What a beautifully written book! I was fully immersed in each of these three time periods and was completely invested in the characters. I rooted for great outcomes for them and breathed a satisfied sigh when the last page was turned.
Kristy Cambron has a unique gift for painting pictures with words on the page and vividly describing settings, characters, and situations so that the reader can visualize each scene as it unfolds. It is evident that the author knows a great deal about art and has thoroughly done her historical research so that the entire tale is believable. Although this is the third book in a series, they are only loosely related so this installment easily stands alone.

Historic Fiction is definitely my go-to for books, and The Painted Castle covers that wonderfully. There are a couple things that you need to know before reading The Painted Castle. The first thing is, this is book 3 in the Lost Castle series, but you do not need to read the first two. In my opinion, The Painted Castle definitely reads like a stand alone. The second thing is, I have seen this series filed under Christian Fiction, Historic Fiction, and plain-old Fiction and I can assure you it easily fits in any of them.
In very simple terms, The Painted Castle is a novel that alternates between three strong women, during different times in history, and in one fascinating way or another their story entwines around a castle in England.
…
1833- An 11-year-old Elizabeth, an accomplish sketch artist, sits in her carriage drawing the figure of a man standing out on the dark streets. Minutes later her father leaves the carriage and is shot twice by a mysterious figure. For years following the death of her father, Elizabeth always assumed she had sketched her fathers’ killer and had hoped for revenge. She is now, however, at an age where marriage to a suitable man is absolutely necessary and her family must secure a marriage to a man of good fortune. In an alarming turn in events, Elizabeth has reason to believe she has been betrothed to her father murderer.
1944- With the war on her doorstep, Amelia lends part of her property to the United States Army. With the men occupying the grounds and with the sounds of trucks and jeeps disturbing her peace, Amelia is forced to adjust to these new living arrangements. One day Wyatt, the United States Captain, finds Amelia organizing her library and they soon discover they have more than just the love of books in common.
Present day- When not working at her brother’s pub in Dublin, Keira Foley writes her dissertation on a mystery man and his connection to a Queen Victoria portrait that had gone missing over 150 years earlier. Emery Scott, a man with a shady past in the world of art, tracks Keira down and makes her a proposition she cannot refuse. Together they will put their differences aside and uncover secrets of the past.
…
There are so many things I loved about this book, for starters; I love history, historic fiction and art, so together they are such a guilty pleasure to read. The other great thing is, I consider this book a “safe read”, I can easily recommend this book to anyone ages 16-101 (and I absolutely will).
I have read many books with multiple story lines set in different times and I always find myself drawn to one story line more than another. In this case, I was pulled in by Amelia and Wyatt’s relationship…swoon. The booklover in me must also mention a part when Amelia reads Pride and Prejudice to Wyatt and I tell you, those opening lines get me every single time!
Kristy Cambron has done a wonderful job weaving the stories together and the results were perfection. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Three stories set in three different time periods converge in Kristy Cambron’s, The Painted Castle. In present day, we have Keira and Emory who are hired to restore the Parham Hill Estate in Framlingham, England. Inside, they find a copy of the secret painting that Queen Victoria commissioned as a gift for Prince Albert. Throughout the story Keira and Emory find not only the truth about the painting and it’s mysterious painter, but the truth about themselves. In 1944, Amelia is the de facto viscountess of Parham Hill after her husband died in the war. When a handsome American officer, Wyatt Stevens, comes into her life with orders for Parham Hill to house a squadron of flyboys, she tries to make the best of things. Can she open her heart enough to love again when war makes the future uncertain? And finally, in 1843, Elizabeth has one thing on her mind: find the man who stood at the street corner while her father was shot. She’s certain he was responsible, and she carries a pistol in her reticule to exact justice when she sees him again. However, when she does see him again, he turns out to be Keaton James, the viscount of Parham Hill and her betrothed. How long will Keaton be able to shield Elizabeth from the horrible truth of her family?

All of these stories were a delight to read. I really enjoyed each of the mysteries in these time periods, and discovering them all was so much fun. Each of the characters were well developed and I connected with all of them, but I think Keira and Emory were my favorites. A wonderful time-slip novel and highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Three timelines. There are few people who could successfully pull this off, not once, but three times! The Painted Castle is part of a series but stands alone fantastically. I love the glimpse of other characters we have met before as well as the return to the wonderful castle. Present day, WWII and 1840s combine seamlessly in an enchanting and captivating tale. Each of the women leave an impression as they struggle through various events and romances. Naming a favorite is not possible as none will disappoint. Set aside some time because you are going to need it. Once you start this book, you will not want to put it down. The words are rich and meaningful, the descriptions paint pictures and the characters leave you feeling like you just made new friends.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. 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.

