This book kept popping up on my NetGalley page and I hesitated in selecting it because I did not think it would hold my interest. I decided to get it and read it…wow! Was I wrong! It was an amazing read from start to finish. The author did a great job with intertwining faith and Scottish history in the storyline to make it come alive.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher and NetGalley. All views expressed are my own.

3.75 It took me until chapter 10 to get into it. It was a struggle until then. Things picked up but there were times it was slow and other times things moved fast. A lot of chapters for a smaller book. The parts with Allison seemed a bit not well executed for the rest of the story. Orin was adorable, I enjoyed both of the lead character personalities once they met. Overall, a cute story.

3.5 STARS

Laura Frantz writes such lovely prose, doesn't she? That and the setting were my favorite parts of The Rose and the Thistle. The story moved a bit too slowly for me. (The plot didn't really seem to start until about 25% of the way through.) I was just expecting a bit more action. While I had trouble connecting with the heroine, I did love the hero!

Side note: This book features a Catholic heroine (which I understand was done for historical accuracy due to the political/religious climate in England and Scotland during the Jacobite uprisings).

If you're looking for a slower-paced historical with lyrical prose featuring political turmoil, I think you'll enjoy this book.

A captivating romance set against the backdrop of the Jacobite rebellion and King George I's ascent to the throne of England.

A staunch Jacobite and staunch Catholic, Lady Blythe Hedley must seek refuge from a family friend in Scotland when her father is declared a traitor to the crown.

A beautifully written book, obviously well researched, that breathes life into the pages of history, bringing the time and conflicts to life realistically as the story unfolds. The characters are well developed, and drew me into the story. I admired Blythe and Everard for their faith, as well as their devotion to their family and beliefs. Plus, their chemistry is off the charts!

A slow burn romance that is not to be dismissed, it pulled me into their world in the most enchanting way, while bringing to life the turbulence of the times. Perfect for fans of lush historical reads, a riveting escape from beginning to end. Highly recommend.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Rose and the Thistle was a wonderful story that I loved reading! I felt like it was a slower-paced story (especially in the beginning) and yet it worked for this book. I was drawn into the story and couldn't wait to see how it ended. I loved seeing the story and relationship progress.

One of my favorite things was how the ending wasn't your typical kind of ending (I won't say more to avoid spoilers). The setting was great and I found the historical aspect fascinating.

All in all, The Rose and the Thistle was a fantastic read that, while slower-paced at times, kept me eager to read more. I recommend it to fans of historical romances.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Imagine the tumult of grieving the loss of a father, balancing loyalties in a country enduring political turmoil, and welcoming a stranger into your home as she seeks protection within that same political storm? Such is the challenge facing Everard Hume, the newly established eleventh Earl of Wedderburn in Laura Frantz’s The Rose and the Thistle. It is the year 1715 in Scotland. Jacobite and anti-Papist tensions are high, and the nobility is forced to choose sides as forces build to an eventual conflict. As Everard takes on the mantle previously held by his father, many challenges are faced both within and without. Likewise, his “guest” Lady Blythe Hedley has narrowly escaped an anti-papist mob, is worried about the safety of her Jacobite father, and feels less than welcome as a fleeing Catholic in the Protestant Hume household. Much is at stake for both individuals during this factious moment in British history.

The Rose and the Thistle is not only an educational read for those interested in 18th-century Scotland, but it is also an entertaining novel by a talented author. Laura Frantz, a descendant of the Humes of Wedderburn Castle has thoroughly researched her ancestors and culture, mixing healthy amounts of realism and fact with fictionalized narrative. The result is a novel that easily held my attention and captivated my imagination. Each character is fully sketched and unique, and I came to care for the protagonists easily. Likewise, a few antagonists in particular drew me into the story, as they provided conflict which made the plot all the more interesting.

