The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron is the third A Lost Castle Novel. I was not aware of this when I picked up the book. It did not hinder my enjoyment of the story until I reached the epilogue which made references the earlier books. I thought the story contained good writing with thoughtful pacing. The Painted Castle moves back-and-forth between three time periods which are 1843, 1944 and present day. The characters are developed and suit each era. My favorite was Amelia Woods, a widow, who is running the estate and caring for children who need a safe haven during the war. Then a group of fly boys descend on the estate led by Captain Wyatt Stevens. I liked the inclusion of the story about the creators of Curious George. Kiera Foley has an impressive resume and is hired to authenticate a painting discovered in Parham Hall Estate. She is distrustful of Emory Scott, but the painting draws her in along with a charming beekeeper's cottage that needs restoration. Elizabeth Meade saw her father murdered and she sketched a man who witnessed the event. She grows up determined to get justice for her father while raised under her mother's domineering thumb. Eleanor Meade needs Elizabeth to marry well and Viscount Huxley who owns Parham Hall Estate is her choice. As Kiera researches the painting secrets of the past are revealed. The Painted Castle is an intriguing story, but it is hard to get engrossed in the story with all the back-and-forth. I wish there had been a better flow to this multi-faceted story. I enjoyed Kristy Cambron's descriptive writing which brought the scenes alive for me. The romance is plagued with miscommunication and misunderstandings (our poor couples). The Painted Castle is a dramatic and intriguing tale with stolen artwork, protective brothers, a hidden library, a famed artist, a discovered painting, and a regal queen.

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