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A Matter of Honor
Orin Hume from The Rose and the Thistle comes of age in A Matter of Honor and ventures beyond Scotland's borders, achieving a renown all his own, only to return home again to reclaim the life and lady he once loved.
Having grown up at Wedderburn Castle in the serene Scottish Lowlands, Orin Hume is thrust into the dazzling realm of London society and Court circles as Poet Laureate of Britain. But at the height of his fame a former tragedy and his ties to a lass he once loved lead him home to Berwickshire again. When his return is further marred by lost love letters and scheming kin who conspire to keep the pair apart, can Lady Maryn Lockhart, now Duchess of Fordyce, forgive him? Or will the shadows of the past and the complexities of the present rewrite their love story?
Having grown up at Wedderburn Castle in the serene Scottish Lowlands, Orin Hume is thrust into the dazzling realm of London society and Court circles as Poet Laureate of Britain. But at the height of his fame a former tragedy and his ties to a lass he once loved lead him home to Berwickshire again. When his return is further marred by lost love letters and scheming kin who conspire to keep the pair apart, can Lady Maryn Lockhart, now Duchess of Fordyce, forgive him? Or will the shadows of the past and the complexities of the present rewrite their love story?
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2024
187 people are currently reading
566 people want to read
About the author
Laura Frantz
21 books2,766 followersLaura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Frantz lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California.Readers can find Laura Frantz at www.laurafrantz.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
July 29, 2024
4.5 stars
“You have my heart, both now and always.”
In my review for The Rose and The Thistle, I mentioned my NEED for a story that featured the hero’s youngest brother Orin all grown up with a story of his own. I was not the only one, apparently, to be charmed by this adorable little boy. And oh goodness, in A Matter of Honor, Laura Frantz gave us the Orin story we craved and even beyond what we hoped for.
Frantz’s always-gorgeous prose and sense of place sweeps us from London’s royal Court to Edinburgh and on to the Scottish Lowlands, giving us a front row seat to Orin’s increasing dissatisfaction with the shallowness of London society and his subsequent return home to Wedderburn Castle. As we acquaint ourselves with a grown-up Orin – the Poet Laureate of Britain, fittingly – we also gradually learn about the tragedy that, among other repercussions, ended his hopes of marrying his childhood friend Maryn. The author reveals these details a piece at a time until we have the full picture, a technique which ensured that the story held me in rapt attention, drinking in every perfectly-placed word.
I loved getting inside Orin’s head and his heart, seeing glimpses of the little boy who captured my affection even as I can clearly see how the ups and downs of life since then have shaped him. His longheld love for Maryn, while bittersweet, is also the epitome of romantic and left my own heart sighing in contentment. Speaking of Maryn, I absolutely adored her and the layers to her character, and I was rooting for her to once again embrace living in spite of all the loss she’s endured. A tragic accident, insecurity, familial machinations … so many elements conspired to keep them apart for too long. Watching their love story resurrect from the ashes was truly rewarding as a reader and a KissingBooks fan, and the fact that they are both delightfully bookish is icing on the cake!
Bottom Line: A Matter of Honor by Laura Frantz is a tender story of faith that enriches, hope that encourages, and love that endures, as well as a refreshing visit with dear fictional friends. Frantz’s impeccable sense of time and place transports you to the Scottish Lowlands during the 1700s, be it in a charming cottage, the expansive merse, a local village, or a grand castle, with just the right amount of dialect utilized to help you ‘hear’ the setting too. Readers will love Orin and Maryn, even if they haven’t yet read The Rose and The Thistle, though I do encourage you to read that one too because it’s one of my recent fave books by this author! Though this is a novella (albeit a longer one), the characters are skillfully fleshed out, the plot deeply developed, and the love story blissfully timeless. A redemptive and beautiful read!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
“You have my heart, both now and always.”
In my review for The Rose and The Thistle, I mentioned my NEED for a story that featured the hero’s youngest brother Orin all grown up with a story of his own. I was not the only one, apparently, to be charmed by this adorable little boy. And oh goodness, in A Matter of Honor, Laura Frantz gave us the Orin story we craved and even beyond what we hoped for.
Frantz’s always-gorgeous prose and sense of place sweeps us from London’s royal Court to Edinburgh and on to the Scottish Lowlands, giving us a front row seat to Orin’s increasing dissatisfaction with the shallowness of London society and his subsequent return home to Wedderburn Castle. As we acquaint ourselves with a grown-up Orin – the Poet Laureate of Britain, fittingly – we also gradually learn about the tragedy that, among other repercussions, ended his hopes of marrying his childhood friend Maryn. The author reveals these details a piece at a time until we have the full picture, a technique which ensured that the story held me in rapt attention, drinking in every perfectly-placed word.
