Castle on the Rise – Book Review
What do you think of when you hear Ireland? I think of green fields with a few sheep, a bit of rain, a pub, and history and historical buildings. I have never been to Ireland unless you count the 4-hour layover in the Dublin airport. I don’t think that really counts because airports all tend to look alike.
This book combines Ireland, with a pub, a castle, some historical events to give you a story that has challenges you to think.
I need to tell you that this is a split-time novel. A split-time novel has two or more stories usually with something, maybe an object, that ties them together. This particular novel had three stories. Personally, it has taken me a bit of time to be able to enjoy split-time novels as you do need to be able to keep track of who is who and which time period you are reading about.
Why did I read this book? I heard numerous reviews and recommendations about another book by this author, The Lost Castle. I downloaded it to my Kindle and it sat there waiting for me to read it. It took me a bit to get into the story and I think it was because this was one of the first split-time novels I have read. It didn’t take long and I was enjoying the book and couldn’t put it down. So when I saw that the author had another book, I knew I would enjoy it. Castle on the Rise is book 2 in the series but they can be read separately.
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 into 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 Review
I like books where the characters are believable. You know a bit flawed, have struggles and weaknesses, quite a bit like real life. I like the characters that work and fight to overcome.
Laine is struggling to put life back together after a divorce. She is also caring for her niece who has had some trauma in her life. I can understand that as a mom who has seen trauma in a child’s life. I love the way Laine was caring for her niece. Cormac has seen brokenness in his own family. I loved seeing how his life was changing as the story went on.
Issy is wild and not much is going to stop her. This story gave me insight into the 1916 Easter Rising. My Irish history is weak. I know St. Patrick and that is about all. I enjoyed learning a bit of Irish history while reading this book.
I have to admit that the 1798 story took a bit more for me to understand. I read just a bit about that time period which helped to understand what was going on.
I recommend this book for a bit of history, stories of people struggling with life issues, and a bit of Ireland in there.
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, and 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
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
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 link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d9d0/castle-on-the-rise-celebration-tour-giveaway