Anita Ojeda Admittedly, most people don’t wake up and start looking for books set in Sweden, but on the off chance you want to broaden your horizons and love inspirational romance, check out this new release!
I receive free electronic advanced reader copies of these books through an arrangement between the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion on NetGalley’s website. I only review books on my blog that I really love.
Have You Read Any Books Set in Sweden?
When I realized a few years ago my reading menu had narrowed to a few favorite authors, I made an intentional shift to reading outside of my usual genres. This decision has changed me, stretched me, and delivered belly laughs, and coffee-through-the-nose snorts as I sample books from different cultures and by a wide variety of authors.
When I took the 23 and Me genetic test last year, I discovered I had Swedish as well as Norwegian (my maternal grandfather immigrated from Norway in the early 1900s) blood. This provided a perfect excuse to read books set in Sweden. I started with A Man Called Ove: A Novel, and then I listened to The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared. Wildly different novels, each had a sly sense of humor and pathos I enjoyed. When the opportunity to preview The Starlet Spy through NetGalley came up, I jumped at the chance to read another book set in Sweden.
The Starlet Spy (Heroines of WWII, Book 11)
By Rachel Scott McDaniel, Barbour Fiction, July 31, 2023, 256 pages.
Amelie Blake plays the role of the brainless blonde for a Hollywood hungry for glamour and entertainment while the Second World War threatens the very fabric of society. She’d much rather have a more important role to play—entertaining soldiers, fundraising to aid the war effort, or something more daring.
Her Hollywood persona hides a quick mind and sense of adventure, so Amelia quickly agrees when a famous director recruits her to help find an atomic scientist’s missing research. Her assignment takes her home to Sweden, where unscrupulous businessmen make deals with the Nazis and Allied agents face roadblocks at every turn.
Amelie finds herself a guest at an elegant estate owned by Finn Ristaffason, the man she’s harbored a crush on since her teen years. She hopes to discover if the reserved shipping magnate really sympathizes with the Nazis and whether he knows the whereabouts of the missing research.
As Amelie gets closer to unraveling the clues, the danger level increases. Finn shows up for her time and again. Can she trust her instincts and the man who holds the key to her heart?
What I Loved About This Book
History buffs will love the author’s attention to detail in this story. Who knew Hollywood actors participated in spying for the Allies? Readers will relate to Amelie’s struggle to rise above the circumstances of her birth and how they taught her humility and gave her the desire to help others.
And who doesn’t love a grumpy hero with his own share of childhood angst? Throw in a twisty-turny plot, and you have the recipe for a stellar romance set in Sweden during World War II.
You'll love this action-packed suspense novel from @rachelsmcdaniel and @Barbour if your love WWII history! #amreding #inspy Click To Tweet
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The book sounds good. I think Anxious People by Fredrik Backman is the only book I’ve read that is set in Sweden. I enjoyed it – quite quirky and thought-provoking.
Thanks for this recommendation. My reading list is nonfiction heavy and I’ve been looking for some fiction recommendations.
Not sure I’ve read anything set in Sweden, not for a long time anyway! This book has been in my sights though.
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LOL – I wondered about the Norwegian in my 23 & Me (it was so small) until I remembered the Vikings invaded Brittain – that’s where I’m assuming mine came from. I’ve branched out some this summer to more modern fare (I like old books) and have enjoyed the switch-up, too!
Anita, this sounds like a fascinating, fun read! I haven’t read anything by Rachel Scott McDaniel yet. I’ve been curious about 23 and Me. My adoptive son tried it to see if he could learn more about the people in his life. Interesting thoughts!
My great grandfather came from Sweden. I got to visit there as a college student. Thanks for sharing about the book. I enjoy romantic suspense.
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