Kate Rudd 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 absolutely love her!! She is without a doubt one of my favourite narrators

The book 🌟🌟🌟 it was a beautiful story. Took me a little bit to get into it. Alec and Lilly were very likeable characters.

This is a beautifully written book. It's keeping me intrigued because there is a quality and feel that is reminescent of Downton Abbey to me. I will however, try to acquire the print copy as I feel reading that would be much better for me to fully get immersed in... I dont care for the narrator at all. I had to shut it off entirely, my opinion is that like others, when the narrator chooses to change her voice to the male parts it is completely distracting to me. I will make sure to post another review when I sit down with the book itself.

Beauty Among Ruins by J'nell Ciesielski
Narrated by: Kate Rudd
Publication Date: January 12, 2021
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Description from NetGalley...
“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?”
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Thank you to @NetGalley @thomasnelson for the ALC in return for my honest review.
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My thoughts...
The theme and storyline were interesting. Unfortunately, that was it. This could have been a beautiful descriptive book, but I was distracted by many errors relating to British and Scottish terms. Also, the Scottish accent is my favourite, and the narrator just butchered it, as well as the British accent. It was so frustrating. I fast forwarded a lot, otherwise it would have been a DNF. The last quarter of the book didn’t save it either, because the chapters felt rushed and it seemed certain timelines were missing. Maybe reading the book would have been better?

An American Heiress Lily meets brooding Scottish Laird and owner of the crumbling estate in which she is currently working as a nurse to convalescing soldiers during the first world war. The Laird, Alec is on the brink of ruin and it appears that someone is determined to help him on his way when Lily steps in not only as a love interest but also to help Alec find out who is trying to ruin him. It is beautifully written, extremely descriptive but I did find parts of the storyline extremely implausible.
I also feel that the author could do with having a British/Scottish consultant or proofreader on hand to advise them of what is and is not common British/Scottish terms from when the story originates, the errors got so bad that I started to keep notes.
I personally did not enjoy this audiobook and almost gave up listening to it on a number of occasions purely because the accents were so poorly done. I found the inferior attempts at the Scottish and English accents extremely jarring and feel that if a book contains a majority of characters from one regional area it should either be read by someone from that area or at least someone who can make a reasonable impersonation from that area, unfortunately, this audiobook did not manage that.

Deeply evocative and full of powerful imagery. J’nell Ciesielski absolutely pens exquisite literary delight in this tale. At first, Lily seems to be like any other shallow socialite seeking fun and entertainment. Until she finds herself sent away, landing in a convalescent home in Scotland. Alec is your typical stoic Scottish Laird doing everything he can to keep his ancestral home afloat. When these two come to see each other beyond the surface, an explosion of emotions ensues. They each help define a depth to each other’s character. While there are great secondary characters who help develop the story, the real magic for me was in the poetic descriptions of Alec and Lily’s pull to one another. I cannot recommend this highly book enough. I read this book and listened to the audiobook narrated by Kate Rudd. Kate brings this book to life in a way that literally had me feeling the emotions intended. I felt like I was at Kinclavoch experiencing all the same things Lily and Alec experienced. She accurately captured male and female characters with wonderful accents. I was swept away in the poignancy of this tale.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

Beauty Among Ruins written by J'nell Ciesielski and Narrated by Kate Rudd is a well told story about an American woman of elite status with strong opinions and impulses, Lily. Her recklessness gets her sent from New York to the Scottish Highlands during WWI where she meets her brooding beau, Alec. The narrator skillfully tells this story but it is written at a very slow pace. The plot does not develop quickly but rather it takes some time to build. The descriptions of the emotions and personalities is well done. Tension is adequately developed and tugs at your heartstrings. The careful details added to describe the land, scenery and gorgeous landscape is beautifully done.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for a copy of this audiobook for review.

This was a sweet book - My first of this type of sweeping romance. The description of the countryside was beautiful and the characters developed nicely. Alec was a bit “beast” - à la Beauty and the Beast, and Lily’s feisty nature was the perfect counterpoint. Lily was a wonderful heroine, giving her all to help injured soldiers recuperate.

This was not my style of book, but it was enjoyable enough - my grandmother, and avid reader of romance novels! - will LOVE this!

I actually had the audio book as well as the ebook and went back and forth between the two! This book was so good! The characters were very well developed and I loved the interaction. With all of J’nell Ciesielski’s books I’ve felt they could be turned into movies. The books come alive! This one I felt I could be in Kinclavoch and right in the middle of everything. I rooted for Lily when she went up against Matron Strom , Esther, Lady Stratham or even her own mother. I highly recommend this book!

The Audiobook: Kate Rudd is the Narrator and does an amazing job! I loved her Scottish lilt and how she changed her voice as she went from character to character. It was very entertaining and kept me captivated while listening.

I received a complimentary ARC and Audio of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story by a new to me author! The setting of a Scottish castle during wartime was really enjoyable to read about. I listened to the audio book and thought that the narrator did a good job with this story. She used a light brogue when reading the Scottish characters’ lines. The accent was not too heavy and very easy for me to understand, yet definitely sounded Scottish. Her tone of voice also changed to a pleasant accent for the main character, Lily.

I liked the way the romance developed between Lily and Alec, which began as frustration between the two of them and grew into respect, friendship, and affection. I was frustrated that someone was trying to bring ruin to Alec and his holdings as Laird and hopeful that all would be revealed. Overall, this was a very interesting story, with an unknown villain working to bring down a man of honor. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

A wonderful story of a young woman trying to grow up and find her own way in the world despite the fact that what she wants out of life, isn't in line with what her parents think she should want, as a young debutante in America. Her story of growth in finding what she wanted, and finding true love was truly enjoyable. I LOVED listening to this. Not only was the story very engaging, but the narrator was excellent!!
I have already added this title to my cart to purchase it for my library, and am excited to recommend this to our patrons!

I adore historical romance fiction and this book fit in perfectly with my expectations of the genre.

What is it about grumpy, brooding, fictional leading men? Like seriously? Can you say Laird Alec MacGregor? He may be a man of few words, but he does know how to use them well. REAL WELL...

Of course, what is the leading man without his leading lady? At the beginning, Ciesielski defines Lily as frivolous. As the story progresses, her character truly shines. Lily sees potential and she is willing to bring in the light during the dark times.

I enjoyed the story and the backdrop of the Scottish scenery. It held my interest while doing laundry and walking on the treadmill. (Who hates sweating? 🙋)

I had to have this audiobook because I already had the ebook. I have to admit I love to read when I have got time and listen while I am busy.
Beyond that J'Nell Ciesielski is an amazing storyteller that brings her thoughts on the paper beautifully
the narration was also brilliantly done. Although this was my first book that was narrated by Kate Rudd I truly enjoyed every character she has brought to life. She made the story even better in my ears.


Kinclavoch castle in Scotland, self struggling after being left with open debts by Alex McGreggor's father, has selflessly opened its doors for reconvalescence of injured soldiers of the WWI.  

But some hungry individuals have wanted the castle for themself, either for the title or because out of greed. 

Every effort to paying the debt off as being more difficult with time. The valuable items were less and less but before Alec would sell the Kinclavoch to greedy hands he would sacrifice everything he still has owned. It seemed like someone was sabotaging every step of the way.

Lilly Durham was sent to England to teach her more self-control and following rules. What her parents weren't expecting was that she landed as an Aide in Kinclavoch.

Although she wasn't the best at nursing she gave the soldiers so much more...her kindness and courage.

The grumpy Alex meets spirited and somewhat spoiled Lilly Durham and maybe just her good qualities were that has melted his heart. Although the existential worries were still devoted to his responsibilities the castle and his family. 

When you read Alec and Lilly's story you won't want it to end.  Lilly brightens all the bad at that time's world. I was cheering for the pair from the start and simply couldn't stop to read because I needed to know how their story will end. It was a beautiful book written with a heart full of emotions.

