I was provided a free advanced copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this story, or should I say these stories!! I loved the intertwining of three stories throughout history around a single location. Getting little snippets of the other stories gave you clues and sometimes left you with more questions! Each story had great characters that I loved getting to know. My only complaint would be that some of the conflict came up and was resolved quickly at the end, making it feel rushed without giving enough details into how it was actually resolved. Even still I would definitely recommend, although (see note below) maybe start with the first book in the series. I know they've been added to my TBR list!
Also, you're in luck! Although I got it as an ARC, it's just recently been published, so you can now get it! 🎉
NOTE: After I requested (and received) this ARC by @kristycambron from @netgalley I realized it was the third in a series. However, I didn't feel like I missed anything! After finishing I read the synopsises of the other two and realized the connections, and now want to go back and read those, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one without having read the others.
#CurlyBookReviews #2019Reads #ARCReading #ThePaintedCastle #NetGalley

The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron is so much more than just historical fiction. It is the brilliant weaving together of three separate stories into one. I am a huge fan of this author’s historical fiction because she researches thoroughly but historical facts never get in the way of the telling of a good story. This novel is amazing from beginning to end. Each story in the novel is full of deep emotion and relatable problems. The characters are each so interesting and feel so real. I absolutely adored this novel and I think it is the best in the series. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

A Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron is one of the best books I’ve ever read. Cambron is the queen of time-slip storytelling. A Painted Castle tells the story of three very unique, very strong, and very capable women from three very different time periods: 1843, 1944, and present-day. Each story is expertly crafted, so much so they could be excellent standalone stories, but in Cambron’s hands, these three stories weave into one poignant and gripping tale that has definitely left its mark on this reader’s heart. I loved every single second of this novel. I smiled, I sobbed, I cheered. I cried out in frustration and I had my heart shattered. This book ran me through the gamut of emotions! OH! And, the romance!!! Superbly written. Not one relationship felt forced or fake or trite. A Painted Castle is truly an exquisite read.

A predominant theme that runs through each storyline is the power of redemption — how no one is ever too far gone to be redeemed and made new. Elizabeth, Amelia, and Keira all go through points in their respective stories where they feel like they can’t overcome. They do all eventually realize the truth, redemption is capable for everyone who goes to Jesus Christ — but what struck me about their redemption stories is that redemption does not happen until each woman STOPS and LISTENS. Knee-jerk, emotional reactions seem to be par for humanity. It is in these highly charged moments where we make the BIG mistakes and we often say the worst things. It is only after we have removed ourselves from the situation that we realize what we said or did, and can see our part in the situation for what it really was. At this moment, we are ready to listen — to the other person in our story, to our hearts, and to God. We can see where apologies need to be made and forgiveness given or received. When we pause and take stock, when we respect the others in our stories enough to really listen to them and be heard by them, we are at a place where we can separate the wheat from the chaff so to speak and get to a real place of redemption. I love this lesson so much, and I pray that the next time I’m in a situation that has made me a little hotheaded I remember to STOP and LISTEN.

A Painted Castle is a brilliant story that I could continue to gush over for days and days. The words in this review just are not good enough to convey how amazing this novel truly is. Suffice to say, it’s superb, it’s masterful, and it’s heartbreaking. A Painted Castle is a novel I will not soon forget. I implore you to purchase a copy for yourself today. You will not be disappointed that you did!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via NetGalley and Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Kristy Cambron gifts readers with her best castle book yet. Three couples through time are tied together by Parham Hill located in Framingham, England, and a painting.

I was so invested in each of these couples. Elizabeth, Amelia, and Kierra may live in different eras, struggle with different trials, and have different life experiences, but I rooted for each one of them.
The research and artistry are impeccable, and the prose is vibrant and moving. The Painted Castle is probably my favorite in the series.

Cambron even brings the Lost Castle novels full circle in the epilogue. Believe me, you will not regret diving into this newest release.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

A mysterious painting by an unknown artist turns up at Framlingham Castle Estate in East Suffolk County in England. Keira Foley is commissioned as an Art Historian to research the history of the painting. Keira’s research takes us back through history to the Parnham Hill Estate in Framlingham in the 1840’s and to the 1940’s during World War two when the castle was home to officers from the nearby airbase and small group of children evacuated during the war.
The novel tells the story of the different people living at the Parnham Hill Estate.
It is a romance about artists and art dealers. I loved the way the story was woven around the castle and Parnham Hill Estate and the lives of the people who loved there.

In The Painted Castle, art historian Keira Foley finds herself evaluating a painting of Queen Victoria at the ancient Parham Hill Estate. While Keira works on the portrait’s authenticity, the past comes to light in the story of Amelia Woods (a World War II widow) and sketch artist Elizabeth Meade (Victorian era). Each woman’s story tells of heartache and hope as their respective stories unfold. Is the portrait a duplicate or the original masterpiece? Will Elizabeth aveng her father’s brutal murder? Can Amelia open her heart to the American pilot billeted in her estate?

Cambron interweaves the three timelines with the skill of an experienced story weaver. Each could stand alone as a novella, yet they are interconnected. Set in Victorian England, modern day, and on the homefront at the end of World War II, the three stories are skillfully written to keep the readers engaged. Cambron creates engaging characters and pens descriptive narratives about artwork and castles, as well as historical detail for the 1840s and 1940s. Although The Painted Castle can be read as a standalone, the characters from the earlier books: Lost Castle and Castle on the Rise, make an appearance.

Recommended for adult collections in public libraries as well as church libraries. Cambron’s fans will enjoy this series.

I really enjoyed this book! I like stories that follow multiple time periods and then come together at the end. This one has 3 different time periods. 1843, 1944 and present day. All are centered an English manor in East Suffolk and the mystery behind a unique painting of Queen Victoria. I enjoyed all three timelines and looked forward to each jump in each chapter. The author did a great job of portraying each time period with Victorian age, WWII and present day. There is tragedy with each generation, but also redemption and a little bit of love as well. Clean read, and extremely enjoyable. Would recommend!


Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book for my honest review.

This is book 3, and I have not read the first two yet. I did snag book 1 on sale the other day though 📚😁I didn't feel lost, but I am sure the story is much richer when reading in order.


I think the trilogy is tied together by the contemporary thread, which is the one I connected with least. I really wanted to connect, and I did enjoy Kiera. I felt like I Should have connected more here, so I will happily go back to the beginning of the series and see if that changes my perspective.


I have read books with two time periods before but this is my first time reading one with three time periods. It was quite an adventure,and I really liked how each thread connected with the others and told the history of the Painted Castle.


From Elizabeth (1840s) I had a good reminder of the danger of focusing too intently on a cause, or even a wound. It can blind you to some really important things going on right in front of you.


Amelia's (1940s) courage and generosity, as well as her heartache, drew me in on many levels. She's someone I would really want to be friends with if we lived in the same time period. Or she weren't a Storybook character. (details, details)

*I received a copy of the book from @NetGalley and choose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.

Captivating. I’ve not often used that word in a book review, but it’s the first word that came to my mind as I finished this book. This book grabbed my heart and would not let go. It’s amazing how the author was able to take the same setting in three different time periods and bring the threads of all three stories to an amazing conclusion.

This is the last book in Kristy Cambron’s “Lost Castle” series and although I’ve enjoyed the first two books, this one is my favorite of the three. All three heroines hold their own in each one of their stories, and each of their stories has an element of redemption and hope. My favorite, however, was the WWII story of Amelia and Wyatt. The loss they had both experienced and the dangers they faced from the war made for compelling reading. Of all three couples, they were the one who made me actively hoping their story was going to have a happy ending. The author shared that she had a special connection with this storyline, as she incorporated some details of her grandfather’s service during WW II.

I think this quote sums up this whole series: “Look at the beautiful castle. It’s not lost anymore, is it.? That tells me that every story can be redeemed.” Full of faith, hope, and love, the author shares the viewpoint that redemption is there when we turn and seek for it.

You can read this book without having read the other two books and still enjoy it. However, I’d recommend the whole series. I’m a little sad that it’s finished, but happy to know that I can go back and read it again.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

What an enthralling read! I feel as though I got the best of THREE worlds with this story—contemporary, WWII, and Victorian. Each setting had its own tone, largely thanks to the different dynamics between the main characters, but the story was bound together as a whole by Cambron’s beautifully weighted prose, rich characterisation, and the gradually unfolding mystery of the painting of Queen Victoria.

Each of the three settings held my attention equally. I loved the slightly Gothic feel to the Victorian setting as Lady Elizabeth Meade prepares to marry a man her mother has chosen for her—a man who has a sinister connection to Elizabeth’s past. Then there was the fiery beginning to Keira and Emory’s acquaintance, which mellowed into something altogether different, even as suspicions over Emory’s past cast a shadow over their efforts to discover the story behind the painting. And finally, the poignancy of Amelia and Wyatt’s story, set against the backdrop of WWII. So much delicious and varied emotional tension!

It could even be argued there’s a kind of literary chiaroscuro effect in the contrasts of this novel. Cambron’s love of art, her attention to visual detail, and her ability to capture beauty in so many different forms are light against the shadowed mystery of the painted castle, her hidden treasures, and the characters’ pasts. And there are castles! Don’t forget the castles, people!

It all adds up to a wonderfully satisfying read.

The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron is the third A Lost Castle Novel. I was not aware of this when I picked up the book. It did not hinder my enjoyment of the story until I reached the epilogue which made references the earlier books. I thought the story contained good writing with thoughtful pacing. The Painted Castle moves back-and-forth between three time periods which are 1843, 1944 and present day. The characters are developed and suit each era. My favorite was Amelia Woods, a widow, who is running the estate and caring for children who need a safe haven during the war. Then a group of fly boys descend on the estate led by Captain Wyatt Stevens. I liked the inclusion of the story about the creators of Curious George. Kiera Foley has an impressive resume and is hired to authenticate a painting discovered in Parham Hall Estate. She is distrustful of Emory Scott, but the painting draws her in along with a charming beekeeper’s cottage that needs restoration. Elizabeth Meade saw her father murdered and she sketched a man who witnessed the event. She grows up determined to get justice for her father while raised under her mother’s domineering thumb. Eleanor Meade needs Elizabeth to marry well and Viscount Huxley who owns Parham Hall Estate is her choice. As Kiera researches the painting secrets of the past are revealed. The Painted Castle is an intriguing story, but it is hard to get engrossed in the story with all the back-and-forth. I wish there had been a better flow to this multi-faceted story. I enjoyed Kristy Cambron’s descriptive writing which brought the scenes alive for me. The romance is plagued with miscommunication and misunderstandings (our poor couples). The Painted Castle is a dramatic and intriguing tale with stolen artwork, protective brothers, a hidden library, a famed artist, a discovered painting, and a regal queen.

Kristy Cambron does it again! Every single one of these books in the Lost Castle Series has been so good!! This author has such a wonderful ability to create time slip novels that draw you in and cause you to forget about everything else in your life as you escape into the different time periods. Her research is impeccable and the setting from each scene is painted so vividly. I loved the characters in this book yet again and enjoyed reading about their growth and romance in the book. There is mystery as well that kept me guessing and reading to find out more. The writing flows so well and the plot is smooth even though it transitions between time periods. I love the connections that she makes with everything in the end too—something that I have come to really look forward to in her novels! I highly recommend this book and, truly, this whole series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Fiction and Celebrate Lit Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Kristy Cambron does it again! Every single one of these books in the Lost Castle Series has been so good!! This author has such a wonderful ability to create time slip novels that draw you in and cause you to forget about everything else in your life as you escape into the different time periods. Her research is impeccable and the setting from each scene is painted so vividly. I loved the characters in this book yet again and enjoyed reading about their growth and romance in the book. There is mystery as well that kept me guessing and reading to find out more. The writing flows so well and the plot is smooth even though it transitions between time periods. I love the connections that she makes with everything in the end too—something that I have come to really look forward to in her novels! I highly recommend this book and, truly, this whole series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Fiction and Celebrate Lit Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Wow what an incredible conclusion to the Lost Castle series! Kristy Cambron has quickly made her way onto my must-read authors list. She knows how to grip a readers heart and keeping it until long after the back cover has closed. Amazing.

One thing I appreciated about this novel was the level of connection I seemed to develop with each of the heroines. Their hearts were laid bare before the reader in such intimate and tangible ways that our journeys became entwined. It felt as if the pages had stolen my own heart and kept it captive through the very end.

While in most cases if I heard a book was going to have 3 separate timelines I would find that overwhelming, in this case it blended perfectly and I had no problem diving into each setting. Each chapter ended perfectly to prevent the book from being able to be put down. As the story progressed and the missing links started to fall into place I found myself reading faster to find out what would happen while wanting to read slower to spend more time in their world.

Even though this is the third book in the series it could easily be read as a standalone. There were a few pieces of the contemporary thread you might feel a little lost on, but they wouldn't hinder you from understanding the overarching theme of this one. Both historical threads are exclusive to this read.

This is a series I'd easily consider a must-read. I can't wait to see what Kristy Cambron comes up with next!

*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

What a beautifully written book! I was fully immersed in each of these three time periods and was completely invested in the characters. I rooted for great outcomes for them and breathed a satisfied sigh when the last page was turned.
Kristy Cambron has a unique gift for painting pictures with words on the page and vividly describing settings, characters, and situations so that the reader can visualize each scene as it unfolds. It is evident that the author knows a great deal about art and has thoroughly done her historical research so that the entire tale is believable. Although this is the third book in a series, they are only loosely related so this installment easily stands alone.

Historic Fiction is definitely my go-to for books, and The Painted Castle covers that wonderfully. There are a couple things that you need to know before reading The Painted Castle. The first thing is, this is book 3 in the Lost Castle series, but you do not need to read the first two. In my opinion, The Painted Castle definitely reads like a stand alone. The second thing is, I have seen this series filed under Christian Fiction, Historic Fiction, and plain-old Fiction and I can assure you it easily fits in any of them.
In very simple terms, The Painted Castle is a novel that alternates between three strong women, during different times in history, and in one fascinating way or another their story entwines around a castle in England.
…
1833- An 11-year-old Elizabeth, an accomplish sketch artist, sits in her carriage drawing the figure of a man standing out on the dark streets. Minutes later her father leaves the carriage and is shot twice by a mysterious figure. For years following the death of her father, Elizabeth always assumed she had sketched her fathers’ killer and had hoped for revenge. She is now, however, at an age where marriage to a suitable man is absolutely necessary and her family must secure a marriage to a man of good fortune. In an alarming turn in events, Elizabeth has reason to believe she has been betrothed to her father murderer.
1944- With the war on her doorstep, Amelia lends part of her property to the United States Army. With the men occupying the grounds and with the sounds of trucks and jeeps disturbing her peace, Amelia is forced to adjust to these new living arrangements. One day Wyatt, the United States Captain, finds Amelia organizing her library and they soon discover they have more than just the love of books in common.
Present day- When not working at her brother’s pub in Dublin, Keira Foley writes her dissertation on a mystery man and his connection to a Queen Victoria portrait that had gone missing over 150 years earlier. Emery Scott, a man with a shady past in the world of art, tracks Keira down and makes her a proposition she cannot refuse. Together they will put their differences aside and uncover secrets of the past.
…
There are so many things I loved about this book, for starters; I love history, historic fiction and art, so together they are such a guilty pleasure to read. The other great thing is, I consider this book a “safe read”, I can easily recommend this book to anyone ages 16-101 (and I absolutely will).
I have read many books with multiple story lines set in different times and I always find myself drawn to one story line more than another. In this case, I was pulled in by Amelia and Wyatt’s relationship…swoon. The booklover in me must also mention a part when Amelia reads Pride and Prejudice to Wyatt and I tell you, those opening lines get me every single time!
Kristy Cambron has done a wonderful job weaving the stories together and the results were perfection. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Three stories set in three different time periods converge in Kristy Cambron’s, The Painted Castle. In present day, we have Keira and Emory who are hired to restore the Parham Hill Estate in Framlingham, England. Inside, they find a copy of the secret painting that Queen Victoria commissioned as a gift for Prince Albert. Throughout the story Keira and Emory find not only the truth about the painting and it’s mysterious painter, but the truth about themselves. In 1944, Amelia is the de facto viscountess of Parham Hill after her husband died in the war. When a handsome American officer, Wyatt Stevens, comes into her life with orders for Parham Hill to house a squadron of flyboys, she tries to make the best of things. Can she open her heart enough to love again when war makes the future uncertain? And finally, in 1843, Elizabeth has one thing on her mind: find the man who stood at the street corner while her father was shot. She’s certain he was responsible, and she carries a pistol in her reticule to exact justice when she sees him again. However, when she does see him again, he turns out to be Keaton James, the viscount of Parham Hill and her betrothed. How long will Keaton be able to shield Elizabeth from the horrible truth of her family?

All of these stories were a delight to read. I really enjoyed each of the mysteries in these time periods, and discovering them all was so much fun. Each of the characters were well developed and I connected with all of them, but I think Keira and Emory were my favorites. A wonderful time-slip novel and highly recommended.

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

Three timelines. There are few people who could successfully pull this off, not once, but three times! The Painted Castle is part of a series but stands alone fantastically. I love the glimpse of other characters we have met before as well as the return to the wonderful castle. Present day, WWII and 1840s combine seamlessly in an enchanting and captivating tale. Each of the women leave an impression as they struggle through various events and romances. Naming a favorite is not possible as none will disappoint. Set aside some time because you are going to need it. Once you start this book, you will not want to put it down. The words are rich and meaningful, the descriptions paint pictures and the characters leave you feeling like you just made new friends.

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

Ms. Cambron latest book is an elegant, enriching story that spans through three different times. This split time book alternates between three time periods to connect to a stunning conclusion. I loved this book! I don’t know how to accurately describe it, but Ms. Cambron pulls the reader in until you are immersed in the tale as if you were present when everything happened. Present day character, Keira, will be searching to uncover the secrets to a lost painting. As you read, you will peel back the layers to discover what occurred in the past, but also how the characters learn in the present. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but is a part of a series. You will catch up with previous characters in the first two books. I loved all three books and highly recommend all three of them! You will not be disappointed in this story!
***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.

This book is just something else, it's amazing! It's the third in Kristy Cambron's castle series, but I'm fairly sure it's my favorite of this series!

I love each of the three time periods (present day, WWII, and 1843), I love each of the heroines. I also really love castles, and this setting is just superb. The time periods are all linked together by one common castle, (and of course some other details that I won't go into in this review... :) ) and I loved discovering more about it and it's surrounding area.

If I would attempt to pick a favorite time and character, I'd have to go with the WWII one, Amelia. She's a widow and has turned her home estate into a boarding school for refugee children, and is doing her best to keep life as normal as possible for her charges. Then she receives orders from the army that a group of pilots will be staying there. This upsets everything. I love her pluck, her determination, and the way she looks after her bees in the middle of all the chaos.

This story is a real treasure, and if you've read any of Kristy's earlier books (or even if you haven't) be sure and read this one!

There are, of course, some connections with this story and the earlier castle books, but this one does stand well on it's own.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255