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.

Georgia hosts the Cotton Expo in the late 1800s and residents are anxious to get jobs at the Expo. Willie needs the money to pay for rehabilitation hospital services for his father. Laurel Millard takes a job to get out of the house and pursue her own path. Her older siblings tasked her with forever taking care of their widowed mother. Mom, though, encourages Laurel to use her talents at the Expo and pursue her talents. Laurel is hired to work on the silk loom. Willie works as a security guard. Wealthy, young Langdon Rochester is looking for a trophy wife to ensure his inheritance. Laurel catches his eye and we’re off.
Follow the story of Laurel, Willie and Langdon as they consider different ways as they struggle through young adulthood. There’s also an undercurrent of privilege and racial issues in the story.

It’s been quite a while since I read a KVS book, but she quickly reminded me why I like her so much!

The setting is the Atlanta Exposition in 1895, which I loved learning about! I googled several items of interest that I found in the story. I love when that happens and that’s why I enjoy historical fiction so much! A little - or a lot of! -learning in a story setting!

Laurel finds a job weaving silk in the Women's Building, which is not looked upon kindly by many locals who see it as a threat to their local cotton.

Add in Willie, a hard-working young man who desires to earn some extra money at the Exposition for his pa’s medical needs; Langdon, a rich boy who can’t please his father (and rightly so); Quincy, who has to learn that it’s not your outside that gives you respect; and a big, orange tabby (because anyone who knows even a little about KVS - she loves cats)!

This book was a little different - she gently wove in a bit more serious subject than some of her past books: racism. Luke 6:31, “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”

It was a perfect blend of characters and situations. I was both satisfied and challenged by A Silken Thread - and I think you will be, too!

Laurel Millard is the youngest of seven children, her brothers and sisters are married with children of their own. She has been told that she needs to remain at home at look after her Mom. She gets a job at the Atlanta Exposition as a silk loom operator. She meets Langdon Rochester, who is wealthy while working there. This looks like this may be the answer to her prayers, someone who will be able to look after her and her mom. She also meets Willie Sharp there, He is working to help his dad who has suffered a stroke. Laurel has to find out what is important to her.
This was a great read. Kim Vogel Sawyer is always a great author and does not fail to deliver in this book.

A Silken Thread, by Kim Vogel Sawyer, was an engaging book that captured me from the start. I enjoyed not only the story, but also the history and the information included about the International Cotton Expo in Atlanta during the late eighteen hundreds. Sawyer did a great job of including accurate historical information into the story while developing the characters. The story itself is about Laurel, a young girl of eighteen who is ready to find love. However, her older brothers and sisters wish her to stay home and care for their mama, telling her that it is her responsibility as the youngest child. Laurel, however, wants a family of her own. Determined to find a way to help her mother and find her way into her own future, she goes to work at the Expo, while also using her time there to find a husband who can help her provide for her mother. She meets Langdon, a wealthy young man who has been given an ultimatum by his parents: either find a wife and get his life on track or lose his inheritance. Laurel seems to fit the bill exactly. She is pretty, yet naive and he feels like he can manipulate her into becoming who he wants. As Laurel spends time with him, she also gets to know a young man who works at the expo with her, Willie Sharp. Willie has the responsibility of caring for his ailing father and works hard to help pay for his care at a convalescent hospital. While Laurel is spending time with Langdon, Willie watches her and wishes things could be different. When a series of events forces Laurel to look at herself, Willie, and Langdon differently, will she discover what God's plan for her life really is?
I truly enjoyed this story and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance. It will remind you about young love while encouraging you to look heavenly for your next step. I received a free copy of this story from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A very touching story taken place during the 1800's Cotton Exposition in Atlanta. Readers who love historical novels will enjoy this story. It was interesting to note that the cotton workers did not like the silk worm farmers because the trade might hurt the sale of cotton. I liked the descriptions of the the silk worm process and weaving. Social and racial issues of the time period added to the story. Highly recommended!