QUICK FACTS
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
BOOK DESCRIPTION
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.
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
REVIEW
I immediately fell in love with this story. The mystery and intrigue that it captured surrounding the Jacobite rebellions and the matter of succession in England. The rise of the Hanovers and the fall of the Scottish Stuart Line.
Lady Blythe is the daughter of a Duke and a Catholic. Her father is declared an enemy of the British Crown and she loses all she knows. Prior to this, her father reaches out to Lord Wedderburn to assist in protecting his precious daughter. Lord Wedderburn is a Protestant and a Royalist, loyal to the house of Hanover as he is tired of the wars and intrigue. In the middle of this, Lord Wedderburn passes away and his son ascends to the title unaware of his father's deal with Lord Hedley.
The story is beautifully written and fully worthy of attention. The chemistry between our two main characters is palpable and loved this almost enemies to lovers trope. Their interactions are beautiful and complex. Set against this background is all that could be asked for in a story. The adventure was present as well as some suspense and mystery. This was well done with a dash of the historical tone of the time.
I received an early copy from the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest review.
PURCHASE LINKS
AUTHOR BIO
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.