First sentence: Struck by sunlight, the sprawling chateau was a blinding, rose-hued white. It reminded Lady Blythe Hedley of home, of her family's Northumbrian castle with its pink harled walls, a pearl in an emerald-green meadow.

The Rose and the Thistle is a historical romance novel set primarily in Scotland circa 1715/1716. It is a time of unrest. There are those--in England and Scotland--that would have the Stuarts back on the throne. (Jacobites). There are those that have conceded that the king on the throne is George I. Lady Blythe's father, an Englishman, is Catholic and a Stuart-supporter. His views on politics may put his daughter at risk. (There is no 'may' about it. They will. They do.) Lady Blythe has grown up Catholic, to be sure, but her mind isn't so much occupied with politics and political intrigue...as it is book-learning. She's fluent in many languages. She loves to read. She loves to learn.

To keep her safe--or safer--her father decides to send her to live with her godfather--a Scottish nobleman. (Her godfather is barely, barely in the story). Everard Hume (a Protestant), is a Scottish Lord, who is a little less than thrilled with taking in Lady Blythe. Though once she arrives, what can he do??? Soon, she's turning their lives topsy-turvy, but almost certainly for the better. How long will she stay? Will these two--an English Rose and a Scottish Thistle--make a pair?

I loved this one. I absolutely loved it. Laura Frantz is one of my favorite, favorite, favorite authors. I love the Scottish setting. I love the historical time period. I love the characters, the story. I love all the Hume brothers--in residence. I love that it isn't so much focused on two individuals falling in love. I love the cast of characters. I love the dialogue. This one was just a treat from first page to last.

Yes, it did take me about a month to read. But it wasn't because it was slow or dull. It was because I was savoring each and every chapter. I didn't want to rush through it. ( )

Every time I read Laura Frantz, I can't help but admire her writing style. It's always poetic and full of language characteristic of the setting, so much so in this novel that the first few pages contain a glossary of Scottish terms! Her substantial research is evident here and as a historical fiction connoisseur, this is something I always appreciate. I loved this book. It's full of romance and intrigue. The plot line flowed beautifully and I enjoyed the characters. I was immersed in it from start to finish. I'd happily read anything written by this author, but this is my favorite one yet.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are entirely my own. ( )

I love how this author brings history to life as she sweeps readers into the early 1700s, during a turbulent time when religion was determined by who sat on the throne. The setting was beautifully depicted from France to England and in the Lowland of Scotland.

I liked that Lady Blythe was an intelligent, strong yet graceful woman, who has so much to lose if she makes the wrong move. I enjoyed watching Everard and Blythe as they face very difficult challenges as their faith is tested on many levels. I enjoyed this complex, historical romance story that tugs at your heart strings and makes you think about your own life and its struggles.
This is a great escape and one that would work for your next book club pick. There is so much to discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/ ( )

Slow moving historical romance between the daughter of a duke and a Scottish Laird. Lady Blythe is forced to go into hiding when her father is declared an enemy of the crown for supporting Jacobites. With nowhere to go - her father arranges for her to go to the estate of her godparents in Scotland. She arrives to find that her godfather has just died (her godmother years prior) and the eldest son is none to pleased to be harboring an English lass with questionable family ties. He decides to hide her in plain sight as a tutor for his youngest brother. Soon the two find themselves being thrown together and enjoying their verbal sparring. Could love be in the air? They must be careful though - for there are spies everywhere and if he is caught harboring an enemy of the state they could both lose their vast fortunes. Slow paced, but fans of inspirational romance will like this slow burn filled with historical intrigue. ( )

Ms. Frantz makes history more than dates and battles. When reading her books I always learn about a new era in history that I was not familiar with. Her characters not only make history come alive, but give me a deeper understanding as to what it was like to be live during that time. Her descriptiveness of their surroundings, traditions and way of life allow me to be a part of what is happening.
The setting is Scotland the year 1715. It was a year of great upheaval and danger between the Catholics and Protestants (Jacobite’s).
Duke of Northumberland was a devout Catholic as was his daughter Lady Blythe. This made him an enemy of the king. Knowing the danger, his number one desire was to protect his daughter Lady Blythe. He arranged with her godfather, Lord Wedderburn for her to take refuge with him and his family. It is shortly before Lord Wedderburn dies that his son Everard and succeeding laird learns of this arrangement. His family was loyal to their Protestant faith. A bit of a sticky wicket!
He wasn’t very pleased with the news but didn’t have time to ponder it. His father hadn’t even been buried and late one night Lady Blythe was rushed to the castle after an attack on their estate. Talk about an awkward situation! They couldn’t have had more opposite religious or political positions!
I hurt for Lady Blythe being thrust into a place where she really wasn’t wanted without anything of her own. I also understood his confusion, stress and frustration of losing his father and dealing with a guest whose presence could be dangerous for their family.
Lady Blythe won my heart with her independence, sweet spirit and humility despite her position, education and wealth. I was fascinated by their day to day life, and how the affluent were cared for.. Almost as if they were children in ways. I cannot imagine how boring her days were as there wasn’t a lot to do even when she was at home.
At first Everard irritated me with his attitude. Then I saw how overwhelmed he was about all that had occurred so quickly in his life. His responsibilities were crushing. I soon was endeared to him as he proved to have a tender heart and a strong sense of integrity.
I found it beautiful how their love unfolded and developed despite all the obstacles they faced. I liked the fact despite their different faiths, they shared a love of God, a strong reliance on the Lord and prayer. Difficult family relations, fear, danger and seemly impossible circumstances confronted the couple. The suspense and surprises along the way heightened made the story even more enjoyable and hard to put down. A book you will want to read!
I received this book from LibraryThing and Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own. ( )