You like sweeping romances, you say?! Tick ✅ Heist stories?! Tick ✅ funny and tender moments sprinkled with liberalism?! You've guessed, it's another tick ✅ for this heist story for fans of historical fiction. If this hasn't convinced you so far, the 1920s atmosphere, flapper girls, gilded ballrooms juxtaposed to the more prosaic realities of post-Great-War life for the vast majority of people, with some social commentary to round it all up, should surely do it. If you're a fan of all of the above, or even one or two elements, rest assured this book will deliver.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC

Book Review: The Winged Tiara by J’Nell Ciesielski, Narrated by Ann Marie Gideon

The Winged Tiara is a captivating blend of historical mystery, suspense, and romance, and it delivered on all fronts. The characters, especially Jasper and Esme, were a delight to follow. Their banter was sharp, witty, and reminded me of the flirty back-and-forth between Bella and Dean in Supernatural. Even during tense, high-stakes moments, their playful interactions made me smile.

Esme and Jasper's dynamic as rivals vying for the tiara added an exciting layer to the story. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the way they tried to outdo each other kept me hooked. The author’s vivid descriptions made me feel as if I could see the jewels and sense the suspense as they raced to outsmart one another.

The twists and turns throughout the story kept me guessing, and there was just the right amount of romance to balance the mystery and adventure. It’s the perfect read for fans of historical fiction with a dash of romance and intrigue.

Ann Marie Gideon’s narration was excellent, bringing the characters and their world to life. Her performance made the audiobook thoroughly enjoyable and easy to follow.

Overall, I highly recommend The Winged Tiara to anyone who enjoys a good historical mystery with a touch of romance. I’ll definitely be reading more from J’Nell Ciesielski!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with this ARC audiobook!

The Winged Tiara
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed this story. It did start a little slow for me. Stick with it & it will turn out to be a good book.
Fun time in our history. You could feel the time in history popping out off the pages.
Thank you NetGalley!!

The Winged Tiara offers a glittering chase through 1920s Europe, as thieves attempt to secure the legendary Valkyrie tiara. Two of the thieves turn out to be a couple—married hastily in the end of WWI celebrations and long separated—both in search of the same prize. As they encounter one another over and over in various storied locations, including the French Riviera, Venice, and Neuschwanstein castle in Bavaria, they banter and bicker. Both the thrill of the chase and the examination of their relationship provide an adrenaline rush to this tale. The book started strong, and then I felt like it staggered a bit, with the same try-and-fail thievery repeated in different places—but then the action shifted and the wild events that followed launched the story in a new direction. I loved the protagonists, Jasper and Esme, and their attempts to overcome past hurts and find love. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.

I enjoyed this Historical, action adventure, mystery, romance book. I love a good heist, witty banter, and romp across Europe and this book didn't disappoint. This book was so fun. I felt like I was right with Esme and The Phantom. I highly recommend this book if you like a fast paced read.

I know a lot of others really enjoyed this book but it just fell flat for me. I felt like it had the potential to be really good but it just didn't quite get there. The beginning started off alright but then I quickly got bored throughout the middle. The competition between Jasper and Esme to get the tiara was fun but it honestly got tiresome after awhile. Just when I was really starting to get interested, the scene changed and I had to really refocus instead of just getting caught up in the story. So parts were good but it was just a meh for me.
*2.5 stars*

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC of this book.

A Historical mystery,suspense and romance.
Love the characters,suspense,mystery, twists,adventure and bit of romance.
Really enjoyed Jasper and Esme and their relationship.
Looking forward to more with Jasper and Esme.
Narration was very good and enjoyable to listen to.
Voluntarily reviewed.

Finally!! A cute and fun historical mystery that didn't miss its mark!!

I didn't know I needed this book until I was reading this book. Narrator was excellent and the whole tone of the novel was delcious and smooth like chocolate!!

Esme and Jasper... SIGH!!! Well written and intriguing characters and the attraction between them was gone with finesse.

It was really well written for a book that straddled several genres but the balance was perfect and the whole book was entertaining as all heck!

I love historical fiction and I know some people won't read it because it comes across as "stuffy" but this book will change your mind on the genre.

4.5 stars!

The Winged Tiara
A Historical
J'nell Ciesielski, author

A darling fun story full of angst between the two main characters.....

I enjoyed this quick read. It was fast paced with a continuous action-packed plot. Occurring during the Great War, otherwise known, as World War I, Jasper and Esme play a game of chase in pursuit of the last Valkyrie tiara.

Once married, they now seek a fast divorce, as they both feel it was a rash decision on their parts and want to seek out their fortunes on their own without the accompaniment of the other. With shots being fired, arrests taking place, and that blasted diamond tiara in the hands of others, will they accomplish the task of actually obtaining the jewel? And what will happen to their personal relationship? Can it be amended or is it doomed? I highly recommend this enchanting tale to be read. You're sure to laugh at the characters antics and set on the edge of your seat while turning the next page to see what is about to happen next.

