In Ciesielski’s latest sweeping romance, an American heiress finds herself in Scotland amid the fallout of the Great War, and a wounded Scottish laird comes face-to-face with his past and a woman he never could have expected.
American socialite Lily Durham is known for enjoying one moment to the next, with little regard for the consequences of her actions. But just as she is banished overseas to … she is banished overseas to England as a “cure” for her frivolous ways, the Great War breaks out and wreaks havoc. She joins her cousin in nursing the wounded at a convalescent home deep in the wilds of Scotland at a crumbling castle where its laird is less than welcoming.
Alec MacGregor has given his entire life to preserving his home of Kinclavoch Castle, but mounting debts force him to sell off his family history bit by bit. Labeled a coward for not joining his countrymen in the trenches due to an old injury, he opens his home to the Tommies to make recompense while he keeps to the shadows. But his preference for the shadows is shattered when a new American nurse comes streaming into the castle on a burst of light.
Lily and Alec are thrown together when a series of mysterious events threatens to ruin the future of Kinclavoch. Can they put aside their differences to find the culprit before it’s too late, or will their greatest distraction be falling in love?
more
I 1000% loved every minute of Beauty Among Ruins by J’nell Ciesielski. This is one of those novels where the reader escapes his/her world for something magical and romantic. Beauty Among Ruins is a little bit The Secret Garden meets Beauty and the Beast. But it is also a story completely all its own. Set amidst the backdrop of WWI, Beauty Among Ruins takes the reader to a Gothic Scottish castle that’s barely holding up. The landscape, however, is AMAZING. I adore Ciesielski’s prose as her words took me from the high desert of California (where I live) to the lush, vibrant, wild wilderness of Scotland. I truly did get lost (in a good way) in the storytelling and hated when I had to put this book down. My favorite aspect of this beautiful story is the heady romance. The relationship between Alex and Lily begins slightly rough but develops into the most heart-warming, passionate, and swoony wildfire ever. I love the chemistry between the two — they are like long-lost soul mates and it was so awesome getting to watch these two characters find their way to one another.
It is the characters whom I fell for completely. The secondary characters are unique and endearing. They all manage to worm their way into the reader’s heart. Characters like Guthrie, Matron Strom, Bertie, and the many WWI soldiers convalescing at Alec’s castle add so much life and energy to the plot. They are characters I won’t soon forget. Alec makes for one superb hero. He is handsome and he does have quite a closed-off, brooding manner, but what makes him stand out is his innate need to protect Lily, his family, and his home and his ability to see the finer details. I love how he sees Lily for who she is and whom he knows she can become. And Lily is outstanding. She is a ball of sunshine and her heart is as big as Texas. When she sees a problem she does whatever it takes to fix it. She runs headfirst into life and it is so refreshing! Truly, the best part about this lovely story is the wonderful cast of characters.
I could go on and on gushing over how good Beauty Among Ruins is. To me, it’s the perfect storyline. This is a novel I highly recommend. For sure, Beauty Among Ruins is going on my “Forever Keep” pile cause this is a book I want to come back to time and time again.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author, J’nell Ciesielski, via Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
American socialite Lily Durham is sent to England during the Great War & ends up working as a nurse’s aide in an ancient castle that has been turned into a convalescent home for soldiers. There she meets the Laird, Alec, who is trying to save his land from the overwhelming debts his father left. Many dangerous adventures being Alec and Lily together as they work to solve the mystery of the bad luck that seems to hound Alec’s property.
Honestly, the beginning of this book dragged on for me. It was hard to get into it, & I didn’t enjoy the main characters at all, especially the seemingly frivolous Lily. I was even tempted to stop reading. However, after about a fourth of the way through, the action picked up, the characters evolved into more likable and interesting people, and I found myself immersed in the adventure. Quite a bit of action climaxed into a nice resolution (although the epilogue felt a little overwhelmingly packed with info, while lacking interaction from Alec’s mother).
