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.
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
My Review
I read The Lost Castle (book 1) back in the beginning of 2018, and since then I’ve been impatiently waiting for this one to release. Kristy Cambron has an impeccable way of taking readers on a journey into the past and making it come alive.
As with the first book in the series, this is a triple-timeline story. The timelines begin in 1797, 1915, and present day. The historical pieces are unique to this story, but the present day is a continuation from The Lost Castle. Although the “leading role” has now shifted from Ellie to her best friend Laine, she is still highly present in this story. It’s the same case for the leading male role–from Quinn to his brother Cormac. While the historical pieces could be read as stand-alone I think the present story would be more confusing if you attempted to read the books out of order.
I will admit that I don’t know much about the Irish and their fight for independence other than the fact that it’s been a “hot topic” for years. Reading this story makes me wish I knew more. Kristy weaves fact and fiction together in her stories by adding real people to her fictional tales. She shares a bit about her research in her author’s note. (Yes, my ever-present plug for reading the author’s note ;))
One thing I love about Kristy Cambron’s writing is that she is often unpredictable. She will lead you on a journey that you’re not sure where you’re headed until suddenly she brings it all together to make sense. The characters are so deeply developed that you are able to imagine their lives even outside of the pages.
I still have to say that the first book in the series is my favorite, but this one was intriguing as well. I believe it’s at least in-part due to my lack of knowledge of the Irish history. I also struggled to keep track of all of the different characters between the timelines and their connections. I still thoroughly enjoyed the story though and fully intend on reading the next book when it releases.
*I received a copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
Rating: 
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
Love the covers.
Thank you for your review on “Castle on the Rise” by Kristy Cambron and for being part of the Celebrate Lit book tour.
Sounds like a marvelous book and one that I would really enjoy having the opportunity to read. Neat cover which makes you want to see what is beyond.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Kristy Cambron has released the cover for the third book as well and it’s another beauty! 🙂
Becca,
Thank you so much for your review. The great thing about this book being on tour, is that one can compare what readers thought about the book. I am starting to get a better picture. Reading book one first is a MUST. Again, TY!!
You’re welcome and thank you! Yes, I would definitely recommend reading book 1 first 🙂
I knew that the characters from each book were connected to each other in some way but I wasn’t sure how. Now I can’t wait to read Laine and Cormac’s story!
Yes!