The Painted Castle

Written by Kristy Cambron

Narrated by Amy Rubinate

Set in three time periods—the rapid change of Victorian England, the peak of England’s home-front tensions at the end of WWII, and modern day—The Painted Castle unlocks secrets lost for generations just waiting to be found.

A lost painting of Queen Victoria. A library bricked off from the world. And three women, separated by time, whose lives are irrevocably changed.

In Victorian England, talented sketch artist Elizabeth Meade is engaged to Viscount Huxley, owner of Parham Hill. However, Elizabeth’s real motive for being at Parham Hill has nothing to do with art or marriage. She’s determined to avenge her father’s brutal murder—even if it means a betrothal to the very man she believes committed the crime.

A century later, Amelia Woods—a World War II widow who has turned Parham Hill and its beloved library into a boarding school for refugee children—receives military orders to house a troop of American pilots. She is determined the children in her care will remain untouched by the war, but the task is proving difficult with officers taking up every square inch of their world . . . and one in particular vying for a space in Amelia’s long-shut up heart.

When art historian Keira Foley is hired to authenticate a painting, she hopes this is just the thing to get her career and life back on track. But from the time she arrives at Parham Hill Estate and begins working alongside rumored art thief Emory Scott, she’s left with far more questions than answers. Could this lost painting of Queen Victoria be a duplicate of the original Winterhalter masterpiece, and if so, who is the artist?

Praise for The Painted Castle:

“A gripping tale of secrets hidden behind the walls of an ancient English castle.” —KATE BRESLIN, bestselling author of Far Side of the Sea

• A Sweet Historical Split-time Romance
• The third and final book in the Lost Castle series
• Books do not have to be read in order
• Full-length novel with three woman each finding her own happily ever after

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Oct 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9780718095543

Kristy Cambron

Kristy Cambron is a vintage-inspired storyteller writing from the space where beauty, art, and history intersect. She’s a Christy Award–winning author of historical fiction, including her bestselling novels, The Butterfly and the Violin and The Paris Dressmaker. Her work has been named to Cosmopolitan Best Historical Fiction Novels, Publishers Weekly Religion & Spirituality TOP 10, Library Journal’s Best Books, and she received a Christy Award for her novel The Painted Castle. Her work has been featured at Once Upon a Book Club Box, Frolic, Book Club Girl, BookBub, Country Woman magazine, and (in)Courage. She holds a degree in art history / research writing and spent fifteen years in education and leadership development for a Fortune 100 corporation before stepping away to pursue her passion for storytelling. Kristy lives in Indiana with her husband and three basketball-loving sons, where she can probably be bribed with a peppermint mocha latte and a good read.

Reviews for The Painted Castle

[debs4jc · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book went back and forth between three time periods. The connecting factor is an English estate called Parnam Hill. In Victorian England, there is a young woman who would love to become a painter, and who would also love to find the person who murdered her father. In the 1940's the events of WWII lead to Parnam Hill becoming a refuge for children fleeing the Blitz, and a company of American troops. The widowed occupant of the Hall is not too keen on all of these visitors - at first. And in modern day times, a disgraced art expert is called to Parnam Hall to assist with authenticating and uncovering it's artistic secrets. With three timelines and three casts of characters this book can be a bit hard to get into. My favorite timeline was the WWII era one, and I kept wanting to go back to it. But each was well written and it was enjoyable to see the connections unfold. Each time period featured a romance which ended happily for the characters. For fans of layered historical fiction with romantic subplots, this would be a winner.

