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
The final book in Kristy Cambron’s Lost Castle series, The Painted Castle features Kiera, another member of the Foley family who seems destined to have castles in their lives. As an art expert, Kiera is asked to evaluate a mysterious painting found in an old English manor. Parallel stories that also feature the same manor take place in the Victorian era and during World War 2.
Each story could have easily been developed into a full novel of its own but worked splendidly together to flesh out the history of the people who had once lived in the manor as well as the mystery behind the portrait found there. Not only was each story a romance but each also contained unique elements that kept me wanting to know more. Victorian era Keaton and Elizabeth’s story held a murder mystery that spanned a decade. Amelia and Wyatt experienced the horrors of World War 2 bombings. Emory and Kiera worked together to discover the secrets of the manor and the unknown painting that had been hidden for so many years. These wonderful characters revealed a solid strength as they battled difficult circumstances in their lives.
I thoroughly enjoyed this journey through the years and Cambron’s unique way of revealing the manor’s secrets bit by bit. I hated to reach the end and could easily have read more about each time frame of the story.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
“Don’t be afraid. It’s never about the end of the road, is it? It’s about living and loving in the journey we take to get where we are. Right now. Right to this very moment.”
Three time periods and three different women, each with their own distinct story, but all connected because of one location. Author Kristy Cambron has created a wonderful tale centered around Parham Hill Estate in England and she sets the stories in 1843, in 1944, and finally, in the present day. Each woman is very special and unique: in Victorian England Elizabeth Meade needed to solve her father’s murder and Amelia Woods was dismayed that World War II soldiers had taken up residence at Parham Hill. She had created a haven there for the children affected by the war and the American soldiers were a daily reminder of how their lives had been changed by the fighting. In the present-day Keira Foley becomes involved with a painting that has played a role in the other two stories and she must prove her ability to recognize true art versus reproduction as she evaluates this painting at the manor. Three different women whose stories are connected by an English estate, a cottage, a library, and a painting of Queen Victoria.
There are so many emotions woven into The Painted Castle: defeat, sadness, triumph, and exhilarating happiness. We are given glimpses of three beautiful romances but most of all, we receive the ultimate message of love. We are reminded of the need for forgiveness and redemption and that we can all achieve it through Jesus Christ.
Cambron possesses an unique talent in writing time-split novels and I never felt lost or confused about which story I was reading. She drew me in, she made me a part of their lives, and she made me sorry when I had to say goodbye.
In the author’s notes there are some of the historical facts that added so much reality and I highly recommend The Painted Castle to all who enjoy historical fiction and Christian romance.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and these thoughts are my own.
The Painted Castle by author Kristy Cambron is a page turning, three story, three different century delightful third and final installment in her Lost Castle series. This Christian fiction has romance, mystery, and intrigue. I loved it.
The three time periods are Victorian, WWII, and present day. Each era has a romantic couple and all of the stories weave together flawlessly. Author Cambron is a wordsmith extraordinaire.
I was immediately invested in this book. All three stories are equally well written and riveting. The characters are realistic and believable. Conversations are lively and smooth. The descriptive writing makes it easy to imagine the surroundings.
The story has been well thought, planned, researched, and written. I had not read the other two books and had no trouble following along in this one. However, I will get them because this book is phenomenal.
I highly recommend The Painted Castle for any fiction or art lover. You will be entertained, inspired, and enthralled. I am definitely rating this 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.
The painted Castle
The Painted Castle has three time periods in the story. 1800, 1944 and present time. Also set in England. The story starts out when Elizabeth is a young girl in 1833 and then when she has grown up in 1843.
I think my favorite time period of the book was the one set in 1944. They have bees they are caring for, it is during the war. They have a library in the Estate that I thought was cool.
I always admired a author that can keep track of so much in writing a book like this. Historical and present time that ties together.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
The walls crumbled but the love still remained.
The Painted Castle is a thought provoking and engaging adventure that left me riveted to my chair, longing to know what was around the corner. As I finished the final line of the book, I found a happy peace knowing that the author wrapped up this series in the most beautiful bow. The thing that has intrigued me the most about the Lost Castle series is the how the people from three different time periods can be intertwined and reflect similar struggles but in a setting of differing circumstances.
In The Painted Castle, we first have a present day woman who is tainted and jilted. The events that lead to her view leave her resigned to her life in Dublin. Even though it isn’t what she wants.
Next, we see a WWII war widow who gives and gives but still struggles with the pain of all that has been robbed from her. Her only light is the group of children she takes in and mothers through constant air raids.
Lastly, we have a young woman trapped in the memory of her past and struggling with the confinement of her station in Victorian England society. Her desire for truth drives her to recklessness and a bit of rebellion (though I cheered her on.)
All three of these women had one thing in common, besides hunky men vying for their attention and ultimately, their love. It was their need to trust the people around them. To trust the person standing infront of them, longing to love them. Not for title or money or knowledge, but for who these women were. (Okay, just let that dreamy sigh out. What more could a person ask for?)
