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.

Oh. My. Stars.

You know that amazing, euphoric feeling you get when you are just a couple chapters into a book and you just know it’s going to be a 5 star book? I am not a runner. My body rejects that activity wholeheartedly. But! I feel like that 5 star feeling is my equivalent to a runners high. It’s a reader’s high.

This book gave me that reader’s high. It was beautiful and captivating. If you’re looking for a historical romance that is a complete immersive experience, I NEED you to pick this book up. You’ll get a dose of history, you’ll get the culture immersion, you’ll get the sigh worthy romance that not every story can deliver.

We have our little bit prickly Scotsman, the thistle to our rose. He’s beautiful in his own way —beyond looks, apparently he has the looks down too— and you’ll be ready to fall head over heels for the romance between Everard and Blythe.

This book came to my mailbox while I wasn’t home and I got home the day before it was released, so I quickly downloaded the audio to devour the book and the narrator!!! She was fantastic! If you’re thinking you need an audiobook, this one I can vouch for.

I have a top authors list, the ones I crave. Every time I pick up a book by them, that I haven’t read, it feels like coming home. I don’t know if y’all have that, but this is what it feels like when I read Laura Frantz’s writing.

What is your favorite time period to read about? I love reading about all periods of time. I love a good World War II story, but I do love historical fiction that focuses on other periods of time. I have always loved reading English and Scottish history and in particular about the Jacobite Rebellion. I love Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Battle of Culloden. The Rose and the Thistle takes place during the Jacobite Rising of 1715, which I haven’t read as much about as the events of the 1730s.

Lady Blythe Hedley is a wealthy heiress and daughter of the Duke of Northumberland. She is an educated woman and comes from a Catholic family. Her father supports the Stuarts cause, and the novel starts with Blythe in France with the Stuart family. Before she returns, her father asks Lord Wedderburn to care for his daughter. Lord Wedderburn is on his death bed but was once the godfather of Blythe when he was still Catholic. He lives just across the border in Scotland. He agrees. When their priest is killed and estate is overrun, Blythe and her maid make a hurried escape north to Wedderburn Castle. They arrive just as Lord Wedderburn has passed away and Everard Hume has become the new laird. Will Blythe and Everard be able to navigate these dangerous time?

The Rose and the Thistle is my favorite kind of historical fiction. It is well researched, and it makes you feel like you are in Scotland during 1715. The characters are interesting, and I couldn’t stop reading about them. I loved the independent Lady Blythe and also loved Everard. He had a sometimes crusty exterior but is a good person beneath it all. Together they had a slow burn romance that was wonderful to read. There was plenty of excitement to wrap up this book that I don’t want spoil for others. I do feel like I would love to continue to read about Blythe and Everard and I hope there is a second novel. I do know that I need to read more books by Laura Frantz.

I especially loved the Author’s Note at the end. This novel is based on the author’s ancestors, the Hume family. She visited the castle and the area and made me realize why the descriptions were so wonderful in the novel. I thought the personal history was fascinating.

It is always amazing to me reading through history how much tension there was on whether you where Catholic or Protestant in England and Scotland for hundreds of years. Your religion could get you killed.

This is a clean read and Christian. I loved it and thought it was not only a great historical fiction novel, but a great romance.

Review Copy from Revell a division of Baker Publishing Thank-you! I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"The Rose and the Thistle" is a story that takes place at the start of the reign of King George the First of England in 1715. Lady Blythe Hedley's father, the Lord of Northumbia, is a sympathizer of the Stuart line of kings that is in exile in France. Seeking to eliminate this opposition, the king is hunting down these Jacobite/Catholic sympathizers. To save her life, Blythe's father sends her to the home of her godfather, Lord Wedderburn, in Scotland. However, the lord has just died and his son, Everard Hume, has just ascended to his father's position. Trying to learn to manage the estate while hiding a Jacobite runaway threatens his very existence. Further complicating matters is Everard's brother is also reckless with his money and also a Jacobite sympathizer. To prove his loyalty to the throne, what will Everard have to do? And what happens when you fall in love with your seeming enemy?


I choose to read this book because I knew very little about this period of English history. Unfortunately, the book does not do a great job of explaining the political complications. You are thrust into the period without truly understanding how we got there. This makes it hard to understand the political intrigue the characters are facing. The other issue I have with the book is the short time period for the romance that is based mostly on physical attraction and not on the characters' getting to know one another. It makes it difficult to root for a romance that is based on so little when the political obstacles to such a marriage would have been huge.


