Loooooved this book. I've always enjoyed books set in Scotland. The main characters are well thought out and the supporting characters are just as engaging. A well rounded story about two people who come together and build each other up despite what life throws at them.

This was my first read by this author and now I’m a big fan. The description of the book pulled me in because it promised a story filled with faith, love and history. And it did not disappoint. What I enjoyed most about this book was the character development and how the author was able to make me love both Lily and Alec and champion for them. Some pleasant surprises were the mystery woven throughout the plot,, the many varied characters, and the quality of the writing.

Lily Durham is an American heiress whose fun-loving personality often gets her into trouble. Her parents send her to England to stay with her cousin Bertie, hoping to teach her some discipline and even possibly make a good match. But soon war breaks out and it is too dangerous for Lily to return home with the u-boats patrolling the oceans. Bertie decides to train as a nurse and encourages Lily to train as an aide. Their first assignment is at Kinclavach castle in the Scottish highlands, a convalescent hospital for injured soldiers. Alec MacGregor, laird of the castle, suffers from an old injury that prevents him from joining the fighting. He offers the majority of his home for the hospital, becoming a recluse in the remaining portion reserved for his family. Until a certain flighty aide keeps accidentally intruding on his solitude and slowly wins his heart.
I loved the main character Lily with her bubbly personality, trying to bring happiness to the suffering soldiers under her charge, often against the strict regulations of the dour nurse matron. This almost seems like a beauty and the beast story with the crumbling castle, the reclusive ornery laird, and the woman that stumbles her way through life and into his heart. Thank you to J'nell Ciesielski and HarperCollins Publishers for the opportunity to read this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Let me preface this by saying that romance isn't one of my usual genres, so this won't be from an experienced fan's viewpoint. Despite this, I've somehow found myself on the romance email lists, and of course I'll look at the blurb of every book that comes my way. I've had a little more success enjoying historical or paranormal romances, so between the cover and the description, I figured I'd give this one a try.

I very much enjoyed Downton Abbey and that definitely influenced me picking this one up. There's very much the same flavor here, given the same time period and similar setting. As described by the publisher, the book follows Lily and Alec as they deal with the War, financial hardships, and their growing feelings for each other. The 'mysterious events' provide a narrative framework for moving the story along, but I would have been just as happy without them, or if they were toned down a little. The characters are well developed, with definite growth in both Lily and Alec, the dialog is believable, and the author was kind enough to include a Gaelic and Scots glossary. Reading the publisher's description again, Lily's backstory could have stood with a bit more developing; the book opens with her sneaking up from a servants' party, but other than that there is little written on what was bad enough to send her away.


I really enjoyed this book, and I'm very glad I took a chance on it. I definitely recommend it for romance fans, and those who enjoyed Downton Abbey. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review originally published at Books You Can Die in the Middle Of: https://lookgoodifyoudie.blogspot.com/2020/11/beauty-among-ruins-by-jnell-ciesielski.html

When a story is set during one of my favorite time periods and in a country that fascinates me, you better believe I’m going to read it!
I wasn’t sure about Lily at first, she was walking a thin line between charming and annoying but thankfully the charm won out and her bright personality endeared her to me. I enjoyed watching her go from a bit flighty and frivolous to someone who wasn’t afraid to do hard things and truly saw and cared for the needs of those around her.
Alec started off gruff but Lily brought him out and their early interactions were some of my favorite scenes! I admired Alec’s dedication to preserve his heritage as well as the way he made sacrifices to aid those injured in the war.
Alec and Lily were such a fun pairing, a bit opposite but their differences complimented each other, providing what the other needed.
Now for the reasons that kept this book from hitting that fifth star. I wasn’t a big fan of how the “villains” of the story were portrayed, their motives seemed a bit of a stretch and they made me eye roll a lot. I also had some moments where I felt like the story dragged just a bit and it seemed a little longer than it needed to be. That being said I still really enjoyed this story, especially the romance between the characters and I am looking forward to what the author has in store for us next

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.

*This review will be posted on https://lureviewsbooks.com on 01/11/2021*

Lily Durham's parents are among the rich, social elite in New York in 1914 , but Lily is a nonconformist. Her parents exile her to a cousin's in England for the summer hoping she will develop a bit of self-control. Before she can return home, World War I erupts. Lily and her cousin Bertie go to serve at a convalescent home at a castle in Scotland. Bertie completed her nursing course, but Lily did not. She is volunteering as an aide. Even though Lily is a disaster at nursing, she brings sunshine and joy to the Tommies and to the Laird of Kinclavoch, Alex McGregor.

