I reviewed this book for the Historical Novel Society, and per their policy, I cannot post it until it is published on their website on the 1st of May. I will update it after that.

I enjoyed this book. I've spent time at Biltmore and envisioned what the community must have been like when the house was being built. This book brought that to life in a beautiful way. Highly recommend!

These Tangled Threads is a beautiful story with themes of redemption woven throughout.

This historical fiction novel is set between 1915 and 1924 and is told through three different perspectives and timelines. It’s initially a bit hard to keep track of. However, once you get everyone sorted, the multiple POVs and timelines really do enrich the story. I loved Arthur, and I really liked Lorna and Gentry by the end. Lorna and Gentry aren’t quite as loveable initially, but they both grew on me more and more as the story unfolded.

I love visiting the Biltmore and so fiction set at the Biltmore is always a treat. I loved the role that Cornelia Vanderbuilt’s 1924 wedding played in the story, and the author did a wonderful job writing the setting. I’ve never thought much about weaving, but am now so interested in it and the history of different cloth and patterns!

If you’re looking for a clean historical fiction with a beautiful setting and wholesome themes, I would highly recommend this one!

These Tangled Threads
by Sarah Loudin Thomas
Pub Date: April 2, 2024
Bethany
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
In this seamlessly woven historical tale, award-winning Appalachian author Sarah Loudin Thomas delivers a poignant novel of friendship, artistry, restoration, and second chances.
If you are a lover of Historical Fiction I recommend this book to you.
These Tangled Threads focuses on the industries of Biltmore--specifically the weaving community of the Biltmore. I didn't even know they had one. There are three characters in the book: Gentry--an orphaned teenager, Lorna--an early 20s master weaver, and the woodcutter that I cannot remember the name of. LOL. Each of the characters had flaws that rubbed me the wrong way.
I loved the way this story came together and the POV is outstanding as soon as I understood the flow of the characters.
5 stars

These Tangled Threads follows the stories of Lorna, Arthur, and Gentry who develop a friendship while working near the Biltmore Estate. A betrayal separates the friends and sends them on their own journeys to find hope and redemption.

I loved the settings of this book so much! I’m a West Virginia girl, so I always appreciate little snapshots of my state in books. (The characters take a few trips to WV throughout the book.) Learning more about Biltmore Estate in NC also added a lot to the book for me.

Although there were some heartbreaking tragedies for each of the characters, I appreciated their resilient hope.

I have always enjoyed Sarah Loudin Thomas' Appalachian inspired novels. These Tangled Threads is no different. I loved getting to know the main characters, seeing the author's vision with the history of the place I have dreamed of visiting one day, and story of hope, redemption and faith. I thought it was a great read. Five star.s

These Tangled Threads was such a fun read. It told the delightful story of several characters but especially two, Arthur & Lorna. Their story is one of my forgiveness and redemption. It is not a fast paced novel, but Thomas' story leaves you eager to know what what happens next. I was drawn to the book because of the Biltmore storyline but the novel did not disappoint! I look forward to reading another by her!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

The story was about self discovery, forgiveness, and love.

I enjoyed the descriptions of landmarks from the past. The shifting points of view and the references to events of the time period

The story was fast moving and a relatively easy read once I sorted everything out I my mind.

Recommend.

Historically set between 1915 and 1924 in the shadows of Biltmore Estate, These Tangled Threads is told through three different POVs and timelines that at first were confusing, but once I connected each character to their own timeline, the story flowed seamlessly and came together nicely at the end.

And though I enjoyed the rich themes of friendship, grace, forgiveness, and love, I most enjoyed and appreciated the author’s attention to detail and captivating descriptions that made me feel present in the story—as if I, too, were looking out the window at the Blue Ridge Mountains, walking along Approach Road, and mesmerized by the sheer beauty and ornateness of a master weaver’s fabric.

Star Rating: 4.25

Thank you, NetGalley and Bethany House, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

These Tangled Threads – Sarah Loudin Thomas
Sarah L Thomas is a talented at creating complex characters that are both flawed, and relatable. This story is based on a history that I had never read about. Years ago I visited the Biltmore Estate in Ashville, NC. I saw the spectacular massive house, but I knew little about the connection between the ordinary NC hill people and the artisan industry that grew out of the extraordinary estate. The story dealt more with the local people, their talents, their personalities and their need for family connections. Today we have so many ways to stay connected with family. During that time there was a lack of means of staying connected with families who left their homes for various reasons. This novel deals well with reconnecting, forgiveness and weaving the threads of our lives into beauty from ashes. I enjoyed learning about the weavers and woodworkers that apparently are still connected to this area. Now I want to go visit the Grove Park Inn. I love long detailed author’s notes at the end of a story. My only disappointment was there were no notes, explaining where history and imagination meet. But it was a lovely story.

This evocative tale set against the majestic backdrop of the Biltmore Estate weaves together themes of friendship, redemption, and the power of second chances. Through master weaver Lorna Blankenship's journey to create a design for Cornelia Vanderbilt's wedding, readers are drawn into a narrative rich with hidden betrayals, lost connections, and the healing power of confronting the past. As Lorna seeks out the mysterious artisan who could save her, she must also confront the relationships she left behind in shame. With meticulous attention to historical detail and deeply drawn characters, this novel captivates not only with its fascinating history but also with its poignant exploration of love, forgiveness, and the pursuit of one's true self. Ann H. Gabhart aptly sums it up: "The history is fascinating, but the characters and the challenges they face are what make this story one to remember."

