Kim Vogel Sawyer has become one of my favorite authors! When I see her name I just know it's going to not only be a fantastic story but Kim has a way of bringing her characters to life where your not reading anymore you are living the story of the lives with them. This one is no exception where Laurel's family becomes your family and you are struggling with her on these two men.. Who should she marry and which one will be the right one for not only to help support her own mother but which man will be the better husband and father to her own children? Watch and learn and travel with the decisions that need to be made and which one may be the better choice but which one has she fallen in love with? Fantastic story where you get lost in this world of choices,decisions and they all go out the window for love!!

A Silken Thread, by Kim Vogel Sawyer, set around the 1895 International Cotton Exposition in Atlanta, is an unusually complex story, touching on heavy topics. Two of the topics that Sawyer addresses are class distinction and racism. They richly illustrate what the author said in her forward-that she wanted to show injustices and unfairness of treatment to fellow man based on a different appearance. She covers the issues in a thoughtful, respectful, perceptive and insightful way.

Interwoven throughout the book is love of family, faith and hope. Sawyer uses vivid examples to show how family is important, even at the cost of one’s goals and dreams, and how selfishness can harm.

A Silken Thread is not a book to take lightly, nor read in just a few hours. Though a romance at heart, there is a lot of meaty substance to digest and absorb during and long after reading the story.

I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook Press through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Kim Vogel Sawyer's, "A Silken Thread", is an Engrossing and Inspirational, Historic, Christian Romantic. Suspense.

Laurel's Mom encourages her to apply for a Job as a Silk Weaver, at the Atlanta Exposition.
Laurel gets the Job. She meets both Security Officer, Willie, and Exhibitor, Langdon at her new Job. Both Court her. One is a poor man of Integrity; the other man uses Laurel for his own selfish plans.

Will Laurel choose the man of means, so she can keep living with her Mother and marry? What does her Mom want? Will Laurel seek God's Will? How does God use Laurel's Job, to open her eyes to the man for her?

I Highly Recommend This Great Story! ❤️📖

The story is set when the Civil war has actually ended but the racial issues have not, during 1895 Georgia. The characters within the story were very well developed and gave a fantastic perspective on the trials and tribulations during the time period. The emotions were raw and very real and made the tale one that I could not put down. Kim Vogel Sawyer did an excellent job writing this book from start to finish.

Unfortunately, I wasn't a good fit for this book.
I love historical fiction and the themes in this book were interesting, but somehow I couldn't relate to the characters or get into the story.
From the other reviews I've read on GR, I see a lot of readers who loved this story, and that's why I say I wasn't a good fit for this.

I received a copy from the publisher from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

As someone that loves historical fiction but has never read a Kim Vogel Sawyer novel, "A Silken Thread" is a surprisingly well done story. I found the characters to be well written and the plot to be gripping and interesting. The amount of research that went into this is obvious and appreciated.

"A Silken Thread" presents readers with a glimpse into a piece of history that may not be common knowledge to many readers. The story is told from the viewpoints of several different individuals who work at the Atlanta Exposition. A skilled weaver, Laurel seeks a wealthy husband who can support her mother and herself. Willie wants to earn money to help his dad get back to health. Quincy hopes to find a job that allows him to establish himself in society and perhaps go on with his education. Langdon works at his father's display in the hopes of finding a wife.

As the story unfolds, readers learn more about the exposition itself, as well as the culture and people of the time period in which it is set. Christian beliefs form an integral part of the novel.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

I really liked this book! I had never heard of the exposition that they talked about. in Atlanta. It was interesting to hear about the exposition and what it was about. I also liked that we were told the story through the different characters. It was interesting to see how each act was seen by the different characters and what influenced their views. I thought the book was a wonderful look at a slice of life of that period of time! The only thing I would have changed was to tell us more about the bad guys and what happened to them. Did the characters have trouble with them later?

Title: A Silken Thread
Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer
Genre: Historical, romance, Christian
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Just a few short years after the Civil War, Atlanta is set to host the Atlanta Exposition, which will draw visitors to the city from far and wide. Eighteen-year-old Laurel, the youngest of seven, is expected by her siblings to stay home and take care of their mother. But Laurel dreams of a family of her own and hopes that operating a silk loom at the Exposition will give her the opportunity to meet a man wealthy enough to care for her mother as well.

Brendan Rochester, only son of a very wealthy family, wants to continue his drinking and carousing, but his father has given him an ultimatum: settle down and get married or lose everything. Brendan doesn’t want that. He likes Laurel well enough and her beauty would complement his reputation, so he chooses to pursue her and decides nothing will stand in the way of getting what he wants.

Willie Sharp is poor and caring for his ailing father, so he takes a job as security guard at the Exposition. Willie’s friendship with his best friend—a black man—is normal to him, but results in hatred from others, and when a break-in at the Women’s Building at the Exposition happens, Willie is chosen to be guard there, to keep him away from the others. As he and Laurel become friends, his feelings for her change—but he has nothing to offer her.

I really enjoyed this novel. Although it dealt with subjects that I don’t like—racism, sexism—I think it’s probably an accurate portrayal of life in the late 1800s. I loved how all the characters seemed to learn and grow during the course of the novel, and I found the scenes from the Exposition and the Silk Room to be fascinating. If you’re looking for a sweet, clean read, this one is an excellent choice.

Kim Vogel Sawyer has published over fifty books. A Silken Thread is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of WaterBrook via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)

A Silken Thread, by Kim Vogel Sawyer takes the reader back more than a century where the reader finds that the more things change, the more they stay the same. The situations and character development are perfect and readers can easily find that the circumstances are so relatable that we nearly become a part of the story. Be swept away to Atlanta of long ago where you will find yourself cheering for Laurel to select the love interest that will give her the best chance at a future filled with hope and love. I highly recommend this book.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

I love historical fiction and I genuinely thought that this would be a great book. I have really enjoyed Kim Vogel Sawyer's books, but this one I have had a really hard time reading. I can't seem to be connected to the storyline or the characters. I couldn't get very far before I quit reading. Thank you for the opportunity to try and read this, NetGalley.

Laurel Millard’s older siblings expect her to dedicate her life to taking care of Mama, even though Mama is hardly in her dotage. Laurel dreams of a home and family of her own. Mama wants that for her too, and believes if Laurel gets a job at the 1895 Atlanta Cotton Exhibition coming to Atlanta, Laurel will find someone to love.
Willi Sharp and his pa aren’t well off, but they have another kind of wealth―the esteem of their boss, Mr. Rochester of Rochester Steam Engine Co. Mr. Rochester gives Willi leave to work at the exhibition, where he will earn a higher wage that will enable Pa to go to a convalescent hospital to recover from a stroke.
Mr. Rochester gives his son Langdon an ultimatum. Get married and provide his mother with a grandchild. He allows Langdon to join their staff at their booth at the exhibition, but as usual, Langdon spends most of his time goofing off. He prefers to play cards with his friends.
Langdon decides Laurel will make the perfect wife: pretty and malleable. He turns on the charm and makes her believe he’s interested. For her part, she sees a wealthy man who can afford to provide a comfortable home for Mama with them.
Racism abounds, and Willi’s best friend, a black man named Quincy, feels the sting of it. Laurel meets them and, for the first time, begins to comprehend inequality. She admires Willi’s fair play and begins to wonder about Langdon. When trouble strikes the exhibition, everyone’s true colors are revealed.
This will hold your attention.

I will say that I was very disappointed in this book. I have read Kim Vogel Sawyer before and really enjoyed her writing, but this book does not come up to her standards. This book is set after the Civil War, where there is still unrest between the two races. There is an exposition going on, but that civil unrest is there. The country is poor and it is hard to get work. I consider this book as a do not read. In fact, I was unable to finish because I was not enjoying this at all. This will not stop me from reading Kim Vogel Sawyer’s books, though, because I do know she is a good writer.

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?

Award-winning, bestselling author Kim Vogel Sawyer is a wife, mother, gramma, chocolate-lover, cat-petter, and–most importantly–a daughter of the King! With more than 1.5 million books in print in seven different languages, Kim enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Her “gentle stories of hope” are loved by readers and reviewers alike. Kim and her retired military husband, Don, reside on the plains of Kansas, the setting for many of her novels.

A Silken Thread became available for sale April 2, 2019.

I received a complimentary ebook from NetGalley for this review.

I enjoy a good book by this author. She weaves her tales that keeps me intrigued from the first page to the very last sentence. Thank you for allowing me to read.

The setting of this story was very interesting: the exposition. I enjoyed how four POVs covered four different areas of the expo. And I also appreciated the message of this book. I thought that Sawyer handled the issue of racism very delicately and true to history.

Langdon really was a loathsome character, but I liked him. Not as a person, but as in, “She did a good job depicting a bitter, spoiled brat.”

Quincy was a great addition. The conversation he had with his mam about being enslaved was so good! I loved his and Willie’s story.

Willie was a character I cheered on from the beginning. He was too perfect, though. I liked him, but now thinking back, he didn’t have any real flaws.

Laurel was a good depiction of a woman who isn’t that “strong feminine character.” I can’t express how much I appreciated her character—even though she cried an awful lot and was making wishy-washy decisions, I have known girls her personality, and you don’t often see them on the pages of a book. And Laurel’s brother, Eugene! Just have to say my sister-heart loved him!

The romance was very sweet. There was a hint of a love triangle, but not too deep. I can’t go much into the romance part without spoilers, but the story went about how I expected it—particularly with the love triangle. I really appreciated how Sawyer wove seeking God into the romance portion of the books.

I have come to expect Sawyer as an author who packs a good spiritual lesson in her books. In this one, she wove so many threads on the topics of seeking God, anger, bitterness, faithfulness, friendship, racism, honesty, and integrity. There were several really strong Christians and a good emphasis on the church working together and pastoral involvement. So many things spot on.

My personal rating is four stars (maybe 4.5). Some of the story flow was a little bumpy for me and predictable. I did enjoy reading it, but I think it was my writer’s brain that kept me from absolutely raving over the storyline.

*I received this book from NetGalley and happily provided my honest review*

I love historical fiction and I genuinely thought that this would be a really enjoyable quick read. I didn't expect too much but, unfortunately, I wasn't even able to make it past the 15% mark. It was too saccharine for my liking. I greatly appreciate Netgalley providing me with the copy, but I will not be posting publicly about this novel.

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.