Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Call number
F CIE
Publication
Thomas Nelson (2021), 416 pages
Description
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 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)
User reviews
LibraryThing member alekee
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
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.
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
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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.
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LibraryThing member BooksCooksLooks
Lily is a high spirited girl who really doesn’t want to marry just any old, acceptable man her parents put before her. This is how she ends up in England – it is hoped she will calm down but soon after she arrives the Great War begins and she finds herself joining up with her friend to help
Alec is the laird of Kinclavoch Castle and has opened it to allow for the nursing of wounded soldiers from the War. Lily joins with her friend to nurse and while there catches the eye of the laird of the manor. But he does not want to be catching anyone’s eye nor does he want to be feeling what he is feeling for this bold American girl. But life does not always go the way we want it to, does it? Especially in a romance novel.
England and Scotland are reeling from the effects of WWI – the financial and the emotional. So many men lost and so much damage from bombs. So many ancestral estates have been ruined and as the heirs look to trying to repair and rebuild it’s to America and it’s family fortunes that the Lords and Lairds go seeking. This is not always appreciated by the “locals.” But money is needed and money must be found.
Alec is fighting emotional battles on many fronts as he sees his legacy slowly being destroyed plus many see him as a cowardly failure for not going to war but he has an injury that precludes that choice. To help support the cause he opens his home to convalescing soldiers which brings volunteer nurses to help care for them. This is how Alec and Lily meet and go through normal romance novel getting to know yous.
As they get to know one another and get closer bad things start to happen, it seems with the purpose of driving them apart. As they try to find the who behind the what they discover where love will bloom.
I really enjoyed this novel. It follows all the expected romance novel paths but it’s made compelling by the Scottish location and the strong characters. It was a perfect reading escape for the bad weather day I had where I just sat, read and enjoyed the story. There is nothing like a well written tale to take you away from a snowy/freezing rain kind of day. A nice warm romance in a castle in Scotland is a great way to spend the day.
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nurse the wounded in Scotland.Alec is the laird of Kinclavoch Castle and has opened it to allow for the nursing of wounded soldiers from the War. Lily joins with her friend to nurse and while there catches the eye of the laird of the manor. But he does not want to be catching anyone’s eye nor does he want to be feeling what he is feeling for this bold American girl. But life does not always go the way we want it to, does it? Especially in a romance novel.
England and Scotland are reeling from the effects of WWI – the financial and the emotional. So many men lost and so much damage from bombs. So many ancestral estates have been ruined and as the heirs look to trying to repair and rebuild it’s to America and it’s family fortunes that the Lords and Lairds go seeking. This is not always appreciated by the “locals.” But money is needed and money must be found.
Alec is fighting emotional battles on many fronts as he sees his legacy slowly being destroyed plus many see him as a cowardly failure for not going to war but he has an injury that precludes that choice. To help support the cause he opens his home to convalescing soldiers which brings volunteer nurses to help care for them. This is how Alec and Lily meet and go through normal romance novel getting to know yous.
As they get to know one another and get closer bad things start to happen, it seems with the purpose of driving them apart. As they try to find the who behind the what they discover where love will bloom.
I really enjoyed this novel. It follows all the expected romance novel paths but it’s made compelling by the Scottish location and the strong characters. It was a perfect reading escape for the bad weather day I had where I just sat, read and enjoyed the story. There is nothing like a well written tale to take you away from a snowy/freezing rain kind of day. A nice warm romance in a castle in Scotland is a great way to spend the day.
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LibraryThing member susan0316
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
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.
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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.
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LibraryThing member eccl
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
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.
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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.
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LibraryThing member Eamace
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
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.
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
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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.
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LibraryThing member Harley0326
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
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.
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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.
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LibraryThing member Becky_L
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,
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.
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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.
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LibraryThing member fcplcataloger
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
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.
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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.
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LibraryThing member rafram
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
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.
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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.
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LibraryThing member TCJRogers
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
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.
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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.
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LibraryThing member BeautyintheBinding
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.
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.
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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.
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Language
Original publication date
2021
Physical description
416 p.; 8.4 inches
Pages
416
ISBN
0785233563 / 9780785233565