Carole J. (PianoLady357) reviewed on 2/19/2019 + 157 more book reviews

Kristy Cambron's stories, so eloquently written, have the power to transport me to an era and setting that literally enthralls as it envelops me in its arms. Ireland â the setting, its history and people â come alive in this newest book, Castle on the Rise. The setting alternates between current day and two previous times in Ireland's turbulent history, 1797 and 1916. That may seem like a lot to keep up with, but it's all strategically interwoven in a way that's easy to follow.

The story itself is fast paced, but as eager as I was to reach each era's conclusion, Cambron's atmospheric prose begs to be savored slowly. I don't know a lot about Ireland's history, other than long-time conflicts over Protestant/Catholic religions and the desire to be free from England's rule, so I enjoyed the detail in this story. Family ties are broken as allegiance is given to English heritage or home country. The leading characters in each era â Maeve and Eoin, Issy and Sean, Laine and Cormac â are well developed and so very easy to connect with. I don't know if it's the wonderful romantic chemistry between them, or if there's just something special about an Irishman (maybe a little of both?), but these characters and their stories are memorable.

At its heart, Castle on the Rise is about freedom â political and personal â and the sacrifice and commitment it takes to get there. Faith is a constant theme gently woven throughout. While each of Cambron's novels has touched me, there's something special about this story. Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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