The Rose and the Thistle

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The Rose and the Thistle

Laura Frantz

Revell

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.

     This winter has marked a bit of a return to me diving into Christian historical fiction, and while it wasn't too successful overall, this book so far has been my favorite of the bunch. It has a lot of nice historical information and background, though it can get a tad bit stiff and info-dumpy, especially in the beginning. But the characters were likable and both sides of the issue (including the Protestant/Catholic divide) were treated sympathetically. Plus, I appreciated that the story, though completely fictional, was inspired by the author's own family history.

I received this book for review from the publisher.

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