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    A Silken Thread
    A Silken Thread
    A Silken Thread
    Audiobook12 hours

    A Silken Thread

    Written by Kim Vogel Sawyer

    Narrated by Pilar Witherspoon

    4.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    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. Brendan Rochester's parents have given him an ultimatum: settle down with a wife or lose his family inheritance. At the Exposition, Brendan 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. Brendan 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?
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRecorded Books, Inc.
    Release dateApr 2, 2019
    ISBN9781980026921
    A Silken Thread
    Author

    Kim Vogel Sawyer

    Bestselling, award-winning author Kim Vogel Sawyer wears many hats besides “writer.” As a wife, mother, grandmother, and active participant in her church, her life is happily full. But Kim’s passion lies in writing stories of hope that encourage her readers to place their lives in God’s capable hands. An active speaking ministry assists her with her desire. Kim and her husband make their home on the beautiful plains of Kansas, the setting for many of Kim’s novels.

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    Reviews for A Silken Thread

    4.5/5

    23 ratings8 reviews

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    • 4/5
      With topical themes such as race relations and disparate social classes,  A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a thought-provoking historical Christian novel.

      Eighteen year old Laurel Millard is the youngest of seven children and still lives with her widowed mother. Having been informed by her older siblings it is her duty to care for their mother in her dotage, Laurel is hoping to find a wealthy man who will care for both her and her mama. The Atlanta Cotton Exposition is the perfect place to meet someone new, so she is thrilled when she is hired to weave silk. She unexpectedly finds friendship with her workmates but even more surprisingly, Laurel catches the eye of Langdon  Rochester, the son of a wealthy factory owner.  She also meets security guard Willie Sharp whose lifelong friendship with Quincy Tate hits a difficult patch when faced with other people's prejudice.  Laurel's experiences with these very different people are heartwarming and eye-opening, but she still remains a little naive. Will Laurel realize the truth before making a decision she might come to regret?

      Laurel is extremely sheltered and she tends to take people at face value. She quickly becomes enamored by Langdon whose smooth manners hide his true nature. Laurel is a bit troubled by some of the things he does and says, but she is easily swayed by his explanations.  She plans to seek advice from Willie but everyone is quickly sidetracked when a legal issue arises.

      Willie is an upstanding young man who is devoted to his father. He needs to raise money for medical treatment for his dad who recently suffered a stroke, so he takes a leave of absence from the Rochester factory to work as a security guard at the Exposition. He is delighted when Quincy is hired to work as a groundskeeper, but their friendship is threatened when Willie fails to speak up on Quincy's behalf.

      Quincy is enthralled by Booker T. Washington's speech at the opening of the Exposition. His parents are former slaves and their family struggles to make ends meet.  Quincy is (rightfully) angered by the racial prejudice he experiences and he is struggling to find a way to make people see him, not his skin color.

      Langdon is an entitled man who has no respect for those he considers beneath him.  He enjoys the privileges afforded to him because of his father's wealth, but Langdon has no desire to actually work.  His search for a wife has nothing to do with love and he is looking for a woman whom he can easily manipulate into obeying his demands. Langdon is exceedingly sly but will Laurel see through his surface charm before it is too late?

