In the aftermath of World War II, a young Hungarian émigré jilted by a G.I. persuades a Midwestern newspaper editor to help her find an American husband in this poignant novel, based on a true story, from the author of The French Winemaker’s Daughter.
The war stole Roza Meszaros’s dreams of becoming a ballerina and her aristocratic family’s fortune. But the penniless Hungarian countess’s fate takes a hopeful turn when she meets an American soldier named Joe, who promises to marry her and take her to the States. After two years of waiting to obtain the necessary money and paperwork to emigrate, Roza finally arrives in Minnesota—and discovers Joe has married someone else.
Determined to stay in America, Roza turns to popular newspaper columnist Cedric Adams to help her find a suitable husband. Sharing Roza’s story and her picture, Adams makes a special plea to his military readers. The response is overwhelming—nearly 1,800 World War II veterans bombard the paper’s offices with telegrams, flowers, candy, and cash, “a world-record” for marriage proposals, Adams tells Roza.
Like a 1948 version of The Bachelorette, Roza ultimately chooses Finn Erickson, a former soldier and railroad locomotive engineer. Putting aside her romantic ideals, she and her new husband settle into the small riverside town of Red Wing, Minnesota. But when Roza unexpectedly runs into her former fiancé, things quickly become complicated.
A captivating and unusual tale of love, loss, finding yourself, and creating your destiny, The Jilted Countess examines the meaning of marriage, the American dream, and what it takes to face our demons while searching for happiness.
Loretta received her BA from the University of Northern Iowa, and an MFA from Hamline University in writing for children and young adults. A former middle and high school teacher, she's the author of four young adult novels, The Shrouding Woman, In Search of Mockingbird,In a Heartbeat, and Unforgettable. Her WWII historical novel, Stars Over Clear Lake, will be published in 2017. She has four children and six grandchildren, and lives in Minnesota. Follow her on Twitter @lellsworth.
This historical fiction story was a super quick read. I really liked Roza, the narrator, and was definitely moved by her story. Roza was a Hungarian Countess whose family lost everything in the war. A soldier she had met continued to write to her and send her the money to come to America and be his wife. But when she gets there she finds he got married to someone else just a couple of weeks before. Heartbroken and desperate she finds a journalist willing to help her. She posts a story in the paper asking for a husband before her GI visa runs out in just a couple of weeks. The story is sweet and sometimes frustrating as people don’t communicate effectively. It is based on a real story and I enjoyed it all the more knowing that. The writing is great, and the characters were very compelling.
My first historical fiction in a while and what a great story it was! The initial premise resembled a post-WWII episode of the Bachelorette, in my opinion, what with Roza receiving almost 1800 marriage proposals to help her remain in the US. Though she’s a countess no longer, Roza certainly came to live out the American Dream, and I so enjoyed getting to witness her newfound dreams come true. I appreciated this book’s mix of historical context and fictitious embellishments, which combined to produce the perfect story. I also loved the romantic aspect, as well as the love triangle bit with Joe and Finn. And, to borrow Joe’s words, I agree that the better man won Roza’s heart in the end.
I really appreciated how real this story felt. Not just because The Jilted Countess is based on a true story, but because it feels as though it captures life as it actually could have been—during the war and particularly in its aftermath, in both Europe and the United States—without necessarily being overly detailed, and I liked the honesty.
Roza’s arc (and Finn’s as well) was really interesting to me. There were moments I deeply sympathized with her, and others where I was frustrated or disappointed by her choices. But that’s kind of the point, I think. She felt human. The characters struggle, sit in their feelings, make mistakes, and slowly figure things out, rather than magically becoming better people overnight.
Is it a perfect book? No. I do wish we’d gotten more time with the main relationship once things began to settle, just to see how it really took shape. Still, it was a compelling, engrossing read with an interesting cast of characters, and one I’m glad I picked up.
Thanks to Harper Perennial for the gifted copy for review!
The Jilted Countess is a upcoming novel coming out next year. I will say that this was quite an impressive story. It is interesting how someone can go from living the European lifestyle as an Aristocrat to living the live of an average American. However when you think about there were actually a lot of situations such as this that happened after the first and second world war. Overall I was very pleased with the flow of this book.
We are introduced to Roza a Hungarian Countess who has lost everything from the second World War. Worst of all she had been jilted by the man who promised to marry her. Her only option that she takes is she marries an American named Finn and settles into a modest Minnesota lifestyle. However, that doesn't put a permanent end to the problems as soon enough there are new problems to work through.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher all opinions are of my own.
Forget online dating. Imagine having 1,800 marriage proposals delivered by the mailman. 💌📬 This isn't a modern reality show; it’s the incredible true story of a 1940s countess who turned a public betrayal into a fresh start.
I picked up The Jilted Countess by Loretta Ellsworth expecting a sweet postwar romance, and what I got was something far more charming, bittersweet, and quietly empowering. From the very first pages, I was rooting for Roza Meszaros, a woman who has already lost almost everything and refuses to let the rest of her life be decided for her.
Roza’s story completely pulled me in. A Hungarian countess turned penniless émigré, a broken promise from a G.I., and a one-way trip to Minnesota only to discover she’s been jilted? My heart hurt for her. But what I loved most was how Roza didn’t collapse under the weight of that betrayal. Instead, she got creative. Watching her team up with a newspaper editor to essentially crowdsource a husband felt both surreal and strangely modern,like a 1940s version of online dating, complete with 1,800 marriage proposals.
The small-town Midwestern setting was a delight, and I enjoyed seeing Roza navigate American culture while letting go of her old aristocratic expectations. Her eventual choice of Finn, a steady and kind man rather than a sweeping romantic fantasy, felt refreshingly realistic. That said, when her former fiancé reappears, the emotional tension spikes, and I found myself fully invested in the messiness of old love versus new beginnings.
Loretta Ellsworth writes with warmth and compassion, grounding this unusual true story in emotion rather than gimmick. The novel explores what marriage really means, especially for women rebuilding their lives after war, and what it looks like to choose stability, self-respect, and hope even when it’s not the fairytale you once imagined.
If you enjoy historical fiction with heart, resilient heroines, and a dash of real-life intrigue, The Jilted Countess is a cozy yet thought-provoking read that left me smiling.
✨️Thank you,Loretta Ellsworth and Harper Perennial, for sharing The Jilted Countess with me!
The Jilted Countess was such an unexpected delight! Roza Meszaros came from a well to do aristocratic family in Hungary. With the support of her father, she was following her dream to become a ballerina when suddenly the war took everything from her. Her father, her family’s wealth and her career. But in all the darkness, she met an American soldier named Joe and fell in love. He promised to marry her and bring her to America to live on his family farm. After two years of waiting to save enough money and for the paperwork to come through, Roza is finally on her way to America and her fiancé, but when she arrives, she finds he has already married someone else.
Desperate to stay in America, Roza concocts a plan. With the help of Cedric Adams, a newspaper columnist, Roza shares her story. To be able to stay, she has two weeks to find someone who has served in the military and is willing to marry her. Letters pour in from suitors and Roza must ultimately pick one.
This is such an emotional story. It is one of strength, perseverance and love. There are so many pieces of the story that are relatable to all types of readers. I found myself rooting for Roza and the man she chose. This is also a story of chosen family and finding oneself.
What I thought was especially special is that this book was based on a true story which I found fascinating (be sure to read the author’s note). All in all, this was a very enjoyable and fast read for me. I look forward to reading more of Loretta Ellsworth’s work!
Thank you to Harper Perennial for the gifted copy of this book. What a beautiful love story and such a treat to read!
