The Rose And The Thistle By Laura Frantz

the Rose and the Thistle

by Laura Frantz

Publisher: Revell

ISBN: 9780800740672

Summary:

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.

My Review:

I absolutely adored The Rose and the Thistle. I feel like each book gets better and better.

Laura writes wonderfully, strong men as well as bonnie, smart lasses! I could absolutely imagine Everard as a "traditionally" braw Scotsman of that time while Blythe was more of the plainer English Lady whom he saw as more than studious.

Every time I cracked the book open I was transported in my imagination to 1700s Scotland. The author does an incredible job of bringing that time and place to life. So much so, I started hearing everything in a Scottish accent in my head.

While there was tension throughout the story because of the time period, I was SO thankful that there weren't those common character "misunderstandings". While Blythe questioned herself because of how "drab" she was and the fact that she didn't share Everard's faith or country, there weren't any shenanigans.

I loved the deep sense of family (mostly) and loyalty. But on top of all that was the genuine thread of faith. I appreciated how the author was able to include it seamlessly into the story. It brought a layer of depth that I always hope for.

As for the romance, this was a slow burn that had me on the edge of my seat!! Sakes alive, Laura is so good at writing sweet, powerful romance!

I was also fascinated by the time period. I looked up the food that was mentioned in the story and now want to try much of it. I also had no clue about the king of England during that time, the Jacobites, nor the battles. So much to learn in this story. It was a wealth of history!

I already want to go back and read it again!

About the Author:

Laura Frantz is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of more than a dozen novels, including The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Lacemaker, and A Heart Adrift. She is a proud mom of an American soldier and a career firefighter. A direct descendent of George Hume of Wedderburn Castle, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion, Laura lives with her husband in Washington State. Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.