In the author's note after the book, we discover that the author is descended from the Hume family. The book would have been strengthened by a forward giving a basic history of the Hume family and a brief history of England at that time. It would ease the reader into the time period and make the characters more relatable. I was given an advanced reader copy of the novel as part of the Revell Reads blogger team. All opinions expressed are my own.

Such an intriguing book! It has all of the suspense and romance and slow burn that you could want out of a book. Laura Frantz does a phenomenal job transporting the reader to another time and place. You feel all of the trepidation that Blythe feels being forced to another land for her own protection. She doesn't want to go, but has no choice. You can feel Everard's frustration with the whole situation. He has his own junk to deal with, and now he is in charge of a woman who doesn't even want to be there. It is a well spun tale that I was more than happy to escape to!

Anyone who enjoys fascinating historical fiction with elements of romance, faith, and danger absolutely needs to read Laura Frantz’s books! I have read and enjoyed many of her books, but The Rose and the Thistle is the first of hers I’ve read that is set outside of North America. Frantz’s writing brings Scotland and Britain’s turbulent history to life in a way that will have readers entranced. I will admit, the beginning was a bit slow for me, though it provided very interesting setup, but once Blythe and Everard met I was hooked. I would have liked an epilogue, simply because I wasn’t ready to let go of these characters or the beautiful setting. I’m excited for Frantz’s next book! 4/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Laura Frantz brings strikingly to life the often romanticized, but less often written historic time of the lords and ladies of the 18th century conflicts between England and Scotland in her new novel, The Rose and the Thistle. I was not expecting to discover this outstanding masterpiece of literary talent when I began reading The Rose and the Thistle, solely due to the fact that I have not read any of Ms. Frantz writings. I was blown away by how masterfully Ms. Frantz brought to life the history of this time with characters that were altogether realistic and easy to relate to their struggles, doubts, and worries. I also appreciated the trip back in time to the early eighteenth century which gave the readers an authentic taste of the context of this book with the religious and political conflict of the time. This conflict and changing of kings and loyalties, brought about many wars and broken and conflicted families and communities. I appreciated how Ms. Frantz brought forward the history into the storyline perfectly balancing the romance, history, and fiction all into one excellent story.

The Rose and the Thistle tells the tale of Lady Blythe Hedley as she discovers that her father's role and loyalties to the Jacobites has caused her family being declared enemies of the British crown. Lady Blythe and her lady's companion are forced to flee one night from northern England to the Wedderburn Castle in Scotland with merely what clothes they were in. Lady Blythe is unaware that her father had prepared for such events and had secured a safe place for Blythe to be hidden away. When Blythe arrives at the castle she is greeted by the surprised and grieving Everard Hume, the new Lord Wedderburn. Everard has just lost his father and as eldest of seven sons, he now has the overwhelming responsibilities that come with managing the family estate, keeping his family in order, and balancing his family's safety and loyalties in the political upheaval. Now with the added and unexpected responsibility of Blythe's safety added to his ever-increasing duties, Everard has no desire to have Blythe stay for long. What begins as a very tenuous and begrudging relationship between Blythe and Everard soon turns into an undefined and blossoming friendship. Blythe and Everard both have differing opinions, beliefs, and struggles that keep them from looking for love. Can Blythe and Everard balance their differences in loyalties and beliefs? Who can Blythe trust when her true identity is discovered? Will those Blythe thought she could trust end up being her enemies? What will happen to the Wedderburn family? Can Everard keep his family together in this midst of desperate times? Can he protect the lady that he has come to admire and love when her life is in danger? Read The Rose and the Thistle to find those answers for yourself!

I enjoyed this book immensely, although it did take me a few chapters to become fully immersed into the history, storyline, and characters. I absolutely loved the sweet romance that developed between Blythe and Everard. I also appreciated the realistic struggles that were faced by the characters as they settled their differences and overcame their pride and stubbornness. The side characters of the Wedderburn siblings and the various companions and servants were also well woven and developed. I appreciated especially the youngest Wedderburn son, Orin. I also appreciated Blythe's love for books, studying, and languages and how that added to her unique character. Another aspect of Ms. Frantz's book that I appreciated was her frequent use of a quotation or a stanza of a poem at the beginning of each chapter. It was such a small but significant addition to the book. I thoroughly enjoyed The Rose and the Thistle and would highly recommend it! I cannot wait to read more of Ms. Frantz's works. Happy readings!