Overall, Beauty Among Ruins is a good book, especially if the reader is interested in old castles, but requires perseverance to get through the shaky beginning.
*I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Beauty among Ruins is the standalone novel by J’nell Ciesielski, published by Thomas Nelson. The year is 1915 and we follow socialite Lily Durham when she is sent to England as punishment for having played too many tricks on her parents. They hope she will find an eligible husband, but Lily takes position as nurse’s aid at Kinclavoch Castle convalescent home for WWI soldiers in Scotland. The matron thinks her an air-head unable to do any kind of real work and challenges her with the worst assignments. But Lily is adamant to help and proves to have excellent bedside manner and a knack for keeping the patient’s spirits up.
The Laird, Alec MacGregor is weighed down by financial problems, but Lily’s zest for life manages to get him out of his dark place and improve his courage.
Someone seems to be working to ruin the estate. What seems like accidents happen and a patient goes missing. Lily and Alec grow closer as they work to figure out who is responsible.
Main character is socialite Lily Durham who outward has a zest for life but inward suffers raging insecurities. I feel for her as she has heard all her life that her only purpose in life is to make a good marriage. In this story her character goes through an impressive development and she starts to see a new purpose.
Supporting character is Alec MacGregor, Lord Strathem of Kinclavoch whose character starts out as a brooding recluse. He worries about his estate and his constant leg pain. His character goes through a personal development as he has a shift in his emotions and view of life.
I felt this plot stood out with its interesting setting in Scotland and the placing of the entitled main character in an environment where she has to overcome more challenges than merely finding a husband. Taking place in a castle gave it a vibe reminiscent to Downton Abby; only more run down due to financial troubles. The brooding recluse of a Laird also made me think of the initial part of Beauty and The Beast. The combination of the interesting mystery part and the slow burn romance, including vivid descriptions of the scenery around the Castle, transferred me to the Scottish Highlands, where I hope to go some day. Very hard to decide if my favorite part was the mystery or the slow burn romance. Both were captivating and excellently written . I loved the funny dialogue between Lily and Alec and found it fascinating to follow the development of their relationship as they ruffled each other’s feathers and challenged each other’s vulnerabilities. I think they both were favorite characters. The surprising and amusing part where Lily’s parents showed up I thoroughly enjoyed.
Anyone who enjoys WWI historical romances with a bit of a unique twist will enjoy this one. Similar authors to explore might be Abigail Wilson or Michelle Griep. Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
Conclusion: Beauty among Ruins is the captivating, unique historical romance set in a Scottish castle converted to WWI soldier’s convalescent home where an American socialite finds romance while mysterious things happen.
What Happens When Favorite Authors Take Me to Dream Destinations
I fall in love. Not just with characters and stories, but with the places that stir the imagination and make those stories come alive.
Oh, yes. with her signature style, J’nell Ciesielski leads the reader through more prosaic places like America and London and up into craggy heart of Scotland. Nestled there in a crumbling old manor, WWI soldiers’ minds and bodies are repaired by nurses and aides. And one broken laird will be mended or destroyed in the process.
It just takes a plucky American to nudge him in the right direction.
Seriously, I felt like I was in Scotland throughout the whole book.
Not once did I feel smothered by the heather, crushed by the crags, or blown off the page by the wind whistling through the moors, but I felt as though I were among them! A story rich in layers, depth, and understanding with just the smallest hint of a Jane Eyre-ish tone to parts of it, Beauty Among Ruins does not disappoint in any respect.
Well, it doesn’t now that I understand something. As I said in my blog post that goes with the Because Fiction podcast episode, now that I know the goal and purpose behind Thomas Nelson’s reduction in overt Christian content in their books, I am not as bothered by the lack of it. Would I prefer to learn those lessons alongside Lily and Alec? Yeah!
