I am a huge fan of a fantastic storyline, but what most often really gets me is the writing style. This novel is written in such beautiful lyrical prose that I was immediately captivated by the flow of words and imagery they created. I could feel Gracie's pain and see her past and present as if I were there and that's such a magical feeling. It's why I read. The story itself is incredibly touching and relatable in the way that grief changes us and challenges us to find ourselves in a new way using our past self as a touchstone. Gracie and Beau embark on this journey together and find the intriguing life connections that in the big picture bind us all and in the smaller picture work only for those two.

This is a beautifully written book that explores so much about life and the relationships that make up our time on Earth. There is deep character building that makes the reader very invested in the plot and the outcomes for the characters. I especially enjoyed the interaction with the street musician near the end of the story as the messages resonated with me in particular.

Thank you Net Galley, Christie Havey Smith and Greenleaf Book Group for the opportunity to preview this title. The opinions shared are my own.
Threads of Us is available for purchase.

Christie Havey Smith’s *Threads of Us* is a beautifully woven narrative that explores the intricate ties of family, memory, and identity. With its evocative prose and layered storytelling, the novel invites readers to reflect on the connections that shape who we are and the resilience that carries us through life’s challenges. This is a story as much about unraveling the past as it is about stitching together a future.

At the center of the novel is a dual narrative: one following a present-day protagonist seeking clarity amidst personal turmoil, and the other delving into a poignant family history that spans generations. Smith masterfully intertwines these threads, creating a tapestry of moments that feel both deeply personal and universally resonant. As secrets unfold and truths come to light, the characters grapple with questions of legacy, belonging, and the power of shared stories.

Smith’s characters are richly drawn, each with their own blend of strengths, flaws, and deeply human struggles. The protagonist’s journey is one of self-discovery, yet it is the echoes of the past—voices from old letters, family lore, and ancestral decisions—that give her quest its depth. The secondary characters, from family members to fleeting acquaintances, are equally vibrant, making the world of *Threads of Us* feel alive and textured.

The prose is lyrical yet grounded, striking a balance between poetic reflection and raw emotional honesty. Smith’s descriptions are vivid, immersing the reader in both the lush settings of the past and the protagonist’s present-day reality. Whether capturing the bittersweet nostalgia of an old photograph or the visceral pull of a long-lost connection, the writing has a way of settling into your heart.

What sets *Threads of Us* apart is its exploration of how our stories—those we inherit and those we create—shape our sense of self. The novel doesn’t shy away from the complexities of family relationships or the weight of generational expectations. Instead, it offers a compassionate lens, reminding us that even in the frayed edges of our histories, there is beauty and strength to be found.

The pacing of the novel is thoughtful, giving readers the space to absorb its emotional depth while maintaining a steady sense of momentum. As the two narratives converge, the revelations feel earned and impactful, creating a sense of closure that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.

*Threads of Us* is a heartfelt, reflective novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever grappled with their roots or sought to understand the legacy of those who came before them. Christie Havey Smith has created a story that feels timeless, offering both a comforting embrace and a gentle nudge toward self-discovery. Perfect for fans of multi-generational narratives and introspective fiction, this is a book that lingers long after the final page—a testament to the enduring power of our shared stories.

This was such a lovely and wholesome story that really warmed my heart. I loved how the stories intertwined and became part of one bigger story. I really enjoyed the relationships in the book and the self discovery of Gracie. The romance side of things I felt was rushed quite a bit and I didn’t really feel there was much need for it as the story was so beautiful by itself. It felt so poetic and by the end the book felt like a warm hug.

I was always eager to get back to reading Threads of Us, because the two main characters were well written and drew me in. The author was able to work that special magic of making me feel emotionally connected very early in the book. I did find sections related to what was discovered in Canada more difficult to buy into, but that’ may just be my personal preferences.
This was my first book by the author, and I look forward to exploring more of the author’s work.

This book was absolutely beautiful, is not an easy one I will say it talks about loss and grieving and that aren't soft subjects so I can understand if some people aren't comfortable with that but Gracie and Griffin story was really beautiful
A book to make you help clean your soul

Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARCs to me💖

A beautifully heartbreaking story about finding yourself and true love by facing your greatest demons.

This story is not focusing on the romance. Romance does underlines throughout the story and united the two main characters at the end. But this is truly a story full of life lessons, of finding love and learning how to love anyone, even those ones you can't imagine in the first place. This is a story of learning how to love imperfections, failure, dispappointments... This story shows that you can embrace pain, anger, loss, and yet still have the power to survive. We learn that from the story of Gracie and Griffin, and people around them intertwined through some kind of "magical threads" that bind them.

There are four pov in this novel, two main characters and two supporting characters. The supporting characters' pov are not overwhelming to the point where they take over the story, but complementing each other perfectly and making the story more wholesome.

This story also use an Inuit folklore about the story of red-winged blackbird, "the fox runs from the amarok", as the base of which the story was developed. I can't comment more on the inuit folklore that is incorporated in this novel, as I'm not a native american. While I can't find this specific folklore online, so an input from native american people would be appreciated.

I love this story as a whole and as a reminder to myself that failure is a part of life. Though I recommend for the publisher and the author to include a list of content warning because it has a grief, sexual harassment, attempted rape and mental health struggle scenes.

We might not get everything that we want the way we want it, because the Universe has better plans for us. Despite the lessons that I've learned from this story being the bigger person, I can't let go of this one: i still need Gracie's ex to be punished for his misdeeds. I still need that satisfaction of watching him suffer😭✌🏻

5/5

Gracie Wilder has never been very close with her father. However, following the biggest performance of her ballet career, she learns he has unexpectedly died...and left clues of a mysterious letter he had written out for her prior to his demise. This missing letter, in which he cataloged things he always meant to tell her but never did, leads her on an unexpected journey of discovery, family, new beginnings, and love.

I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did; it is a piece of art! It is an absolutely beautifully written literary fiction piece that includes a subplot of romance and so so much more. It is told from a few different perspectives, and I think this choice was pivotal to the depth of understanding the reader gets of each character AND the connections they share. The title "Threads of Us" is so fitting and all-encompassing of this novel. Each character is interwoven with the next, and it is so cool to see the way their lives fit together. Gracie feels stuck, unsure of what comes next for her. In a strange way, the untimely death of her father awakens her to the people around her and the people she's missed out on. The relationships she develops with Eloise and Celina are so beautiful and healing for her. The chapters written from Eloise's perspective were some of my favorites and were so thoughtful. Beau Griffin has his own pains: his struggles with his family, past relationship, and with the Fidelis and the accident. The adventure they take together is one of epic proportions and provides healing to each of their respective struggles. The ending was so perfect for both of them, and I loved seeing how everything tied up. I would highly highly recommend this book and am so impressed by it being this author's debut novel!! Can't wait to see what else she comes out with!

Thank you NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for this eARC, all opinions are my own.

This one had me feeling. It deals with all types of relationships, second chances and forgiving oneself.

It does deal with the death of a parent which hits close to home as both of mine have major health issues.

Grace and Griffin are an unlikely pair but intersect and help each other through a period of introspection.

It’s beautifully written and an engrossing read. From heartbreaking grief to heartwarming moments, I liked Gracie’s story.

“And the thread?”

“I’m just connecting the dots… how one thing leads to another.”⁣
⁣
Did you ever wonder if there are these invisible threads, connecting all of us to everything, leading one thing to another, keeping everything together? One length of thread at a time? These are the threads that weave together Threads of Us, an intricate story of mystery, grief, self-discovery, and connections. ⁣
⁣
When Gracie Wilder’s father unexpectedly dies, he leaves a curious and puzzling gift that leads to even more unexpected things. A journey back in time and place, a new, yet familiar friend, changes, discoveries, and healing. Its threads weave together sadness and grief, but seamlessly and delicately unravel to reveal hope and joy in the most unpredictable and wonderful ways.⁣
⁣
This book felt like watching one of those movies you can’t look away from. It pulls you in and entrances you with every turn, and feels like a bit of magic is being revealed before your very eyes - as each secret is brought to light, through every invisible thread.

Gracie is a dancer. She has a huge performance coming soon. Her dad passes away the night before this big performance and he leaves her a gift. She is having a hard time understanding what this gift means. She is trying to remember her childhood so she can fit the pieces together.

I enjoyed the mystery that slowly unfolded. This kept the story moving for me…along with all the emotions.

Not only are emotions and grief a big part of this tale, but the characters are so diverse. Their interactions will keep you locked in!

Need a story of love, loss and overcoming…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

There's a mystery, romance, loss and a bit of angst in this book. I loved it! The author captured authentic traits in her characters which helped me relate to them, especially as the book progressed and we learn more of each backstory.

I especially liked the ending - it wrapped up with a great twist to the story and made me feel like the story was complete. The part with Gracie's eulogy for her Father was unexpected and all made sense as things wrapped up.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to get lost in a good book for a while.

Thanks to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group Press for an advance copy which I will treasure! This review is entirely my thoughts and observations.





#ThreadsofUs #NetGalley.

“If I were glue, I’d stick to you and keep you here”

This book is almost lyrical, with how it’s written. Every description is beautiful, almost like a Tolkien novel.
There were unexpected twists, but also many parts that I wish were expanded on more. Gracie seems so incredibly fixated on seeing herself as “not a regular person” and not like everyone else, but there’s really not much of a reason as to why she thinks that way. Yes, she’s had a traumatic event in her past, but it’s like she’s enveloped herself in this cloak of wrongness. Instead of being traumatized in relation to what happened, it’s almost like she just turned it into an over-anxious worry about disappointing literally anyone.
I get that this ties into the title of the book, but every revelation was just by chance. This would fly in a fantasy novel, where there was magic behind these seemingly random events that lead to the next “clue” or discovery, but it’s not. It just felt….too easy. There wasn’t any real searching or digging into the past. There needed to be more work needed and less having things just handed to them.
I do love how beau is written. I think he’s a great character and the author really nailed his inner struggle.
I thought some of the other POVs were entirely unnecessary, but I did kind of like Cooper’s. I think Beau owes Cooper an apology, though. Cooper telling him what happened in the past, didn’t cause Beau’s divorce. It would have happened eventually anyway.


⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️Random notes from my read: CAN BE CONSIDERED SPOILERY⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️


* I’m getting confused by all the random POVs
* “It was an unbelievably good kiss. I mean, didn’t you think so?” Adorable
* I swear, if this book ends and cooper doesn’t tell her why her dad was in the street, I’m going to lose it
* Mark is absolute trash. I hope his socks forever fall down into his shoes
* I just want her to be able to talk to her dad 😭😭😭


Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC and allowing me to provide my honest review

This was a beautifully done romance novel about family secrets and how everything worked together with the characters. I enjoyed the plot overall and was engaged with everything that I was looking for. Christie Havey Smith has a strong writing style and this had a element of realism that I was looking for.

Christie Havey Smith’s “Threads of Us” is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring connections that bind us. Through the eyes of Gracie and Griffin, the novel paints a vivid picture of life’s complexities, showcasing beautiful imagery throughout, particularly through mediums of dance and music.

The juxtaposition of parental loss over time (due to dementia) versus sudden loss highlights the different ways grief can manifest. The gradual decline of a loved one brings a unique kind of sorrow that is both painful and drawn out, while sudden loss strikes with a harsh finality, leaving little room for preparation. This exploration adds layers to the characters’ experiences.

Despite its heavy subject matter, Havey Smith’s writing is light and easy to read, making the book accessible while still resonating deeply. The narrative captures the essence of grief while offering a message of hope. Havey Smith skillfully illustrates that even amid loss and “unfinished business,” love remains a powerful force. The characters’ journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the idea that relationships can transcend even the most profound heartaches.

Threads of Us is a heartfelt reminder that love persists through life’s trials, making it a must-read for anyone seeking solace and inspiration in the face of adversity. Havey Smith’s thoughtful storytelling will linger in your heart long after you turn the final page.

Note: this ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf for providing me with a copy of this ARC! 📚

My first thoughts when reflecting on Threads of Us is that it read more as a movie / screenplay than it did a book.

Our two main characters Griffin and Gracie connect instantly, meeting briefly for the first time right before her father's death and then again at her father's funeral, where he helps her make a quick escape. They then go on to embark on a car trip to Montreal to help Gracie unpack the mysterious of her childhood, and find their own relationship changing too.

Gracie suffers from main character syndrome. Someone would ask her a question and in a very Hallmark movie, early 2000s, manic pixie dream girl way, instead of answering directly, she'd launch into a melodramatic story of her past that would indirectly answer the question. For example:

Therapist: "Why do you think it became difficult for you to cry?"
Gracie: "My father's pockets always jingled when I was a kid..." insert rest of story. It was too flowery for me. There were several times in the book where Gracie said things like: "I'm not a regular person" and "I break things." Make of that what you will.

Her boyfriend for part of the book, Mark, was totally an awful person. But at one point, Gracie asked him to up and leave his very busy job at a law firm for a few days with no notice, and leaves and gets upset when he says no. The same thing happened again with Griffin where she just assumes he'll put his life & elderly parents on hold and go on tour with her for months, and she gets crazily upset when he says no too.

There's also lots of literal, on-page preaching of uplifting and cliche messages. (You're the creator of your own life, strive for your dreams, etc.). During Gracie's therapy appointments, I got way too much unwarranted life advice that was straight out of a self-help book. Gracie even gets this cliche upbeat spiel from a street performer. Many other characters also offer up the same type of speech. Too many. Even an 11 year old child.

In Montreal, Gracie meets Eloise, a shopowner connected to her father and her past. Then, a very sudden and random plot twist occurs out of nowhere. All the "secrets" of her childhood unfold very smoothly, just through sheer coincidence. There's just an unending series of coincidences. I get that the author was trying to play on this sense of magic in coincidence, but it felt way too easy. There needed to be more pain, more growth, more conflict, more working for it. Solutions simply get handed to her, Griffin, and every other character, especially at the end.