There are certainly plenty of books set in World War II, but this is one of the few I've read that highlight the post-war years in both Europe and America. I learned about the communist takeover of Hungary after the war, the dissolution of the aristocratic class in that country, and how the abundance of food and resources in America contrasted with the scarcity in Europe. The plotline of Roza being featured in the newspaper to find a husband is really a minor part of the story, with most of the book focused on her journey to Minnesota, her adjustment to American life, and her relationship with her new husband. I enjoyed seeing how Roza overcame obstacles and found love despite the hardship in her past and the unlikely way of finding a husband. The book tied things up a little quickly in the end, but overall it kept me turning the pages and finishing it in a day.
How important is a cover to you? I think this book could have been represented by a better cover. Some covers make you want to pick a book up. Unfortunately, I think this cover would actually deter me from picking it up. Don't let the cover dissuade you from reading this book!
Thank you Harper Perennial, Megan Beatie Communications and the author for the gifted copy.
Roza survived WWII and found love with Joe, an American GI working in Vienna. He proposed, she accepted, and then it took two years for her to obtain her visa and for them to scrape together the money to bring her to Minnesota. She's thrilled but then he's not there to meet her and it turns out he married his high school girlfriend while waiting. Roza is determined not to go back to Hungary and so along with the editor of the paper, hatches a scheme to find a husband asap. And that's how she meets Finn, a railroad engineer with a good heart and a serious case of PTSD. Roza is indeed a fish ut of water in Red Wing but she makes a go of it, finding a few friends and then returning to her ballet. And there's a surprise. It's an easy read that would have benefited from another edit to remove some of the duplication (yes, yes, she was a ballerina and so on) and a few bloopers (there's a reference to the furry bodies of ducklings). While it's sophisticated or nuanced read, it is heartfelt and it's clear that Ellsworth liked her subject. Thanks to edelweiss for the ARC. For fans of historical fiction.
The Jilted Countess is the best historical fiction that I have read in quite a while. So fun, so nostalgic, perfect for those who enjoyed Cheaper By The Dozen or Belles on Their Toes. Not only does the time period and setting take you back, but the author's style of writing also helps to set the mood. I really felt like I was transported in time. The story is about a Hungarian Countess who finds herself living in Minnesota in 1948, because of some situations that did not work in her favor. The novel is about the steps that she takes and the decisions that she makes (some good, some not so good) that allow her to stay in the United States and pursue a life there. Probably the best part of all, is that the story was inspired by real life events. The author had acquired a newspaper clipping from what had happened to the real Countess, and had written her story around what little details she was provided in the clipping. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves books set in the post WWII period, and who loves romance and historical time periods. **I was provided an ARC of this book by HarperPerennial but all views are my own.
Inspired by a true story of a mysterious countess who came to Minnesota only to be jilted by her fiance two weeks before her visa was going to expire and was desperate for a spouse that she told her story to a reporter. When it was shared she received 1,786 offers of marriage!
Although Roza has been gutted to be told that her GI love has married another she is determined to find a husband, when she goes on a couple of good and a couple of bad dates she ends up marrying a soldier, Finn, who is trying to overcome his own upsets. He was left by his love for another man and is haunted from his time overseas. I love how stubborn and resilient Roza was, she came alive in the pages to me. She had to learn so many American ways so fast and in a small town in Minnesota to boot.
I was drawn into this book because I could see this being a reality TV show and actually the author said that Look magazine, some radio networks and others try to reach out to get their story. If you enjoy historical fiction, found family, love triangle and marriage of convenience this is for you!
Thank You to Harper Perennial for this free ARC book in exchange for my honest review of The Jilted Countess by Loretta Ellsworth. This historical fiction read is based on a true story that will have you captivated from the start. It takes place after World War II and follows a Hungarian who is an immigrant that ends up in America and gets rejected by a G.I. so she decides for a newspaper editor in the Midwest to help her find a husband. Will she find a husband? Pick up this page turning read to find out! The author wrote this well and I enjoyed every character in this. I'm looking forward to reading more books from this author. It was a quick read that I highly enjoyed and would recommend to any reader who loves historical fiction.
