Review: The Ambassador's Daughter by Pam Jenoff

Description (from publisher):

‘Paris, 1919.

The world’s leaders have gathered to rebuild from the ashes of the Great War. But for one woman, the City of Light harbors dark secrets and dangerous liaison, for which many could pay dearly.

Brought to the peace conference by her father, a German diplomat, Margot Rosenthal initially resents being trapped in the congested French capital, where she is still looked upon as the enemy. But as she contemplates returning to Berlin and a life with Stefan, the wounded fiance she hardly knows anymore, she decides that being in Paris is not so bad after all.

Bored and torn between duty and the desire to be free, Margot strikes up unlikely alliances: with Krysia, an accomplished musician with radical acquaintances and a secret to protect; and with Georg, the handsome, damaged naval officer who gives Margot a job–and also a reason to question everything she thought she knew about where her true loyalties should lie.

Against the backdrop of one of the most significant events of the century, a delicate web of lies obscures the line between the casualties of war and of the heart, making trust a luxury that no one can afford.’

My thoughts:

I really must stop judging a book based on it’s publisher. I picked this one up knowing MIRA published it and that it is an imprint of Harlequin. Expecting a bodice-ripper, sex craved storyline, I was surprised how this book captivated me right from the beginning. They say never judge a book by it’s cover, but really I should learn never to judge a book based on its publisher. I’ve said this a million times, but maybe it’s time to practice what I preach. Pam Jenoff is a sensational and amazing writer who weaves words, emotions and historical background into an enchanting tale. Seriously, I thought this was going to be a book that I had to sludge my way through and that I would hate it. Hands down, this is probably one of the best books I have read all year! No lie. An amazing plot that captivates the reader with twists and turns and things you never see coming. I was on the edge of my seat practically begging for more.

To be honest, the romance in this book isn’t all that bad. It’s there but its underlying in the plot and doesn’t overwhelm the reader. I hate romancy books and will get frustrated with them if they go into too much detail behind closed doors. There is one scene in this story that implies what happens and it leaves it at that. That is the exact way I like to read romance scenes. Leave a hint, but I don’t need all the details. Pam Janoff mastered this perfectly and I am so grateful. That way the love story is there but not the main focus of this story. With rich historical detail and a way with words, I think Pam Jenoff has a hit on her hands that historical fiction fans will love.

Blackmail and betrayals, romance and guilt, they all play a part in this tale and it was an absolute thrilling read. I learned that this book is apparently the prequel to The Kommandant’s Girl and The Diplomat’s Wife and I immediately went to Amazon and bought these two for my Kindle. I never, never do that. I always read the reviews and weigh if I want to spend the money, etc. on the book. I bought the other two without hesitation. That should tell you something right there. If it doesn’t, maybe this will: I will be foregoing the next book I had planned on reading and will be reading The Kommandant’s Girl next because I am dying to know what happens. I cannot praise this book enough, but encourage lovers of historical fiction who enjoy reading about the aftermath of World War I to pick this one up. I don’t think it will leave anyone disappointed. I also noticed that this book is currently $3.99 over at Amazon for the Kindle edition. I highly encourage you to pick this one up for such an awesome price!

Overall Rating: 5

Title:  The Ambassador’s Daughter
Author:  Pam Jenoff
Series: The Kommandant’s Girl (Prequel)
Publisher:  Harlequin MIRA
Publication Date:  January 29, 2013
Pages:  336
Genre:  Historical Fiction
Get It:  Amazon; Barnes & Noble

Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for my honest review. I reviewed this book without compensation of any kind. All thoughts and opinions are solely mine.