The Ice Swan by J’Nell Ciesielski is a Christian historical fiction that is based in 1917 in Europe. Svetlana, her sisters and mother flee Russia and search of safety in Paris. While Svetlana does everything she can to take care of her sisters and mother, her mother is not able to let go of her title and way of life. This puts their life in danger. They make acquaintance with Dr. Wynn MacCallan and a relationship builds.

This is an wonderful story that shows the loss of life and life style during WWI, especially for those connected to the Russian Revolution. This is a nicely written, easy to read story with strong characters. It also shows how Wynn risks their lives to help others. He also takes risks with his limited knowledge of cardiology to help save patients. I especially enjoyed the character of Svetlana. She is so strong and does everything she can for her family. I enjoyed the minor touches of humor in the story.

I received a complimentary copy of this story from Celebrate Lit, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing. This is my honest review.

This book was fascinating! I was swept away into its pages and enjoyed every minute! The storyline and characters will keep you reading! J’nell Ciesielski is one of my favorite authors! Enjoy!!!

In The Ice Swan, J’Nell Ciesielski delves into the plight of many Russians during The Great War. From Russia to Paris to Scotland, this slow burn historical romance with an undercurrent of mystery and danger captivated me.

Ciesielski’s historical novels are rich in setting, characterization (some of who may seem fairly normal, dare I say a little boring?, until you get a peek under their surface), and historical detail.

My one complaint with this novel was that is leaned too much toward formulaic. Problems arise and are resolved without a strong enough (for me, anyway) overarching conflict that continues throughout the story. Oh, there’s one there but it’s dropped and picked back up when convenient.

That said, The Ice Swan is worth the read for its strengths, which far out weight my single criticism.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

This book takes you back into time of World War I and into the Russian Revolution. This is a Historical Christian Romance that takes on a journey of love, drama, suspense, faith. When Princess Svetlana has to escape Russia and goes to Paris with her mother for safety, never did she dream of what would happen. She ends up needing medical attention and with that comes along meeting Wynn, a doctor. Wynn is smitten with Svetlana and they ends up with a marriage of convenience, soon their future leads to being on the run and trying to stay alive, along with finding deeper feelings for each other. Will they be able to have a loving future? Can they survive the Russian aristocrats? How does their faith play in all of this?

If you want a suspenseful, romantic read, this is the book for you. It is a page turner that takes you to the past time of how bad things were in Russia and for the Russian people. You will find that you keep reading to see what happens next, right to the very last page.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Before I started this book, I had mixed expectations. While I know WWI and WWII fiction are very popular, I find they start to feel very repetitive to me (with Rachel McMillan's The London Restoration being the glowing exception). However, I got very different feelings from this book, and I'm glad I tried it. Ciesielski writes not one but two worlds for us, and she does it well- she doesn't rely on "Paris during the war" and leave it at that. Svetlana's Paris is rather scary and not at all beautiful, but it is REAL; you feel like you are there with her. And while I thought the move to Scotland would prove an issue, I shouldn't have- she writes Scotland just as well.

The other aspect of this book that impressed me was the characters; I had strong feelings about nearly every single character. While I didn't have positive feelings about all of them, the fact that I cared a lot about them is the mark of a fantastic book. (Not going to lie, I hated her mother with a passion....) Svetlana and Wynn are both complex and flawed characters who may not always make the "right" decision, but you can understand their motivation in their choices. Their relationship is also heartfelt, in a way that I didn't expect.

All in all, this is a must-read book of 2021!

The Ice Swan is a wonderful story set in a time of war and unrest. I've heard quite a bit about the Romanovs during the Russian Revolution but not a lot about he other princesses and princes fleeing the Bolsheviks. I felt like this story brought history to life for me.
Princess Svetlana Dalsky is a wonderful character. She had determination and spunk. I especially liked her interactions with Wynn MacCallan. It's pretty fun to watch! I liked them the best and wish they were real. All the characters played their parts so well and came to life on the pages. Some I liked better then others and some you just wanted to punch.

I saw a different perspective on The Great war and the impact it had on society. I had no idea how much Russians were part of Paris's story. It was fascinating!

