Beauty Among Ruins: A Novel of the Great War

Romance and Mystery in Scotland During the Great War -- Wannabe "bad girl" American heiress Lily Durham is sent off to visit English relations just before the start of World War I. Her parents hope she will become a more proper young lady more suitable for marriage within their stratified social set. But Lily's life changes as England becomes embroiled in the Great War. She and her cousin opt to help as an aide and nurse, respectively, at a Scottish castle now dedicated to helping wounded young men coming back from the front. The story is both a romance and a mystery. The young heiress captures the interest of the young, impoverished, and physically disabled Laird of the castle. As they get to know each other under the watchful eye of "the matron," unfortunate incidents start happening around the castle, like a missing patient, a fire, and a poisoning. Not only do these horrible things happen, but a London newspaper owner is happy to not only publish stories about them but smear the laird's and his family's good name. Will the laird get over his belief that his physical limitations prevent him from marrying? Will he figure out who's causing all the problems around the castle before it's too late? I listened to the audiobook version of this story, and unfortunately, I didn't think the narrator always did a good job. Although she voiced the Scottish villagers and tenants fairly well, her vocal styling for the laird was almost laughable. I've been to Scotland several times, and the accent she gave him sounded more Eastern European most of the time, or even Indian in places. Now and again, a Scottish flavor would come out, but that was rare. As the laird is the romantic hero and so often at the Forefront of the story, the sound of his voice is actually important. In general, I liked the story itself. The heroine certainly had a growth arc; she matures yet still retains her essential core herself that not only endears her to the hero but also to the men she cares for. The girl certainly has strength and flare! And she’s not afraid to stand up to difficult people when needed. I liked the relationship the heroine developed with the laird's reclusive, ill younger sister. I thought, perhaps, the hero was a little too broody, and I didn’t like the way he believed his leg injury was such a romantic setback that it would preclude marriage. Despite the poor vocal styling, I thought he was a great character, though, and swoon-worthy as we like our historical heroes to be. I thought the author did a good job setting up the book’s mystery aspect as well. Something was definitely amiss at the castle, and I enjoyed puzzling out who the villain or villains could be. I figured it out before the reveal, but that did not diminish my enjoyment of the story. Neither the book's title nor cover reflected the book well. I'm not quite sure what “Beauty Among Ruins” is supposed to mean, as the castle is not in ruins and the heroine's beauty is the least important aspect of her character! The castle on the cover doesn't look like an early 1700s-era Scottish castle. It looks more like what people think castles should look like or what some of the more whimsical ones in France and Germany look like. All in all, though, I found this to be a well-written and enjoyable book. -- I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

Riveting (despite lack of faith) ***** Because this book is published by Thomas Nelson, I trusted it would be a faith-based novel. It was not. However, it is a clean story and a very good read set in Scotland regarding soldiers who are recovering from the Great War in a run-down castle with a stuffy Laird and a bevy of nurses. Plus mysterious things keep happening endangering everyone. ***** Favorite Quotes:***** (1) "Had the disease spread into the castle to rampage through Alec's study and ladle harm into innocent teacups?" (2) "In the back corner, Captain Gibbons and his new neighbor, none other than Lieutenant Wallace, debated the merits of bacon versus streaky bacon. There would be no winner in this debate as all bacon was delicious." (3) "You did claim to be capable, yes?" "Yes." He continued walking. "Good. If nothing else, I expect my daughter to be a woman of her word." Dumbfounded, Lily stared after him. It was the longest conversation she'd ever had with her father. And what a doozy! ***** The author truly weaves a wonderful tale, and I would recommend it to those who enjoy an entertaining escape into history, with a bit of romance, danger, and clever wording. ***** I was gifted a book from the author & publisher for my honest opinions, which are all my own without compensation or further expectation.

When the eyes of Heaven look down upon us, what do they see? The author has taken us vicariously to an absolutely gorgeous area in Scotland. The scenery details bring you along out into the fields where Kinclavoch castle can be seen in all its glory! After reading this, a trip to that part of the world is a must. The plight of the old family estates is well documented and one can certainly understand why many have been sold. In 1915, Kinclavoch has temporarily become a convalescent home for returning soldiers, wounded in the war. Lily, a debutante from New York, is there to help in whatever way she can, along with her cousin Bertie who is a nurse. I must admit to laughing out loud as well as being ready to scream as I read this fabulous book. Between poisonings, madmen, fire, kidnapping and other nefariousness you will NOT put this down until you have reached the final end. This ARC was received through Thomas Nelson, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. These comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.