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?
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Lily and Alec’s story is touching and heartfelt with depth and wonderful details . The chemistry between the characters is incredible and the attention to detail is impeccable . Readers who love historical fiction will enjoy this book again and again. This book has a Downton Abbey meets Beauty and the Beast vibes . I love how spirited and genuine Lily is and how she wins the heart of the seeming tough and brooding Alec . This is a delightful book worth savoring from start to finish.
What a fun book! I really loved the fairytale aspect of Beauty and the Beast. Plus I had all the feels because hello this naive young girl got sent over to Europe right as the war started. I can’t imagine what those parents must have felt! Anyone else?
Okay, back to the story. It’s so sweet. Young spoiled American goes overseas, gets stuck with the war, but also volunteers as a nurse. Through this, she gets to stay in a castle, albeit one with issues, and meets the Laird who really wants nothing to do with anyone as he tries to save his ancestral home.
I immediately fell in love with the setting and the characters and could not put the book down. I have previously read The Socialite and this was yet another wonderful story woven into characters that make you feel like you’re a part of their life. You won’t be able to put this book down.
Don’t take my word for it of course. Grab your own copy of both books and snuggle up with a fuzzy blanket and some tea. It’s a snowy day in my neck of the woods today and that’s what I’m craving.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I don’t usually think a book is movie-worthy, but J’nell Ciesielski’s latest, Beauty among Ruins, has me wishing for a movie or theatre adaptation. I just finished this wonderful novel written as only Ciesielski can. Beauty among Ruins brings us an immediately likable heroine in beauty Lily, a rich socialite who longs to fulfill a greater role in life than what society dictates, and have fun doing it. We also see the loose beast image contrast in Alec McGregor, who though unable to fight in WWI due to an injury, opens his aging estate, Kinclavoch, to convalescing soldiers. The beauty aspect appears as Lily Durham, banished to England, actually ends up in Scotland as a nurse at Kinclavoch and turns the ideas of staid, emotionless, nursing upside down. But most importantly, we see the thawing of brooding, burdened, and emotionally dead Kinclavoch owner Alec. Can their growing love and his metamorphosis survive the repeated calamities that follow Lilly’s arrival to Alec’s beloved Kinclavoch?
If the main characters’ emotions and interplay weren’t enough to build a play or movie, Ciesielski has built a strong supporting cast, which I would love to see acted out. I think there would be some Academy Awards for supporting actors and actresses here!! I just loved even the antagonists, as they filled their roles so well. Some characters weren’t clearly all black or white. I loved Lily for seeing the need in one particular person most would have seen as an enemy. I also loved the peeling back of her parent’s pasts until we could finally see their true feelings. And whew, that involved a lot of layers!
I appreciated the glossary of Scottish words at the end of the book, as opposed to the beginning. Points for both the publisher and the author here. I am not a big fan of a lot of early information for a reader in the beginning. It is too easy to skip over those seemingly “nonessential” addendums that keeps me from the meat of the book. In the end, I am ready to savor extra historical bits, glossaries, or study questions, all of which truly enhanced this great book.
Notable Quotables:
“Situations are simple. It’s the people who twist them up.”
“ ’Tis a hardiness we’re born with.” Though not all. Some were made to suffer no matter the strength in their hearts.
“Kindness always deserves recognition.”
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought a copy. These are my own unsolicited opinions.
What a difference a few years can bring! Impetuous New York heiress Lily Durham is sent by her parents to live in England with her cousins but she soon finds herself in the wilds of Scotland, helping care for wounded WWi soldiers. The convalescent home for these soldiers is actually a castle that has seen better days, but it is perfect for safely housing men who are suffering physically, emotionally, and sometimes spiritually.
I enjoyed seeing Lily’s progression from an uncertain girl to a woman determined to make a change. A girl used to a life of privilege who wants to be more than a socialite. Castle owner Alec MacGregor carries a heavy burden as he tries to care for his mother and sister while struggling to keep the castle in his family. I loved seeing how this American lass alters his lonely life with her friendship. Is it possible that they might become more than friends?
