I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. No compensation was received for sharing this review and all opinions are my own.
Series: The Lost Castle #1
Published by Thomas Nelson on February 6th, 2018
Source: The Publisher
Genres: Christian, Clean & Wholesome, Contemporary Women, Fiction, Historical, Romance
Pages: 384
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been so thoroughly engrossed in a novel . . . The Lost Castle kept me spellbound!” —Tamera Alexander, USA TODAY bestselling author of To Whisper Her Name and Christmas at Carnton
Broken-down walls and crumbling stones seemed to possess a secret language all their own.
What stories would they tell, if she finally listened?
Ellie Carver arrives at her grandmother’s bedside expecting to find her silently slipping away. Instead, the beloved woman begins speaking. Of a secret past and castle ruins forgotten by time. Of a hidden chapel that served as a rendezvous for the French Resistance in World War II. Of lost love and deep regret . . .
Each piece that unlocks the story seems to unlock part of Ellie too—where she came from and who she is becoming. But her grandmother is quickly disappearing into the shadows of Alzheimer’s and Ellie must act fast if she wants to uncover the truth of her family’s history. Drawn by the mystery surrounding The Sleeping Beauty—a castle so named for Charles Perrault’s beloved fairy tale—Ellie embarks on a journey to France’s Loire Valley in hopes that she can unearth its secrets before time silences them forever.
Bridging the past to the present in three time periods—the French Revolution, World War II, and present day—The Lost Castle is a story of loves won and lost, of battles waged in the hearts of men, and of an enchanted castle that stood witness to it all, inspiring a legacy of faith through the generations.
Note: Kristin reads and reviews both Christian and secular fiction on A Simply Enchanted Life. Out of respect for my readers, I am including a content review. This content review will help you decide whether this book is suitable for you.
Content Review:
Christian or Secular: Christian
Profanity: None
Sex: None
Violence: Mild. Non-graphic
Trigger Warning: None
Disclosure: None
The Lost Castle is book #1 in The Lost Castle series by Kristy Cambron. Titles for future installments have yet to be announced. Sign up for Kristy Cambron’s Newsletter to stay informed about this series.
The Lost Castle is a beautifully written masterpiece. Kristy Cambron writes fiction that feels like you’re reading a classic. Her beautiful descriptions paint a lovely picture for me. I say it often—I crave beautiful words on paper. Kristy’s books give me that and more. She is one of the few authors of modern day that possesses a melodic quality to her writing—the same tone and romantic aura that seeps from the literary greats like Dickens or Austin.
Here’s what I loved about this book!
Do you ever consider your legacy? Will you make a difference in this world? These are things I consider often. Now that I’m nearly middle-age, I wonder if people will remember me when I’m gone. Will my words or actions have an impact on anyone? Will I leave a legacy? The Chateau de Doux Reves is a thirteen-century castle that is steeped in history. We are taken on a journey with Ellie as she pieces together her grandmother’s connection to the castle.
The story is unique in that there are three timelines, modern-day, WWII era and the French Revolution. For each age, there are three strong women that readers are introduced to.
This book made me smile at times and cry at others. The author captured the uncertainty of life in a heartbreaking beautiful way. She captured life—with all of the ups and downs.
Everything about this book was on point. The cover. The love. The loss. The heartbreak. And most of all—the triumph.
Do I recommend this book? Absolutely. Preferably with a good cup of coffee (or wine—read the book to find out why) and definitely a box of tissues.
About Kristy Cambron
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. 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. THE ILLUSIONIST’S APPRENTICE (HarperCollins, 2017) is her fourth 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.
I have to agree. This book was just a stunning novel. I especially adored the historical parts. She’s just an amazing author with so much talent.
Mary
She sure is!