An American girl in a Scottish castle? What I would give...
Lily is an American Heiress and somewhat of a disappointment to her parents. They send her abroad in hopes that she will return ready to be the ladylike socialite they've raised her to be. Instead, as WWI intensifies, Lily finds her way to Scotland and finds work as a nurse tending injured soldiers. Her independence and drive to contribute endears her to the local lord and his sister.
The history of the time is woven through Lily's journey in an appealing way. I appreciate the unique setting and the beautiful descriptions.
The narrator's dictation is very clear and concise. I'm not new to Kate Rudd as a narrator, but she isn't a favorite when it comes to accents outside of "American" English. I am disappointed that the Scottish brogue did not come through to add more flavor to the overall tone of the story.
Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the advanced audiobook copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

American heiress meets Scottish laird during World War I

Beauty Among Ruins is a unique novel. Set in the early 1900s, the story follows Lily Durham, an American socialite from New York, after her parents ship her off to England to "learn how to act like a lady." During Lily's stay, the war intensifies, scorching through Europe with a force that calls all the men to arms and the women to care for the wounded coming off the battlefield.

Following her cousin, Birdy, to the Scottish Highlands, Lily finds herself in Kinclavoch Castle, where she is to be a nurse, though she is hardly qualified. Nevertheless, always up for a challenge, Lily plants her feet in the ground and gets to work, no matter how many lines she crosses or rules she has to break to prove her point. Quickly creating a name for herself, Lily is introduced to the castle's owner, Alec MacGregor, who seems just as cold and worn down as his home. Will Lily be able to melt Alec's cold heart, or will her American spunk bring more chaos than care? As accidents become all too frequent and Alec struggles to pay his father's debts, the future of the castle's ownership seems shaky. War and love change everyone, but will Lily and Alec learn how to speak one another's language before they too are torn apart?

I was wildly surprised by Beauty Among Ruins! This was my introduction to J'nell Ciesielski's work, and I really loved her writing style and the narrative she created, though I was a little upset at how the chapters began to skip chunks of time towards the end. J'nell's words were charming and captivating; I found myself absorbed in the storyline and couldn't stop reading in anticipation of what would happen next. This is a great book for any historical fiction lovers as it adds a new approach to the war and sparks the reader's admiration for Scotland.

However, I will say that the audiobook was atrocious. I'm sure the narrator tried hard, but her Scottish accent was so bad I could feel my ears screaming in protest. If you are going to tell such a beautiful, elegant story based in Scotland, you need to have a narrator who can do the country proud! My father, a Scot, along with my Scottish friends, were appalled at the accent. So, I implore the publishers to please add a Scotsman to this book, giving readers another reason to fall in love with Alec and dream of one day meeting a Scottish prince!

Positive content: 4⭐️
Language: 1⭐️
Sexual content: 2⭐️
Violence: 2⭐️
Age: 12+

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my word....I loved it.

I'm not normally big on historical romances but this one blew me out of the water. The setting was so interesting and I feel like I know a little more about Scottish history and customs. The characters were memorable and the reader of this audiobook really breathed life into the story through her masterful ways of narrating from different perspectives and different characters. I really do credit the narrator for making me like this book even more than I normally would have.

This book is a must read for historical fans and for just readers in general. Highly recommended.

This book is appropriate for ages 13+.

I requested this book back when I was looking for something to listen to while sewing and then forgot about it until I was allowed access. By then I wasn’t ready for an audiobook but fell absolutely in love with the characters and storyline and couldn’t turn it off easily. As I listened to the story in bits and pieces here and longer snatches of time there I became invested and loved the happy escape. Glad I came across this book.

