Castle on the Rise (2019) — A Celebrate Lit Tour: A Video Message from Kristy, My Thoughts, and a Giveaway

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, back roads 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 Thoughts

Kristy Cambron has a gift. She writes stories that are SO beautiful and poignant they stick with readers LONG after the final pages have been read. I have loved every Cambron book that I’ve gotten my hands on, and I always look forward to reading her newest release. Castle on the Rise is a wonderful story. I was captivated from page one, had a seriously hard time putting the book down, and sobbed my eyes out in several places. This book wrecked my heart, yet left me feeling so hopeful. Castle on the Rise is another excellent example of Cambron’s brilliant, God-given storytelling talent.

Castle on the Rise is a story told in three unique parts. There is Laine’s story set in present-day Dublin, Issy’s war-torn story set in Dublin during the harrowing Easter Rising of 1916, and Maeve’s heartbreaking story set during the 1798 Irish rebellion. All three stories are expertly crafted, and I was captivated by all three, but Maeve and Eoin’s story is my favorite. I very much enjoyed how their relationship grew over time. At first there is distrust because they are from opposite sides of the rebellion, but then there is partnership as Eoin helps Maeve run her home and helps take care of the people who live on her land. This then turns into romance. I felt the relationship grew very realistically, born out of hard work, a gaining of trust, mutual respect, and true sacrificial love. Maeve and Eoin’s story wrecked my heart though, so much so I’m still emotional 24 hours after finishing the book. Maeve and Eoin’s story is beautiful and devastating, but a story that will stick with me for a long, long time.

Castle on the Rise is filled with seriously brave and courageous characters. Cambron’s characters are men and women who stand against oppression and evil with very little thought to their own person. They are men and women who are willing to put their lives on the line to fight for what is right. These characters do what they have to, when they have to, believing with their whole heart that they are honoring God’s will through their actions. While reading, I couldn’t help but ask the question, “What does it mean to be brave in 2019 America?” In 1798 and 1916, the Irish were fighting a very clear and present evil. The British were a very arrogant and cruel master. Wanting to break the bonds of slavery to a master who didn’t even live in their country makes sense. That’s a fight to fight valiantly. But in 2019 America, what are we valiantly fighting for or against?

So I put the question to my husband. He believes those who profess Christ as their Lord and Savior, and then live their lives as God commands, are the bravest people in America today. I agree with my husband completely. Christians who actually have a relationship with God, who study their Bible, and then live God’s Word as best as humanly possible are the bravest Americans today. Those who stand up against bad theology, secular activities being brought into the church, and refuse to stand with those who want to cut Israel out are those choosing to honor God’s will through their actions. One of the coolest things you learn about God when you really get into Bible study is that you don’t have to actually be a brave person to be brave. I would not consider myself a brave person, but that’s OK. The Holy Spirit lives inside of me, and He is brave for me. He opens my mouth when it’s God’s time for me to share my faith in Him with others. The Holy Spirit soothes the hurt when I get ridiculed or yelled at for my faith, especially when it’s friends or family who are doing the mocking and yelling. And, the Holy Spirit helps me continue to spread the Gospel even though sometimes the cruelty of this world makes me want to give up. I may never be a Maeve or Eoin, or an Issy or Sean, or a Laine or Cormac — the brave characters from Castle on the Rise — but I don’t have to be. I just have to continue to follow God’s path for me, and in 2019 America, that’s exceedingly brave!

Castle on the Rise is a stunning journey. I am different now, for the better, for having read this beautiful story. The setting is amazing — I truly felt like I was in Ireland the whole time I was reading this book. It was a fantastic vacation! I really love the characters and found them to be so brave, yet realistic at the same time. And the history — I learned so much about Ireland and its battle for independence. This story forced me to take pauses so I could Google search historical figures to learn more about them. I love when a book makes me want to research more! Castle on the Rise is an absolute gem that I highly recommend.

I received a review copy of this novel in paperback (ARC) form from the author via Celebrate Lit. I also purchased this book in eBook form from Amazon on February 15, 2019 to read and review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

---

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

---

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