Book Review: Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron
It’s time for What I’m Reading Wednesday, and I’m really excited about sharing the first book I finished reading in the new year. Kristy Cambron is a favorite author, and her Lost Castle series has everything I love about a good book–history, romance, castles, beautiful scenery and more. The first book The Lost Castle, made my list of The Best Books I Read in 2018, and the second one might be even better.
Castle on the Rise opens at the wedding of Ellie and Quinn, the characters from the first book., then takes us from Scotland to Ireland, where Jack and Cormac Foley have just inherited a castle. Laine Forrester has just traveled from the United States with her daughter Casey to be a part of her best friend’s wedding. When she gets the opportunity to explore the castle, she’ll uncover a mystery, historical secrets, and maybe some romance.
Laine and her daughter have just come through a painful time, including divorce and abandonment. She’s not ready to open her heart to anyone just yet. But Cormac finds his way past her defenses, falling in love with her and her daughter over old books and hidden pianos.
But the best part of this novel is that it’s really three connecting stories in one, as we learn the backstory of the castle. The three stories weave together seamlessly, revealing the story one piece at a time.
In 1916 Issy left the castle to go take photographs during the Easter Uprising. When her best friend–her brother’s secret love–is accosted by an English officer, he sets out for revenge. Issy leaves their family’s estate with him, hoping to find some adventure. She takes pictures to document from the rebels point of view, and then works as a courier for the leaders. But when she hears that the man she loves is in danger, she knows she must go to help him. But at what cost?
In 1798 Maeve finds an injured stranger on her family’s estate. When she rescues him, she has no idea that she will be drawn into a rebellion that will last for centuries as a nation fights for its freedom. His family is the enemy of her family, but Maeve, left alone to care for her father’s estate, feels she has no choice but to trust him. He’ll be by her side as she works to rebuild trust with her tenants, but when his identity is revealed, will Maeve listen to her heart?
It can be confusing to read multiple stories at once, but I think Kristy does a great job of separating them out. Each one is unique (and I’m sure it’s challenging to write three totally different stories!) and works with the others. While reading I couldn’t even decide which story I liked the best.
I have to admit that eighteenth century fiction is not my favorite. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed Maeve’s story. Actually, it may have been my favorite. Although I’ve always known there were tensions between England and Ireland, I never really knew why. It was interesting to read the backstory. I love when reading a novel helps me learn about history. Kristy Cambron’s novels are well-researched and I always feel like I learn something while reading them.
Castle on the Rise is a great choice for your reading list, because it can fit comfortably into multiple genres, so your sure to find something there you like. It’s a wonderful representation of how our choices and actions shape not only our own lives, but those around us, and even future generations. It’s a story of strong women who faced turbulent times in history, but kept fighting for what they believed in and the people they loved, all while preserving the history and beauty of an old castle. I love this series and cannot wait for book three!
You can get your copy of Castle on the Rise here.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
