Beauty Among Ruins
A Novel of the Great War
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4.5 • 11 Ratings
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher 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?
Praise for Beauty Among Ruins
“An atmospheric, engrossing romance for fans of Downton Abbey and Somewhere in France. A real gem!” —Aimie K. Runyan, internationally bestselling author
“A satisfying and highly enjoyable read that I recommended for readers of historical fiction, mystery, and romance.” —Tea Cooper, author of The Woman in the Green Dress
World War I historical romanceFull-length stand-alone novelBook length: 113,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A Scottish lord and an American socialite discover love during WWI in this gorgeous historical romance from Ciesielski (The Socialite). Lily Durham's parents send her to live with her cousins in England for the summer to curb her wayward behavior in New York. But once there, Lily absconds to Scotland with her cousin Bertie, hoping to meet handsome soldiers while working as aides at a convalescent home in Kinclavoch Castle. The castle's brooding owner, Alec MacGregor, will do whatever it takes to keep possession of his ancestral home despite mounting debt. But when a soldier is kidnapped from an ambulance en route to Kinclavoch, the newspapers implicate Alec. As mysterious accidents continue at Kinclavoch, Alec seeks to clear his name and find the person responsible and all the while he and Lily grow closer. Then Lily's parents demand that she return home or lose her allowance, and Lily must decide if she can risk her financial stability for a chance at love. Lily's transformation from a pampered party girl into a selfless nurse is riveting, and the blossoming romance between her and Alec is both electric and believable. 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.
Customer Reviews
Loved this story
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 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.
We can all make a difference!
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 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.