One of my favorite authors is Kim Vogel Sawyer as I can always count on a beautifully written historical novel. This one did not disappoint! The story follows Laurel, a young woman destined by her siblings to remain unmarried in order to care for their widowed mother in her later years. But a determined, strong-minded Laurel takes a job at the Atlanta Cotton Exposition in the Women’s Building demonstrating her silk loom work in the hopes of finding suitable mate. The arrogant, wealthy Langdon Rochester befriends her in his search for a wife in order to gain his inheritance. But it’s the lovable characters of Willie and Quincy who stole my heart.

I found this a very fun, interesting read!

I received a copy of this book from WaterBrook Publishing through Net Galley. The opinions in this review are my own.

Willie assumed Laurel was rich because of the manner of her dress and because he saw her travel in a carriage.

Laurel assumed that Langdon could make her happy because he was rich.

Langdon assumed Quincy was lazy because of his skin color.

A Silken Thread is a multi-faceted story of Atlanta at the end of the nineteenth century. Revolving around the International Cotton Exposition, it examines issues of prejudice thirty years after the Civil War through the eyes of four young adults who worked at this event. Each of the four had sections of the story devoted to their perspective and each of those sections had a completely unique voice, almost to the point that you could tell who was being spoken of by the language used.

The hero, Willie, had such sacrificial love for his father. When his father had a stroke, Willie took on the responsibility of working and caring for him. And better still, he didn’t even consider it a sacrifice – it is simply what you do for your family.

Laurel is an interesting woman. Being the youngest by far in a large family, she had grown up with domineering siblings and was used to taking orders and not standing up for herself. She had insecurities and desired to please her family. She was a bit naive, maybe even more than a bit, but I didn’t find her annoying. Yes, I did want to shake some sense into her in a few places but, fortunately, she had a great brother, Eugene, who cared for her enough that I knew she would be okay.

My feelings about Quincy vacillated between liking him and not. His temper, while some would say was justified, was born from a life of feeling insignificant and even demeaned. I loved how his “mam” was such a wise woman and her way of bringing the scriptures to light for him. I did feel that he was written in a way to make him look quite ignorant, though, and that bothered me. I understood that he wouldn’t have been well educated, but the ignorance and almost naivety he displayed felt like a stereotype.

I especially loved the way the author’s heart came through in the story. It is so evident that she loves the Lord and desires her readers to embrace the spiritual truths that she shares here. They were clear and not twisted to fit the story.

While there was romance, A Silken Thread has an element of mystery and danger. The romance appeared to be secondary to the story itself and while the friendship was established well, how it blossomed into romance was not expounded on and almost felt like it was tacked on at the end. The themes of integrity, surrendering to God, and seeking the Lord for wisdom were paramount.

In addition to liking the main characters, I especially loved Langdon’s dad and respected him so much! And loved the pastor of Willie’s church. Rusty the cat and the relationship he had with Willie’s pa was so very sweet!

There were some matters that lacked resolution. Without giving anything away, I’ll just say the heightened danger Willie was concerned about seemed to just be forgotten after the frame-up and it was never revealed who was responsible for the incident that resulted in said frame-up.

Readers who enjoy seeing a slice of life from another time and being challenged spiritually should consider this story.

This was a surprisingly wonderful book! I wasn’t sure I would like it, but the story was so engaging. The characters were interesting and I fell in love with Willie and Laurel both.

The story was not only entertaining but I found it educational. There was so much I didn’t realize about the post Civil War life. I guess I should have realized that the blacks would have been mistreated then considering how many are still treated today.

