The Winged Tiara is a story of thievery at its finest. A war weary nurse and a festive feeling soldier wake up married after the ferver of Armistice Day. When she sneaks out of their room the next morning, they don't reunite for four years. This is when they discover they've both been hired, by different people, to steal a prized crown.

This story is a fun, energetic read that I enjoyed from the beautiful cover to the very last page! The characters are well developed, their relationship is authentic, and I really enjoyed the banter between the two. Their antics to attempt to one-up the other is also quite laughable. A truly enjoyable read!

I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I've read several books by J'nell Ciesielski, but the Winged Tiara was very different. It's 1918 when Esme Fox and Jasper Truitt meet on Armistice Day in Paris, after celebrating the end of The Great War. They celebrate a bit too much and the next morning, Esme is horrified to realize that they are married. She's not ready to settle down, even with this handsome man and she leaves without even saying goodbye. Fast forward 4 years and they meet again on the French Riviera. They are both now jewel thieves and are after the same treasure, the Valkyrie Tiara. Esme's working for the Countess Rossalina Accardi and Jasper is working for the Duke of Loxhill. As they follow the trail of the tiara throughout Europe, and they try and stay one step ahead of each other. When Jasper realizes that Esme is in danger from a man that the countess has hired, they end up working together. the question is, can they trust one another?

This was an interesting adventure story with the tiara slipping out of their grasp time and time again. There is a lot of chemistry between Esme and Jasper and they have to fight to keep working against one another and not acting on their feelings. I did enjoy their banter, it was a lot of fun. Seeing them try to outsmart one another definitely kept me guessing on who would be successful. There are secrets regarding their identity and why both of these aristocrats are after the tiara. The story is set in various glamorous locations at at a variety of parties and social gatherings. Both are good at disguising themselves and when they get close, the Countess's man intervenes. This book had humour, glamour, adventure, danger and lots of chemistry. Will they find the tiara? Will they act on their feelings or go through with their divorce? Although many of J'nell Ciesielski's books are Christian fiction, this one is not.

This book is quite a bit different from other ones I’ve read from this author. I’ve enjoyed her other historical fiction stories and thought I’d give this one a try. I liked the last part of the story more than the first, as I felt it had more substance and meaning to it. A lot of it felt a little over the top, and I had to suspend my imagination quite a bit. The banter between Esme and Jasper was witty and fun, and I liked seeing both of their points of view. There is quite a bit of innuendo along with a lot of drinking and smoking, which I’m not really fond of reading about, although I’m sure it was quite true to the times and circumstances of the tale. I’ve heard that Thomas Nelson Publishing has some more mainstream books now, along with its Christian fiction ones. This is definitely more of a mainstream one, although it’s more of a mild one. I definitely wouldn’t classify it as Christian fiction. All in all, it was a satisfying read, although not my favorite of her books. 3.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Winged Tiara is an enjoyable read from the 1920s. With mystery, intrigue, romance, and more, this book is sure to sweep you off your feet until you turn the last page. The romance was a little stronger than I prefer. (Spicy is too strong of a word, but it was definitely stronger than I'm used to.) All in all, it was an enjoyable read!

I've enjoyed everything that I've read by J'nell Ciesielski and The Wing Tiara is no different. She writes historical fiction that makes you feel like your there. Jasper Truitt is a jewel thief with a a heart of gold, Esme Fox is a rival jewel who also happens to be Jasper's estranged wife. He married on whim at the end of the great war. Now they are looking for fabled Valkyrie tiara. However for both of them there's more at stake than he tiara. I have to say that this one gave me slight Mr and Mrs. Smith vibes though without the assassin’s for hire.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I was initially drawn by the synopsis of the story, interested in the plot of a couple of thieves in search of the winged tiara. As always, Ms. Ciesielski's attention to historical detail was apparent in the brilliant setting of Europe, following the Great War. While the madcap plot is full of adventure, at times it fell a little flat for me. However, I was very entertained by the second chance at romance storyline. The witty banter had me laughing out loud. Esme and Jasper were married spontaneously during the end of war celebrations. Almost immediately, they were estranged.

Years later, they are both in search of the winged tiara. Now they find themselves treading a blurry line of attraction as they race from one dangerous situation into another. As they compete, will they find that there is something more valuable than jewels or money?

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a great read. I like when books are set in time periods that stand out from the rest.

The story follows 87-year-old Florrie Butterfield, a resident of Babbington Hall, who becomes suspicious after witnessing a strange accident involving the facility's manager. Florrie's determination to uncover the truth leads her to reflect on her own life, filled with passions and regrets. The writing is heartfelt, and the characters are quirky and intriguing.

