“Lord, please steady my spirit.”

From the moment I met Colonel Cassius McLinn on the pages of The Colonel’s Lady I have been a HUGE fan of Laura Frantz and her exquisitely written stories. Since it’s humanly impossible for me to read all the books (though that certainly doesn’t keep me from trying), I’m sadly behind on a couple of her most recent novels but I was determined to be intentional about reading her newest, The Rose and the Thistle. Because, hello. Swoony Scottish hero. Strong English heroine. Political tensions. Family tensions. Romantical tensions. Even a water kelpie, of sorts.

Did I mention the swoony Scottish hero??

There’s something so knee-weakening about a Scottish brogue when attached to a man of integrity & quiet strength. And Everard Hume, the newly appointed laird of Wedderburn, definitely fits the bill… as do most of his brothers, too. I fell a bit in love with all of the Hume brothers, save the onerous David, and I could contentedly read novels that follow each of them for years to come. (And ohhhhhhh how I need a story that features the adorable youngest brother Orin – “I have met the water kelpie, and she is, in fact, a duke’s daughter” – once he’s all grown up.) Frantz does a splendid job of developing Everard’s character through a series of difficult circumstances, any one of which by itself would be enough to test my own emotional mettle. You will savor time spent with Everard, just as Blythe does, because in spite of facing several uphill challenges he maintains his quiet affection for those in his charge, his integrity, and even his sense of humor.

“Remember whose you are.”

Her father’s Jacobite ties lead to Lady Blythe Hedley fleeing her home in England with only her lady’s maid in the middle of the night and bedraggledly arriving at Wedderburn castle where refuge had been promised. By Everard’s father. Who has just died. From the moment she opens her mouth upon arrival, Blythe challenges Everard in every way and I loved it! She’s Catholic. He’s Protestant. She’s English. He’s Scottish. He wants to keep her sequestered away for her own safety. She wants to be free to explore and interact. Her spirit is strong, even as she worries about her father and mourns the separation, and she clings to her faith despite the dangers in doing so. Gaining his respect first, she soon gains his heart and oh my stars you’ll love their romance! Be prepared to swoon… but don’t relax just yet. The most challenging part of their story is yet to come.

“Mine without question. But the Almighty’s foremost.”

Bottom Line: What a richly layered & beautiful story from start to finish! I easily embraced both Blythe and Everard as well as the delightful cast of supporting characters who also took over my heart. The history fascinated me and has me wanting to read more about this tumultuous time in English/Scottish history, and it just becomes even more intriguing when you read about the author’s personal ties to Wedderburn Castle and the Hume clan in her note to readers. Nobody captures the setting, the lilt, the romance and heartbreak of history quite like Laura Frantz does, and The Rose and the Thistle is another gorgeous example of her talent.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was well written and the story was well researched. I didn’t know much about this time period and I learned a lot as I read. I also really liked the characters and it was interesting to watch their struggles as they tried to figure out what side they were going to be on. I thought this was a really good book and I will definitely check out more books by this author.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Title: The Rose and the Thistle
Author: Laura Frantz

Ch: 69

Pg: 416

Genre: Christian Historical fiction, Christian Historical Romance

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell



I’m not going to lie despite my own Scottish heritage I’ve never been one to sworn over Scottish heroes. But if any author was going to be able to do that it would be Laura Frantz. And with Everard Hume Lord Wedderburn she did. Though it took me a bit to warm up to him. But he’s a hero with strong faith who loves his family. I loved the bond he especially had with his youngest brother. Now Lady Blythe Hedley was a favorite from the start because what’s not to love about a spectacle wearing bookish heroine.


I knew that there was more than one Jacobite rebellions. Though the 1745-1746 is most known. So, it was interesting to read a book set during the 1715 rebellion. And Laura also added another twist in which the Scottish hero isn’t the Jacobite.


I have to say at least in this reader’s opinion this is Laura’s most emotional book. But this twist and turns and the emotional havoc was worth the journey to get to that ending.


And just like with her previous book’s quotes stand out to me in this case there were two “you are still my English Rose. While I remain your Scottish thistle” as it sums up the hero and heroine. And “Though death is melancholy for us here below, it’s more celebration there.” For more personal reasons.


