This is a read that begs you to take the time to just soak in the atmosphere and the words that appear in front of you, because they're not just words. Ms. Cambron arranges them so artistically that you’re transported to the magical world of Ireland and all that it inspires.

Set in three time-periods, Ms. Cambron takes you on an adventure. I must admit that the present day timeline was my favorite. How could it not be with a hero such as Cormac. He might even be my favorite Cambron hero with his quiet ways and understanding heart.

But the other heroes are nothing to sneeze at. A pirate? A vicar? Each man in his own way leaves a mark on his heroine and a memory for the reader.

But let me not forget about the heroines. Each woman finds her way. Finds her strength rest on the power of God and the opportunities He lays before us.

Castle on the Rise is a story worth reading, dreaming, and passing on to a friend.

*I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.

Spanning three generations, Castle on the Rise transports readers to the gorgeous emerald fields of Ireland, telling the stories of courageous characters in the midst of rebellion, heartbreak, and healing.

There’s a special place in my heart for Ireland, and while this wasn’t my favorite novel by Cambron, I still really liked the book. Some of the characters were hard to relate to and the book’s pace was a little slow in places. Despite this, there were characters that I did really like and it was interesting to learn more about Ireland’s history through this novel, as it covers bits of history not often featured in Christian fiction.

My favorite storyline would probably be Issy and Sean’s during the 1916 Easter Rising. I really like that time period and I found Issy to be a noble heroine. She was so brave and an admirable character. While at times Mayve and Eoin’s story was a little harder to follow, I liked the characters and admired their fearlessness. I couldn’t really connect with Laine much. I don’t really know why, but she was a hard character for me to like. I did like Cormac, though, and regard him as one of my favorite Cambron heroes.

All in all, I think Castle on the Rise is a nice addition to The Lost Castle series. If you love historical fiction, I would recommend giving this book a try.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book.

It was an enjoyable read, although I can't say it was a favourite. It's the second novel in a series, and I am now sure if my just OK opinion of the book had to do with not having read the first novel.

The story starts with the present day, in Ireland, and then it adds two other, one from 1916 and one from 1797/98, both past points of view presenting the actions of those who fought for Ireland's freedom. I knew almost nothing about Ireland's past, except from what I learned from other novels, so the historical aspect was welcome. However, I had to google a lot of information. At times the novel was too stuffed with facts and name-dropping that I felt a bit lost - who were all these people and what's so important about this date or this event in history? Thank you, Google.

There were a lot of characters and I am sure they were not mentioned in the first novel because of the three points of view [pov] in this novel, only one makes references to the first book in the series. I had to make a list of characters and what happened to each one and how they related and... let me just say that it's not fun when you have to keep a list with you to make sure you don't forget who's who. The chapters alternated between the three points of view, and that had the effect of keeping me interested in each story because most of the time a chapter ended with a (small-ish) cliff-hanger. I can't say which point of view was the best, but together they worked just fine. Until about halfway into the novel I had no idea how exactly they interconnected, but it made sense in the end.

Towards the end I felt like I had spent too much with the book, and I was eager to read it already. Not because it wasn't good, but because I just wanted the novel to end. For the most part I was sure there'll be a happy end on all three levels.

I reckon this is intended for a Christian audience, however I kept forgetting that. If what you're after is a historical Christian romance I am not sure this is the book for you. There is beer and drinking, and although the pub is presented as a vital part of Ireland's life I can't help but think that a pub is not a Christian place. As for the three romantic relationships, one for each POV, they were OK, albeit not as innocent as Christian standards suggest is best. There are few mentions of God, and when any of the characters reference to Him it's in an inspirational way, not very deep. It's like an afterthought just to remind the reader that this is, in fact, a Christian story.

A fine read, full of info, it made me step a bit outside my usual historical fiction box. And for a book to make me google something because I am curious is something!

I love when stories span multiple time periods, especially when an author ties them together as beautifully as Cambron does in Castle on the Rise. Laine is a compelling heroine and I was so invested in the mysteries and challenges she was trying to piece through, past and present. I really enjoyed Cambron’s writing style and look forward to reading more from her in the future!

Having previous read Lost Castle, I knew that Castle on the Rise was going to be an enjoyable book. . Once again Cambron combines stories from three different time periods, but this time the stories are set in Ireland. Two of the three are historical stories which focus on the conflict between the Irish and English and to some extent Protestants and Catholics. Cambron does an excellent job of presenting the historical details, dialect, and other details to ensure each setting is portrayed accurately. The three stories are also connected beyond the castle locale, but the exact connections do not become apparent until near the end of the book. Even then, the connections are not explicitly explained and I found myself wishing I had a family tree to consult or a afterword which explained the connections more specifically.

As this story is a sequel, reading Lost Castle is recommended in order to fully take in the nuances of the story. However, individuals who have not read the first book will be able to understand the plot easily as only the portion of the story told in the present day connects to the first book in the series. This series is published by a Christian publishing house. The book was very clean and appropriate in terms of language and relationships, but did not emphasize salvation.

I was awarded a copy of Castle on the Rise (part 2 in the Lost Castle series) by new-to-me author Kristy Cambron. This book takes place in three eras of Ireland’s riveting history (present, early 20th century, and the 1700s.) It was not a time travel tale. It was a story of resilience, independence, family drama, love, loss, faith, and conviction.


The lives of the characters from each era were twined together in a remarkable tale detailing the struggles of Irish history and rebellions. Each setting was tied together through family trees and national loyalties, with the basis of the interactions focusing on a historical estate and neighbourhood pub. I found it fascinating and emotional to read.

It wasn’t an easy book to read – I put it down between chapters much more often than I usually do. This wasn’t due to boredom so much as just needing to let my mind change track between the different eras. The romance was clean and sweet, the troubles and trials daunting.

The modern characters weren’t as well developed (in my opinion), but it was a colourful novel that makes me want to pack my bags and catch the next flight to the Emerald Isle. Ths historical elements were beautifully written in vivid detail. It piqued my interest in so much more than the landscapes of this beautiful country. I want to know more about her history, culture, and people’s fierce pride and independence. Women were the unsung heroes of this tale.

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

Published by Thomas Nelson; Publication Date – 05 Feb 2019

I enjoyed each of the three stories included in this book. Laine was the focus of the current day story - searching an old castle to catalog its contents in preparation for disposal. Issy lived in the castle in the early 1900's - she participated in the Irish fight for independence in 1916. Maeve was lady of the castle in the late 1700's - at a time of unrest between Catholics and Protestants. Kristy Cambron chose to alternate the stories every third chapter, this made the book a little difficult to follow at times. There were times I needed to flip back to an earlier chapter to be reminded of where we left the characters. I would have preferred a book of three consecutive novellas. While there were not many "foreign" terms included in the book, it would have been nice to have a glossary or listing of those terms and their meanings.  These preferences aside, Kristy Cambron created characters who are well-developed and ones the reader will come to love and care about.  Each of the three stories shared the place of setting - the castle and a pub - while the time of setting was many years apart. It doesn't become apparent until the final chapters of the book just how the three stories are related, other than their place. The stories left me with a desire to learn more about each of the three stories - to have them continue so I could learn what happened between them.
janemouttet.wordpress.com - will be live on Feb. 19

Castle on the Rise is the second installment from the Lost Castle series by Kristy Cambron. I didn’t realize this when I started reading the book. I thought it was a good read, but found myself a little lost at the beginning until all the different time periods were revealed. It takes the reader to three eras set in Ireland, including present day, eighteenth century revolutionary, and the Irish Easter Rebellion in 1916. I liked how the author brought the vision of what it was like in Ireland in those times. Her historical details were quite vivid and really drew you in. There were some conflicts and I felt myself on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen. I am not sure I will go back and read the first one from this series, it just wasn't totally for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Thomas Nelson for the free review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Kristy Cambron is a must read author for me...This enchanting story is rich in history, full of life and characters that will remain with you for a long time after you read the last page. Savor this novel yourself.

Castle on the Rise is the latest from Kristy Cambron. You will be introduced to Laine Forrester when she is traveling with her daughter Cassie to attend her dear friend Ellie's wedding at the Sleeping Beauty's castle in France. After the wedding, Laine joins Ellie and her new husband as they travel to Ireland to help his brother Cormac deal with some family business!

You will soon find yourself bouncing between three different time settings: present day, the year 1915, and finally, the year 1797. You will see Cormac and his former family members deal with some very difficult life circumstances!

As you race through the pages to learn how these difficulties are finally resolved, there may be some tears and heartache. However, you will see God at work in each and every place!


I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review.

In present time, Laine and her daughter Cassie have come to Europe for Ellie’s wedding, but then agree to stay on longer when Ellie asks Laine to come to Ireland with them while Quinn and his brother Cormac deal with the sudden inheritance of an old castle. Both women are dealing with unexpected challenges in their lives and the brothers are working around old wounds while trying to figure out why Molly Byrne left Castle Chryn and the Ashford estate to them.

In the spring of 1916 Lady Isolde Byrne, daughter of Lord and Lady Chryn, finds herself, her friends, and her family distracted not only by the war in Europe, the plight of her friend Honor, and by rumblings in Dublin as people start making waves to declare Ireland a free land. With ties to both the English and the Irish, Issy must choose where her heart lies, whether she should stay at the family estate or venture to Dublin, and how involved she and her camera should be in the events unfolding on Easter of 1916.

In the winter of 1797-1798 Maeve Ashford finds the welfare of the Ashford estate and the attached village falling to her shoulders during a turbulent time as Catholics and Protestants, English and Irish are at bitter ends. The Ashfords are English, but Maeve’s heart feels a bit Irish too. When a stranger turns up one Christmas eve under mysterious circumstances and looking like an enemy, but needing help, Maeve finds her life changed forever by an act of kindness and mercy.

Like Cambron’s first book in this series, this one divides its time between three time periods linked by one castle and family lines. This time we’re in Ireland instead of France. All three time periods involve stories of people in different kinds of turbulent times trying to find peace. All three involve a strong lead woman and end up involving a romantic interest for her. But from there all three are different stories linked by a common place (the Ashford estate which includes a manor house and the ruins of Castle Chryn) and two families. The book rotates between the time periods a chapter at a time, and the mysteries that the modern characters are trying to solve about the contents of the manor and why Molly Byrne would leave her estate to the Foley family are slowly revealed as you read all three story lines together. It is tactful and complicated writing in two ways. First of all, to wind all three stories together in a way that works takes a bit of planning and forethought, and second, to write three separate stories in just under 400 pages that each feels to have enough substance to stand on its own and include many well-rounded characters readers come to care for takes talent. It’s impressive. I liked each of the story lines for different qualities. Maeve was probably my favorite heroine for her character and trying to do what’s right and honorable and bridge peace between two groups who have been told for ages that they are bitter enemies. I also hadn’t read much about Ireland during this time period so that was interesting as well. I liked Issy’s story for the depth of historic research it employs as Cambron recreates an important historic moment in Ireland’s bid for freedom (which I really wasn’t all that familiar with before but from the author’s notes seems to have been brought to life quite well). And I liked Laine’s story in the present as we still get to spend some time with Ellie and Quinn (main characters from the 1st book in this series) but also get to know Laine better, watch her heal, and I enjoyed following her, Cassie, and Cormac around while they got to know Dublin and Irish slang (well, Laine and Cassie learned, Cormac showed them) while puzzling out the mysteries of the estate. Highly recommended to historical fiction fans, contemporary fiction fans, clean Christian romance fans (there are light faith elements scattered throughout), fans of well-researched and well-thought-out writing, and light mystery fans.

Notes on content [Based on the ARC]: No language issues. Issy’s friend Honor was “attacked” and is now pregnant and trying to figure out how best to help her is part of the plot. Attacked is the only word used, there are no details of this event beyond that she came home with a black eye and some bruises one night and later discovers she is pregnant. The 1797 and 1916 stories both involve violent clashes between the English and the Irish. Deaths and injuries result in both. Some are just stated that they happened, for the most part a lot is accomplished with hints and vague statements letting readers’ imaginations fill in the gaps. So even though there are many deaths mentioned and the weight, horror, and seriousness of that is conveyed, there really aren’t many gory details spelled out.

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

Lovely story of faith over three timelines. I'd not read the first book so this was a standalone for me and that was just fine. Cambon has created three sets of wonderful characters in 1798, 1916, and today, all periods of change in Ireland. The setting - a castle- wow. It can be a little challenging to follow where the threads are going but trust that they will come together. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

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

This story is 3 stories in one—present day, Easter Rising of 1916, and late 1790s. There are 3 strong heroines, but my favorite was Maeve. Ireland’s independence was a major theme – set against the background of a ruined castle. It was interesting to see how Cambron tied the 3 stories together in the end—although it felt a little abrupt. A solid book #2 in the Lost Castle series.

The Easter Rising, also known as the Easter Rebellion, was an armed insurrection in Ireland during Easter Week, April 1916. The Rising was launched by Irish nationalists seeking to end British rule in Ireland. Britain had controlled Ireland for some 700 years, in ways disadvantageous and cruel to the Irish Catholics.

It came 118 years after the unsuccessful rebellion of 1798, the first armed action of Irish revolutionaries.

This historical fiction romance uses three time frames, including the period of these two rebellions, as well as the present day. The three stories alternating in the book are all tied together by family, setting, and history. In addition, somewhat parallel romances characterize each period.

In the portions set during the Irish Rebellion of 1798, we learn something about the enmity between the Irish and the British, as Maeve Ashford, the Mistress of Ashford Manor since her mother’s death, becomes acquainted with Eoin O’Byrne, an Irish activist.

In 1916, we meet Issy Byrne, a would-be photojournalist who, like Maeve, is also from the Anglo-Irish aristocracy but finds herself in love with an Irish patriot.

And in the present day, Laine Forrester finds herself drawn to her best friend’s new brother-in-law, Cormac Foley, who has recently inherited a castle on the grounds of Ashford Manor.

All of the couples have to deal with the difficulties of bridging the span between two different worlds - worlds that have been characterized by much pain and sorrow.

Cambron resolves the conflicts realistically, and at the same time leaves room for expansion of their stories if she so chooses. (Apparently this book is the second of a series. I was unaware of that, but had no trouble following the story.)

Evaluation: With strong female characters and a compelling historical and geographical setting, this book has much to recommend it.

Castle on the Rise is the second installment from the Lost Castle series by Kristy Cambron. I thought this time slip to be a fabulous read. It takes the reader to three eras set in Ireland, including present day, eighteenth century revolutionary, and the Irish Easter Rebellion in 1916. As a descendant of an Irish grandmother, I found the three stories to be intriguing and fascinating. I liked how the author brought the vision of it was in Ireland in those times. Her historical details were quite vivid.
I loved Castle on the Rise and I highly recommend it. It is getting a well deserved five plus stars from me.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

Castle on the Rise is the latest time-travel masterpiece written by Kristy Cambron. It can be read as a stand alone, but is partly a continuation of Ellie and Quinn's story, which you can read about in the previous book, The Lost Castle. Three different time periods are woven together to create an intricate and intriguing plot. I loved the characters and the stories of each one so much that I found it impossible to choose a favorite. When I was reading in the present, I couldn't wait to get back to the past, and vice-versa. Set on the shores of Ireland, Castle on the Rise is a story of rebellion, courage, resilience, love and faith. Each of the heroines overcome obstacles in a battle for hope, healing and the future of Ireland. If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend reading Castle on the Rise. I will definitely be reading it again.


Castle on the Rise will be available for purchase from your local or online book retailer, February 5, 2019.

Thank you Thomas Nelson and Net Galley for the free copy of Castle on the Rise. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the ARC of Castle on the rise by Kristy Cambron. This is the 2nd book in the series which I did not realize but I forced myself to read it (I usually prefer to start at the beginning) Three stories alternating back and forth through history, 1798, 1916, modern day. I love Ireland and was recently there so looked forward to reading this. The description was great, there were lots of drinking references (ad placements?), the romance portion was nice and sweet.

In the beginning of this book I struggled a little to keep track of who was who, but very quickly I became so engrossed in the story that I didn't want to put it down. This is a beautiful story of castles, romance, and a fair amount of perseverance. I loved the way the time periods were connected and intertwined with a piano. I wish I could be a part of this in real life and spend some time with the treasures unearthed in a very special castle. Highly recommended.

Castle on the Rise
By Kristy Cambron
I will not do justice in trying to summarize the 3 stories that were so artfully weaved together in Castle on the Rise. I will, however, tell you it spans through ages of love that come together through rebellion, secrets, and tears. Ireland has a rich history and if you are interested in learning from a more romantic perspective this book will be up your ally.
When I began reading this book I was challenged by bouncing between the three different time periods. I thought that three novellas might be more appropriate but the further I read the more agonizing it was to have to move from one generation to the next. It was a great method in hooking me. It all made sense towards the end of this novel as the generations of Irish tales merged together why it was written this way.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion which I have shared here.
https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com

Castle On The Rise by Kristy Cambron is the most marvellous Christian tale of patriotism, rebellion and bravery. “Men who seek freedom must be prepared to die for it.” It is the second book in the Lost Castle series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The action is set in Ireland over three distinct periods – present day, 1916 and 1798. The chapters alternate as the reader gets a glimpse into the troubled Irish history. There is a link down the ages for the reader to follow. Traditions, history and the troubles all combine in one first class novel.
There have always been tensions between the English and Irish down the years. Ireland has been a melting pot and when it boils over, a blood shed revolution occurs. Families are torn apart as they have to choose between English roots or Irish loyalties.
Friendship is important. “Friends – they’re the family we get to choose.” Good friends support each other through thick and thin. We get to write our stories in partnership with God. “Something God was crafting behind the scenes” but our stories are ours to tell.
There is the theme of sacrificial love. Within the stories are some incredibly brave women. “Bravery could be as simple as a yes when she was at her most afraid.” These women are very much forward thinking and modern women of their time.
History needs to be documented and preserved. First it was on canvas and then there was the advent of the camera to capture moments in time.
The characters were all wonderfully drawn. They took up residence in my heart.
Kristy Cambron has mastered the art of telling a tale that captures and holds the reader’s imagination from the start. She takes historical events, weaves them into a tale and brings them to life. I love all her books and can highly recommend any and all of them.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.