Beauty Among Ruins is set in Scotland during the early years of WWI and author J’Nell Ciesielski paints a vivid picture of the Scottish countryside during this tragic time. Appealing characters and a light mystery enhance the plot and the sweet romance between Lily and Alec makes it even more enjoyable! This is a perfect read for fans of historical romance.
I received a copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
Including an old castle in a book always seems to open the door to the potential for intrigue and suspense. Add to this delight the author’s well-turned wording in phrases of description that bring pleasure to the inner ear. People the scenes with characters that enrich the story with their personalities and foibles amid an intriguing plot that increasingly intensifies, and you have the makings of a great novel. And it’s set in Scotland, a fun country to read about—even in the midst of World War I. The saga seemed authentic, with plenty of drama, twists, and surprises, although I found it easy to guess who was behind the disasters. Join Alec MacGregor as he fights to save his ancestral domain and Lily Durham, an American who is helping to nurse the “Tommies” at the convalescent home set up in Kinclavoch Castle, for an adventure you won’t soon forget. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
This is my first book to read by this author and I can tell you it will not be the last. I loved this book, it had my attention from the very first chapter. Beauty Among Ruins is set in Scotland during the Great War. It all takes place in the small village of Laggan and its nearby estate Kinclavoch Castle. The estate is crumbling and has few tenants or servants for there is no money to keep it up. Little by little parts of the estate has to be sold to keep up the rest. The laird, Alec MacGregor has opened his home to soldiers that are healing and recuperating from the physical and mental traumas from the battlefield. He feels like he is a failure for not joining in the battle, but an old wound keeps him at home, hence opening up his home for a hospital, gives him some satisfaction. Among the nurses at this “hospital” is Lily Durham, a wealthy young American socialite that has been shipped to England to stay with her cousin BeIty, by her parents in hopes that the change will turn her into a “proper lady.” Both she and her cousin volunteer to work as nurses, but Lily being American has different thoughts about how to treat the patients and causes quite an upheaval. This just adds to Alec’s problems. He never dreamed he would have to contend with such a person, as all he wants to do is stay secluded in his part of the castle and nurse his wound. But he cannot escape Lily as there is always some complaint surrounding her…..You will love the drama, suspense, mystery and everything concerning this novel. The author does a fantastic job in creating these characters, you feel like you are actually in their presence. I highly recommend this book….Thank you so much to Thomas Nelson-Fiction for the ARC of this novel, it was spectacular. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The setting, characters, and time period in Beauty Among Ruins made this book, written by J’nell Ciesielski , my favorite of hers yet.
Let’s start with the setting. A castle in Scotland? Yes, please. However, said castle is currently housing injured British soldiers as well as the family while also in need of some major repairs.
This book is set during World War I and introduced me to a new aspect of the history of the war with Scotland’s involvement. When a book makes me want to research facts, I know it resonated with me.
And finally, the characters are the reason this book receives a five-star rating. Lily is a little spoiled and used to getting her way, so when she ends up at Castle Klinclavoch as an aide to the nurses caring for the wounded, she finds herself more often in trouble than not. And then there’s the mysterious, brooding laird of the castle. Alec carries a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders and he doesn’t have time for some American socialite who doesn’t know her place.
The development of Alec and Lily’s relationship progresses naturally from annoyance to acceptance to friendship to romance. And the secondary characters left me with strong opinions about them, one way or the other with no middle ground.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
When Lily Durham shows up at Alec MacGregor’s home, she’s the unstoppable force that runs roughshod over an immoveable object—Alec.
Feeling that her fun-loving nature serves no purpose, Lily can’t help but toss confetti of fun and joy into her every circumstance. And at Kinclavoch Castle, she just might realize that laughter truly is the best medicine. And her seeming frivolity truly is her best gift.
Lily’s sunshine spills into Alec’s shadows, both of his heart and of his home, while his solid and staid nature tempers her impetuous tendencies.
As they navigate new territory together and overcome one obstacle after another, they take on the most daunting task of all—their hearts.
