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.

""No, but people need heart. They need to believe in something solid and this war shakes the very foundation of good beneath our feet, but they don't know who to listen to anymore. There is hope coming from the front lines." This gorgeous quote spoke to me. Beauty Among Ruins is set in WWI Scotland where the estate is turned into a hospital. Rich American Girl Lily is sent to the UK because her parents can't control her, and she becomes a war nurse. She's failed the exams though, but because of money things still go on her side. Eternally optimistic she drives the Lord of the castle crazy. as he's a bit of a beast towards everyone. So yes, if you like Beauty and the Beast you will love this novel. And if you also like Downton Abbey you'll love it even more.
I'd never read Ciesielski, but was pleasantly surprised. The characters were all very likeable, except her evil mother and maybe Esther and the head nurse. Ok I mostly loved the two main characters.
There's mystery, drama amongst all the characters, a fun visit from Ethel Barrymore, and some serious war trauma wove throughout this book.
I bought a copy for my aunt and will be recommending it to others.

I received this from netgalley but all opinions are my own.

Beauty Among Ruins
by J'nell Ciesielski
Back of the Book: “n 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?
Impressions: J’nell Ciesielski has a way with words. Truly this was a novel I didn’t mind getting stuck in.
Rated: kissing, kidnapping, war
Liked: I enjoyed the scenery and characters of this book as well. Lily has spunk. I admired her self-awareness. What others saw as her weaknesses in her personality she saw and used as her strengths. Although she internally struggled with how others perceived her, she did not let that make her low but remained true to herself. It showed great maturity and strength to continue on in such circumstances. I loved Alec as well. His character was so well written and relatable to. We all have something we grow self-conscious about. He and Lily contrasted so much in how they let others affect their self-worth. I can see myself in both character's shoes at different points in life. It was a good reminder to be proud of who God made me to be and not try to stuff my person away if it is not what those around me expect. God gives us each a purpose with unique gifts and talents to utilize. Speaking of this I so want to know more of what becomes of Viola! Her mother tries to keep her hidden away for her health but she has so much potential. I wish for a sequel to this book of Viola's story, please.
Disliked: I didn’t care for Alec’s mother. Her character was dropped in the story here and there but I didn’t get a full understanding of character until closer to the end. The drama and suspense might have been more understandable knowing her background a bit more.
Quotes: “You’ll find everything you need, and if you do not, then you simply don’t need it.” – There is a minimalist attitude if you’re looking for motivation. It reminded me of myself talking to my boys.
“’Never mind. I’m sure you’ve got more important things to do than mind me.’ ‘Lieutenant Stoles, you are the most important thing to me right now.” – I loved how in the moment Lily was in giving her full undivided attention. It showed such love and care. The idea of “undivided attention” feels so uncommon though. When having a conversation there always seem to be so many distractions that keep me from giving or receiving undivided attention. It was a refreshing reminder to be more attentive in conversation. It makes a difference.
“The paper doesn’t judge, nor does it cry foul when the words go astray. My thoughts are too often heavy, but the pen never buckles under the weight.” -I have journaled on and off since second grade. I loved how this was put because writing out my heavy thoughts is so therapeutic. I connected with this.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

I can’t fully put into words just how stunning this book is, everything I love in historical romance/fiction is here; top-notch history, romance, wild, unruly free-thinking women, brooding highlanders, Scotland, drama, a mesmerising and emotional plot which really buried itself into my heart plus it’s set in WW1 – I think everyone knows by now how much I love reading stories set in this era – it has everything, there isn’t a single thing I didn’t love about it.

Even though I have featured the talented J’nell Ciesielski on the blog before, but this is the first of her books I have read – I have no idea how her books have passed me by for so long, I feel I have been missing out on something very special and now I can’t to discover more of her incredible stories.

