The Songbird and the Spy

3.5 stars

"Do not jeopardize mission for one woman."

Captain Michael Reiner of the His Majesty's Royal Air Force is deeply entrenched, posing as a Nazi officer and communications specialist in German occupied France. Imagine his surprise when he realizes that the lovely songbird entertaining his soldiers every night in the local tavern is not who she claims to be either. Ironically, she is much more dangerous that anyone realizes, for whether she remembers it or not, she saw Michael before he donned his German uniform.

American music student Claire Baudin has become trapped in France after watching her relatives get whisked away by German soldiers. Desperate to find members of the French Resistance who could transport her over the country's heavily guarded enemy lines, she ends up in a small village trying to escape notice. When her musical abilities allow her to earn a small wage, it becomes more and more difficult to camouflage her true intentions, especially when a handsome German captain by the name of Michael Reichner shows her unsolicited attention.

A nicely written story, bringing to mind the intense courage that so many exhibited during one of the darkest hours in world history. Author J'nell Ciesielski is certainly exhibiting her love of history by bringing it back to life on the written page.

This book scored very high on my enjoyable book scale. I don't give 5 stars out often. It's my first book by this author.

Simply put, the story is about an American girl stuck in occupied France during WWII. She finds shelter with a family running a pub in a small town in France. German soldiers frequent this establishment and one of the Nazi's take a liking to her. Unbeknownst to her, he is a British Spy.

I fell in love with this book. The main and secondary characters were so richly developed. The romantic aspect was clean and sweet and will give you butterflies. I admit, I wouldn't have minded if the author went a little racier with the romance, but I still think it was phenomenal.

It was a wonderful journey and a truly enjoyable read. If I had to nitpick, I suppose I felt the ending dragged a little. But I won't take away any stars for that.

New to me author, J'nell Ciesielski, is another name to add to the list of my go-to historical fiction authors. While I have read several books set during WWII, a well-written novel can keep this setting from growing old. Caught behind enemy lines, an American music student is faced with danger and subterfuge as she tries to find her way out of war-torn France. While there are several tense moments in this well-paced plot, I loved the romance that develops between Cieslieski's brave heroine and swoon-worthy hero.
The author brings to life the hardships faced by a conquered people who are trying to stay alive while the enemy is living in their midst. Reading well-researched fiction, brings to life some details that I have read in history books, allowing me as the reader to appreciate the sacrifices made by the real-life heroes who stories remain untold.
Cieslieski's ability to pen a well-researched story, filled with enough danger, intrigue and a dash of romance will have me looking forward to reading more of her books in the future. I highly recommend this story to historical fiction fans, it is a page-turner that will keep you happily reading from the first page to the last.

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

Softly at first, then shock. An American girl in France, studying music, as Germany invades. On a train with a blue eyed man. Which characters as she goes along will be of significance? Where does safety lie? Multi layered identities in a time of war and unprecedented evil. Luckily there ARE good people in the world who will help you, but then there are some who will turn on you too.

Claire is shifted out of her comfort zone and forced to run, and she's a bit sloppy about it. But she lands at a bar with a piano while she tries to find her way out of the country. Michael has more layers to his life and personality than most anyone you'll meet. Ideal for a British SIS agent posing as a German Captain in charge of deciphering communications behind enemy lines.

This expertly told story brings you to the harsh reality of Nazi occupied France, folding you in right from the first few pages. If you've ever seen a movie or learned about that time and place, you'll be like me, tense, waiting for the net to drop any time. Innocent people were forced to do things they never would dream of, were killed, tortured, made slaves. Everything taken, sometimes people too. Very well told, enthralling, a mystery to the end.

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Another amazing book by J'nell Ciesielski! I keep telling people she's my new favorite author! Loved the main characters and the suspense of not knowing if the spy would be found out. I will be looking forward to her next release!

Ever since I read Among the Poppies, I have been anxiously awaiting the next book from J'nell Ciesielski. Her writing was and is way beyond what I would expect from a new author. She is poised, a natural, engaging, and so on and so on. Let me put your suspicions about book two aside - it is equally amazing as the first book.

Readers are instantly transported to France in the Nazi era. From the very first chapter, Ciesielski had my attention. She has the ability not only to make you feel the setting around you, but see the scenes play out vividly in your imagination. In my mind I would talk to Claire, telling her what she should and should not do. (side note - I know she can't hear me, and I know it's just a book, but admit it - you talk to characters too!) I could see myself sitting at a table, and listening to her beautiful voice fill the room. I could see myself next to Captain Reiner each time he had to do something that made him cringe. Each time he had to pretend to be on the other side of the war, feeling my body tense up probably much like his did. I'm telling you, this story will suck you right in and gain the focus of all 0f your senses!

Aside from this, Ciesielski has managed to write a story of hope. A story of good versus bad, and how sometimes bad things happen to good people. But that's what makes them grow. That's what makes them stronger. Seeing Reiner and Claire come together was thrilling and exciting. Probably because of the secrecy, and wondering if they were going to get caught. This reader was on the edge of her seat for the entire story, and found myself sighing once I reached the end. The truth is I didn't want it to be over. But Ciesielski knows better than me - the ending was perfectly timed and written if I'm honest. But it does make me hunger for more of her books. This is an author to watch for. This is an author that needs to be on everyone's favorites list - yes she is that good. I cannot wait to see what comes next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

World War II, occupied France, Nazi, undercover operators. I’ve never understood how anyone escaped occupied France. Just like in the French Revolution, so many died with little provocation. So many innocent lives lost and dreams smothered.
Claire Baudin thinks she is about to spend an exciting time with her extended family in France. Little did she know her days will turn to turmoil, fear, and abandonment. She has no idea how she will return to America. Her life hangs on how she handles every day in the Nazi infested region.
Michael Reiner has extreme talent with languages and customs that Britain wants him on the Special Operations team. He poses as a Nazi Captain with the mission to expose and intercept Nazi messages and maneuvers. Espionage.
I loved the history, intrigue, and constant drama. How does anyone escape the clutches of those in control in occupied France? Thank you, J’nell Ciesielski for another great read.
I received a copy for my honest review.

I truly love this story! J'nell did an amazing job of conveying the characters' emotions and struggles all while bringing a piece of history to life. I felt like I was there as I read each page. My only complaint is the ending. It was a really sweet one, but it felt rushed. I must add, though, that I'm never happy to see the end of a good story in which I'm emotionally engaged. That being said, I happily highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of inspirational historical romance.

I was so excited to get my hands on this book. When I read this authors debut I knew she had something special and had huge hopes for her second novel. I am happy to say it did not disappoint. As a history teacher and a history buff I struggle sometimes with historical fiction novels romanticizing history and subtle inaccuracies take me out of the story and make the entire novel less believable for me. I never have that issue with J'nell's books. They are so well researched and she does not try to make the atrocities of war appear more simple. Her characters are so well written and relatable. They are human, even when you wish they would make a different decision you understand why they are not. The story is written in a way that you don't want to put it down. There are never stagnant sections. The relationships between the German soldiers and French citizens are well written and believable. The confusion and struggle in the relationship between the two main characters is all too real. The last few chapters, which are all too often throw aways in romances, where everything is peachy and all of the worlds problems have melted away, are not such in this book. The action never lets up. It is a page turner until the very end. I am struggling to share more about why I loved this book without giving anything away because it is truly one that everyone should experience. I highly recommend Songbird and the Spy.

J'nell Ciesielski delivers yet another intriguing WWII read with "The Songbird and the Spy." I didn't think I could love the characters, Michael (a double agent) and Claire (an American violinist) more than the characters from her last novel, "Among The Poppies," but...I think I do!

The action is intense, the romance slow building, and the supporting characters continue to develop the attributes of the main characters. Michael is posing as a soldier in the German army in the communications department, both intercepting and transmitting radio messages. Claire is in France, staying with family after attending a conservatory to develop her violin skills. WWII interrupts her path, though, and after escaping the Nazis that took her extended family, Claire finds her way to a tavern in the country. Giles and Pauline are kind enough to take her in and offer her work. She eventually also becomes the pianist and singer at the tavern, entertaining the enemy every night.

Michael walks the line between life and death each day, both doing his job as a Captain well, while inwardly hating the Nazis. He sees Claire at the bar and realizes she is not whom she appears, and longs to learn more about the blonde beauty at the tavern. The characters bring to life the often awful realities of war: loss, injustice, espionage, abuse, watching those they love be carted off to the concentration camps, lack of food, and the condition of the human heart when faced with such evil.

J'nell does a wonderful job with her research and I am always thankful for her expert investigations into little known aspects of WWII. I always learn something new about a time in the world's history that is shocking at best, heart wrenching at worst. I am impressed by her consistency and attention to detail, and I feel honored to have had the opportunity to read early thanks to LPC. J'nell should have a long career ahead of her with consistently great work like this, and for that I am hopeful! Do not miss out on her books--you'll learn a lot about history and yourself, as well.