• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

What Happens When Favorite Authors Take Me to Dream Destinations

by Chautona Havig · 3 Comments

Beauty Among Ruins will kidnap you, heart and soul, and transport you to WWI, Scotland, and the beauty of redemption in progress. via @chautonahavig

A cornfield emerges. Walking through its stalks, hands touching the emerging silks, eyes closed–bliss.  The silks change to crisp-edged papers. A voice whispers, “If you write it, she will read.”

I doubt that happened to J’nell Ciesielski–or ever will.  Still, there’s truth in them thar words!  If she writes it, I will read.

Ever since I saw the cover of Among the Poppies (whose title I totally meshed with this one in my interview with J’nell) I’ve been intrigued by J’nell’s books.  After reading them, well, I became a rabid fan.  Can you blame me?

When I signed up and requested a free review copy of Beauty Among Ruins, I had no idea I’d be chatting with J’nell Ciesielski about her book before it even released.

And folks, have I got stuff to say.

Beauty Among Ruins review

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

What Happens When Favorite Authors Take Me to Dream Destinations

I fall in love.  Not just with characters and stories, but with the places that stir the imagination and make those stories come alive.

Oh, yes. with her signature style, J’nell Ciesielski leads the reader through more prosaic places like America and London and up into craggy heart of Scotland. Nestled there in a crumbling old manor, WWI soldiers’ minds and bodies are repaired by nurses and aides. And one broken laird will be mended or destroyed in the process.

It just takes a plucky American to nudge him in the right direction.

Seriously, I felt like I was in Scotland throughout the whole book.

Not once did I feel smothered by the heather, crushed by the crags, or blown off the page by the wind whistling through the moors, but I felt as though I were among them!  A story rich in layers, depth, and understanding with just the smallest hint of a Jane Eyre-ish tone to parts of it, Beauty Among Ruins does not disappoint in any respect.

Well, it doesn’t now that I understand something.  As I said in my blog post that goes with the Because Fiction podcast episode, now that I know the goal and purpose behind Thomas Nelson’s reduction in overt Christian content in their books, I am not as bothered by the lack of it.  Would I prefer to learn those lessons alongside Lily and Alec?  Yeah!

But knowing that the publisher has made a deliberate effort to provide more subtle Christian content to gently reach an audience that otherwise wouldn’t pick up that book makes me have fewer expectations of them. So, where I’d usually be grumbling about the change in Ms. Ciesielski’s fiction style with her new publisher, now I can acknowledge there’s a purpose to it instead of a lack of purpose in it, so to speak.

Aside from that…

This book is artfully constructed, beautifully written,  and it lingers in your mind until you can’t help but reach for it, pick it up again, and reread bits here and there.  Be warned, though.  The moment you do, you’re likely to find yourself flipping back to the first page of chapter one and starting all over again.  You’re likely to lose yourself in this multi-layered story of personal sacrifice, sabotage, and restoration.

Recommended for lovers of historical fiction, exceptional writing, and Scotland. Not recommended for those who are looking for strong, overt Christian content.  This book stays subtle but true. So glad I requested a review copy. Even more thrilled to be able to honestly say that I loved it and it’s my favorite of 2021… so far.

About the Book

Beauty Among RuinsBook:  Beauty Among Ruins

Author: J’Nell Ciesielski

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: January 12, 2021

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 threaten 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?

Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
51Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
51Shares

Related

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Previous Post: « Happy Days Are Literarily Here Again–Thank Goodness!
Next Post: What if the Secret to Your Future Lies in the Past? »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Paula Shreckhise says

    February 7, 2021 at 11:53 am

    You sold me! Can’t wait to read this book.

    Reply
  2. J'nell Ciesielski says

    February 7, 2021 at 8:21 am

    As always, thank you for your wonderful, insightful, and encouraging review! It makes me giddy to know how much you enjoy reading about Alec and Lily!