I read the book and listened to the audio while doing so. The narrator did a superb job telling the story with a full range of emotions. I enjoyed her accent. It was perfect for the story. It was a lovely after and into the night read. I was afforded an advanced reader copy of both the book and the audio book from Netgalley, the publisher and the author. I leave this review of my own volition. I do so happily. Thank you for the opportunity to listen to this novel. I have read this author for years and enjoy each book she writes. Do yourself a favor and get yourself a copy. I promise you'll enjoy the ride.

I really enjoyed this book. It had a bit of a cat and mouse them going on and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I love historical fiction and this was a great time period for the book to be set in.

Thank you for the advanced audio book copy. This is not my typical genre. I absolutely love this book. I look forward to reading more from this author For the audiobook, if the narrator has an accent, sometimes it’s hard to understand and follow along. But I felt this narrator wasn’t as bad as it normally is for me.

I loved the suspense, and the wit in this rivals-to-lovers-to-still-rivals battle to find the Valkyrie tiara. The story of these two competing jewel thieves is a thrilling ride that kept me hooked.

It’s 1918, and the Great War is over; Esme Fox and Jasper Truitt are celebrating with all of France. But with too much champagne and revelry, Esme finds herself in bed the following day, next to Jasper, and a wedding band around her finger.

Esme flees, knowing it’s for the best, or before he does.

Four years later, Esme and Jasper meet again. Separate employers have hired each to hunt down the Valkyrie tiara. It becomes a race across Europe as Esme and Jasper try to outmaneuver one another. This would be so much easier if Jasper and Esme weren’t still fighting feelings for one another.

With stunning historical sights and landscapes, plus plenty of action, THE WINGED TIARA is a fast-paced adventure, as much as a push-and-pull romance. The snarky yet romantic banter between Esme and Jasper adds a delightful charm to the story.

The story sparkles, much like the tiara itself. I hope there will be more of Jasper and Esme in the future.


Thank you @jnellciesielski @TNZfiction and @HarperCollins for a gifted book.

Thank you @harpercollinschristian for a gifted audiobook.

'The Winged Tiara' by J'nell Ciesielski follows to thieves-who happen to have gotten married to each other in a drunken revelry following armistice day- as they both. chase a precious tiara (and each other) across Europe. I was anticipating a more straight forward, historical fiction, heist novel, but was delighted to find 'The Winged Tiara' to be quite funny- if not a little ridiculous (the chicken??) at times. Both main characters experienced growth in their motivations and ability to trust one another. It did seem, at times, that things were going just a bit too easily for them, everything fell into place without too much need to plot or figure anything out.

I was lucky enough to review this book in audio format. Ann Marie Gideon's narration was excellent, clear, and engaging. I listen to audio books at 1.5 speed and it was very easy to follow.

Thank you to J'nell Ciesielski and HaperCollins Christian Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a Mr. & Mrs. Smith meets Oceans 11 set in post WW1 Europe. While the setting and time period was fun, the real star of this book were the MCs. I felt a deep understanding and kinship in Esme, and Jasper was a joy to get to know. The two of them together were magnificent. And Ann Marie Gideon did a beautiful job representing both characters.

It’s Armistice Day in Paris and the whole world is celebrating the end of The Great War in Paris. Esme Fox and Jasper Truitt, like many others, get carried away in the festivities and end up in a hasty wartime marriage, one that Esme wants no part of.

Raised in the East End of London by her mother, who refuses to be acknowledged as such, Esme has learned that she can only rely on herself. As a high-end thief for hire, her moral code has kept her safe in a dangerous occupation. Now, she is hunting down the Valkyrie crown for a countess, who is losing her patience, and has sent out a thug to chase her down.

Jasper has only ever wanted to have a family who wants him. Born on the “wrong side of the blanket” his high-born family has never claimed him, and that long standing rejection has put a rather large chip on his shoulder. Jasper thought proving himself as a soldier in war would change his grandfather’s opinion of him, but that proved false. Now, all his grandfather wants for his birthday is the Valkyrie crown, and Jasper also known in the heist world as Phantom, is determined to get it for him.

Two spouses, who only spent a night together, end up in a game of cat and mouse chasing after the same prize, but is the crown what either truly wants?

Ciesielski’s latest novel is a glamourous and fast paced heist novel. Though the plot is somewhat predictable, it doesn’t detract from chemistry that Esme and Jasper share. Both are both cheeky and entertaining and their romance reminds me of a historical Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins Christian Publishing, and author J’Nell Ciesielski for the advanced copy of the audiobook. The Winged Tiara is out now! All opinions are my own.

This was such a fun historical mystery. I loved the banter between Esme and Jasper and the way they were drawn to each other even when they wanted to only view each other as the competition. Honestly, their interactions made me think of the banter between Bella and Dean on Supernatural. Their flirty interactions, even during stressful times, made me laugh. The author has a talent for description and I could see the jewels they were talking about and feel the suspense as they tried to beat each other to win the tiara. There were enough twists to keep me guessing and to keep the story interesting. This really is the perfect book for those who like historical fiction, romance, and mysteries. I highly recommend The Winged Tiara and will definitely be reading more by this author!

