
- 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
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.
Review:
In the Jacobite rising of 1715 Lady Blythe Hedley's father is a wanted man for supporting the previous Stuart King. In an attempt to keep Lady Blythe safe, she is secreted away to her godparent's in Scotland. A tower room in Wedderburn Castle with her faithful lady's maid, Elodie is now Blythe's home. Blythe's arrival, however, provides to be on the unfortunate day of her godfather's death, leaving her safety to the new Lord Wedderburn, Everard Hume. Everard does not mean to make Blythe's life difficult, but with his new duties, several brothers to care for and impending war, Blythe does not always feel welcome at Weddurburn. The tides turn for Blythe as Everard further disguises Blythe as a tutor for the youngest Hume, Orin and Blythe and Everard can enjoy each other's company. As tensions rise between the Jacobites and the British, Everard is pushed into service and Blythe is increasingly in danger. Now, their feelings for one another add another layer to their predicament.
The Rose and the Thistle is a sweeping historical romance that takes place during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715. I was immediately enamored by Blythe's character. I appreciated her distaste for the games of high society and her love of the outdoors, reading and learning. Blythe and Elodie's friendship was also endearing and true. I didn't previously know a lot about the Jacobite Rebellion and Blyth and Everard's points of view gave several insights into the feelings and motivations of the people and politics of the time. In addition, the author is a descendant of one of the Hume's exiled to America for his part in the Jacobite Rebellion. The writing reflected her passion for the characters, Weddurburn Castle and the upheaval that this time period caused. The romance between Blythe and Everard was sweet and took a natural progression as they were forced together, yet respected one another's boundaries and were able to get to know one another in a time of duress. With a surprising, suspenseful and exciting ending, I was captivated by The Rose and the Thistle.
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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.
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