    Reply
  3. Andrea Stoeckel says

    February 7, 2021 at 7:06 am

    This sounds like a great book and I’ve been following the tour

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 265: A Chat with Karen Witemeyer
byChautona Havig

Nothing says fairy tale like a sweet western romance by an author like Karen Witemeyer… unless it’s a fairytale retelling set in Texas in the late 19th century, right?  Fairest of Heart takes the familiar “Snow White” and turns it on its head with retired cowboys, a self-absorbed actress, a Texas Ranger, and a sweet girl who knows the true Source of her beauty.  Listen in to see all the genius Easter eggs Witemeyer planted in this book.

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Sometimes All a Girl Needs Is a True Change of Heart

I fell in love with the cover of Karen Witemeyer’s Head Over Heels a few years back (only to learn it’s much older than that, even), and meant to read that book.  I didn’t.  #BecauseIdiot. Well, that’ll be rectified just as soon as I’m done listening to her first book in a trilogy of fairytale retellings. I loaded it up on my Audible app tonight and wheeeeeeee. Here I go! So much for no new books until October. HA! 

Karen talks about her heart for young women today and how they’re taught by every bit of media blasting at them that they need to use their bodies to get what they need or want when the Lord has a better plan. And I can’t guarantee it, but I strongly suspect she does it without preaching. SQUEE!

Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

Once upon a time in Texas . . .

Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters–and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.

After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young lady found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather’s ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.

With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope’s acting troupe, and all evidence points to Penelope’s guilt. But Titus might just be convinced that the fairest woman of all has a heart as pure as her last name . . . if only he can prove it.

You can learn more about Karen Witemeyer and her books on her WEBSITE. Don’t forget the book is 30% off on BakerBookHouse.com.  

Follow Karen on BookBub and GoodReads.

And don’t forget her Posse Group on Facebook.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 265: A Chat with Karen Witemeyer
Episode 265: A Chat with Karen Witemeyer
September 29, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 264: A Chat with Romance Author, Sarah Monzon
September 26, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 263: A Chat about The Love Script w/ Toni Shiloh
September 23, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 262: Chatting about The Legacy of Longdale Manor with Carrie Turansky
September 19, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 261: Chatting with Christian Youth Fiction Author, Candice Yamnitz
September 15, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 260: A Chat with Rachel Hauck
September 12, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 259: A Chat with Debut Author, Laura Conaway
September 8, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 258: A Louisiana Christmas to Remember
September 2, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 257: A Chat with Fantasy Author, N. Ford
September 1, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 256: A Chat about Summer in the Spotlight w/ Liz Johnson
August 29, 2023
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

A Ransomed Grete

A Ransomed Grete
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
A Ransomed Grete
Buy now!

Twice Sold Tales

Twice Sold Tales
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Twice Sold Tales
Buy now!

Under the Hibiscus

Under the Hibiscus
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Under the Hibiscus
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • What Would Make a Tropical Vacation More Exciting? Find Out!
  • Sometimes All a Girl Needs Is a True Change of Heart
  • How Does an Intense Christmas Competition Lead to Love?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Just another hour... Tea is Pumpkin Masala Chai fr Just another hour...
Tea is Pumpkin Masala Chai from Marcella's Enchanted Cottage and blueberry cinnamon roll courtesy of #6daughter
, @andralane0129 
#AmReading 
#AnnetoberReadAThon 
@teri_blake_author 
#womensfiction
Yum... seriously the best beef ever. So glad we go Yum... seriously the best beef ever. So glad we got some,  but so many missed out. 
Thanks @robsogbbq
Instagram post 18282011413151971 Instagram post 18282011413151971
If you haven't read Seek and Hide by @amandagsteve If you haven't read Seek and Hide by @amandagstevens , stop everything and order this book. Then schedule dinner delivery the day it arrives and dive in. Chilling,  inspiring,  and proof that Amanda is a stellar Storyteller.
#AmReading 
#ChristFic
Reposted from @beccawierwille Less than one month Reposted from @beccawierwille Less than one month until release day for Road Trip Rescue! 🚘 🐶 Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 24 to help me celebrate sending this story into the world. 

Also, prepare for more posts than normal. I’m excited to launch this book. 🥳
I think the moon is embracing autumn, too. I think the moon is embracing autumn,  too.
Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks Woot! Happy release Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks Woot! Happy release day, @lovereadwriterepeat
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!