The Ice Swan is a wonderful story and I
Recommend this book to my family and friends.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

The Ice Swan has all the desired elements required to make a fantastic historical romance novel.
Beautiful princess, check. Handsome hero, check. Lovely setting, check. Action, check.
Where do I even begin? Svetlana is a Russian princess who had to flee her home country with her family. Now, they are in Paris, just trying to stay alive. Oh wait, I forgot to mention the time frame - WWI.
Svetlana knows nothing but the royal life she's been born and bred into. (This must be where this book's title comes from) In spite of her cold exterior, Wynn is determined to break through that ice and get to know the person behind her beautiful appearance.
Watching them interact, seeing their relationship grow, was truly a delightful read.
This author has once again brought to life in vivid imagery a period in history that was previously mostly unknown to me.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I had such a hard time getting into this book at first. I don’t know if it was the Russian language throughout the story, the broken English or the fact that I didn’t like Svetlana. I thought she was snotty and I was getting tired of being reminded that she was a princess in her country of Russia. Then I spoke to a dear friend who was reading the book also. She gave me a different perspective of the princess. Maybe she was being snotty to people because she was in fear. Wow. That made a lot of sense. When we are afraid we put up defenses to protect ourselves. Well no wonder she was acting the way she was. After all she had to flee her country to survive. With nothing but the clothes she had along with a few jewels and her mother and her sister she had to lean on her instincts to keep herself and others alive.

I enjoyed getting to know Wynn the most. His ability as a surgeon is much needed as the war rages on. When he finds himself helping Svetlana and her family their journey begins as we witness destruction and danger. It was interesting to read about how difficult it was to hide out and not be recognized as Svetlana tries to keep her family safe from the enemy. Finding shelter was hard and at times they did without warmth and food. There is one part of the story that I really liked. Wynn performs a surgery that others question and it does take a toll on him as his surgery comes into question by the board.

Although there is a lot going on in the story I just could not connect with Svetlana. I did like how we see pride becoming a stumbling block for the two main characters. They each had to find a way to let go of hurt and accept that sometimes change is to help us not hurt us. It is a good story that shows how determined people are when faced with struggles and I did like how Wynn was there to protect Svetlana. This is not one of my favorite books by this author, but I do think there were some great moments in the story that shows how important trust and forgiveness is.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

I found “The Ice Swan” by J’Nell Ciesielski a highly enjoyable read. it reminded me a bit of Kate Furnivall’s “The Jewel of St. Petersburg” with it’s love story set with the Russian Revolution as it’s backdrop.

In “The Ice Swan” I felt that the author did a fabulous job capturing the essence of what it means to be Russian when she created her main character, Svetlana. She is a lover of beauty, not quick to trust and refuses to give up no matter how desperate her circumstances become. I also admired the character of Svetlana, because unlike so many of her fellow white Russian emigres she is able to “roll with the punches” so to speak and adapt to her circumstances. Her whole world is turned upside down, but she is eventually able to use this as an opportunity to help others instead of wallowing in despair over all that she had lost.

Svetlana’s love interest, Wynn, is in many ways her opposite being more adventurous and optimistic. Though he has seen a fair amount of death as a surgeon, Wynn continues to strive to help others and look towards the future. This desire to help others is a trait that he shares with Svetlana. Like her, he is far from a typical aristocrat of the time. I felt like Wynn and Svetlana in some ways represented the many Russian nobles who did strive to make life better for their people and who were driven away by the Bolsheviks, who did not discriminate between the aristocrats who leeched off their peasants and those who truly cared about the people who worked for them.

My favorite part of the story was discovering how Wynn breaks through Svetlana’s defenses allowing true love to blossom between the two. Their courtship is far from the sort one would expect during that time period, but that only served to make for a more interesting read. And of course as with any good romance there are plenty of obstacles to overcome before the two could enjoy their happily ever after.

Aside from the romance aspect of the story, I enjoyed learning about what life must have been life for many White emigres to Paris. It’s incredibly sad to think about how so many saw their way of life collapse and lost their homeland and many loved ones. The character of Svetlana lands on her feet, but I have a feeling that she was the exception rather than the rule. And living under the constant threat of being caught by the Bolsheviks sounds terrifying as well.

I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and/or historical romance. This was a 4 out of 5 star read for me.

"A man's heart holds a secret chamber where only one woman may enter. A place shaped for only her to breathe life into the darkened recesses and drum out a unique rhythm never before heard."

I have loved every single J'nell Ciesielski book I have read and The Ice Swan is no exception. Set mostly in 1918 war-torn Paris, the author has that magical ability to bring that specific time period and place to life in full color - from the decrepit and deceiving conditions where the Russians aristocrats hide from the Bolsheviks to pain-filled and oftentimes hopeless atmosphere of the field hospital to peaceful Scotland. In the midst of fear, war, and struggle for survival, Svetlana and Wynn's romance is passionate, all-consuming, and quite delightful. Their dialogue is absolutely hilarious as perpetually hopeful and humorous Wynn attempts to befriend and then woo Svetlana who is unyielding and extremely proud. Circumstances continue to bring them together as Svetlana learns to accept Wynn's help and softens toward him. Wynn is absolutely endearing and thoroughly charming in his determination, focus, compassion, and wit. Wynn's complete devotion, love, and sacrifice for her is quite incredible. I also learned some history of medicine through Wynn's surgical brilliance, which was fascinating. If you enjoy historical romance, you will totally love this book. Another winner for the author!

