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.

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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!

MY REVIEW

What a brilliant storyline where a Hollywood star becomes a spy in order to attain information from others. Amelie is perfect for the mission because well people don’t consider her smart. Awe but that’s what will make her the perfect spy. She will be able to gain trust without suspicion. I loved how the author treats us to a trip to Sweden during the 1940s with historical facts and breathtaking views of the land and culture.

Amelie is taking a big risk but she wants to serve her country. Maybe now others will respect her when she succeeds at the biggest role she has ever had. I’m rooting for her but I except her to run into danger at any minute. The author had me on the edge of my seat anticipating Amelie’s every move.

Finn is a fascinating character. I couldn’t figure out if he should be trusted or if Amelie should keep her guard up. He isn’t an overly affectionate person and at times seems to have this disdain look on his face. As time goes on maybe we will see a softer side to him. Nonetheless Amelie must keep her wits about her. Her focus must remain on her mission. Her life depends on it.

With secrets that change the lives of many this story fills my need for intrigue. It is easy to feel part of the story as the author gives vivid details of each move our heroine makes. I was shocked at one particular fact and wondered why someone would deny knowing a person desperate for answers. The truth is starting to come to the surface and Amelie’s cover may be found out.

This exciting journey does have twists that are so subtle I almost didn’t catch their meaning. I loved how the author cleverly put the pieces together and end the story with a few surprises. I highly recommend readers to not miss the authors notes at the end. It is without a doubt a look at history with a twist of fiction that makes this story so believable and enjoyable to read.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.