If you are a KIm Vogel Sawyer fan you will absolutely LOVE this book. If you’ve never read Sawyer this is a great book to start with.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer takes readers back to September 1895 in Atlanta, Georgia. Laurel A. Millard is eighteen years old and lives with her mother, Adelia. She is surprised when her siblings (all five of them) stop by while their mother is napping. They expect her to give up marriage and family to take care of their mother until she passes away. Laurel hopes that she can find a man that loves her and is willing (and wealthy enough) to let her mother live with them. The city is preparing for the upcoming Cotton States and International Exposition. Laurel applies to be a silk weaver at the exposition in the hopes of finding a wealthy suitor. Langdon Rochester has been told by his father that he is to become his apprentice at Rochester Steam Powered Engines, and he has one year to marry a suitable woman. Failure to comply means losing his substantial inheritance. Langdon runs into Laurel at the exposition where Rochester has a booth and feels she is the right woman for him. Langdon believes he can mold Laurel into the type of wife he desires and would still be able to pursue his extracurricular activities.

Willie Sharp is a factory worker at Rochester Steam Powered Engines and has been caring for his father since his stroke. His father, Otto needs to be in a convalescent home to recover his lost abilities and working at the exposition would provide him with the necessary funds. Willie is hired as a security guard and his best friend, Quincy Tate is hired as a groundskeeper. Willie is surprised by the attitude of his co-workers toward the black employees especially since one of them is his best friend. After a terrible incident in the Silk Room, Willie is assigned to guard it. Laurel gets to know Willie along with Quincy. Langdon does not want Laurel associating with Willie and attempts to thwart their friendship. When a terrible injustice is done to Willie, Laurel and his friends rally to assist him. Is Langdon the right man for Laurel? Come along for an eye opening journey to Cotton States and International Exposition in A Silken Journey.

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.

A Silken Thread

A Novel

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

WaterBrook & Multnomah


WaterBrook

Christian , Romance

Pub Date 02 Apr 2019





I am reviewing a copy of A Silken Thread through WaterBrook and Multonomah and Netgalley:





Laurel Millard was eighteen and the youngest of seven children, being the youngest of seven she was expected to stay home and take care of Mamma by her older siblings, but Laurel has dreams of her own, she wants to start her own family. She may get this opportunity by operating a silk loom at the Atlanta Exposition which may give her a chance to win the heart of a man who is wealthy enough to take care of her, and any children she may bare as well as her Mother.



Langdon Rochester’s Parents have given him an ultimatum either he settles down and gets married or he looses his family inheritance. He meets Laurel at the exposition, Langdon meets Laurel. Marrying her would keep his parents happy and she would look good on his arms at social events. Langdon decided that he will do his best to woo Laurel. Willie Sharp is not wealthy and he must take on an extra job at the Exposition as a security guard. When trouble makers cause trouble in the Women's Building, Willie is put in charge of keeping the building safe. He enjoys visiting with Laurel, who seems like a little sister he never had, but his feelings for Laurel change into something deeper. Can Willie convince Laurel that he can give her better life--even with so little to offer?





I found A Silken Thread to be an engaging book, from the first page to the last. I give it five out of five stars!





Happy Reading!

As a long time Kim Vogel Sawyer fan, I always get excited when a new novel releases. I was super excited about this one. I mean, look at the cover. It is absolutely gorgeous and takes my breath away. The story within was the same….breath taking and absolutely gorgeous.

Laurel, Langdon, Quincy and Willie are absolutely stunning. I loved their characters and how Ms. Sawyer added vivid detail when describing them. They popped off the page and came to life. I loved watching Laurel interact with Langdon and Willie, loved watching her come to terms with her feelings about both men. And Quincy and Willie…..I adored them! I loved how Sawyer weaved a delicate topic into the story and blended it beautifully among the plot line so it didn’t overtake the story, yet shows up just how things were back in those days.

Filled with tender, inspiring messages of acceptance, hope, faith and love, Sawyer gives her readers another fabulous novel that will steal your heart forever. With rich historical detail, her research of times past is evident in this novel. Definitely worthy of 4 stars, two thumbs up and high recommendations from this reader and fan! Well done, Ms. Sawyer. Well done.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Press and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a gripping novel based on the historical time-setting of life after the War Between the States. I’m a homeschool Mama and my students and I have been studying this time period and so that element of the book was such a delight. It’s so disturbing the hurdles that needed to be jumped by the minorities and the apparent disrespect. I think that the author did a great job of bringing in characters and painting a picture of each one. Some I liked, some I loved, and some I really couldn’t stand and found myself wanting to pray for so many of them. I loved the loom and weaving segment. She made me want to sit at the loom and peacefully create a masterpiece for others to enjoy. To take a trip across the pond or walk across the bridge. The precious faith of the parents and especially Quincy’s Mama and her challenges for her son to consider about his insides versus his outside. Another great one by this author!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

