Review + Tour GIVEAWAY: Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron

About the Book

Title: Castle on the Rise  
Author: Kristy Cambron  
Genre: Christian Historical Romance  
Release date: February 5, 2019  
Publisher: HarperCollins  

A storied castle. A band of rebels. A nation chasing a centuries-old dream of freedom. And three women who rise above it all . . .

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. 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. 

Spanning more than two centuries, Castle on the Rise unites the legacy of three women who must risk mending the broken places within—for life, love, and the belief that even through the depths of our pain, a masterpiece of a story can emerge.

Click here to purchase your copy.

My Thoughts

"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."

- Sean, 1916

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.

About the Author

Kristy Cambron is an award-winning author of Christian fiction, including her bestselling debut The Butterfly and the Violin, and an author of Bible studies, including the Verse Mapping Series. 

She is a passionate storyteller who travels to speak at ministry 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’s Best Books, RT Reviewers' Choice Awards, and received 2015 & 2017 INSPY Award nominations. 

Kristy holds a degree in Art History/Research Writing, lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, and can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good read. 

To stay connected, visit www.kristycambron.com.

Kristy’s Research Trip to Ireland

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kristy is giving away a grand prize of one finished copy each of The Lost Castle (book 1) and Castle on the Rise (book 2)!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the image above or the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/d9d0/castle-on-the-rise-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Back Porch Reads, February 19

Maureen’s Musings, February 19

The Power of Words, February 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 19

Reflections From My Bookshelves, February 20

Livin’ Lit, February 20

Texas Book-aholic, February 20

Fiction Aficionado, February 21

Gensis 5020, February 21

Blogging With Carol, February 21

Bigreadersite, February 21

Just the Write Escape, February 22

As He Leads is Joy, February 22

Just Your Average reviews, February 22

Inspired by fiction, February 23

Connect in Fiction, February 23

Carpe Diem, February 23

Bibliophile Reviews, February 24

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 24

Lis Loves Reading, February 24

A Baker’s Perspective, February 25

Emily Yager, February 25

Moments, February 25

All-of-a-kind Mom, February 26

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 26

Girls in White Dresses, February 26

Mary Hake, February 26

Simple Harvest Reads, February 27 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

The Christian Fiction Girl, February 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 27

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 28

Remembrancy, February 28

Through the Fire Blogs, February 28

Inklings and Notions, February 28

Redeemed Hope Dweller, March 1

My Devotional Thoughts, March 1

Seasons of Opportunities, March 1

Pause for Tales, March 1

Ashley’s Bookshelf, March 2

The Becca Files, March 2

Book by Book, March 2

Living Life Free in Christ, March 2

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 3

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 3

All 4 and About Books, March 3

Southern Gal Loves to Read, March 4

Reader’s Cozy Corner, March 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 4

Janices book reviews, March 4