"Castle on the Rise" by Kristy Cambron ... and a GIVEAWAY!

Kristy's publisher has agreed to give away a copy of the book . You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends February 28, 2019. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you.) 

My review...

This is the sequel to The Lost Castle. There are three storylines woven together: 1916 (with Issy), 1799 (with Eoin), and present day (with Ellie and Laine). Each one has a strong heroine who faces adversity. While I liked reading some of the historical info on Ireland, there seemed to be a bit too much going on at times. It took a bit for it to all come together for me. Overall, I found it easiest to connect with the present-day story.

Cambron’s books are always meticulously researched, and this one is no exception. She has a gift for transporting the reader to a different time and place in history. I didn’t know much about Irish history prior to reading this, so I learned a lot along the way. The faith element isn’t as strong as I’d expected, but it is there. Be sure to check out the author’s note, as it’s quite interesting. The beautiful prose and cover make this a nice addition to the series.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

About Kristy...

Kristy Cambron has a background in art and design, but she fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. She is the author of The Ringmaster's Wife, named to Publishers Weekly Spring 2016 Religion & Spirituality TOP 10 and set for release on June 7, 2016 from HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson). Her novels have been named to Library Journal Reviews' Best Books and RT Reviewers' Choice Awards Best lists and received a 2015 INSPY Awards nomination for best debut novel.

Kristy is a Speaker and Design Manager at TheGROVEstory.com and holds a degree in Art History from Indiana University. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good read.

website: https://kristycambron.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kcambronauthor/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/KCambronAuthor/

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"The Illusionist's Apprentice" by Kristy Cambron ... and a GIVEAWAY!

In celebration of her latest release, Kristy has graciously offered to give away a copy of the book (US Only). To enter, see the Rafflecopter box at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends March 24, 2017.) If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information. Good luck!

My review...

Wren Lockhart is a rarity. Not only is she a female illusionist, but she trained under Harry Houdini. She is approached by Agent Elliott Matthews, who wants her help in debunking Horace Stapleton’s claims of bringing a dead man back to life. As they work together on the case, secrets are revealed as suspicious events increase. Will they be able to uncover the truth?

Cambron’s latest takes the reader back to the roaring 20s/vaudeville era in this well-researched historical novel full of complex characters. While Wren is a bit difficult to like at times, as the story unfolds, the reader gains a greater appreciation for this independent character. An intriguing mystery adds to the enjoyment of this tale which looks at light/truth versus the dark side of society.

One of my favorite quotes from the story is “Truth is the illusion we seek.”

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I was not required to leave a positive review. 

Amazon purchase link...

http://amzn.to/2mPJi9S

About Kristy...

Kristy Cambron has a background in art and design, but she fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. She is the author of The Ringmaster's Wife, named to Publishers Weekly Spring 2016 Religion & Spirituality TOP 10 and set for release on June 7, 2016 from HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson). Her novels have been named to Library Journal Reviews' Best Books and RT Reviewers' Choice Awards Best lists and received a 2015 INSPY Awards nomination for best debut novel.

Kristy is a Speaker and Design Manager at TheGROVEstory.com and holds a degree in Art History from Indiana University. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good read.

website: https://kristycambron.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kcambronauthor/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/KCambronAuthor/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"The Ringmaster's Wife" by Kristy Cambron ... and a GIVEAWAY!

In celebration of her latest release, Kristy has graciously offered to give away a copy of the book (US Only). To enter, see the Rafflecopter box at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends June 17, 2016.) If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information. Good luck!

My Review...

Prepare to go behind the curtain of the Greatest Show on Earth with Cambron’s latest. As the daughter of an earl, Rosamund Easling has lived a comfortable life. However, things are about to change when she learns that her father plans to sell her prized horse to an American entertainer, John Ringling. Looking for a little adventure before the arranged marriage which awaits her, Roseamund decides to follow the horse to help with the transition. She soon discovers new plans for her own life as well. While in America, Rosamund meets Mable Ringling, whose story is unconventional, to say the least. The women find a connection, courtesy of their unconventional life choices, and a friendship develops along the way.

Cambron's fans will find this book to be quite a departure from her first two books, The Butterfly and the Violin and A Sparrow in Terezin, which had connections to World War II. Her latest focuses on the English countryside and America in the roaring 20s. The topic is a bit nontraditional in its magical setting. It does give a wonderful portrait of the real Mabel Ringling and the influence she had on others. The story develops over the course of many years, following both Rosamund and Mabel, and there is even a bit of mystery involved as both women bravely follow their dreams to pursue God’s purpose in their lives. The reader may wish there had been a bit more depth to Rosamund and Mable at times, particularly in comparison to the lead characters in Cambron’s first two books. However, both women are strong characters who add life to this tale. Cambron is a master storyteller and the reader will enjoy their journey behind the scenes of circus life, where they are transported courtesy of the author’s attention to the most minute details. The cover is the perfect complement to this story. A helpful historical timeline, places to visit, and books to read are included.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

About Kristy...

Kristy Cambron has a background in art and design, but she fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. She is the author of The Ringmaster's Wife, named to Publishers Weekly Spring 2016 Religion & Spirituality TOP 10 and set for release on June 7, 2016 from HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson). Her novels have been named to Library Journal Reviews' Best Books and RT Reviewers' Choice Awards Best lists and received a 2015 INSPY Awards nomination for best debut novel.

Kristy is a Speaker and Design Manager at TheGROVEstory.com and holds a degree in Art History from Indiana University. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good read.

website: https://kristycambron.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kcambronauthor/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/KCambronAuthor/

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Just Couldn't Put It Down Giveaway Hop!

As an editor and reviewer, I read A LOT! I've been an avid reader most of my life. Along the way, there have been a handful of books that I'd consider ones I "just couldn't put down." The most recent novel that fits the bill is "The Butterfly and the Violin" by Kristy Cambron.

Cambron's debut combines history, art, music, and romance in this tale set, in part, during World War II. I love the fact that it weaves the historical and modern story lines together so seamlessly. For me, that adds to the power of the message. Few people would associate anything good or beautiful with concentration camps. However, this book does just that. It's a poignant reminder that God can, and does, use evil for His good. The use of the butterfly is a wonderful example of something that goes through a period of darkness, yet comes out as something special on the other side. Something can be learned from every event in life. This story also demonstrates why it is important to never forget this period in history. The characters' faith is so strong that it made me reevaluate some of the times my own faith has wavered, and it helped me view things from a different perspective.

Music is another component in this story, and it, too, has always been a large part of my life. One of my favorite takeaways from this story is this reminder from one of the characters (Omara): "When we worship in the good times, it brings God joy. But worship in the midst of agony? That is authentic adoration of our Creator." True joy comes from within, and it is not based on the circumstances surrounding us. Cambron's characters embody that statement.

"The Butterfly and the Violin" is a moving tale that will stick with the reader long after the final page.

My review can be found on the RT Book Reviews website at the following link:

http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-review/butterfly-and-violin

(I rated it 4.5/4.5 - TOP PICK!)

In celebration of this blog hop, I am giving away an Amazon gift card. Kristy Cambron has graciously agreed to give away an autographed copy of this wonderful book. You can enter to win by completing the tasks in the Rafflecopter box found below. 

(This contest is open to US residents only.)

After entering my contest, be sure to visit the other blogs in this hop. You can find the list below the Rafflecopter box.


a Rafflecopter giveaway