Tuesday, February 19, 2019

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.



Blog Stops


Back Porch Reads, February 19
Maureen’s Musings, February 19
The Power of Words, February 19
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
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
Emily Yager, February 25
Moments, February 25
All-of-a-kind Mom, February 26
Mary Hake, February 26
Simple Harvest Reads, February 27 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Remembrancy, February 28
Inklings and Notions, February 28
Pause for Tales, March 1
The Becca Files, March 2
Book by Book, March 2

12 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Each one is unique in my opinion, Kim. Beautiful writing by a beautiful author.

      Delete
  2. I so need to read this, as I love this series. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And I so need to read the first book, Lucy! Cambron's writing is truly special.

      Delete
  3. The video was enticing. Since I've read the first Castle book, I'm eager to read the second and eager to visit Ireland as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It sure was, Susie! And I have got to read the first book soon. I've always been drawn to books set in the United Kingdom, but there's something special about the Irish and Scots.

      Delete
  4. I read and enjoyed The Last Castle so am eager to read Castle on the Rise.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't had a chance to read the first book yet, Pam, so I appreciate knowing you enjoyed it. I think you'll adore this one.

      Delete
  5. I LOVED this book! Thank you for sharing your insightful review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I enjoy Kristy's writing so much, but this book really clicked with me, Jennifer. So glad you enjoyed it also.

      Delete
  6. I would really love to read this book. It looks so very good. Thanks so very much for the chance at the giveaway.
    faithdcreech at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete