My gosh! There are so many reasons why this book is a must read. The historical detail is incredible - I could almost see the streets of Dublin, feel the terror of rebellion, the frantic attempt to save lives from the flames and even picture the ruins of a castle that saw life centuries ago. I will admit I made copious notes as I read, trying to figure out how the different time frames came together. Evident through all of these were the Williams pears, pianos and faith - not prepackaged, but messy, raw and present even as the rain fell.
'When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flames scorch you' Isaiah 43:2 (nkjv)
A heartwarming story of love and loss, restoration and hope and perhaps, as the author stated 'a story of rebellion, not just Ireland but in all of us'.
I received this book through Netgalley and CelebrateLit for my enjoyment. All impressions and opinions are my own.

Book Summary (Amazon): 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.

My thoughts...Part of the author's notes that I believe summarize this book perfectly: "At its core, Castle on the Rise is a story of rebellion--not just the fight for freedom of the Republic of Ireland, but the rebel spirit that arises in each of us as we weather the battles in our own lives. The characters in this novel display courage and resilience when the worst happens and the fairy-tale story begins to crumble. Instead of lamenting what 'should have been,' they dig their heels in the dirt and, with conviction, anchor themselves to the one thing that will see them rise: faith."
I truly feel that this novel is one of Cambron's best. I loved the history of Ireland woven through the story, which I knew very little about, as well as the fictionalized heroes and heroines. Both fiction and non-fiction aspects reflect the true courage, faith, and passion of the Irish people. Usually I feel a little disappointed when I read novels that slip from one time period to another because there isn't enough plot detail or romantic tension build up. This novel did not leave me feeling that way at all. There was just the right amount of detail in each story line...and each one was very compelling. I didn't want to stop reading because I was so eager to find out what happened next to each set of characters. Even the title was so cleverly done...because not only was the castle physically on the rise, but there were so many other "rises" that played out on the castle grounds: romance, uprisings, healing, courage and so much more. This book has a little bit of everything and I couldn't recommend it enough! So good!

**I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in order to give my honest review, which I did.**

Castle on the Rise begins with Laine Forrester traveling to her best friend Ellie's wedding in France. They all travel on to Ireland. From there the story branches into three storylines: we have Laine, a newly divorced single mother, in present day; Issy, a budding photojournalist, in 1916 Ireland; Maeve, an Irish lady in love with a pirate during the 1798 Irish rebellion.

This is the second book in the Lost Castle series. I read the first book last year, and it was one of my favorite books of 2018. I was so glad to read more about Ellie (from The Lost Castle) in this book, and to continue her story.

There are three Irish stories that comprise this book. It took me a while to find my footing as a reader, as the storylines switched back and forth on a chapter to chapter basis. I was most interested in the contemporary storyline of Laine, recovering from a painful divorce and slowly warming to Ellie's brother-in-law Cormac. I really liked Laine as a protagonist. She has a background in antiques, as I do, and I found her work researching antiques at the family's castle to be fascinating. I also loved Cormac as a romantic lead. He was so quiet and wise. I marked his line to Laine in the book: "Funny thing about Dublin -- the rain always stops, just not in the moment we may want it. So like God. His plan, His timin'" (p. 176).

Issy's 1916 storyline was also very interesting. I especially liked the details of early photography, and her fascination with her new Kodak camera, as well as her dedication to chronicle the Easter Rising on film. I loved this description: "Issy squeezed the camera case just to feel the leather against her skin. How she wished to capture the moment -- anything to remind her that the world had so much more to offer than what transpired within the confines of ladies' parlors in County Wicklow" (p. 85).

Maeve's storyline was a little harder for me to get into, although I enjoyed it more as the book went on. I often read and enjoy dual storyline historical fiction, and perhaps I just found triple storyline fiction a bit of an adjustment.

Kristy Cambron's descriptions are beautiful. She has a masterful ability to create a strong sense of time and place. I loved her description of places in Ireland, and especially loved the castle that figures prominently in this story.

The storylines all came together in an interesting way -- with some good detective work from Laine and Cormac. Without spoilers, I will add that I loved the last chapter of the book.

