While I have liked the previous installment in the series The Flowers of Eden, this is not such a winning case here - mainly because I can not feel the romance here! Anson somehow is not such as compelling hero as Michael, husband of the first sister Bryony, and the heroine Lark is somehow missing her spark. And I can only guess when (and why) they have fallen in such a love and whirlwind romance.

The novel also deals with too many side issues - I would recommend to cut many of the unnecessary domestic scenes to strenghten the very real issue of the racism in education.

But luckily the youngest sister Rose is full of spunk, so here's hoping that the third installment is going to sparkle with her sassiness!

The struggles and triumphs of those who lived through the Great Depression should be honored and celebrated. This book is a beautiful tribute and great story. I enjoyed the authentic characters and fascinating time period. Castles in the Clouds has given me a deeper appreciation for my great-grandmother's generation.

I requested the opportunity to read and review this title through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.