Book
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?
My Thoughts:
Ciesielski has created a story filled with beauty, love, and mystery. I love books where the setting is as much a
character as the people. Beauty Among Ruins is a wonderful book to get lost in
as you travel to the beautiful Scottish highlands and walk the hills and
gardens. Lily, a delightful character, brings joy and charm to an
otherwise sad situation. I love her spunk and fearless ways. Alec, the brave,
strong, brooding Scot, fights to hang on to his beloved home. A variety of intriguing
characters enhance the story of Lily and Alec as they try to solve the
mysteries surrounding Kinclavoch Castle. If you enjoy stories set in the early
1900s with romance and intrigue, you'll love Beauty Among Ruins. I received a
complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are
completely my own.