[katebaxter_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Again, late to the party? So it would seem. This third and final book of author Kristy Cambron's "Lost Castle" series was my own introduction to her exquisite writing. Her love for art and history is evident in the lush descriptive prose of the three time periods represented in this book (Victorian, World War II and present day). Her historic research - impeccable. Each character is well fleshed out and seemingly real as each holds a personal secret of brokenness. The reader, as witness, observes the slow guarded removal of barriers of the heart as characters connect with one another in their respective time. The book is history with mystery and a touch of chaste romance. The present day story centers around the discovery of a mid-19th century painting found hidden in an old manor house in Sussex, England. Keira Foley, a talented art historian is brought in to authenticate the painting's provenance in anticipation of a public reveal. The 19th story provides us the background material for the painting's creation and the WWII story sets the stage for its sequestering. All in all, this was a wonderful interweaving of three lovely stories deftly created by Ms. Cambron. She knows her art and her history well and reveals her love for both through her highly descriptive writing. The images her words painted were as elegant as as an highborn lady and as scenic as the rise of sun across a mist-covered meadow. I eagerly look forward to reading the first two books of this beautiful series by a gifted writer.I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.Synopsis (from author's website): A war-torn estate holding its secrets close. A lost library bricked off from the world. And a portrait-maker’s unknown masterpiece of a Queen named Victoria… What stories do they long to tell?It was supposed to be a one-week snatch-and-grab: survey an art find, collect a hefty fee, and use that to settle historian Kiera Foley’s life back into balance. But from the moment she sets foot in the East Suffolk countryside, the mystery of an old English manor, a crumbling beekeeper’s cottage, and a library that had long ago been sealed off brick by brick, all stir more questions than answers. What begins as a novice assignment instead peels back layers, lulling Keira into the depths of the estate’s long-forgotten history.Despite questions swirling around the enigmatic, rumored art thief who’s employed her, Keira finds the existence of a portrait captivating enough to upend all of her expectations. This one could be a twin—a painting so close in composition to a known masterpiece, it may be rendered priceless if it truly captured the likeness of a young Queen named Victoria…1842— In order to salvage what’s left of her family’s shaky circumstances, artist Elizabeth Meade knows her duty must be to marry well. But she hopes looks can be deceiving enough to hide her true motives behind a congenial smile and gain entry into the ballrooms of England’s noble elite. Instead of husband-hunting, Elizabeth searches for the one thing that’s seared to her memory—the eyes of her father’s killer, whom she unwittingly sketched one snowy night in Piccadilly ten years before. She never expects to find answers tucked away in the countryside at Parham Hill, in the form of a portrait-maker who could help her artist dreams come true, if only she could forget the highwayman she’s hunted for the last decade—the estate-owner who selects her as his betrothed…1942—When the 390th Bomb Group arrives at Amelia Woods’ Parham Hill Estate, the American flyboys bring playing cards, B-17 “flying fortresses”, and enough bravado to believe they can triumph over Hitler just by staring him down. Amelia isn’t certain, and she’s unwilling to compromise the safety and security in a carefully-crafted world she’s built for the dozens of London-evacuated children left in her charge. But with Anderson shelters buried in the gardens and an Allied airfield a stone’s throw away, Amelia may have no choice but to wait out the war under blackouts and bombs, and accept help from the captain who offers it—even if it means risking all she has left of her late husband’s memory…From the streets of Piccadilly and the lavish halls of Buckingham Palace to the countryside surrounding Framlingham Castle, a warn-torn estate, a hidden library, and the lost portrait of a queen come together to write the final chapter in the Lost Castle series. Set in three time periods—the rapid change of Victorian England, the tumultuous skies over England’s eastern shores in WWII, and modern day—The Painted Castle unfolds a legacy of faith and the family we fight for, of risk and reward, and the artful crafting of a story that can be generations in the making… yet still change everything about a single life.

[kimkimkim-7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

“I see a cottage, so beautiful and perfect that it could be its own painted castle.” Three different timelines, three different women, a few handsome but suspect pairings, several scoundrels, a painting that defies provenance all set at Parham Hill Estate in Framlingham, England. Solid concept and a pretty good story which gets tied into a neat package.I admit to enjoying much of the book but there were several annoying trips and hiccoughs. I had trouble figuring out who was speaking in each of the segments and that became a distraction that prevented the smooth and even flow which the author should have been able to sustain. There are a few brief nods to the lack of a social conscious regarding the “wretched plight of the workers” in Merry Old England around 1843. But why “worry over such trifles.” That little bit rankled and if that was the intention, well served.Solid characters you could like, dislike, admire, envy – they were real and mostly relatable. Circumstances that move in crooked lines as so much of life with its misunderstandings from lack of communication, assumptions and believing there will be a better time to “come clean”. Descriptions that put you in the time and place without stretching. The last chapter was a miss for me because after “watching every painted sunrise that bled over the top of the meadow” I had hoped for more.Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for a copy.

