"Ireland has a million pasts an' even more stories. Ye stay long enough … ye learn them all."

Castle on the Rise, the second book in the Lost Castle series, is a story of rebellion replete with spirit of courage, unity and sacrifice that transcends through the centuries where the pivotal connection in these generations is the ruins of Castle Chryn in County Wicklow, Ireland. The story is told back and forth in three different timelines: 1797 - Irish Rebellion of 1798; 1915 - Easter Rising of 1916; present time, and narrated from the POVs of Lady Maeve Ashford, Lady Isolde Byrne and Lorraine Forrester.

This is a soul-stirring tale and I thoroughly enjoyed the mellifluous and elegant prose against the lush green and rugged cliffside of the beautiful Ireland. Cambron is certainly one talented writer! The atmospheric writing is spellbinding! Undeniably, it is a well-researched book with many references made to historical places and figures. However, I do feel that this book fell slightly short compared to the first book. The thread that binds these timelines together in the end is rather loose and honestly I could not see the real connection. While there is a spiritual thread weaving throughout the story, again it was not solid or pellucid. The strength and faith of the protagonists lean towards faith in self than faith and trust in the almighty God.

That being said, this book is still a wonderful addition to the series. I enjoyed it for the beautiful prose and atmospheric writing but was somewhat disappointed with the dissonant storytelling that was not woven flawlessly.


***I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed in this review are my own and was not influenced by the author, publisher or any third party.***

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I feel like everyone always has such exciting answers to this question. I mean, it probably helps if you've actually ever been anywhere. That marks the regulars off the list - London, Paris, Vegas, New York. But me? I've never been anywhere. And my answer to that question is always the same.

Ireland.

So you can imagine my excitement when my favourite author - Kristy Cambron - introduced her ARC of her new book during my favourite season - autumn - set in my favourite place - Ireland. I've had the privilege of following Kristy since she debuted her first novel, and reading each one of her amazing books as they come out, reviewing many of them as I do now. And I can honestly say, while all of her books are fantastic, Kristy took my breath away with this one!!

Castle on the Rise is a cinematic literary piece that spans three eras -the revolutionary era of the late eighteenth century, Ireland's turbulent Easter week of the 1916 Rising, and present day - in a lush, Irish setting that captivates and convicts all at the same time! As I've said in previous reviews, I'm usually not a fan of books that span more than one storyline, particularly if the storylines are in different time eras. But Cambron delivers yet again and skillfully weaves all three together, characters coming alive by themselves, each story heart-gripping and thought-provoking. Castle on the Rise not only enthralls the reader with a delightful setting, deep characters, and historically accurate events, but it also provides a worthwhile commentary on fairytale idealism and conscious reality. In 1798, 1916 and 2018 - the journey that each of Cambron's characters take in digging their heels in for their convictions is a journey that all of us can relate to. While we may dream and fancy the fairytale, we recognize reality and we must come to terms what is most important. As one of Kristy's characters puts it so beautifully, "Fairy tales were never really about a perfect end to a story. It’s the day-by-day living it that counts. I like that scenario better anyway. At least it’s real.”

This book is an amazing read and necessary commentary on the convictions that lie underneath our farytale-dreaming heads. So much love, Kristy! Thank you for not only giving us a glimpse of everyday fairytales, but encouraging us to dig in our heels and fight for our day-to-day magic. [I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]

Ms. Cambron does it again with her latest novel! She writes beautiful, intertwining stories that each come together to make the story whole. This novel examines three different generations. Each story alone is interesting and keeps the reader wanting to know more, but together gives you a bigger picture. There are three different women in each of the stories who are strong and courageous. Each have different backgrounds and problems and each will learn more about themselves throughout the book. There are many lessons to be learned as you read this story and it does not disappoint. I enjoyed the historical aspect of this story as well. I highly recommend this story!!!! You will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

Wow! Three stories alternating back and forth, each keeping my interest until the end! I thought the history was interesting and her descriptions very good. I love her books!!

I have long enjoyed Mrs Cambron's novels. Her approach to Christianity and her writing is a breath of fresh air. The storyline inside of the book is one that I never imagined possible but I loved every second of the time I spent inside of it. It helps that I follow Mrs Cambron on social media and I love how she documented her families research trip to Ireland. I feel I can sense the love and respect she has for the locations described. I simply cant wait for the next book in this series but it is a bittersweet anticipation as I hope she continues writing the series beyond the third installment. I cannot urge you enough to pick up this book and the first book The Lost Castle or any of Mrs Cambron's other novels as well!

Castle on the Rise is book 2 in the Lost Castle series. I did not read book 1, Lost Castle. I do think that if you know about book 1 you will benefit from reading it first, but it is not necessary.

This book is written in 3 different time periods, present day, early 1900's and late 1700's. The periods are well researched and each group of characters are well written. While each time period's main focus is on the Castle on the Rise in Ireland, the character stories surrounding the castle is pretty darn good.

The book has a bit of war/revolution and a bit of romance. You can't go wrong with all that.

Many thanks to netgalley and Thomas Nelson for this advanced readers copy.

Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron is the second book in the series A Lost Castle. This book is well researched historical fiction heavy on Irish history but pleasantly romantic also. Her book tells the stories in three time periods, of three families and their lives in joy and in sorrow. Excellent characters and enjoyed learning about the conflicts between the Irish and British. Looking forward to her next book in this series The Painted Castle. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. My thanks to the author, the publisher and netgalley for making this book available for me to read, enjoy and review.

The first book in the Castle series, The Lost Castle was one of my top twelve books of 2018. I've been waiting for the second book, Castle on the Rise, to release ever since.

It takes a lot of talent to write a dual timeline, but a triple timeline takes extraordinary talent and Kristy Cambron has just that. From the very first lines I was drawn in by Kristy's lyrical turn of a phrase. Her lush descriptions of scenic Ireland, her fascinating historical accounts of both the eighteenth and twentieth century, and her insightful understanding into the inner workings of relationships and painful pasts, all combine to deliver a compelling story that held me captivated until the very end. Kristy's stories are always so thought-provoking I find myself pondering them long past the last page.

Castle on the Rise is another breathtaking jewel of a journey from the inspired pen of Kristy Cambron. I'm looking forward to the third book in this series, The Painted Castle. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Ne!son through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in the review are completely my own.

This was a really great read. The story follows three women in three different points in time. It's really well done. I usually find these multiple storyline books to be hard to follow or that with lots of holes in the story. I however didn't find that with this book at all. And this one has three storylines! The stories all flow well and keep you engaged and wanting to know more about what happens. Each story connects to the others and it all wraps together seamlessly. I really enjoyed this book and will look forward to reading others by this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are 100% completely my own.

This was a great book by Kristy Cambron. It is book 2 in the series. The story changes time periods which makes it interesting as you "travel" in time.

Ireland sounds beautiful to me as I read the descriptive writings she has shared. Having never been to this country, I would definitely want to visit now.

The storyline was excellent and I really enjoyed it. Will continue reading books from this author!

I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I didn't realize when I requested this book that it was by the same author of a couple books I read and loved. I hadn't read book one, but that didn't seem to matter. I thought it read like a stand alone book. Ireland has always been a place i want to visit, and the descriptions of the countryside are so beautifully descriptive I almost felt like I was there. The book jumps between three times periods and the lives of three different women and each was so interesting I couldn't wait to find out what happened next.

Yet another enthralling read by one of my favorite historical fiction authors. This one did not disappoint at all! Weaving 3 stories in from different eras this book kept me engaged until the very end. I always find with her books that their is one of the stories I like the best and this one was no exception but they all were so good!
Having been to Dublin recently I could just picture all of the events of the Easter Rising which I learned about while there, still though it was nice having my memories refreshed and I loved that storyline!
Utterly engaging and so well written this book was amazing

Once again I am undecided on what to say about Kristy's Castle On The Rise. I love this author. Whatever she writes I want to read. She is such an incredible story teller.

I read the first book in this Lost Castle series and could not wait for the next one to come out. I was thrilled when it continued with some of the same characters. Yet, we get to meet more of this interesting family. With all of Kristy's books, this one was no different, once I start the first page, I have a hard time putting them down. She intertwines contemporary and historical stories in such a flawless way.

I am a push over for castles and Ireland, so for me this was a must read. This author has such an ability for making a setting come to life. At times I felt like I was right there. Get this book, I do not think you will be disappointed.

I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. The opinions expressed here in this review are my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was excited for this one, having gone to Europe several times and loving Ireland the most.

I didn’t realize that this was a 2nd book in the series and with that it did have me struggling through a bit, with the characters, and having the three stories come together.
I did love the authors ability to describe the landscape and give the reader a feeling of being there.

This book is set in 3 different time periods...the revolutionary era of the late 18th century, Easter week of the 1916 Rising, and present day. For any fan of historical fiction, this has it all, with a story where faith is tested and choices have to be made. It brings together 3 women across the centuries with stories of their own and a castle wherein secrets and mysteries abound.

In 2018 as Laine Forrester accompanies her friend Ellie to the chapel to get married, she imagines her friend's life to become something of a fairy tale, hiding her own disappointments, a broken marriage...not willing to disillusion Ellie on the day of her wedding. But fairy tales are just that, they are not realistic, and reality is just around the corner.

With a flashback to Dublin in 1915, we see a country ready to explode, rebellion is taking hold. Honor McGinn had a secret she no longer could hold, the fact that she was attacked by an English soldier and she was pregnant. Yet it was Honor's fiance Rory and his sister Issy's resolve to join the rebellion to free Ireland that made this section of the novel as interesting as it was. Breaking away from their English family set them on a course that tore away at the fabric that binds them.

December 1797 in County Wicklow we find Maeve Ashford apprehending what she thought was a smuggler on her castle's property...not just any smuggler but an Irish Catholic. Maeve was English Protestant. Despite their differences as he was wounded she decides to bring him back to the castle, supposedly for one night before she could get him arrested. But he was no smuggler she finds out, he had come to Wicklow to free Ireland and in the midst of that task had been wounded on castle grounds.

It always comes back to the castle!

I'd like to say that reading this novel was "craic" yet there is nothing about the trials, the blood and lives lost in these rebellions that was fun! The writing of this book was superb, the characters absorbing and the research excellent. To go into any further description of what takes place would not be fair to others who wish to read this. It was excellent and highly recommended. Ireland is a place of beauty, with its green hills, its charming villages and welcoming people. All this I have been told or have read about, some day I would like to visit, to be sure!

My thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I adore Kristy Cambron's lyrical writing style. It flows well and her stories jump off the imagination and into the world. With her first novel in this series, The Lost Castle, I had a hard time with the three different time frames and point of views. They didn't really mesh well together. I believe Cambron was the first person I have read that has conquered such a feat. But with Castle on the Rise, I knew what to expect so the novel flowed easier.
Yes, this novel does feature three different point of views in three different time periods, but like I mentioned earlier, I was prepared for this and I think it worked better this time around. I had no problem waiting to see how the three storylines would intertwine. I knew they would, but I had to wait until Cambron showed me. The story appeared more balanced with the heroines. They showed their strengths in each other.
As for the plot, I really think the story shined a lot more this time. I loved the idea of the Irish rebellion that has occurred for over two hundred years. I enjoyed seeing how important each of the three heroines were to the rebellion from the beginning to the present. I flew through the story, and I couldn't wait to see how Cambron would tie them all together.
The romance occurred in all three timelines but nothing was too forced on the characters. I was lost in the treasure hunt in the present timeline and lost in the fight for Irish independence in the past two timelines. The romance appeared to flow naturally from the struggling, yet heroic females.
I don't remember much of a spiritual thread to the story. If there was one, it didn't jump out at me as the most important aspect of the novel. So if you don't want a story that preaches at you, then this might be the book for you. Cambron just informs the reader about the Irish Rebellion, which I enjoyed.
Overall, Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron definitely rose from the ashes and made me take notice. This time around, the three time periods flowed better and made more sense. I can't wait to read Cambron's final installment in this series. Fans of Melanie Dobson, Rachel Hauck, and Cambron's other works might enjoy this novel too.
I received a complimentary copy of Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Castle on the Rise absorbed me into 3 different time periods and 3 different worlds, there was a smooth transition between the 3 time frames and it was a good balance between 3 women and their stories. I liked the present day story the best since I could personally relate to Laine and her best friend. There was so much in the different relationships, again the bonds of the present day between brothers, between best friends, and between a mother and daughter, moved me the most. This is a fantastic book and great as well if you are a fan of Kate Morton and other authors that bridge the past and present.

I had a hard time putting this book down. Cambron has done an amazing job at taking historical events, weaving in fictional characters, and producing a story that moves smoothly. When I read her first book in this series, The Lost Castle, I had a hard time keeping the 3 stories straight, mostly due to the face that each story line jumped around in time. This time, Cambron keeps each of the 3 stories moving chronologically, and I was able to keep track, enjoying the overall story much more. The portrayal of various relationships is thought-provoking – fathers and daughters, fathers and sons, brothers, siblings, lovers past and present. I found this book not to be shallow and fluffy, but deep, wise and moving. I highly recommend The Castle on the Rise.

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