Historical Fiction/Time-Slip Book Review: Castle on the Rise

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 a copy of this novel for yourself.

My Review

Castle on the Rise (A Lost Castle Novel, Book 2), by Kristy Cambron, is a captivating book from the first page to the last. Events in present day Ireland compliment events from one hundred and two hundred years ago to create a tri-timeline story that is simply riveting. Elements of mystery, history, and romance are thoughtfully intertwined in this well-researched novel. With excellent pacing and vibrant descriptions, important details are carefully revealed and hidden truths are uncovered as the story reaches its dramatic and satisfying conclusion.

In the face of dangerous circumstances and daunting secrets, the characters in this novel possess an inner strength and determination that is profoundly inspiring. As they struggle with fear, loss, threats, and uncertainty, the characters manage to cling to hope and to strive for purpose. As it both conceals and reveals its mysteries, the Irish castle setting itself also becomes an important character that adds to the strength, charm, and intrigue of the story. Furthermore, in the dim light of trials and broken dreams, profound themes of perseverance, justice, courage, sacrifice, and love shine brightly as beacons of hope and encouragement.

Castle on the Rise is an incredibly fascinating and moving novel. The intermingling timelines are truly compelling, and the enduring themes are intensely satisfying. It is certainly an emotionally-stirring and thought-provoking book. This novel is well-written, engaging, and memorable. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

*I received a copy of this novel through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

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.