I loved getting inside Orin’s head and his heart, seeing glimpses of the little boy who captured my affection even as I can clearly see how the ups and downs of life since then have shaped him. His longheld love for Maryn, while bittersweet, is also the epitome of romantic and left my own heart sighing in contentment. Speaking of Maryn, I absolutely adored her and the layers to her character, and I was rooting for her to once again embrace living in spite of all the loss she’s endured. A tragic accident, insecurity, familial machinations … so many elements conspired to keep them apart for too long. Watching their love story resurrect from the ashes was truly rewarding as a reader and a KissingBooks fan, and the fact that they are both delightfully bookish is icing on the cake!
Bottom Line: A Matter of Honor by Laura Frantz is a tender story of faith that enriches, hope that encourages, and love that endures, as well as a refreshing visit with dear fictional friends. Frantz’s impeccable sense of time and place transports you to the Scottish Lowlands during the 1700s, be it in a charming cottage, the expansive merse, a local village, or a grand castle, with just the right amount of dialect utilized to help you ‘hear’ the setting too. Readers will love Orin and Maryn, even if they haven’t yet read The Rose and The Thistle, though I do encourage you to read that one too because it’s one of my recent fave books by this author! Though this is a novella (albeit a longer one), the characters are skillfully fleshed out, the plot deeply developed, and the love story blissfully timeless. A redemptive and beautiful read!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
June 20, 2025
4.5⭐
I really enjoyed this sweet romantic stories. At times sorrowful and I loved the outcome. The story captivated me and I was in love with the characters.
I really enjoyed this sweet romantic stories. At times sorrowful and I loved the outcome. The story captivated me and I was in love with the characters.
July 19, 2025
#️⃣3️⃣5️⃣3️⃣ Read & Reviewed in 2025 🌀🌊💠
Date : 📬 Friday, July 18, 2025 🫧🛌
Word Count📃: 52k Words 🛢️✈️
𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ 💧🥏🩻 ‹𝟹 𓇢𓆸 𓂂 𓇼˚｡ •
ʚ(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )ɞ My 38th read in "Why is Lorde's latest album so bad" 🩻 July
1️⃣🌟, oh please...you're not Jane Austen 🙄🙄🙄
——————————————————————
➕➖0️⃣1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣9️⃣🔟✖️➗
Thank you @Melanie for the buddy read 🥰🥰🥰 (its trash tho)
Oh please, when i say this book tries to be a book that is written in the 15th century i mean it. It has sooooo many old english jargon it seems like you searched too many "______ old english synonym" on google. Thats my number one problem in this book. THE DAMN WRITING STYLE.
Fascinating how im the first low star review in here, wow. But i still stand here with me. This is overwritten to the fullest.
The plot is not even serving anything. It's a semi mystery novel about a grandfather's death and the love story of two of the most romeo + juliet characters you've ever seen. We also have so many repetitive disney stereotypes of the old times especially with the evil sisters thing?? Eww. Can't you be a little bit more unique on the characterization of people instead of just doing the exact same characters as all other famous media already. Because i swear i think that the characters here even the side characters are just renamed people from popular media and movies.
When you read too many classic novels, you know the differences between a good one and a bad one. Mostly the bad ones come from overwritten descriptions of literally everything (EHEM EHEM VICTOR HUGO UNABRIDGED EDITION) AND HOW THAT OVERSHADOWS THE GENERAL PLOT AND CHARACTERS AND LENGTHENS THE BOOK VERY MUCH. Plus this book is not even that long, and it's already too long for what the story actually is. You can see it crystal clear that the author probably doesn't even know half of the things that are written on their own novel because of the forced lyrical writing and vivid prose that it tries to do.
No you can't just put in a blender random old english words and expect everyone to say that this is one of the best written "classic novel of all time" (this was published in 2024) without any cohesiveness, random old english words that doesn't relate to each other even abstractically speaking. It's all too far off from each other to even have any meaning to say. This book doesn't even try to tackle any deep topics. If it doesn't even discuss in depth topics, how can you expect the writing to also be "in depth"?
Date : 📬 Friday, July 18, 2025 🫧🛌
Word Count📃: 52k Words 🛢️✈️
𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ 💧🥏🩻 ‹𝟹 𓇢𓆸 𓂂 𓇼˚｡ •
ʚ(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )ɞ My 38th read in "Why is Lorde's latest album so bad" 🩻 July
1️⃣🌟, oh please...you're not Jane Austen 🙄🙄🙄
——————————————————————
➕➖0️⃣1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣9️⃣🔟✖️➗
Thank you @Melanie for the buddy read 🥰🥰🥰 (its trash tho)
Oh please, when i say this book tries to be a book that is written in the 15th century i mean it. It has sooooo many old english jargon it seems like you searched too many "______ old english synonym" on google. Thats my number one problem in this book. THE DAMN WRITING STYLE.
Fascinating how im the first low star review in here, wow. But i still stand here with me. This is overwritten to the fullest.
The plot is not even serving anything. It's a semi mystery novel about a grandfather's death and the love story of two of the most romeo + juliet characters you've ever seen. We also have so many repetitive disney stereotypes of the old times especially with the evil sisters thing?? Eww. Can't you be a little bit more unique on the characterization of people instead of just doing the exact same characters as all other famous media already. Because i swear i think that the characters here even the side characters are just renamed people from popular media and movies.
When you read too many classic novels, you know the differences between a good one and a bad one. Mostly the bad ones come from overwritten descriptions of literally everything (EHEM EHEM VICTOR HUGO UNABRIDGED EDITION) AND HOW THAT OVERSHADOWS THE GENERAL PLOT AND CHARACTERS AND LENGTHENS THE BOOK VERY MUCH. Plus this book is not even that long, and it's already too long for what the story actually is. You can see it crystal clear that the author probably doesn't even know half of the things that are written on their own novel because of the forced lyrical writing and vivid prose that it tries to do.
No you can't just put in a blender random old english words and expect everyone to say that this is one of the best written "classic novel of all time" (this was published in 2024) without any cohesiveness, random old english words that doesn't relate to each other even abstractically speaking. It's all too far off from each other to even have any meaning to say. This book doesn't even try to tackle any deep topics. If it doesn't even discuss in depth topics, how can you expect the writing to also be "in depth"?
November 30, 2024
A Matter of Honor is all of Frantz’s decadent historical details and romantic longing in a slightly smaller package than her full length novels. This second chance love story is made for readers with features like the mass exodus of a home library and the opening of a bookshop compete with tinkling bells to herald an arrival. It’s hidden letters and sighs for the past and hopes for the future. It’s unknown futures and both hope and blossoms blooming from tragedy. If her 2025 release is to be a full historical feast, A Matter of Honor is a sumptuous appetizer with all of the heart and swoon trademark to Frantz’s stories. Readers of romantic historical fiction will not want to miss it!
July 15, 2025
A Matter of Honor was a sweet read. I enjoyed how the romance was a second-chance story. The book held my attention, although I wish it would have been a little bit deeper sometimes and that the scenes wouldn't have ended so abruptly at times. I thought the ending was great and I really enjoyed getting to see what happened in Orin's life.
September 25, 2025
This was such a fun sweet novella! The pace was perfect and I really fell in love with Orin and Maryn. They both have gone through so much and yet they both have good hearts and caring souls. Honestly, I was expecting to feel like the pacing was too fast. However, that wasn’t my experience at all. If anything it was perfect pacing with the proper backstories as well. I really enjoyed this experience.
Maryn, especially, I felt for during the whole book. She had lost so much of her family and still loses more. Her sister, Nicola, irritated me with her attitude towards her family and her expectations. But Maryn reacted with love and grace. It was a beautiful example of living in grace.
I really enjoy Laura Frantz’s ability to write so beautifully in whatever setting she chooses. The Scotland setting and language was fun to read! The writing was beautifully done as well.
This is a companion novella to The Rose and the Thistle, which I didn’t know before reading it, but it can be read as a standalone as the backstory is given! I will be reading The Rose and Thistle and I am looking forward to reading more about the Laird and his countess!
I recommend this if you need a quick pick me up and enjoy Scotland, historical romance, and novellas.
Content Guide:
Language: None
Spice: Level 1
TW: Grief, accident, family deaths
Maryn, especially, I felt for during the whole book. She had lost so much of her family and still loses more. Her sister, Nicola, irritated me with her attitude towards her family and her expectations. But Maryn reacted with love and grace. It was a beautiful example of living in grace.
I really enjoy Laura Frantz’s ability to write so beautifully in whatever setting she chooses. The Scotland setting and language was fun to read! The writing was beautifully done as well.
This is a companion novella to The Rose and the Thistle, which I didn’t know before reading it, but it can be read as a standalone as the backstory is given! I will be reading The Rose and Thistle and I am looking forward to reading more about the Laird and his countess!
I recommend this if you need a quick pick me up and enjoy Scotland, historical romance, and novellas.
Content Guide:
Language: None
Spice: Level 1
TW: Grief, accident, family deaths
August 12, 2024
I loved returning to the world that Ms. Frantz introduced us to in “The Rose and the Thistle!” The main characters were so sweet in this one and the love story very romantic. I loved the disability representation and Maryn’s story and character arc was so beautiful and encouraging. This book has such lush descriptions and I was transported to bonny Scotland (one of my favorite places)! This truly is an ode to books, blooms and birds!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a clean read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a clean read.
July 31, 2024
Another beautiful story by Laura Frantz that I never wanted to end.
March 10, 2025
After loving The Rose and the Thistle, I was so happy to know that Laura gave us sweet Orin’s story!
It’s a short read filled with so much history & hurt, longing & grief, hope & compassion. Orin & Maryn have much to overcome but they do—and it’s beautiful.
My only qualm is that the entire book is spent with miscommunications & epic yearning… and the entire resolution is the last 2 pages of them going “we can be together” and then it’s the end. I’d have liked a little epilogue or a chapter of the togetherness after a whole book of them being apart, haha.
And seeing Blythe & Everard again was icing on the cake! 🥹
It’s a short read filled with so much history & hurt, longing & grief, hope & compassion. Orin & Maryn have much to overcome but they do—and it’s beautiful.
My only qualm is that the entire book is spent with miscommunications & epic yearning… and the entire resolution is the last 2 pages of them going “we can be together” and then it’s the end. I’d have liked a little epilogue or a chapter of the togetherness after a whole book of them being apart, haha.
And seeing Blythe & Everard again was icing on the cake! 🥹
August 1, 2024
What a stunning novella! I am so delighted that author, Laura Frantz gave us more of The Rose and the Thistle story! I had so been hoping she would. (Both can be read as standalones). I loved this story of a grown up Orin Hume, and his once best friend and former intended Maryn Lockhart. The author's beautiful writing makes the story come alive, we are transported to Scotland in the 1700's, and the reader has a front row seat to the struggles, the thoughts, and the personalities of these captivating characters, as well as the rolling landscape and what life was like in another century. So much has happened in the years since they've seen each other. I couldn't put it down!
Lovers of Laura Frantz stories, and excellent historical romance will love A Matter of Honor.
I was thrilled when my pre-ordered copy arrived on release day.
Lovers of Laura Frantz stories, and excellent historical romance will love A Matter of Honor.
I was thrilled when my pre-ordered copy arrived on release day.
August 20, 2024
I liked some parts of this, and always enjoy a Scottish setting, but ultimately found it a little frustrating.
Maryn and Orin were best friends and are in marriage contracts when they’re involved in a sleigh accident. Maryn is injured (permanently losing use of one arm) and her twin brother is killed. Orin takes a lot of blame for it since he’s there and knew the weather was treacherous. The marriage talks dissolve and Maryn retreats to the country to be alone, Orin doesn’t hear from her and goes to London, and five years pass. In current day, Maryn has to return to civilization when her grandfather dies and makes her duchess, and Orin is home to visit family.
My main issue is that they don’t meet again in current time until 50% into the book! We don’t see flashbacks either, just some letters that Orin wrote that Maryn doesn’t know exist until the current time. (She wrote him too, but they never reached him either.) So I wanted waayyy more of them actually spending time together and we don’t get it.
My second issue is their communication. It’s set up that they were in love and then this tragedy ruined them, but then Maryn says they never spoke beyond friendship, never kissed, and she didn’t even know if he felt for her that way?! I was surprised by this! Obviously they did love each other deeply but they don’t come out and say it for basically the whole book, so I wanted to see it more.
Orin, who has beautiful words for her in his head and we know still loves her, approaches her like he would still marry her out of duty. This makes her refuse and was frustrating. They also throw in two possible love interests for him and even though they don’t compare to Maryn and nothing comes of it, I didn’t need him thinking of them as flawless, etc.
One thing I did like was their shared love of literary pursuits. They both write and love reading, and Orin even undertakes opening a library and bookshop of sorts with Maryn’s help.
But overall, it was too much of them not saying their feelings. It just wasn’t satisfying when most times they met and it ended without achieving anything.
Even at the end, he says he hopes heaven would change her mind about marrying him, but I think it would’ve been more successful if they got to know each other again, if maybe he forged a bond with the children she takes on from her sister, if they talked more…
I am glad they finally got over it and got together in the end, and I’d recommend if you like second chance and angst more than me!
Maryn and Orin were best friends and are in marriage contracts when they’re involved in a sleigh accident. Maryn is injured (permanently losing use of one arm) and her twin brother is killed. Orin takes a lot of blame for it since he’s there and knew the weather was treacherous. The marriage talks dissolve and Maryn retreats to the country to be alone, Orin doesn’t hear from her and goes to London, and five years pass. In current day, Maryn has to return to civilization when her grandfather dies and makes her duchess, and Orin is home to visit family.
My main issue is that they don’t meet again in current time until 50% into the book! We don’t see flashbacks either, just some letters that Orin wrote that Maryn doesn’t know exist until the current time. (She wrote him too, but they never reached him either.) So I wanted waayyy more of them actually spending time together and we don’t get it.
My second issue is their communication. It’s set up that they were in love and then this tragedy ruined them, but then Maryn says they never spoke beyond friendship, never kissed, and she didn’t even know if he felt for her that way?! I was surprised by this! Obviously they did love each other deeply but they don’t come out and say it for basically the whole book, so I wanted to see it more.
Orin, who has beautiful words for her in his head and we know still loves her, approaches her like he would still marry her out of duty. This makes her refuse and was frustrating. They also throw in two possible love interests for him and even though they don’t compare to Maryn and nothing comes of it, I didn’t need him thinking of them as flawless, etc.
One thing I did like was their shared love of literary pursuits. They both write and love reading, and Orin even undertakes opening a library and bookshop of sorts with Maryn’s help.
But overall, it was too much of them not saying their feelings. It just wasn’t satisfying when most times they met and it ended without achieving anything.
Even at the end, he says he hopes heaven would change her mind about marrying him, but I think it would’ve been more successful if they got to know each other again, if maybe he forged a bond with the children she takes on from her sister, if they talked more…
I am glad they finally got over it and got together in the end, and I’d recommend if you like second chance and angst more than me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2024
Beautiful and compelling, A Matter of Honor delivers an exquisite Laura Frantz tale in a small package with all of her storytelling traits we love: deep emotion, picturesque depictions, and abiding love. Better yet, we are swept back to Scotland in the world of The Rose and the Thistle to revisit happy endings and see young characters that have grown up to find love despite all odds. Never one to shy away from deep topics of tragedy and loss, Laura Frantz points to our Savior in dark times while never failing to provide a happily ever after. A Matter of Honor is a delight through and through!
September 21, 2024
Even in a short novella I became so invested in the characters and their story.
April 16, 2025
I enjoyed Laura Frantz’s previous novel, The Rose and The Thistle, beautifully written and rich in the history surrounding Scotland’s Jacobite Rebellion of 1715. I also favored her character, Orin, youngest brother to Lord Wedderburn, so I was delighted to read his story in this novella. Frantz's gift of creating seemingly impossible odds for two people finding love does not disappoint in this romantic journey that captures the heart!
July 1, 2025
A sweet romance.
January 20, 2025
Oh goodness I loved this novella which totally didn’t read like one. I loved the character of Orin while reading the Rose and the Thistle and I am so glad that there is a story about him!! This was perfection! Laura truly gave us the Orin story we all wanted! You truly see that same pure heart we experience in The Rose and the Thistle but the grown up version. The love for Maryn and how he’s held on to it all these years was honestly swoony!
Maryn has gone through hardships but I was championing for her to once more step into the light and begin living life again to its fullest. I loved every minute of being transported to the Scottish lowlands and visiting with some familiar characters while encountering some new ones.
Definitely not to be missed and a great first read for the year! I can’t wait to acquire my own copy for my shelves but in the meantime if you’d like to read this is available through Kindle Unlimited.
Maryn has gone through hardships but I was championing for her to once more step into the light and begin living life again to its fullest. I loved every minute of being transported to the Scottish lowlands and visiting with some familiar characters while encountering some new ones.
Definitely not to be missed and a great first read for the year! I can’t wait to acquire my own copy for my shelves but in the meantime if you’d like to read this is available through Kindle Unlimited.
August 22, 2024
What a treat to catch up with the Humes in this novella! And, to see Orin all grown up into such an honorable gentleman is delightful. This is a story both bittersweet and hopeful, and I appreciate how it handles a second-chance romance delicately and with enough time developing great depths of the characters. I feel like I know the "adult" Orin and his love, Maryn, as well as any of Frantz's characters after spending a shorter time on-page with them. Another favorite aspect of this story is its use and focus on the merits of literature.
December 21, 2024
Frantz has crafted an exquisite masterpiece. I adored this novella.
Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational historical fiction.
DISCLAIMER: I won a copy. I am not required to write positive reviews. I received no monetary compensation. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational historical fiction.
DISCLAIMER: I won a copy. I am not required to write positive reviews. I received no monetary compensation. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
August 19, 2024
A MATTER OF HONOR is a wish come true. This novella is the sequel to THE ROSE AND THE THISTLE novel. I love books that share former favorite characters. The story begins in London, England 1739 but moves to Edinburgh, Scotland, May 1740. This is a novella that is full-storied with depth of character, tension, and challenges that move this story to a satisfying ending. The characters have their imperfections, yet they have the determination and perseverance to face their heartbreak and work to overcome! Their pathways are inspiring, motivating, and clean romance at it's best!
August 10, 2024
Lovely story, with characters and setting I love
What can be more lovely than curling up with another delightful story by Laura Frantz? The setting in Scotland is so beautifully portrayed that it felt as though I'd escaped into it. And the characters are so real, the tragedy that tore them apart from each other so painful, and the uncertainty of their future so heartwrenching that I could hardly put the book down. The resolution was sweet indeed. Highly recommended!
What can be more lovely than curling up with another delightful story by Laura Frantz? The setting in Scotland is so beautifully portrayed that it felt as though I'd escaped into it. And the characters are so real, the tragedy that tore them apart from each other so painful, and the uncertainty of their future so heartwrenching that I could hardly put the book down. The resolution was sweet indeed. Highly recommended!
October 12, 2024
This was a lovely read that I gobbled down in one sitting. It was so nice to visit with the Hume family once again and seeing Everard and Blythe on the other side of the book HEA. I do wish that this didn't end so abruptly and had a chapter or two (plus epilogue!) of the MCs being together. However, this was a beautiful story of second chances.
August 1, 2024
This book is just completely and utterly beautiful. I saw myself in its pages, I felt seen in my struggles, and thoroughly encouraged to trust in the Lord always. If you want to be swept away in a story of healing and redemption, then you should definitely read this sweet novella.
August 31, 2025
Is the Lockhart curse just a superstition? The family endures one loss after another, ending relationships, revealing others. And what about the motto of the Hume coat of arms: True to the End? What a delightful and satisfying novella.
March 4, 2025
This seemed a little longer than most novellas, but it actually was the perfect size for a quick read in a few nights. Beautiful prose, as usual for Frantz. A sweet love story. Scottish brogue is always a plus.
October 13, 2024
It is a beautiful love story set in the Scottish Lowlands in 1739. Laura Frantz never disappoints.
August 9, 2024
Laura Frantz's novels are always one of the biggest reading treats of the year for me and this very first novella of hers is no exception. Laura’s lush prose, attention to detail, and historical research are guaranteed to take you away to another time and another place absolutely every time. Thank you, Laura, for such wonderful reading experiences! I absolutely loved this follow-up to The Rose and the Thistle!
August 26, 2024
Delightful
I enjoyed this slow burn, love story! A tender story of young friends who fell in love, then were torn apart by tragedy. Yet after five years apart they find themselves in older, wiser, battered & bruised, and even more in love than ever! But will they be able to find the happily ever after that they dreamed about in their youth?
A slow start, but oh, the buildup and the ending left me feeling warm and fuzzy!
I enjoyed this slow burn, love story! A tender story of young friends who fell in love, then were torn apart by tragedy. Yet after five years apart they find themselves in older, wiser, battered & bruised, and even more in love than ever! But will they be able to find the happily ever after that they dreamed about in their youth?
A slow start, but oh, the buildup and the ending left me feeling warm and fuzzy!
July 30, 2024
First I want to say, I loved the dedication on the inside cover as I am one of ‘those who delight in books, birds and blooms!’
I am a fairly new reader of Laura Frantz’s novels and I am so glad I discovered them through another reviewer’s recommendation. The few I have read so far have brightened and encouraged my heart more than I can say with their beauty, faith, hope and gorgeous settings and delightful characters. I recently acquired The Rose and the Thistle but have not read it yet. I mention this because since the character Orin is from that book, I wondered if it would hinder my reading of the novella A Matter of Honor. I can say it definitely did not as Laura paints a comprehensive picture of Orin and also provides enough background that it got me up to speed from the start. So, if there are others out there who want to read the novella first—go for it! I guarantee, though, it will make you want to read The Rose and the Thistle to learn more of this family, setting and time period of the first Jacobite rebellion.
Laura Frantz is a master wordsmith in delivering historical detail in a way that is inspiring and refreshing. With A Matter of Honor I truly got lost in the story and felt I was transported back in time from the very first page. The novel opens with a Prologue in London, England 1739 with rich poetic description that enlivened my senses with delightful scents and images. We meet Orin, who thinks of himself as a ‘humble Lowland Scots lad’ unimpressed by ‘the flash of jewels and arrays of silks and laces.’ He is tired of the ‘bickering, scheming, flirting Court’ life. Although being a poet, a ‘rather romantic profession’ he is more of practical man with his feet on the ground. But he is not void of true romance as far as his heart is concerned. And while skimming stones across the water, he drinks in the scent of certain flowers that remind him of a woman he has loved forever. This is such a beautiful passage of love, longing and sadness that my own heart was aching for this character to obtain his desire!