This book is just something else, it's amazing! It's the third in Kristy Cambron's castle series, but I'm fairly sure it's my favorite of this series!

I love each of the three time periods (present day, WWII, and 1843), I love each of the heroines. I also really love castles, and this setting is just superb. The time periods are all linked together by one common castle, (and of course some other details that I won't go into in this review... :) ) and I loved discovering more about it and it's surrounding area.

If I would attempt to pick a favorite time and character, I'd have to go with the WWII one, Amelia. She's a widow and has turned her home estate into a boarding school for refugee children, and is doing her best to keep life as normal as possible for her charges. Then she receives orders from the army that a group of pilots will be staying there. This upsets everything. I love her pluck, her determination, and the way she looks after her bees in the middle of all the chaos.

This story is a real treasure, and if you've read any of Kristy's earlier books (or even if you haven't) be sure and read this one!

There are, of course, some connections with this story and the earlier castle books, but this one does stand well on it's own.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Cambron's seamless transition and intertwining of three connected yet distinct stories from the 1840s, 1940s, and present day is truly amazing. Elizabeth, Amelia, and Keira all share stories of heartbreak and restoration that unfold on the Parham Hill Estate in Suffolk County, England. Each lady's story is captivating and will stir the reader's heart. Elizabeth and Keira's stories include a mystery to be solved. Each of these stories goes beyond romance to deep and abiding love

Kristy Cambron is a master of character development. In her stories each word counts, frivolous passages are non-existent. Once finished, they leave you with the desire to let them rest in your thoughts, with no desire to immediately enter a new book and another world.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in the review are completely my own.

I spent the past two days engrossed in Kristy Cambron's finale to her Lost Castle series and thoroughly savored it! I think she kept the best 'til last! I appreciated how the stories, like the present-day family that inhabits them build on each other and circle back 'round to the first castle and the beauty of the 'Sleeping Beauty.'

Once again, Kristy has written a split time novel with stories set in 1843, 1944, and the present day. Moving from one plotline to another came easy, and all three of them pulled me in each time with mystery, crime, romance, and a famous painting of one of England's most beloved Queens as well as a tapestry of rich historical detail.

I am astounded by Cambron's ability to take what she is knowledgeable about and has researched and taken from her own family's history and be able to apply it into three different storylines! There is too much to say about all that is great about this novel! Go and read it - it is truly fantastic!

I'm very thankful to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC for this, my honest review.

‘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.

The Painted Castle was a fantastic end to a great series. As with the other two books in the series, Ms. Cambron
offers three points of view all in different eras. We visit 1843, WWII, and present day. I loved each setting, each set of characters, and waiting to see how they were all linked.

I think my favorite historical setting was the WWII story. So captivating and the hero…swoon!

As for present day, Emory Scott is an understated hero but his heroine, is feisty and the youngest sister to the Foleys. I loved seeing the characters from book one and two and the epilogue that concluded the series nicely.

All in all, an enjoyable read.

*I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.

I fell into this book, and I didn’t want to leave! I loved every moment I spent in the pages of this captivating book! Resplendent with vivid imagery, witty dialogue, and dynamic characters all brought this story to life in my imagination. I equally enjoyed all three of the story-lines and thought that Kristy Cambron tied them together quite brilliantly!

These characters pulled me in and invited me along the journey. I felt every heart-pounding moment right along with them. The mystery, the tender romance, and even the heart-breaking moments that had me reaching for the tissue box. A Christmas dance in stocking feet to the sound of a crackling fire, and many other tender moments that had me holding my breath in anticipation of what would be said next. Intense, and searing the story held me in its grip.

Each of the three time-lines equally captivated my imagination and griped my heart in unexpected ways. Each left indelible marks on my heart that shall stay with me long into the future. I give this book 5-enthusiastic stars and encourage you to enjoy this story yourself at your earliest convenience!

(I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Thank you Netgalley and publishing house for this ARC. What a story line! What character development! I loved all the different plots that came together in the end. The characters were all so great. I felt like I was right there with them: from the 1800-present day. I didn’t realize this was the 3rd book in a trilogy when I requested an advance copy but I’m so glad I did. These are definitely stand alone even though some of the characters tie together. If you enjoy history with a little suspense and love, read this!

Oh my this was such a good book. I have loved this series of books and this was quite possibly my favorite. Great characters you can relate to and cheer for. Loved the 3 time periods. Just the perfect book for a cool evening and a cup of hot tea. Definitely 5 stars.

