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
American heiress, Lily Durham, has been sent by her parents to her aunt and uncle in England in hopes she will settle down, return, and marry one of the eligible gentleman selected by her parents. But Lily has dreams and desires of her own. When her cousin takes nurses training and heads to Scotland to help injured soldiers coming back from World War 1, Lily joins her. They are posted to Kinclavoch in Scotland, a debt ridden castle now owned by Alec, Lord Strathem, who is allowing part of it to be used as a recovery hospital.
I have always wanted to visit Scotland, and the author brings the very essence of it to life. Her descriptions of the area around Kinclavoch created vivid pictures in my mind. Both of the main characters were superbly written. Each with their own inner strengths and outer weaknesses. I loved watching each of them find and develop their strengths as they each worked to solve the mysterious happenings in and around the castle and as their relationship grew. Ciesielski also threw in tidbits of humor such as Lily’s scrubbing bedpans as a punishment for one of her many problems with the charge nurse. The ending was excellent as I didn’t see the twist it took as I had 3 suspected villains.
Another wonderful new released from J’nell Ciesielski.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
Lily Durham an American Socialite was banished to England by her parents to learn how to become a proper lady. Unfortunately while there, the Great War has started, and finds Lily and Betty working as nurses to help wounded soldiers in Scotland. Wounded soldiers are convalescing in Alec MacGregor home, the Kinclavoch Castle whom he has spent his whole life preserving.
Ciesielski wrote a gorgeous story rich in amazing historical fiction details in the backdrop of World War I Scotland, a bit of mystery, and full of heart and strong characters that I became so invested in reading. I was so immersed in the story I had even learned a few Scottish words I started using around the house to my family’s dismay! Aye!
For a gorgeous historical fiction romance read set during the Great War and a castle in Scotland, pick this up!
Enjoy a trip to the Scottish Highlands at the beginning of the Great War. Complete with heather, moors, kilts, a historic castle and presiding laird, the reader will hear the brogue breaking through every conversation. During this gilded age time, the social elite mothers fight to keep their families on top and marry their children off to the most advantageous match. Enter free spirit Lily who wants to be free from the societal restrainsts imposed by her mother. But she never guesses the coming storm for her impertinent behavior. She is shipped off to relatives in England with her mother hoping to tame her impulsive will. Then the war breaks out and Lily, bored with the predictable days stretching ahead of her, joins her cousin as a nurse for convalescing soldiers in Scotland. And steps onto the new path her life could follow. For the soldiers are being housed in Kinclavoch , the castle/house of Alec MacGregor, Lord Strathem. Alec has always preferred solitude, thinking others will look down on him for a nagging injury that keeps him out of the war. Lily and Alec clash on almost every front with her outgoing and positive personality grinding on his quiet and downcast personality. Lily’s persistence helps her see past the rough outer shell that Alec has erected and Alec’s steadfast determination helps Lily see past herself and her own whims to help others. But some one wants to destroy Kinclavoch and is willing to endanger lives to reach their goal. Alec and Lily need to learn to work together to find the culprit and the evidence to put them away for good.
J’Nell Ciesielski is a master story teller who transports her readers to another time and location with great attention to history. Her characters jump off the page and pull the reader into the story. I highly recommend this spell binding and can’t wait for her next novel. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a beautiful story. Lily is such a fun positive person who really cares about and understands people. I was not expecting that. Alec is the perfect brooding Scotsman. He has so much on his shoulders that I was not at all surprised by his gruffness. There is a lot going on in this story and plenty of skulduggery from a few angles. However, love is still able to grow and it was beautiful to watch/read.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley and this is my honest review.
I’m always on the lookout for books by this author. She excels at giving me characters who grow and develop throughout the book. Lily was questionable to me in the beginning and I wasn’t sure I was going to like her but it didn’t take too long for me to change my mind. I loved how hard Lily worked to bring light and sunshine to those who needed it. I always knew I was going to like Alec even when he was growling, brooding and barking. His sense of duty and loyalty were there from the beginning and are traits I always find attractive.
The story evolves as threats and mystery enter from the shadows. It gave life to the book and helped with the forward momentum because things got a little slow here and there.
I enjoyed the Scottish setting and the large cast of secondary characters. This book was a good one and provided an excellent distraction. As always, I will be watching for future books from this author!
Content: mild peril, mild violence, war time violence talked about. Kissing.