While political intrigue is a strong theme of The Rose and the Thistle, the dominant focus is ultimately a romance between Everard and Blythe. As a Christian author, Laura Frantz keeps the content between her lovers very sweet, without gratuitous details or overly steamy scenes. Passionate moments are clear, but readers are left to read between the lines on many occasions. While Everard and Blythe come from two schools of thought in regard to faith, they share belief in a common Savior and find ways to bridge the gap between their variant traditions. As a Catholic, Blythe does use Rosary beads in her prayer times, but within the pages of The Rose and the Thistle her thoughts are directed more to Christ than in a Papist saint. That said, the novel is not overly evangelistic in tone and could easily be enjoyed by those of varying religious persuasions.

Although I am half German, I am also part Scottish, a descendant of the line of Robert the Bruce. For almost a decade I have also been a strong follower of the works of Diana Gabaldon and her Scottish-based Outlander series. My husband and I also hope to travel to this beautiful country sometime in the near future, and have enjoyed learning more about the culture. The Rose and the Thistle is rife with Scottish vocabulary, social trends and historic moments. Frantz was right to put a glossary at the beginning of the text, as I needed to refer to it often. At times I found some of the dialogue a little hard to follow with the Scottish accent of some of the characters, but that added to the verisimilitude of the story. I very much felt like I had been dropped into 18th century Scotland.

Laura Frantz is a new author for this reader, and I highly enjoyed The Rose and the Thistle. The romance was delicious, the political intrigue exciting, and the spirituality encouraging. For all I have learned about Scotland in recent years, my knowledge took a leap forward after enjoying this title. Frantz has done her ancestors a great service in sharing this chapter of their history, and she has given her readers a fine gift in this captivating novel.

I love Laura Frantz’s books. Her heartfelt romances set in the 18th century are always a treat coupled with her engaging prose. I have to admit, though, this was a somewhat slow read for me. The plot was interesting. Themes of war and religious persecution add tension to the novel. And the setting…perfection. I loved the sweeping descriptions of the Scotland moors. I liked the characters, Blythe and Everard in particular. I just wish the pace would have been a little bit swifter to keep the pages turning.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

It's been a while since I read a very good Scottish historical fiction novel. Intelligently written, with a plot set during the Jacobite rebellion, The Rose and the Thistle is a slow-burn romance with a cast of likable characters and an interesting storyline.

Lady Blythe isn't the typical high society lady. She is a bookworm and a historian. She is also an only child and heiress to a large fortune. Lord Wedderburn, on the other hand, is the eldest of seven siblings, all brothers, with the youngest, Orin, being only eight years old. I think he was my favorite character.

After a bit of a slow start, the story picks up the pace when Lady Blythe escapes for her life in Scotland. She is hidden in Lord Wedderburn's castle tower and has a few good spats with him, she being English and he Scottish. Neither like the situation they are in. But it's hard to keep a lady hidden in a house full of men, and soon Lady Blythe's kindness seeps into Lord Wedderburn's life.

This was a good clean read. The author skillfully transports us to a time in Scottish history well-known for its succession of Jacobite risings. If you like well-written historical fiction without graphic scenes, this book is a very good read. And isn't that a beautiful book cover?

I LOVE Laura Frantz but this book was very slow and did not keep my interest. The historical research was impeccable and well written but I honestly had to make myself finish this book.

Scotland in the 1700s, Gaelic accent and author Laura Frantz told me The Rose and The Thistle would be an exciting book! This is a story of life when people in Scotland with Jacobite sympathies didn't know who to trust. Lady Blythe is an excellent protagonist who is sent by her father to take refuge in the tower at Wedderburn Castle. I admired how Everard Hume faces his duties to the estate and his six brothers upon the death of his father. His care of his youngest brother was admirable! You don't want to miss this exciting and dangerous book by Laura Frantz! I received a complimentary e-book from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

I’m a sucker for a historical romance. I’d never read anything by this author and my normal genre is fantasy, so I was hesitant but the description drew me in. It did not disappoint. A wonderfully set romance mixed with vivid imagery and historical context. I’d highly recommend everyone who loves the time period of the 18th century to give this one a shot.

I did not want this book to end! I enjoyed the depth of the author’s writing style. Everything is explained so well but not boring at all. The romance doesn’t happen at the beginning and I loved to see the character development before romance. I loved the female main character’s personality! Laura Frantz really captioned the history and setting so well I want to read it again!

