetlana was so dour most of the time.
The dangerous situation that Svetlana and her family was in added a nice touch of drama and intrigue to the story. The author also made sure to describe the scenes well enough that I got sucked into the story quite quickly.
I'm not really a fan of romance stories but I enjoyed this particular one and won't mind reading another story by this author.
This book should be read by older teens and adults due to the adult situations contained within.

Princess Svetlana Dalsky, along with her mother and younger sister, fled Petrograd, Russia, in the midst of the 1917 revolution, fearing for their lives. They end up trading their wealth for survival in humble circumstances as they seek refuge in Paris. Danger still threatens, but a Scottish duke and physician, Wynn MacCallan, comes to their aid. In fact, he desires more than helping a beautiful ballerina flee the prison she’s trapped in, and Svetlana can’t find a way to escape and save her family on her own. The author definitely brings the time period and situations to life, making them and the characters so realistic and authentic you feel like you’re immersed in the scenes. The tension and suspense continue to escalate throughout, with surprising twists adding to the dilemmas. I recommend this fine historical romance. I received a copy from Celebrate through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #TheIceSwan #NetGalley