The Lost Castle

January 8, 2018
Cambron (The Ringmaster’s Wife) once again makes smart use of multiple eras in her latest time-jumping romance. Ellie Carver travels to present-day France from Michigan after her grandmother, Vi, gives her cryptic messages about a medieval castle during a dementia-ridden bedside conversation. Armed with nothing more than an old photo and a reference to the “Sleeping Beauty” castle, Ellie engages Quinn Foley to guide her through the Loire Valley. Cambron entwines Ellie’s quest, Vi’s memories, and the story of Aveline Sainte-Moreau, a daughter of the privileged class engaged to the son of the Duc et Vivay, who owns the castle in the late 18th century. Aveline’s formal introduction is interrupted by an insurrection on the castle grounds. Intrigue and wartime espionage create a vivid backdrop to a narrative that carefully details the toll of tyranny and the price of revolution. Vi’s WWII resistance romance, however, lacks the flair and attention to detail of Aveline’s and Ellie’s stories. Cambron spins tales of resiliency, compassion, and courage, but the story ends up being more about the history of a region than the the characters, and the faith elements are light.

March 15, 2018

A brooch, diary, and photograph are links to three women living in different periods--the French Revolution, World War II, and the present--in Cambron's split-time romance. As the revolution breaks out, Aveline and Philippe, Duc Vivey, narrowly escape with their lives as their castle in the Loire Valley is sacked and burned. Ellie Carver watches Alzheimer's steal her grandmother's memories until discovery of a family heirloom and a journal sends Ellie to the ruins of a 13th-century castle in France on a journey of revelations about her grandmother, her family, and herself. Cambron's (The Illusionist's Apprentice) series launch combines the past and the present in a tale of secret loves, bitter losses, and hopeful beginnings. VERDICT Cambron's atmospheric settings, historical details, and ability to create well-rounded characters who wend their way into readers' hearts has garnered her many fans. They will be eagerly awaiting this title. [Previewed in Julia Reffner's "A Delicate Balance," LJ 11/15/17.]

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.