When I read time hop books, I leave all expectations on the side table so that I may enjoy each moment of the story without trying to guess what is coming. The Painted Castle is the perfect example as to why I do this. I love to be surprised – it did just that. I enjoy a bit of education when I read fiction – I learned a few things about the times and places and events in each era. And, of course, like any romance reader, I want love – each romance is patient, sacrificing, and consuming. (“Girl, you can’t run from him.”)
Needless to say, I throughly enjoyed The Painted Castle and the entire Lost Castle series. Romance, adventure, and history all rolled into a perfect bundle.
**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher through CelebrateLit Publicities. The views expressed were not required but freely given. (Good books must be talked about)
Although this is the final book in a trilogy, I didn’t read the previous two installments and I never felt like I was missing information about the lead characters in this volume. I was drawn in and engrossed by the three timelines in which the story is told; each historic timeline unveils a part of the mystery/conflict needing resolved in the present-day timeline. The lead and supporting characters throughout were well-drawn and I felt that I knew enough about them to understand most of their actions. I recommend it wholeheartedly!
I voluntarily requested and read a complimentary copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley. I offer my honest opinions in response.
Set in three time periods this story shows how generations of families are tied together through time. Hidden paintings and treasures are the focus of a discovery in a castle and this book concludes the Lost Castle novels with this story of art and secrets long buried in England. Interesting characters and interesting details, this was my favorite of the series.
I was gifted a copy, no review was required. My review is voluntary.
The Painted Castle is the third and final book in the Lost Castle series by Kristy Cambron. Such good reads–all three! But I think this is my favorite. Castles, heroines, art, mysteries to solve and, of course, romance. I enjoy historical romance and with this time-slip novel set in three different eras, (Victorian, WWII, and contemporary) there is a lot of ‘historical’ going on! One tidbit of history I found to be quite interesting has to do with a curious monkey and a man with a yellow hat and the authors who brought them to life. The author has a masterful way with words that puts the reader right into the scenes–she knows how to bring the story and her characters to life. The characters are realistic and their actions and emotions are reasonable and relatable. I especially liked the WWII story–the hero was quite the hero–I so wanted Amelia to move beyond her past and connect with him. I liked how the tie-in between the three stories is revealed layer by layer throughout the book and also the great cliff-hangers between the various sections of the stories. The Painted Castle is, as the title suggests, a story about a castle but it is so much more. There is courage, compassion, grief, and the message of faith in the ever-present God who is working in our lives to build stories that become our legacy to those who come after us. This is a book for readers who love historical romance. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. I received a complimentary copy of the book through CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and the opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
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.
The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron is a delightful Christian novel and the third book in the Lost Castles series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Once more Kristy Cambron has taken historical detail and facts and woven a marvellous tale. The novel is a triple timeline story being set in 1843, 1944 and present day. The focus is Framlingham in Suffolk and a private painting of Queen Victoria. Similar themes and a mystery unite the tales down the years.
There are a wonderful mix of characters. I certainly had a favourite. See if you do too.
War touches every aspect of society in 1944 as lives are both protected and torn apart. Huge hearts open homes to those in need. The desire to nurture and protect is strong.
I really enjoyed The Painted Castle. I love Kristy Cambron’s tales as they educate and entertain.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed 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.
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.
(You can see my full review at https://justjenniferpurcell.com/2019/10/04/just-read-the-painted-castle-by-kristy-cambron/)
From the prologue, Kristy Cambron had me sucked in. It’s really not fair, making me root for three different heroines. There should have been one I wasn’t as fond of to make it easy to stop reading. But I liked them all! So I was forced to keep reading well past the time I should’ve turned off my Kindle.
It’s amazing the way Cambron was able to drop hints throughout each section, weaving threads hither, thither, and yon. I was intrigued by how they would all connect, and Cambron did not disappoint. Love and loss seemed to be a common thread, and it all came together with a valuable lesson: we can’t fear the future because of pain from the past.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. 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.
Kristy Cambron has a wonderful way at painting a picture with her words. In her latest novel, The Painted Castle, Cambron does a wonderful job at allowing her love of art and art history to spill on the pages of the story. Again, this story is told in three different time periods, and I didn’t feel lost at all. I really enjoyed the different time periods telling the story readers are wanting to figure out. The plot moved nicely and really kept me spellbound to the pages of the characters’ lives. I kept flipping pages because the story kept me captivated, breathless for more. The romance in each section didn’t overshadow the plot. Instead, it enhanced the characters’ plights as they tried to deal with their struggles right in front of them. I really have enjoyed this series by Cambron and can’t wait to see what else she comes up with. Fans of Sarah E. Ladd, Julie Klassen, and Kate Breslin would enjoy this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
‘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.
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.
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 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.