Cambron's seamless transition and intertwining of three connected yet distinct stories from the 1840s, 1940s, and present day is truly amazing. Elizabeth, Amelia, and Keira all share stories of heartbreak and restoration that unfold on the Parham Hill Estate in Suffolk County, England. Each lady's story is captivating and will stir the reader's heart. Elizabeth and Keira's stories include a mystery to be solved. Each of these stories goes beyond romance to deep and abiding love

Kristy Cambron is a master of character development. In her stories each word counts, frivolous passages are non-existent. Once finished, they leave you with the desire to let them rest in your thoughts, with no desire to immediately enter a new book and another world.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in the review are completely my own.

I spent the past two days engrossed in Kristy Cambron's finale to her Lost Castle series and thoroughly savored it! I think she kept the best 'til last! I appreciated how the stories, like the present-day family that inhabits them build on each other and circle back 'round to the first castle and the beauty of the 'Sleeping Beauty.'

Once again, Kristy has written a split time novel with stories set in 1843, 1944, and the present day. Moving from one plotline to another came easy, and all three of them pulled me in each time with mystery, crime, romance, and a famous painting of one of England's most beloved Queens as well as a tapestry of rich historical detail.

I am astounded by Cambron's ability to take what she is knowledgeable about and has researched and taken from her own family's history and be able to apply it into three different storylines! There is too much to say about all that is great about this novel! Go and read it - it is truly fantastic!

I'm very thankful to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC for this, my honest review.

‘What lasts isn’t what we build on our own, but the stories He builds within and around us.’

What a wonderful conclusion to a series that I wish would continue on. The incredible descriptive detail that the author brings us makes one feel that you are right there in that castle with the easy to love characters. 1833 introduces us to young Elizabeth upon the murder of her father. Those eyes become a focal point in her life. Pathan Hill Estate has many stories to tell through 1843, 1944 and on to the present day. The surroundings, the town, the beekeeper’s cottage - I felt like I could travel to England right now and everything would be just as I read in this fabulous story!

With art theft, beekeeping, murder, mystery and romance, you will find this book very hard to put down before you have reached the end.....and then you will wish there was more! I highly recommend this series, which certainly can be enjoyed in any order, but will be more easily understood if you start at the beginning.

An ARC of this book was received through Thomas Nelson, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, NetGalley and. CelebrateLit. The comments, impressions and 5 star rating are my own and were in no way solicited.

The Painted Castle was a fantastic end to a great series. As with the other two books in the series, Ms. Cambron
offers three points of view all in different eras. We visit 1843, WWII, and present day. I loved each setting, each set of characters, and waiting to see how they were all linked.

I think my favorite historical setting was the WWII story. So captivating and the hero…swoon!

As for present day, Emory Scott is an understated hero but his heroine, is feisty and the youngest sister to the Foleys. I loved seeing the characters from book one and two and the epilogue that concluded the series nicely.

All in all, an enjoyable read.

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

I fell into this book, and I didn’t want to leave! I loved every moment I spent in the pages of this captivating book! Resplendent with vivid imagery, witty dialogue, and dynamic characters all brought this story to life in my imagination. I equally enjoyed all three of the story-lines and thought that Kristy Cambron tied them together quite brilliantly!

These characters pulled me in and invited me along the journey. I felt every heart-pounding moment right along with them. The mystery, the tender romance, and even the heart-breaking moments that had me reaching for the tissue box. A Christmas dance in stocking feet to the sound of a crackling fire, and many other tender moments that had me holding my breath in anticipation of what would be said next. Intense, and searing the story held me in its grip.

Each of the three time-lines equally captivated my imagination and griped my heart in unexpected ways. Each left indelible marks on my heart that shall stay with me long into the future. I give this book 5-enthusiastic stars and encourage you to enjoy this story yourself at your earliest convenience!

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

Thank you Netgalley and publishing house for this ARC. What a story line! What character development! I loved all the different plots that came together in the end. The characters were all so great. I felt like I was right there with them: from the 1800-present day. I didn’t realize this was the 3rd book in a trilogy when I requested an advance copy but I’m so glad I did. These are definitely stand alone even though some of the characters tie together. If you enjoy history with a little suspense and love, read this!

Oh my this was such a good book. I have loved this series of books and this was quite possibly my favorite. Great characters you can relate to and cheer for. Loved the 3 time periods. Just the perfect book for a cool evening and a cup of hot tea. Definitely 5 stars.

Okay, folks. Prepare for excessive gushing because I absolutely loved The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron.

About the Story:

It was supposed to be a one-week job: survey an art find, collect a hefty fee, and use that to settle historian Kiera Foley’s life back into balance. But from the moment she sets foot in the East Suffolk countryside, the mysteries surrounding the old English manor and the enigmatic art thief who’s employed her stir more questions than answers. Then, Kiera finds the existence of a portrait captivating enough to upend all of her expectations. This one could be a twin—a painting so close in composition to a known masterpiece, it may be rendered priceless if it truly captured the likeness of a young Queen named Victoria.

