Welcome! This was a marvelous book! Read my review below...
These Tangled Threads
By Sarah Loudin Thomas
Christian Historical Fiction, Southern Fiction
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 368 Pages
April 2, 2024 by Bethany House Publishers
Summary
Seven years ago, a hidden betrayal scattered three young friends living in the shadow of Biltmore Estate. Now, when Biltmore Industries master weaver Lorna Blankenship is commissioned to create an original design for Cornelia Vanderbilt's 1924 wedding, she panics knowing she doesn't have the creativity needed. But there's an elusive artisan in the Blue Ridge Mountains who could save her--if only she can find her.
To track the mysterious weaver down, Lorna sees no other way but to seek out the relationships she abandoned in shame. As she pulls at each tangled thread from her old life, Lorna is forced to confront the wounds and regrets of long ago. She'll have to risk the job that shapes her identity as well as the hope of friendship--and love--restored.
In this seamlessly woven historical tale, award-winning Appalachian author Sarah Loudin Thomas delivers a poignant novel of friendship, artistry, restoration, and second chances.
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My Review
THESE TANGLED THREADS is one of those stories that settles deep into your heart and remains long after the last page is turned. It's full of heart, loss, mistakes, forgiveness, family (both by blood and found), delightful characters, and an immersive setting. A fantastic historical that is highly recommended to general historical as well as Christian historical fans!
As I'm gathering my thoughts after finishing this, what I do know is that this story is absolutely wonderful. Beginning to end. It resonates deeply with its flawed characters and themes of loss, mistakes, forgiveness, caring for others, family and love. The story is steadily paced but grows in emotional intensity as the story progresses, building to a somewhat climatic ending for several of the characters. These characters struggle and face challenges and choices but find a very sweet ending. I also adored the way weaving cloth was carried throughout the story in such a meaningful way.
I loved these characters! Lorna definitely struggles with some choices. She does try but also has had some pretty difficult things she's faced and is still working through. I'm not justifying some of her decisions, but I could see why she might have made them. Her character goes on quite a journey developing into something better at the end. And she's humble and regretful enough to do the hard things to get there. Arthur was honestly my favorite character from this story. He is quiet and reserved while also strong, thoughtful and caring. He's steady, humble, talented, hardworking, and unconditionally loving. Some of the sweetest moments are with him. I couldn't help cheering for him. Gentry is a ball of energy and disruption, but in the most rebellious and sweet way. I know that doesn't entirely make sense, but once you've read this, you'll understand what I mean. They're an interesting group of characters and I enjoyed seeing the dynamics of the three of them. Then there all the side characters that brought some great humor and extra personality to the story. The author did a fantastic job with the dialogue and these characters! I definitely didn't mind spending time with them.
There were several poignant parts and quotes, but I will share just this one:
"I'm proud of you." He was about to kiss her when she turned away." I don't see how you can be. All I did was confess that I lied. That's hardly admirable." Arthur turned her face back to him. " I think it's often harder to confess something than it would have been to do the right thing to begin with. What you did was brave." He smiled. "And right. It's never too late to do what's right."
In the end, was it what I wished for? Yes! This was a fantastic read! So full of the complexities and the contrasts of life as these characters seek to make correct choices and reach for their own happily-ever-afters. I can't recommend this one enough!
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Austenpose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
About the Author
You can find the author here.
Have you read any of the author's other books or stories set in the Appalachians or the Biltmore?
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