Beauty Among Ruins
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.