In Chapter One we are taken to the following year 1740 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Orin, now Poet Laureate of Britain, is at his family’s home: a place he is not terribly fond of and calls it a ‘monstrosity from another century.’ It is heavy with ‘Lowland herbs and Highland spirits.’ He ponders his brother David Hume who partook of the 1715 Jacobite rebellion and lost his life: ‘a lasting lesson on how not to offend the reigning monarch.’ Ironically, he finds himself in a similar though vastly different situation: where he must honour ‘George II’s birthday celebration with an ode… or perish.’ Unless he resigns before the king dismisses him. So, he is in a quandary of what to do. The feeling of unrest and discomfort in his role continues to haunt him, as first established in the Prologue and carried over into Chapter One.
As Orin ponders words for the Ode and two promised plays, he is also reminded of his responsibilities to his niece, Charis, who requests his company of escorting her to a round of balls and other entertainment events. In a letter she begs him to come home to Wedderburn Castle and to put the tragic incident of the past behind him. This, of course, got me wondering what happened that caused such an upset in his life.
In Chapter Two, we meet Maryn Lockhart at Thistle Cottage—the woman who holds Orin’s heart. I loved the sparkling descriptions of this natural setting of gorgeous garden and Border Collie. This is a Lowland oasis for this woman who has suffered deeply. Her surrounds are in sharp contrast to her physical self—that bears scars. Five years earlier she was in a tragic accident and afterwards emotionally and visibly altered. With her beloved Grandfather’s help, she settled far from society in this charming cottage ‘smothered in ivy and roses’. Its fairytale atmosphere, heady flower variety and old world style suited her well. It has been a haven of peace though punctuated with doubts as she begins to wonder what ‘the Almighty thinks of her self-imposed exile’. Sitting alone, she secretly longs to ‘share such loveliness with someone’. And so, our story begins. The fears, concerns, loneliness and insecurities caused by her isolation and physical scars begin to rattle her safety net.
As a reader, I questioned how Orin and Maryn had been torn or kept apart and how they might be reunited. And Laura little by little unveils the pieces of the romantic plot (along with the social subplots surrounding it) and then weaves it together into a stunning and rich tapestry graced with birds, flowers and books. The latter becomes an important part of Orin’s new venture. The words of books and letters are a common thread for this couple as it sews their two lives back together. I felt many emotions for Maryn and Orin. The tragedy they both shared and then the separation they endured as a result of it and the family’s interference. I won’t say anymore but their journey is a challenging one but it is also laced with hope, healing and faith.
I did not want to say goodbye to Orin and Maryn but the author leaves us at a good place in their lives. This beautifully written love story whisked me away to another time and place. I was warmed and uplifted by the passion of the words. So Laura, yes, your novel worked its magic and it definitely has meaning and merit! For lovers of quality historical fiction that haunts and inspires, I highly recommend this stunning novella that is worth every stolen moment for reading. A Matter of Honor will make your heart beam and your spirit soar—as it did mine. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Story Architect and Laura Frantz for a review copy.
I am a fairly new reader of Laura Frantz’s novels and I am so glad I discovered them through another reviewer’s recommendation. The few I have read so far have brightened and encouraged my heart more than I can say with their beauty, faith, hope and gorgeous settings and delightful characters. I recently acquired The Rose and the Thistle but have not read it yet. I mention this because since the character Orin is from that book, I wondered if it would hinder my reading of the novella A Matter of Honor. I can say it definitely did not as Laura paints a comprehensive picture of Orin and also provides enough background that it got me up to speed from the start. So, if there are others out there who want to read the novella first—go for it! I guarantee, though, it will make you want to read The Rose and the Thistle to learn more of this family, setting and time period of the first Jacobite rebellion.
Laura Frantz is a master wordsmith in delivering historical detail in a way that is inspiring and refreshing. With A Matter of Honor I truly got lost in the story and felt I was transported back in time from the very first page. The novel opens with a Prologue in London, England 1739 with rich poetic description that enlivened my senses with delightful scents and images. We meet Orin, who thinks of himself as a ‘humble Lowland Scots lad’ unimpressed by ‘the flash of jewels and arrays of silks and laces.’ He is tired of the ‘bickering, scheming, flirting Court’ life. Although being a poet, a ‘rather romantic profession’ he is more of practical man with his feet on the ground. But he is not void of true romance as far as his heart is concerned. And while skimming stones across the water, he drinks in the scent of certain flowers that remind him of a woman he has loved forever. This is such a beautiful passage of love, longing and sadness that my own heart was aching for this character to obtain his desire!