Every time I read one of Laura Frantz's books, I am always searching my mind for new superlatives to describe her writing. Her writing is always lush and descriptive, and causes my speed-reading self to slow down and savor each and every word.

The Rose and the Thistle is set is early 18th century Scotland. All of Laura Frantz's novels are wonderful, but a Frantz work set in the 18th century is something that is espeically good. While I know the basics of the Jacobite rebellion of 1715 (that there was a rebellion to put James II's Catholic son on the throne after the Hanoverian George I became King of Great Britain), it was fascinating to read of the rebellion in such detail. Both Everard and Blythe are wonderful characters and their romance, which was the slowest of slow burns, was spectacular.

In my mind, I keep returning to the politics of the Jacobite times. While I love English history, I am much more familiar with 15th-16th centuries and the 19th century. As one who is familiar with Elizabethan history, I was aware of Catholic priests having to hid during that time, and serve their parishoners in secret. Yet, that is something that I never realized continued into the 17th and 18th centuries. In the weeks since finishing The Rose and the Thistle, I've found myself rather haunted by that idea.

Laura Frantz's books are typically one of the highlights of my reading year, and I'm so glad to have begun 2023 with The Rose and the Thistle.

**I received an e-ARC via Netgalley from the publisher, Revell, in exchange for an honest review**

This review has also been submitted to Amazon, and will appear under the name M.L. Chapman.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to read this one!

Oh my God! What an enthralling and rich in historical details love story set in France, England and mostly Scotland! This book is a keeper and now stands as one of my favorite books ever! I have the highest expectations when reading books from Ms. Frantz and I’m continually amazed at how she never disappoints and delivers another winner book that stay be permanently on my shelves!
In 1707, England and Scotland were united in one Kingdom after King James II was deposed and exiled to France in 1688. Decades later his son James Francis Edward Stuart wants to restore the Stuart dynasty and recover the crown that has been in his family for many years and that now a German King has usurped. He leads the Uprising or Rebellion of the Jacobites (Jacob being the latin word for James) that is part of the political setting of this story in 1715.
Lady Blythe Hedley thinks herself a plain woman and wonders if she will be forever a spinster, be forced into an arranged marriage, or if she’s called to become a nun. The only daughter of the Duke of Bellbroke, she loves to read and is fluent in a few languages which helps her translate treasured books. One night, she is forced to flee from her home in Northumberland, England, when a mob attacks her family’s Castle because her father supports the Jacobite cause, sustained mostly by Catholics, which aims to restore King James to the throne. Her father arranges for her to take refuge in the Wedderburn Castle in the Scottish Borders, even if the Hume family is Protestant and against the Jacobite uprising, since Blythe is the goddaughter of the Earl of Wedderburn, christened before the Humes changed to the Protestant faith. Little she knows, as she hastily arrives at dawn to the Wedderburn Castle, that the laird has just passed away, and Everard Hume, the eldest son of seven brothers, is now the new laird, and is not happy at all to receive her and her maid in their ancestral home. Everard is annoyed at the duke’s daughter for irrupting their mourning. Plus, if she’s found out, his whole household might be endangered by aiding the daughter of the enemy. But against all reason, his heart guides him to protect this vulnerable yet strong and compassionate lady. To bide her time, Everard asks her to tutor his youngest brother Orin, since Blythe is so cultured, and Blythe is easily conquered by this boy’s sweet nature. But, as her stay in Wedderburn prolongs, it is not only the boy’s heart that she has won but the admiration and so much more from the new laird. Everard and Blythe struggle against their feelings, as they reasonably acknowledge their union will not be approved by their peers. Not only that, but their lives might be in danger if the Uprising leads to war between the two political causes, which seems very imminent. Can their newfound love survive the turmoil of war and prejudice?
As I said, this was an amazing novel that completely captivated me and stole my heart from the beginning. The author’s storytelling is superb and the story never drags. It’s so full of historical details that I felt transported in time and place to the magnificent Scottish setting. And I learned so much from that particular era. Her writing style is almost poetical, so beautifully expressed. I love how she uses the Scottish language and sayings. It was so useful to have a Glossary at the beginning of the book, as there are quite a few words and expressions that were foreign to me, even if you can more or less deduce them from the context. I really felt transported to Scotland, and the Scottish brogue is so charming, aye!
The character development was deep and captivating. Blythe and Everard were lovable and relatable characters with a depth and integrity that inspired me. Blythe was strong and determined, yet she was vulnerable, gentle and had a very compassionate heart. I loved how she treated her maids like good friends and the servants with such respect. I also loved her relationship with Orin and how she cared for him with motherly love. And Orin was so sweet, I could imagine him perfectly in my mind, the sweet, fair and lanky lad he was. And Everard, oh gosh! He was the swooniest hero on earth! I can say I have a new book boyfriend right now, as I fell for him as easily as Blythe did, from page one, even when he was rude. Loved his Scottish brogue! And his fierce protectiveness of Blythe and his family undid me. The transition from enemies to friends to lovers was such a sight to behold! Their romance was exquisite, so tenderhearted. It humbled me to see a man as fierce and courageous as Everard, to love Blythe with such gentleness and tenderness. Sigh! I was besotted with him as Blythe was!
Also, there is a faith inspired message about trusting God in the direst of circumstances. And how He is the real sovereign and savior. I loved how Everard and Blythe both lived their faith with simplicity, and how they naturally prayed to God in all their needs and were also thankful. The scene where they pray to God before Orin’s bed is particularly sweet and inspiring
All in all, a magnificent love story full of interesting historical details! If you love historical romances this is one of the best I’ve ever read! This is a new favorite book in my list and it will be hard to overcome it!
I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher via NetGalley but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

The Rose and the Thistle
Laura Frantz
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lady Blythe Hedley's father is a staunch Jacobite, putting him and his family at odds with the British crown. Forced to flee her home in northern England, Blythe is secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, the home of her godparents and their seven sons. Despite their best efforts to keep her safe, her presence soon becomes known.

Everard Hume has just lost his father. As the eldest son, the responsibility for his family, their servants, and their properties has fallen on his shoulders. When Lady Hedley arrives in the middle of the night, Everard is certain he does not need to add the Jacobite heiress to his growing list of concerns.

Laura Frantz is a master of creating noble male leads. Everard Hume is a man of principled conviction, devoted faith, and family dedication. He is a character who fills the page with his strong presence as much as his physical appearance.

The 1715 Scottish setting adds startling beauty to the chaste behavior of Lady Blythe Hedley. We see her inner struggle in vivid detail as her heart is captured by the new Lord Wedderburn, and she remains pure in her thoughts with her unwavering focus on God. The story depicts inspiring scenes of kindness and prayer.

One difficulty in the story was the early movement of characters between Scotland, France, and England. However, once Lady Hedley settled in Berwickshire at Wedderburn Castle, the focus shifted to the relationship development between her and Everard, allowing the reader to sit back, relax, and enjoy the story.

We received an advance copy from the publisher. This is our honest review.

This daring historical brings 1715 British history to life. Lady Blythe Hedley seeks refuge with her godfather’s family in Scotland when Catholics are attacked in England. Religious battles may be the least of her worries. Her future and her very life are threatened. The unfolding drama presents an exciting tale with well-developed characters and an intense plot filled with intrigue and surprises. I heartily enjoyed the thrilling story. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #TheRoseandtheThistle #NetGalley

I felt The Rose and the Thistle started a bit slow and it took a bit to start enjoying the story. But once it got into a groove I enjoyed the story. Blythe and Everads story was lovely and sweet. I ended up really enjoying this book and would recommend to anyone who’d love a good Scottish love story.

This is a story that is rich in history with a lovely, picturesque setting from England to Lowland Scotland in the early 1700's during a time when one's religion is determined by the king on the throne. Blythe, daughter of a duke who is against the new king on the throne is sent away from home in England to the home of her godparents in Scotland to avoid danger. Both her godparents are now dead and the new laird, Everard, and the whole household are in mourning for their laird. Times are scary as the whole of Britain is at war with each other over their religious beliefs. This is a complicated story but what is beautiful about this story is how two people of different backgrounds, strong in their faith, come together to worship the same God and find a way to meet each other in friendship and love. The Rose and the Thistle grabs on and touches all aspects one wants in a great read: love, faith, loyalty, family, fear, anger, tenderness, and conflict, all against a rich tapestry of history and emotion. Highly recommended for those who love history and love stories. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. All Thoughts are mine only.

"You made a formidable prisoner even though you were half in love with me from the first."
"Half? I was wholly yours from the moment I set foot in Wedderburn's foyer."

Title: The Rose and the Thistle
Author: Laura Frantz
My Rating: 3.75 ⭐️
🌶️ Level: Clean—just kisses (intimacy implied between a married couple, but nothing shown on page)

Review:

Lady Blythe Hedley is forced to leave her father's home when he is declared an enemy to the crown. She flees to Wedderburn Castle, where the newly appointed Laird Wedderburn is trying to manage his new responsibilities after the death of his father. Thrown together in the midst of a brewing battle, Everard and Blythe must find out who they can trust with their lives, and just maybe find if they can trust each other with their hearts.

What I liked:
I enjoyed The Rose and the Thistle quite a bit. Laura Frantz has a fantastic, lovely writing style that will sweep you away into the history and intrigue of the time period. Set in 1715 during the Jacobite uprising in England, this book was unique, fresh, and provides a lovely option for lovers of historical romance.

The primary characters are deep and engaging, both of them being strong and independent. Watching them learn how to behave around the other was entertaining, and I really liked their love story, especially near the end. And Blythes interactions with little Orin were darling. Those moments more than anything else made me like her character.

I loved the way Laura Frantz writes. Her every word seems to be written with such poise and elegance, and her writing is simply a pleasure to read. I will definitely be picking up more of her books in the future.

What I wish had been different:
I felt that the the plot was quite slow, and it took me more than a few days' reading to get into the meat of the book. I did eventually get there, but I kept wondering, "When will things start moving?" Once things did start going, I was more invested.

Blythe didn't really seem to have any faults other than the fact that she wasn't as pretty as the daughter of a duke should be.

I wanted to understand the history behind this time period a little more. I felt kind of lost when the politics started becoming more important. Also, near the end of the novel, time really seemed to warp and stopped making sense. I had a really difficult time keeping everything straight.

Overall:
I enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it to someone who enjoys a mix of historical intrigue, romance, and Christian themes (that are sprinkled throughout in just the right amount and felt very organic).

Also, I'm now convinced that everyone should read at least one book by Laura Frantz because her writing and prose are INCREDIBLE.

Thank you to Revell and the author for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Rose and the Thistle, written by Laura Frantz is a novel set in 1715 in Scotland and England. Scotland and England were united in 1707. King George I was the first monarch of the Hanoverian dynasty, who inherited the British throne on the death of his second cousin Queen Anne. The parliament at that time passed the Act of Settlement to ensure a Protestant line of succession and oppose the claim of the Catholic James Edward Stuart. The Jacobite Rebellion in 1715 is the focus of this story. The Jacobites were trying to reclaim the throne for the Stuart son of the deposed King James II.

It took me a while to understand all the implications of the members of the rebellious Jacobites and how the Catholic Lady Blythe Hedley was an enemy of the crown because her father favored the cause of the Jacobites. She fled to southern Scotland because King George’s army was capturing Jacobites to quell the hints of a rebellion. Although Everard Hume, Lord Wedderburn, to whose castle she fled was a Protestant, their fathers had been friends, so she was welcome there despite their different religious philosophies.

As in any good historical romantic fiction, Lady Blythe and Lord Everard became infatuated with each other. The safety of each became the story. I would have had an easier time reading this novel if some of the histories that I mentioned in the first paragraph had been explained further in depth. It wasn’t until the middle of the book that I felt comfortable with the story.

However, Ms. Frantz is an excellent and prolific writer whose novels are some of my favorites. I think that this novel persuaded me to delve into this chapter on the English monarchy at this time in history. I learned quite a lot and am grateful that I was prompted to learn more.