***CBD and B&N

Atlanta, Georgia - 1895

Laurel Millard, age 18, lives with her widowed mother, age 59. Laurel’s older siblings are all married and on their own. The siblings have decided that it is up to Laurel to live with and take care of her mother until the time comes when her mother passes away.

Langdon Rochester, age 23, lives with his parents. He is a university graduate, but his father is frustrated with him because he is idle. Now, his father insists that he begin working at the factory that the family owns. He will work as his father’s apprentice learning to run the factory and handle his father’s rental properties as well. In addition, he must look for a wife and his father demands that he be married within a year. Otherwise, his nephew will become his father’s heir. Langdon prefers his life of leisure but knows he must comply with his father’s request.

Willie Sharp lives with and cares for his widowed father who has had a stroke. They rent a small place from Mr. Rochester. Willie loves his father and does all he can for him. He is trying to save money so he can place his father in a special hospital that will help the man heal from his stroke.

Quincy Tate has been best friends with Willie all his life. They are very close and God-fearing people and don’t care that the color of their skin differs.

There is an upcoming Cotton States and International Exposition. They are hiring workers and the pay is higher than what most people make at the factory.

Laurel learns there will be a silk weaving demonstration room and as she has experience weaving on a loom, she applies for the job. Willie applies for a job hoping to make more money to help his father. His friend, Quincy, does the same. As Langdon’s father will have his own demonstration place at the Exposition, Langdon will work as a part of that.

These characters interact in ways that brings out the good and the bad in them.

I found this to be a good, well-flowing story that I know readers will enjoy. I must admit that I was a bit disappointed that, judging from the title of the book, there would be more about the making of silk products. However, I’m sure that readers will enjoy all of the story. Lots of lessons to be learned here as well.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

An interesting Christian historical novel
In "A Silken Thread", published by WaterBrook & Multnomah, Kim Vogel Sawyer tells the story of eighteen year old Laurel Millard who is the youngest of seven children. She is supposed to take care of her mom, at least that is the decision of her siblings Alfred, Nell, Eugene, Raymond, and Mayme (Laurel's twin Lily having died at birth). They ignore the fact that Patrick Brinkley already called twice to see Laurel, having been encouraged by her mother. Laurel does not agree with her siblings. She wants to settle down and start a family. When the Cotton States International Exposition which takes place in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1895, searches for employees she applies and gets a job operating a silk loom.
Twenty-three year old Langdon Rochester does not measure up to his father's expectations. If he does not proof himself by September 1 of the following year, he will be replaced as heir. One of the conditions is to find a wife, but he manages to convince his father to let him present Rochester Steam Engines at the exposition.
Willie Sharp works at the steam engine factory and takes care of his father who had suffered an apoplexy. When he hears about the well-paying jobs at the expositions he applies in order to raise funds for the medical treatment of his father. His black long-time friend Quincy Tate has difficulties with the unfair treatment he receives because the Emancipation Proclamation that followed the Civil War has not produced the desired equality in the South. Whereas Quincy lands a job as a grounds-keeper, Willie gets a job as a security guard.
Laurel meets both, Langdon and Willie. Will their decisions honor God and will they be able to trust him in the circumstances of their lives, but most of all, who of the two men will win Laurel's heart?
"A Silken Thread" is a clean Christian historical novel which deals with racism and prejudice, but also with the challenges of honoring and trusting God. It also presents some interesting twists. The questions of the readers' guide challenge the reflection of the individual reader but can also serve as a help to study the novel in a book club. I highly recommend this book to those who love to read Christian historical novels and are not adverse to reflect upon the topics of racism and prejudice, but also on honoring and trusting God.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#A Silken Thread #NetGalley

