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.

**The Winged Tiara** is a notable work that combines elements of romance, adventure, and historical fiction. Author J’nell Ciesielski excels in crafting a vivid, immersive world and demonstrates strong character development throughout the novel. Although the fast-paced narrative may not appeal to all readers, those who appreciate an exciting, romantic adventure will find much to enjoy in this book.

I highly recommend **The Winged Tiara** to enthusiasts of historical romance and adventure genres. The novel's engaging characters, detailed settings, and compelling storyline contribute to its memorability. Whether you are a long-time admirer of J’nell Ciesielski or encountering her work for the first time, this book is likely to leave a lasting impression.

The Winged Tiara is a wonderful historical mystery. Two jewel thieves with a past trying to obtain the same Tiara, what could go wrong? The story will grab you from the beginning and keep you entertained till the very end. I highly recommend this book.

A really good historical mystery, suspense romance set after WWI in Europe.
Emma and Jasper has a connection to each other they where married only for a short time.
They both are looking for the Winged Tiara for different reasons.
Lots of drama,suspense,fun,adventure and romance.
Really enjoyed reading.
Voluntarily reviewed.

My review begins with the beautiful cover. When I saw it, I instantly wanted to read the synopsis.

A great historical book that tells the story of Esme Fox and Jasper Truitt. They met in 1918 at a celebration of the end of WWI. Esme woke up the following morning and found that they had gotten married. She snuck out of the room before Jasper woke up. They crossed paths again 4 years later. They were professional thieves searching across Europe for a winged tiara know as the Valkyrie tiara. There were amusing situations as they each tried to be the one to locate the tiara ~ then working together with a hitman on their tail. Will Jasper be able to forgive Esme for leaving him and trust her enough to take another chance at love?

This is the first book I've read by this author. I will be looking to see what else she has written.

I appreciate receiving an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An epic cat and mouse hunt through Europe. Twists and turns pile up to keep the reader guessing what path the story will take to get to the ending everyone hopes for. Romance rises off the page like champagne bubbles that start the whole story off. J"nell Ciesielski has an amazing gift to bring words from the pages of a book and create a movie for the readers to immerse in. This book is no different, with swift fingers, impressive plans, and romance constantly distracting both Esme and Jasper. These characters feel so real, I often felt like I was being pulled along behind them as they nipped, ran, and hunted for the prize they are both fighting over. Who will win the greatest prize? And will it be what they think it will?
This story takes the reader on a trip through a number of European destinations that J"nell Ciesielski brings to life with stunning detail. It is amazing how different locations can fell like they spring to life before your eyes even though you never leave the house. What a wonderful talent!
The sizzling romance that sweeps the reader in and the wonderful twists that comes with 2 thieves trying to outdo each other and win the ultimate prize. But what if losing means the chance to win?
I can't recommend this book enough. It is a marvelous trip through all the sparkle and danger of the 1920s. Plan for a long weekend of no interruptions when you get it, you will not want to put this book down until you find out what surprises are around the last bend. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

You know how they say you should never judge a book by its cover? Well, I did, and boy was that ever a mistake. The lovely artwork on the jacket of The Winged Tiara envelopes a slap-sticky 1920s heist plot starring two very shallow characters glamorously traversing the world in search of a particular item while accidentally falling in love.

November, 1918: Jasper Truitt has spent the last four years watching better men than he lose limbs, sanity, health, and life in the trenches of The Great War. When it finally ends, and the streets of Paris fill with post-war celebrations, he is all too happy to soak his memories in wine, women, and song. Esme Fox is delighted to be his partner in celebration. As a nurse, she saw the same suffering Jasper did and was equally eager to forget it all in a whirl of champagne, music, and kisses. Jasper is her every dream come true in those moments – handsome and whole, witty, charming, and as drunkenly in love as she is. Her dislike of anything smacking of permanence returns in the morning, which is why she quickly gathers her belongings and slips out of the room, not even leaving a note propped next to the wedding certificate so prominently displayed on the table.

French Riviera, 1922: Jasper is back in France once more, this time searching for the elusive Valkyrie Tiara for his grandfather. It’s a family heirloom of sorts through rather questionable ownership, and was lost/stolen (it’s complicated). Jasper, the by-blow of an esteemed peer, is known for his penchant for and skill at acquiring items that are not his own, so he has been sent to retrieve the Valkyrie. His sources assure him it will be displayed at a gala thrown by the Rothschilds to make money for a children’s hospital. Jasper’s charm, good looks, excellent manners, and stylish persona guarantee he will fit in perfectly at the event, despite his lack of an invitation. It’ll be an ideal opportunity to grab the piece and go home. As models wearing all manner of glittering jewels promenade down the opulent runway, Jasper waits patiently for the tiara to be displayed. When it finally arrives, it comes with a nasty shock. His very elusive, erstwhile bride is the person wearing it.

As a thief with a reputation for acquiring rare items, Esme has been charged by an aging opera diva to obtain the Valkyrie Tiara. The old lady plans to give one final performance while wearing the spectacular headpiece, and time is of the essence. Somehow, Esme manages to get herself a job showcasing the diadem, which will allow her sufficient access to acquire it. It sounds simple because it should be simple. However, a complication occurs when Esme’s long-lost husband appears and insists on talking to her. He wants a divorce (reasonable). She doesn’t care. It’s not like she wants to marry anyone else, so why tangle herself up in court appearances and paperwork when she can just pretend the whole thing never happened? After distracting him by giving him a closer look at the tiara, Esme gives him the slip and delivers the stolen goods to the buyer. The only problem is that the item is fake. Oh, and now Esme is under a death threat from a known assassin if she doesn’t find it. (No, it doesn’t make sense, but were you really expecting it to at this point?)

Jasper knew right away that he was looking at a cheap mockup of the Valkyrie Tiara and leaves the party ready to chase new leads. Esme, desperate to keep from dying, is doing the same. Naturally, Jasper and Esme cross paths repeatedly in their pursuit of the bauble and realize the spark that initially brought them together still burns bright.

If the historical romance you love is all about adventure, glitz, and ridiculous conversations mixed with rather shallow characterization, this novel is what you have been waiting for. It has all of the above in spades. What it doesn’t have is a sensible plot, an understandable hero and heroine, or pretty much anything of substance at all.

I’m not going to say much about the characters because they are given some of the most ridiculously complicated and convoluted backstories I have ever encountered. The author relies on this past experience to shape her hero and heroine, but the end result is that we have a lot of ludicrous history that doesn’t equate into personality. The writer also does something rather extraordinary with one of the two villains: she’s based him on the baddie from Despicable Me 2, complete with his chicken sidekick. The dude in the movie had way more depth.

I was especially disappointed with the romance. Jasper learns early on that Esme is under threat by a homicidal maniac if she doesn’t deliver the goods. Yet he is determined to get to the tiara first, while simultaneously waxing lyrical on how she is different from any other woman he has ever known, he thinks they should give their relationship another chance, etc., etc. It never occurs to him to let Esme take the jewels to her employer – thus conveniently saving her life – and then steal the item from them. It also never occurs to him that they might have a mutual problem. After all, if the killer is willing to off Esme if she can’t deliver, what is to stop them from doing the same to Jasper once he does have them?

A few things keep The Winged Tiara from getting an F. The author does a nice job of capturing the over-the-top opulence and zaniness of an early twentieth-century-based heist film, and you have to admire someone who has the chutzpah to use a children’s cartoon villain as the inspiration for an adult criminal. There isn’t much more for me to say except that I am sorry, but I can’t recommend this book.