I had never heard of this author before finding her on netgalley. I was first drawn in by the beautiful cover and then by the description. I am so glad I was chosen to read Lost Castle. I really enjoyed the story. I loved the mix of three time periods and thought each had its own stand-alone story and characters. The way the author mixed the storylines and connected the characters made the book even better. I got lost in the story and wished I was exploring castles in France with the smell of Lavender wafting by in the background. And of course eating a pain au chocolat as well! I enjoyed the history, the characters, the romance of the setting, and the love stories from each time period. I was so pleased to find that it was a clean read that I could easily recommend to my family and friends, which I've already done! I look forward to reading more by Kristy Cambron and so glad to have found her books.

I've been a huge fan of Kristy Cambron ever since I read The Butterfly and the Violin and I've read almost all of her novels (I'm still waiting to read The Illusionist's Apprentice). I would have been drawn to this novel even if I hadn't read any of Kristy's previous novels, the stunning cover practically invites you to follow the path and discover the fairy tale within.

"Crumbling walls were rare, beautiful things. They could display vulnerabilities without shame for they'd already proven their worth in surviving generations-deep fractures and a multitude of fallen stones." From the very first lines, The Lost Castle is pure poetry, rich in word imagery and wonder.

Crafted in a split-time format, the story follows three incredible women and their link to the secrets hidden in the fairy tale castle. I really enjoyed the French Revolution time period and the present day. Kristy Cambron masterfully weaves three time periods together, and I was enthralled with how all the pieces of this literary puzzle intricately fit together. I felt that the World War II time period became a little slow in the middle but it had me in tears by the end. The shift in time lines follow a specific pattern so it was easy to to anticipate what time period the story was going to move to at the beginning of each chapter. The Lost Castle is the first book in the Lost Castle series and I am eagerly awaiting the journey Kristy Cambron will take us on next!

The Lost Castle, by Kristy Cambron is currently available for purchase from your local or online book retailer.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A beautifully written novel. Three timelines that all twine together. Loved this book. The author is new to me and I enjoyed her style and look forward to reading more books by her. I highly recommend this book.

The Lost Castle is a split-time romance with a difference. I’ve read several dual-timeline romances, but this is the first with three timelines, all three centering around a mysterious lost castle in the Loire Valley, France—an area famous for wine and chateaux.

The oldest timeline is set amongst the French nobility in 1789, the eve of the Revolution. Aveline Saint-Moreau is about to be married when the castle is stormed and the nobility flee for their lives. She remains at the Chateau des Doux-Reves in the care of the master vinter, recovering from her injuries. She is the Sleeping Beauty, the origin of the legend of the ruined castle.

The middle timeline is set in the same location towards the end of World War II, shortly before D-Day (well, I knew D-Day was coming even though the characters didn’t). This is the story of Viola Hart, an English woman escaping from the Nazis in France. But how did she get there? Her story unfolds as the novel progresses, but ties together both the past and the present story.

The modern story is that of Ellison Carver—Ellie (although I did a double take when I first read the name, as I’m a James Bond fan and Elliot Carver was a James Bond baddie). Ellie was raised by her grandmother, Lady Vi, who is now confined to an Alzheimer’s unit, but who has a request for Ellie: go to France, find the Sleeping Beauty castle, and discover the significance of the castle and the handsome man in the photograph.

The writing is spectacular, especially the descriptions of 1789 France—the clothes, the chateau, the social inequity. This was definitely my favourite of the three timelines, because it’s a less common period to read about. I also enjoyed the Christian theme of God’s faithfulness woven throughout the three timelines.

Kristy Cambron’s first stories were dual timeline, and both had World War II settings (and in both, I thought the historical portion of the story was more compelling than the present). Her later novels have been straight historical fiction, in American settings. Personally, I prefer her dual (and now triple) timeline stories.

The Lost Castle takes Cambron’s talents in writing and researching, and brings the French Revolution and D-Day France to life. Recommended for readers looking for Christian fiction that’s a little out of the ordinary.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

The Lost Castle, what a wonderful premise - you have such a great storyline and an intense one at that. It takes you through so many situations in so many Generations in one book.. The characters made by this author are so precious and unique you feel so much for them - your heart feels so connected to them. You not only feel for them and things are intense in this book - you are brought through so many situations and you say whaaaaaa? The author is very specific in their words because they want to build a world that you and I could live in - and we do when we are reading it - you are a part of this world - we are invested in this world and that is how the author made it - that is how you know this is one fantastical author. This is one story you truly will enjoy if you take the time to read it.

The Lost Castle

A Split-Time Romance

by Kristy Cambron

Thomas Nelson–FICTION

Thomas Nelson

Christian , Romance

Pub Date 06 Feb 2018

I am reviewing a copy of The Lost Castle through Thomas Nelson and Netgalley:

Ellie Carver is expecting to find her grandmother’s bedside expecting to find her silently slipping away instead her beloved Grandmother begins speaking of a secret past, and of Castle ruins forgotten by time. a hidden chapel that served as a rendezvous for the French Resistance in World War 2.

Each piece that unlocks the story seems to unlock part of Ellie too, helping her to see not only where she came from as well as who she is becoming. The problem is Ellie is fast loosing her Grandmother to the shadow of Alzheimer’s so she needs to act quickly, if she wants to be able to uncover the truth of her families history. Soon Ellie finds herself drawn by the mystery of the castle named The Sleeping Beauty, the Castle was named for Charles Perrault’s beloved fairy tale. Ellie journeys to France’s Loire’s Valley in hopes that she can unearth the secrets before they are buried forever.

This book takes us from Present Day, to World War 2 and The French Revolution.

The Lost Castle is a story of loves won and lost.

I give The Lost Castle five out of five stars!

Happy Reading

My Thoughts: The story inside is just as lovely as the cover, and that's really saying something! There are three different stories taking place in three vastly different eras. The only complaint I have is that is was confusing in the first 100 pages as you were getting established within 3 different stories while all three stories bounced to a past and present moment in the heroine's timeline. Once I became grounded and could understand the flow of the story, I was able to fully enjoy it.
Cambron touched upon eras and settings that I rarely get to read: The French Revolution, WWII in France, and a present-day French vacation. Each one was enjoyable and even though they took place in the same locations, they felt vastly different. The setting was easy to visualize through Cambron's vibrant descriptions.
All three plots carried their own purpose, spunky heroine, romance, and one had a thicker mystery while the other two had higher threat levels.
Overall, this was a delightful novel and I'm looking forward to the Irish adventure Cambron is preparing for us.

Rating and recommendation: I'm giving The Lost Castle 5 stars and recommending it for those who enjoy historical fiction, war fiction, and multi-timeline stories.

~ I received a copy from Net Galley. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

I’m not sure I can honestly find anything I didn’t like about this book. I loved having 3 timelines included. The French Revolution, World War II and present day. I will admit to being on the edge of my seat at times, anticipating what comes next. And wiping away tears at others. This book brought a myriad of emotions. I loved how the castle itself took on a character like persona. It was the centerpiece of each era. Definitely going in my top reads of the year!

Between 3 1/2 and 4.

The first third of the book was hard to read through with the three POVs and three storylines. I put it aside and read other books, and came back to it with plans to not finish.
But I got engrossed and did finish and liked it. The last third gets a lot more interesting and I'm glad I gave it another chance.
The history of the castle was intriguing and the relation the three women had to it grabbed my interest more and more.

If you've read this author before, and liked her, and you're having a hard time with the beginning of this book, then stick with it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I love this author's evocative writing style, making it easy to get lost in a different era. The three different stories all focus on a strong female- Aveline, an aristocrat in hiding during the French Revolution, Vi, who is on a mission and also in hiding in Nazi-occupied France, and Ellie, our modern-day heroine who is searching for answers and connecting the secrets of the past. I have to admit that I really struggled with the triple timeline that gave each story equal attention, I generally prefer when one story is central and the other(s) are used to enhance it. I was fascinated by each character's journey, but felt drawn out of it too quickly with each shift. But I wouldn't let my personal hangup prevent you from reading this book- so many of my reader friends are raving about it, and it really is beautifully written!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Wow. Just wow. What a powerful read this was! Kristy is a master storyteller. The book is about three brave, lovely heroines (Aveline, Lady Vi, & Ellie - Ellie is Lady Vi's granddaughter), their equally great heroes (Robert, Julien & Quinn) during three different time periods (French Revolution, WW2, & present day) that all revolves around a hidden castle. Lady Vi has Alzheimer in the present day and wants Ellie to uncover the truth about her past in WW2 which leads to the infamous castle, the Sleeping Beauty. I love how all three stories were woven together. It adds more to story. My heart broke several times towards the end. Chilling and beautiful read. I'm so happy Kristy is making this into a series. Can't wait to read the next one! I recommend to all!

A lot of books have 2 stories interwoven, but this one has 3! It is quite ambitious and necessary to pay attention to the chapter heading dates to avoid confusion. I liked all 3 of the storylines. Strong women from 3 different time periods, all connected to a castle in the Loire Valley, the sleeping beauty. A delightful book!

The story is centered around a castle in the Loire Valley in France. We get to experience life in three different time periods: The French Revolution, WW II, and present day. It was really interesting reading about Ellie and the other two women and learning about what life was like in the past. I have read stories that took place in two different time periods before, but adding in a third time period added a depth to the story that made it even more intriguing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book is enthralling.
The cover is what first captured my attention.
But then there's also the fact that I've loved every single book written by this author.
Her talent with words is unrivaled.
I was so excited to hear about this newest series she was writing, on castles in Europe (on my bucket list to visit, someday....)
This book. This Lost Castle. It is so intriguing. The linking of three different time lines. All tied to the same castle.
Three different girls. Three very different eras. And I love it!
It captured my attention from the very beginning.
I've been prolonging my finishing of this story for the simple reason that once I finish it, it's over. And I hate for that to happen. So I keep reading a few chapters each day, and then spend the rest of the day pondering over what I just read.
If you like history, castles, and a bit of romance, I'm sure you will love this book!

I loved this book. There are three different stories that tie in together at the end very well. The stories are three different woman in three different time periods (Gilded Age, WW2, Present day) all based around the castle, nicknamed “The Sleeping Beauty”. They all find healing, love, and refuge in different unique ways.
It was fairly clean as well (mild violence). It was a little slow at times, but I would recommend it. I look forward to reading the next.

I received a free copy from the publisher via Net Gallery for my honest opinion.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"Crumbling walls were rare, beautiful things."  So begins "The Lost Castle", a wonderful historical Christian fiction by Kristy Cambron.  Her story follows three women, three different time periods, and showcases the effect a castle had on each of their lives.

Aveline, who lived during the French Revolution knew the castle best by it's French name, the Château de Doux Rêves. Vi, whose work was important during World War II, lived the castle's translated name, The Castle of Sweet Dreams.  Then there is Ellie, whose grandmother has Alzheimer's. Ellie lives in the present and she begins a quest to relay a message and to understand more about the photo her grandmother shows her. Ellie comes to know the castle as The Sleeping Beauty, of which she says, "...She's every bit of both, don't you think?"



Aveline, Vi, and Ellie each have unique personalities and they develop into steadfast women who use their gifts for God's purpose. Wanting to know more about the characters and imagining them as real people is what great fiction does for the reader and Kristy Cambron succeeded in bringing a realness to these women.  With that said, she did the same for the main attraction, the Château de Doux Rêves. She gave it a life and made me want to know more.

The Sleeping Beauty is based upon a real castle found 200 miles from Paris called, the Chateau La Mothe-Chandeniers. This castle has been lying in ruins and many people have joined together to try to restore it. (See the video below this full review). Knowing that Cambron's idea for "The Lost Castle" came from an existing place make the characters even more memorable and their stories more loved.

This book tore at my heart and made me cry.  It inspires faith when all hope seems gone, love when loveless people hurt one another, and courage to live through whatever you face. "It is the constancy of God, in His time and in the very heartbeat of the land, by which our stories will live on. That is where roots grow deepest."

I highly recommend this book for anyone.  It won't disappoint those who love historical fiction and the questions at the end of the book make it a great candidate for reading clubs.

Personal Rating: 4.78            Star Rating:

This was my first Kristy Cambron book. I was intrigued by the title, since I love castles. This one takes place in the Loire Valley (a place I have visited) surrounding the Sleeping Beauty Castle. Three stories over three time periods all with the same castle. All three have great characters and storylines. If you love reading about castles, history, romance, then I recommend this book to you.

A beautifully written Historical fiction novel. I really enjoyed this one.

I really enjoyed this book! It’s told in three different time periods about three different women, and revolves around a castle named sleeping beauty in France. One story takes place during the French Revolution, another during WW11, and one present day. At first I wasn’t sure about reading a book with 3 different stories going on, but I found myself immersed in each story, and liked how the author linked the stories together by the end. Each story has a sweet love story involved, and the author leaves you guessing as to what happens to all the characters. My favorite was reading about Aveline during the French Revolution, and found myself wishing the book revolved more around her story. I’m so happy to have received an arc of this book from netgalley, and really excited it’s going to be a series!

The Lost Castle is not your average dual time period book, because this book has three time periods. The Sleeping Beauty is a 13th century castle with many stories to tell.

The Chateau de Doux Reves survives the French Revolution but not a fire in the 1930’s. Left abandoned the French resistance uses its shell to hide in. The current day story centers around Ellie and her quest to unravel the story behind a mysterious picture of her grandmother taken at the ruins.

The synopsis above does a great job of descibing the stories here without me going into more detail. Suffice to say I really enjoyed this book. Each of the characters were unique, their journeys played out nicely and the landscape was easy to visualize. As each women searches for meaning in different ways they battle through war, whether physically or through another their lives are changed because of it.

The Lost Castle is a story of love and loss, strength and determination. The author’s passion for this story was evident with vivid descriptive detail and an interesting story where all the pieces fit together nicely.

This looks to be the first book in a new series called The Lost Castles, a series I will continue to read. This is my second book by Kristy Cambron and my favorite so far.

Thanks to TLC Tours and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.