Guest Post, Review, and Giveaway: The Starlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel

 

About the Book

 

Book: The Starlet Spy

Authors: Rachel Scott McDaniel

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release Date: August, 2023

Hollywood Star Turns Spy

In 1943, movie producer Henrik Zoltan approaches Amelie Blake under the guise of offering the Hollywood star a leading part in his upcoming film, but he has a more meaningful role in mind. Amelie’s homeland of Sweden declared neutrality in the war, but Stockholm has become the “Casablanca of the North.” When top-secret atomic research goes missing in Sweden, the Allied forces scramble to recover the files before they fall into Nazi hands.

The United States Office of Strategic Services (OSS) needs someone who’s subtle enough to spy on the Swedish elite without triggering suspicion. Who better than the “all beauty, no brains” Scandinavian starlet? Fluent in three languages and possessing a brilliant memory, Amelie loathes being labeled witless but uses the misconception as her disguise. She’s tasked with searching for the crucial files, but Fynn Ristaffason keeps getting in her way. Is the charming shipping magnate after the missing research? Or does he have other reasons for showing up at her every turn?

With the Gestapo on her heels, Amelie must rely on her smarts in addition to her acting skills to survive a world of deadly spies and counterspies.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

My Review:

This author does an incredible job of bringing history to life, and The Starlet Spy was no exception! I am a huge fan of everything Rachel Scott McDaniel writes. She is an auto-buy author for me, and I always eagerly anticipate each new release! 

The Starlet Spy is a brilliantly crafted WWII Christian romance, and I absolutely loved it! 

I loved Amelie! Her sweet heart, and abiding love for Jesus were amazing. And I loved how she used other people’s assumptions about her to mask her intelligence (and her gift!) and therefore she made a fantastic spy! 

I also loved Finn. He was an amazing hero! 

I don’t think I’ve ever before read a book that was set in Sweden. I loved getting to explore this unique setting that the author crafted so wonderfully! I also loved getting to learn about Swedish culture and history, and there were several things about Sweden’s role in WWII that I would never have known if not for reading this book! 

I also have to say that in general I am not the biggest fan of WWII novels, but I loved the way this one still contained the threat of the war while being set apart from the major action of the war. We still knew what was happening, and everything Amelie did was on behalf of the Allies, but I really appreciated that this book captures the essence of WWII fiction without the reader having to experience battle scenes or bombings! 

This book was an absolute delight to read and I loved every minute of it! I most highly recommend The Starlet Spy, and I cannot wait to read Rachel Scott McDaniel’s next book! 

5 Stars!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own

About the Author

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. Rachel can be found online at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms. Her work is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency. Rachel resides in Ohio with her husband and two children.

 

More from Rachel

Setting The Starlet Spy in Sweden

Hej! If you’ve ever been to Ikea, then you know that’s the Swedish greeting for Hello! Prior to writing The Starlet Spy, my knowledge of the Swedish culture was limited. It seemed I wasn’t alone. Early last year, I held a poll on my social media asking if anyone had ever read a book set in Sweden. A sweeping majority said no.

Since all of my previous books are set in the United States, this is my first novel with an international setting. So I immersed myself into research. I read books about the country, watched videos, followed Swedish Instagrammers to learn more about the language. And let me tell you, I totally fell in love with this Scandinavian world. It is now on my bucket list to visit because it’s just that gorgeous. I wrote The Starlet Spy with a romantic adventure vibe. I wanted to take the reader on a tour of this amazing country, from the classically beautiful Stockholm, to the quaint fishermen city of Malmo, to the ancient streets of Sigtuna—one of Sweden’s oldest villages—to the brilliant Northern Lights in the Lapland region.

Not only did I want to paint the scene of these various places, but I also wanted to introduce the Swedish culture. Tucked within the pages of The Starlet Spy, the reader will find traces of Scandinavian folklore and legends, which was super fun to explore. But to be honest, my favorite inclusion of Swedish culture was incorporating a traditional dance—the Hambo! It’s such an interesting and unique dance, and I may have been trying to coax my husband into trying it with me for an Instagram Reel, but so far, no such luck! Though I have no problem getting him to enjoy Fika with me. Fika, my friends, is a coffee break, or simply coffee. Just as the British favor their tea, the Swedes are adamant about their fika. So I can most definitely relate.

