Book Review: Beauty Among Ruins by J’nell Ciesielski

Thank you to TLC Book Tours for the gifted copy.

Title: Beauty AMong Ruins

Author(s): J’Nell Ciesielski

Release Date: January 12th, 2021

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Romance

Synopsis:

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?

My Review:

I enjoy reading J’nell Ciesielski because her historical fiction books are so rich in history and give readers a feel of the times in history. Beauty Among Ruins is a romantic, mysterious, and alluring read. I really liked that this was set in Scotland during the times of WWI. Alec and Lily are so great and this story is perfect for those who enjoy an enemies to lovers trope.

Lily Durham is an American socialite sent to Scotland to hopefully change her ways. She follows in the footsteps of her cousin and becomes a nursing aide. As she works at the Kinclavoch Castle she meets Alec MacGregor.

Alec is a stern man who values his family’s history. He doesn’t communicate very often with staff and nurses but he can’t help but verbally spar with Lily.

Lily and Alec have a unique bond that is so appealing especially since their begin as enemies. When their bond becomes more real, romance follows. I thought J’Nell gives readers so many swoon-worthy moments.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

I give Beauty Among Ruins 4 stars. I am always a fan of historical fiction that transports you to the place where the book is set in. Alec and Lily’s relationship was so appealing and romantic. I couldn’t get enough of them. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy historical fiction and romance.