Set in three time periods—the rapid change of Victorian England, the tumultuous skies over England’s eastern shores in WWII, and modern day—The Painted Castle unfolds a legacy of faith, family, and stories that are generations in the making.

My Thoughts:

First of all, I was amazed, impressed, entranced and every other fabulous adjective you can think of at the three—yes, three!—storylines. (One was contemporary, another was set during WWII, and the last was Victorian.) I thought for sure I would have difficulty following along, but no! All three settings were unique with each character engaging in their own way. And the story as a whole just flowed so seamlessly. I found myself intrigued and wondering how it all would unfold. The layered depth in this story is a credit to Ms. Cambron’s masterful storytelling skills. So entertaining, yet moving. I sighed. Gasped. Got teary-eyed. From chapter one to the powerful ‘The End’ there was All. The. Emotions.

And the way the author tied all three plots together was fascinating. Can you tell I love this story? Novels like this makes my little reading heart so happy. I can’t recommend The Painted Castle enough. And I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this talented author.

*I received a copy through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

To purchase The Painted Castle, click here

About the Author:

KRISTY CAMBRON is a vintage-inspired storyteller writing both award-winning historical fiction, including her bestselling debut The Butterfly and the Violin, and an author of nonfiction, including the Verse Mapping series Bible studies. She’s a passionate storyteller who travels to speak at events across the country, encouraging women to experience a deeper life in the Word through verse mapping. Her work has been named to Publishers Weekly Religion & Spirituality TOP 10, Library Journal Reviews’ Best Books, RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, received 2015 & 2017 INSPY Award nominations, and has been featured at CBN, Lifeway Women, Jesus Calling, Country Woman Magazine, MICI Magazine, Faithwire, (in)Courage, and Bible Gateway.

Kristy holds a degree in Art History/Research Writing, and has 15 years of experience in education and leadership development for a Fortune-100 Corporation, working in partnership with such companies as the Disney Institute, IBM/Kenexa, and Gallup. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, and can probably be bribed with a peppermint mocha latte and a good read.

To stay connected, visit: http://www.kristycambron.com

Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron

This is really three interconnecting stories across three centuries. Laine travels to Europe to attend her best friend’s wedding. They end up going to Ireland and Laine helps her friend’s brother-in-law sort through a castle that the Foley family has inherited. The castle has many secrets which come to light through the other two story lines.
It was a little confusing at first keeping the three story lines straight and figuring out what was happening. One storyline took place at a time when rebels were fighting for Ireland’s freedom from England. All three stories are connected by the Ashford Castle and by people who love deeply and are willing to make great sacrifices for those they care about.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book. It was even better than the second. It spans three eras and includes art, love, loss, mystery, war, and follows the stories of three women whose lives intertwine across time. If I had to pick a favourite timeline, I would say WWII countryside England… or would it be the Victorian Era portion where women of the upper class were under-estimated for any talents aside from needlepoint? I couldn’t choose. Even the contemporary storyline was intriguing and enjoyable. The women are strong. Their stories are moving.

I love watching the threads unravel through the back and forth of the stories and then ultimately weave back into a beautiful tale of secrets and triumphs in a beautiful historic castle.

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

I would recommend this entire series for those who enjoy a poignant, heartwarming read with a strong dose of mystery to untangle. Pre-order your copy of this title so you have it on hand for its Tuesday release!

Once again Kristy Cameron has left me speechless. She truly has a gift for storytelling.

To weave masterfully three timelines that complete each other perfectly and keep my engage throughly is spectacular.

I truly believe she has outdone herself with “The Painted Castle” and I can’t find the proper words to do this book justice.
It’s quite an adventure from a bustling pub in Dublin to a mysterious manor in England, from war torn fields to a majestic library, from balls and the secrets hidden inside an estate. The livrado these character are nothing short from beautifully broken and patched together to form a colourful mosaic.

The cover was the first thing that caught my eye. It's so beautiful! That alone should make anyone want to give this book a try. I also thought the writing style was very interesting. This book takes place in three different time periods with a connection between the characters in all of them. I thought this made the story really unique. I have to say that Amelia and Wyatt stole the show for me! Their story was my favorite. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more books by this author. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book!

As a lover of both architecture and fine art, this story captured me on so many levels. Three women—Keira, Amelia, and Elizabeth—each guarding secrets—and their hearts. Three women tangled in circumstances both unwanted and beyond their control.
As they each begin to unlock the mystery before them, the lock on each of their hearts begins to open as well.
The certainty of what Elizabeth witnessed drives her, and in her search for her objective, she uncovers hidden truths.
The war upended Amelia’s solitary grief, thrusting her first into a protective role with the children, then that of hostess to troops bedding down in the manor house.
Keira just wants to do her job—and recover her good name. But the more she investigates, the deeper the mystery goes—and the further her heart falls.
Ms. Cambron paints such vivid, vibrant tapestries the story comes to life on each page. The reader steps into each era with colorful realism—sights, sounds, smells. With the skill of a master weaver, Ms. Cambron has knit the three stories into one, neatly tying them together with a grand sweep of colorful prose on her canvas.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS


I received a copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.


#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, The Painted Castle, Kristy Cambron,

The Painted Castle is a tremendous conclusion to the Lost Castle series. This series had me dreaming of discovering and exploring a castle of my own. While each book tells the story of a different family member in the Foley family, each can be read as a standalone.

Kristy Cambron expertly weaves the separate stories of three heroines, separated in time, into a brilliant masterpiece. While I am usually most engrossed in the historical story lines of a split time novel, I found all three heroines and their stories to be enthralling. The author's love for art and architecture is apparent in this story that is a work of love, blessing her readers with a message of hope and redemption.

One of my favorite quotes from the book:
"I have to believe there's no guarantee of anything good in this life outside of the One who offers it to us. It's like the castle stones over there. They've gone on for generations. What lasts isn't what we build on our own, but the stories He builds within and around us."

Cambron's talent of storytelling will have her future books at the top of my TBR list.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

This was set not in two time lines but in three! my first read where it went into three separate stories.

Victorian England and Elizabeth an impoverished aristocrat is being touted by her mother as a suitable bride for anyone who is worthy of her. He has to be rich of course. Everything else is by the way. That is the original story of where the paintings begin - the paintings of Queen Victoria which so beguiled her consort that he kept it only for his private viewing. That is the origin of this tale.

We then move on to the harrowing 1934 England. Almost the end of WW II and the arrival of American troops and the solace and uproar they equally brought to rural England. We have Amelia trying to hold it all together looking after orphaned children with very little funds and trying to hold on to her common sense and sanity when the Americans arrive.

We then have the present modern times. Keira is asked to authenticate a painting. During a modernisation of the castle, exciting news in the form of a new painting by Winterhalter has been discovered. Keira is needed in this connection.

All three stories are linked to Parnham Hall and the paintings - the unraveling of the story and the romance of each period was wonderful. They were not the run of the mill romances but very unusual ones - the first starting with revenge, the second with lost hopes and the third with desolation when you realise your idol has feet of clay. The stories ended well, wonderfully well.

Very descriptive of their settings in all three time frames, the characterization was splendid and the story was a page turner. I'll be looking out for this author in the future.

This book was so beautifully written. Each split-time story was so individual yet so intricately connected with the others. I love how effortlessly the author pulls you in with each story. When you shift from one story to the next you find yourself wanting to continue in the same story, but at the same time you really want to see what happens in the others. I keep trying to decide which is my favorite, but each one vies for that spot. The characters were deep, human, strong, and well-written. The love stories were sweet, clean, and had perfect endings. The simple and sincere faith-inspired words were truly inspirational. I loved this book!

I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.

Having read this a month ago, I had no recollection of the story line until reading some early reviews. A great story (to me) comes right back when I read the synopsis. I didn't love all three couples equally. The couple from the 1940s was my favorite, the present day couple least favorite. There are enough surprises to entertain and the writing is seamless throughout. I will definitely be watching for other books by this author.

*ARC via netgalley*

I really enjoyed reading “The Painted Castle.” I was intrigued by the lost portrait of Queen Victoria. I appreciated the book having three different timelines with the different characters. This book was well written, contains great details, and has many memorable characters. Although because of this there were many characters to keep track of, overall I felt that it did not get to be too confusing. The World War II storyline was my favorite. I did love how all the timelines (Victorian England, World War II, and present day) came together though! I feel that the author must have done a great deal of historical research before writing this book, and I feel that it shows in her writing, especially how she slipped in pieces of historical facts throughout the book.

I also loved how the story focused on the people who lived in one house over the period of a couple of hundred years. If the walls could talk…

I think readers who love historical fiction, as well as art history enthusiasts will probably enjoy this book. I don’t normally enjoy mysteries, but I did in the case of this novel.

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

The Painted Castle
By Kristy Cambron
4.5 stars

I really enjoyed the final book of the Lost Castle series, a time slip novel with three time frames. I believe this was the best novel of the trilogy. All three stories in the book flowed well together. A mystery to be solved alongside the current day heroine uncovering a walled up library with a secret portrait inside. All inside a castle. Who doesn't love that?

With all the books in the series there is always one of the three in the book that I like best. And in this one I really liked the story of Elizabeth set in the 1800s.

I’ve been a fan of Kristy Cambron’s for a few years now and have read all of her books. I was so excited for her The Lost Castle series, but have felt somewhat disappointed with each book in the series. I feel there is just too much going on and have never felt truly immersed in either of the storylines.

In The Painted Castle, there were a few elements that I liked. The theme of a lost portrait of Queen Victoria was intriguing. I liked Elizabeth and the Victorian timeline her story was set in, and I liked Keira, but I just never felt invested enough in either of their stories.

I think art enthusiasts who love historical fiction will probably like this book, but it just wasn’t what I was hoping for.

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