Castle on the Rise - (Lost Castle Novel) by Kristy Cambron (Paperback)

After reading some of the negative reviews I had moved this down on my TBR pile and now I regret that I didn’t read it sooner, as I throughly enjoyed it. I was totally engrossed in the weaving of three time periods in Ireland to see the beautiful tapestry it created in the end. The descriptions of the castle drew me in and the uprising for freedom was so heart wrenching. The bravery that was shown and standing for your beliefs even when it meant going against parents was inspiring. The present day story deals with divorce and the aftermath when trying to keep it a secret. I look forward to reading the third book in this series. Kristy Cambron is outstanding in Split Time novels as she makes the story flow easily. I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Guild. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

Two historical stories and one contemporary are told throughout this book, which takes place in Ireland, past and present. The settings are clearly labeled as the reader navigates the book, so there was no confusion. I was completely drawn in to each of the stories, and it was so interesting to find out how the characters were connected through time. The modern-day characters were introduced in the first book of the series, The Lost Castle, but that did not inhibit my enjoyment of this book, not having read the previous one. I recommend this book for fans of historical fiction and romance, and especially those with an interest in Ireland. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson, through Celebrate Lit, for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.

Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron is an entertaining time-slip novel that lovers of history will not want to miss. The author takes readers to Ireland where over the centuries three strong and vibrant women dream dreams, are confronted with storms of life and yet find the resilience to weather through those storms, and are able to learn to trust despite things of the past that have brought doubts and fears. Maeve of the late 1790s, Issy of 1916, and Laine of the present day, each have their hopes for a better future and their stories are set in the shadow of the Castle Chryn where 'the rise allowed something new to always grow.' Ireland comes alive with the author's descriptive writing style. It is easy to be drawn into the Irish countryside with sentences like 'standing again where ancient stones drew an outline against the early morning sky and the sea crashed the rocks in as vast and blue and heart-stirring a manner as she remembered.' Readers are transported from a contemporary setting to the times of the Irish rebellion for freedom and the author's excellent blending of historical research and riveting characters has created a wonderful story of three strong and courageous women. It's said that Ireland has a million stories if one stays long enough to learn them all. Cambron tells three of those stories in this compelling and powerful book. I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

"Live every moment. That's what you said to me when I walked down the aisle, remember? I gift it back to you. Fix every second of this night in your heart. Protect it, and visit it often." Another stunning and absolutely captivating time-split novel by Kristy Cambron! I am not a novice to the author's writing, yet am still astounded every time I read her books. This story takes place mostly in Ireland - in 1797 during an uprising against the English, in 1915 as Ireland struggles for freedom, and during present day. The past time periods are thoroughly researched and the writing and vernacular in speech also shift with the time periods to make the writing believable and extremely enjoyable. The three subplots in different time periods are intricately intertwined with details that hold the story cohesively together and bring enlightenment at the end of the novel. The writing is beautiful, the themes of bravery, inherent desire for freedom (even in rebellion), sacrifice, and love are so tender and heart-wrenching, and the characters - oh, the characters - are utterly unforgettable. This incredible story of Ireland's past, present, and future all tucked away in one castle ruin, a manor, and three true loves is a story that is a must read for all historical romance fans! And if anyone wanted to make a movie of this book, I'll be first in line to pre-order those tickets. As for those characters.... Eoin, Sean, and Cormac all have such deep love for their country and those they call friends and family. They are loyal, honest, hard-working, loving, tender, and faithful till the end. Maeve, Issy, and Laine are strong women - strong in their opinions and actions, faithful and loyal in their love. I rarely connect with so many characters in one book, but I loved getting to know all six of these characters through their suffering, heartbreak, and triumph. This book is second book in the Lost Castle series but can be read as a stand alone. I did not read the first book but was immersed in this storyline from page 1 and didn't feel that I missed anything by not reading the backstory on Ellie (Laine's best friend) and Quinn (Cormac's brother) first in the previous book. I was given a copy of the book by Thomas Nelson via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

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.