Sometimes you come across a book that steals your breath away. It’s hard to move on and think of other things. It’s definitely hard to review such a book, but I want to try because “Castle on the Rise” deserves great praise.
Once again, this author’s intricate storytelling held me spellbound. The story wouldn’t release me. Each chapter pulled me right into the next. Heartbreaking struggles are not ignored in this story, but grace rises far above. There were tears, surprises and anguish, but the reader will also witness gentleness, love and bravery along the way.
There is such attention to detail in the historical facts, the Irish backdrop, and the emotional arc of the story. Don’t let the three different timelines intimidate you. They breathe as one, connected by the same message of courage and faith.
There is so much to be explored within these pages. So much to be felt. Take a deep breath and step inside. You’ll be encouraged and inspired by this unforgettable tale, I promise you. By the end of it, you’ll feel as if you traveled to Ireland yourself!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
About the Book
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.
Available Here
About the Author
KRISTY CAMBRON is an award-winning author of historical fiction, including her bestselling debut The Butterfly and the Violin, and an author of Bible studies, including the Verse Mapping series. Kristy is a Women’s Ministry Leader at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY, and 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.
The most important thing? Jesus is everything— let her tell you about Him sometime.
Savanna, I love how you describe the three timelines: “They breathe as one.” Sounds like a great read!
Thank you, Karen! So appreciate you taking the time to read my review. I really hope you’ll check out this book!
Fabulous review, Savanna!
You’re so sweet! Thank you, Caryl!