Disclaimer: Revell graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

I never cease to learn new and different things when reading a Laura Frantz book. The Rose and the Thistle is set at the time of the Jacobite uprising of 1715. Lady Blythe Hedley has escaped to lowlands Scotland as her father is hounded for his Jacobite leanings as King George (German) sits on the English throne. Lord Everard Wedderburn, the son of Blythe's godparents, has been thrust into his father's position after his father's death, while his younger brother fights the Jacobite cause and Lady Blythe has sought his protection. Along with trying to keep his younger brothers safe, he is now beset by problems. Will the two work together to survive the uprsing?

This book is so beautifully detailed that Frantz has once again powered her book with great historical research that brings this story to life and places the reader right in the middle of it. It is a book to savor as you ride the ups and downs of the uprising and the consequences that follow. The characters are multi-dimensional and jump right off the page .

If you are an historical romance reader, don't miss this one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

I love all of Frantz’s books. I love the way she can take you back in time and you can actually visualize the scenery and happenings. The Rose and the Thistle transport you back to the year 1715, the era of Dukes and Duchesses and Lady and Lords. There is an uprising of the Jacobites to bring back the Stuart king from over the water and overthrow the English king. Blythe’s father, our heroine, sends her away in the middle of the night to the Scottish castle of her godfather, the Earl of Wedderburn. In the meantime the Earl has died and his eldest is now the Laird. He knows nothing of the agreement between his father and her father. Blythe is tall, slender and rather plain and has given up on ever marrying. Thus begins the most beautiful love story. The historical religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants were a key issue in the book and is an integral part of the love story. Frantz based this story on her ancestry and it is tastefully written in all aspects……I received a complimentary copy of this title from the author via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Set predominantly in Scotland during the Jacobite uprising in 1715, The Rose and the Thistle is a masterpiece of rich historical detail, vivid imagery, and colorful and unforgettable characters. Based somewhat on Frantz’s own family history and ancestors, this story stars Everard Hume, who becomes Lord Wedderburn upon his father’s death, and Lady Blythe Hedley whose father is sympathetic to the Jacobites. She is sent to Wedderburn Castle for safety, where she is hidden away. I enjoyed seeing their feelings begin to change as Blythe and Everard got to know each other.

“You are still my English rose . . . while I remain your Scottish thistle.”

This story is beautifully written and the characters are so well-drawn I could easily visualize them and the beautiful Scottish countryside. With plenty of suspense, action, inspiration, and a lot of swoony romance, this book was perfection. Laura Frantz is one of my favorite historical fiction authors, as I always get to read a fantastic tale while learning about little slices of history. The author’s notes in the back of the book added to my enjoyment and understanding of this history and geographical area. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy outstanding historical fiction.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell. All opinions are my own.

“Silk and fire dinna mix well.”
“Neither do we, milord.”

“Good things come to those who wait.” This summarizes my thoughts on The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz.
First of all, I (and many other Frantz fans) have been waiting over a year for this latest offering from Frantz, a highly skilled author who writes excellent, authentic historical romantic fiction.

I had to wait in another regard. This is one of the few Frantz novels that I have not been enamored with from the start. However, as I kept reading, I eventually got so caught up in the intrigue of the divided loyalties and the beauty of the impossible romance that I give this book five stars. I tend to rate books by how completely sated my reading soul is when I finish. Let me say, I am well-satisfied with the faith factor, enemies-to-lovers romance and political suspense. Don’t forget the appeal of a child!!

Which brings me to my last point. Frantz, through Lady Blythe Hedley and Lord Everard Hume, teaches me several things through Scripture and its application. I used one quote last night in my own life. “Prayer may be the best weapon we have.” What an immense relief as I relax my own troubled mind and realize “God’s got this” as I pray for my personal heartache. God is indeed in control. Thank you for the reminder, Ms. Frantz!!

