Review: Beauty Among Ruins

 

Beauty Among Ruins

by J’nell Ciesielski

Downton Abbey meets Beauty and the Beast in this enchanting WWI romance.

This is my favorite novel by Ciesielski by far. If your book has a Downton Abbey vibe, I will definitely be intrigued. And if your book has a Beauty and the Beast theme, I am there. So when you add the two together, and then set the story in a crumbling castle in Scotland, my mind will be blown!

There are so many charming elements to this book, but let me start with the characters. Lily was a true delight. Like a sprite, she swept into the castle and breathed fresh, sparkling life into its dusty depths. She was a fun heroine to follow and is a character readers will have no trouble rooting for as she faces adversity. And Alec was a perfect match for her, with his grumbling and his guarded heart.

The Scottish setting is resplendent throughout the book. Ciesielski’s descriptions made me want to book a trip to this magical country filled with folklore ASAP. The author also paints a vivid and realistic portrait of life in a convalescent home during the Great War.

This book is a total winner. If you love historical romance, then you must needs read Beauty Among Ruins!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.