January 22, 2021 – Gwendalyn’s Books

Welcome to my stop on Beauty Among Ruins
by J’nell Ciesielski

@JnellCiesielski @ThomasNelson @hfvbt

Beauty Among Ruins
by J’nell Ciesielski

Publication Date: January 12, 2021
Thomas Nelson
Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Scottish

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

Available for Pre-Order

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

A heart felt gorgeous historical romance!

This was an exquisite literary delightful tale. Lily Durham, is a headstrong American socialite. Her parents seeking to curb her reckless behavior, so they send her to England to stay with her cousin Elizabeth.

Things take a different turn when a declaration of war is announced, and The Great War erupts. Lilys parents wisely have her extend her stay on with her cousin. The two woman do some nurse training and find themselves in Scotland at a large Estate turned convalescence home for injured soldiers. Lilly really comes into her own and excepts the challenge presented before her. She has a vivacious personality that can not be contained.

Doing all he can for the war effort, laird, Alec MacGregor has opened up his home, Kinclavoch Castle, to help those in need physical and mental care. All the while while dealing with his own inner turmoil. Within the going’s on at the estate, Alec and Lilly’s paths cross.

I have to say this was a romance that I absolutely adored. A broody heart stopping Scotsman, and a feisty American.

There is also some mystery regarding sabotage, kidnapping to keep the reader on their toes. Will the two be able to put aside their differences, and work together to stop the the threatening menace?

When Lily’s family finally demands her to return to her home stateside, or risk her financial stability. Lilly will face a tough decision, will she be able to choose what is right for her own heart?

The author creates a compelling historical storyline that captures the the human struggles of heart. The characters are brought to life was superb characterization. The rich atmospheric imagery was delightful, and I fell in love with the beautiful surroundings.

Excited for this Authors next release

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.