In Chapter One we are taken to the following year 1740 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Orin, now Poet Laureate of Britain, is at his family’s home: a place he is not terribly fond of and calls it a ‘monstrosity from another century.’ It is heavy with ‘Lowland herbs and Highland spirits.’ He ponders his brother David Hume who partook of the 1715 Jacobite rebellion and lost his life: ‘a lasting lesson on how not to offend the reigning monarch.’ Ironically, he finds himself in a similar though vastly different situation: where he must honour ‘George II’s birthday celebration with an ode… or perish.’ Unless he resigns before the king dismisses him. So, he is in a quandary of what to do. The feeling of unrest and discomfort in his role continues to haunt him, as first established in the Prologue and carried over into Chapter One.
As Orin ponders words for the Ode and two promised plays, he is also reminded of his responsibilities to his niece, Charis, who requests his company of escorting her to a round of balls and other entertainment events. In a letter she begs him to come home to Wedderburn Castle and to put the tragic incident of the past behind him. This, of course, got me wondering what happened that caused such an upset in his life.
In Chapter Two, we meet Maryn Lockhart at Thistle Cottage—the woman who holds Orin’s heart. I loved the sparkling descriptions of this natural setting of gorgeous garden and Border Collie. This is a Lowland oasis for this woman who has suffered deeply. Her surrounds are in sharp contrast to her physical self—that bears scars. Five years earlier she was in a tragic accident and afterwards emotionally and visibly altered. With her beloved Grandfather’s help, she settled far from society in this charming cottage ‘smothered in ivy and roses’. Its fairytale atmosphere, heady flower variety and old world style suited her well. It has been a haven of peace though punctuated with doubts as she begins to wonder what ‘the Almighty thinks of her self-imposed exile’. Sitting alone, she secretly longs to ‘share such loveliness with someone’. And so, our story begins. The fears, concerns, loneliness and insecurities caused by her isolation and physical scars begin to rattle her safety net.
As a reader, I questioned how Orin and Maryn had been torn or kept apart and how they might be reunited. And Laura little by little unveils the pieces of the romantic plot (along with the social subplots surrounding it) and then weaves it together into a stunning and rich tapestry graced with birds, flowers and books. The latter becomes an important part of Orin’s new venture. The words of books and letters are a common thread for this couple as it sews their two lives back together. I felt many emotions for Maryn and Orin. The tragedy they both shared and then the separation they endured as a result of it and the family’s interference. I won’t say anymore but their journey is a challenging one but it is also laced with hope, healing and faith.
I did not want to say goodbye to Orin and Maryn but the author leaves us at a good place in their lives. This beautifully written love story whisked me away to another time and place. I was warmed and uplifted by the passion of the words. So Laura, yes, your novel worked its magic and it definitely has meaning and merit! For lovers of quality historical fiction that haunts and inspires, I highly recommend this stunning novella that is worth every stolen moment for reading. A Matter of Honor will make your heart beam and your spirit soar—as it did mine. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Story Architect and Laura Frantz for a review copy.
September 1, 2024
Laura’s stories are always so lovely! This one is no exception even given it’s shorter length.
May 15, 2025
First sentence: In the glittering, beeswax-scented drawing room of Kensington Palace, Orin Hume stood beside a Paladian window.
A Matter of Honor is a novella, a companion novella, to The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz. It has been a few years since I read The Rose and the Thistle. But Orin Hume, the romantic lead, is the young brother of one of the characters in that book [The Rose and the Thistle]. There are a few characters that overlap, I believe, but they are decades older. I do believe this one could be read as a standalone.
Orin Hume loves, loves, loves Lady Maryn Lockhart. Maryn loves, loves, loves Orin Hume. A terribly tragic accident happening years before--I believe five???--has proven an almost impossible obstacle. It was an accident that injured Maryn and killed her [twin] brother. Orin wrote letters to Maryn. Maryn wrote letters to Orin. Did Orin read Maryn's letters? No. Did Maryn read Orin's letters? No. Maryn's sister prevented her letters from being mailed. Maryn's grandfather hid the letters Orin actually did send. It isn't until recently that these two have reconnected--from a distance. He still loves her. She still loves him. She is a recluse, mostly. He is reluctant to go where he's not welcome. After all, why didn't she respond to his many letters?
Will these two ever come face to face and actually talk with one another openly and honestly about what they have felt, what they are currently feeling, and how they will feel forever? Maybe. Maybe not.
I listened to this one on audio book. Amy Scanlon was MARVELOUS. It was an absolute delight to hear all the dialogue of this novel. Her narration of the narration was also lovely. But it is the dialect where she shines brightest. I ADORED her accents.
The romance was lovely but slow. I do wish that Maryn especially had been less stubborn. Sometimes the obstacles are more internal--mental blocks--many romance books use more melodramatic obstacles that are less believable--kidnappings, fire, etc.
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