A Silken Thread: A Novel

A Silken Thread is a tale of friendship, social inequality, racial prejudices, faith and love. It was interesting to learn about the Cotton States and International Exposition that occurred in Atlanta in 1895. It is located in what is now Piedmont Park. The authors descriptions brought the venue alive. I found A Silken Thread to be well-written and it progresses at a gentle pace. I like how Kim Vogel Sawyer incorporated the historical (she captured this period in time) and Christian elements into the story. They are interwoven with the characters storylines and enhance the book. The characters are complex and realistic. Laurel is a naïve eighteen year old who wants to find someone to love her. A man who will make her heart sing the way her father did for her mother. She is not worldly or sophisticated which draws Langdon to her. Laurel is a Christian woman who does not understand people’s prejudices. Willie is a kind man with a big heart. He wants what is best for his father and is willing to work hard to make it happen. Langdon is a selfish man who only thinks of himself and how he can manipulate others to get what he wants from them. Quincy has a sweet family and a good friend in Willie. The point-of-view switches between the four characters as their stories unfold. One of my favorite lines In A Silken Thread was that we should treat others as we want to be treated (Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you). Having faith, importance of prayer and following God’s path for your life are some of the Christian elements incorporated into the story. I thought the author captured how each character would speak. I liked learning more about silk, the process of extracting it, and how it is woven. It is explained in easy to understand terms. The author addressed sensitive topics deftly in A Silken Thread (racial injustices, social inequality). Friendships are tested in A Silken Thread along with individuals’ beliefs. There are discussion questions at the end of the book. A Silken Thread is a compelling and poignant historical novel.

I have read several of Kim's novels before. I was very excited when I was chosen to read an ARC copy of this book. It did not disappoint. Kim will take you on an unforgettable journey. Fans of Christian historical romance will not be disappointed with her new book. This story was written in 1895 during the Cotton States International Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia. There was so many interesting facts woven throughout this book. You can see this authors love of history, the background and research one would have to do to write such a interesting account of this time period. Booker T. Washington spoke at this exposition. A quote from his speech “"it is at the bottom of life we must begin, and not at the top. Nor should we permit our grievances to overshadow our opportunities." One of the themes of the story involves prejudice, and bigotry. It is such a sad part of our history. It's hard to read about it, if we could only say it wasn't a part of our present day. This story is told through the perspective of four individuals who cross paths throughout the exposition. Laurel Millard is 18 years old. She is the youngest of seven children and has recently been told by her older siblings that she will take care of their mom until she goes to Glory to be with her dad. It's her duty being the youngest. Her mom has encouraged her to take a position as a weaver at the exposition, hoping she will meet a nice young man. Brendan Rochester has also been given an ultimatum by his parents. Grow up, settle down and take a wife or he will lose his inheritance. I think my favorite characters of this story is Willie Sharp, and his neighbor and best friend Quincy Tate. I believe this author did a wonderful job of showing us prejudice and bigotry through Quincy's eyes as he experienced it. I could relate to Willie's lack of understanding. This is his best friend, they have been together since they were babies. There are parts that must have been hard for Kim to write. They were hard for me to read. I would suggest, be sure you have tissues. This story was so well written. The characters become real. Most were people you would want as your best friend or neighbor. As in any good book, there was at least one you will love to hate. There is always a thread of faith woven throughout Ms. Sawyer's books. What a delightful story to lose yourself in. I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook Press through NetGalley. The opinions expressed here in this review are my own.

A SILKEN THREAD. by Kim Vogal Sawyer Setting : Cotton States and International Exhibition.1895,Atlanta, Georgia. This touches on decisions made, as we see with Laurel, she was the youngest, and it was for her to stay at home, and care for her Mother. What of her needs she was passed eighteen, wanted a home. The older siblings telling her she was obligated, and needed to show gratitude for her mother having given her life. They had their own families. She was not willing, but had no say. A Father telling his son, Langdon he was sorely disappointed in him. Twenty three and spent his time being lazy and reading. He had tolerated him repeating classes, but he needed to grow up. Expectation after expectations is all Langdon.has known from childhood, and never to please his Father, These are two of the four whose lives cross during the Exhibition, the conflicts as their lives grow and change. The author. gave us a good story showing us the lives during this time period in history. Given ARC by Net Galley and Water Brook for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.