This fantastic Historical Fiction novel follows Roza Meszoras, a Hungarian Countess and former ballerina, whose family loses everything during WWII. She falls in love with an American soldier during the war and after two years of waiting for the proper paperwork, she finally travels to Minnesota to marry him.
However, when she arrives, she finds out that he is recently married to someone else and she must figure out how to stay in the U.S. because it is not safe for her to return home. With only a couple of weeks before her G.I. Visa expires, Roza turns to a newspaper reporter to help her find a husband.
After her story and photo are published, Roza receives almost 1,800 proposals and with the help of some newfound friends, she vets the top few contenders and chooses Finn Erickson, a train engineer suffering from PTSD. The story then follows Roza as she begins her life with her new husband and attempts to find her place in America.
Based on a true story, this is a fascinating analysis of what it means to achieve the American Dream and to pursue love and self fulfillment simultaneously.
I loved these characters and would definitely recommend that you grab a copy of this one. Out today!
I loved The French Winemaker’s Daughter, so I was looking forward to reading her next book. This book had her signature captivating storytelling with historical elements and dynamic characters. I had no idea that this story was based on a true story. I found that interesting. This book just wasn't for me. While I found Roza's story to be interesting and heartbreaking, I wasn't a fan of some of the aspects of this book. Her former fiancé was beyond infuriating. If you are looking for a quick Historical Romance to add to your TBR, then I would give this one a chance. I know there will be people who will enjoy this book.
4.5 Stars. I liked this Historical Fiction book, when so many books are about WWII in Europe this one takes place in the US. I liked the premise of the book and I loved Roza, the main character. This is the 2nd book by this author that I have enjoyed and I will look for more books by her in the future! I felt connected to the characters and was rooting for Roza! This book will be out on Jan 13th 2026.
I was lucky to read an ARC copy of THE JILTED COUNTESS. I LOVED this book from the very beginning ! Once I started reading it, I could not stop ! It was such a great storyline and the characters were so likeable. I wanted to know the ending so bad, I stayed up half the night, finishing the book. It's definitely a must read for any age reader. I certainly will recommend this book to everyone.
They always say the best revenge is to be happy. This “jilted at alter” romance is exactly that. The beautiful countess not only gets back up on her feet, but she comes roaring back in the most brilliant way. What makes this story even more fantastic is that it’s based on a true story. Romance, historical romance, and historical readers will LOVE the The Jilted Countess.
A fascinating tale, based on a true story. The story was well-written, flowed well, and the short chapters made it harder to put down! I really enjoyed it.
When a Hungarian countess comes to America after WWII to marry an American soldier she is unceremoniously dumped and must find a new husband or be deported
After World War II shatters her dreams of becoming a renowned ballerina as well as her fortune, Hungarian countess Roza Meszaros comes to America expecting to marry a soldier who promised her a new life—only to find he’s wed another.
Determined to stay, she enlists the help of a newspaper columnist whose plea for suitors sparks nearly 1,800 proposals. In a whirlwind reminiscent of The Bachelorette, Roza chooses Finn Erickson, a former soldier, and begins a modest life in Minnesota. But when her past love suddenly reappears, Roza’s new marriage and future are thrown into turmoil.
I couldn’t put down the book for the first 60%. The author poignantly narrates Roza’s tale, her harrowing time in Hungary during WWII under the occupation of Germany. Her journey from being a former countess to now becoming a penniless woman evoked sadness in me but her determination to live impressed me.
The way she took matters in her hand after coming to America and being jilted by her lover made me respect her a lot. The author also exquisitely recounts the challenges Roza faces in her marraige to Finn, who is practically a stranger to her. His shy and reserved nature worsens the situation while his conservative parents add fuel to the fire.
The way both of them overcome these challenges makes this book worth reading.
However, post the 60% mark, the pace of the story becomes slow dampening my ealier enthusiasm to know how Roza fares in her new life in America. Moreover, the ending felt rushed to me where a certain character was made a villain suddenly just to bring closure to the story.
All in all, it was a good read. I just wished it had a great ending.