Story about a weaver in 1920s working for Biltmore Industries in the 1920s, her young apprentice and a wood worker she becomes involved in. I didn't know about Biltmore Industries, so I hope the author includes a historical note in the finished book. The shifting time frames were a little hard to keep track of, but fit well with the themes of tapestry and weaving.

THESE TANGLED THREADS by SARAH LOUDIN THOMAS is a well written novel which takes place between 1897 and 1924 in Asheville, North Carolina. The way the author moves from one timeline to another is cleverly done, as it underlines the tangled threads between the three main characters, Lorna, Arthur and Gentry. As we see the secrets their lives hold and how they are woven together, the theme of weaving and making something beautiful of their broken lives is very real…..
It is a story about unconditional love, family connections and the importance of forgiveness and walking in truth. I particularly like the way the author describes the characters’ emotions and longings, making them very real to us.
I was givenf a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I was pleased to hear that the Vanderbilts are mentioned in this story and I did love the description of their mansion. It made me feel like I was actually there.
I'm wondering if these are the same Vanderbilts that are related to Titanic? That would be interesting in itself. They're an interesting family.
I also loved the description of weaving. I felt like I learned a lot.
This novel does have 3 different timelines in it and can be considered confusing. It was to me at first.
But I did admire how the author weave all of them together. It worked lretty well.
I love Thomas's works. I ways look forward to seeing what she writes about next so this one was no exception.
I did feel sorry for Gentry. Her story intrigued me the most.
Lorna is quite the teacher however. Even I wanted to try weaving myself. She made it look so easy!
I did enjoy the story after about 50% in.
Don't give up! You will be glad you didn't!.
I gave this story 5 stars for a well written story. I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I chose These Tangled Treads because of the cover, title, and the fact it is a Biltmore book. I love everything related to Biltmore ever since I first visited the mansion. It captivated me in the opulence and stories of the family.

These Tangled Threads focuses on the industries of Biltmore--specifically the weaving community of the Biltmore. I didn't even know they had one. LOL. There are three characters in the book: Gentry--an orphaned teenager, Lorna--an early 20s master weaver, and the woodcutter that I cannot remember the name of. LOL. Each of the characters had flaws that rubbed me the wrong way.

Gentry--was like a spoiled girl who thought she knew everything and just wanted the big red EASY button.

Lorna--oy what a drama queen. Everything had to be about her. She had to succeed no matter what. She even got angry when she confessed her guilt and it didn't really matter. She has to be in control. She has to be the best.

Woodcutter--I wish I remembered his name. LOL. He was super self-conscious and self-deprecating to annoyance. But he also cared immensely for people.

The Vanderbilt family was in the book--but more like figures that floated in and out. Cornelia was probably the one in it the most.

My favorite character was actually Vivian. She represented forgiveness and peace.

The faith story wasn't strong for a Christian fiction. But it was a message of restoration. It was clean. It was interesting.

4 Stars
*I received a complimentary ARC from the publishers and NetGAlley. I wasn't required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own.

"Lorna supposed her life had been in ruins ever since she lost them with no hope of ever being a family again. She just hadn't known it before. And now that she did, the only thing she could think of worth doing was gathering the threads of someone else's family, so it could be woven together again."

Set against a backdrop of Biltmore House during its glory period of the teens and twenties, this book follows Lorna, Gentry, and Arthur through struggles, loss, and a weaving together the tangled threads of life to make something new, flawed, and beautiful. The story is told from multiple viewpoints and multiple time periods, which makes it difficult to follow at first, but once you get a handle on it, it's very easy to hear the character's voice. Many historic events are woven into the plot, and there are themes of confronting the past and facing the future. A great clean read for fans of historic fiction!

A complex storyline that jumped back and forth, initially hard to follow, but eventually I got into this back and forth in time. A great reminder of the importance of open honesty and natural consequences to decisions taken.

THESE TANGLED THREADS is an engaging story replete with vivid historical detail and a supremely entertaining storyline involving a mysterious weaver.

The time period (1916, 1924) and setting (western NC) are vividly conveyed. The author switches timelines so that the reader needs to pay attention - but will be rewarded.

The theme of confronting past mistakes and shame shines through brightly.

Highly recommended for fans of clean historical fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance e-galley; all opinions in this review are completely my own.

"These Tangled Threads" is a historical set between 1916 and 1924 in North Carolina. The action switched between three main timelines (start, middle, end) with events being referred to in the later timelines that hadn't yet happened. It got a little confusing to keep track of what had happened in each timeline, and I think I would have enjoyed the story more if it'd just happened in order. The main characters were realistically complex with reactions based on their upbringing and tragedies in their past.

Lorna's a drama queen. It's all about her. For example, it didn't matter that two people were finally reunited and were having a joyous reunion. She wanted them to hear her guilty confession immediately and get angry at her to validate her guilt. Or the wood carver who has long admired her kept trying to compliment her, but all she could hear is that he might know her guilty secret. He's kind-hearted and talented but feels like few women would want him because of his club foot. At least he knows exactly what he's getting when he wants to court Lorna as he's been dealing with her confusing (to him) behavior for years.

The story was based in historical events, like the Biltmore Industries shops, a flood that happened in the area, and Cornelia's wedding. Those historical details were interesting and necessary to the story and so didn't slow the pacing. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical.