Beauty Among Ruins

J’nell Ciesielski

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?

-Excerpt taken from Goodreads.

Check Goodreads to see the book’s ratings.

My Opinion

(4 / 5) This was a sweet, clean romance set in Scotland during the Great War.

The plot focuses around Lily, an American woman who has been shipped off to England. After a year she moves to Scotland to care for wounded soldiers during the Great War. She is full of determination and makes her mark. 

Alec MacGregor is amidst his own troubles of caring for his mother and ill sister but also his family castle. He has opened up this castle for the use of the wounded soldiers as a care home. He runs into Lily often and I’m sure you can guess what happens!

I would’ve liked a bit more of the historical aspect. We hear about the war, but not enough to quench my curiosity. My family comes from Scotland and my desire to eat up everything about it is never sufficient. I would’ve liked to hear more about traditions and surrounding area and more culture.

Content Summary: No language, few kisses, minimal details on soldiers wounds and nurse care.

Thank you to Harper Collins for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

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