Set in three time periods–the rapid change of Victorian England, the peak of England’s home-front tensions at the end of WWII, and modern day–The Painted Castle unlocks secrets lost for generations just waiting to be found. A lost painting of Queen Victoria. A library bricked off from the world. And three women, separated by time, whose lives are irrevocably changed. In Victorian England, … Victorian England, talented sketch artist Elizabeth Meade is engaged to Viscount Huxley, owner of Parham Hill. However, Elizabeth’s real motive for being at Parham Hill has nothing to do with art or marriage. She’s determined to avenge her father’s brutal murder–even if it means a betrothal to the very man she believes committed the crime.
A century later, Amelia Woods–a World War II widow who has turned Parham Hill and its beloved library into a boarding school for refugee children–receives military orders to house a troop of American pilots. She is determined the children in her care will remain untouched by the war, but the task is proving difficult with officers taking up every square inch of their world . . . and one in particular vying for a space in Amelia’s long-shut up heart.
When art historian Keira Foley is hired to authenticate a painting, she hopes this is just the thing to get her career and life back on track. But from the time she arrives at Parham Hill Estate and begins working alongside rumored art thief Emory Scott, she’s left with far more questions than answers. Could this lost painting of Queen Victoria be a duplicate of the original Winterhalter masterpiece, and if so, who is the artist?
Praise for The Painted Castle:
“A gripping tale of secrets hidden behind the walls of an ancient English castle.” –KATE BRESLIN, bestselling author of Far Side of the Sea
- A Sweet Historical Split-time Romance
- The third and final book in the Lost Castle series
- Books do not have to be read in order
- Full-length novel with three woman each finding her own happily ever after
more
I have enjoyed this entire series by Kristy Cambron. She does an excellent job of creating time slip novels that pull you in to each of the three story lines and make you love the characters and become invested in their lives as if they are your friends. This latest novel has stories set in Victorian England, England during World War II, and present day England. As I read the alternating stories, I kept thinking, “I love this story better” at various times throughout the book. It was also good to check in on characters from previous books and see the story come full circle in the end.
This is the last book in this series and I think it was the best one yet! Three different story lines and each one just as interesting! I really enjoyed the book and took my time reading it because I didn’t want it to end. Thanks to Netgalley for the early copy
Just so good! This is the first book I have read by this author and I was very impressed for many reasons. ~ Suspense, mystery, surprise, heartache, soul stirring attraction and clean romance are just some of the reasons.
There is no ‘fluff’ in this book. It is well researched, well written, and has several scenes that are based on true historical events.
This book takes place in 3 different eras – the Victorian 1840’s, the WWII 1940’s and present day.
The main female characters in all 3 eras are well developed and feel real. I truly liked each one, but I think my favorite was Elizabeth of the 1840’s.
Each woman has experienced deep grief. Each is strong in her own way. And each has a deep longing in her heart, but is afraid to yield to it.
I have read stories before that switch back and forth between two different times in history, but never three. It was a bit tricky for me at first, but then each of the stories pulled me in and I had no problem following along at all.
The descriptions of people, places and events are wonderful. I appreciate the research the author did that made this book feel authentic. The story flows well and kept me engaged the entire book!
This author is very talented and I look forward to reading more of her work!
If you enjoy a book with a little bit of romance, a touch of mystery and a focus on history, you will enjoy The Painted Castle. The story line is set in the countryside of England not far from London. Focus is on the lives of three women from three different eras and the end results they faced. Each woman shares the effect of her family and how they steer their lives. Once you start reading, you will be drawn into the book and not want to put it down.