And as I talked to a person dear to me today, I referred to another quote. “Tell me something good about her…Surely there are praiseworthy things about her, as she was made in the Lord’s image.” Sometimes we can only see the negatives in another person, and yet, even the worst person is made in God’s image. If we look hard enough, we can find good in almost all people.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher, plus I bought a couple of copies to share. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Where do I begin? How can I put into words the enchanting beauty of this novel, this lovely work of art?

I’ve noticed many reviews for The Rose and the Thistle thus far coming from first-time Frantz readers—and I’m not surprised that they all say this book of hers won’t be their last. TRATT is exactly the exquisite wonder I have come to expect from Laura Frantz, and I know everyone—long-time fans and new readers—will be as captivated by this story of an English rose and a Scottish thistle as I was.

I first fell in love for this novel just from the blurb (or, let’s face it, the author name). A love story set in the Scottish Lowlands during the beginning of the Jacobite Uprising? I simply could not ask for anything better. I’ve long wanted a novel set during the Jacobite rebellions, because it was SUCH an intriguing time period that seems so often overlooked in favor of the classics like the American Revolution or the American Civil War. (Is it just me, or are all the American wars overdone?)

Then I met Lady Blythe Hedley. A tall, “plain” bluestocking tossed to and fro by the ever-shifting loyalties and betrayals within and without her country. Despite this, she kept such a level head, a gracious spirit, and a God-honoring heart. Never complained, never snapped, never lorded herself over others, never expressed false humility...basically, she never fell for any of the classic blunders of most heroines, so how could I not love her? (For the record, all of Frantz’s heroines are p e r f e c t i o n.)

I did have one qualm with Blythe. She was one of those heroines who jumped to a harebrained (and really unnecessary) conclusion and dwelt on it even when it was completely unfounded and just plain dumb. But more on that later!

As for Everard Hume… The first chapter with him had me cocking an eyebrow, and I told him sternly, “Make me fall in love with you, dude.” And he did. Oh, good heavens, he did. Why did I ever doubt him (and Laura)? He was the ideal strong, silent, tall, dark, broody, and handsome type (read: my type), and his character was always so authentically written and flawlessly portrayed. He had his soft spots (namely Orin), but he never acted out of character or weak. He was just the perfect combination of sweet and precious and blunt and brooding. Plus, he didn’t take no crap! *applause rings out* I love a good nondramatic hero.

Obviously, I had no qualms with him.

But I did have a small issue (not necessarily a good or bad issue, I guess) with both of them. Neither had an arc. No character growth. The development was spot-on, yes, but there was no change or, well, anything. Had the novel been plot-driven, it would’ve made sense. But…it wasn’t. It was the perfect blend of character-driven and plot-driven, but still no character arcs. THAT SAID, I didn’t miss them, not really. The story was fine without it, but in retrospect it does make me wonder if it would’ve been even better with at least one small character arc.

In keeping with my addressing of qualms, let’s revisit the jumping-to-conclusions subject, shall we? I feel like some drama/conflict may have been forced in with that stupid conclusion Blythe jumped to, and it a way it felt a bit sloppy/contrived...but on the other hand, Everard took all the drama in stride and put it to a swift end. So the drama never saw its fullness, which made me curious as to why it was even there to begin with. *shrugs* Not that big of a deal, I suppose, but I have to find something to nitpick on about this pretty much perfect book. *winks*

Now, back to the good stuff.

This story was ripe for contention and ranting. Frantz could have easily turned this into a Catholic vs. Protestant rant or a political argument…but she didn’t. She clearly and graciously portrayed both sides (religiously and politically) and didn’t create unnecessary conflict between Blythe and Everard with their different beliefs. They respected each other, considered everything from an objective point-of-view, and moved on with their lives. Literally the first time this has ever happened in the history of everything I’ve ever read. *sobs tears of joy*

On that note, I love how Frantz so naturally and authentically writes faith. Nothing is forced, diluted, or too concentrated—everything flows so seamlessly and genuinely. It feels real, not written, you know?

The same goes for her romances, her settings, her accents—all of it! This story came to life so vibrantly and, as Blythe would say, enthrallingly, and I am just in pure awe every time of how talented and skilled Laura Frantz is. How she weaves every element together in a glorious tapestry. How she draws you in and grips you through every single page. How her words become poetry, even when written in Scots.