I recommend the Lost Castle series to fans of historical fiction, and especially to readers who want to explore another time and place (and who love mysterious old castles!). I look forward to reading the third book in this series.

There was so much to love in this book. I was afraid the three timelines would be difficult to follow, but I quickly honed in on the characters of each time which made it easier to keep track. I found it rather ingenious how the author was able to keep each timeline settled in their own story while weaving them into each other. 

We have to talk about the setting, I mean, Ireland! I've long had a fascination with Ireland and Castle on the Rise was almost as good as being there myself. The descriptions were so well done I could smell the pears in Maeve's hands, hear the guns firing as Issy ran for her life, and see the ruins through Laine's eyes. The characters stamped themselves on my heart, and I'll likely never forget any of them. Each character had their own strengths and weaknesses, their own problems, and their own way of moving through their problems. 

There is more here than the romantic happily ever after. Castle on the Rise, for me, was more about finding the fairy tale in everyday life. God's plan, God's timing is perfect. Even when we would have things go differently, God knows what He's doing. Through heartache, pain, sickness, and loss, God is there and He will not leave us alone. That is what I took away from Castle on the Rise. 

I marked several quotes from the book. I can't share all of them because that would risk spoiling the story, but I'll leave what I can. This one hit me particularly because it is at our worst times that God feels so far away when, in fact, he has never been closer. "I need to know if God sees us in the middle of our worst moments." - Laine

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to leave a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a beautiful series and I love the characters.

It was great that Quinn and Ellie were such a big part of this story and that the setting moved from France to Ireland.

Laine is at a crossroads in her life, recently divorced and mother to an adopted child. She comes to Ellie's wedding and soon after the ceremony she learns of something upsetting.

Cormac is Quinn's brother and there's some kind of tension between the two that involves their father. At his request, the others go back with him to Ireland.

Using the same beautiful setting of the castle and manor house, we learn of the two other women who had lived pivotal scenes there.
I loved discovering these other characters and what they went through for their convictions. There's a lot of history seeped in the chapters of the different eras, and it was great to go along in the discovery with Laine and Cormac, and watch their relationship develop.

Can't wait to read the third one which will be about the sister we haven't seen yet.

I received a copy from Thomas Nelson via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

This novel will attract American readers with Irish ancestry and will also be a good read for people who like to travel in a chair to another country or who are interested in history. People who like to read a romance have to be aware that not all is romance. Have no fear oh prudes: There are no bedscenes and although there is a lot of violence in the book it is never described in gory details. And although it is published by a Christian publisher there is no preaching in it either.

So as I am not an Irish American and also never felt any sympathy for an uprising when your countrymen are fighting in trenches in France and refusing to go and fight the Nazies two decades later because you do not want to fight alongside the English there was a bit of a challenge if this had been a very overly patriotic and heroworshipping novel. Luckily it is not and I enjoyed reading it. I do however have to warn the readers: you might want to keep Wikipedia close as it is full with real historic figures and looking them up will make the book more interesting to read.

The castle on the hill in the title is a ruin outside of Dublin in Ireland. It features in all three of the storylines in this novel. We follow the stories of three women - one during the Irish Rebellion in 1798, one during the Easter Rising in 1916 and one in the present. It is also the story of the bond between two families over the ages.

It is obvious that the storyline about the Easter Rising is the backbone of the novel. Lady Isobel - Issy - is a member of the Anglo-Irish upperclass. Her brother is away fighting in the trenches and her younger brother and her friends have joined a group of Irish nationalists. Issy is a keen photographer and a fan of a lady who is a war photographer in France. When the rebellion starts she wants to document it with pictures so people will remember the true events. This part of the novel made me realise the independence movement was not a strictly catholic thing. Issy is a protestant and rebelleaders mentioned were for instance socialists or catholics or suffragettes. What also became clear by reading the book and checking Wikipedia was that the Easter Rising was not that much supported by the Irish people but that the English cruelty and the wave of death sentences and executions afterwards swayed the people.

The story of Meave is set in 1798-1799. She is an English lady whose family owns the manor near the ruined castle and also an estate in Berkshire in England. Her parents tried to be very good towards their Irish tenants giving them food and shelter and kindness. But then her brother the heir was found killed on the Dublin road assumedly by Irish rebels. Her mother went ill with grief and illness and died. Her other brother left for England. Now Meave has to cope with a father who is drowning his enormous grief and pain in a bottle and is unfit to govern the estate. She feels lost and alone. And then they are even attacked and her father's price stallion is stolen. Searching the area for the thief and the horse Meave finds what she thinks must be the bandit laying severely wounded on the road. She saves this stranger but he saves her as well. I found their story very moving. That man is so honourable and kind. Someone who is not a weak sissy but who purposely decides to love. This part of the book also depicts the cruelty of the English (read British) against the Irish. It seems Britain managed to loose the USA and Ireland because of the callous behaviour towards its own subjects there. Something we have to remember when treating other people. And although the Easter Rising part of the novel is very pro-revolutionaries in this part of the story also the cruelty of burning down estates with English owners in it is mentioned and frowned upon and made clear that certain people would make use of the situation to do their own evil under a flag of revolution.

The present day story is about two cousins who apparently featured in an earlier novel as well. One I did not read and also did not miss. It is about broken hearts and about cancer. Maybe because I had cancer the shaving of the hair etc. did not leave that much of an impression although I have to admit that the scene where the news is told had me freshly in tears. This part of the novel is more a discovering of the mysteries of the past and showing a now peaceful Ireland then a full story to me.

I liked the book. It is well written and also well researched. It is a good way to get to introduced to Irish history.

I got swept up in this story filled with history intertwined with romance and fighting for what was right. The three storylines are occasionally difficult to keep straight, especially at first. It made me wonder if they were all completely necessary, but overall they tell a beautiful tale.
I have to say that I was completely ignorant about Ireland's history before reading this book and felt like I learned a great deal about the sacrifices people have incurred in their long fight for freedom.
My favorite storyline was that of Issy, I felt as if I were right in the middle of things with her and the others. Cambron's vivid descriptions are what make this book shine above others.
I look forward to the final book in this series to discover what new treasures she has to share.

I would like the thank the author and publisher for giving me a digital ARC of this title via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars - I was earlier given an ARC of Cambron's first book in the lost castle series and fell in love with it and with her writing. She is a great writer of historical fiction, a genre I am really fond of when done well. I loved the lost castle and passed it on to family and friends. I was so excited to receive the second book in the series and to continue on with the characters. I found this title to be a little slower to get in to. It is told in three different narratives from three different time periods. Each storyline was interesting and well written on its own and I enjoyed seeing how they also tied in with one another. I think the tri-narration was what made it a little slow for me to get into though. Most chapters jumped to a different character and time when I'd find myself just getting into one of the stories. I was enjoying the book though and wanted to continue reading even if I wasn't devouring it as quickly as I had the first title. As the book progressed and I had time to learn more about each character, I found myself more and more involved and interested. I preferred some time periods and characters over others, but still enjoyed each story and was quite happy with the ending as each story came together. I'd highly recommend this author to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and also wants to avoid any foul language. These are clean reads that you can pass on to friends and family without any hesitation- I am even recommending them to my teenage daughter.

Once again Kristy Cambron has proven herself to be a stellar writer. She has never failed to pull me out of my present day circumstances and fully immerse me in another time and place. Castle on the Rise is set largely on the Ashford Manor Estate in Ireland in 1798, 1916, and present day. Cambron masterfully weaves together the stories of Maeve Ashford, Lady Isolde Byrne and Laine Forrester. Each lady's story is linked to Ashford Manor, each holds both heartache and victory. Their stories help readers to see that God is not absent in our pain, nor is He indifferent to our questions. Our trust in Him in spite of our pain and questions both pleases Him and brings us peace. While our own stories may not include castles, like these three ladies we do not have to wait for a fairy tale ending before we experience joy. Joy can be found as we walk in faith with God and with those whom He places in our paths through whatever life puts before us.

Cambron's diligent research and personal experience with the setting of this story take us to periods in Ireland's tumultuous history that demonstrate the chasm that existed between Protestants and Catholics and between the English and the Irish. We meet both men and women that are willing to make great sacrifices for what they believe in, willing to dig in and do the hard work of standing up for what they believe is right. Cambron develops characters that readers will hold dear, will root for, and may even cry for. Her dialogue was not only well written, but I found it impossible to read without an Irish brogue playing mentally in my head.

I highly recommend Castle on the Rise and, for those who have not read it, The Lost Castle, the first book in the series. I received a complimentary copy of Castle on the Rise from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Title: Castle on the Rise
Author: Kristy Cambron
Genre: Historical fiction.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Laine Forrester is in France for her best friend’s fairytale wedding—and to forget about her own failed marriage. But her friend’s devastating diagnosis takes Laine’s mind off her own problems, and she agrees to return to Ireland with her friend and new family. There, she finds an empty castle filled with treasures and a family who won’t even speak to each other, but everything she needs may just be in Ireland.

This story is actually three different stories in three separate timelines, and I loved all three of them! The troubles in Ireland are a sad subject, but the author does a good job capturing the emotions in the situations—as well as the hope. This is well-written and full of vibrant characters and settings I’d love to see!

Kristy Cambron is an award-winning author. Castle on the Rise is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Thomas Nelson via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)

I loved the first book in this series,The Lost Castle, and was so excited to read the next book. To find that Ellie and Quinn, were included, was a bonus. Like the last book, this story was also about three strong women, Issy, Maeve, and Laine. I read this pretty quick, with the ending of each chapter, I couldn't wait to come back to that time period again. Loved it!

Oh, how I wish I could be sitting on the shores of the Emerald Isle as I read this gripping love story. Laine came to share in her best friend's fairy tale, having no idea she was about to experience her very own. The characters, the castle, the scenery, the history all created a sense of being present and never wanting to leave. I love how Kristy masterfully weaves multiple stories together with seamless transitions. A beautiful follow up to The Lost Castle, although magical enough to stand on its own if needed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

My Thoughts: I've been looking forward to the next Lost Castle novel, and I was not disappointed. In fact, I found it a treat to revisit with book one's couple, Ellie and Quinn, and I loved that the old couple wasn't the main focus of the new story although we do get to see how their lives are progressing. 
The vivid landscape described throughout the novel was certainly a high point. While my personal tastes are to have a little less description, Cambron's talent here cannot be denied. She really does paint a pretty picture with words. 
I only wish the spiritual content was as vivid. For me, that was the one area that I felt was lacking. The contemporary storyline, in particular, felt undone in terms of a spiritutal conclusion. But perhaps we'll see more growth for Laine in the third book. And I do have to point out the many mentions of pubs and having a pint of Guinness. As a dry Baptist, this was a bit off-putting for me. But I will say that none of the characters were ever seen drunk. But the pub and the pub owners were prominent characters in two of the timelines.  
Ahhh and the timelines!! I'm a historian at heart and I adore dual timelines. Cambron lovingly crafted three separate timelines around the same key locations and families. Both of the historical threads featured war or uprisings so they were often action packed. She gained my attention early on and kept it the whole way. Each moment in history felt authentic and rare. I didn't know much Irish history, so I felt like the chosen eras were lesser known, but they quickly felt like home. For me, it's the historical aspect that really made the story shine and why I gladly give it 5 stars. 
Rating and Recommendation: I recommend it to those looking for Irish Historical novels, dual timelines, lovely castles, or Christian Historical fiction. And I'm giving it 5 stars and eagerly await the conclusion of the series. 

~ I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own.

Having read and loved several of Kristy Cambron's books in the past I was excited to read this one, even more so once I found it was set in Ireland aka one of my very favorite places to read about! I love time-slip novels, but to be honest I was a little nervous at first that I would find it difficult to keep up with the three different time periods, but I needn't have worried! Kristy wove them all together beautifully and there was never any confusion about which timeline I was reading.
This one gave me all the feels! I was swept away into the world of this book from the first page and hated to leave! I have come to expect a stunning, vivid, heart-touching read from this author and Castle on the Rise was no exception, this book took me on a journey and I loved every second of it! I absolutely loved all three timelines, but I think Issy's POV from 1916 might be my favorite.
This is definitely one for the keeper shelf, and I anticipate rereading it in the future! Even though it is book two in the series I feel it can absolutely stand alone, I have not read the first book but had no problem following this one. I most definitely recommend Castle on the Rise, this is one that fans of Christian historical and time-slip novels will not want to miss.
(4 Stars!)


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

Kristy Cambron has penned a remarkable masterpiece in Castle on the Rise. The old castle and the streets of Dublin serve as a stunning backdrop to three stories that are united by a common thread of strength and fortitude. Cambron's attention to historical detail is apparent in her stories that are set during the Irish Rebellion of 1798 and the Easter Rising of 1916, of which I knew very little.

In most split time stories, I find I do not care for the contemporary story-line as much as the historical ones, however I would be hard picked to choose a favorite. Cambron has given us three strong women who find their courage in the midst of hardship. I found the theme of how we face the battles that come into our lives with strength and tenacity to be the unifying thread that pulled all three stories together. They found their strength in their love for family and country and in their faith in God. Be prepared to reach for a tissue as you read these stories of courage, healing from brokenness and most of all, hope.

Kristy Cambron remains one of my favorite authors, a master storyteller who challenges me through her stories, stories that inspire her readers to rise above life's battles, drawing strength that is anchored in our faith in God.

A couple of my favorite quotes:
"God is not absent in our pain. Nor is He indifferent to our questions. He's only ever as far as we turn our back an' walk away from Him."

" the rain always stops, just not in the moment we may want it to. So like God. His plan, our timin'."

"If we're taught anythin' after all this madness, it should be to fight for the deepest convictions we hold."

" But there's something about dreams that don't need fairy-tale endings to make life beautiful. We can still have the happy endings while we stand up to the sad."


I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley and the author/publisher through CelebrateLit. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Castle on the Rise, the second book in the Lost Castle series, takes place in Ireland and bridges three time periods (1700s to present day.) It shares the emotional battles of three women and the ties that bind them together.

I’ve visited Ireland several times and love the rich culture. Kristy Cambron captures this beautifully with strong research, respect, and empathy. I connected with each story, but Maeve and Eonin stole the show (in my heart, anyway!)

With themes of faith and forgiveness, the stories within Castle on the Rise are powerful and memorable. I sometimes found myself tangled between the stories, and wished I could stay present with each story a bit longer, but my interest never waned.

Author: Kristy Cambron
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pages: 384
Opening Line: Fairy-tale weddings never included rain on the guest list.
I received a review copy from BookLook (and NetGalley.) Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I've read Kristy Cambron books before this and loved them. Her mix of historical fact and fiction makes the books interesting. I discovered this series and had to check it out. I was not disappointed. I was a little leery of the three different stories but Cambron did it with easy and it was not confusing at all. I highly recommend reading the first book before reading this one otherwise you will be lost.

So very good and I can't wait to read the third book!

First, is that cover not breathtakingly beautiful? When I saw this cover back last summer I just wanted to walk right into the cover and camp there. Which is exactly what this story does. It transports you to Dublin, Ireland into three different time periods. Present day, the revolutionary era of the late eighteenth century, and Easter week of the 1916 Rising. Ms. Cambron weaves these time periods together seamlessly.

I am not even going to attempt to choose a favored heroine. Each were crafted just beautifully. And the hero's, who couldn't fall in love with a pirate? Each of the romances were swoon-worthy and the setting they were crafted in fit them.

I have been a huge fan of Kristy Cambron's since The Butterfly and the Violin. Her writing just gets better with each book and her research is phenomenal!

I literally knew nothing about the historical time periods in this novel but I walked away with understanding of the time periods, which is just one reason I love historical fiction.

I highly recommend this novel. I do recommend that you read the first book, The Lost Castle just because you'll understand the story better.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in association with Ms. Cambron's street team. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Laine Forrester travels to France for her long-time friends wedding, fully expecting a fairy tale. What she finds, instead, is a crumbling life for her friend. In an effort to help the bridge, Laine travels to the groom's family home and is drawn into a mystery and secrets that open her mind and heart.

Flipping back and forth between three timelines, and set along Ireland's emerald shores, Kristy Cambron has created a world that seamless weaves between the eras and captures the heart of the reader.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

A story about three different women facing a variety of challenges during three different time periods centered around a castle near Dublin. I appreciated that none of the challenges had easy answers and enjoyed reading about the secrets that were revealed as time went on.