[bookscookslooks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the third of three books in the Lost Castle Series. I have to admit that I’m sorry to see the series end but I suppose there can only be so many castles that are either truly lost or have a mystery within them. Unless one subscribes to the Hallmark movie theory of life and finds that there are any number of countries out there ending in “ovia” with handsome princes looking for wives and living in big castles.The Painted Castle takes place in England in three timelimes – the early Victorian age, towards the end of WWII, and current day. I will admit it took my addled brain a few chapters to sort everyone out and keep them straight and in their time period.In the current day Keira is working at her family’s pub in Dublin while dealing with the fallout from a bad work and relationship experience in New York. There she meets Emory, a man with his own set of baggage that wants to hire her for a mysterious job at a castle in England.That same castle was not far from an air base during WWII. The vicountess was left a widow when her husband was killed in battle. She was managing through the war years by taking in orphans and reluctantly opening the castle as a billet for the American flyers from the air field.It’s the tale from the Victorian era that truly drives the tale as it involves a young woman, a daughter of an earl who loves to draw and secretly longs to make her way as an artist but the strictures placed on her will not allow that. Tragedy strikes and circumstances force her into seeking a husband. Her mother finds her a match but she is not sure. Her fiance is friends with one of the most popular portraitists of the day and soon she is painting with and learning from this man. Her betrothed has no problems with her persuing this hobby – in fact he encourages it. This happy occurance leads to her accompanying the painter to a royal appointment where he is to paint Queen Victoria!Which brings us back to the present day – a portrait of Queen Victoria is found by the latest owners of the castle and it needs authentication – which is what Keira does! So as all of the stories come together the reader learns the history of the castle and also a history of love.This was a delightful way to spend an afternoon. Once I got all of the characters in their right time period I was ensnared in this tale of a mystery painting of a queen. The plot zipped along at a good pace with plenty of twists and turns to keep one interested. The characters were interesting – the main ones for sure. I will admit to losing track of Keira’s brothers as there were several of them and they were ancillary to the main story. The romance was sweet and overall a very enjoyable way to spend the afternoon.

[kimpotter-309059 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron is the third book in her A Lost Castle series. Art historian Keira Foley is hired to authenticate a painting of Queen Victoria. What she finds is more questions than answers. Emory Scott, rumored art thief, is there to help her unravel the mystery’s behind the painting and Parham Hill Manor. They find a rich and warm history. This book follows the stories of three women, woven together by time. The author takes you on a journey from Victorian England to the ending of World War two and then to present day England. Weaving the three different stories together so beautifully that you don’t mind rotating from one story to the next. Immersed in the English countryside, with romance, castles, and history was a great way to spend a rainy afternoon.I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.

[hes7 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In the third Lost Castle novel, Kristy Cambron intertwines stories across history with exquisite talent, and The Painted Castle proves to be a page turner, indeed.Kiera Foley (sister to the brothers featured in the previous two books) has the opportunity to restore order to her life with a trip to the East Suffolk countryside. Yet, what she finds there draws her into a centuries-old story, connected to women with incredible opportunities and lessons in trust.If you love historical-contemporary fiction, multiple timelines with an intriguing connection, and sweet, sweet romance, I highly recommend The Painted Castle (and the rest of the series). It’s a story worth reading.I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story is an enchanting journey through three different time periods. I love these kind of time slip stories where we travel to faraway places. I love the historical concept of the story and especially the art world. I enjoy going to Art museums and gazing at the breathtaking displays of perfection. It amazes me how an author can write a story of three different eras and weave them seamlessly into a best seller. The vivid descriptions of the destinations were easy to understand and made me want to learn more about them. Each woman in the story plays a part in connecting the dots and making the story mesmerizing. It is hard to say which character I liked more because each one had qualities that intrigues me. Elizabeth was very gifted and I liked the mystery surrounding her father's death. Will she be able to identify him and bring him to justice? To witness such a tragedy must have left scars in Elizabeth's life and I liked how she never gave up. Keira was a person I admired. I loved her keen eye for the arts and how precise she was in determining a fake. It must take a lot of studying and attention to detail for someone to be an expert. Her story had mystery and surprises and takes us to the very depth of the art world.Amelia was a very caring person who opened her home for children who have been displaced. I did laugh when she is invaded by soldiers who take up residence at her home as well. It is a full house and leads to a story rich in history and trust.Throughout each story in this book we can find one common thread. I won't say what it is because you the reader will have an adventure as you travel throughout history and see how gifted the author is in writing emotional, historical and memorable characters. I love how the author uses her research to make the story more realistic and give us a book that flows with ease. This is the last in the series and I think the best. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[cherylk_44 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have not read the prior two novels. In fact, I did not know that this was book three and the conclusion in this trilogy. Yet, I had no issues jumping right into this book. This book spans three different time periods featuring three different women. Sometimes with so many storylines; one or more time periods can suffer. Nope, not with this book. I just loved each one and getting to know Keira, Elizabeth, and Amelia. Although, I do have to say that I did have favorites with Elizabeth and Amelia. These two time periods were ones that I really enjoy reading books based on. Author, Kristy Cambron did such a wonderful job bringing to life these three women's stories that it was like a movie playing in my head while reading this book. I will be going back and reading the prior novels. The Painted Castle is more than just a "book"; it is an journey through time.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"Don't be afraid. It's never about the end of the road, is it? It's about living and loving in the journey we take to get where we are. Right now. Right to this very moment."Three time periods and three different women, each with their own distinct story, but all connected because of one location. Author Kristy Cambron has created a wonderful tale centered around Parham Hill Estate in England and she sets the stories in 1843, in 1944, and finally, in the present day. Each woman is very special and unique: in Victorian England Elizabeth Meade needed to solve her father's murder and Amelia Woods was dismayed that World War II soldiers had taken up residence at Parham Hill. She had created a haven there for the children affected by the war and the American soldiers were a daily reminder of how their lives had been changed by the fighting. In the present-day Keira Foley becomes involved with a painting that has played a role in the other two stories and she must prove her ability to recognize true art versus reproduction as she evaluates this painting at the manor. Three different women whose stories are connected by an English estate, a cottage, a library, and a painting of Queen Victoria.There are so many emotions woven into The Painted Castle: defeat, sadness, triumph, and exhilarating happiness. We are given glimpses of three beautiful romances but most of all, we receive the ultimate message of love. We are reminded of the need for forgiveness and redemption and that we can all achieve it through Jesus Christ.Cambron possesses an unique talent in writing time-split novels and I never felt lost or confused about which story I was reading. She drew me in, she made me a part of their lives, and she made me sorry when I had to say goodbye.In the author's notes there are some of the historical facts that added so much reality and I highly recommend The Painted Castle to all who enjoy historical fiction and Christian romance.I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and these thoughts are my own.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

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.

[eamace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

‘What lasts isn’t what we build on our own, but the stories He builds within and around us.’What a wonderful conclusion to a series that I wish would continue on. The incredible descriptive detail that the author brings us makes one feel that you are right there in that castle with the easy to love characters. 1833 introduces us to young Elizabeth upon the murder of her father. Those eyes become a focal point in her life. Pathan Hill Estate has many stories to tell through 1843, 1944 and on to the present day. The surroundings, the town, the beekeeper’s cottage - I felt like I could travel to England right now and everything would be just as I read in this fabulous story!With art theft, beekeeping, murder, mystery and romance, you will find this book very hard to put down before you have reached the end.....and then you will wish there was more! I highly recommend this series, which certainly can be enjoyed in any order, but will be more easily understood if you start at the beginning.An ARC of this book was received through Thomas Nelson, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, NetGalley and. CelebrateLit. The comments, impressions and 5 star rating are my own and were in no way solicited.

[cassiesbooksreader · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Painted Castle (A Lost Castle Novel Book 3) by Kristy Cambron is Split Time Christian Historical Mystery Fiction. The Split Times are in 1843,1944 and present day in an English Castle. Secrets, a mysterious death, an unusual book, art work linked to a queen and a famous artist. The characters experience the reality of life with trials but God is always present changing and fulfilling their lives. Interesting actual historical details of each time period are woven into the story. This book is a part of a series that may be enjoyed alone or read in order. The similarities in the books are Split Time, Historical, Castles and Mysteries. The differences are in the time periods, characters, places and stories. I have thoroughly enjoyed each book by Kristy Cambron because of various historical subjects, the storylines and her writing style.I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book.

[thequietreader · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Present Day: Keira Foley takes on what should have been a one week job to survey an art find, but there's more to it than that. 1944: Amelia Woods is the keeper of Parham Estate, with children and American Officers on her property. 1843: Elizabeth Meade, an amateur artist, lost her father when she was young and has what she believes is a sketch of the man responsible. What ties these three women together across time?This was a lot of fun to read. I will admit that the time it took me to read, I did forget some details, especially when it came to Elizabeth. I found myself having to go back to reread the chapters about her. Seeing the story woven across time was interesting, and just how these time periods were connected together.I think my favorite was Amelia and her relationship with Captain Stevens. I had misgivings from the start, but I was delighted with how it turned out. I didn't realize it was part of a trilogy when I picked it up, but it definitely stands on its own just fine.For readers looking for a heartwarming read that takes place over a hundred years, this would be an excellent read. I recieved a free copy from NetGalley and all views expressed are my own.