I loved every minute of this book. And I felt like I was in the Lowlands of Scotland.





I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.



I received a copy of this book from the author I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Quality historical fiction.

I’ve always loved Laura Frantz’s writing. This book was no exception. I loved learning more about the Jacobite Rebellion - something I’ve learned very little about it read very little about before now.

Frantz’s characters are believable, the plot is intriguing, and the storyline keeps one engaged.

Only given 4 stars because I’ve loved some of Frantz’s other books a little more. 😊

This was the first Laura Frantz book that I read. It wasn’t what I expected. I was expecting more romance but I loved the history that came with it.

“Prayer may be the best weapon we have.”

Thank you to Revell for the opportunity to read this author’s work for the first time and to provide a review. I’ve always been fascinated by this time period and love teaching Canadian Grade Nine Social Studies where The Fight For Democracy and The English Civil War are two of the topics.

Things I loved:
✔️characters are well developed and complement each other
✔️didn’t just read about history, I was transported and watched it unravel from the sidelines
✔️tension resulting from divided loyalties
✔️a greater understanding of the complex political situation
✔️subtle faith messages interspersed
✔️authentically developed impossible romance
✔️fantastic title that takes on new meaning as the book progresses
✔️themes of family loyalty, trust and faith
✔️delicious food references
✔️questioning God’s control to deepen one’s roots
✔️not dry history; author breathes life into it

If you are interested in this time period, this story about Lady Blythe Hedley, a Catholic noblewoman, and her fight for survival during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, is outstanding. It’ll have you comparing the events of the early 1700s Britain to events today and concluding that we are not so far removed from history! Beware, you may develop a Scottish brogue and surprise those you meet.

I am a huge fan of anything Scottish – the accent, the romance, the history… And Laura Frantz in her newest novel, The Rose and the Thistle, perfectly feeds this adoration. Featuring Scotland on the eve of the Rising, readers are swept into the politics and turmoil of a nation seeking independence and a people fighting for renown. With heart clenching romance and a quest for truth, Frantz delivers a story worthy of praise. I could not have enjoyed it more! Frantz will have a hard time outdoing herself on this one!

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

What an excellent novel!
I loved the setting of the story, Northumberland and Edinburgh. I’ve visited these places so it was so much fun to read a story set in those places. It was easy to picture the action going on (not just because I’ve been there – the author did a great job describing the areas).
The story takes place just after Queen Anne’s death. The Jacobites want to reclaim the throne for the exiled Stuart family and are preparing to fight for the crown. It’s a fascinating period of time and an excellent backdrop to make an English Duchess and a Scottish Laird fall in love.
There’s a good dose of tension peppered throughout the story as Lady Blythe is ferreted away to Scotland for her protection, and as Everard Hume takes his father’s place as Laird of Wedderburn Castle. Shifting alliances, family secrets, intrigue and ambitions make for an exciting reader experience. And there are enough twists and surprises to keep those pages turning until the wee hours of the morning.
The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz is a must read for lovers of historical romance.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Topic or themes I saw: Feelings of unworthiness.

Who it may interest: Those who love to be steeped deeply in the culture and dialect of the time period and enjoy slow burn romances.

Story: It takes a lot of skill and knowledge to write in 1700’s Scottish dialect! The way Frantz wrote it was stunning. But since I’ve never read anything in this time period or location, the dialect made it a bit hard for me to get fully immersed in the story. This is the first book I have read set in Scotland and I appreciated learning about that location and history. I had no prior knowledge of the Jacobite’s and the political tension in the 1700’s. This story was very rich in culture and history. I also loved the fact that the author is a direct descendent of the Hume family. How cool!

Main takeaway: I loved this quote: “There are no titles in His kingdom, just worshipful sons and daughters.”

How I rate books:

I largely rate books on how they make me feel which is incredibly subjective 🥰.

5⭐️–Absolutely adored and loved the book, a favorite.
4⭐️-Really enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
3⭐️-Liked the book, it was engaging and interesting and I am glad I read it, but I wasn’t drawn in emotionally as much as others.
2⭐️- There was a strong theme that I did not agree with or overall the book just left me with a bad feeling.