But knowing that the publisher has made a deliberate effort to provide more subtle Christian content to gently reach an audience that otherwise wouldn’t pick up that book makes me have fewer expectations of them. So, where I’d usually be grumbling about the change in Ms. Ciesielski’s fiction style with her new publisher, now I can acknowledge there’s a purpose to it instead of a lack of purpose in it, so to speak.
Aside from that…
This book is artfully constructed, beautifully written, and it lingers in your mind until you can’t help but reach for it, pick it up again, and reread bits here and there. Be warned, though. The moment you do, you’re likely to find yourself flipping back to the first page of chapter one and starting all over again. You’re likely to lose yourself in this multi-layered story of personal sacrifice, sabotage, and restoration.
Recommended for lovers of historical fiction, exceptional writing, and Scotland. Not recommended for those who are looking for strong, overt Christian content. This book stays subtle but true. So glad I requested a review copy. Even more thrilled to be able to honestly say that I loved it and it’s my favorite of 2021… so far.
Beauty Among the Ruins by J’nell Ciesielski follows New York socialite, Lily Durham, on a journey across the ocean to her relatives in England. Her parents hope she gains a sense of direction and responsibility, but they never imagined how playing a role among war-torn men would change her forever. Alec MacGregor is giving all of himself to keep his family’s crumbling legacy–Kinclavoch castle and the abounding estate–from bankruptcy and ruin. But a bubbly American works her way under his skin and changes his perspective on almost everything, but especially himself.
The author has a special gift for painting a luscious landscape of the land surrounding Kinclavoch, to the point you can see the beautiful, rolling hills of the Scottish estate and wish to stroll beside the loch in the spring to see the wildflowers. The descriptions brought a vividness to the story and made you feel as if you were walking alongside the characters.
And those characters are wonderful. Lily may be flippant in her duties at Kinclavich castle at first, but she quickly comes to realize the value of what she is doing. I loved her optimistic attitude, and I am jealous of her ability to handle hostile situations with grace (and maybe a little venom).
Alec is a grumbly mystery, but it is impossible not to have respect for a man who tries so hard to provide for his family and his fellow countryman. He is part of the noble beauty of Kinclavoch, and it was both entertaining and heartwarming to watch Lily soften his heart little by little.
Overall, I loved this story. The Scottish countryside. The witty quips from Lily. The brooding of Alec. This is a beautiful, historical romance that also has a twist or two of mystery. This is a novel you will devour but wish you didn’t have to reach the end! Any fan of historical fiction/romance will enjoy Beauty Among the Ruins.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This is a beautiful love story set in Scotland during the first world war. Lily is a spoiled rich girl living in New York and always looking for a good time. Her parents main goal is for her to find the proper rich man for her to marry. When she refuses to settle down, her parents send her to England to live with an aunt. They feel that living her life outside of NYC will help her appreciate her current life and when she returns she’ll be ready to marry a rich man and become part of society. When the war starts, she and her cousin decide that they must help so they take nursing classes. Bertie is very serious about nursing but Lily is mostly doing it for the adventure. They both get assigned to a castle in Scotland that has opened their doors to help care for the wounded men. Alec is the laird of the manor and has spent his entire life to preserving his home of Kinclavoch Castlebut he appears to be fighting a losing battle as he sells off bits and pieces of the estate to pay the bills. Once Lily and Bertie arrive at the castle, one of their first warnings from the matron of nursing was to never go into the private family part of the castle. Of course, Lily gets lost the first day and ends up in the private family area and meets Alec. It is dislike at first glance. He is dour and serious and she is frivolous and happy and there is immediate dislike between them. The more they get to know each other, the more their feelings for each other begin to grow. There is a mystery at the castle and they get thrown together to try to find the culprit and the more time they spend together, the more they understand each other as they begin to fall in love.
The characters are much more than they appear to be at first glance. Lily appears to be a rich American without thought for others but she ends up being a wonderful caregiver who helps the wounded both physically and mentally. Alec appears to be a nasty person who is only worried about his castle but he ends up being a man who cares deeply about his family and his heritage along with his strong interest in helping the wounded from the war.