Thank you BiblioLifestyle and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the #gifted ALC and finished copies to review and feature.


Expect 👉🏼 Historical Fiction, Runaway Wife, Cat & Mouse, Rivals, Thieves

The end of a war, a dashing solider and too much Champaign lead to an accidental marriage from which Esme promptly fled. Years later she finds herself face-to-face with the husband she abandoned. And they’re both here with the same purpose, to steal the Valkyrie Tiara. Can they outsmart one another or work together to get back their previous prize? Will their proximity bring up old feelings?

This game of cat and mouse kept me entertained. Esme always gets her prize and Jasper can find anything. These two were worthy competitors but fierce as a team. There were so many obstacles both internal and external for them to overcome and I really enjoyed their love story.

Title: The Winged Tiara
Author: J’Nell Ciesielski
Narrated by: Ann Marie Gideon
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Length: Approximately 9 hours and 31 minutes
Source: Thank you @jnellciesielski @thomasnelson @austenprose for the physical review copy and @netgalley audiobook review copy of of The Winged Tiara.

What book are you most likely to gift to a friend? I like to give books to friends or family that I think they will like. Sometimes I read a book, enjoy it and immediately think of who else I know that will also enjoy the book. The Winged Tiara was a book I instantly knew a few friends and family members would enjoy.

Jasper and Esme were caught up in celebrations after the end of WWI and had a quick alcohol filled marriage. Esme slipped away the next morning. Years later, the two meet up again as both are famous jewel thieves on the hunt for the elusive winged Valkyrie Tiara. Will they find the tiara, and will they find their way back to each other?

My thoughts on this book:

• I loved the witty banter and romantic tension between the two main characters. Sparks definitely fly in this novel.
• This book reminded me of many of my favorite movies that had romantic tension, witty dialogue, a love/hate relationship, and one upmanship among the leads including To Catch a Thief, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, The Thin Man, or The Thomas Crown Affair.
• I loved the constant adventure with their pursuit of the winged tiara.
• The audiobook had a great narrator with unique voices for all the characters. It was so fun to listen to this audiobook!
• The narrative was fast paced.
• I loved the roaring 20’s setting among the elite and glamorous in Europe.
• This was a clean read.
• Two of my favorite tropes were in this novel including enemies to lovers and second chance romance.
• Esme and Jasper were both great characters. They were both interesting with flaws, fears, and ambitions.
• There is a nice set of discussion questions at the end of the novel which would be great for a book club.

Overall, The Winged Tiara is one of the best books I’ve read this year. I highly recommend this historical romance. I would love to see this as a movie.

Esme finds herself married after a night full of champagne celebrating the end of the Great War. She sneaks off and leaves her newly married husband, Jasper. Little does Esme know that four years later, she and Jasper will be chasing the same tiara.

Esme is a no nonsense gal! She is not gonna be tied down! And she is not gonna lose! But don’t worry, Jasper gives her a run for her money! He knows exactly what strings to pull to get his way. He even lands Esme in jail!

I loved the banter between these two characters. Esme just cracks me up! But it also helps that the narrator, Ann Marie Gideon, is amazing. I swear! She is Esme!

Need a good historical fiction tale with two criminal characters…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

That gorgeous cover sets the stage for the classic black and white movie vibe in this story. I’m a visual reader — where I see things playing out in my mind as I read — and ‘The Winged Tiara’ was like ‘watching’ an old movie reel. Loved that campy feel.

The author stays true to the opulence of a post-war/pre-war European elite. I couldn’t relate to a lot of it — especially the drinking morning, noon and night — but who am I to argue with historical accuracy?! And I could totally understand the frenzied ‘live loud’ mentality after enduring the deprivation of four years of war. So, do the hero and heroine make great choices I can identify with? Definitely not all of the time, but this is fiction after all, and I was all in for the hijinks and banter right through to the end.

A beleaguered soldier and a war weary nursing assistant impulsively marry in the frenzied celebrations on Armistice Day. She sneaks away the next morning and they don’t meet up again until four years later — under the most unusual circumstances….they are both jewel thieves after the same prize!

Bwahahaha! This was such a fun cat-and-mouse romp across Europe! Professional adversaries with a romantic history (albeit a brief one) make Jasper and Esme intriguing opponents. And the way they keep one-upping each other is hysterical. I didn’t know who to root for! But there’s something more sinister afoot and adventure turns to danger and then…wow…that ending!!!!

A thoroughly enjoyable read…well, listen, since I got to appreciate Ann Marie Gideon’s wonderful narration for the audio book. She captured the personalities of these characters beautifully and pulled out an arsenal of accents for the varied supporting cast. So. Much. Fun.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this novel.