Kinclavoch is deep in debt, and someone is trying to ruin Alex McGregor. Alex is not able to serve because of an injury to his leg, so he stays away from the soldiers and has built a wall around his heart. He is desperately trying to protect the estate for his mother and sister. In Beauty Among Ruins, J'nell Ciesielski tells the story of the soldiers, the Laird, the nurses, Lily, and those who make up their community. It is an insight into what was going on in England & Scotland during WWI. It is a story of tradition, pride, and love. I highly recommend it. I was allowed to read this on #NetGalley. It is scheduled for release January 12, 2021.

Lily is a young, American woman who often gets into trouble, so her parents decide to ship her off to stay with relatives in England. She decided to volunteer with her cousin, Bertie, and they are both sent to work in Scotland at a castle being used as a place for soldiers to recover from their injuries received while fighting in WW1.

She accidentally finds here way to the family portion of the castle where she meets the grumpy owner, a man named Alec who can't fight in the war due to an old injury and he's trying to save the castle from financial ruin. Lily befriends his sister, an invalid, which helps him to see her in a different light.

Note: It's a clean romance with plenty of mystery and intrigue and these events keep throwing Lily and Alec together.

An honest review was given in exchange for receiving an ARC from Netgalley.

The author has created a historical romance centred in Scotland during WW1. The main character, Lily, is an American heiress and socialite who is sent to England to live with family to try and cure her careless ways. She and her English cousin sign up to become nurses to help the wounded soldiers of the war. They are sent to work in a convalescent home in Scotland. The home is in actual fact a great estate-Kinclavoch Castle- that belongs to Lord Strathem. Lily finds herself entangled with the Lord as they try to determine who is trying to sabotage Kinclavoch Castle.

The book was engaging and the characters were likable and believable. The main characters were spunky and at times humourous. Beautiful descriptions of Scotland and stories about what it was like to be at the front during WWI were interwoven throughout the book. It was a book that was hard to put down.

Thanks to Net Galley for this preview copy in return for my honest review. These opinions are my own.

I recently read Beauty Among Ruins, by J’Nell Ciesielski. I was excited to read this historical fiction set mostly in Scotland. The beginning of the story was very good and pulled me into the story. As the story continued, it began to drag and was confusing. At one point, I considered just stopping. I continued. The last third of book returned to the captivating story from the beginning. The strong ending changed my rating from 3 to 4 stars.

I absolutely loved this book! I was immediately hooked by the setting of an old castle falling into disrepair and its mysterious lord. While banished from the States, young Lily Durham finds herself trapped by the developing war in Europe. She accompanies her cousin to serve as a nurse's aid at a Scottish castle that has been transformed into a convalescent home for soldiers. While at first I thought the heroine was rather frivolous, I found her heart and irrepressible spirit engaging. The story trope of a young socialite growing up and finding purpose in life is a familiar one, yet I found this story refreshing in so many ways.

This is a story that will cause the reader to laugh as well as tug at their hearts. It is a wonderful blend of expertly crafted characters, pacing, mystery and romance. The author paints a picture of hope and beauty that can be found in the ruins amidst the frailties and despair of the human spirit.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Set in the highlands of Scotland during WWI this had all the elements of good story, a beautiful setting, a wounded Laird and an American debutante.
The Laird, Alec, is struggling to hold on to his family estate and is morose and brooding at the best of times.
Into this doom and gloom comes Lily, the flighty American with no regard for rules and a love of fun.
When these two clashed sparks were obviously going to fly.
It didn't quite turn out that way for me. The beginning of the book dragged. Alec's scowling countenance and mental self flagellation got very tiring after a while. There was an awful lot of brooding. The 'protagonists' were not really effective. I didn't feel the tension that the story suggested.
However, about sixty five per cent in, it picked up a bit. I liked Lily, a lot. The romance was a bit skimpy up to this but things started to come together. It was all quite rushed towards the end.
This is a character driven story with a thin plot. The book could have been quite a few chapters shorter without any distortion to the story.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson-Publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this early.

I loved this book. Lily's growth throughout the book was beautiful. She goes from a self absorbed socialite to a compassionate person who wants to help any way she is able. Alec also has wonderful growth. He is gruff and hurting but blooms under the sunshine of Lily's influence. This book has romance, mystery, heartache and triumphs. It brings the Scottish lands to life. I would highly recommend this book.

I really enjoyed this book! Ms Ciesielski is an excellent author, and her books never disappoint. This was no exception! Set during World War I, this book brings us away from the battle. I love reading about WW1, and this author is SO good at the topic. One of my favorites!

The character growth in this book is excellent. Easily some of the best I have read in a long time. For both main characters.