Ms. Ciesielski’s writing is a wonderful mix of color and emotion, vivid setting and depth of emotion. Like an artist’s acrylic pour (this reader’s newest artistic outlet) each element shifts together with the other, creating a most illustrious masterpiece. Like veins in a piece of marble.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Beauty Among Ruins, J’nell Ciesielski, Celebrate Lit Publicity
“Aye, but you seem to have smiles, and sometimes that is what is needed more than a clean apron.”
What a delightful and enchanting historical romance set during WWI. The book does not boast of detailed accounts of the war nor does it have a faith element in the story, but it does boast of raw, palpable emotions, breath-taking beauty, and the heart’s call for home. If you enjoy historical romance, this is a book not to be missed. It made me laugh out loud from the well-placed humor and banter, weep from the sorrow and heart-break, and sigh with contentment at the tender sweet romance.
Lily, the American, is full of life and zest but is deemed impertinent and selfish so is sent across the ocean to England before the start of the war in 1914. 1915 finds her as a nurse’s aide, tending to the broken soldiers in a Scotland castle. Alec is the reclusive laird, brooding, stubborn, straight-laced but loyal and selflessly working towards preserving his crumbling legacy and history. Underneath the gruff and scowling exterior lies a tender, fiercely protective heart of gold that only a few people get to see. Alec is a swoon-worthy hero, for sure. There is great humor throughout the story, even in the midst of fear, pain and horrors of the war seen through the recovering soldiers’ tales. There is even a hint of intrigue and mystery as strange things keep happening around the castle that seem to further put a cloud of doom over them. The title “Beauty Among Ruins” is so appropriate – there is beauty everywhere in this story – in the dilapidated castle of old, in the rugged untamed landscape of Scotland, in the broken hope of the soldiers, in the fledgling star-crossed romance between Lily and Alec.
The author has become one of my favorite historical romance writers and I can’t wait for her next book!
I received a copy of the book via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.
It has been a joy to read a book rich in history while sweeping across the ocean. The author describes the time period with excellence and gives readers a front row seat as the curtains open on a journey to a castle thst has seen better days. It cries out for someone to bring it back to beauty where joy is found.
Lilly is everything I like in a character. She is sassy, stubborn, delightful and perhaps a little annoying to some. How she got to the castle is a minor detail when you realize she was meant to be there for emotional support. I loved how she took on jobs that were not all that fun. Her compassion for her patients bring them peace and hope.
Alec is rather snotty at times and dare I say a bit boring. He is proper and won’t stand for any shenanigans. Oh how I laughed as I read as Lilly pushed his buttons with disregard to rules. She is a nurse but to me she was just what the castle needed to bring it back to life. It seems rather dreary and dark in the hallways as maids scattered about afraid to speak. Alec does have a redeeming quality which made me like him. He is determined to care for his family and keep the castle running.
The work that is being done to help soldiers that have been injured is dear to Alec. He has opened his home for them to get the best of care and find rest in the midst of chaos. The story is inviting and at times very funny with Lilly getting lost in the castle. Oh I had high hopes for her and Alec to become attracted to each other. After all opposites do attract, so they say.
There is a part in the story where a soldier is kidnapped right out of his bed while being cared for at the castle. Now what is that about? Is it someone who wants to cause others to question the work being done there? Or perhaps it’s the person who is insistent on buying the land and castle from Alec? I couldn’t wait to find out what was in store for our sassy Lilly and brooding Alec. I loved learning more about the war and how it caused emotional damage as well physical damage.
Set in a picturesque background the author delivers a story of determination, survival, trust and mystery. This is one story I really didn’t want to end. I became very fond of the characters and loved how each one added something to enhance the story. I can say for sure that this is one book not to be overlooked. It is charming, with a bit of nobility mixed in that makes me want to travel back in time to sit with Lilly and enjoy her enthusiasm for life.
The ending is filled with tragedy and wraps up the mystery with finesse . Some people are so greedy they will do anything to get what they want. In the end truth prevails and I am happy to know that Alec can begin to enjoy life again without the threat of danger anymore. Lilly is the one thing missing that may bring Alec hope for the future.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Beauty Among the Ruins by J’nell Ciesieskli is a Beauty and the Beast retelling in the wilds of Scotland. With the familiar story playing in the back of my mind, I could see the parallels between the two stories. But this time, the story takes place during World War I. The heroine, Lilly, is a wild and crazy woman when the readers meet her at the beginning of the story. But of course, as the story trudges along, Lilly changes. She changes for the better. She wants to help others. She wants to better herself. Yet bring joy to the wounded soldiers and family. The only aspect of the story that I wished had more to it was the introduction to Lilly in New York at the beginning of the story. It was a quick flash. You are going to Europe and then the story progresses from there. As a reader, I do not understand what was so wrong with Lilly doing what she did. I wanted a couple more chapters to see this happening. Also the same thing at the ending, when Lilly was in England, I believe, dealing with the death of a cousin. A quick scene than back to Scotland. Alex, the hero, is the brooding wounded silent type. The stereotypical hero that will change and allow love to break down his walls. Predictable. Not original. The writing and the plot were well-written and captured my attention. I love the story of Beauty and the Beast. It rings true with loving people for their character, not their appearance. Overall, Beauty Among the Ruins is a must-read for fans of Beauty and the Beast or just a pure love story in a falling apart castle in Scotland. I recommend this novel to readers.
I received a complimentary copy of Beauty Among the Ruins by J’nell Ciesieskli from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Celebrate Lit. tours, but the opinions stated are all my own.
We can all make a difference!
When the eyes of Heaven look down upon us, what do they see?
The author has taken us vicariously to an absolutely gorgeous area in Scotland. The scenery details bring you along out into the fields where Kinclavoch castle can be seen in all its glory! After reading this, a trip to that part of the world is a must. The plight of the old family estates is well documented and one can certainly understand why many have been sold.
In 1915, Kinclavoch has temporarily become a convalescent home for returning soldiers, wounded in the war. Lily, a debutante from New York, is there to help in whatever way she can, along with her cousin Bertie who is a nurse. I must admit to laughing out loud as well as being ready to scream as I read this fabulous book. Between poisonings, madmen, fire, kidnapping and other nefariousness you will NOT put this down until you have reached the final end.
This ARC was received through Thomas Nelson, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. These comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
After reading the Socialite I became a fan of this author and was anxious to read Beauty Among Ruins. This book does not disappoint and had me engrossed. I loved watching Lily develop and grow throughout without changing her sparkling personality. The castle in Scotland was a wonderful setting and the descriptive wording had me wanting to clean and restore it to its glory days. My heart bled for the wounded soldiers and I found it interesting that they were housed in the castle to recuperate. The history involved in the telling was fascinating to me as I love learning while enjoying a great story. This author does a wonderful job of blending fact with fiction to make an enjoyable read from start to finish. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
As I began reading this book, I found Lily Dunham spoiled, indulged, and a socialite with no apparent concern for anyone but herself. However, I changed my opinion of her after her mother banished her to England and remained after the Great War broke out. She winds up working with her cousin at a convalescent home for injured soldiers.
Alex MacGregor, the owner of the decrepit castle where the convalescent home residents live, prefers solitude over people. His castle appears to be falling down around him with nothing able to change. However, when Alex and Lily meet unexpectedly, both of their lives change.
I appreciate how the author allows these two characters to grow and mature throughout this story. Their relationship develops at a pace I could appreciate. The supporting characters including the matron of the home and Alex’s sister and even his mother brought the storyline to life. These characters often act like I would expect people of this time to act. Truly, this historical work of fiction deserves to read. So check it out for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Beauty Among Ruins, by J’Nell Ciesielski, is a Christian historical fiction story that takes place in Scotland during WWI. Lily’s parents sent her to England to live with her cousin’s family. But when the war started, she went with her cousin for nurses training and then to Scotland’s’ Kinclavoch Castle to care for injured soldiers. The family’s quarters are off limits, but Lily accidently went into the family’s quarters and met the bed ridden daughter and befriends her.
Alec took over the family home after his father’s death. The constant debts forced his to part with his family’s belongs. He also opened his home, Kinclavoch Castle to house injured soldiers. Alec struggled with keeping up with the bills and repairs to the home. But now things are happening that could force him to sell the beloved home.