The Rose and the Thistle: A Novel by Laura Frantz

Set in 1715 Edinburgh, Scotland, northern England and France during the Jacobite rebellion in Scotland. It’s in the midst of this rebellion that Lady Blythe Hadley flees in the middle of the night from her home in England to Scottish Laird, Everard Hume for protection. She is quickly drawn into a whirlwind of intrigue, questionable alliances and ambitions, danger and betrayal, and an unexpected love. Thus begins a tender love story of this unlikely pair- one is of the Catholic faith and the other is of Presbyterian faith. Armed with strong faith and trust in God, and with constant prayers they face the political unrest and danger. Everard’s youngest brother, Orin, is a favorite character. He is adorable.

The historical aspects of the story come alive within the fictional characters lives and storyline. The vivid descriptions of the areas, landscapes, and buildings had me felling as if I was there with Blythe and Everard. I enjoyed reading the historical note and author’s notes and found it interesting that the author is a direct descendant of George Hume. There is a glossary with Scottish words, a map of the areas in the story included in the book that are interesting.

~I bought a copy of this book and I also received a signed copy of this book from the author/publisher (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~

One of the reasons I adore Frantz’s novels is because I always learn something new. The Rose and the Thistle is no exception. This beautiful story takes place in 1715 in France, England, and Scotland during an insanely tumultuous time where the British Queen had died an untimely death, a German took the British crown, and a Jacobite king, James Stuart, desperately attempted to take Britain back from the German usurper. All of Britain was torn in two: some were staunch Jacobites and Catholics who desired England be returned to British sensibilities, and some thought it best to follow the new Hanoverian king and his Protestant leanings. As I was reading, Ecclesiastes 1:9 (ESV) kept playing over and over in my mind: “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.” It’s uncanny how right now our time in America is mimicking Europe in 1715. The division, the hatred on both sides, the willingness to do whatever it takes — even hurting others — in order to stay in power. The spying. The shutting down other people simply because they don’t think or believe like you. It’s crazy and so frustrating. I say to my husband all the time, “There really has never been a good time. People are so selfish.” Yes, there are good moments to be had on this earth. GOD blesses us with good. But humans really, really like to hate and hurt and destroy. It’s so sad and so frustrating. And while this fact about humanity is prevalent in The Rose and the Thistle, this story does not fill me with dread. Instead, it fills me with hope. I was reminded while reading this outstanding story that God has His hands on His kids always and that He is the Boss. He is in charge of seasons and times, governments, and all wisdom and understanding (Daniel 2:20-22). This Truth was true in Blythe’s day, and it is still true in my day today. With this reminder, I feel quite comforted indeed!

One way humans could break the historical cycle of dividing, hating, and hurting is by taking a moment in someone else’s shoes. To do this, we humans have to be willing to look at others and see what’s really going on. Blythe does this and then some. I love her character. She is so attuned to the fine details. She pays attention and she is conscientious. Everard may initially be direct and gruff, and it might rub Blythe the wrong way at first, but she doesn’t label him as “enemy” and disregard him, his beliefs, or his feelings. Instead, she pays attention. She figures out WHY he acts and believes and feels the way he does. AND she recognizes her part in why he might feel and act the way he does. Blythe doesn’t “other” Everard. She is respectful. She sees Everard as a unique individual “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God (Psalm 139:14) who contains his own likes and desires and beliefs. Blythe knows that regardless of how she might feel about him in the moment, Everard matters because God made him. I wish more people on earth today were like Blythe. This world would be a much better place if we all took a moment to realize the people surrounding us all matter because they all bear God’s likeness.

The Rose and the Thistle is another home run by Laura Frantz. This story is lovely and not one I will soon forget. I cannot recommend this story enough. If you adore well-crafted and well-researched Historical Romances that give you all the feels, if you love excellent storytelling that also teaches you a few things, and if you appreciate stellar writing then I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Frantz’s novel today. You do NOT want to miss this beautiful Historical Romance.

I received a paperback copy of this novel from the publisher, Revell, in order to read and review. I also received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author, Laura Frantz, via NetGalley. And I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on January 2, 2023, in order to review. In no way has any of this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This book is so interesting with all the history surrounding this time period. I loved the characters. They seemed so real. They were each trying to do their best in trying circumstances. Their faith and love for family and each other was inspiring. This is a wonderful book and I would highly recommend it.