What else can you ask for in a story — it has scenic Scotland, a beautiful and caring woman and a handsome and misunderstood man. It was a perfect book to read on a cold winter weekend and day dream about living in a castle.
I just can’t pass up a beauty and the beast tale set in the romantic wilds of Scotland and neither should you! This story has a lot slower pace than J’nell Ciesielski’s previous works but is just as romantic! I loved the contrasting personalities of Alec and Lily and how they challenged each other to be better people. Another great story from J’nell Ciesielski!
I really enjoyed this engaging page-turning historical fiction set in Scotland in WWI. It’s been touted as a type of “Beauty and the Beast” story. It’s also an excellent “opposites attact” story. American socialite Lily Durham is absolutely refreshing. Alec MacGregor opens his home to the soldiers since an old injury prevents him from fighting. His father left the estate in devastaing debt, and Alex is doing everything possible to hold on to the home that has been in his family for centuries. Lily arrives at the Scottish castle with her cousin Bertie (Lady Elizabeth) to help nurse the convalescing soldiers.
“Um, thank you,” Lily called to his retreating back. Incorrigible, ill-mannered, and with the humor of a brick wall, he was the last kind of man she’d dreamed of meeting in a darkened corridor.”
“I can also assure you that I never clomp. My mother saw to that with fiendish pleasure.”
“A rundown castle turned hospital offered nothing to appease her bright disposition, yet in every instance he’d found her making the most of the situation. Irritating idealism.”
“She had more important things to think about than Lord Alec MacGregor and his beckoning lips.”
“There was a time when men acted in honor and not in the interest of their bank accounts—when integrity was prized above all. Those days are long gone.”
“Nature has an honesty that soothes the soul without the trappings of life. No restraints enforced here, only simple reminders of who we truly are. Of who we wish we could be.” “About the only place I find freedom.”
I highly recommend Beauty Among the Ruins by author J’nell Ciesielski. Lovers of historical fiction with a dash of mystery and romance will love it!
Romance and Mystery in Scotland During the Great War
Wannabe “bad girl” American heiress Lily Durham is sent off to visit English relations just before the start of World War I. Her parents hope she will become a more proper young lady more suitable for marriage within their stratified social set. But Lily’s life changes as England becomes embroiled in the Great War. She and her cousin opt to help as an aide and nurse, respectively, at a Scottish castle now dedicated to helping wounded young men coming back from the front. The story is both a romance and a mystery. The young heiress captures the interest of the young, impoverished, and physically disabled Laird of the castle. As they get to know each other under the watchful eye of “the matron,” unfortunate incidents start happening around the castle, like a missing patient, a fire, and a poisoning. Not only do these horrible things happen, but a London newspaper owner is happy to not only publish stories about them but smear the laird’s and his family’s good name. Will the laird get over his belief that his physical limitations prevent him from marrying? Will he figure out who’s causing all the problems around the castle before it’s too late?
I listened to the audiobook version of this story, and unfortunately, I didn’t think the narrator always did a good job. Although she voiced the Scottish villagers and tenants fairly well, her vocal styling for the laird was almost laughable. I’ve been to Scotland several times, and the accent she gave him sounded more Eastern European most of the time, or even Indian in places. Now and again, a Scottish flavor would come out, but that was rare. As the laird is the romantic hero and so often at the Forefront of the story, the sound of his voice is actually important.
In general, I liked the story itself. The heroine certainly had a growth arc; she matures yet still retains her essential core herself that not only endears her to the hero but also to the men she cares for. The girl certainly has strength and flare! And she’s not afraid to stand up to difficult people when needed. I liked the relationship the heroine developed with the laird’s reclusive, ill younger sister. I thought, perhaps, the hero was a little too broody, and I didn’t like the way he believed his leg injury was such a romantic setback that it would preclude marriage. Despite the poor vocal styling, I thought he was a great character, though, and swoon-worthy as we like our historical heroes to be. I thought the author did a good job setting up the book’s mystery aspect as well. Something was definitely amiss at the castle, and I enjoyed puzzling out who the villain or villains could be. I figured it out before the reveal, but that did not diminish my enjoyment of the story.