The story starts in New York, 1914 where American heiress; Lily Durham is basically running wild, she is a free-spirited young woman who just wants to have some fun. She feels constrained and bored by the rules, she isn’t a bad person just in need to focus all that energy and her lively mind. But alas her family deeply disapprove and she is banished to live in England to stay with distant relatives, as suddenly as she has stepped foot on British the Great War erupts and she finds herself stuck. It’s in these times when a person really finds their purpose and their passion and this is exactly what happened with our Lily, she trains as a nurse and is soon sent on her first posting, one which will change her life.

She is posted to the ramshackle, but still beautiful Kinclavock castle in Scotland which is being used as a convalescence home for injured soldiers, Lily is a good person she throws herself into anything she sets her mind to and I do think she has a real gift for nursing, she genuinely cares. Once there she meets the brooding, monosyllabic and lonely Laird of the castle; Alec MacGregor and soon there is romance and love in the air.

I really, really, really love Alec (for those who know me, that comes at no surprise) he is your stereotypical brooding highlander laird, he thinks everyone sees him as a coward because he can’t go to war as the so many other men around the have due to his leg injury, on top of the hostility he thinks is at every corner he has financial issues which could make him lose everything he has. No wonder our poor Alec is always lurking in the shadows like a bad-tempered ghost, then with the arrival of a way too chirpy and spirited young American who tantalises him beyond compare, no wonder he’s always grumpy, then add in a mystery and well Alec is a constant state of brooding grumbling frustration.

This book really spoke to me, it crept under my defences and hunkered down in the centre of this little book lovers heart and refuses to let go. I was first of taken by the beautiful cover – which I shouldn’t need to elaborate more, just look at that cover!! Then add into the mix WW1 and a complex cast of character’s set in one of the most beautiful places in the world; bonny Scotland and I were hooked.

I knew that this would be an excellent read and that was just judging by the back blurb, but my expectations were completely blown out of the water at just how exceptionally moving and mesmerizing this book is.

Beauty Among Ruins is a sparkling love story, which is beautifully written and captivatingly entwined with mystery, history and drama!

The book description and that gorgeous book cover drew me in to read this historical fiction novel set in Scotland during WWI. Lily Durham is an American socialite who is sent off to England by parents tired of dealing with her frivolous ways. After spending time with her cousin in England Lily joins her as a nurse's aid in Scotland to care for injured soldiers who are recovering in a convalescent home set up at Kinclavosh Castle. There she meets the brooding laird, Alec MacGregor.

Lily has a cheery disposition and she is forever getting in trouble with the matron nurse. She manages to befriend Alec's sister Viola who is sickly and in need of a friend. Lily is not in the least deterred by Alec's moodiness, his temper or his tendency to brood. Her positive outlook cracks through the armor of pride and responsibility that Alec carries heavily on his shoulders since he has been left with his late father's crippling debts, and a delusional cold mother who offers no comfort for their predicament. His castle is falling apart and he is desperately trying to save it.

Throughout Lily's time helping the injured soldiers at Kinclavosh Castle, several incidents happen that cast suspicion on someone trying to slander and ruin Alec's reputation. This adds mystery to the story but it seemed pretty obvious to me who was out to get Alec. I was frustrated at times that more wasn't done to try to figure out who was behind these incidents. The story was long and it seemed to drag in the middle.

I enjoyed the setting and Lily's character was refreshing. She had a goodness and a love for life that was misunderstood by her parents, but appreciated by a man who desperately needed someone to believe in him. The romance was good, the story well-written and the plot revolving around the war compelling. The mysterious elements at times detracted, but overall this was an interesting read.

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.