A beautiful story, The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz, will enthrall you from the start and hold you spellbound until the end! I was listening to the audiobook and kept looking for things to do so I could listen to it. I eventually picked the book up so I could finish it without waiting! Definitely worth it. Full of history and romance and faith, it is definitely worth reading! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read it!

#BookRevew: THE ROSE AND THE THISTLE by Laura Frantz

What a beautiful cover! This was rich in historical details. Political and religious tensions made it an interesting read. The author did great in creating fictional characters around the events leading to and during the Jacobite uprising. I like her writing style. Critical decisions had to be made to save lives.

Everard and Blythe’s characters were likeable. Their slow burn romance was sweet and it got too sweet later on in the book. Everard was a loving brother and husband. He would do everything for them. I enjoyed Orin’s character and his relationship with Blythe. Some parts were slow for me, but I got more engaged by the second half of the book. I didn’t want it to end yet when it did.

The conversion of Blythe from Catholicism to Presbyterian seemed quick and easy. Maybe because there was a lot of tension and more pressing matters, that the story didn’t dwell much on how Blythe felt about her change of loyalties. This conversation between Everard and Blythe was one of my favorite lines in the book. “So long as we both believe in Christ as our Lord and Savior, what does it matter what we call ourselves except His own?” It made me think how many people had to make those kinds of decisions during those turbulent times.

Rating: 4.5 stars
Pub date: 03 Jan 2023

Thank you Revell and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

This one is a slow burn like most of her books. It felt really slow for me at first, but I still put down everything I’d been reading to read this one.
I thought the Catholic/Protestant relationships were well done. I also feel like it was believable enough and I credit her for saying that Jesus being Lord and Savior is what’s central. As someone who is Protestant, but has mainly lived in areas where everyone is Catholic I have come to the conclusion that marriages between both can work. So her nonchalance about converting made sense enough for her character to me.
Some of the Jacobite stuff I didn’t quite understand, and the map at the beginning of the book definitely helped me get my bearings as I lived in Scotland for a short time.
I feel like her descriptions as always are exquisite. The clothing, the castles, it’s all lovely.
These characters were quite as deeply emotional as some of her others, but you still have a strong sense of how they feel. I’m not sure how she does it but Laura Frantz never ceases to amazed me with how she can evoke such strong feelings with simple words. But she does.
I also love the slight Beauty and the Beast feel. And the little brother is my favorite. So fun. And her maids. All the supporting characters were fun to read about as well. And I liked how Blythe and Everard were both tall and that was mentioned different times. The ending picks up pace and gets exciting. I also like how in a few of her books the characters marry and you see the relationship beyond just getting to know each other.
It’s a gorgeous novel

I honestly don’t know how I can move on from this book at the moment. I’m a huge fan of Laura, loving all of her stories, but this has been one of my favorites!! Everard and Blythe are so different but create the perfect love story - strong Scottish soldier and fair but scholarly English lady. Full of faith, romance, suspense, and amazing historical detail this book is simply magnificent! I honestly wished The Rose and the Thistle would continue indefinitely!

This is my first read of Frantz's, and I was excited to dive in because it covers a lot of Jacobite/Scottish history that is fascinating to me. She is certainly immersive in her writing style, and the characters are easy to empathize with. The plot moves along well, the stakes are very high and very real, and you'll find yourself anxiously wanting to see what happens next. There are some excellent faith elements present in the book as well.

Though from time to time I got bogged down with the political side of things, I found the book to be enjoyable! If you enjoy historical fiction, and especially if you enjoy stories your own ancestors could have been involved in, you'll definitely want to pick up this book.

***I read an advanced copy of this book to share my opinions; the thoughts expressed above are my own.***

I can't believe this is my first Laura Frantz novel. She is a wonderful storyteller as she takes the reader back to the time her story is set and plonks you in it. And her characters are so well developed with good character arcs so they grow through the story.

This story is set in 1715 mostly in the Scottish region of Berwickshire. War is brewing and Lady Blythe Hedley of Northumbria flees to Scotland as a result of her father's active support of the Jacobite rebellion that challenges the new King of Britain. Lady Blythe is also an heiress, only child and a practicing Catholic.

She takes refuge at Lord Everard Wedderburn's residence in Berwickshire who is grieving his father. The latter happened to be Lady Blythe's godfather and her father had organised with him prior to his death, her escape to the Scottish castle.

Frantz describes the castles, scenery and everything in between wondrously giving us a front row seat into all things 1715. Blythe and Everard are delightful characters - she, the smart, humble, compassionate and extremely well read; he, the tall, dark and handsome soldier who cares deeply about his siblings and is tender, generous and often funny. Any union between them has its challenges, different faith backgrounds, different governing loyalties. I appreciated how these matters weren't simply resolved but consciously thrashed out seeking wisdom from God.

The supporting cast are excellent too. Blythe's ladies in waiting: Elodie, Mari and Peg are all very different but extremely honourable, committed and diligent. Everard's brothers are a good mix. Davie is the black sheep and not very likeable, Bernard is much like Everard in his dependability but it is little Orin who steals the show. It is he who helps Blythe shine (as his tutor) which draws his older brother to her in many ways.

There is much history which is good to read and understand, a period that I really know nothing about.

I appreciated Frantz's Author Note at the end outlining that she is a descendant of the Hume family and she has some of this knowledge first (well maybe fifth) hand which adds greater credibility to the story.

I'm sure I'll be reading more Laura Frantz in the future.

I was very fortunate to receive an early ebook copy from Revell via NetGalley. This has had no impact on my review.

This novel was so well written with fantastic descriptions that I felt myself swept away to eighteenth century Scotland and immediately immersed in a culture of religious uprisings, daring romance, and threats of war. I was so impressed with the amount of history the author poured into this novel; a bonus is knowing the author is distantly related to the characters and events in the story. I was also impressed with her ability to weave Scottish Gaelic and other phrases authentic to that time period flawlessly into the plot. I did reference the glossary at the beginning several times but I did not find that this detracted from the story but only made it richer. I loved Blythe from the first page, her steadfast compassion, kind mannerisms, smart intellect, and unshakable courage made it easy to me to feel invested in her story. Everard is initially mysterious but soon becomes the perfect hero to compliment Blythe’s personality. I loved the unexpected twists their story took and I also had a hard time putting the book down. I hope there is a future novel with more of Blythe and Everard as there were a few details I would love to know more about, but I don't think this detracted from a satisfying ending. I cannot recommend this book; I absolutely loved it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers, courtesy of Austen Prose Tours with Laurel Ann Nattress. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Who knew that a religious rebellion, royal controversy, and neighborly scandals could be as fascinating as Laura Frantz describes in The Rose and the Thistle? While I wouldn’t want to be caught between my own beliefs and anyone else’s disapproval, Frantz explores the many ways this happened during this controversial time in European history in exciting ways.

Scotland and England have a rocky history, and The Rose and the Thistle brings this to life both on national and personal levels. The way that Frantz relates these in the story make the whole concepts easier to understand. The personal elements up the dramatic factor and while still clearly relating the beauty of both countries. As someone who is (partly) of Scottish descent, I’ve always wanted to see a castle in Scotland, and Frantz’s sweeping descriptions of this country’s beauty only increased that desire.

While the historical plotlines are what set the boundaries and made this story move along, it’s really all about the hot Everard and the brilliant-but-bonnie Blythe. Frantz created really exciting characters here, and they don’t necessarily fit the historical stereotypes – which made the book extra fun to read. Blythe is made to be more than just eye candy for a future husband, and Frantz gives you much to think about in terms of what one might look for in a potential spouse. Everard must learn to bear the responsibilities of his station and his family, and that means that he can’t consider only his own personal wants. With deep and meaningful characters set against the backdrop of upheaval, you’ll find yourself speeding through this story.

Until you come to a Frantz zinger, that is. I was pleasantly surprised by how many times the author caught me with a line of unquestionable beauty or depth – one that I wanted to underline so that I could come back to it again and again to ponder. I love when books are not only crafted well but also written beautifully. The Rose and the Thistle is both.

So if you’re a fan of smart-but-steamy historical fiction, put The Rose and the Thistle on your TBR list. You’re going to love it.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.