THE ROSE AND THE THISTLE by Laura Frantz
GENRE: Inspirational Historical Romance
PUBLISHER: Revell
RELEASE DATE: January 3, 2023
PAGES: 414
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“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 which I received from the publisher. In the interest of full disclosure, the company I freelance for as a blog/review tour coordinator was hired to promote this book with a social media tour. This in no way affected my review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
My Rating: 5 stars / beautiful in every way!
KissingBook Level: 4 / keep those fans & fainting couches handy!
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. Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.
Read these character sketches for the book from Laura Frantz too!
What about you? What makes you want to read The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz?
I have a copy of this book and can’t wait to read it! Your review confirmed my desire to read it!
Carrie is the Queen of Reviews! Really hope you enjoy this novel of my heart if you read it, Suzanne. Thanks for being here!
yay! I’m so glad, Suzanne! Enjoy 🙂
I love Laura’s books! I’m excited to dive into this one.
Wonderful to hear from a fellow Reveler 🙂 Thanks so much, Stephenia!
yay!!!! Fair warning: You may find yourself speaking in a Scottish brogue for a couple of days after you’ve finished. Ahem. lol
I read this book and it was incredible!
So encouraged by your words here & am so happy you enjoyed your Scottish stay! Thank you, Elly!
riiiiiight?!?
NOBODY does reviews like Carrie, truly! I can’t thank you enough for reading this particular novel of mine, one dear to me much like Courting Morrow Little. I really appreciate your time, creativity, & heart for books, mine included. Your site is one I return to & recommend again & again! Here’s to a bookish 2023:)
you are so gracious to me, dear Laura! Thank you, thank you <3
Loved your review, Carrie! You summarized my thoughts so well! (Are you sure I can’t hire you to ghost write my reviews? )
Loved your book, Laura! You are also one of my must-read authors, especially when you have swoony Scottish heroes!
LOL at least that’s the first time you’ve asked this year 😉
I think it’s actually been a couple of years since I asked you! LOL It may not seem that long to you, though!
You had me at the mention of Colonel Cassius McLinn . . . Laura knows he’s my dreamboat. 😉 I have my copy, but I’m speeding through my current read so that I can savor it! Girl, you’ve got to read them ALL – believe me, you’ll have a hard time picking your favorite! Love, love, love anything written by Laura Frantz!
I’m only missing a couple of hers and plan to catch up on them this year 😀
This is such a wonderful book. Loved
I just bought this. No chance to read it yet (drat), but I’m certainly looking forward to it!
My new all time favorite Laura Frantz book!!!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Carrie. I am fascinated that Frantz took her inspiration from her ancestor’s lives. I am looking forward to her next novel when it publishes.
i found that really intriguing too!