This was set not in two time lines but in three! my first read where it went into three separate stories.

Victorian England and Elizabeth an impoverished aristocrat is being touted by her mother as a suitable bride for anyone who is worthy of her. He has to be rich of course. Everything else is by the way. That is the original story of where the paintings begin - the paintings of Queen Victoria which so beguiled her consort that he kept it only for his private viewing. That is the origin of this tale.

We then move on to the harrowing 1934 England. Almost the end of WW II and the arrival of American troops and the solace and uproar they equally brought to rural England. We have Amelia trying to hold it all together looking after orphaned children with very little funds and trying to hold on to her common sense and sanity when the Americans arrive.

We then have the present modern times. Keira is asked to authenticate a painting. During a modernisation of the castle, exciting news in the form of a new painting by Winterhalter has been discovered. Keira is needed in this connection.

All three stories are linked to Parnham Hall and the paintings - the unraveling of the story and the romance of each period was wonderful. They were not the run of the mill romances but very unusual ones - the first starting with revenge, the second with lost hopes and the third with desolation when you realise your idol has feet of clay. The stories ended well, wonderfully well.

Very descriptive of their settings in all three time frames, the characterization was splendid and the story was a page turner. I'll be looking out for this author in the future.

This book was so beautifully written. Each split-time story was so individual yet so intricately connected with the others. I love how effortlessly the author pulls you in with each story. When you shift from one story to the next you find yourself wanting to continue in the same story, but at the same time you really want to see what happens in the others. I keep trying to decide which is my favorite, but each one vies for that spot. The characters were deep, human, strong, and well-written. The love stories were sweet, clean, and had perfect endings. The simple and sincere faith-inspired words were truly inspirational. I loved this book!

I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.

Having read this a month ago, I had no recollection of the story line until reading some early reviews. A great story (to me) comes right back when I read the synopsis. I didn't love all three couples equally. The couple from the 1940s was my favorite, the present day couple least favorite. There are enough surprises to entertain and the writing is seamless throughout. I will definitely be watching for other books by this author.

*ARC via netgalley*

I really enjoyed reading “The Painted Castle.” I was intrigued by the lost portrait of Queen Victoria. I appreciated the book having three different timelines with the different characters. This book was well written, contains great details, and has many memorable characters. Although because of this there were many characters to keep track of, overall I felt that it did not get to be too confusing. The World War II storyline was my favorite. I did love how all the timelines (Victorian England, World War II, and present day) came together though! I feel that the author must have done a great deal of historical research before writing this book, and I feel that it shows in her writing, especially how she slipped in pieces of historical facts throughout the book.

I also loved how the story focused on the people who lived in one house over the period of a couple of hundred years. If the walls could talk…

I think readers who love historical fiction, as well as art history enthusiasts will probably enjoy this book. I don’t normally enjoy mysteries, but I did in the case of this novel.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book.

The Painted Castle
By Kristy Cambron
4.5 stars

I really enjoyed the final book of the Lost Castle series, a time slip novel with three time frames. I believe this was the best novel of the trilogy. All three stories in the book flowed well together. A mystery to be solved alongside the current day heroine uncovering a walled up library with a secret portrait inside. All inside a castle. Who doesn't love that?

With all the books in the series there is always one of the three in the book that I like best. And in this one I really liked the story of Elizabeth set in the 1800s.

I’ve been a fan of Kristy Cambron’s for a few years now and have read all of her books. I was so excited for her The Lost Castle series, but have felt somewhat disappointed with each book in the series. I feel there is just too much going on and have never felt truly immersed in either of the storylines.

In The Painted Castle, there were a few elements that I liked. The theme of a lost portrait of Queen Victoria was intriguing. I liked Elizabeth and the Victorian timeline her story was set in, and I liked Keira, but I just never felt invested enough in either of their stories.

I think art enthusiasts who love historical fiction will probably like this book, but it just wasn’t what I was hoping for.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book.

This dual timeline novel is set in three different time periods - Victorian England, WWII, and modern day. Faith, family, and a certain piece of artwork are woven together flawlessly. There are lots of rich layers between the pages and the swoon-worthy characters will steal a piece of your heart.. The historic and artistic details really bring this story to life, and it's easy to tell the author did her research. I loved this series, and I'm a tad sadden to see it end. But Kristy is such an amazing storyteller that I can't wait to see what she brings to us next.

The Painted Castle is the third installment from Kristy Cambron's series, Lost Castle. This one is by far my favorite of the series. I was intrigued from beginning to end. Great read! Five plus stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in the review are completely my own. #ThePaintedCastle #NetGalley
I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it. The characters are engaging; the plot is interesting; the settings in Ireland and England are picturesque. I love that so many scenes occur in a library. Amidst the search to verify the authentication of a Queen Victoria painting by Winterhalter (you can Google him and the painting) the characters must also validate their own feelings. Perhaps one of the characters is a thief, perhaps another is a murderer. Can they be forgiven? This is a story of love, restoration, and drama.

The Painted Castle is the last title in the much beloved Lost Castle trilogy, and it may honestly be my favorite of the three. Kristy Cambron is a master craftsman when it comes to weaving timeslip novels that keep the reader engaged over multiple time periods, and this particular title showcases the crazy depths of her talent with telling a timeless tale that stretches over three differing time periods.

In the 1840's, we are introduced to a young woman who's well ahead of her time named Elizabeth. Elizabeth's father held a prestigious title, but with his death came also the loss of the title and the loss of most of the family's precious finances. Her mother is not one to sit around and do nothing about their situation though, and her solution to the problem is to find Elizabeth a suitor who's in a prominent position to support her and her mother financially. Elizabeth is not one to go along idly with these kind of arrangements, but when the match is made with a man who she suspects had a hand in her father's death, she decides to pretend to go along with the match to discover as much about him as she can.

In the 1940's we are introduced to Amelia. Amelia was left Parham Hill estate after her husband's tragic passing, and she's struggling to keep the estate afloat with only her wits and determination to do so. She's already feeling stretched beyond her means with how many children she's agreed to house who've been evacuated from their homes. However, when she discovers that her estate has been chosen by the US government to house many of their "fly boys" she's unsure how she can possibly be stretched even further. She's forced to make do the best she can, and she finds an unlikely ally and new friend in Wyatt, a Captain with the regiment that's boarding at her estate.

In the present day, the reader follows the journey of a disgraced art fine art curator named Kiera Foley, who's given an opportunity she can't say no to from a mysterious man who shows up at the Foley's family pub named Emory. Kiera expects it to be a quick trip in and out to help with some art pieces that were discovered, but is blown away with just what the glorious discovery entails. As Kiera and Emory work together to discover the treasures and mysteries hiding within the walls of Parham Hill, they'll discover the many stories that exist from previous couples like themselves throughout the estate's grand history.

I've always had a soft spot for timeslip novels, and as such, I've read quite a few over the years. However, I've never seen another author be able to master three separate time periods the way that Kristy Cambron does so effortlessly. One of the main reasons I can say that this is my personal favorite of the trilogy lies within the fact that I couldn't pick one of the timelines that I enjoyed more than the others. I found myself invested in each individual story, and trying to guess what revelations were going to occur that would tie the tree time periods together like it had in the previous two installments in the trilogy.

I adored each couple; and the harsh circumstances they were forced to work through along the way of finding each other. I enjoyed the focus on the art world, and the way it spans so many generations. I loved how atmospheric the writing was, and the fact that the reader feels like they're right their in England with all the characters experiencing everything with them. Perhaps my favorite part though of any Kristy Cambron title is that it's obvious to the reader the painstaking amount of research she puts into each and every one of her historical titles. I learned things about history I had no clue about, including the prominent 1840's artist named Winterhalter, and the amazing origins of the Curious George children's books.

I can't end this review however without stating that another inclusion that set this book apart from its predecessors for me personally was that I felt that the faith element was much stronger in this particular title. I love when titles published by a Christian publishing house actually include an emphasis on faith, and that was much appreciated by this reader.

Final Rating: 4/5

The Painted Castle is a beautiful, well crafted story that's the perfect conclusion to the beloved Lost Castle trilogy. This title was everything I was hoping for and more, and I highly recommend it checking it out for yourself.I definitely recommend reading the titles in order though, so you don't miss out on any of the details along the way.

Thanks so much to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the opportunity to advance read this!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher (Thomas Nelson) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.