A Silken Thread may take place in 1895, but the characters struggle with many of the same things we do today. Kim Vogel Sawyer always gives her readers characters to identify with and much food for thought. Laurel Millard and Willie Sharp both desire a loving marriage and children, but they also both want to fulfill their responsibilities to their aging parents. Langdon Rochester is more concerned with his own desires, and is seemingly unconcerned with the hopes and needs of others, although he may be more driven by the desire for his father's approval than he realizes. Quincy Tate is easily offended and has a difficult time controlling his temper. Miss Eloise Warner is living in the shadow of thirty-year-old grief and loneliness. I imagine many of us can see ourselves or loved ones among these characters. We can certainly see elements of today's society.

One of the hardest parts of this story is that the reader can see pain and discouragement on the horizon. One of the wonderful things is knowing how this genre of historical romance generally works, and having an author who helps her characters navigate difficult circumstances in a way that maintains a grasp on her readers' interest.

I am grateful to have received a copy of A Silken Thread from Waterbrook via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

A book that takes place 30 years after the Civil War, and we see prejudice up close and personal. I really have never heard to the Atlanta World’s Fair, mostly the famous Chicago, so was intrigued!
The author gives us so many aspects in this read, and how they all mesh together makes for a great story.
Love and respect for your fellow man, whether a parent, or a dear friend, and then we see the faces of evil, those that don’t care how they get what they want or whom they hurt as they achieve disgusting acts.
Come and have a wonderful look around this fair and buildings through the words of this author, I felt like I was there, listening to those wondrous speeches, entering the buildings, or riding on the new lake, you will feel like you are there!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Waterbrook Press, and was not required to give a positive review.

I have no idea how to review this. So many things jump out at me to write down, and then when I physically sit to do so, those thoughts go right out of my head! Kim Vogel Sawyer is one of my top favorite historical authors and she brings whatever time period she’s writing to life and fleshes out characters so real you could touch them. At the end of each novel, I feel like I’ve made new friends and celebrated each high and low with them. I cared deeply about Laurel and her extended family, Willie and his Pa Otto, and Quincy.

Laurel has dreams of becoming someone’s wife and doting on children she could provide the right man, also giving her Mama grandchildren to adore. She’s young and naïve and has been given an unfair missive by her older siblings. Willie is a hard working man taking care of his Pa after he’s struck with a physical ailment that renders him helpless. Taking the security job at the Expo guarantees he can afford the help for his Pa in a convalescence hospital. Quincy was a character that really stood out to me. He faced so much prejudice being a black man and society looking down on him. Treated with indifference and tolerated nowhere, my heart hurt for all he went through. Langdon was a character I didn’t like one bit, he was our “villain” if you will. Rich, spoiled, privileged and looks down on those beneath him in social status. I think every good story needs one of these, and at the end, even he has some redeeming qualities!

In a time of social unrest and unbalance, four lives mesh and mold a story that had me thoroughly hooked! Hot topic areas are covered such as racism, bigotry, social status chasms (rich vs. poor), and slavery. I appreciated Sawyers’ gentle handling of each topic without losing how real those affected each character in times past. I also loved learning about silk production and weaving, a fascinating topic I’d love to delve more into. Oh, and the authors descriptions of the Expo definitely made me wished I could have jumped into the pages and explore for myself. A thoroughly engaging historical that brings to light the struggles of humanity and a gentle love story to stir the heart.

*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via Netgalley and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are my own. *

Sawyer has written a sensitive tale of historical fiction which focuses on captains of industry, weavers, working class, and race in late 1800's America. Typical of her style, the characters are gentle, and faith-filled who respond in ways that the lesser of us wish we could. Or at least hope we would--given second chances. The main character is Laurel and we follow her through some hopes and unlikely decisions, especially for the setting of Atlanta. The matters of character, resiliency, and love play out in domestic scenes and during the Cotton States and International Exposition. Through a tense legal issue, and bi-racial romance, the story surprises and uplifts the human spirit. Reading Sawyer is always tender in some way, and this book keeps the tradition alive.