Neither the book’s title nor cover reflected the book well. I’m not quite sure what “Beauty Among Ruins” is supposed to mean, as the castle is not in ruins and the heroine’s beauty is the least important aspect of her character! The castle on the cover doesn’t look like an early 1700s-era Scottish castle. It looks more like what people think castles should look like or what some of the more whimsical ones in France and Germany look like. All in all, though, I found this to be a well-written and enjoyable book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Praise from the Clean Romance Team:u2060
u2060
“I just can’t pass up a beauty and the beast tale set in the romantic wilds of Scotland and neither should you!”u2060
u2060
“This is a lovely book that takes the reader into a world in turmoil. But this very turmoil is what is needed to allow a young woman to become a person of character who finally comes to realize that life is more than society and its trappings.”u2060
Disclaimer: To be perfectly honest, historical romances like this aren’t my thing. But I was low on books and decided to give this a try. So this review will be highly biased. If you’re someone who normally loves historical romance, this would probably be a 4 or 5 star read for you.
Characters: I liked Lily the better of the two main characters. She had a lighthearted approach to life that I enjoyed. But I didn’t understand why she was ever attracted to Alec. (Another disclaimer–I don’t like brooding men. Brooding is just another word for pouting or sulking. And I don’t find either of those attractive.) The way Alec acted in the beginning frustrated me, and I never connected with him as a character. But lots of historical romance readers love brooding men, so I don’t think this is a problem for anyone but me. 🙂
Language: Clean.
Moral: I really couldn’t identify a moral. Yes, this book was clean, but it didn’t have any of the biblical truths I like to see in a book by a Christian publisher. That’s my problem–it’s by a Christian publisher. If it were by a publisher of clean fiction only, I wouldn’t have a problem with the lack of Christianity.
Plot: Like I said before, I struggle with historical romances in general. I grew bored during parts of this book. I think a lot of my problem was the length. (This book was about 400 pages.)
Romance: Clean. But all those mentions of curves, muscles, lips, and wet clothes pressed to bodies were way, way too much. There’s much more to romance than physical attraction. I also didn’t like how Lily and Alec idolized each other and put each other in the place of God by claiming the other person to be their source of peace, light, etc.
Writing: This book was written in the flowery, dramatic style a lot of readers of this genre love. I did struggle with it because I enjoy a more straightforward approach to writing.
Overall: Even though this wasn’t a book for me, I’d recommend it for readers of clean fiction and historical romance.
I enjoyed this historical novel. Beauty Among Ruins is the first book I’ve read by Ciesielski but it sure won’t be the last. I felt like I was right there amidst the wounded and those caring for them. Lily and Alec leapt off the page and right into my heart. It’s set during a serious time in history and the author does a good job of bringing levity when needed. I recommend it to fans of Inspirational historical fiction.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. No compensation received.
I quickly fell in love with Beauty Among Ruins by J’nell Ciesielski. This stand-alone novel features a lush Scottish setting that swept me away from reality. Gaelic words sprinkle throughout the narrative. I referred occasionally to the glossary when the sentence did not imply the meaning. However, the Gaelic use felt just right – enough to enchant, but not overwhelm, the reader.