This is an awesome story that shows a different side of the war than I have read before. I have not read a story based in Scotland before and enjoyed the descriptive writing that made it easy to imagine the breathtaking surroundings. The writing is so clear and the story has just the right amount of mystery, suspense and touch of romance. I was kept guessing to the end as to who could be causing so much trouble for Alec’s family and why. This is truly an amazing story and a very fun story to read.
I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book from Thomas Nelson, Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. This is my honest review.
4.5 Such a fun story and fabulous characters.
“You are the most extraordinary inconvenience that has ever happened to me.”
Truer words were never spoken from the mouth of Alex MacGregor, known in the surrounding area as Lord Strathem, a virtual hermit who rarely appeared in public. When Alex agreed to convalesce wounded soldiers within the walls of his dilapidated Scottish castle, he never expected an American heiress to arrive amongst the nurses aides; Lily Durham was all joy, and sunshine, and eternal optimism wrapped up in a bossy little package with plenty of eye-catching ribbons and bows. If only she would leave well enough alone . . . if only she would leave him alone. If only.
Sent by her parents to Scotland to visit family; certainly never expecting a war to confine her there for such a length of time, Lily Durham has found a new sense of purpose, helping others, serving as a nurses aide . . . .even if the matron did assign her the most unpleasant tasks imaginable; who would have thought that Lily Durham would be ruining formal dancing gloves while scrubbing bed pans. But as she did just that, one of many charming conversations with the formidable Alex MacGregor took place . . . outside on the lawn, scrubbing bed pans.
“Oh my! Two jokes in one day. Pace yourself, sir or I’ll begin to think you have a sense of humor buried deep inside after all. ”
Alex MacGregor has much more than a sense of humor buried deep inside, he has a heart that longs for another, someone to come alongside, to share both burdens and victories; someone who understands him and his beloved heritage, someone who will fight to the end to save it. Has he found her . . . .scrubbing bed pans?
Such “beauty among ruins”!
J’nell Ciesielski very quickly joined my must-read author list with her debut, Among the Poppies. Her writing style immediately hooks me every time and I adore her characters, even the baddies are intriguing. Beauty Among Ruins lived up to and surpassed my all my hopes and expectations for this author! I adored every minute of this story and could not get enough of it. Lily was one of the most charming heroines I’ve read in quite a while and her romance with Alec was truly beautiful. The setting was amazing, we really don’t get enough books set in the Scottish Highlands, and I could feel the disuse and disrepair of Kinclavoch Castle. The mystery was intriguing, and I honestly was surprised by the end. I cannot wait to see what Ciesielski has in store for us next!
Kate Rudd did an excellent job with her narration of the audiobook! Each character had their own distinctive “voice” that didn’t get lost and jumbled together and she really brought the story to life. A great production.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Cieselski continues to write beautiful prose and give us intriguing characters you can’t help but want to root for! Witty banter, gorgeous descriptions, and a riveting story! You won’t want it to end!
If you are a fan of historical fiction, this story is for you. So much history in this book! English, Scottish, American, it’s all in there! The vivid imagery of the Scottish countryside and the rundown castle Kinclovach will leave you wanting to plan a visit asap. Such beauty!
The characters in this story are so diverse because of the many settings. I wish I were good with accents because this entire book had me wanting to read aloud and hear how each person would have spoken. Lily is a strong-willed, but not exactly self assured young lady who gets sent from America to England because she’s always wreaking havoc. Her mother wishes her to mature and realize she must fall into the life for which she was born. Then when the war breaks out, Lily and her cousin Bertie, go to Scotland to a convalescent home to care for the soldiers. There she meets the laird of the castle, Alec who has a leg injury that prevents him from fighting in the war. Alec is embarrassed by this and the state of his castle, so he keeps to himself and has far from a sunny disposition. Lily works to crack that shell of his, and it gets her into trouble more than once. Lily is a charming, lovable character and as she gets closer to Alec he becomes loveable as well!
This was my first J’nell Ciesielski book…and it will not be my last!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.