      Set in 1895, A Silken Thread is a finely crafted novel that with a socially relevant storyline that is truly timeless.   Laurel is a lovely young woman but it is rather frustrating to see how gullible and trusting she is. Langdon is completely reprehensible and he finally does the right thing, but it is hard to believe he has truly changed. Willie is deeply principled with a strong faith and a steady moral compass. Quincy's struggles with racial prejudice are heartbreaking and unfortunately highlights the fact that this is a battle that has yet to be won. Kim Vogel Sawyer's newest release features a storyline that is informative, timely and inspiring.
    • 4/5
      "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.
    • 5/5
      I love the fact, that A Silken Thread is mostly a historical fiction book with a little bit of romance. The author does a really good job of telling a story though three main characters. The story is based around the Cotton Exposition of 1895. We learn a bit about what life a bit after the civil war and what life is like for southerners.Their a story about African American and whites though out the story. Though we have a bit of story with a fourth character as well. Laurel is looking for someone to love her and find maybe find love along the way. She applies to be a weaver in the silk room.Willie applies to the Cotton Exposition for he want to help pay for his fathers hospital bills and to help him get better. Willie friend Quincy has gotten a job their as well. We also have Langdon. What the author show though out the book is how world is viewed between each character. She does a well job of it.
    • 4/5
      Title: A Silken ThreadAuthor: Kim Vogel SawyerPages: Year: 2019Publisher: WaterbrookMy rating is 4 out of 5 stars.Willie Sharp is busy working full-time and taking care of his father, who has suffered a stroke. They don’t have much money, just enough to make do. Willie’s best friend is Quincy, a young African American who has a hot temper when riled. They both get jobs at the Atlanta exposition featuring cotton and other textiles. Quincy encounters a great deal of racism, and Willie wonders why everyone is so concerned with the outside of a person instead of what’s on the inside.Laurel Millard has gotten a job weaving silk at the new exposition. She is the youngest of six children and her older siblings have told her it is her job to take care of their mother before starting a life of her own. Laurel hopes that by being out amongst people she will meet a young bachelor, fall in love and marry as long as he is willing to take care of her mother, too. Langford Rochester is the son of a wealthy businessman, who spends his days playing cards and wasting time. His father wants to train him to take over the business and his mother wants him to marry. Langford wants to keep living the life of a wastrel, but he figures he can pretend interest in both his parents’ objectives for a little while. He wants a wife that is naïve and easily manipulated. He sets his sights on Laurel to fill the bill, and Laurel thinks she has found a man to solve her situation.I normally enjoy this author’s stories, but this one fell short for me. I couldn’t connect to the characters, the romance between Willie and Laurel didn’t seem realistic in that it came out of nowhere, and the plot was predictable. I did, however, adore Quincy’s mom. She was the strong voice of wisdom and faith. She is a character I would have liked to have heard from more often. The historical setting was interesting too. I had never heard of the exposition put on in Atlanta in 1895, so I learned something new. All-in-all, the book was okay. I look forward to reading this author’s next endeavor and hope for a better outcome.
    • 5/5
      I have read several of Kim's novels before. I was very excited when I was chosen to read an ARC copy of this book. It did not disappoint. Kim will take you on an unforgettable journey. Fans of Christian historical romance will not be disappointed with her new book.This story was written in 1895 during the Cotton States International Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia. There was so many interesting facts woven throughout this book. You can see this authors love of history, the background and research one would have to do to write such a interesting account of this time period.Booker T. Washington spoke at this exposition. A quote from his speech “"it is at the bottom of life we must begin, and not at the top. Nor should we permit our grievances to overshadow our opportunities."One of the themes of the story involves prejudice, and bigotry. It is such a sad part of our history. It's hard to read about it, if we could only say it wasn't a part of our present day.This story is told through the perspective of four individuals who cross paths throughout the exposition.Laurel Millard is 18 years old. She is the youngest of seven children and has recently been told by her older siblings that she will take care of their mom until she goes to Glory to be with her dad. It's her duty being the youngest. Her mom has encouraged her to take a position as a weaver at the exposition, hoping she will meet a nice young man.Brendan Rochester has also been given an ultimatum by his parents. Grow up, settle down and take a wife or he will lose his inheritance.I think my favorite characters of this story is Willie Sharp, and his neighbor and best friend Quincy Tate. I believe this author did a wonderful job of showing us prejudice and bigotry through Quincy's eyes as he experienced it. I could relate to Willie's lack of understanding. This is his best friend, they have been together since they were babies. There are parts that must have been hard for Kim to write. They were hard for me to read. I would suggest, be sure you have tissues.This story was so well written. The characters become real. Most were people you would want as your best friend or neighbor. As in any good book, there was at least one you will love to hate.There is always a thread of faith woven throughout Ms. Sawyer's books. What a delightful story to lose yourself in.I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook Press through NetGalley. The opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
    • 5/5
      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.
    • 4/5
      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.
    • 4/5
      A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel SawyerI received an unedited proof edition of this book through NetGalley because I asked to read and review it. This is my unbiased review.I liked this book, it is a historical Christian fiction book. Even though it was not a final copy, the editing was very well done. I cannot remember an error at all.The characters were well defined and realistic. The plot flowed well. It was well written, but for me, it was not an "I cannot put this down" type of book. It did not keep me glued to the pages and I would not likely re-read this book.The plot revolves around the south just after the Civil war. It shows, probably in a kinder way, the feelings of the whites against the blacks. It also deals with the basic honest or dishonesty as the case was of people in general. It showed how a Christian should act and did bring in God but it was not preachy at all.I have read and enjoyed other books by Kim Vogel Sawyer, but this doesn't live up to the others. I think if you want a light read, you will enjoy the book. I rated it 4 stars out of 5.