The Rose and the Thistle

Author: Laura Frantz
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: January 3, 2023
Publisher: Revell

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, Blythe quietly awaits the crowning of a new 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 her maid 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. It would be best for everyone if he could send this misfit heiress on her way as soon as possible.

In this whirlwind of intrigue, ambitions, and shifting alliances, Blythe yearns for someone she can trust. But the same forces that draw her and Everard together also threaten to tear them apart.

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Reviewer: Connie Porter Saunders

Romance, adventure, and intrigue in the 1700s! What more could a fan of historical fiction ask for? Author Laura Frantz blends fact and fiction to create a time and place I'd love to visit, and her descriptive words make me long to stay! I visualize the castles and beautiful gardens, hear the Scottish brogue, experience the political turmoil, and feel the intense feelings between Blythe and Everard.

This spellbinding story with engaging characters and a love story made me swoon. Blythe and Everard share a special chemistry, but they genuinely like each other. I adored the humor and banter between them. There's also a faith message that can't be rivaled. We need to trust and accept God's Plan, and even though a man and woman love deeply, their deepest love must be for their Heavenly Father!
 
This is fantastic historical fiction! Grab a copy of The Rose and the Thistle and prepare to lose yourself to another time and place.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest review.

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Reviewer: Billi  Varela

This is my first novel by Laura Frantz, but it will not be my last. I absolutely loved her writing style and the history she put into this book. I was always drawn to this particular period when I studied history. Now, after reading this book, it made me love it more. 

Blythe and Everard were just perfect. But because of who they were, there was so much at stake. I liked watching their friendship grow, but I loved when their romance finally blossomed. The romance started slowly, but it was worth the wait.

I liked the spiritual level in this novel. The characters held strong to their faith, no matter the turmoil around them. 

This will interest anyone who loves the early 1700s time period and anyone who likes a slow burn. I personally don’t like them, but this one was an enjoyable read. 

This book was clean. 

I requested and received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

Set predominantly in Scotland during the Jacobite uprising in 1715, The Rose and the Thistle is a masterpiece of rich historical detail, vivid imagery, and colorful and unforgettable characters. Based somewhat on Frantz’s own family history and ancestors, this story stars Everard Hume, who becomes Lord Wedderburn upon his father’s death, and Lady Blythe Hedley whose father is sympathetic to the Jacobites. She is sent to Wedderburn Castle for safety, where she is hidden away. I enjoyed seeing their feelings begin to change as Blythe and Everard got to know each other.

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

This story is beautifully written and the characters are so well-drawn I could easily visualize them and the beautiful Scottish countryside. With plenty of suspense, action, inspiration, and a lot of swoony romance, this book was perfection. Laura Frantz is one of my favorite historical fiction authors, as I always get to read a fantastic tale while learning about little slices of history. The author’s notes in the back of the book added to my enjoyment and understanding of this history and geographical area. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy outstanding historical fiction.

 I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Mindy Houng

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

My favorite Laura Frantz novel to date! I loved returning to Scotland through the author’s captivating storytelling and learned a great deal about the Jacobite Rising in 1715 through Blythe and Everard. Lush details of Scottish country life and swirling political unrest, unforgettable characters, heart-stopping romance, strong faith thread that overcomes denominational barrier, and gripping plot all make this book a worthy read and one of my favorites this year.

Everard is a classic Laura Frantz hero - gruff but tender, loyal to the core, a fierce warrior and an innovative leader. Blythe is an educated intellectual, daughter of a duke, and compassionate. Their meeting is under distressing circumstances but their blossoming relationship is fun and witty and shows a side of them that others rarely see. I know the author doesn’t usually write sequels but I would love to see books that follow Everard’s younger brothers.

If you enjoy historical romance that will transport you to a different time and place with action and depth, you will absolutely adore this book.

I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

Five stars for this lovely novel. I wish I could give it more.

Laura Frantz is my favorite author ever! Her writing is wonderful, and I love getting "lost" in her stories. I couldn't put this story down until I was finished. I didn't want to return to the present. 

I learned much by reading this novel. What an interesting time period.
I never knew this happened until I picked up this book. The characters were wonderful, and the plot was interesting. 