3.5

This was an enjoyable story about family, finding love, and God. It also deals a bit with prejudices after the Civil War. It shows how both sides had issues that were painful for them, and how God's healing hand can help. It also showed two different father and son relationships. I liked the character growth. There was a lot of it.

What made this book a bit difficult was the way speaking was written for the Quincy and his family. I had trouble reading it, and would have preferred a little less linguistically spellings..

The other drawback was the romance. The bulk of it is with a man who doesn't suit Laurel. I do appreciate the happy ending though. The ending was as it should.

I received an ARC, and would read this author again.

A Silken Thread, by Kim Vogel Sawyer, was a very powerful story of friendship, society status, racial issues, the Cotton Exposition and the part it played in American history.
The story centers around Laurel, the main protagonist, and her commitment to her care for her mother. Laurel secures a job at the Cotton Exposition where she meets Willie Sharp, a factory worker, who is caring for his sick father. Willie's best friend is Quincy, who is a black man and a victim of racist bullies. Langdon Rochester completes the group. He is the sly son of a weathy businessman. He has no real desire to work, but to appease his parents, he tries to show interest in the exposition, then decides to court Laurel to fullfill an ultimatum given by his mother.
The setting of the Cotton Exposition is where most of the novel plays out. The historical facts greatly added to the story and brought an added richness to it. This is a book laced with mystery, jealousy, and revenge plus romance. I really enjoyed!

Kim Vogel Sawyer’s latest historical novel takes place in 1895 in Atlanta, Georgia, where feelings of racism and classism still run rampant following the War Between the States. Four young people’s lives intertwine during their time at the Atlanta Exposition and their experiences have a huge effect on each of their lives. This was a novel that really made you think about what society was like during the late 1800s and how it relates to the issues of race that are still relevant in today’s society. This was an enjoyable book. I recommend it to fans of historical fiction.

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

A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer is an interesting historical read. Laurel is the youngest of her siblings and has been told that she is responsible for taking care of their mother. I am assuming this is not a series since her siblings are not portrayed in a good light so we would not be interested in reading about any of them.
Laurel gets a job at the Atlanta Exposition operating the silk loom. I enjoyed how the family visited her and the exposition. Getting to know her stern boss and her background was intriguing.
Laurel has caught the eye of Langdon. He is a spoiled selfish son of the factory owner. His dad has given him the ultimatum to grow up which includes finding a wife and starting a family. He is not a likeable character. You don’t feel any sweet romantic feelings between them even though the majority of the book is him courting her.
A very touching story is Willie. Willie takes care of his dad who has had what appears to be a stroke. He has a best friend that is a black man. Willie’s story showed up the love of a neighborhood that helped him. In addition, it provided a glimpse into friendships of interracial nature.
I recommend A Silken Thread if you enjoy a thought provoking historical story.

Classic Kim Vogel Sawyer...Her writing is timeless. Her characterization is superb. This story is an absolute joy to read and savor. Experience it yourself. You won't be sorry.

I enjoyed this lovely book by Kim Vogel Sawyer, A Silken Thread. It takes place during the International Cotton Exposition in Atlanta Georgia in 1881. Rich is history and details of how people lived during this time, where there is still unrest after the Civil War between races and classes of people.

Laurel, who is the youngest child in the family at 18 years of age, is told by her siblings that she has to take care of and live with their widowed mother. But she has dreams too. She takes a job the the Exposition in the Silk room as a weaver, where she hopes to meet a rich man. Langdon is the rich man she meets. He has been told to marry or lose his inheritance. Willie, a factory worker takes a job as a security guard because he needs the money to take care of his father who has suffered from an illness and needs convalescence care. Lifestyles differences, accusations and learning to put your trust in God. Ms. Sawyer's books are a joy to read.

I received this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

This book was really hard to love. The writing was good and the characters were nice. It was just hard to get super attached to all four characters. The story itself felt to start slow but it did increase. This book would be great for those who enjoy different perspectives.