OOF. A SILKEN THREAD WAS SUCH A MENTAL ROLLERCOASTER TO READ. (in a good way)

Like, wow. This was the first book I've ever read by Kim Vogel Sawyer, and I was not expecting it to be so riveting and touching. A Silken Thread is based on the cotton exposition in the 1800's in Atlanta. The main character's name is Laurel Millard, and she goes to the exposition in hopes of finding a suitor. Sounds boring / fluffy, right? Well, that was what I was expecting.

No, it's much more than that. This book has it all- forgiveness, light, redemption- it even touches [a good amount] on racism and the problems behind it. It was very enlightening seeing what racism is like from an African American's point of view, and I think Ms. Sawyer handled it (being a touchier subject) so, so well. I'm not one to get weepy or teary over a book at all, yet A Silken Thread touched me to the core. 5 stars.

*FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.*

Wonderful book! I really enjoyed how the book was told by 4 main characters. I feel that it gave me insight on each character. I didn’t like Langdon but by the end of the book I was more understanding and felt sorry for him. The book is about the International Exposition, I loved learning about how the silk was made and about the weaving of it. The story also wove segregation and prejudice of the time of 1895 throughout. I was so sad to see how the times were during the segregation, the author did such a beautiful job of showing friendship and really brothership between to friends of different color and how their bond was strengthened during this time. The coming of age of Laurel and making God honoring choices for her life kept me on edge. This book will be a long time favorite of mine, it just sticks with you and gives you that all over good feeling about life, God and relationships.

Kim Vogel Sawyer bravely addresses prejudice behaviors between whites and blacks @ the end of the 1800s in this sweet, well-written romance novel. This book was difficult to put down as it also addressed the issue of caring for aging parents, friendships among blacks and whites, and prejudices among people of different financial "classes" in society. Many issues addressed in a gentle, Godly manner in the middle of a story that kept my rapt attention. Fantastic read! I've read many of Kim Vogel Sawyer's books, but I think this one is the best so far (& I've liked them all!)

Kim Vogel Sawyer is one of my favorite authors, she knows how to write a good story. This is no exception. She does her research and is not afraid to tackle sensitive issues. This srory deals with race, black vs white, rich vs poor, right vs wrong. There are many lessons to be learned for those open to it. Our fractured world needs more of this kind of stories. I recomend this book.

A Silken Thread
By Kim Vogel Sawyer
Set in 1895 Georgia this book follows four individuals as they interact during the Atlanta exhibition. Race, class, faith, and romance are all intertwined to create an intriguing glimpse of time past. I enjoyed all the characters in this book. When reading any book I look for encouragement and words of wisdom for my own life. Although fiction, I was happy to find areas in this book to highlight and think about for growth personally.
One thing that was disappointing is the ending. Although it ended well, the characters relationship felt a bit rushed and abrupt. Things felt a little fast paced for the time period and from references noted earlier in the book.
Overall this was an enjoyable book to read. I would definitely recommend this to those seeking a clean historical romance.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review from NetGalley.

I was a bit put off by the heroine in this book. Perhaps it is because of my own context--my husband and I happily opening up our home and moving in my mother-in-law so we can care for her while her mind fades away with dementia.

I may try again but I couldn't get past the first chapters because I was so disappointed with the heroine. Granted, I didn't like her siblings, either, but I was very bothered by her bitterness and begrudging in their expectation that she care for her mother. I wanted her to have a compassionate heart and love for her mother without the sibling's guilt trip.

I'm a huge fan of Kim Vogel Sawyer, but this one fell flat for me.

I love historical fiction, especially stories that are told from multiple viewpoints and that take place in the South during the turn of the century. A Silken Thread hits all those points.

A Silken Thread focuses on Laurel Millard, a young woman who’s eager to fall in love and start a family, but her older siblings insist that she forego her own dreams in order to take care of her mother. She takes a job operating a silk loom at the Atlanta Exposition hoping that she might meet a man wealthy enough to take care of both her and her mother.

Brendan Rochester’s parents have given him an ultimatum: settle down with a wife or lose his family inheritance. He agrees to work at the Exposition in order to meet a young woman who will satisfy his parents, look lovely on his arm, and overlook his rowdy adventures. He meets Laurel and decides to woo her.

Willie Sharp needs extra money to provide care for his invalid father. He takes on an extra job a the Exposition as a security guard. He and Laurel spend a lot of time together, but she only has eyes for Brendan.

In addition to the romantic storyline, A Silken Thread also addresses race issues and the importance of living an honorable life.

This book hooked me in from the beginning and held me through the end. Literally, I couldn’t stop reading it. Kim Vogel Sawyer did an excellent job of telling a story that’s set in another time period but is every bit as relevant in today’s society. She seamlessly interwove the historical details into a timeless story.

Thanks to WaterBrook & Multnomah, I was able to preview this book on NetGallery. A Silken Thread releases April 2019, so make a note to be on the lookout for it. You’ll be glad you did!

In 1895 the Cotton States and International Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia gave locals an opportunity to earn excellent wages for the three month duration of the exposition.

Willie Sharp needs money to get his Pa go to a convalescent home, his best friend Quincy Tate wanted a chance to be somebody.
Laurel dreamed of adventure and meeting Prince Charming.
Langdon needed a wife so he could get his inheritance and maintain his lifestyle.
They all learned valuable lessons from unexpected experiences.

The quote that stood out most to me came from Miss Eloise Warner,“I suppose it happened, Laurel, because some people don’t see the beauty of a thing. They only see a threat. And in their ignorance, they seek to destroy it.” Over one hundred years later it could still be said.

This was a very well written book with good morale lessons woven throughout.

I received an ARC of this book Waterbrook & Multnomah through NetGalley.

As always Kim has written another wonderful book! I'm always looking forward to seeing what she comes out with next!
I did learn something new about the cotton exposition since I didn't know it even existed. This is why I love historical fiction because I'm always learning something new.
I hated to see this story end.
Laurel is such a delight! I enjoyed her immensely! Her character is a strong in Faith and I love her personality!
I did hate how her brother and sisters treated her. I think everyone should take care of each other. I didn't like how the older brother thought he was better than everyone else.
I couldn't imagine having that many kids but I can relate to that because my dad came from a large family.
Willie was pretty special in my book.
I loved Willie. I loved that he stood up for what he believed in
It reminds of me of Aaron Tipons song you've got to stand up for what you believe in and not fall for anything else.
I guess I'm lucky not to be part of the rich society. I'd be a very unhappy person. I wouldn't fit in because of my beliefs.
I wish everyone would just get along.
It is what Jesus wants us to do.
I enjoyed this book to the fullest and I am grateful for Netgalley for allowing me to read an early copy.
All opinions are my own and no compensations were received

This book will hook you on the first page and not let go. If you are a fan of historical christian fiction you will love this book. It is very well written and researched. Kim Vogel Sawyer's writing makes you feel like you are there. You feel all the emotions of the people. I highly recommend this book. Thank you WaterBrook & Multomah via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

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.

A silken thread was a very good read from Kim Vogel sawyer. This book was based around the cotton exposition in Atlanta in the 1800’s. It is a story of a young Christian woman and her path to find the right suitor during work she was doing at the exposition.

I am fairly new to historical fiction and this is the first book I have read from this time period. I found the era and the story very interesting. I would love to read more books like this and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a book that can draw you in and keep you interested.

I am grateful for the opportunity to read and review this book. I received an electronic copy of this book from netgalley. The review is my honest opinion.

An engaging story from start to finish! Set in 1895, Atlanta, Georgia during the Cotton States and International Exposition. Told from the perspective of four young people who cross paths during the Exposition, and whose lives are changed as a result.

This well written story pulled me in from the beginning and held my interest as the characters' conflicts grew and came together. An important theme of the story involved prejudice, and bigotry, a sad element in our society still around today. A good reminder to not judge people by what they look like, how they speak, where they live, or what they own. The importance of prayer and seeking God's will in making life decisions was underlined in Laurel's character especially. I enjoyed the comraderie between Willie and Quincy, and was heartbroken when it fractured. Learning to control one's temper when wronged, and not being 'owned' by it was a good lesson too. Have to say my favorite character was Willie, with his determination to help his father, strong work ethic, faith, humility, and most of all, his integrity. What a great guy. *sigh*

Highly recommend this book to Christian historical fiction fans!

A SILKEN THREAD by KIM VOGEL SAWYER takes place in 1895, with the story largely revolving around the Atlanta Exposition. The fact that whites and blacks were working together to make the Exposition a success, did not mean that there wasn't still a huge rift between the races. That was not all, there was also heavy class distinction amongst the whites. Those who didn't keep to society's rules about what was acceptable stood the risk of being harshly treated.
It is a lovely story, with memorable characters and a good Christian message.
We come across Laurel Millard, the youngest child In a large family, who is expected by her siblings to remain single and spend her life looking after her mother, Willie Sharp who is devoted to his ailing father, Langdon Rochester who feels superior because of his father's position and wealth, and Quincy Tate who has a problem with anger, all of whom are employed at the Exposition in various positions. As the characters interact and rub off on one another we are reminded of the fact that we are all important to the Lord and that we ought not to judge one another by outward appearance.
I was given a free copy of the book by Waterbrook & Multnomah from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I received this book as an advanced readers copy due to the love of the historical fiction vintage era romantic, dramatic stories our patrons love and look for everyday at the library. This was such a treat to get the opportunity to review because from beginning to end this book really touches the heart.

A Silken Thread tells the story of Laurel Millard who was raised by her brothers and sisters due to her mother being very ill. Laurel very badly is destined to have a family of her own and wants to settle down real badly. She meets Brendan and Willie two men that could not be very different and she is fond of both but Willie does not come from much and his feelings grow deeper with Laurel every time he spends with her. Will he be enough for her and which one will she choose?

I loved this book so much because it reminded me of a long lost Jane Austen novel that was meant to be written. I could not help but to be hooked and there is a new plot in every chapter which made it such an enjoyable read. Our patrons are sure to love this book and that is why we are proud to give this book 5 stars!