Hallie Reads: Beauty Among Ruins | Book Review + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

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?

"A Scottish lord and an American socialite discover love during WWI in this gorgeous historical romance from Ciesielski (The Socialite)… The undercurrent of mystery and Ciesielski’s unflinching approach to the harsh realities of wartime only enhance the love story. Readers are sure to be impressed." –Publishers Weekly

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: January 12, 2021

MY REVIEW

With little regard to propriety and standing, American heiress Lily Durham frustrates her mother to no end and winds up sent across the ocean to spend time with English relatives, as a result. The start of World War I provides her with the opportunity she needs to change her perspective, as her cousin and she become nurses to help the wounded. Her assignment to a castle in Scotland presents Lily with a number of challenges, including convalescing soldiers, mysterious happenings, and a gruff Scot that just might have the potential to claim her heart.

J’nell Ciesielski’s Beauty Among Ruins proves to be an absolute delight. While not a lot happens in terms of plot, the character-driven story still moves steadily, and I easily became swept up in Lily’s Scottish adventure, falling in love with many of the characters with which she becomes acquainted. If you love historical romance, I highly recommend this book. It was exactly the type of read I needed right now—it might be just as perfect for you, too.

★★★★.5

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

With a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories, J’nell Ciesielski weaves fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. Winner of the Romance Through the Ages Award and the Maggie Award, she is a Florida native who now lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle.