My Thoughts on The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz

 

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, 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 Thoughts:

During 1715, the Jacobite risings were of real concern to England and their new German king. Being caught on the wrong side could have you branded a traitor and not only losing all your land, but possibly your head too.

Lady Blythe Hedley has a father who has Jacobite leanings, and he has put a plan into place for her protection. She is sent to Scotland, to Wedderburn Castle. When she arrives, she is secreted away to the tower. She has come at a time of mourning for the new Lord Wedderburn, Everard. 

Everard has a lot on his shoulders especially taking the place of his late father as he is the oldest of his brothers. In fact, most of his brothers still live at home except for the one who is causing problems. He also wants to bring the estate up to date so it can be profitable for generations to come. He does not want to be responsible for Blythe. 

As their tenuous relationship develops under circumstances neither can control, both realize the qualities that each other possess. Their romance is a slow burning one, but one that shows the traits of true love. If only there was not a war brewing that threatens to tear them apart.

This is another epic historical romance by author Frantz that takes the reader from France, England, and to Scotland. It is not a story that I will soon forget as Everard shows his very romantic and sacrificial love for Blythe.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Laura Frantz is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of more than a dozen novels, including The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Lacemaker, and A Heart Adrift. She is a proud mom of an American soldier and a career firefighter. A direct descendent of George Hume of Wedderburn Castle, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion, Laura lives with her husband in Washington State. Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.