Beauty Among Ruins: A Tale of Love and Redemption During the Great War

Book Cover
Average Rating
Author
Ciesielski, J'nell
Publisher
Thomas Nelson
Publication Date
2021
Language
English
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Description

From bestselling author J'nell Ciesielski comes a captivating World War I romance where a spirited American socialite and a wounded Scottish laird find unexpected love amid secrets and sacrifice in war-torn Scotland.

With her signature blend of rich historical detail, heartfelt romance, and vivid storytelling, Ciesielski delivers "an atmospheric, engrossing tale perfect for fans of Downton Abbey and Somewhere in France." (Aimie K. Runyan)

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.

For Alec MacGregor, Kinclavoch Castle is both his legacy and his prison. With his reputation tarnished by whispers of cowardice and mounting debts threatening everything he holds dear, Alec opens his doors to wounded soldiers as a final act of duty. He prefers to remain in the shadows, a quiet guardian of the castle's crumbling walls--until Lily arrives, all energy and light, turning his ordered world upside down.

But Kinclavoch holds more than broken soldiers and bitter memories. As mysterious accidents threaten the castle's fragile future, Lily and Alec are forced into an uneasy partnership to uncover the truth. With every moment they spend together, their differences fade, replaced by a growing connection neither can ignore. Yet with the weight of war and duty pressing on their shoulders, love may prove the most dangerous distraction of all.

Beauty Among Ruins, with a romance at its center that reminds readers of Beauty and the Beast and a setting that immerses readers in World War I Scotland, masterfully blends all the elements that define historical romance. As such, it is highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, mystery, and romance alike.

The included discussion questions provide the perfect opportunity for book clubs to explore themes of love, resilience, and redemption. Whether you're a fan of historical romance or simply seeking a story that lingers long after the final page, this captivating tale promises to enchant.

More Details

Contributors
Ciesielski, J'nell Author
ISBN
9780785233572

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Published Reviews

Publishers Weekly Reviews

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. Agent: Linda Glaz, Hartline Literary. (Jan.)

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