Overall, it's a cozy and entertaining read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

In this complex and brilliant historical fiction heist romance novel, J’nell Ciesielski brings the exciting post-World War I and Roaring Twenties world to life and follows Esme Fox and Jasper Truitt as they disappear and reappear in each other’s lives four years after they accidentally marry. Jasper, seeking the Valkyrie tiara, discovers it on Esme’s head at a glitterati charity event -- because she is trying to steal the tiara for a wronged and vengeful opera singer. As both Jasper and Esme disappear from the party with a hitman on their tails, they chase each other and the tiara across Europe in this thrilling historical fiction novel. Readers join them across Europe and experience the magic of 1920s Europe through the lens of a brilliant cat and mouse heist when someone’s heart is on the line. The characters and their incredible relationship are the immediate star of the show and engage readers with the narrative. The settings add to the tension and heist-historical fiction nature of the book and really succeed in drawing the conflict and the emotional stakes into the characters’ narrative as the backdrop to the physical and emotional stakes in this brilliant, emotionally complex, and immersive historical fiction novel.

On the fateful day that ended World War I, Esme Fox lets down her guard for the first time. She's ready for lighthearted celebration after serving as a nurse during the war. Esme doesn’t expect to fall in love with a stranger standing in the middle of the square. She really doesn’t expect to marry him that afternoon, but she wakes the next morning with a ring on her finger and a certificate proclaiming her legal union to one Jasper Truitt. After all, her mother repeatedly warned her to never trust a man. So, Esme does what her mother taught her. She walks away and disappears into war-torn Europe.

Four years later, Jasper, now a renowned jewel thief, finds his wayward wife on the runway of a high-end jewelry show. Esme’s wearing the Valkyrie—a diamond headdress his grandfather wants him to steal. When he holds the Valkyrie for a fleeting moment, Jasper realizes it’s nothing more than a replica.

When the woman who hired Esme to steal the winged tiara discovers that the Valkyrie is nothing more than a fake, she threatens Esme with her hitman. Jasper and Esme embark on parallel European journeys to procure the real Valkyrie for their employers. Along the way, sparks fly as they realize the depth of their feelings for each other and how well-suited they are as a team.

As they disappear and reappear in each other’s lives, they must ask hard questions about the narratives of their youths and their hopes for the future. Will they ever be more than talented jewel thieves? What would happen if they didn’t get a divorce?

What I Loved About this Book

Ciesielski creates another delightful duo of flawed protagonists. Readers who regret past choices or with false narratives hanging over their lives will relate to Esme and Jasper. I love how the author boldly gives her characters unusual career choices—ones many of us would feel ashamed of—and shows how we can overcome our past and choose our present and future.

Fans of Roseanna M. White will enjoy The Winged Tiara.

What a great return to my beloved historical fiction genre. I love a plot line where the main characters are also the questionable ones. And let's not miss an enemies to lovers trope. Such an easy book to get through as we followed these two on the most unlikely game of cat and mouse!

This book was just so much fun! Historical romance, action and adventure with two very likable and intelligent characters, both thieves with ethics. Jaspar Truitt and Esme Fox met right at the end of WWI, drink a bit too much champagne celebrating and marry on a whim. The next morning Esme if gone and Jaspar spends the next four years searching for her. When the two do finally meet up again they are both after the famous Valkyrie Winged Tiara as they are both talented jewel thieves. The search and chase for the tiara takes them on wild and exotic adventures all over Europe and England. The author provides lots of wonderful descriptions of famous landmarks which I really enjoyed. This book is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and romance. Very highly recommended! 5 solid stars.

Many thanks to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Fiction | Thomas Nelson for a chance to read an ARC version of this fabulous book.

J'nell Cielsielski writes some of the best character banter. This book is a delightful romp throughout post-war Europe. It gives a glimpse into the underbelly of society while showcasing the changes to the aristocracy. The story is fast paced and the tension between Jasper and Esme is just delicious.

What an adventurous, historical and romantic thrill! You got to love a book that's not only friends to enemies but estranged married couple to more! Esme and Jasper are wonderful characters! After the Great War ends our beloved Esme celebrates with Jasper, two souls who meet, and share a passionate night! However! Esme leaves the next morning unsure of what to do next! ......... Except now they're married! 💞

He doesn't see her for 4 years! And they are both sent to look for the famous Valkyrie Tiara! A game of cat and mouse ensues between the estranged spouses as they both each tried to deliver the tiara to their employers! (No spoilers!! Lol) This definitely had an ocean's 11 and Mr and Mrs smith feel to it! 💗

The story very much had the spark and allure I needed to be reading for hours! Every time I thought something was going to happen in the chapter I would be thrown off in the next chapter! It felt as if I was in a beautiful 1920s carnival! There's glitz there's glamor and the lights are always shining on Esme and Jasper! 🌠

Of course my heart belongs to the 1920s! The author does a beautiful job delivering a vivid description worthy of a movie premiere! 🍿

I love this book from beginning to end! It takes a real talented author to produce a book that has writing soaring like diamonds in the air! That's how I felt when I read this treasure! 🎙️

Bravo! 🧁

A scintillating and thrilling historical romance that takes place in post war Europe. I liked the snappy banter and the atmospheric writing. There are twists during the adventure, sure to keep the reader engaged.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Wowwwwww this book!!!!😍
I was hooked from the prologue and the rest of the book did not disappoint. Wowww.
The lovers to enemies, to friends, to sorta lovers, to enemies again, to lovers was just 🤌🤌🤌 The tensionnnnnnn. 🤩 I loved both of the main characters and following their adventures. The danger, suspense, romance, setting, all of it. I loved how both characters were competing and both jewel thieves. It was such a fun read!!
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*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts expressed are strictly my own*

J'nell Ciesielski's The Winged Tiara whisks readers on a thrilling post-WWI adventure of romance, danger, and high-stakes treasure hunting. The novel opens with Esme Fox waking up the day after the Great War's end to discover she has accidentally married Jasper Truitt. With her instinct to leave before being abandoned, Esme slips away, only to reappear four years later at a charity event, where Jasper, now a successful jewel thief, is on the hunt for a priceless heirloom: the Valkyrie tiara. This glamorous setup launches the pair into a whirlwind reunion that is anything but simple, as both are pursuing the same treasure for different reasons.

Ciesielski's ability to blend romantic tension with fast-paced action creates an engaging story. The sparks between Esme and Jasper are undeniable, yet their complex history and contrasting motivations keep them at odds, even as they're forced to work together. Their chase across Europe—from the French Riviera to Venice and beyond—is infused with a sense of cinematic adventure. Each setting is vividly brought to life, creating a luxurious yet dangerous atmosphere that feels both exciting and immersive. The stakes are raised even higher with a hitman in pursuit, adding suspense and urgency to the pair's pursuit of the tiara.

At its core, The Winged Tiara is a story about second chances, not just in love, but in life. Esme and Jasper’s reunion is filled with witty banter and emotional depth, their romance sparkling amid the chaos of their quest. Ciesielski’s knack for snappy dialogue and historical detail makes this a truly enjoyable read. Whether it's an opulent ball or a dramatic horseback escape, every scene brims with tension and elegance. With both hearts and treasures on the line, the novel delivers a captivating blend of romance, intrigue, and adventure that will leave readers eagerly turning pages to the very end.

I liked the concept of the story. I was expecting it to be a little more on the Christian side in ways of language and other aspects. I enjoy reading about this time in history this just wasn’t my favorite because of the above mentioned parts of the book.
Thanks for the advanced copy

Funny (even sexy) rom-com from the roaring 20s, where two - still married - thieves chase after the famous Valkyrie tiara.
They had married 4 years ago, after the Great War ended and people celebrated, so did they. Some champagne, some sparks, some kisses - but in the morning the now sober bride had run away.
But here are they now, chasing after the bejewelled tiara. And while they traipse all over the glamorous hotels, castles and mansions to get the tiara, they realize that they might have some more things in common. And by that I mean their sad childhoods and the hearts broken by being left out.

This novel reads like a movie - all glamorous, all glitzy, all charm. And it IS enchanting, cool and fun. Esme and Jasper have great chemistry and they simply belong together, because of all the people they could accept each other in the whole, with all the unconventional, broken and messy parts of themselves. Even in their ambitious selves!
But...you should not go into this with a strictly logical approach. This is an affair of heart. But this heist would, of course, never work in the real world and the authoress could go deeper with the psychology of the characters.
But having said all that, I still enjoyed this funny ride.

Great mystery/thriller from another time. The Winged Tiara had intrigue, lust and plenty of mystery. Jasper and Esme were at odds but were magnetically pulled back together time and time again. Thanks Netgalley for the ARC!

Great book! Very fast paced which kept me not wanting to put it down.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.