Not only did I enjoy the setting of Beauty Among Ruins, but the characters and their development shined as I traveled through the novel. Alec, the laird of Kinclavoch Castle, emanates loyalty. Whether it is his family, his estate, his country, or the Tommies recuperating in his home, he strives to serve them all in his own way. Alec juxtaposes Lily, a spoiled American socialite full of selfishness and insubordination. An unexpected romance between this unlikely pair forces both to change and grow. I loved the character development and refinement, though Lily’s took some time. Her undesirable traits linger in the story which may not appeal to some readers. However, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Beauty Among Ruins by J’nell Ciesielski and I recommend to it anyone who enjoys clean, historical fiction.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
In Beauty Among Ruins, Lily Durham is a rich American girl who is shipped over seas to stay with relatives. Before her return trip is scheduled, World War II begins, making it unsafe for her to return to America. She decides to join her cousin Bertie in becoming a nurse to help the convalescing soldiers, and the girls are sent to Scotland to Kinclavoch Castle, the estate of the MacGregors, to work at the makeshift hospital that has been set up in the castle. Alec MacGregor is the head of the MacGregor family since his father’s passing, and he’s doing all he can to save his family from ruin and from losing all they have thanks to debt his father left and the deteriorating state of the ancient castle. And now he’s also housing soldiers, but he wants to do his part since his own injury prevents him from joining the fight. Angry, stressed-out, and shut off from the world, Alec is unprepared for the upheaval that the arrival of a lively American girl will bring. As one disaster strikes after the next, will Alec be able to save his family home? And will Lily be able to help Alec see his own worth?
I really loved this story. From beginning to end, I didn’t want to put the book down. I thought the characters were very well developed. Lily was relatable and funny, and Alec was moody and emotional. The chemistry between Lily and Alec was slow-building but tangible from the start. I enjoyed the element of mystery throughout the story. And I appreciate that this was a clean romance. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but after reading this one, I will definitely be on the lookout for her other titles.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
When Lily’s mom sends her to England to change her ways, they were changed ok, just not in the way one would think. Lily and her cousin signed up to help the men wounded in the war proved to be interesting and intriguing. Even though their boss did act like a drill Sargent who clearly didn’t show love for anyone. I loved these characters, well most of them. I really enjoyed Lily and Alec and the banter between the two. They made the story fun and comical during this tragic time during the war. And I enjoyed the character development throughout the story.
J’nell Ciesielski has a bit different which I really have come to enjoy. Beauty Among Ruins is a book that will stay with me for a while. There is so much, good and bad going on in this story. A lot if twist and turns and a book you don’t want to put down. If you enjoy stories set in WWI, I highly recommend this book. You will enjoy this as much as I did. Beauty Among Ruins gets 5 Stars from me.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Beauty Among the Ruins by J’Nell Ciesielski is a definite read for anyone who loves inspirational historical romance stories. I absolutely loved this story and look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
Alec is trying to do everything in his power to save his family home even if that means allowing it to be used as a hospital during the war to make amends because he is unable to join the troops on the frontlines, getting rid of most of the staff and selling off most of the family heirlooms.
When he finds himself along with nurse Lily Durham dealing with dangerous and mysterious issues that are threatening his home it becomes even more challenging when trying to find the culprit because they are getting distracted by falling in love.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Beautifully written, richly detailed, and thoughtfully composed, Beauty among Ruins, by J’nell Ciesielski, is an utterly entertaining novel. Captivating characters, relevant themes, and a riveting plot make this historical romance as lovely as it is fascinating. With a superb blend of romance, history, and mystery, this book is wholly intriguing and enjoyable.
Within the pages of this novel, Ms. Ciesielski’s writing talent is evident and enthralling. With a lyrically descriptive style, Ms. Ciesielski offers a compelling story that is clever and engaging. Central to this story is the timeworn Scottish castle that serves as the main setting. Often just as significant and memorable as the characters themselves, this expansive castle and its verdant surroundings provide a stunning backdrop for many of the novel’s most vital scenes.
Enhanced by immersive writing and an unforgettable setting, this book also creatively and effectively explores the themes of courage, survival, love, honor, and purpose through a cast of unique characters who are vividly developed. Throughout the novel, their beliefs, motivations, fears, desires, and choices hold genuine purpose and meaning. In the face of danger and uncertainty, they persevere, and their hearts awaken to unexpected possibilities and renewed hope.