– I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Deeply evocative and full of powerful imagery. J’nell Ciesielski absolutely pens exquisite literary delight in this tale. At first, Lily seems to be like any other shallow socialite seeking fun and entertainment. Until she finds herself sent away, landing in a convalescent home in Scotland. Alec is your typical stoic Scottish Laird doing everything he can to keep his ancestral home afloat. When these two come to see each other beyond the surface, an explosion of emotions ensues. They each help define a depth to each other’s character. While there are great secondary characters who help develop the story, the real magic for me was in the poetic descriptions of Alec and Lily’s pull to one another. I cannot recommend this highly book enough.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.
A lively American nurse brings joy to a decrepit Scottish castle used as a hospital during the First World War.
Beauty Among Ruins by J’nell Ciesielski is a lovely historical romance between a wealthy American nurse and an impoverished Scottish Laird during the First World War.
Lily was a young and wealthy American sent to England by her parents to spend time with her aristocratic relatives. They hoped the time away from home would help curb her wild personality and make her behavior more ladylike.
During her stay in England, the First World War started, and she could not return home.
When her cousin Beth decided to take a nursing course, Lily went with her, and when Beth was sent to a military hospital based on a castle in Scotland, Lily followed.
Kinclavoch Castle was an imponent building that had clearly seen better days. Its owner, Alec MacGregor, Lord Strathem, was a young but recluse man that did not interact much with the nurses and soldiers.
Vivacious and innocent, Lily was great with the ailing soldiers. The matron despaired of her lack of discipline, and some fellow nurses were jealous of her sparkle.
Lily’s light and Alec’s dark clash and mingle, and a lovely emotion grows between them. But jealousy, ambition, social standing, and honor would stand in their way.
This is my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed her writing style and character building.
Alec was adorably grumpy but also honorable and principled. Lily was sweet, strong, and lovely.
I especially loved that Alec could understand and appreciate Lily’s personality and that she never gave up on helping him.
As a backdrop for the romance, the book brings the harshness of the war by the eyes of its wounded and the vital role played by the voluntary nurses.
Beauty Among Ruins is a romantic and inspiring story about being loved for who you are and finding a place to belong.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *
I enjoy J’nell Ciesielski’s work and her writing style – so naturally I was excited to find she had another novel releasing!
Beauty Among Ruins was an intriguing read as it took a Beauty and the Beast type story set in the 1910’s time period, wrapped it up with a mystery and gave it a Scottish castle setting.
Overall, it made for a very gripping and page turning read that pulls you in from the very start.
***Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book. All views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.***
I thoroughly enjoyed this story by a new to me author! The setting of a Scottish castle during wartime was really enjoyable to read about. I listened to the audio book and thought that the narrator did a good job with this story. She used a light brogue when reading the Scottish characters’ lines. The accent was not too heavy and very easy for me to understand, yet definitely sounded Scottish. Her tone of voice also changed to a pleasant accent for the main character, Lily.
I liked the way the romance developed between Lily and Alec, which began as frustration between the two of them and grew into respect, friendship, and affection. I was frustrated that someone was trying to bring ruin to Alec and his holdings as Laird and hopeful that all would be revealed. Overall, this was a very interesting story, with an unknown villain working to bring down a man of honor. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Lily is banished to England by her parents because she’s flighty and impulsive. From there her and her cousin head to Scotland to work as nurses caring for wounded in a Scottish castle. There were a few characters I wanted to reach in and choke at times.
This was a nice drawn out romantic story with a bit of a mystery. I enjoyed the story
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
In a novel staring a character I didn’t expect to like I found a new favorite author!
The setting for “Beauty Among Ruins” was ripe for the picking in my opinion. How could it not be with WWI, Scotland, an old castle, a gruff laird who has a sweet sister, and a misunderstood heroine?!
Yet, at the very first I didn’t expect to like Lily for I thought she was just going to rebel… How wrong I was! She grew into a charming character that I needed to know what happened to.
Alec is the same kind of gruffly endearing hero that I love in historical novels, almost a beast like in Beauty and the Beast, he hid behind walls that had been built for supposed protection and stayed to the shadows for a long time.
The slight air of mystery was just what I like in a historical wartime romance, it wasn’t so much a surprise to find out who was the bad guy and who wasn’t but it was still fun to wonder somewhat who the bad guy or … maybe girl was.
