Laura Frantz has published a fascinating new historical fiction novel that involves her own ancestry! Here’s what The Rose and the Thistle is all about:
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.
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.
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I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Check out these reviews of other novels by Laura Frantz here:
