A compelling read that reminded me to deal with all people in the way God wants, to look and see Jesus in all people. The author takes a very normal life and makes you see the struggles and importance of friendship.

I loved this story very much and the style as told from each character's point of view worked very well and kept the story moving right along as if it wasn't a page turner already.

A Silken Thread's setting is about 30 years following the Civil War in Atlanta, Georgia and the author deals with the racism that existed and was aggravated by the emotions evoked from the War. Seeing experiences and feelings through the eyes of Quincey, Willie's friend who is black lent a unique perspective to the story.

Willie and Langston were contrasts in class and character. Laurel began as an immature young lady who deeply cared for her mother and was loyal to family even if her initial goals for husband material were a little misguided.

The Cotton Exposition being held in Atlanta becomes the catalyst for bringing all the characters together. Each has their own desires to achieve. Willie has his ailing Father to support, Laurel, has been dictated by her siblings the responsibility of seeing to her Mother, Langston needs a wife in order to honor the dictates of his parents, Quincey needs money to help his family and more than that, wants respect as a human being and a man.

Against this backdrop, A Silken Thread holds the key if you can find it. I give this 5 stars and my highest recommendation which is to place it on your keeper shelf. Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing for allowing me to read this ebook through Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

For readers who love a heartwarming romance and a rich historical setting comes a tale of a young woman with a heavy burden, the International Cotton Exposition, and the pursuit of true love.
Eighteen-year-old Laurel Millard, youngest of seven children, is expected to stay home and "take care of Mama" by her older siblings, but Laurel has dreams of starting her own family. Operating a silk loom at the Atlanta Exposition will give her the chance to capture the heart of a man wealthy enough to take care of Laurel and any children she might bear, as well as her mother.
Langdon Rochester's parents have given him an ultimatum: settle down with a wife or lose his family inheritance. At the Exposition, Langdon meets Laurel. Marrying her would satisfy his parents's command, she would look lovely on his arm for social events, and in her besotted state, he believes she would overlook him continuing pursuing rowdy adventures with his unmarried buddies. Langdon decides to woo Laurel. Willie Sharp is not well-off and must take on an extra job at the Atlanta Exposition as a security guard. When mischief-makers cause trouble in the Women's Building, Willie is put in charge of keeping the building secure. He enjoys visiting with Laurel, who seems like the little sister he never had, but his feelings for Laurel change to something much deeper. Can Willie convince Laurel that he can give her better life--even with so little to offer?
I love this author. This book shows grit and strength through trials. You will fall in love with the characters. You will think about right and wrong in how you feel about different races. Friendship love and perseverence. I loved learning about the silk room and the Cotton Exposition.

A Silken Thread is a very nice Christian historical novel set in the 1800s. The book deals with many thematic topics such as racism and Christianity in a time in history when America was battling with the incorporation of people of color as part of their society. I wanted so much to love this book, but I just couldn't seem to connect with the characters. The story setting and general idea were so original, but, for me, the characters lacked originality, and their personalities were somewhat superficial and even animated. The story development was very slow paced, making it a little difficult to engage with the novel. What I did like about the book was the beautiful Christian message. We could see how each character struggled with their faith in different situations. And, even though their lives and struggles were very different from each other, they all tried to do what was right in Gods eyes. The story has a great message on slavery, love, and friendship, and even though it felt more like a middle school book than a YA book, I would definitely recommend it to younger audiences that want a light, modest and romantic book with a clear and edifying Christian message.

Quandaries. Choices which seem right. Decisions which may not be being taken for the right reasons. Opportunities which appear to be answers to prayer, but are they? Have they indeed been prayed about? Unexpectedly, I found myself quite unable to relax when reading this book – always waiting for the next bad thing to happen. Maybe that is what it is like to live life as someone considered inferior by others... While the book was not what I had anticipated, important issues were raised which – regrettably – may not be just historic ones. It never hurts to put oneself in another’s shoes, to try & understand their perspective.
PS I was glad to learn Miss Warner’s story, & thus the reason behind her attitude. It is not right for us to judge others without knowing the whys & wherefores which have shaped their behaviour.

Oh, my, ALL the excellent moments in this book!! Wow. It was pure pleasure to read about despite the difficult and outright uncomfortable nature of some of the roadblocks the characters have to work past. In the Exhibition in 1880s Atlanta, four POV characters have to confront real life in ways they never dreamed of finding it.

All four of these characters are sympathetic, despite some actions that are very grave mistakes indeed. The talent Sawyer employs in pulling this off is amazing--because especially one guy was one I really disapproved of, and yet his POV was still sympathetic, partly because it got down to his emotions so well.

The heroine glows with life and relevance as she tries to make her way in the silk room of the Exposition. I loved her spunky mother, too! And her siblings, at first excessively bossy and annoying, even began to grow on me a trifle. And the romance is very heartfelt and very subdued, so it's perfect for all ages.

Thanks to the publisher for a reading copy. A positive review was not required.

There is really something special about Kim’s books. You won’t usually find a lot of crazy action or plot twists. What you will find are gentle stories that are so well-written they compel you to keep reading to the final chapter. Such is the case with her newest novel, A Silken Thread.

This book takes place in Atlanta, Georgia during the International Cotton Exposition. Laurel is only eighteen but has just been ordered by her older siblings that she must live with their mother and take care of her. Laurel dreams of marriage and her own home. She wants a relationship like her parents had before her father’s death. With her mother’s permission she seeks out a job at the Cotton Exposition. She hopes she’ll meet a man there who will make her heart sing.

When she meets Langdon Rochester she thinks she’s found the perfect solution. He’s rich, handsome and seems interested in her. She believes when they’re married she’ll be able to care for her mama, while still having her own home. But even though she hopes to pursue a relationship with Langdon, she finds herself drawn to security guard Willie Sharp.

Willie is just a poor factory worker who has nothing to offer Laurel. But as he works to protect her and the other ladies in the Silk Room, he sees what a wonderful character she has. He knows Langdon Rochester is up to no good, but he can’t make Laurel see that.

I won’t give away the ending of this one. You’ll have to read it for yourself! If you like historical romance, you’re sure to love this sweet story. Kim’s books never disappoint, and you can add A Silken Thread to your list of must-reads.

I haven't read a book by Kim Vogel Sawyer that I haven't immensely enjoyed. I always come away from reading her books feeling like a better person emotionally and spiritually.
She continues to amaze me with the quality of her books.
Set in Atlanta,Georgia thirty years after the end of the Civil War at the Atlanta Cotton Exposition.
I found it interesting to learn the history of the Cotton Exposition. The Civil War was over but racial tensions were still high in the south.
Even though I may not have liked one of the characters they did step up to the plate and do the right thing in the end showing the right moral conviction. This is a complicated plot that proves once again why I enjoy this author's books so much. I find her books realistic, she shows us we all make mistakes but forgiveness is there for us. My heart hurt reading about the racism in this book. I know the book was being true to it's time period though. Full of rich historical detail I found it a fabulous read!
Published April 2nd 2019 by Waterbrook Press.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a great novel of historical fiction. It is a fascinating novel in terms of the historical context. The author did a phenomenal job researching and the setting definitely comes alive. I was excited to pick up this novel because of the serious themes like racism. It was a good read overall, but I did feel that the story dragged at times. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

God's weaving in & thru our own

The description of this book initially drew my interest because it sounded a bit like Deeanne Gist's "Tiffany Girl". Sawyer's story emphasis is different from Gist's, however. Not just the obvious fact that this is about silk rather than stained glass, but the racism & bigotry of post-Civil War Atlanta is a painful feature here, as is the conflict of class/social differences.

The idea that the worth of a person is not in who they are, how much they have, or what they look like is hardly original, but authors keep exploring it because humans need to be constantly reminded of it - and the author does so in a memorable way.

Even though the central focus is on the romantic pair, the story itself is actually almost more like an ensemble cast of main characters. Each has to learn or relearn the lesson on worth, and how that happens is interesting, suspenseful, romantic & sweet. And as much as I liked the romance between Laurel & Willie, I think I was most touched by the character arcs of Quincy & then Langdon.

Clean romance level: sweet kisses
Religion: themes of Christian faith are worked in naturally & without sounding overly preachy.

Four lives are changed at the International Cotton Exposition in Atlanta in 1895.



Laurel is the youngest of seven siblings who support her and her mother, but Laurel wants more from her life than to care for her mother, so she comes up with a plan to go to the International Cotton Exposition as a silk loom operator in hopes of finding a husband. She crosses paths with Langdon, Willie, and Quincy.



A novel rich in history that follows four main characters and how their lives are changed and shaped by working at the fair. They navigate the societal climate and racial hostility still alive in the South. Laurel, Langdon, Willie and Quincy are all faced with challenges and choices. Laurel's mother is very wise in her faith and dishes out solid counsel.



I admired Willie for his convictions and values. Quincy has worked hard his whole life, but longs for the respect of his peers despite the color of his skin. While Langdon has lived a life of leisure and has a plan to win his parent's favor and continue his lifestyle.



The storytelling felt choppy to me, and it was a harder book to read because I didn't much care for one of the characters.



A historical snapshot of life in the South in the tail end of the 1800's and how the fair brought people from all different backgrounds together in faith and love.



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Silken Thread was an enjoyable read. The way the characters interacted in spite of or because of the racial tensions of the time period was interesting and gave me food for thought. I wonder how realistic the interaction was but it was certainly believable while reading this novel. I was able to root for the unconventional friendships and was able to better understand why some of the characters had strong reactions to said friendships. The storyline kept me entertained. I love how all of the characters developed and grew in their moral and spiritual attributes throughout the story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook & Multnomah through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Georgia—after the Civil War. Racial tensions caused by the ending of slavery have escalated. Centered on the Atlanta Exposition, the story unfolds with the ways that the lives of each of the main characters have been affected by the war—even 30 years later. I especially liked the friendship between Willie and Quincy. This is a tough subject and Sawyer does a good job with her story. I couldn’t really decide what I thought of Langdon, a young man seeking his father’s approval in all the wrong ways. Laurel seemed a bit of a wimp at times, but that may be my 21st century outlook. A great read—I would recommend it.

18-year-old Laurel Millard is stunned when her siblings sit her down and inform her that they expect her to give up any thoughts of a husband and family so that she can take on the sole care of their mother - who, by the way, is strong, healthy, and in her right mind. None of them want the "burden" of their mother's care, and since she was a tag-along surprise for her parents, they feel no guilt in telling her that it's "her fault" her mother is otherwise alone, so she has to fix it by giving up her dreams. Not wanting to leave her Mama alone, Laurel agrees, while secretly hoping she can find a man willing to support them both.

When the Atlanta Cotton Exposition of 1895 comes to town, Laurel applies to weave silk. She and her mother have earned their keep by weaving rugs for a number of years so she knows the loom. How different could using silk thread be? And, everyone who is anyone will be at the Exposition. Wouldn't she have a better chance of meeting a wealthy suitor there? Her dreams are fulfilled when she catches the eye of Langdon Rochester, heir to the Rochester Steam Engine empire. When vandals hit the Silk Room, however, she meets Willie Sharp, the security guard tasked with keeping the ladies in the room safe.

As Laurel gets to know Willie and his best friend, Quincy Tate - a black groundskeeper - she sees how divisive the issues of race, and social class have become. Can she see past her beau's wealth to his manipulative heart? Will she be able to champion Willie and Quincy in the face of terrible odds?

Overall, I really liked this story. I will say that some of the racial tension didn't work for me, but I'm not sure if it felt like there wasn't enough, or there was too much. I kept telling myself this was after the Civil War ended, and the South was NOT a place where a black man could get a break. Quincy's hotheadedness is alluded to often, but he never really explodes with it. I know it would have been dangerous for him if he had, but it seems like he needed more of a boost here. Oh, and I REALLY didn't like Laurel's two oldest siblings. Her brother, Eugene, turned out to be okay, but the rest of them were a piece of work!

I loved learning some of this history. It never dawned on me that having a Silk Room at a Cotton Exposition might be a problem. I mean, cotton was king, right? The clear lines between the "haves" and the "have-nots" were hard to read about. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves historical romance with a dose of faith. You won't be sorry you picked it up!

A Silken Thread follows four characters through the Atlanta Exposition of 1895. Kim Vogel Sawyer begins the novel with an author's note, explaining the inspiration behind the story and her nervousness about writing a story with a thread about racism, even though it is historically accurate (and is a problem that has yet to be solved). She says:

“I wanted to use the elements of story to show the injustice and unfairness of treating people differently based on something as inconsequential and out of one's control as skin color.”

It's a noble intention. But I can't help but think that the noble intention is lessened and the potential for racism and bigotry is increased when the non-white characters speak like black caricatures from another century.
Yes, they are black characters from another century. Is that sufficient reason for the educated white characters to speak in perfect American English, for the poor white man to speak in sentence fragments, and for the uneducated black man to speak in non-standard English?

“But I tol' him I'd take him on openin' day so he can hear the speakuhs. I cain't hardly wait to hear what Bookuh T. Washin'ton is gonna say. Whole fam'ly an' all our neighbuhs is real excited.”

I say fam’ly and speakuhs and neighbuhs ... and I speak Kiwi/British English. This, I think, is one of the biggest issues of using non-standard spelling in dialogue: it often takes me out of the story as I wonder how the rest of the characters pronounce "speaker." They obviously don't say "speakuh" so what do they say? Speek-er? Speak-err? Spik-er? Spik-ah?

Who gets to say which pronunciation is correct, and which isn't? Why is the African-American character's pronunciation differentiated with a non-standard spelling when the others aren't (e.g. Willie and Langdon)?

Was the non-standard spelling necessary? Surely Quincey's word choices were sufficient to indicate his level of education (which, unfortunately, is a sign of his racial heritage and the time in which he lives)? As it is, it makes him look stupid, which reinforces inaccurate stereotypes. I think the author was trying to show that we're all the same, regardless of our skin colour. Bless her heart for trying.

I'm sorry to say I couldn't finish A Silken Thread. It wasn't just the language issue, although that did bug me (and it's a symptom of a bigger issue in publishing in general, and in Christian publishing in particular). But this is supposed to be a book review, not a social commentary on the whiteness of publishing or #RITAsSoWhite.
My main issue was that I found the story took forever to get going, and I found it difficult to engage with the characters. They all seemed shallow.

I read to the 25% mark (the first day of the Exposition) and realised I just didn't care about any of the characters—well, except the rich young (white) man, who I actively disliked. It's a shame, as I've read some of Kim Vogel Sawyer's previous books and very much enjoyed them. As such, I didn't finish the book and I won't be reviewing it online.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

When Laurel Millard’s much older siblings visit in masse and announce that her duty will involve taking care of their mother in her dotage, Laurel doesn’t know quite what to say. First of all, Mama doesn’t seem like she needs ‘taking care of,’ and second, what of Laurel’s dreams of raising a family of her own?

Her siblings, who know how to bully a girl, make Laurel promise to do their will (and promise not to tell Mama about the conversation, either). Laurel decides to keep her promise, but to do it her way—find a wealthy husband who will take care of both her AND Mama. When she despairs of ever finding a beau in her limited circle of church acquaintances, Mama suggests that Laurel apply for a job as a weaver at the Cotton Exhibition.

When Laurel gets the job, a world of opportunities open up before her. The very wealthy Langdon Rochester takes a shine to her, and monopolizes her break times with his charming presence. Laurel wonders if Langdon will want to court her and solve her problems with her siblings.

Willie Sharpe, the guard assigned to the Silk Room also draws her interest. His kind ways and genuine interest in her as a person warm her heart, but alas, he doesn’t come from wealth.

Growing up poor, Willie knows the struggles of trying to get ahead. His job as a guard at the Cotton Exhibition will help pay for the medical care for his beloved father. But working at the Cotton Exhibition also shows him a different side of people—a hateful side he never noticed before.

Above all, Willie wants to do the right thing—even though it may cost him his job or his standing with his coworkers.

A sweet historical that girls as young as 14 or 15 will enjoy. The author uses the characters to bring up important topics such as manipulative relationships, forgiveness, and race relations—all without coming off as preachy. The author develops the characters and helps the reader understand the social milieu of the time period.

5 Stars ***** 5/5 stars
Would you want a rich husband to provide for you and your mother or a poor one who could give you all that love has to offer? In the 1850's, the money would definitely help a young single woman to make a better life for her and her mother, but you will have to read the book to see what Laurel decides. I love historical fiction and I really enjoy reading any book by Kim Vogel Sawyer. This book is no disappointment. I was chomping at the bit to read more of Laurel's story and I think readers will feel the same way.
I received a free digital version of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Eighteen-year-old Laurel Millard, youngest of seven children, is expected to stay home and "take care of Mama" by her older siblings, but Laurel has dreams of starting her own family. Operating a silk loom at the Atlanta Exposition will give her the chance to capture the heart of a man wealthy enough to take care of Laurel and any children she might bear, as well as her mother.

Langdon Rochester's parents have given him an ultimatum: settle down with a wife or lose his family inheritance. At the Exposition, Langdon meets Laurel. Marrying her would satisfy his parents's command, she would look lovely on his arm for social events, and in her besotted state, he believes she would overlook him continuing pursuing rowdy adventures with his unmarried buddies. Langdon decides to woo Laurel. Willie Sharp is not well-off and must take on an extra job at the Atlanta Exposition as a security guard. When mischief-makers cause trouble in the Women's Building, Willie is put in charge of keeping the building secure. He enjoys visiting with Laurel, who seems like the little sister he never had, but his feelings for Laurel change to something much deeper. Can Willie convince Laurel that he can give her better life--even with so little to offer?

It's 1895 in Georgia, the Civil War has ended but racial issues still plague the south. Laurel Millard, a young white middle class woman, Langdon Rochester, white son of a wealthy factory owner, Willie Sharp, a lower class white factory worker, and Quincy, a poor black worker and best friend of Willie all apply for and receive jobs at the Cotton States and International Exposition that will be held in Atlanta. Each has a need that they feel working at the exposition will fill.

The way Sawyer intertwined the four main characters' perspectives/voices was so well done. It definitely gave this book an entirely different feel discovering what each of their thoughts and emotions were. Sawyer addressed the racial and social class issues so wonderfully. Laurel's love for all people no matter their color and her desire for all people to be treated as someone of worth shone through her speech and actions whereas Langdon was a first class jerk and treated the blacks as if they were of a lower class and could be ordered about and treated with disdain. The friendship between Willie and Quincy had its ups and downs but they certainly demonstrated that friendships could find common ground between different races.

Hats off to Sawyer for penning a complex and interesting novel that drew me in from start to finish.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Prejudice of many kinds occur all the time, with division between races and social status being at the top of the list. I was raised to believe that all men are created equal regardless of their differences, and I know for a fact that I am not the only one.

Willie Sharp is a God-fearing man who is caring for his disabled father and has a heart of gold. Though he is dirt poor, he is thankful for every blessing that God has given him, and tries to live his life to the fullest. Though there is still racial division in the south in Willie's neighborhood it doesn't matter what color you are, everyone is poor and doing everything they can to keep their heads above water. Willie looks at his best friend Quincy and doesn't see his dark skin but instead his companion, a friend that he's grown up with, and Quincy feels the same way.

Laurel Millard has a sweet and caring spirit and is also helping care for a parent. Her and her mother are weavers, and when a major convention comes to town and needs a weaver, she jumps at the chance. Willie and Quincy are also hired, Willie as a security guard, and Quincy as a groundskeeper, all of them excited about this wonderful, and unique, opportunity.

Langdon Rochester is Willie's bosses son, a manipulating young man who only cares about his wants and gives little regard to anyone else. Langdon is a wolf in sheeps clothing and when he meets and begins courting dear, sweet Laurel you want to reach through the pages and shake her!

The book is so well written you find yourself transfixed and vested in the characters and what they're dealing with. The racial and social prejudice is so incredibly frustrating but sadly it's true to life, as well as the struggle of knowing God's will in any given situation.

A Silken Thread is a wonderful reminder that we are all connected, if only by a thread. It also reminded me how important it is to stand up for what I believe in, to stand strong in my convictions, and to remember the truth will come out in the end. I absolutely adored this book, despite the sensitive subject matter, and believe it's a narrative that everyone should read.