It’s like this: I’d like to say I found a way to put The Rose and the Thistle into words...but even in this I have still failed. Just read it, folks, and you’ll see this magnificent story unfold a million times better than I could ever describe.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

I immediately fell in love with this story. The mystery and intrigue that it captured surrounding the Jacobite rebellions and the matter of succession in England. The rise of the Hanovers and the fall of the Scottish Stuart Line.

Lady Blythe is the daughter of a Duke and a Catholic. Her father is declared an enemy of the British Crown and she loses all she knows. Prior to this, her father reaches out to Lord Wedderburn to assist in protecting his precious daughter. Lord Wedderburn is a Protestant and a Royalist, loyal to the house of Hanover as he is tired of the wars and intrigue. In the middle of this, Lord Wedderburn passes away and his son ascends to the title unaware of his father's deal with Lord Hedley.

The story is beautifully written and fully worthy of attention. The chemistry between our two main characters is palpable and loved this almost enemies to lovers trope. Their interactions are beautiful and complex. Set against this background is all that could be asked for in a story. The adventure was present as well as some suspense and mystery. This was well done with a dash of the historical tone of the time.

I received an early copy from the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest review.

I almost stopped reading this book twice.

No one is more depressed at not loving this book more than me.

I LIKED:
-The last 40% of the book. Well done!
-If I could do a slow hand clap for the writing, I would. I’m truthfully impressed with the level of polish and attention to detail the author took.
-The spiritual observances and references to God.
-The impeccable effort that went into making ALL of the Scottish accent’s show in the writing. It made reading and listening a bit slower, but it also transported me to the place.
-The author is excellent at creating angst and aching with her love stories. She knows how to make the reader feel right along with her characters. (When the romance finally hits)

THOUGHTS:
-The first 60% of the book was boring and uneventful. Roughly 220 pages. Its honestly about 120 pages too long. The characters went around in circles for pages and pages. I didn’t need heads chopped off. I just wanted SOMETHING to happen.

-This felt like two different books. It was almost like it snapped into gear in chapter 43. The author hit her stride from that point on. (70 chapters in all)

-The politics of the time period were not explained enough. You are thrown into the political world without knowing much of what's happening and WHY a connection between the two MC's would be disastrous.

-While I loved the characters, they had little development. They had depth but they hardly grew. Yes, the MC’s grow to love each other, but this isn’t a book where the character growth is forefront. Normally, this wouldn’t bother me but in a 416-page book, I was hoping for more.

-Two of the six brothers had no purpose to the story, and I was confused and sad that one brother was basically used to move the plot along and not much else.

-This time in history was not used to its full potential. To the authors credit, the politics showed up during the last 40% of the book but It was a serious missed opportunity to not have that energy from the start.

-I didn’t believe the romance In the beginning..... He catches her, she thinks he’s a sexy Scotsman, (I can’t blame her that) and after he gives her one indirect compliment, she thinks she’s lost her heart.…
He, is enamored with her because she is graceful, nice to his little brother and has impeccable taste in clothes. They don’t actually go through anything together to merit that affection until everything shifts later. My opinion of their relationship obviously changes, but for the majority of the book, I wasn’t truly invested.

OVERALL:
For me, this book is good but not great. I completely understand why people are obsessed with it. Unfortunately, I just don’t see it. Trust me, I really wanted to love this. I’m jealous of all the reviewers who had a beautiful reading experience, and I will support anyone who raves about it. I’m happy for them and I hope the author has mountains of success.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

With her usual touch, Frantz transports the reader right in the middle of the Jacobite rebellion. Her research shows in the rich detail she provides, which is something I’ve always loved about her stories.

Everard is a fantastic, brooding hero. The weight on his shoulders becomes almost palpable as he struggles with his new role and the responsibilities that come his way. Frantz does such a great job characterizing him that I almost felt like he was an actual, breathing person. Blythe is an incredible heroine in her own right. I loved her mixture of strength and sweetness. And seeing the way their mutual love of Orin helped bring them together did my heart good.

I also loved their discussions about God and faith. Frantz doesn’t shy away from showing the characters struggle, and that ministered to me as I’m sure it will other readers.

The plot had me turning pages as bits of intrigue and danger are introduced. Frantz adds a lot of tension kept me up at night reading.

Overall, The Rose and the Thistle is a rich historical tale with a sweet romance and plenty of intrigue. Historical romance fans don’t want to miss it.

