A Silken Thread
A Novel
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4.4 • 22 Ratings
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
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?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this finely wrought story, Vogel Sawyer (Waiting for Summer's Return) takes reader to the 1895 Cotton Exposition in Atlanta. Willie Sharp takes a job at the Expo to pay for his father's medical treatment after he suffers a stroke. Laurel Millard, meanwhile, is expected by her older siblings to care for their aging mother, but Laurel has dreams of a family of her own. Believing she might meet a wealthy bachelor who can fulfill her desires and help her meet her family obligations, Laurel becomes a weaver in the Silk House, which runs state-of-the-art looms within the expedition. While there are slight romantic elements, Vogel Sawyer focuses on the racial disparities of the time. Quincy Tate, who is black, gets a job as a groundskeeper for the Expo, while Willie works as a security guard there and gets posted at the Silk House after a break-in at the Women's Building. But the two work in far different positions. After Willie becomes the guard of Laurel's section, they get closer, and his strength of character shines brightly despite others looking down on him due to his socioeconomic status. The result is a truly inspirational tale cemented in the bonds of family and true friendship.
Customer Reviews
Compelling novel
A Silken Thread is a tale of friendship, social inequality, racial prejudices, faith and love. It was interesting to learn about the Cotton States and International Exposition that occurred in Atlanta in 1895. It is located in what is now Piedmont Park. The authors descriptions brought the venue alive. I found A Silken Thread to be well-written and it progresses at a gentle pace. I like how Kim Vogel Sawyer incorporated the historical (she captured this period in time) and Christian elements into the story. They are interwoven with the characters storylines and enhance the book. The characters are complex and realistic. Laurel is a naïve eighteen year old who wants to find someone to love her. A man who will make her heart sing the way her father did for her mother. She is not worldly or sophisticated which draws Langdon to her. Laurel is a Christian woman who does not understand people’s prejudices. Willie is a kind man with a big heart. He wants what is best for his father and is willing to work hard to make it happen. Langdon is a selfish man who only thinks of himself and how he can manipulate others to get what he wants from them. Quincy has a sweet family and a good friend in Willie. The point-of-view switches between the four characters as their stories unfold. One of my favorite lines In A Silken Thread was that we should treat others as we want to be treated (Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you). Having faith, importance of prayer and following God’s path for your life are some of the Christian elements incorporated into the story. I thought the author captured how each character would speak. I liked learning more about silk, the process of extracting it, and how it is woven. It is explained in easy to understand terms. The author addressed sensitive topics deftly in A Silken Thread (racial injustices, social inequality). Friendships are tested in A Silken Thread along with individuals’ beliefs. There are discussion questions at the end of the book. A Silken Thread is a compelling and poignant historical novel.
A Silken Thread
Excellent!!!!!!! Ms. Sawyer gives us something to really think about.....living the truth or living with lies. Which path would God want us to take. Prejudice does not belong in our lives. Nor does injustices that we cause our fellow brothers. We need to put our trust and love for God before all else. I loved all these beautiful characters in her story.
A SILKEN THREAD
A SILKEN THREAD. by Kim Vogal Sawyer
Setting : Cotton States and International Exhibition.1895,Atlanta, Georgia.
This touches on decisions made, as we see with Laurel, she was the youngest, and it was for her to stay at home, and care for her Mother. What of her needs she was passed eighteen, wanted a home. The older siblings telling her she was obligated, and needed to show gratitude for her mother having given her life. They had their own families. She was not willing, but had no say.
A Father telling his son, Langdon he was sorely disappointed in him. Twenty three and spent his time being lazy and reading. He had tolerated him repeating classes, but he needed to grow up. Expectation after expectations is all Langdon.has known from childhood, and never to please his Father,
These are two of the four whose lives cross during the Exhibition, the conflicts as their lives grow and change. The author. gave us a good story
showing us the lives during this time period in history.
Given ARC by Net Galley and Water Brook for my voluntary review and my
honest opinion.