Okay, folks. Prepare for excessive gushing because I absolutely loved The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron.

About the Story:

It was supposed to be a one-week job: survey an art find, collect a hefty fee, and use that to settle historian Kiera Foley’s life back into balance. But from the moment she sets foot in the East Suffolk countryside, the mysteries surrounding the old English manor and the enigmatic art thief who’s employed her stir more questions than answers. Then, Kiera finds the existence of a portrait captivating enough to upend all of her expectations. This one could be a twin—a painting so close in composition to a known masterpiece, it may be rendered priceless if it truly captured the likeness of a young Queen named Victoria.

Set in three time periods—the rapid change of Victorian England, the tumultuous skies over England’s eastern shores in WWII, and modern day—The Painted Castle unfolds a legacy of faith, family, and stories that are generations in the making.

My Thoughts:

First of all, I was amazed, impressed, entranced and every other fabulous adjective you can think of at the three—yes, three!—storylines. (One was contemporary, another was set during WWII, and the last was Victorian.) I thought for sure I would have difficulty following along, but no! All three settings were unique with each character engaging in their own way. And the story as a whole just flowed so seamlessly. I found myself intrigued and wondering how it all would unfold. The layered depth in this story is a credit to Ms. Cambron’s masterful storytelling skills. So entertaining, yet moving. I sighed. Gasped. Got teary-eyed. From chapter one to the powerful ‘The End’ there was All. The. Emotions.

And the way the author tied all three plots together was fascinating. Can you tell I love this story? Novels like this makes my little reading heart so happy. I can’t recommend The Painted Castle enough. And I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this talented author.

*I received a copy through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

To purchase The Painted Castle, click here

About the Author:

KRISTY CAMBRON is a vintage-inspired storyteller writing both award-winning historical fiction, including her bestselling debut The Butterfly and the Violin, and an author of nonfiction, including the Verse Mapping series Bible studies. She’s a passionate storyteller who travels to speak at 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 Reviews’ Best Books, RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, received 2015 & 2017 INSPY Award nominations, and has been featured at CBN, Lifeway Women, Jesus Calling, Country Woman Magazine, MICI Magazine, Faithwire, (in)Courage, and Bible Gateway.

Kristy holds a degree in Art History/Research Writing, and has 15 years of experience in education and leadership development for a Fortune-100 Corporation, working in partnership with such companies as the Disney Institute, IBM/Kenexa, and Gallup. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, and can probably be bribed with a peppermint mocha latte and a good read.

To stay connected, visit: http://www.kristycambron.com

Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron

This is really three interconnecting stories across three centuries. Laine travels to Europe to attend her best friend’s wedding. They end up going to Ireland and Laine helps her friend’s brother-in-law sort through a castle that the Foley family has inherited. The castle has many secrets which come to light through the other two story lines.
It was a little confusing at first keeping the three story lines straight and figuring out what was happening. One storyline took place at a time when rebels were fighting for Ireland’s freedom from England. All three stories are connected by the Ashford Castle and by people who love deeply and are willing to make great sacrifices for those they care about.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book. It was even better than the second. It spans three eras and includes art, love, loss, mystery, war, and follows the stories of three women whose lives intertwine across time. If I had to pick a favourite timeline, I would say WWII countryside England… or would it be the Victorian Era portion where women of the upper class were under-estimated for any talents aside from needlepoint? I couldn’t choose. Even the contemporary storyline was intriguing and enjoyable. The women are strong. Their stories are moving.

I love watching the threads unravel through the back and forth of the stories and then ultimately weave back into a beautiful tale of secrets and triumphs in a beautiful historic castle.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I would recommend this entire series for those who enjoy a poignant, heartwarming read with a strong dose of mystery to untangle. Pre-order your copy of this title so you have it on hand for its Tuesday release!

Once again Kristy Cameron has left me speechless. She truly has a gift for storytelling.

To weave masterfully three timelines that complete each other perfectly and keep my engage throughly is spectacular.

I truly believe she has outdone herself with “The Painted Castle” and I can’t find the proper words to do this book justice.
It’s quite an adventure from a bustling pub in Dublin to a mysterious manor in England, from war torn fields to a majestic library, from balls and the secrets hidden inside an estate. The livrado these character are nothing short from beautifully broken and patched together to form a colourful mosaic.

The cover was the first thing that caught my eye. It's so beautiful! That alone should make anyone want to give this book a try. I also thought the writing style was very interesting. This book takes place in three different time periods with a connection between the characters in all of them. I thought this made the story really unique. I have to say that Amelia and Wyatt stole the show for me! Their story was my favorite. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more books by this author. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book!

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.