American socialite Lily Durham has always given little thought to her actions but when she finds her banished to England, she finds a new purpose to her life. When she joins her cousin, nursing the wounded at a convalescent home deep in Scotland, during the Great War, she is soon confronted with people, who are determined to see her fail.
Alec MacGregor, the laird of the crumbling Kinclavoch Castle, has opened his home to the English to make recompense for his inability to fight with his fellow countrymen. Facing mounting debts, he is also forced to sell off his family history bit by bit. When he meets Lily, his propensity for despair, is soon shattered, as she brings hope and life back to his world. Lily and Alec are thrown together when a series of mysterious events threatens to ruin the future of Kinclavoch. However, there are those around them, hoping to put an end to any future happiness.
The romance between Alec and Lily is gradual, despite the obvious feelings that they have for each other. This is a gentle romance, surrounded by plenty of mystery and danger, which kept me turning the pages very quickly! Despite the differences between the two characters, Lily’s passion for life and her positive nature, see Alec’s serious nature, start to mellow. Together, they are such a lovely couple who want for a future together.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Lily is a young New York heiress whose parents have despaired of her wild, trouble-maker ways and ship her off to her cousin in England. She travels to Scotland with her cousin and becomes a volunteer nursing aid to returning (WW1) wounded soldiers at the private home of Lord Strathem. He has been left with a bankrupt estate by his wastrel father and a lame leg from a childhood riding accident.

What I loved: the characters are simply wonderful, with Lily being my favorite. She shines as an original. We see her grow into a compassionate, giving, fun-loving young woman who falls in love with Scotland, her patients and Alec (and yes, in that order). Alec is pulled from his self-imposed exile (he feels guilt for being unable to soldier and for the state of his finances) by the boisterous Lily and a devious villain.
We see him grow in self confidence with Lily’s encouragement and become the man he was meant to be.

My only cons were the length (could have been more concise) and the lengthy naivety of the villain’s activities. Well-written and simply a lovely feel-good story. Would love to read more from this author.

My thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson for providing me the free ARC. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

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.

I always love when a book by a new-to-me author feels like discovering a treasure. I will definitely be on the lookout for more of J'Nell Ciesielski's books in the future. This one is set mostly in Laggan,Scotland from April 1915 to April 1916. Lily Durham, whose family were members of New York society, had been sent off to stay with relatives in England until she learned the proper way to conduct herself. Having joined her cousin in traveling to Scotland in order to help wounded soldiers staying at Kinclavoch Castle to convalesce, Lily embraced the freedom she found there in spite of the strict rules imposed on the nurses and aides by Matron Strom. Alec MacGregor, also known as Lord Stratham, may have been the owner of the castle and laird of the estate, but he too needed to find a sense of freedom, a freedom Lily's lightheartedness and caring ways offered. The question remained as to whether Lily could hold onto that freedom, and whether Alec could ever embrace it. While this book does not contain Christian references, there are many parallels to be drawn between its themes and biblical truths. Freedom is often found within boundaries and in service to others.

I am very grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Beauty Among Ruins from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

This was a beautifully written romance and I loved the setting of Scotland. Lily and Alec were strong characters and the romance between them kept me turning pages. There was also a mystery thrown in and that made it even better.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

An intriguing romance-mystery set in glorious Scotland during WWI. Can American socialite Lily Durham open the wounded heart of laird Alec MacGregor as they work together to uncover the threat to Kinclavoch Castle?

Despite a slow pace at times, I fell in love with the beautifully written tale and compelling characters who grow in depth as the mystery unfolds. BEAUTY AMONG RUINS is enhanced by its “clean” approach to romance and a fine mystery that keeps you guessing. Lang may yer lum reek!

4 of 5 Stars

Pub Date 12 Jan 2021
#BeautyAmongRuins #NetGalley

Thanks to the author, Thomas Nelson--FICTION, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.

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.***

Lily Durham’s parents ship her off to England when her flightiness becomes too much for them. Along with her English cousin, Lily decamps to a convalescent hospital in Scotland to care for recovering World War I soldiers. But she finds herself drawn to the reclusive lord of the manor, Alec MacGregor. Despite his unfriendliness, Lily senses his vulnerability.

The castle needs extensive work and Alec lacks the resources to undertake even the most basic repairs. A series of incredibly bad luck makes both Lily and Alec suspect somebody might be trying to hasten his financial ruin.