If all this intrigues you, I welcome you to read The Starlet Spy. It’s set in 1943, which was a pivotal time for Sweden during World War II. If you’ve read my previous stories, you know how much I love to weave as much true history into the chapters. This book has by far the most!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 29

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 29

lakesidelivingsite, August 29

Lily’s Book Reviews, August 30

Where Faith and Books Meet, August 30

Melissa’s Bookshelf, August 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 31

Back Porch Reads, September 1

annette_reads_daily, September 1

Texas Book-aholic, September 2

Cathe Swanson, September 2

Book Looks by Lisa, September 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 3

Christina’s Corner, September 3

Connie’s History Classroom, September 4

Kristina Hall, September 4

The Book Club Network, September 5

Pause for Tales, September 5

Happily Managing A Household of Boys, September 5

Cover Lover Book Review, September 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 6

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 7 (Author Interview)

The Book Nook, September 7

Betti Mace, September 8

Labor Not in Vain, September 8

Just Your Average reviews, September 8

Simple Harvest Reads, September 9 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, September 9

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, September 9

Blogging With Carol, September 10

For Him and My Family, September 10

Holly’s Book Corner, September 11

Lights in a Dark World, September 11

Books I’ve Read, September 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/278bf/the-starlet-spy-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review: Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other: A Love Story by Bethany Turner

 

🏔🎤🌲RELEASE DAY!🌲🎤🏔

Happy Book Birthday to my dear friend, Bethany 

I absolutely adored this enemies-to-lovers romcom! Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other: A Love Story is AVAILABLE NOW! Treat yourself to a copy! You do not wanna miss this one! 

Click HERE to purchase your copy!

Check out my full review below! 

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Oh my stars, I adored this book so much! This was my most anticipated read of 2023, and it most definitely did not disappoint! 

I’ve read all of Bethany Turner’s romcoms, and I am huge fan of her writing. I LOVE the way this talented author writes stories that go deep and touch my heart, while simultaneously making me laugh! 

Brynn Cornell is a broken character in desperate need of healing, my heart broke for all she had gone through, and as I watched her grow and change I came to love her! Sebastian Sudworth is an amazing hero and I fell head over heels in love with him the first time he appeared on the page! 

And I would be remiss if I did not mention Murrow, this super sweet dog completely stole my heart! 

To be honest enemies-to-lovers is not one of my favorite tropes, but I absolutely loved this one! In my opinion the way the romance developed was utter perfection! BTW, this book contains one of my all time favorite kissing scenes! And without giving spoilers let me just say that there were two other scenes, one involving a tree, and the other featuring PTA night at the local bar and grill that will forever be favorites of mine, but you’re just gonna have to read the book to find out why! 

I had been eagerly anticipating getting to visit Adelaide Springs, and I quickly fell in love with this adorable fictional Colorado small town, and it’s quirky and all around amazing cast of secondary characters! 

Bethany Turner is hilarious and I lost count of how many times this amazing book had me laughing out loud! 

Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other: A Love Story is a delightful feel-good romcom that brilliantly balances humor with some tough topics. This is a deeply thought-provoking book about second chances, forgiveness, and what love truly looks like. This book will deepen your understanding of the incredible power of our words, which is a power to be wielded with great care. And it just might cause you to ask yourself, “Am I being authentic with others?” and “Am I using my words to tear others down or build them up?” 

I loved absolutely everything about this book, it is one of my top 5 favorite reads of 2023, and I most highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary Advanced Reading Copy of this book from the author

My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

Review: You Make it Feel Like Christmas by Toni Shiloh!

 

📚🎄RELEASE DAY!🎄📚

You Make it Feel Like Christmas by Toni is AVAILABLE NOW! 

Be sure to grab yourself a copy. You don’t wanna miss this sweet Christmas read!

Click HERE to purchase your copy! 

I loved this delightful story! Check out my full review below! 

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a fantabulous Christmas story that will give you all the feels! This was a reread for me, as I originally read this one when it was published under the title I’ll Be Home and I really enjoyed that first read, but I loved this brand new expanded edition even more! 

I loved Starr, and I definitely found myself relating to her, especially her love of writing! And Waylon is just a doll, I love him so much! 

I just adore the Lewis family, they are some of my favorites of Toni Shiloh’s characters, they’re just so much fun and they never fail to crack me up! 

You Make it Feel Like Christmas is a beautiful romance filled with the authentic faith readers expect from a Toni Shiloh book! This story will give readers all the cozy vibes and leave them longing for a cuddly blanket, a mug of hot chocolate, and a beautiful Christmas tree to gaze upon! 

I absolutely loved this story and most highly recommend it! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own

Review: Countdown by Lynette Eason

 

💜🔫BOOK REVIEW!🔫💜

I’m so excited that Countdown by Lynette Eason is NOW AVAILABLE! 

I absolutely loved this conclusion to the fabulous Extreme Measures series! Check out my full review below!

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wowza! What a crazy and wonderful thrill ride! I’m one of Lynette Eason’s biggest fans, her books are always on my most anticipated releases list, and Countdown was no exception! I have loved Raina and been so intrigued to learn her story since first meeting her in Life Flight, and Countdown most definitely did not disappoint! Raina and Vince made such a great couple! My heart broke for Raina, and while I have not been through the same things she had I can totally relate to her struggle to trust God! The faith story in this book was beautifully written, and touched my heart so deeply! Vince was an amazing hero, I loved that he was strong and tough, but also didn’t shy away from being gentle and tender with Raina, and I also loved that he wasn’t afraid to share his emotions! 

The mystery had my eyes glued to the page, and the suspense was everything and more that I have come to expect from a Lynette Eason novel, loved that!

I loved absolutely everything about Countdown, and my only complaint would be that I was sad to say goodbye to the characters from the Extreme Measures series! 

I most highly recommend Countdown, and I cannot wait to read the next series from this amazing author! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own. 

Click HERE to purchase your copy! 

Review: The Love Script by Toni Shiloh

 

🎥💜💇🏾‍♀️BOOK REVIEW!💇🏾‍♀️💜🎥

I’m so excited that The Love Script by Toni is NOW AVAILABLE! 

I loved this book to pieces! Check out my full review below!

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Oh my stars! What a phenomenal read! I’ve been a huge fan of Toni Shiloh’s books for years, and they are always most anticipated releases for me! 

I seriously adored The Love Script so very much! I loved Nevaeh, she is a wonderful heroine and I found myself relating to her faith journey. And Lamont is AMAZING! Where can I find me a man like him?! 

I adored all the characters, Nevaeh, Lamont, Ms. Rosie, Tuck, Piper, and Chris. I wish they were real because I would love to be friends with them! 

I’m fascinated by Hollywood and if a book is set there and features at least one celebrity character then sign me up! I loved the way the author brought to life the pros and cons of life in the spotlight, and the challenges (and the positives) that come with being a Christ-follower in Hollywood! Loved, loved, LOVED that! 

I always love the way Toni Shiloh so beautifully and organically weaves faith into her stories! 

This book was an absolute joy to read and I loved every single moment of it! 

I love everything that Toni Shiloh writes, but The Love Script is one of my very favorites of her books, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series! 

I most highly recommend The Love Script! Grab yourself a copy ASAP! You do not wanna miss this beautiful masterpiece! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own. 

Click HERE to grab your copy! 

Review: The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese

 

Nicole Deese has done it again! The Words We Lost is a powerful, heart-tugging story of love, friendship, loss, and healing. I loved the friendship between Ingrid, Joel, and Cece that we got to see snippets of. 

Friends-to-lovers, and second chance are two of my very favorite romance tropes, and it made me so happy that this book contains both of those! As a reader and writer myself I am a sucker for any book that features writers, books, the publishing world, etcetera! I loved that about this book and am so excited to read the next Fog Harbor Romance!

As with everything Nicole Deese writes The Words We Lost is a stunningly beautiful book that will leave you forever changed, in the best possible way! 

I highly recommend this book, just make sure you have tissues handy! 

(5 Stars!)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

Review: Authentically, Izzy by Pepper Basham

 

Oh my stars! This delightful romcom felt like a cozy hug for my book loving heart! 

Pepper Basham is one of my absolute favorite authors, and if she writes it I know I’m gonna love it! I have been so excited about this book since long before it released, but just finally had a chance to get to it, and wow what a joyful journey this book took me on! 

My life story is definitely not the same as Izzy’s, but I related to her in so many ways. Her love of fictional characters, and her journey of learning to let her authentic self shine through really hit home for me and touched my heart in so many ways! 

Brodie is an amazing swoon-worthy hero who I fell head over heels in love with! I almost never picture book characters in any specific way when I’m reading, however in Brodie’s case JJ Feild circa Austenland kept coming to mind, and I’m definitely not mad about it! Hear that Mr. Feild, if you can pull off a Scottish accent then please keep your schedule open for when this book becomes a movie! BTW Hollywood, you need to get on that ASAP! 

I also loved the secondary characters, especially Luke! 

As with everything Pepper Basham writes Authentically, Izzy put a smile on my face, had me laughing out loud, and made my heart swell to the point of overflowing with joy! 

I know that epistolary novels (those told through letters, emails, etcetera) aren’t everyone’s jam, but personally they’re one of my favorite things, and I loved this one so very much! 

I ADORED every second of Authentically, Izzy! It is one of my favorite reads of 2023, and I most highly recommend it! 

P.S. the audiobook is AMAZING and one of my all time favorites! If you’re into audiobooks you need to read this one! 

P.P.S. you also need the paperback for your keeper shelf, and if you read ebooks you need that too. This is one of those stories that one needs to own in as many formats as possible! 

(5 Stars!)

I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley.

My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own. 

Click HERE to purchase your copy!