Religion and politics, taboo topics at social gatherings unless discussing The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz! The English Lady Blythe Hedley, a brilliant linguist, too tall and willowy to be seen as beautiful; would rather spend money “on books rather than silks and ribbons.” Due to Jacobite/Catholic sympathies her father is considered an enemy of the British crown and rumored to be hiding in France. With Blythe’s protection and possible matrimony in mind, he contacts Lord Hume, Blythe’s godfather, a long-lost connection between families. The request is for Blythe to be sequestered at Wedderburn Castle across the border in Scotland- a protestant stronghold. There you have it-the Catholic Tories vs. Protestant Whigs. Laura Franz weaves the vast history of the 1715 Jacobite Rebellion and the unwanted arrival, but undeniable chemistry between Lady Blythe and hero, Everard Hume, into a luscious romantic tapestry.

This was one of Laura's best books! I read it in about two days because I couldn't put it down. Blythe and Everard have perfect chemistry and their love story is beautiful. There's so much history and detail in the book that it's a historical fiction lovers dream. It's such a sweet and dreamy book that I didn't want it to end. I could've read about 200 more pages of their love story. Definitely you need to read this if you are a fan of Scottish historical romance. If you are already a fan of Laura, then you won't be disappointed in her newest book.

This book takes place during a part of history I wasn’t too familiar with. The story builds slowly, maybe a bit too slow at times. While I enjoyed the story I’m not too sure about the ending. Definitely worth checking out
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

A captivating historical romance! A story filled with danger, mystery, heartbreak, and romance that draws you in refusing to let you until the last page. Masterfully written, the words come to life in your imagination making you feel as if you are living the story.

Blythe is heroine that you admire with her quiet dignity and strength regardless of what life throws at her yet not afraid to stand up for herself or others. Everard is a true hero that you can fall hopelessly in love with. A man of conviction not easily swayed, he stands firm in what he feels regardless of politics or opinions. A true leader with heart. Watching the two learn to trust each other in different circumstances is nothing short of magical.

Definitely a must read!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

I felt totally immersed in the story, the lives of the characters and in Scotland. I loved all the local phrases and vocabulary.
Both MCs were easy to love and root for.
I felt like the last 30% was a little drawn out. Maybe it was just me, but I lost interest until the final 20%.

I’m glad Laura Frantz has so many more books for me to go back and read :)

Wheest! The Rose and the The Thistle is such a guid story! Laura Frantz has such a way with words, her stories are such that I canna wait to read them! They regularly make their way to my favorites shelf and if you haven't read any of her novels, and you love Historical fiction, I highly recommend that you do! Her writing is top-notch and I know when I pick up her novel I will be transported to another time and place and taken on an epic adventure that will touch my heart and satisfy my story loving soul.

Set during the Jacobite Rebellion, the political tempest is the perfect complement for this enemies to lovers trope. As the tensions kindle and burst to flame, so does the romance in this beautifully written story between a sassenach and a laird who was "seeking a Scots lass, NOT an Englishwoman." Whit’s fur ye’ll no go by ye! (What's meant to happen will happen). I had a smidge of trouble getting into the story at the beginning, more my fault than the author, but once Blythe and Everard's worlds joined I was all in and felt like I never wanted this one to end! In addition to the story of Everard and Blythe, I enjoyed learning about the history of Scotland during this time period. A great deal of the novel is based on Laura Frantz's own family history! How cool is that! I also have a Scottish ancestry, maybe my family lived next door to the Humes!? I'm going to pretend that they did. I adore everything Laura Frantz has written, but especially her novels set in Scotland. I hope there are many, many more to come!

Thank you Laura Frantz, Revell Books and Net Galley for the free DRC of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This is a review for Laura Frantz's upcoming book called The Rose and the Thistle, and I am reviewing it for NetGalley.  I chose this book because I am a huge fan of Laura Frantz, and have several of her books, because she writes exciting Christian historical fiction books, and she writes them very well indeed!! I loved this book, and would rate it 5 out of 5 stars because it that had excitement, romance, accurate historical facts, great characters that all meshed into a great story that I couldn't put down.

The story takes place to be set in my favorite place in the world, Scotland, during the year of 1715, when the supporters of the Stuart dynasty, who wanted a both a Catholic and independent Scotland, were attempting to raise support to take back the throne of Scotland from the English king, King Geordie, who was from Germany, who didn't even speak English, and who wanted both England and Scotland to be protestant nations. At that time, King Geordie had threatened those who were Catholic and who sympathized with those Stuart supporters, called Jacobites, with forfeiting their lands and fortunes, and also they were threatened with jail, or worse!

The story begins with Lady Blythe, daughter of a Jacobite sympathizer, who is visiting friends in France, and who finds herself summoned back home to Bellbrooke Castle in Northumberland, England by her father, the Duke of Northumberland, Lord Northumbria. Northumberland is located close to the border between England and Scotland. Lady Blythe is excited to be going home to be reunited with her father, Lord Northumberia, but has no idea of the trouble that awaits her upon arriving back in England because her family are also Catholics, and there is civil unrest that will highly affect both her and her father greatly!