16/18+ for talk of past mistakes that were made by a character’s father.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Kinclavoch castle in Scotland, self struggling after being left with open debts by Alex McGreggor’s father, has selflessly opened its doors for reconvalescence of injured soldiers of the WWI.
But some hungry individuals have wanted the castle for themself, either for the title or because out of greed.
Every effort to paying the debt off as being more difficult with time. The valuable items were less and less but before Alec would sell the Kinclavoch to greedy hands he would sacrifice everything he still has owned. It seemed like someone was sabotaging every step of the way.
Lilly Durham was sent to England to teach her more self-control and following rules. What her parents weren’t expecting was that she landed as an Aide in Kinclavoch.
Although she wasn’t the best at nursing she gave the soldiers so much more…her kindness and courage.
The grumpy Alex meets spirited and somewhat spoiled Lilly Durham and maybe just her good qualities were that has melted his heart. Although the existential worries were still devoted to his responsibilities the castle and his family.
When you read Alec and Lilly’s story you won’t want it to end. Lilly brightens all the bad at that time’s world. I was cheering for the pair from the start and simply couldn’t stop to read because I needed to know how their story will end. It was a beautiful book written with a heart full of emotions.
I truly enjoyed the whole ride.
An American girl in a Scottish castle? What I would give…
Lily is an American Heiress and somewhat of a disappointment to her parents. They send her abroad in hopes that she will return ready to be the ladylike socialite they’ve raised her to be. Instead, as WWI intensifies, Lily finds her way to Scotland and finds work as a nurse tending injured soldiers. Her independence and drive to contribute endears her to the local lord and his sister.
The history of the time is woven through Lily’s journey in an appealing way. I appreciate the unique setting and the beautiful descriptions.
The narrator’s dictation is very clear and concise. I’m not new to Kate Rudd as a narrator, but she isn’t a favorite when it comes to accents outside of “American” English. I am disappointed that the Scottish brogue did not come through to add more flavor to the overall tone of the story.
Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the advanced audiobook copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
This wartime, Scotland-set version of Beauty and the Beast checks all the boxes for a sweep-you-off-your-feet historical romance: a richly drawn setting, a determined heroine, risk and danger around every corner, and a brooding, noble hero who just needs someone who understands him to help bring out his best. A lovely read.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but you can bet I’ll be looking for more! Beauty Among Ruins took me back in time to World War I, prior to the US involvement in the war. American heiress Lily Durham is banished to her aunt and uncle’s home in England, when her latest embarrassing escapade proves to her parents that she needs to work on her decorum. They think she’s squirreled away in an English manor house, safe from the ravages of the war that has just begun. She, however, tags along with her cousin to tend the wounded at Kinclavoch Castle, in Scotland.
Alec MacGregor, laird of Kinclavoch, offers his home as a convalescent hospital. Badly injured as a youth, the army doesn’t want him, so he does what he can with what he has. His father’s death left the estate in dire straits, forcing Alec to sell off anything he can to keep things going. In constant pain, he doesn’t want, or need, an American beauty sticking her nose into his family affairs, but when he finds Lily conversing with his sister in the “family wing”, he escorts her out. His heart, however, can’t keep her out. What could Lily ever see in a broken-down, penniless aristocrat like him?
I loved this book! Kate Rudd’s narration was wonderful. I never had a problem telling one character from another, and I could see every scene as it happened. I also fell in love with Lily and Alec, both individually, and as a couple. Lily is spoiled and a bit headstrong, but she has such a kind heart. Alec is noble and doing his best to hold his family estate together, in spite of his father’s gross mismanagement. The mystery of who is behind all of the attempts to sabotage Alec’s efforts is gripping enough to keep readers turning pages. I know I was surprised when the culprit was unveiled.
Readers who enjoy historical romance will enjoy Beauty Among Ruins. If they love a bit of mystery added in, so much the better. I listened to the audio for most of the book, so I know I can recommend the audio. The bit I read was well done, so I don’t have a problem recommending either one.
This is my first J’nell Ciesielski book, but it won’t be my last! I really enjoyed the writing style and the storyline. It was romantic, had great characters, and I loved that it was set in Scotland, in a castle, no less!
I loved Alec and how Lily slowly broke through his gruff personality with with her always sunny disposition. I also loved how she didn’t really let things get her down. The slight mystery aspect was interesting as well as its resolution.