I received the book from Thomas Nelson via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely 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.

A sweeping love story set in Paris and Scotland. A princess, mother and younger sister escape from Russia as the big revolution comes about there. They lost everything, even their few things they had packed. After they fled, Svetlana took on the responsibility of providing for them all, but they were reduced to very little. They thought they found help with a Russian who catered to the deposed aristocrats, but he wasn't what he seemed, and pulled them further into poverty.
Wynn is a brilliant Scottish surgeon who steps in to help and is entranced by the princess. He's from a prominent family, but the differences are stark at times. She is very cold and protective, and has trouble trusting him. Their push-pull story is very intricate and develops slowly. Never a dull moment! Excellent read.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. #TheIceSwan #NetGalley

The Ice Swan by J’nell Ciesielski

Set to the second Russian revolution In 1917, the Bolsheviks revolted in Russia, rising up to topple the monarchy. Fleeing for their lives Princess Svetlana Dalsky, along with her mother and younger sister. They make up the White Russian émigré that made up the exodus of Russians who barely escaped the blood thirsty events. Arriving in Paris France at the end of WW1. Svetlana Dalsky life has been changed dramatically while living with other displaced refugees in a basement of Russian Orthodox Church in Paris. Not all of the emigrants are able to adapt to their new found status and living conditions. Taking on rolls and jobs that would have been unthinkable in their past lives. Svetlana Dalsky is brave and courageous she picks up the responsibilities of keeping what’s left of her family in Paris together.

In a series of events Svetlana finds herself in need of treatment by a Scottish surgeon Wynn MacCallan. Intrigued with the reserved, beautiful Russian Wynn offers Svetlana safely and the resources to bring her family out of the debt they concurred while living in the underbelly world in Paris. It’s a marriage of convenience but a sound one as the Bolsheviks long arm extends to eliminate all the remaining Russian aristocrats.

This was fast moving engaging story from the get go. The storyline along with the richly detailed events helped create a moving tale. The characterizations of place and time, along with the characters themselves were absolutely wonderful and so vividly descriptive, placing me easily into the heart of this novel. Once again the author has written a stunning historical fiction that I absolutely enjoyed reading from start to finish.

The Ice Swan by J’nell Ciesielski is a complex story that is emotionally charged with well developed characters, set during a dark turbulent time in history. Ciesielski narration is seamless allowing the reader to be completely immersed in this remarkable historical fiction. The romance is a slow burn, that is wonderfully depicted and goes perfect with the books overall elements.

Make sure to add this captivating book to your TBR List and Library

I highly recommend this book to historical fiction book lovers everywhere ♡

I enjoyed J'nell's Beauty Among Ruins, so I was looking forward to another book from her.
I really enjoyed this one due to the time period. I have always been fascinated with the Russian revolution and this book gives you an inside look into the world of the Russian refugees.
Great character development as I enjoyed the interaction between Svetlana and Wynn but also the supporting cast.
Anyone that enjoys historical fiction that allows you to visit a time in the past, will enjoy this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read Ice Swan

✔️I love Russian history so I really enjoyed those parts of the book - I wish there was more of Svetlana’s life prior to the exile
✔️Svetlana’s mother was so annoying - but she also felt very realistic !
✖️I’m pretty squeamish when it comes to anything medical, so those parts were definitely not for me !


3.5 ⭐️

The Ice Swan
by J'nell Ciesielski
Rating: 4.5/5

Wow. This book was very good. The author weaves a fascinating story set during the Great War surrounding Russian royalty and a Scottish surgeon. I was pulled in from the beginning and didn't want to stop reading. There's some suspenseful elements within the narrative since the Bolsheviks are still after any remnants of the royal family but the swoony love story is beautiful. I loved the female lead, Svetlana, so much because she was trying to go against her snobby upbringing and Russian coldness but she still had her own trust issues like so many of us. As a medical student, I liked the male lead, Wynn, a lot because he was just trying to save his patients. He really cared about them but also had to acknowledge the "god-complex" that many surgeons have to deal with. The two of them really seem like a perfect match - obviously, they are not perfect individuals but they were perfect for each other. I wouldn't have minded some more dancing in the book but the story didn't necessarily need it (I just love ballet). As someone who has been to Russia, I also enjoyed all the Russian language and foods slipped into the story. I would have loved a Russian recipe at the end ;)

Although the book is published by Thomas Nelson, I would not classify this book as Christian fiction because the faith aspects are brief and almost non-existent. As intense as the situation was in Paris, I would have preferred more incorporation about how faith encourages during dark times, but the story is still very exciting and eye-opening.