Beauty among Ruins is a story of grace, trust, truth, and redemption. It is an emotional-stirring, thought-provoking, and truly satisfying novel. From beginning to end, I was thoroughly enchanted by this well-written story. This is certainly a book worthy of being noticed, savored, and revisited. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
*I was given a copy of this novel from the publisher and Celebrate Lit. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
This story takes place during the time of the Great War which I haven’t read a whole lot of during that time era. And bonus, this one took place in Scotland, which I will happily visit anytime. This had a Beauty and the Beast vibe going and reminded me a great deal of some of what Downton Abbey covered. Yet it was a unique story on it’s own.
Lily Durham is an American heiress who was sent to her British relatives to stay out of trouble. Little did anyone know that a war was on the horizon. Now Lily helps out at the makeshift hospital located at Kinclavoch Castle. However, she is still getting in trouble with her superiors but Lily does set out to help the wounded soldiers, the lord of the castle’s sister, and even quite possibly the lord of the castle himself.
Alec MacGregor comes off as a very brusque and a bit of a cranky person. As we get to know him we understand that he is a wounded man who is trying to keep his familial lands and properties in the hands of the family and those that work his land. He is a good man with opening his home to the soldiers who need it for recovery, even if he is a bit gruff.
He and Lily butt heads from the beginning, but she is able to bring out a softer, humorous side of him. Alec does not know what to think or do with this American woman, but he does want to keep her around. Along with their developing romance, there is the war going on, the recovering soldiers and their issues, other nurses romantically after Alec, a very militant head nurse, along with family drama, and an intriguing mystery you have yourself a chock full story to lose yourself in.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
4.5 stars.
If you are a reader that loves fast action and lots of hot sexy bits, this is not the book for you. BUT if you love a slow burn romance with gradual character development and a bit of intrigue, there is much to love about Beauty Among Ruins.
Lily Durham is an outspoken, fun-loving New York socialite, and a great disappointment to her persnickety mother. Her parents send her to live with relatives in England hoping she will mature. When World War I erupts Lily finds herself working as a nursing aide at a Scottish castle that houses convalescing soldiers. The castle also houses a reclusive laird, his sister, and his mother. The laird, Alec MacGregor, is struggling to keep his estate together in the face of overwhelming debt and expense. Lily and Alec are two people as different as night and day, yet they gradually form an attraction as they each learn more about themselves.
This is not my usual type of historical romance, but I really enjoyed Beauty Among Ruins. There was a joyful openness to Lily that made her an engaging heroine. Plus, her speech and mannerisms seemed genuine to this historical period. Alec was certainly a tortured hero, but most of the torture was of his own making due to pride and loyalty. The mystery element was not strong, but it was not the main focus of the story.
Beauty Among Ruins was a refreshing surprise to me with excellent writing, historic detail, and a sweet romance.
ARC provided by author.
I am always interested in historical fiction. A good author has the ability to entertain as well as educate, and that is something Ciesielski delivers. When paired with a stunning cover, it becomes almost irresistible, and I’m glad I didn’t try to escape the pull of this particular novel.
I know little of Scotland, but the author does a good job of helping the reader understand what makes the setting and people unique. Many things wouldn’t have worked in the story were this book set in another place, and I loved how the place is integral to who the characters are as well.
The relationship between Lily and Alec reminded me of the dynamic between Austen’s Darcy and Elizabeth. She is fun-loving and mostly carefree while he comes across as rude and brooding, but there is so much more to him for anyone who takes the time to look beyond the surface. Thankfully for the reader, Lily does just that and we get to take the journey with them as they learn about the other, and themselves
The theme that stood out to me was that of true belonging, being valued for who you are rather than net worth or what you can do for others. We all have a deep need for that, and reading about the character’s search for it in their own lives, and then searching together was beautiful.
J’nell Ciesieleski is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her settings are vivid, the characters are relatable, and the romance is excellent. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves a good story with a hint of mystery, but especially for readers with an interest in WWI or Scotland.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.