I received a copy of this book to help facilitate a review. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise. All opinions are my own.

This book follows the adventures of Lily, an American heiress who defies the ornamental accessory kind of life that is expected of her in New York, and volunteers to nurse injured soldiers with her English cousin in Scotland at the castle of the elusive laird Alec. There is great banter between them when they at first dislike each other and the romance unfolds beautifully between these two very realized characters. I found Lily to be very like-able and enjoyed the story immensely. There is intrigue at the castle, mysterious events that damage Alec’s reputation and ability to keep his family castle—not one, but two villainous subplots that I had to suspend my disbelief for, but this did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. I was very satisfied reading how these two overcame their odds to find happiness in their own lives and with each other. A fun, sweet, and beautiful romance set in war-time Scotland with a bit of intrigue, a plucky heroine and a very appealing, grumpy hero.

This book was an interesting read. I appreciated the effort that was put into the setting of the story in an interesting place with interesting surrounding characters. Many books like this lack depth in the story surrounding the main interests, but this book made sure to make the surroundings interesting. I especially appreciated the touch of the Gaelic being present in the book. It added authenticity to the setting of the story in Scotland.

The ending (before the epilogue) seemed a bit too flat too me in that it was much too predictable. Hero says to leave, heroine has to leave for some tragic reason, heroine wants to return to hero, hero thinks he isn't enough for heroine, heroine comes to hero, hero still holds back, heroine professes love, hero breaks resolve and they get back together. That said, the epilogue was an appreciated addition. I always like seeing characters after they have had their "resolution" and see how they seem to be holding up in "happily ever after". I also appreciated that *spoiler* Alec is sent to war, which added to another element of realism to the story.

Overall, a fun, quick read if you're looking for something light to read and enjoy.

Lily Durham wielded irritating yet endearing arrogance without concern for probable fallout. All her parents wanted from her was an advantageous marriage that would lend them prestige. They shipped her off to England for her aunt to deal with, and World War I and U-boat warfare keep her there.
She and her cousin Bertie serve as nurses, or in Lily’s case, a nurse’s aid, at a Scottish castle turned into a convalescent home. Lily finds her calling, trying to bring cheer into the lives of the wounded soldiers. She also goes to work on the stern, reclusive laird, Alec MacGregor, and his sickly sister, Viola.
Bad things happen. A soldier is kidnapped on his way to the castle, the stable is torched, an actress is poisoned. Alec is failing to keep the castle solvent and is selling possessions left and right. A scandal-monger newsman wants to buy the castle, but how can they prove he is behind all the trouble?
Lily took a few chapters to warm to. She did seem at first to be the empty-headed, always-looking-for-fun gal her parents despaired of. They were the stereotypical stern, unloving folks more concerned with their reputation. Alec’s mother was also a severe woman.
Lily’s never-say-no buoyancy kept the pages turning as she dealt with a jealous nurse and battle-ax matron, and broke down Alec’s walls. I received a complimentary copy

I’m always interested in the Edwardian/WWI time period but find books set during this time are hit or miss. This was luckily an enjoyable book to read.

Lily is an American heiress who is sent to England by her parents to learn “proper” decorum. The start of WWI forces her to stay longer than planned and nurse wounded soldiers at a convalescent home at Kinclavoch Castle. It’s laird, Alec, is less than welcoming mostly due to a large pile of estate debts and some issues regarding his family.

I really liked this - there was the realistic build up to a romance between Lily and Alec, wonderful descriptions of Scotland, some mystery, and lots of multidimensional characters, both good and bad. Definitely highly recommended for anyone who likes historical fiction.

"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."
I loved the Scottish setting—an old castle serving as a convalescent home during the Great War and I enjoyed the mystery. The story is well written, with insights into Scottish culture and traditions and the beauty of nature.

This book had the major ingredients for a fantastic read: mystery and intrigue, historical detail, and a clean and sigh-worthy romance. Set mostly in Scotland during World War I, the story follows American socialite Lily Durham, who has volunteered as a nurse’s aide helping convalescing soldiers at Kinclavoch castle, and her interactions with the handsome laird of Kinclavoch, Alec MacGregor. It was heartening to see how Lily grew in self-confidence and maturity during the course of the book and also to observe Alec as he dealt with and learned from personal struggles. I loved Alec’s sister Viola as a secondary character and would love to see her get her own story some day.

The Gaelic glossary included at the beginning was very helpful, as the inclusion of these words in the story gave it an even more authentic feel. While I felt the inspirational aspect of this novel could have been more strongly developed, the book is a clean read and well worth your time. This is the first novel I have read by J’Nell Ciesielski and I look forward to reading more of her books!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.