Shortly after Lady Blythe's arrival, Lord Northumberia's home is attacked by those supporters of King Geordie and who are protestants, and who are not happy with Jacobite sympathizers or Catholics, and they storm Bellbrooke Castle! So in an effort to protect Lady Blythe from the unrest, Lord Nothumberia, decides to send Lady Blythe & her companion north to his friend Lord Wedderburn, who is the laird of Wedderburn Castle in Berwickshire, Scotland, and who also is Lady Blythe's godfather, as a way of keeping her safe until the unrest there settles. So Lady Blythe and her companion Elodie set out for the wilds of Scotland, with chaos happening all around them, but her father stays behind.

When they arrive at Wedderburn Castle they are met by the son of Lady Blythe's godfather, the new laird of Wedderburn, Everard, because his father, the former laird of Wedderburn, has just passed away, leaving Everard as the new laird, and also now head of the family which also includes his many younger brothers. Now Everard finds Lady Blythe, a duke's daughter, and her companion Elodie, in his home requesting sanctuary. To say the first meeting didn't go well between Lady Blythe and Lord Wedderburn is an understatement, but staying at Wedderburn is the only option Lady Blythe has to keep herself and her companion safe.

Everard has just assumed his new role as laird of Wedderburn Castle, and now finds himself with a sassanach, a name Scottish people gave those from England, in his house, and she is also a Catholic to boot. He is not sure what to think of the Duke's daughter, but honors his father's last wish that he offer Lady Blythe & her companion sanctuary, as she was his father's goddaughter, but he insists she stay hidden, as his household is loyal to King Geordie, and he and his household are protestants...so if word gets out that he is harboring a Catholic whose father is a Jacobite sympathizer, there could definitely be trouble!

Everard and Lady Blythe are thrown together in a time of political unrest in Scottish and English history, and find themselves both trying to stay safe, and make the best of the circumstances. Keeping Lady Blythe's presence a secret is not easy, as there may be neighbors, and even people within the household that would be willing to turn her into the English authorities, after they become aware that her father becomes a wanted man. But you must read the story to find out what happens!

I really enjoyed this book, as it was based on true historical facts with fictional characters. I knew a lot about the uprisings during the time of the Stuart's trying to regain the throne, so this story was right up my alley, but for those who aren't familiar with that particular history, there won't be any problems because the author explains everything very well. The story really flows nicely, and I just had to keep reading to find out what happened! Also it was just a great story that grabbed me from the onset, with history, some romance, and great characters! Laura Frantz wrote another great story, and I highly recommend it!!

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.

A girl in a tower, a Scottish Laird hiding her to save her life….
Lady Blythe Hedley, just returned from France, does not quite realize how much danger her life or that of her father’s, is actually in. His support of the Stuart line is directly opposed to the current Hanoverian King upon England’s throne. A battle is coming for the right to reign in England and Lady Blythe’s father is directly in the middle of it. When a mob attacks her home, Blythe narrowly escapes and is taken to Scotland, to the home of Lord Fast, soon to be Lord Wedderburn. Everard is trying everything in his power to keep his ancestral home together. As a former soldier, he wants nothing to do with the political turmoil that is enveloping his country. He just wants to take care of his home, land, and the people entrusted to his care. His father is dying, and his brother whose squandering of money and wrongly placed allegiance, may cost him his life. Everything is in turmoil. Unbeknownst to him, his dying father made a pledge to Blythe’s father, to take care of her if anything should happen. When Blythe shows up at his doorstep, Everard, the New Lord Wedderburn, is not prepared to take care of a fugitive, especially a woman holding to her Catholic faith. He is also not prepared for what will happen to him and his household should Blythe be discovered. When events spiral out of control, both Blythe and Everard realize they must now work together if they are to survive the battle that is on the horizon. But will they survive the battle that is occurring in their hearts? "The Rose and the Thistle" is a captivating novel, full of lush historical detail, depth of plot, and characters that will stay with you long after the last word is read. Ms. Frantz does superb justice to the tensions that were apparent between the Protestant and Catholic faiths during that time period. Ms. Frantz is supremely gifted in her story telling, and in her ability to transport readers to various places and times in history. Faith, loyalty, and love collide in this beautifully written novel. Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for the ARC of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.

The Rose and the Thistle
by Laura Frantz
Pub Date: 03 Jan 2023

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.

An enjoyable read, as it was a change from what I usually pass the time with, but I do like delving into historical fiction from time to time, more so the period in which this particular book is set.

You want to savor this book, to capture every essence of the story and the excellent writing that Laura Frantz never fails to deliver, yet you find yourself losing sleep instead as you stay up way past your bedtime to finish! Not knowing enough about England and Scotland's history, I did feel a little lost at the beginning. I didn't know which side to root for and neither of the characters seemed to strongly favor one side or the other either. Then they meet and the chemistry is there and that becomes the focus.
I was provided a copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher, but as always, my opinions are my own.

Laura Frantz has done it again. This was stunning! The plot was well-paced and captivating from start to finish. The characters were well-developed; complex, and intriguing. I highly recommend this beautiful telling of the power of love. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

I never fail to look forward to Laura Frantz' new releases! I really loved the Scottish setting of The Rose and the Thistle, especially since it made 1715 almost seem medieval. The political intrigue in this one kept me reading late into the night (a feat for this pregnant toddler mama)! The love story was also sweet and satisfying. Laura Frantz is a no-fail author in my book!

'Lord, please steady my spirit.'

How in the world do I even begin to write a review for a book written by Laura Frantz that will do it justice? I have been held captive by her words since reading her first book thirteen years ago. She absolutely never fails to completely take hold of my heart with her amazing way with words.

As always, Frantz's research is truly impeccable. For this history lover and reader, she always manages to have me looking up some of her details. It's just such an absolute delight to read her work. Then she crafts the most real characters and shows the reader their deepest heart. When I settle down to read a book by Laura Frantz, I am immediately transported to the time of the story and snuggle in for a totally satisfying adventure. For that is what her books do: they take me on an adventure. I am, quite simply, lost in her created world and regret having to return to the present world. She is a master at her craft and my heart sings when I hear she has a new book coming.

A forever favorite is Laura Frantz's work and her books are definitely on my keeper shelf and are reread. Well done!

My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book via the Net Galley platform. The opinion here is my own.

Well written with an interesting storyline and well developed characters, some of which I became really invested in. I didn't know much about this period of history before hand as it was a period that I thought didn't really interest me, however, I may have been wrong about that. I enjoyed it.

Laura Frantz has accomplished what she does so well and delivered a thoroughly researched historically accurate novel complete with all the angst and intrigue of the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715.

Protestant Laird Everard Hume and Catholic Lady Blythe Hedley are thrown together in the midst of difficult circumstances as she flees her home in the night and travels to Wedderburn Castle seeking refuge. They are as opposite as two people can be, but they share a deep faith and love of family. I enjoyed their flirtatious give and take once they had decided to marry.

"I don't recall a smitten laird on bended knee," she half jested. "I would do a great deal more than bend my knee." He followed her up the stairs where she halted, his arms slipping around her again. "I'd rather cut to the chase and kiss you soundly instead."

The youngest Hume brother Orin charmed his way into my heart and rivaled Everard for my favorite character. He was as much in love with Blythe as Everard was.

"If I wasn't eight, I would marry her myself," Orin said, his words meeting with their laughter.

I had a great appreciation for the deep faith held by the people of this era and appreciated the John Knox quote that so exactingly summarized their strong beliefs,

"Let no day slip over without some comfort received of the Word of God."

The Rose and the Thistle reflects loyalty, honor, faith and commitment at its finest. I appreciate Revell Publishers for making a copy available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

The Rose and the Thistle
by Laura Frantz
Pub Date: Jan.3, 2022
Revell
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. 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.
I am not very familiar with this time period so I had to do a little research first before reading. The book is spot on!! A damsel in distress, a stalwart hero, grief, betrayal, war, and love. This story has it all.

Lady Blythe is secreted in the middle of the night to a castle in Scotland for her protection. We meet the former soldier, Everard, now Lord Wedderburn, thankfully first impressions aren't always what they seem. Each has to make choices about their futures and where their alliances will lie - knowing these decisions aren't made lightly.

The author does an excellent job unveiling these characters and the circumstances they find themselves in. This story kept moving into new scenes, with new dangers until you finish this book and end with a sigh of contentment.
5 stars

Set in a tremulous time, this love story spans country, religion, and war.
While the world mourned the death of Elizabeth II, the only English Monarch most of us knew, English Royalty has a sorted past. One of the biggest issues being religion. Catholics killed Protestants, Protestants killed Catholics. England has reigned over much of the world throughout its long history. The early American fathers fought for freedoms; religion being one.
This book is fascinating though took a while to get into. While the Scottish speech is something needed to give a realistic feel to the story, it took a bit to get the flow of it.

I didn't really know anything about this era from history, so it was difficult for me to get into as I wanted more of a background and had to put it down for a few days to do some researching. (Not everyone is as big a nerd, and y'all will be just fine reading...the author fills you in on what you need to know, but I like to have the WHOLE enchilada before me.) That said, once I had a firmer footing and restarted the story, it was intriguing and action-packed, with a bit of mystery and romance, too. There are many difficult (unfamiliar) words and place names used through the text, and while the author has a thorough glossary / translation at the beginning of the story, it just made it a bit slower to progress with the reading. For someone familiar with this region and / or era, they would enjoy it much more. Don't discount it because of my difficulties...Frantz writes amazing history...British / UK history is just not my forte.