Spanning more than two centuries in Ireland, Castle on the Rise unites the legacy of three women who must risk mending their broken places for life, love, and the belief that even through the depths of our pain, a masterpiece of a story can emerge. 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. … 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.
Praise for Castle on the Rise:
“Enchanting and mesmerizing!” –PATTI CALLAHAN, New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis
“Castle on the Rise perfectly showcases rising star Kristy Cambron’s amazing talent! Perfect pacing, lovely prose, and an intricate plot blend together in a delightful novel I couldn’t put down. Highly recommended!” –Colleen Coble, USA TODAY bestselling author of Secrets at Cedar Cabin and the Rock Harbor series
“Cambron’s latest is one of her best. Gripping and epic, this intricately woven tale of three generations seeking truth and justice will stay with you long after the last page.” –Rachel Hauck, New York Times bestselling author
- Second in the Lost Castle series (The Lost Castle, Castle on the Rise, The Painted Castle)
- Can be read as a stand-alone, but best if read in order
- Sweet romance set in three time periods: present day, World War I/Easter Rising, and late 1700s
- Full-length novel (over 110,000 words)
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I received a copy of this book from the Fiction Guild, I was not required to give a favorable review. This was the second book in this series, this one starts at the Lost Castle in France with a wedding and a coming together of old friends and family, to going to a Lost Castle and family history of 3 different generations in Ireland. This so well written, Kristy draws you into the characters and makes you feel each and every emotion. The time periods of this is from the 1700’s, early 1900’s and today. And each brings the story of the strength of the women in it and the strong men standing with them through it all. I recommend you read both and look forward to further stories.
Both the 1798 Rebellion and the 1916 Easter Rising are highlighted in the book, Castle on the Rise, by Kristy Cambron. This split-story novel, the second in the Lost Castles Series, follows the lives of three different women: 21st century American Laine Forrester, early 20th century Irish woman Lady Isolde Byrne, and late 18th century English woman Lady Maeve Ashford.
For the complete review, go to https://kindredconnection.wordpress.com/2019/04/02/castle-on-the-rise/.
Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron is the second book in her Lost Castle series. This is the story of Ireland’s fight for freedom. Spanning more than two centuries; it unites the tales of three women, woven around the Castle Chryn. The author brings to life the beautiful, breath-taking scenery that is the Emerald Isle. As you read you have no trouble imagining that you are there. What was hard was keeping up with three different stories. Each chapter alternated between the three characters and their respective time frames. It was hard to keep up at times and adjust from present day to the 1700’s. I thought that the stories would have made an excellent novella; telling each story on its own. The stories were well written and the history very informative without being boring. I did enjoy getting to know the characters and would enjoy reading another story by this author now that I am familiar with her writing style.
I received this book from Celebrate-Lit in exchange for my honest review.
Castle on the Rise
Three different time periods, present time, early 1900, and late 1700. A lot of research for the author to do for the different times in history. It would be a lot to keep up with in writing this type of book too.
This is 2nd in the series, which I did not read the first one. Probably this one would have been interesting to me. It was a fast read though. In the present time Laine is staying with Ellie when getting ready for her wedding and afterwards. I really enjoyed Laine, so caring for Cassie whom she had adopted.
I received an complementary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
Like the first book in the series, Castle on the Rise follows three different timelines and introduces characters who live, love, and must persevere through the trials of their particular era. This story is loosely connected to the first book, however, it can easily be read as a stand alone.
The present day story was my favorite of the three, although I did learn a lot about Irish history from the two other timelines. The author has a beautiful writing style that slowly builds in fascinating details as the book progresses. Although I did not connect very much with the characters from the story that was set in 1916, I ended up getting very attached to the main characters from 1798.
If you are looking for a story with rich and detailed Irish history, Castle on the Rise is a great choice!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I read The Lost Castle (book 1) back in the beginning of 2018, and since then I’ve been impatiently waiting for this one to release. Kristy Cambron has an impeccable way of taking readers on a journey into the past and making it come alive.
As with the first book in the series, this is a triple-timeline story. The timelines begin in 1797, 1915, and present day. The historical pieces are unique to this story, but the present day is a continuation from The Lost Castle. Although the “leading role” has now shifted from Ellie to her best friend Laine, she is still highly present in this story. It’s the same case for the leading male role–from Quinn to his brother Cormac. While the historical pieces could be read as stand-alone I think the present story would be more confusing if you attempted to read the books out of order.
I will admit that I don’t know much about the Irish and their fight for independence other than the fact that it’s been a “hot topic” for years. Reading this story makes me wish I knew more. Kristy weaves fact and fiction together in her stories by adding real people to her fictional tales. She shares a bit about her research in her author’s note. (Yes, my ever-present plug for reading the author’s note ;))
One thing I love about Kristy Cambron’s writing is that she is often unpredictable. She will lead you on a journey that you’re not sure where you’re headed until suddenly she brings it all together to make sense. The characters are so deeply developed that you are able to imagine their lives even outside of the pages.
I still have to say that the first book in the series is my favorite, but this one was intriguing as well. I believe it’s at least in-part due to my lack of knowledge of the Irish history. I also struggled to keep track of all of the different characters between the timelines and their connections. I still thoroughly enjoyed the story though and fully intend on reading the next book when it releases.
*I received a copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
Castle on the Rise, the second book in Kristy Cambron’s Lost Castle series, is a remarkable book. (Quick note: While this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone without confusion; although, it may peak your interest in the first book, as it did mine.)
Ms. Cambron shows herself to be a masterful storyteller with this beautifully woven tapestry of generations and the legacies each has left behind. The novel is a poignant telling of unwhitewashed history, heartbreaking betrayal, passionate conviction, determined sacrifice, patient love, and beautiful legacy.
Steadfast heroes full of loyalty and honor as well as courageous, compassionate heroines fill the pages. I quickly fell in love with the characters from each of the three times represented in the novel. At every switch in time, I was both disappointed to be leaving the personalities I was currently with and excited to see what was happening with the next set. More than the main characters of each time captured my attention and my heart and I was fully invested in each person’s portion of the story.
I found myself wanting to hurry through to know the outcome, almost tripping over the words in my haste, but then realizing I didn’t want to miss a thing and forcing myself to take a deep breath and slow down to take it all in. The conclusion of the story of the earliest couple in time was so bittersweet I found myself shedding tears with the heroine. Ms. Cambron captures well the raw pain and beauty of life and love and something that reaches beyond the time we, ourselves, know, leaving me with a book hangover, indeed. I can already see myself coming back to read this one again.
**I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron is an entertaining time-slip novel that lovers of history will not want to miss. The author takes readers to Ireland where over the centuries three strong and vibrant women dream dreams, are confronted with storms of life and yet find the resilience to weather through those storms, and are able to learn to trust despite things of the past that have brought doubts and fears. Maeve of the late 1790s, Issy of 1916, and Laine of the present day, each have their hopes for a better future and their stories are set in the shadow of the Castle Chryn where ‘the rise allowed something new to always grow.’ Ireland comes alive with the author’s descriptive writing style. It is easy to be drawn into the Irish countryside with sentences like ‘standing again where ancient stones drew an outline against the early morning sky and the sea crashed the rocks in as vast and blue and heart-stirring a manner as she remembered.’ Readers are transported from a contemporary setting to the times of the Irish rebellion for freedom and the author’s excellent blending of historical research and riveting characters has created a wonderful story of three strong and courageous women. It’s said that Ireland has a million stories if one stays long enough to learn them all. Cambron tells three of those stories in this compelling and powerful book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
I absolutely loved reading Castle on the Rise. I was swept away into this vibrant story and felt like I was almost there in Dublin, Ireland. This exceptionally penned story follows the lives of three-leading couples across three time-periods, in a split-time novel that kept me turning pages late into the night! I couldn’t put this book down, I just had to know what would happen next! While this is the second story in the Lost Castle series, it easily stands on its own. Trust me when I tell you that you will want to set aside some quiet reading time to enjoy this gem of a story!
Set in Ireland’s tumultuous history, this story shares the real struggles that occurred on Irish soil for Ireland to gain its freedom from England. While I had read in history books about the uprisings, Cambron brought a new life to the historical events and gave them a face through the lives of these characters.
The deeper I got into the stories the more the characters touched my heart. I found myself even slowing down my reading as I wasn’t ready to reach the end. Expert tip: have a box of tissues on hand! I loved this book and I am eagerly anticipating the third book in the Lost Castle series!
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
First, a warning. This is not a book to be read in fits and starts. It is one novel to sink into and savor as Kristy Cambron sweeps you away to Ireland.
Castle on the Rise takes three women in three very different times (the 1793 rebellion, the 1916 Easter Rising, and present day) then weaves them together until they form a beautiful conclusion.
There is so much I enjoyed about this book. From the scenery to the history to the characters, Cambron’s ability to engage readers shines. Each heroine finds her courage through difficult situations and a couple of turbulent periods of Irish history that is brought to life within the pages.
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.
From Dublin to the shores of the Emerald Isle this story has mysteries, secrets and friendships that all together span two decades. I really enjoyed the stories of these three strong and determined women. . Yes, they all tied together, were wonderful stories and fascinating facts of Ireland that I enjoyed, but, I really didn’t like how often the stories jumped back and forth between the women’s lives. I was sometimes having to go back a few paragraphs to see who we had left and now we were into. I did really enjoy the story and if you enjoy history full of mysteries, secrets and strong friendships you should enjoy this one.
