The Rose and the Thistle

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 don’t even know where to begin. I’m gobsmacked and addlepated over this braw story — the latest (and very best, I think) Laura Frantz masterpiece.

Stunning details — from the incredible cover art to the rich story within. And let’s stop to admire that cover for a second. What you can’t tell from the photo is that the thistle and the rose emblems are actually embossed gold. And the heroine’s skirt is so lush looking that you just have to touch it and come away surprised when you feel paper instead of cloth. Yes, this is my book nerdiness showing, but sometimes a book is so pretty I just have to gush!

Now onto the story. Which is where the gobsmacking comes in. I’m pretty near speechless over the perfection of it all. Vibrant storytelling merges history and romance in the most spellbinding of ways. Descriptive passages that bring the Scottish countryside to life. Intrinsic historical details that both appall and intrigue!

(A little side note here: I didn’t know much about the politics of this time and I did feel a wee bit overwhelmed at the beginning, but as I got further into the story it all started to make sense. So I’d advise readers like me to just go with the flow instead of trying to figure out who was right and who was wrong and what each side stood for and why….Or maybe I’m the only one who madly googles facts in the middle of a read?!)

Now for the addlepated part. Everard. THUD! Fainting couch essential. Smelling salts necessary. Comfort chocolate optional, though advised (because when would chocolate consuming ever be considered ill-advised?!) And be prepared to be swept off your feet (hence the fainting couch) over and over again by this rather gruff, moody, sometimes churlish hero. He has a servant’s heart though and that shines through over and over again. Especially in the way he cares for his youngest brother. And reluctantly takes on the responsibility of sheltering Lady Blythe in the midst of her storm.

Their romance is delectable. I love the way Frantz takes time to develop it. From enemies, to wary strangers, to cautious friends, to…toe-curls!!!! Nothing ever feels rushed in this story but it never bogs down either. The author has found the perfect balance between delivering enticing details and keeping the plot propelling forward. All while keeping the reader hoping the story never ends!

Gah, this review is getting too long and I haven’t even mentioned the Hume brothers or wonderful mix of secondary characters or the way I feel like I’ve actually lived in Scotland in the 1700s or…so many points to recommend this read! Definitely a top ten contender for 2023.

Oh, and I couldn’t resist listening to the audio book, even though I have a paperback copy. Amy Scanlon’s narration exceeded everything I could hope for in an audible performance. All the accents, unique voices of each character, the sheer enjoyment that came from listening to her read. If you are an audio book lover, this is definitely one to listen to.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback copy.

If you would like to win a copy of The Rose and the Thistle, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easier to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 11 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

39 thoughts on “The Rose and the Thistle”

  1. I agree with you on this beautiful cover. And a familiar author, everything that I didn’t see in the first book of this week. Lol not a good way to judge the story, but yes I want to read this one for sure. It sounds wonderful. Can’t wait.
    rrwalter34ATgmailDotcom

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  2. Kav, I just read this last month and I absolutely loved it too. Laura Frantz is a master in so many regards. Even though I have my own copy, I’d love to be entered in the giveaway so I can donate the book to my church or public library or give as a gift, etc. Laura’s books are always such a treat!

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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  3. First I have to tell you that I wholeheartedly agree with you on some major cover love for this one! It’s gorgeous and would definitely pull your attention in during a book browse.

    On top of that, it sounds like an absolutely fabulous story. I’m pre-warned and will have the fainting couch well stocked with the necessary supplies to enable me to keep reading through weeping eyes and faint worthy scenes. Just reading your review I can see this is going to be faint worthy love story that I’m going to love absorbing as I read through the pages.

    Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  4. Loved this book! I, too, was rather overwhelmed at the unfamiliar history, but Google helped out. I love when fiction helps me learn new things! BTW it was so nice to finally be able to share your review/giveaway on social media! 😄

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    1. I think what I find so confusing about UK history is that alliances keep seesawing based on the whims of whatever monarch was in rule. I knew that Cromwell had something to do with switching the power from the Catholic Church to the Church of England but had no idea if that was before, during or after this time period. I will have to do some research, ’cause I remember reading that the Jacobites were still around for a few decades after this. I do love how this author incorporates the history into her novels. Yay — so glad you are able to share my reviews on social media now!!!!!! That’s super exciting. Happy Reading, Diane!

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  5. It seems all of us love the cover! Marketing/art did a wonderful job. Enjoyed your review and explanation of the story. Don’t enter me as I have this on hold at my library. Thanks!

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  9. This cover definitely makes it grab your attention! It’s one I definitely want to own, as I can see that everyone is just loving it. Her novels are novels are epic, so I try not to miss even a one!

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  10. I LOVED this book! Laura Frantz is one of my favorite historical fiction authors! Plus . . . Scotland, swoony heroes, amazing heroines, tons of history! This book has it all!

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  12. It has been far too long since I’ve read a book by Laura and this would fit the bill quite well. Your book cover nerdiness is shared by me as well…give me a raised embossed cover & I’m in book heaven without even opening the pages 😂 I think I love stunning covers as much as the stunning story inside!

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  17. Sounds like a great book! Would love to win a print copy! Thanks for the opportunity to enter a giveaway! God bless! Lual Krautter Email: krautter62520AToutlookDOTcom

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  19. I love that we can count on Laura Frantz for a new book almost every January! I’ve read all of her stand-alones except this one, and I have the one series she wrote on my bookshelf, but I haven’t read it yet.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  20. Pingback: Christy Awards Finalists 2023 – Historical Romance – Kav's Best Reads

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