I know I just spent a lot of time on what I didn't like about the book, so I'll talk about what I did like. The relationship between Gracie and Griffin is wholesome and heartwarming. He's a very steadfast character and this makes him perfect for Gracie. Grief is also portrayed realistically throughout, and the author really nailed the complex pain of losing a parent that you had a strained relationship with--there were many touching moments. Also, the other two POVs, Eloise and Cooper, added context to the story and helped orient and weave together each aspect. This book wasn't my favorite, but certain parts of it hit home.

Threads of Us is a beautiful story of love and loss. It’s a story about finding oneself and about forging meaningful connections with others. I’m pretty sure everyone can find something relatable within these pages. Life can change in a moment, but if we allow ourselves to feel the pain that comes with loss, we might be able to find joy in what comes after.

I think the most powerful message is that our past does not define us. And that often looking back at our past with a different perspective can allow us to move forward more confidently.

Thank you for the ARC!

Christie Havey Smith, the Author of “Threads of Us” has written an emotional and touching novel. In this captivating fictional novel, the themes surrounding the story are finding oneself, forgiveness, second chances, and road to recovery and redemption. . The author discusses the importance of family, friends, loyalty, communication, self-worth, emotional growth, love and hope.

The author vividly describes the dramatic characters as complex, and complicated. Gracie Wilder has always been a dancer, and on the night of the biggest and most important performance of her life, her father tragically dies. Gracie often feels she is not seen or noticed, and the missing of this career opportunity, and the tragic loss of her father leaved her with so many questions. Gracie’s father had secrets that were going to be revealed. Gracie also seems to have gotten a symbolic message from him, and now has to find the answers. Gracie has always wanted her father’s approval.

Beau Griffin, is a building contractor that was supposed to have a meeting with Gracie’s father. Beau has had a traumatic life, and he has lost out on career opportunities, because of an accident that he was involved with a Chicago building. Beau also seeks the approval of his father and mother.

After Gracie delivers the Eulogy for her father, she leaves the funeral and needs some air . Beau sees her and expresses his sympathies. Before long, the two embark on an emotional rollercoaster ride of an adventure in seeking the answers to Gracies’s questions, and also help Beau define his self-worth and growth. I highly recommend this memorable novel.

Christie Havey Smith's Threads of Us is a poignant, beautifully woven narrative about family, identity, and the invisible threads that bind us. From the very first page, I was captivated by the multi-generational saga that explores how the choices of the past echo through time, affecting the present and future in subtle yet powerful ways.The pacing of the book is well-balanced, allowing for moments of introspection while maintaining forward momentum.

Overall, Threads of Us is a moving exploration of how the past shapes us, for better or worse. It's a story about resilience, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love—perfect for readers who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven narratives with a touch of mystery and emotional depth.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Threads of Us by Christie Havey Smith is a literary masterpiece.

This story is written so incredibly beautiful. I had to keep pausing my read in order to ruminate all the thoughts and emotions that were being brought to the surface of my own being.

Threads of Us touches on multiple subjects, such as love, loss, hope, and healing. All while one is on their own journey of introspection.

This story is so captivating. I absolutely did not want to put it down from the moment I opened the book and began reading.

It's very thought-provoking, and Christie shares so many amazing quotes that will forever live on in my heart, in my soul. For instance, when the two main characters are discussing the difference between individuals being either planners or adventurers, she writes, "We aren't a captive audience. We don't always notice what's right in front of us. Some of us plan three steps ahead and try to control what comes next. Some of us don't look before we leap. We miss the signs."
For the record, I am a planner.

The main characters are Gracie Wilder and Beau Griffin. Who each are on their individual paths of self-discovery and trying to come to terms with each of their pasts.

Gracie just lost her father in an unexpected and tragic way. Before he passed away, he left a mysterious and very meaningful artifact to Gracie, who must discover the meaning behind it. Being someone who is always stressed and riddled with anxiety, she feels lonely and contrite. Gracie decides to go on a trip to her hometown in order to reveal the secrets behind this mysterious item.

Beau or Griffin as he likes to be called. A man who struggles with letting go of his own past and moving on from old traumas crosses paths with Gracie when he finds out her father has passed away. Because Gracie hates flying, Griffin decides to drive her to Montreal.

What happens when these two individuals join together on their own journeys of self exploration and healing?

You'll have to read the story to find that answer.

I highly recommend Threads of Us to any fan of fiction and romance or any individual who may be on their own journey to healing and self-discovery.

I want to thank Christie Havey Smith and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Threads of Us. I truly loved this story.

##ThreadsofUs #NetGalley