Book Reviews

The Rose and the Thistle: A Novel

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The Rose and the Thistle By Laura Frantz

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• Title: The Rose and the Thistle: A Novel

• Author: Laura Frantz

• Genre: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Inspirational Fiction

• Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Co (January 3, 2023)

• Length: (416) pages

• Format: Hardcover, Trade paperback, & eBook

• ISBN: 978-0800742669

• Tour Dates: January 2 – 16, 2023


PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS


SYNOPSIS

In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley’s father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Lady Blythe awaits who will ultimately be crowned king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known.

No sooner has Everard Hume lost his father, Lord Wedderburn, than Lady Hedley arrives with the clothes on her back and her mistress in tow. He has his own problems–a volatile brother with dangerous political leanings, an estate to manage, and a very young brother in need of comfort and direction in the wake of losing his father. It would be best for everyone if he could send this misfit heiress on her way as soon as possible.

Drawn into a whirlwind of intrigue, shifting alliances, and ambitions, Lady Blythe must be careful whom she trusts. Her fortune, her future, and her very life are at stake. Those who appear to be adversaries may turn out to be allies–and those who pretend friendship may be enemies.


REVIEW

From the desk of Gwendalyn-

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.

“You are still my English rose . . .
while I remain your
Scottish thistle.”

An exquisite historical fiction with picturesque settings, and wonderful superb details.

The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz is heady historical romance set in Scotland during the perilous times of the Jacobite uprising in 1715.

Lady Blythe Hedley and her lady’s companion, barely escape with their lives as they fly through the night from northern England to the Wedderburn Castle in Scotland. Lady Blythe’s father, the Earl of Northumberland is embroiled heavily in the Jacobite cause. Which supported the restoration of the senior line of the House of Stuart to the British throne. Even though her father had already laid out plans just encase such a situation should arise. Nothing prepared Blythe and her dearest companion and confidante, for the challenges they will face in Scotland.

Everything is in chaos upon their arrival at Wedderburn Castle, as Blythe finds herself thrown in a house of mourning. Her godfather late Lord Wedderburn, has just passed away, and the eldest son, Everard Hume is coming terms with his new role as heir. Being the eldest of seven brothers he is now tasked with keeping his families estate intact as the shifting tides of religious upheaval threatens to tear all of England, and Scotland apart. Trying to keep the lady Blythe’s presence a secret is important, but the demanding English Rose might be a more of challenge than he can handle. Harboring the young lady who is a practicing Catholic, and that her father is a Jacobitism supporter, could mean disaster for Hume’s outward loyalty to the Crown….and to Everard and Blythe’s heart !

Oh this was a lovely historical fiction that I fell in over the hills love in with. A blossoming friendship that slowly turns into something more. Both main characters overcoming religious and background challenges, to learn how to except each other for who they are.

A moving and treasured book that leaves with a warm heart and a delightful smile on your face after long after closing the book. This is my first foray with this author and I completely understand her wide following. Her writing is superb, along with historical atmospheric imagery, that had me completely invested within the characters lives.

I am so excited to find this very talented author, and I look forward to going back and reading her past work!

Happy Reading-


EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR LAURA FRANTZ

 

ADVANCE PRAISE

• “A masterful achievement of historical complexity and scintillating romance sure to thrill readers with its saga of love under siege.”— Booklist, starred review

• “A deeply atmospheric story of faith, love, and sacrifice that is as captivating as it is enthralling.”— Sarah E. Ladd, bestselling author of The Cornwall Novels

• “Marked by majestic Scottish scenery and a memorable trip to Edinburg, The Rose and the Thistle is a delightful historical romance set during a tumultuous time.”— Forward Reviews


AUTHOR

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREAD

Christy Award-winning author, Laura Frantz, is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. When not at home in Kentucky, she and her husband live in Washington State.