A charming romance with elements of history and mystery. Alec’s broodiness is sometimes annoying (even if he has good reason), but Lily is a very likable character. Plus her mother is revealed as having originally been from Pittsburgh—even fictional Pittsburghers are winners in my view. #BeautyAmongRuins #NetGalley

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 book of Mystery & a Side of Romance

Lily is a young irresponsible socialite from America who is banished to relatives in England. War breaks out and on a lark she joins her cousin to Scotland. Her cousin is going to nurse wounded soldiers at the Castle Kinclavoch. The owner of the castle Alec MacGregor is suffering from a horse injury from years ago and he is also under financial difficulties. He is barely staying afloat and has been stripping its treasures which is stabbing at his pride because he is barely staving off the evil predators lurking to swoop in and take what he has been trying to preserve of his family for generations and generations.

Lily and Alec meet in unusual circumstances and the sparks are all aglow.
Don’t miss this read because Author J’nell Ciesielski weaves a plot of subterfuge and deception that you will never see coming!
The characters are humorous and so likable that you can’t do anything but turn the pages!
I would certainly recommend this book!

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

Beauty Among Ruins is an exquisite romance set against the perils of war and loss. With deep themes of sacrifice and longing, J’nell Ciesielski’s style transports the reader to the idyllic Scottish Lowlands and stirs a longing for tradition.

Through Alec and Lily’s eyes, the struggles of recovering WWI soldiers are spotlighted with the noble sacrifices nurses and homeowners offered to house the convalescing men. A mystery with more than one suspected character, combined with a plot to smear the laird’s name and weigh on his guilt, all deftly intertwines with the day to day work of providing physical and mental care. I was happy to see Lily’s steadfastness and growth through circumstances she did not initially choose.

The romance in this story is one of my new favorites! With subtle hints of beauty and the beast vibes, Alec’s initial brooding and distance disguise a poetic heart that answers Lily’s in a beautiful way. They are wonderful compliments to each other. And when he speaks Gaelic to her, BE STILL MY HEART.

With a full cast of characters that lend a sense of place and family camaraderie to the story, Beauty Among Ruins is a historical drama not to be missed by fans of Scottish settings, WWI homefront stories, or poignant romance.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

I had absolutely no expectations for this book, only knowing that I liked the publisher and that the story premise sounded nice. And though it is somewhat gently written (not too much shell shock, not too much culture clash, obvious villains), I was completely swept away. I read it in one day, and when I had to put it down, I couldn’t wait to get back to it. A comfortable WWI romance I highly recommend.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Lily Durham is an American socialite. Her parents, frustrated by her frivolous behavior, send her overseas during World War I. Lily volunteers with her cousin at a makeshift convalescent home in a Scottish castle. There she encounters the dashing but melancholic castle owner, Alec MacGregor, and they become involved in a series of mysteries that threaten the future of the castle.

I wanted to read Beauty Among Ruins because I love the 1910's time period and I was intrigued with the Scottish castle setting.

This is my first read by J'nell Ciesielski. I enjoyed her writing style and especially liked the way she set the scene with descriptions like:

"Inside it was difficult to keep anything on her face but awe. Gleaming mahogany floors opened up to a three-story great hall. Light filtered through the high-arched windows and scattered over the blue-and-gold rug and dark wood furniture. Oil paintings of kilted men with swords drawn and storm-ravished moors lined the walls. Centuries of masculine strength gazed upon all who dared enter, but a cold stillness hung in the air. As if the life were sealed behind the beaten stones." (eBook location 177).

Both Lily and Alec were a bit hard to get to know at first; Lily comes across as flighty in the early chapters, and Alec seems very gruff. However, as they begin to open up to each other, I saw new depths in both characters and came to like them both very much -- pulling for them to come together and find happiness.

I enjoyed the mystery aspects of this novel as well; it added something unique to the story. This novel has a unique and appealing blend of romance, historical fiction, and mystery.

I recommend Beauty Among Ruins for fans of historical fiction, and especially for anyone who is interested in the World War I time period.