This is the first book I've read by this author, but you can bet I'll be looking for more! Beauty Among Ruins took me back in time to World War I, prior to the US involvement in the war. American heiress Lily Durham is banished to her aunt and uncle's home in England, when her latest embarrassing escapade proves to her parents that she needs to work on her decorum. They think she's squirreled away in an English manor house, safe from the ravages of the war that has just begun. She, however, tags along with her cousin to tend the wounded at Kinclavoch Castle, in Scotland.

Alec MacGregor, laird of Kinclavoch, offers his home as a convalescent hospital. Badly injured as a youth, the army doesn't want him, so he does what he can with what he has. His father's death left the estate in dire straits, forcing Alec to sell off anything he can to keep things going. In constant pain, he doesn't want, or need, an American beauty sticking her nose into his family affairs, but when he finds Lily conversing with his sister in the "family wing", he escorts her out. His heart, however, can't keep her out. What could Lily ever see in a broken-down, penniless aristocrat like him?

I loved this book! Kate Rudd's narration was wonderful. I never had a problem telling one character from another, and I could see every scene as it happened. I also fell in love with Lily and Alec, both individually, and as a couple. Lily is spoiled and a bit headstrong, but she has such a kind heart. Alec is noble and doing his best to hold his family estate together, in spite of his father's gross mismanagement. The mystery of who is behind all of the attempts to sabotage Alec's efforts is gripping enough to keep readers turning pages. I know I was surprised when the culprit was unveiled.

Readers who enjoy historical romance will enjoy Beauty Among Ruins. If they love a bit of mystery added in, so much the better. I listened to the audio for most of the book, so I know I can recommend the audio. The bit I read was well done, so I don't have a problem recommending either one.

Beauty Among Ruins is beautifully written. The backdrop of war withered Britain is the perfect place for Lily - an aimless New York socialite. She matures under the circumstances of being a nurse’s aid, but her quick tongue is never lost. She is a heroine that never loses her essence, and it is easy to root for her. Alec has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Together, they make a beautiful mismatch. This is helped only by the beauty of the writing. It is easy poetry. The narrator’s omniscient nature captures the yearning of the characters. If you’re in need of a flush love story with complex characters and endless twists and turns, this is one for you. The audiobook form is almost faultlessly acted.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for allowing me to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Beauty Among Ruins is about a wealthy American beauty, Lily Durham, who gets sent to her relatives in England during the onset ofWorld War I. Her and her cousin decide to become nurses to tend to wounded men. They get sent to Kinclavoch Castle in Scotland, that has been turned in part into a hospital. Lily accidentally wanders into the family wing of the castle and meets the owner, Alec MacGregor who has devoted his life to keeping the castle in the family. His debts force him to sell off everything he owns, which makes him not the kindest person to be around. Lily and Alec slowly become attracted to each other as they are forced to work together when various mysterious events happen at the castle. Will Alec be able to save the castle? Will Lily and Alec finally admit they love each other?

The book was really cute. I give it 3.5 stars as it was just okay. I don't know that I would recommend it to anyone but it was a cute love story. At first the narrator was okay but as I listened more, I enjoyed her voice more. I would have preferred a Scottish male to play Alec but the female narrator's male voice was fine.

Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for allowing me to listen to this early release.

Beauty Among Ruins by J’nell Ciesielski, 416 pages. Thomas Nelson, 2021. $17.
Language: PG (2 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
After being sent from New York to her aunt’s home in England, WWI starts and Lily is kept from crossing the ocean to return home. Lily accompanies her cousin to Scotland to help care for wounded soldiers at Kinclavoch Castle. Her optimism and reckless ways are not encouraged by those in charge, but perhaps Lily can make a positive impact in the dreary circumstances and create an atmosphere of hope for the soldiers, herself, and maybe even the gruff laird who owns the castle.
Lily’s story plays out like a melodrama; everything that can go wrong does go wrong up until the final chapter when everything miraculously comes together for the main characters. This is not to say that it wasn’t an entertaining story nor that the character arcs for the main characters are shallow. I was amused by (and even laughed out loud at) the characters’ antics and cheesy lines as well as relieved when all the conflicts were finally resolved.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen