The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz

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 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 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.

I always love stories centered around a setting I'm unfamiliar with. In this case, I'd never heard of the 1715 uprising--all I knew historically was that the Stuarts never regain control, but with no other background, I couldn't really guess what events would transpire. The political climate is tense, with strong supporters on both sides making life difficult for those who just want to survive the upheaval intact regardless who is on the throne (I really sympathize with Everard's stance in that respect).

I enjoyed both Blythe and Everard; both make a rather bad first impression, at least to each other, but in time they come to know each other and set aside some pride (both are stiff with it--hence the bad impressions). Of course Everard's wee brother steals the show and helps move things along. It was a lovely love story, and I highly enjoyed it. 

Christy Award winner for best historical romance in 2023!

Thank you Revell and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.