Highly recommend if you enjoy clean, historical romance with action, suspense and a lot of heart.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Russian princess, Svetlana Dalsky along with her mother and sister have escaped to Paris, France from the Russian Revolution into the midst of World War I with nothing but a little money and some jewelry that had managed to smuggle out with them. Living in the basement of their church with nothing but a few clothes and what little food they could buy each day, life is not the grand style they had lived previously. When Svetlana is out on the street trying to find a better place for them to live, a woman throws a bottle at her which breaks and leaves a large piece of glass in her shin. At that moment, Dr. Wynn MacCallan comes along and rescues Svetlana, takes her to the church, and treats her leg. Thus begins a relationship that will have its highs and lows and find both of them facing dire problems as well as wonderful moments.

J'nell Ciesielski's books are always something I look forward to, and this one is perhaps my favorite. Her historical research into both World War I in Paris as well as the Russian Revolution is obvious throughout the detail in the story. The characters of both Svetlana and Wynn were so well developed and realistic. The secondary characters were wonderful additions. Svetlana's mother was such a stereotype of upper class snobbery, and her sister was a sweet young thing who had yet to mature into wiser ways but tried to be helpful and understanding. Also the trials that emigres would run into as they escaped from a revolution were so true to life. This book would make a wonderful movie with one of the Bolshoi prima ballerinas playing the role of Svetlana.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

J'nell Ciesielski is a master at weaving a web that transports the reader into another time and place. She injects the reader into a story that brings each character to brilliant life, experiencing the emotions and settings that make the imagined real. Russia, Paris and Scotland come to life during the end of World War I, with a titled surgeon fighting his best to stitch back together the Tommies fighting on the frontlines and a princess trying to hide her family in order to save their lives. When happenstance has them meet in a Paris street nothing will be the same again. Svetlana is used to the privileged life of a Russian princess but the Bolsheviks are advancing on the palace and she must flee with her sister and mother. They end up in Paris, hiding with other refugees from Russia and always looking over their shoulders for men wanting to drag them back to Russia for execution. She has no idea if her father and brother are alive. An accidental injury when trying to find new accommodations leads her to a nearby hospital and surgeon Edwynn MacCallan. As the second born son of a Duke, Wynn can plot his own course with medicine. He wants to challenge the preconceived ideas that have left surgery and medicine stuck in the past. Once the war is finished he looks forward to working in a top hospital and moving medicine forward. Wynn has feelings awaken he never expected and uses his humor and wit to win her over. Svetlana fears for her family and holds tight to her icy mask to keep herself safe. But when Russia comes calling, they will both have to overcome pride and fear to stay safe and on the path God has for their lives.
This story was gripping from first page to the last. J'nell Ciesielski pulled me in and made me a part of the story. History came alive with her detail and obvious research, teaching me more about a past that we should all know. I so enjoyed the trip and was saddened when it ended. I can not wait for her next novel, she is a master at the top of her game. It is a book I can't wait to put on my shelf! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Ice Swan by J’neil Ciesielski, just published this week, is an exciting romantic account of the life of a Russian Princess who fled Saint Petersburg with her mother and younger sister to avoid being killed by Bolsheviks. They had jewels sown into the lining of their clothes. Used to being very rich with servants doing everything, they are reduced to just surviving in Paris. The “The Reds” had agents looking for aristocratic Émigrés to be taken home for execution.

Petrograd - 1917 - Princess Svetlana Dalsky, about 21, along with her mother and younger sister Marisa barely escape death by the Reds onto a train bound out of the country. Her father and her brother Nicky remain in Russia fighting to restore the Tsar. They arrive in Paris with little more than the Jewels in their corsets. They have to live almost in hiding from Bolshevik agents. They have to give a ruby for a loaf of bread.

The male romantic lead is a Scottish Doctor, from a very wealthy family, working in a military hospital in Paris. Wynn MacCallan is the second son of a Scottish Duke but his passion is his work as a surgeon, taking care of wounded soldiers. One day he sees Svetlana injured by some glass thrown at her and he treats her. She is, of course, very beautiful, he is intrigued he followers her into an underground Russian nightclub. This club is owned by a sinister Russian who knows everything going on in the Émigré community. The club is the social hub of Émigre
Paris, full of dancing, vodka, and shady deals. The doctor had earlier treated the owner’s son when he was shot so he has an in.

Svetlana begins to run up debts to the club owner, made worse by her mother’s bar tabs. She agrees to marry the doctor who will settle her debts and get her to his castle in Scotland.

What made the story exciting for me were the numerous plot lines, the development of relationships, watching the Russians adjust. There are lots of surprises and cliff hangers to keep you eagerly reading on.

Very all encompassing book. Takes a very long time to get through it, the pace of the book is very slow. The romance part is good as well as the history. It also show the complications that family can create. I would have rated it higher but is just dragged on. Writing us great and does pull you in, You have to think epic journey story far from short and tidy.