My favorite part of the story was the romance between Lady Blythe and Everard. I also loved that I got to "travel" to Scotland without leaving the comfort of my home. I loved the secrets in this book. It made me want to keep reading because you'll want to see what happens next, and this book has done that for me.

The faith-filled themes scattered throughout reminds us that God is always near. He never leaves us or forsakes us. This book has left my heart feeling full and satisfied.

Well done! I highly recommend it! Such a gorgeous cover.

I received a review copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Conny Withay

“You are a lady through and through, with or without a title and nae matter who your mither was,” Blythe is told in Laura Frantz’s novel, The Rose and the Thistle.

This four-hundred-and-fourteen-page paperback targets those interested in a historical romance set in England and Scotland in the early 1700s when Catholics and Protestants were at odds with each other. With no profanity, topics of abuse, injury, war, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. While the beginning has a dedication, historical note, map, and glossary, the ending includes an excerpt from another novel by the writer, an author’s note, acknowledgments, and a biography with advertisements.

In this tale beginning in 1715 in France, twenty-eight-year-old Lady Blythe Hedley returns to her family’s castle in England, only to have to secretly flee to her godfather’s home in Scotland when her Northumbria father is wanted for his Jacobite sympathies. When she arrives, the laird passes, leaving his massive estate and possessions to Everard Hume, the eldest of seven sons who has plenty on his plate without having to deal with the misfit heiress. As the Stuarts and Hanoverians clash, Blythe must learn to trust Everard to be safe, even if she is a Catholic hiding at a Protestant’s abode.

I enjoy novels where I learn about history, especially when it is well written. The author does an excellent job explaining the historical ancestry of the two protagonists, as well as their arduous religious beliefs and hierarchal societal norms. I liked the tenderness shown between a man and a woman and how it grew quickly into love.

Those who do not like stories of past British and Scottish clashes may pass on this book. Although the glossary is helpful for the Gaelic language, sometimes it is hard to understand words not included in it as one has to reread sentences several times to get the gist of their meanings. With many characters, initially, it is hard to keep track of them. The map is simplistic and lacking detail.

I wish a list of characters were at the beginning of the book. Since the book has Christian and Catholic beliefs, adding the true eternal plan of salvation would be encouraged.

If you like a historical novel about the love between two people who have different religious backgrounds that became an international political issue centuries ago, this would be an interesting read.

I received a review copy of this book courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews, for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Katelyn Sponaugle

A Laura Frantz book is always a struggle between wanting to quickly devour and slowly savor the immersive experiences that are her stories. I always struggle and ultimately fail to pace myself and make the book last. Thankfully, all her books are worth a second read when I can bear to go more slowly and relish the masterfully crafted word pictures. 

The Rose and the Thistle were no exception as the chill, and “haar” of a Scottish gloaming seem to escape the pages upon opening the cover. Blythe and Everard are well-developed, quickly beloved, and memorably named. So many of the staff are so dear, especially Elodie, Peg, and Mari, and add so much warmth to Blythe and Everard’s lives. I feel as if I’ve truly visited the setting and met each character. 

I most appreciate the authentic and deep faith element Laura Frantz always weaves in. To me, it elevates a book from entertaining to enriching, and I hope she never shies from deeply entwining that element. 

This book was provided courtesy of Revell through Interviews & reviews, for my honest opinion, which was a pleasure to give. 

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

It is impossible to go wrong with a Laura Frantz book. Once again, the author delivers a tale filled with history, romance, intrigue and danger. 

The author provides a detailed list of Scottish words and their meanings at the front of the book. Some readers may be overwhelmed by the number of times they have to flip back to the beginning to understand what has been said. However, if you read the context surrounding the words, you shouldn't have a problem. You will be reading with a Scottish accent in no time. I am not kidding.

While Blythe and Everard share different religions, it is clear that their faith in God is all that matters. I love that they put God first before anything else. At one point, Everard reminds Blythe to whom she belongs (not him, but God), making their romance all the sweeter.

If you are a Laura Frantz fan, you will not be disappointed with this book. If you love historical romance, I urge you to add this sweeping saga to your reading list!

I received a copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

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