With vivid details and a well written plot, Ms. Frantz sweeps you up in the lives and perilous times of Lady Blythe and Lord Everard. It was easy to understand the conflict that Blythe and Everard experienced and to be torn to support family and their cause, but also to have a civic duty to the monarch that was on the throne. Being a descendant of those that were involved in the conflict made this story all that more special to read. As soon as I finished I wanted to read it again.

I highly recommend this book and would love to see this made into a movie. If you enjoy Christian historical novels you will want to read this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not expected to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Let’s start with my personal disclaimer: I am the daughter of a Scotland born woman, and the granddaughter of another. I lived in Edinburgh, Scotland during my university years, and would’ve done my best to stay there had I not met my American husband and moved to the USA. I’ve also recently discovered my ancestral clan supported the Jacobite cause, central to the new novel by Laura Frantz.

None of the above, however, are particular reasons for me choosing to read The Rose and the Thistle. I’ve enjoyed reading Frantz’s novels for over a decade, and she’s someone whose books I will gravitate towards. I came to this book knowing two outcomes: first, the Rebellion of 1715 failed and second, our main characters would be together by the end. These are not spoilers; one is historical fact, and the other is a presumed standard for this genre of fiction. What I also got, however, was a top-notch romance that I actually felt, and spot on historical detail. “Gardez-loo!” anyone?

The paperback includes a map of Scotland, with the four castles and the country’s capital featured on it. There’s also a three-page Glossary of Scots-language words (Scots being different from Gaelic), some of which I recognize from my childhood. The only thing more I might’ve liked is a list of the major players, and which side of the fight they were on.

Did you know Scottish and English soldiers supported both sides of the Rebellion? Although the Jacobites supported the House of Stuart king, this was a fight more about religion than nationality. While it’s often presumed that all Scots were for the Rebellion and all English against it, here we have an English Catholic family supporting the Jacobites while Everard supports the Hanoverian monarch. Blythe’s Catholicism is often brought up during the story; early on she considers becoming a nun. For this reason, I loved the ambiguity of the title. Roses are usually connected with England, but the white rose was also associated with the Jacobite would-be king.

Laura Frantz is a Hume descendent. Her sixth great-grandfather was apparently a Jacobite commander in 1715, and this novel is a combination of family history and fiction. Since I now know my Maclean ancestors were involved with the Rebellion, I’d love to trace them back to the early 1700s and see what else they did. (The clan chief was apparently killed at the Battle of Culloden, and there’s a clan memorial marker on the battlefield.) This novel has fired up my interest, and I can’t wait to get back to Scotland and investigate further!

Disclaimer: Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions above are my own.

Stunning. Epic. Enchanting.

I cannot even begin to express my love for this book! It deserves all the hearts and stars! It has made the short list of my favorite historical romances of all time.

The vivid historical details and setting made 18th century Scotland came alive for me as I fell in love with Blythe and Everard, two endearing characters who have no desire to be part of the swirling chaos around them.

Love this one for the

Forced Proximity
Slow burn swoooooony romance
Scotland
Plot twists
Suspenseful moments
Historical details
Poetic prose

The first part of the book helps to set up the romance and when Blythe and Everard finally meet, it is absolutely worth the wait. I savored each and every page of the book and could not put this down until I turned the last page. If you enjoy historical romance AT ALL, this is one you need to pick up. I cannot recommend it enough.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.

Another enthralling Scottish tale from author Laura Frantz! This captivating story centered around the Jacobite rebellion that occurred in Britain in 1715 . As a reader who loves history, I gravitate toward books that enlighten me on some aspect of it and this book reeled me in with its exquisite attention to period detail and lyrical storytelling. Lady Blythe Hedley was a complex heroine; while thinking of herself as plain and unattractive and questioning her heritage, she displayed immense courage in the trials she endured and possessed a strong faith. Everard Hume was a perfect complement to her—a strong and wise leader with the capacity for kindness, understanding and love. And speaking of love, the romance that developed from a rocky beginning was oh so special! I enjoyed the interactions among the Hume brothers, especially sweet Orin. This author has a way of not only making history come alive, but does so by beautifully weaving facts with fiction to create engaging and compelling stories. I look forward to each new book Laura Frantz writes and close the book with a happy sigh at its conclusion. The only problem is waiting for her next book to come out!

I received an advanced reader copy from the author and publisher and from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed here are mine alone.