I will definitely be reading more of J’Nell Ciesielski’s stories.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
American socialite Lily Durham has never lacked for anything in her life. When her headstrong ways cross her mother one too many times, Lily is sent to Great Britain in order to spend time with her English cousins. But with the beginning of the Great War, Lily and cousin Elizabeth end up serving as nurses at a castle-turned-convalescent-home in Scotland.
Alec MacGregor, laird of Kinclavoch, cannot serve in the war because of an old riding injury. Something of a recluse, he hides away and attempts to recover from the sorry financial straits his father left him in.
This is normally the kind of book I would like, but Lily is one of my least favorite types of heroines. She does what she wants with little regard to the consequences. When she’s confronted about her behavior, she denies, obfuscates, and doesn’t learn anything. Even when she does it out care for others, manipulation is still manipulation, and is never the way to go. The story also lacked any kind of faith element, and I always find that disappointing.
However, if you don’t mind those things, the book has a lot going for it. There’s the Scottish highlands setting, plenty of intrigue, a plot full of twists and turns, and plenty of suspects for the mysterious events happening around Kinclavoch. I can see why many readers would enjoy this story.
I received my copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.
An American Heiress is sent to England and her mother’s cousin, in hopes she will grow up and return home and marry well.
We get to meet Lilly Durham, and enjoy her vibrant personality, and her caring personality. She goes out of the way to try and help all, especially the sick and injured.
She ends up with her cousin Bertie, as a nurses aid taking care of the injured men returning from the trenches of on the Continent, during WWI, and she ends up scrubbing urinals and folding sheets, along with caring for the men.
Lilly also meets, and gets rejected by Alec MacGregor, Lord Strathem, all the while staying at a picturesque castle that has seen better days. Then strange and sometimes dangerous things begin to happen, and we are watching along with others looking for answers.
We meet some famous people, with big hearts, and we there when one of the soldiers is kidnapped on his way to the make shift hospital, and then there are leaking ceilings, sick horses, fires, along with some happy times.
We are also invited to a party, and see some sweet romance, but with all that is going on, including a war, will all of these folks even make it to the end of this book?
A sweet read reminiscent of Downton Abbey, and you will be quickly turning pages for answers.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.
I just love how J’nell tells a story! Lily, an American Socialite was sent to England by her mother for punishment for her unladylike like ways, where she follows her cousin to a castle as a nurse. Well not really a nurse, but she figures she can learn, it can’t be that hard, right. As soon as she gets there, she can tell she is not wanted, and looked down upon. She is snubbed as an American.
Lily does her best to try and do what is asked of her, but often she mistakenly finds herself in predicaments she should not be in. Wandering in part of the castle not permitted to the nurses, talking to Lord Alec MacGregor himself, and comforting a young girl in her room, which also happens to be off limits. She continues to get put on the worse duties there are, but yet she still finds a way to keep things positive and fun.
Not many like her, and her american ways. They make it very clear that she is not one of them, does not belong there, and nothing but trouble seems to find her. Often Lily is not afraid to speak up, and plan things before getting full approval and with each event and situation that she manages to pull off, there is also a negative reaction to continue to put darkness over the castle and what is really going on there. A kidnapping, a fire, a poisoning and not to mention the place is falling apart, literally.
Lily gets herself tangled in affairs that the Alec is drowning in, and just when she is realizing things about herself, her parents come. They demand her to come back to America immediately with them and cannot believe she has stooped so slow, as to be a lowly nurse to these broken men. Her mother is aghast, Lily belongs in ballrooms and vying for a husband that will help further their family namesake and ensure a monetary future of no worry.
But Lily is not done here. She sees the good she is bringing to the men, to this castle and she feels like she has meaning. She doesn’t want some rich snob husband that only marries her to better his status, and she is not going to marry for that either. She is realizing she has someone else in her sights that she has started to fall for, not realizing her own feelings. Will Lily be able to pursue her new dreams or will her parents force her to go back to the society she was raised in?
Very good read! I have not read much about WWI, so this was interesting to read about the men who came back injured from the font lines. Thank you to the author for the free book, and to Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for the invite!
This book was so much fun. I loved the main character- she had so much spunk and optimism. I loved hearing about the soldiers- all they went through during the war and all the mental and physical scars that they were left with. I also loved that this book was set in Scotland.
I was able to listen to an audio version of this book and the narrator was awesome. She did a Scottish accent, English and American. She also did a great job with the male voices.