About the Book

Title: Castle on the Rise

 
Author: Kristy Cambron

 
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

 
Release date: February 5, 2019

 
Publisher: HarperCollins

A storied castle. A band of rebels. A nation chasing a centuries-old dream of freedom. And three women who rise above it all . . .

When Laine Forrester travels overseas to attend her best friend’s vineyard wedding, she expects to find the bride on the brink of a fairy tale life. But after a series of unforeseen setbacks, it seems the storybook lives they’d imagined are suddenly ripping apart.

With hopes of resurrecting a happy ending, Laine agrees to accompany the newlyweds to the groom’s home in Ireland—never expecting she’d be the one drawn in by its wide-open moors, backroads bordering the Irish Sea, and a mysterious castle that dares to keep its secrets hidden.

From the storied streets of Dublin to the shores of the Emerald Isle, Laine is drawn in to the land and its rich history. The castle ruins whisper stories of Issy—a photojournalist battling through the 1916 Easter Rising, and Maeve—the castle’s lady of legend, fighting for survival through the 1798 rebellion that started it all.

Spanning more than two centuries, Castle on the Rise unites the legacy of three women who must risk mending the broken places within—for life, love, and the belief that even through the depths of our pain, a masterpiece of a story can emerge.

Click here to purchase your copy.
Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not financially compensated in any way and all opinions are 100 percent my own.

First of all, I didn’t realize when I agreed to read the book that this was the second in the series. I don’t think there’s any problem with reading this book first as I didn’t find I was lost or confused as far as the characters and storyline went. However, if the first book had any historical background in it, I might recommend checking out that book first.

Secondly, this is a clean historical book, and although serious issues were dealt with, there is nothing potentially offensive. It is a Christian book, but the Christian element is very much implied and not as woven into the storyline as much as I would have liked. That is merely my view. Thankfully, the book is told from the perspective of a Christian worldview.

This is an expertly-written story that seamlessly jumps between three different time periods. I had no trouble keeping all the character straight. And I truly appreciate the historical research that went into this tale. Furthermore, when everything came together at the end, the connections that were made were rather clever. Almost like a mystery or a quest or even a time travel adventure (only vicariously). I am glad that the author added a few pages of historical explanation at the end of the book, but waiting to the end did not seem like the best course of action. Perhaps the first book would have set the stage for me a little better; I don’t know.

Nevertheless, the book is written on a literary level with authentic characters, attention to detail, and no bedroom scenes (Yay!!). For that fact alone, I applaud the author as far too many historical novels ignore the social mores of the time period and choose to include pages of extended sexual encounters and/or fantasies while painting a fantastical world that is highly improbable. This particular author chose to take the high road and give us a book into which we could really sink our teeth.

View all my reviews

About the Author

Kristy Cambron is an award-winning author of Christian fiction, including her bestselling debut The Butterfly and the Violin, and an author of Bible studies, including the Verse Mapping Series. She is a passionate storyteller who travels to speak at ministry events across the country, encouraging women to experience a deeper life in the Word through verse mapping. Her work has been named to Publishers Weekly Religion & Spirituality TOP 10, Library Journal’s Best Books, RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, and received 2015 & 2017 INSPY Award nominations.

Kristy holds a degree in Art History/Research Writing, and lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, and can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good read.

To stay connected, visit www.kristycambron.com.

Kristy’s Research Trip to Ireland

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