This is a very good story that takes place over three generations of Irish women and their loved ones. It goes back and forth from present day to 1916 and then to 1798. Each woman must learn to be strong and the story revolves around a certain castle. I really liked the characters. I look forward to many more books by Kristy Cambron. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Many of us have been asked the question, “If you could go anywhere you wanted, where would you go?” My answer has always been Ireland. Thanks to the gifted author with her vivid descriptions, I feel like I have traveled there. The beauty of this story is that it takes place during three time periods. The historical details were so intriguing and I was torn as to what period I liked. Each one told a story that weaved into the other without hesitation.
Laine is in the present day and travels to France to help her brother with an issue of inheritance dealing with his friend. Along the way, she will have decisions to make and some soul searching that will have readers delving into her story with anticipation. I liked her determination and loved going along with her as she explores places.
Issy’s story is set in 1916 where we find her going out into the trenches of the Easter Rising . She captures pictures with her Kodak camera that take in the tragedy of a place fighting for freedom. I loved her spunk and how she never gave up.
Maeve’s story is set in 1798 and finds herself trying to save her family’s castle from being in ruins. Her story set the stage as the author starts to untangle each woman’s life and show how each one became an important part to the overall story line. It was hard for Maeve to trust anyone and will find herself questioning her decisions.
The story moves at a good pace and was easy to slip into different time periods with ease. I loved how the author took us from present day where Laine is struggling with issues from back home, to a courageous Issy who uses her camera to capture bullets flying and chaos breaking out, to Maeve who is desperate to save her home .
Each woman is searching for something that will take readers on a journey as we watch them struggle to find answers and hope.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher and Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Kristy Cambron’s stories, so eloquently written, have the power to transport me to an era and setting that literally enthralls as it envelops me in its arms. Ireland – the setting, its history and people – come alive in this newest book, Castle on the Rise. The setting alternates between current day and two previous times in Ireland’s turbulent history, 1797 and 1916. That may seem like a lot to keep up with, but it’s all strategically interwoven in a way that’s easy to follow.
The story itself is fast paced, but as eager as I was to reach each era’s conclusion, Cambron’s atmospheric prose begs to be savored slowly. I don’t know a lot about Ireland’s history, other than long-time conflicts over Protestant/Catholic religions and the desire to be free from England’s rule, so I enjoyed the detail in this story. Family ties are broken as allegiance is given to English heritage or home country. The leading characters in each era – Maeve and Eoin, Issy and Sean, Laine and Cormac – are well developed and so very easy to connect with. I don’t know if it’s the wonderful romantic chemistry between them, or if there’s just something special about an Irishman (maybe a little of both?), but these characters and their stories are memorable.
At its heart, Castle on the Rise is about freedom – political and personal – and the sacrifice and commitment it takes to get there. Faith is a constant theme gently woven throughout. While each of Cambron’s novels has touched me, there’s something special about this story. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
This book takes us through three time periods in Ireland with the location of the same Castle, with the decades spanning the 1700’s through to present, each leaving their mark.
Now this is the second book, which I hadn’t realized, but was brought up to date while reading, and now need to go back and read!
The author presents us with three strong women, and the battles and sacrifices that are made for those they love and care about.
A beautiful description of Ireland, I could almost see what the author was describing, and feel the bullets flying. We are there to witness all these struggles, and now waiting for the conclusion in the third book, which can’t come soon enough!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
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.
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. All three women 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 is a lovely novel that is split into three different time periods all taking place in Ireland. The different time periods were present day, 1915-1916, 1797-1798 and all centered on an ancient manor and castle. I adore castles and any story surrounding a castle is a win-win for me, but with author Cambron’s writing we are given bits and pieces of the stories as we discover who the past inhabitants were and how they lived their lives.
I enjoyed all three story lines- Laine and her little girl travel to France at first for the wedding of her best friend Ellie and Quinn who are about to start their happily ever after. Unfortunately as we find out along with Laine sometimes life throws a wrench into our plans. Laine is already dealing with some heavy issues so when Quinn’s brother, Cormac, shows up at the wedding needing Quinn to help him with a family inheritance, Laine is ready to go with them.
The author vividly paints a beautiful portrait of Ireland, its land, and the people in all three timelines. Both of the historical timelines show the struggle Ireland had in wanting to be free of English rule. I don’t know a lot of Irish history, but what I do know their struggles were very real and I felt them throughout this story.
I think my favorite timeline was the oldest, but it broke my heart. I really enjoyed the pieces of the puzzle that came together at the end that showed the generational connections with the castle and manor and those who lived there. This was epic storytelling that absolutely enchanted me. I look forward to the third in this series.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
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 LostCastle, 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 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.