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.
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