Sarah Loudin Thomas

These Tangled Threads, by Sarah Loudin Thomas, is a very interesting Christian historical story that focuses on the craft of fabric weaving and the weavers that make the fabric. I enjoyed reading this story and tried to imagine how the thread could make up the designs within the fabrics. This is a well written story with interesting characters. However, I did struggle in the beginning with how the story changed from one date to another, but quickly adjusted and enjoyed the story a lot. Not only do we read of the art of fabric weaving, the story touches on wood working.

There are points in the story that touched on sensitive topics such as child neglect, family issues, prostitution, and alcoholism. I appreciate how the author has included these topic in the story to show the strength the characters have and why they do some of the things they do. I so appreciate the way Gentry thought of her music helping the women where she played. I appreciate how the story also focuses on how Gentry and her mother were separated and how Gentry parted with the one thing she had left of her mother’s to find her. This is just a really good story to read.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.… (plus d'informations)

Biltmore Industries and the Biltmore Estate are the backgrounds for this story which takes place in Asheville, North Carolina during a nine-year span in the early 1900s. Author Sarah Loudin Thomas weaves the themes of friendship, second chances, and forgiveness into a mesmerizing tale that hints at the tangles that can be created by doubts, secrecy, and guilt.

I enjoyed the peek inside the lives of the Vanderbilts and their employees, and I loved learning about the anticipation of Cornelia Vanderbilt's wedding, but my heart was captured by the romance that blossomed between Lorna and Arthur. Fallible but endearing characters, a beautiful setting with both a mansion and the Blue Ridge Mountains, and a captivating story of love and redemption made this a book that I couldn't put down. I recommend These Tangled Threads to all who enjoy historical fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.… (plus d'informations)

Like a handwoven fabric, the story in These Tangled Threads took time to form and held complexity. I confess, Gentry’s attitudes and Lorna’s actions early on made it difficult for me to like them and be invested in their narratives. The time jumps and character switches also added to my disconnect. However, my admiration of Sarah Loudin Thomas’ prior novels compelled me to continue reading. Within the pages, I found well-crafted prose and pleasing depth as the story explored guilt, shame, alcohol addiction, and family dysfunction. These hard topics were offset by kindness, faith, forgiveness, and generosity which added a heartwarming feel.

Since reading These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas, I’ve started examining cloth – skirts, blankets, scarves, etc – trying to determine the warp and the weft. Early on, the author introduced the process of handweaving cloth, an essential element of the story. With so many terms and steps, I found it necessary to watch a video to understand the procedure; however, learning about this subject fascinated me and it was my main takeaway from the novel. Although These Tangled Threads is not my favorite book by Sarah Loudin Thomas, I’ll continue reading her books.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.… (plus d'informations)

Lies, betrayal, abandonment, hope, love, and redemption all come together to weave a beautiful story in These Tangled Threads. This book was so creatively written. Three different characters spanning a period of seven to eight years tell their stories after being rescued by the Vanderbilts to work as artisans in the Biltmore Industries.

Lorna Blankenship’s a brilliant weaver commissioned to create an original design for heiress Cornelia Vanderbilt’s 1924 wedding. Unfortunately, Lorna’s run out of ideas. She hunts high and low for the talented weaver whose designs once helped her before. Lorna’s burned some bridges though and must now untangle the mess she’s made in order to find the artisan she desperately needs. Along the way, she rekindles old relationships and gets a second chance at love.

We first meet Arthur as an eight year old boy when Mr. Vanderbilt notices his wood carving talents. He soon becomes a renowned artisan. His clubfoot challenges his perception of himself, but despite his deformity, he works hard and is always willing to help, sometimes to his own detriment. He has his own entanglements with unrequited love & caring for a troubled, newly discovered brother.

In 1915, young Gentry becomes Lorna’s apprentice. Gentry’s talent for music doesn’t necessarily translate into weaving and she & Lorna frequently clash. However, Gentry holds a prized possession Lorna desperately needs. When Gentry disappears seeking her long lost mother, her knowledge goes with her. Now in 1923, Lorna must find Gentry who holds the key to her success.

This book can be challenging to decipher at first. The author weaves several timelines and stories together at the same time. The narrative often jumps from one time and character to another in anything but a chronological order. As all the threads come together, like any beautiful tapestry, things start to make sense and the full picture emerges. I loved the way everything came full circle.

The characters are endearingly flawed. It took some time for me to like Lorna. She has a lot of growing to do, but with each chapter, my compassion for her grew. Gentry’s a whirlwind with her own sorrows and talents. I enjoyed the way things worked out for her. Arthur was my favorite character with his kind, gentle demeanor. The side characters are memorable too and I absolutely loved the setting.

Recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of romance and faith. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher through AustenProse PR. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.… (plus d'informations)