Showing posts with label The Rose and the Thistle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Rose and the Thistle. Show all posts

Friday, April 14, 2023

A Novel-Tea Evening & Interview with Laura Frantz

A Novel-Tea Evening Blog Tour Sign Ups JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Novel-Tea Evening with Authors including Lynn Austin, Susie Finkbeiner, Jocelyn Green, Laura Frantz, Kate Breslin, Amanda Barratt, and Joanna Davidson Politano, sponsored by JustRead Publicity Tours!

You are Invited

A Novel-Tea Evening with Authors
September 2, 2023 at 7 p.m. 
Palmer House Hilton Hotel, Chicago

Join us at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 2, at Chicago’s historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel for a tasteful evening with tea and talk of books, writing, history, and the power of story. Emceed by Chris Jager of Baker Book House, seven novelists will share what inspires them, tales from the research files, what they’ve learned on the journey, and their hope for readers.

Learn More about A Novel-Tea Evening with Authors


About the Authors

Lynn Austin

LYNN AUSTIN, whose titles include Long Way Home, Chasing Shadows, and If I Were You. Connect with her at LynnAustin.org.

Amanda Barratt

AMANDA BARRATT, whose titles include Within These Walls of Sorrow, The White Rose Resists, and My Dearest Dietrich. Connect with her at AmandaBarratt.net.

Kate Breslin

KATE BRESLIN, whose titles include In Love’s Time, As Dawn Breaks, and Far Side of the Sea. Connect with her at KateBreslin.com.

Susie Finkbeiner

SUSIE FINKBEINER, whose titles include The All-AmericanThe Nature of Small Birds, and All Manner of Things. Connect with her at SusieFinkbeiner.com.

Laura Frantz

LAURA FRANTZ, whose titles include The Rose and the Thistle, A Heart Adrift, and Tidewater Bride. Connect with her at LauraFrantz.net.

Jocelyn Green

JOCELYN GREEN, whose titles include The Metropolitan Affair, The Windy City Saga series, and The Mark of the King. Connect with her at JocelynGreen.com.

JOANNA DAVIDSON POLITANO

JOANNA DAVIDSON POLITANO, whose titles include The Lost Melody, A Midnight Dance, and The Love Note. Connect with her at JDPStories.com.

Purchase Tickets to Attend A Novel-Tea Evening with Authors


Book Spotlight: The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz


Title:
The Rose & The Thistle
Author: Laura Frantz
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: January 3, 2023
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

"A deeply atmospheric story of faith, love, and sacrifice that is as captivating as it is enthralling."--Sarah E. Ladd, bestselling author of The Cornwall Novels

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.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository |Bookshop.org | Christianbook | BookBub


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. Connect with Laura by visiting laurafrantz.net to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Interview with Laura Frantz:


Q:
How long did it take you to write The Rose and the Thistle?

Laura: Not as long as the two years of research! Once that was done, the writing came about very quickly in about 6 months or so as I had a good foundation. That was just the first draft of many prior to print.
 

Q:  What most surprised you while researching this novel?

Laura: How much I loved the Lowland setting & time period. Scotland in any century is fascinating but the early 18th-c. is particularly compelling as so much was changing politically & culturally, etc. Lots of historical fireworks!
 

Q:  Do you have a favorite quote from this book?

Laura: “Ringing the paneled chamber were four stalwart Humes in varying degrees of virility.” I only wish I had had all seven brothers in that scene 😊
 

Q:  What do you hope readers take away from The Rose and the Thistle?

Laura: Though times & people change like the characters & events in the novel, God does not. He is eternally trustworthy & faithful, with us then & with us still.
 

Q:  Would you share something about yourself that most readers would not know?

Laura: I was accepted to law school & on track to become a research attorney. Can you imagine?
 

Q:  What are you reading now?

Laura: I’m reading & rereading all of Elizabeth Goudge’s works, specifically The Castle on the Hill right now. Talk about depth & characterization!
 

Q:  How many bookcases are in your home? 

Laura: Not nearly enough 😊 6 bookcases, some of them floor to ceiling. My favorites are the glass-fronted ones from IKEA. I put my novels in those.
 

Q:  What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Laura: I love to stay in Airbnbs & travel. Or when home, I love to cook, take walks, & garden. You’ll always find a garden in my books!

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a tote bag, one bag of Pride and Peppermint Novel Tea, plus a $20 egift card to BakerBookHouse.com!

JustRead A Novel-Tea Evening Giveaway 

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 12, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 19, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours 

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

February 2023 Reading Recap & March 2023 TBR

My February 2023 Reads: 

I am shocked at how many five star reads I had this month! 😍😍😍

  1. An Explorer's Guide to Julian of Norwich by Veronica Mary Rolf - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

  2. The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - This was a reread for me and I enjoyed it even more the second time around. - Read my review.

  3. Return From Tomorrow by George G. Ritchie and Elizabeth Sherrill - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

  4. The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

  5. Meet Hate by Abi Sabina - ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ - Read my review.

  6. The Other Side of Certain by Amy Willoughby-Burle - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Review pending.

  7. The  Glass Road by Alyssa Schwarz - ⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

  8. To Free the Stars by J'nell Ciesielski - ⭐⭐ - Publication is not until August 2023 and I read an eARC, so perhaps the final book will be better.



Expected March 2023 Reads:

  1. Confessions to a Stranger by Danielle Grandinetti.

  2. June Bug by Chris Fabry - My local book club's selection for March.

  3. Write Better by Andrew T. Le Peau.

  4. The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy.

  5. I'll Start Again Monday by Lysa TerKeurst - Currently reading.

  6. Reading for the Love of God by Jessica Hooten Wilson.

  7. The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green.

  8. Endless Grace by Dan Wilt and Ryan Smith. - Prayers inspired by Psalms 76-150 - Currently reading.




What will you read this month?

Thursday, February 2, 2023

January 2023 Reading Recap & February 2023 TBR

My January 2023 Reads: 

I read lots of poetry in January and I have no regrets. 

  1. The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

  2. Walking With My Angel by Adam Scott Campbell - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

  3. Woman of God by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - This novel surprised me. It's a general market fiction novel that held some things I don't enjoy (occasional profanity, irreverent attitude toward God), but it also contained a religious depth that I appreciated. More conservative readers might be offended by a woman in a church leadership role or the occasional mention of gay/lesbian inclusivity in the church. Overall, I enjoyed reading the novel and appreciated Brigid's authentic journey to/with God.

  4. The Last Chance Cowboy by Jody Hedlund - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

  5. Poems by C. S. Lewis -  ⭐⭐⭐½ - This collection reminded me of the poetry I read in college. While I appreciated its literary excellence, I only liked a handful of the poems. 🙁

  6. Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels - ⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

  7. Peace in the Midst of the Storm by Kaleb Thompson - ⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.



Expected February 2023 Reads:

  1. The Glass Road by Alyssa Schwarz.

  2. The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz. - Yes! I read this book in January, and I'll be reading it again in February as it's my local book club's monthly selection.

  3. Write Better by Andrew T. Le Peau.

  4. The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy.

  5. An Explorer's Guide to Julian of Norwich by Veronica Mary Rolf - Currently reading and I absolutely love it!

  6. The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin.

  7. Return From Tomorrow by George G. Ritchie and Elizabeth Sherrill.

  8. Endless Grace by Dan Wilt and Ryan Smith. - Prayers inspired by Psalms 76-150 - Currently reading.




What will you read this month?

Friday, January 27, 2023

Book Review: The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz

About the Book:


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.

Read an excerpt from The Rose and the Thistle on the publisher's website.


My Thoughts:

Reading The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz made me want to visit Scotland. The descriptions of the beautiful scenery and the historical details immersed me into the story. I could picture the fog over Edinburgh, Everard riding on his mount, the garden at Canongate townhouse. The combination of the setting and historical elements created an absorbing plot and revived some history I’d forgotten. I googled for information about King George I and everything I read confirmed that Laura Frantz researched this story well.

Both main characters of The Rose and the Thistle, Everard and Blythe, interested me from the start, but I do wish they had met sooner in the novel. Once Blythe arrives at Everard’s estate, sparks start appearing and I enjoyed their slow-burn romance. The blossoming of their love allowed them both to grow individually and in the relationship. I especially liked how Everard’s love for Blythe helped her overcome her certain issues.

The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz is a stand-alone novel for historical romance fans who enjoy slow-burn romance, historical detail, and beautiful prose. Five stars!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Sunday, January 1, 2023

December 2022 Reading Recap & January 2023 TBR

My December 2022 Reads: 

Christmas break provided me with extra reading time and I'm thankful for it. 😊 I managed to complete my 2022 Goodreads challenge of reading 75 books this year. In a few days, I'll be posting my lists of favorite reads.

















  1. All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

  2. Suncoast Empire: Bertha Honore Palmer, Her Family, and the Rise of Sarasota by Frank A. Cassell - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

  3. Giving Your Words by Sally and Clay Clarkson - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

  4. A Life Renewed by Olivia Rae - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Review available 1/12/23.

  5. In Love's Time by Kate Breslin  - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

  6. Entertaining Angels: True Stories and Art Inspired by Divine Encounters by Anne Neilson - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

  7. Dream of Kings by Sharon Hinck - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A retelling of the Biblical story of Joseph with a gender-swapped, fantasy setting. Interesting, with some really good spiritual truths.

  8. Just Enough Luck by Aspen Hadley - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - My favorite of The Drake Duology. Fun to read once.

  9. Just Enough Magic by Aspen Hadley - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

  10. A Winter at the White Queen by Denise Weimer - ⭐⭐ - Though I received a finished copy, the novella held a weak story and errors in spelling and grammar (particularly in the first few chapters).




Expected January 2023 Reads:

Looking at this list, it looks like I'll be adding lots of poetry to my reading. 👍
  1. Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels.

  2. The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz. - Laura is one of my favorite authors and I'm looking forward to this one!

  3. Peace in the Midst of the Storm by Kaleb Thompson. - Inspirational poetry!

  4. Walking with my Angel by Adam Scott Campbell.

  5. Poems by C. S. Lewis. - Currently reading.

  6. Woman of God by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro - Currently reading.

  7. Endless Grace by Dan Wilt and Ryan Smith. - Prayers inspired by Psalms 76-150.



What will you read this month?