I very much enjoyed the first two books in the Lost Castle series, The Lost Castle and Castle on the Rise, but this one... I loved The Painted Castle from the very first page to the last. It was one of those beautiful reads where I couldn’t wait to turn the page and see what was about to unfold. Such interesting characters whose multifaceted stories drew me immediately in. When I read books that jump from time period to time period I often find myself enjoying one story line more than the others. Not true with The Painted Castle. Each storyline was equally intriguing. Kristy Cambron is a master at this type of storytelling. Beautiful book!

"Books are a completely personal kind of journey. On the first page they ask us not only to be willing, but to be moved, changed, persuaded, even made new by the time we reach the end. Everyone's walk through is different. It has to be." The Painted Castle
The Painted Castle is the third book in the Lost Castle series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I highly recommend reading all three novels. The Foley family has a passion for forgotten castles and uncovering the hidden mysteries deep within their walls, just as Kristy Cambron has a passion for making history come alive within the pages of her charming storytelling.
This story captured me from the beginning when young Elizabeth discovers she just sketched the face of the man who murdered her father. This split-time novel follows the lives of: Elizabeth, Amelia and Keira, three women whose fragile hearts have only just started to beat a normal rhythm again. Faced with death, war, and broken promises they must look deep within themselves to find the courage to love again. Stunning plot twists and delightful characters kept me glued to this story, though I have to admit that Amelia's story was my favorite of the three. Throughout the story, the reader is reminded that God stays the same. He is the same yesterday, today and forever...dependable when our own life story takes twists and turns we don't understand. I highly recommend reading The Painted Castle or any of Kristy Cambron's novels.

The Painted Castle will be available for purchase from your local or online book retailer, October 15 2019.

Thank you Thomas Nelson and Net Galley for the e-copy of The Painted Castle. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I enjoyed this book very much. It was very atmospheric and well written. There are three timelines that the author weaves together in a rich tapestry.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction, the author, and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Present day renovations at Parham Hill Manor lead to the discovery of a royal portrait and call for art historian Keira to move in. How did it get there and is it authentic?
The reader gets familiar with the manor's former residents Elizabeth and Amelia by moving chapters from 19th to 20th century back to present time.
The writing is good and pulls you right in. While quiet on the outside, turmoil rules inside the walls of the manor. Think murder, art theft, beehives, protective brothers and high society.
I enjoyed following the three women in different time periods making the most their extraordinary circumstances. Each part in history has it's own secrets and surprises, all coming together in the end.
Wonderful setting and breathtaking surroundings make 'The Painted Castle' a joy to read.

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC.

The Painted Castle (A Lost Castle Novel Book 3) by Kristy Cambron is Split Time Christian Historical Mystery Fiction. The Split Times are in 1843,1944 and present day in an English Castle. Secrets, a mysterious death, an unusual book, art work linked to a queen and a famous artist. The characters experience the reality of life with trials but God is always present changing and fulfilling their lives. Interesting actual historical details of each time period are woven into the story. This book is a part of a series that may be enjoyed alone or read in order. The similarities in the books are Split Time, Historical, Castles and Mysteries. The differences are in the time periods, characters, places and stories. I have thoroughly enjoyed each book by Kristy Cambron because of various historical subjects, the storylines and her writing style.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book.

I have read all the books in the Lost Castle series by Kristy Cambron. Her newest book, The Painted Castle, continues the saga with a few familiar characters in the background. The book is well written, has great detail, and memorable characters. The book spans three different time periods all linked around one estate. As with the other two books, it took me a few chapters to sort out the different stories and characters that the author flips through.

The Painted Castle begins with Keira, a disgraced art authenticator in the present day who is offered a position at an English Manor to explore, salvage and authenticate the artwork in the manor. She begins to feel affection for her co-worker Emory Scott who is rumored to be an art thief. When they stumble upon a painting of Queen Victoria, neither can resist the mystery of the artist and how it got there. The other two intertwining stories explain how it happened.

Overall, I would recommend The Painted Castle. It is not necessary to read the previous books, as it can stand alone. However, to better understand the characters and their situations, you might want to read Castle on the Rise and The Lost Castle.

What a gift to be able to read an advanced copy of The Painted Castle on NetGalley. Sometimes books are so beautiful and emotional that it’s hard to describe in words, and this is one of them. The author does a brilliant job of weaving three separate storylines together. This was my first time reading Kristy Cambron, and it definitely will not be my last.

I've been reading this series since the beginning and this is my favorite!

The three timelines and stories were so good! Three amazing couples discovering love in less than ideal circumstances. Three settings that pull the reader in—Victorian age, WWII, and present time.

In the other books, I usually had a couple that was my favorite, but not in this book. I was rooting for each one from the beginning, hoping they'd each find their own HEA despite the insurmountable odds and tragic pasts.

Then there's intrigue, suspense, mystery, amazing attraction and beautiful moments. As usual, the research for each period was excellent, and I particularly liked how each period/story/couple related to the next one in history.

The stories flow easily from one chapter to the next, and I was always looking forward to catching up with each couple.

I also enjoyed the updates on Keira's older brothers from the other books.

All in all, an amazing read. I recommend you read the whole series.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my opinion.

Parham Hill castle in Farmlingham, England has seen its share of heartbreak and joys. It is also now full of questions. In present day, Keira gets lured to the old castle by an American who is helping the new owner restore the estate. They need an art historian to verify the history of a painting. Her last art job ended with a broken engagement and her retreat to Ireland to be with her brothers, so she goes reluctantly. But upon arriving she finds a painting of Queen Victorian she previously thought might only be a legend. Why is this painting here, and why was the library it was found in bricked up?

In 1843, Elizabeth had her heart broken ten years ago when she watched her father die. She sketched a drawing of the man she’s sure killed him, and has been plotting revenge for a decade. Her mother, meanwhile, is plotting an advantageous match that will save them from poverty. But when her mother gets her engaged to the man Elizabeth is sure killed her father, what is she to do? She decides to bide her time at Parham and wait for an opportune moment for revenge. But this man doesn’t seem anything like a cold-blooded killer.

Amelia is holding Parham Hill together with the sweat of her brow and sheer grit. WWII has encroached on her husband’s family estate, bringing children evacuees and US soldiers who need a place to sleep when they aren’t flying planes out of the airfield nearby. But she’s holding the newcomers at arm’s length because if WWII has taught her anything, it’s that everyone will leave you at some point.

As the three tales unfold, the history of Parham is unwoven. A story of three women who had their hearts broken and learn that it is important to learn to trust again.

I devoured this in two sittings. (Though I’d have loved to have done it in one, sleep is a pesky nuisance sometimes.) Cambron has woven these stories in such a way that tantalizing little clues or statements are dropped in other time periods that you need answers to from other time periods. The 1840s story of Elizabeth involves an historical painter who really did paint Queen Victoria. It was fascinating to learn about him, and see the way art was viewed during the Victorian period. The mystery of who killed Elizabeth’s father also kept me turning the pages as quickly as possible. Amelia’s story is loaded with a huge question when Keira finds out that someone died during a bombing on the estate. I needed to find out who. I also needed to know if Amelia could learn to love again after losing her husband in the war. I loved the way that the story of Curious George’s creators was woven into this time period’s story, that the author’s grandfather sparked this story, and Amelia’s Uncle Darly is a sweetheart. I could read a whole book about Darly. Keira is the sister of Cormac and Quinn who have both been lead love interests in previous books in this series. They both reappear in this one for little scenes, as do their wives. I think Keira and Amelia’s stories were my favorites in this book. And it was interesting to learn that Keira’s story was somewhat inspired by an Audrey Hepburn movie. Sometimes I wanted a few more details in certain stories, but the fact that there are three separate but interwoven stories that each had me invested to keep reading at a furious pace is quite a feat. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and the endings were quite touching (readers may want tissues on hand). I’m kind of sad this is the end of this series because they have all been fantastic reads. But I’m sure Cambron will continue writing amazing books even if they don’t involve castles and a certain Irish family. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys clean love stories, historical fiction, old castles, art, and great writing.

Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content beyond a kiss. Deaths and injuries in WWII are mentioned, but the gore is kept to a minimum. A shooting kills one man, but the wound isn’t much described.

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

Beautiful woven tapestries of three women from three different eras. They are all drawn to the Parham Hill Estate trying to heal from broken hearts. Keira the lost of trust from her fiance leaving her and ruining her career. Keira is hired to authenticate a painting of Queen Victoria that hangs in Estate. Elizabeth comes to the estate at Victorian times looking for a marriage proposal and trying to find her Father's killer. Amelia Wood comes to the estate as s new bride before WWII. Her husband is killed leaving her a widow. Fallow along as Keira solves myster of the painting and finds out how theses women are part of Queen Victoria's painting.