A Silken Thread
Ratings1
Average rating5
15
Ratings1
Average rating5
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?
Reviews with the most likes.
Oh, my, ALL the excellent moments in this book!! Wow. It was pure pleasure to read about despite the difficult and outright uncomfortable nature of some of the roadblocks the characters have to work past. In the Exhibition in 1880s Atlanta, four POV characters have to confront real life in ways they never dreamed of finding it.
All four of these characters are sympathetic, despite some actions that are very grave mistakes indeed. The talent Sawyer employs in pulling this off is amazing–because especially one guy was one I really disapproved of, and yet his POV was still sympathetic, partly because it got down to his emotions so well.
The heroine glows with life and relevance as she tries to make her way in the silk room of the Exposition. I loved her spunky mother, too! And her siblings, at first excessively bossy and annoying, even began to grow on me a trifle. And the romance is very heartfelt and very subdued, so it's perfect for all ages.
Thanks to the publisher for a reading copy. A positive review was not required.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.
Oh goodness! This one... this story... about friendships, choices, and integrity... I'm so blown away and happy and delighted. What a great addition to Mrs. Sawyer's lengthy list of published novels! The trademark thread of hope kept me eager to keep reading every chapter. The complex plot is one of Mrs. Sawyer's best. I love it when my favorite authors continue to find ways to surprise me time after time. My heart felt all gushy by the end, and I immediately wanted to purchase every possible version of this sweet novel. (Too bad my budget won't allow that!)
