These Tangled Threads Review

  

 

 About the Book

Seven years ago, a hidden betrayal scattered three young friends living in the shadow of Biltmore Estate. Now, when Biltmore Industries master weaver Lorna Blankenship is commissioned to create an original design for Cornelia Vanderbilt's 1924 wedding, she panics knowing she doesn't have the creativity needed. But there's an elusive artisan in the Blue Ridge Mountains who could save her--if only she can find her.

To track the mysterious weaver down, Lorna sees no other way but to seek out the relationships she abandoned in shame. As she pulls at each tangled thread from her old life, Lorna is forced to confront the wounds and regrets of long ago. She'll have to risk the job that shapes her identity as well as the hope of friendship--and love--restored.

In this seamlessly woven historical tale, award-winning Appalachian author Sarah Loudin Thomas delivers a poignant novel of friendship, artistry, restoration, and second chances. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I really love the history of Appalachia and especially the surrounding area of Asheville, NC. I was intrigued by this novel because of the history and also the ties to Biltmore. Now this book doesn't spend a lot of time at Biltmore but it really ties in the culture and history of Biltmore Industries and the local people. There is a bit of back and forth on the story line that at times required extra attention so that I didn't get lost while reading. There are some really strong characters in the book but I can't say that I loved Lorna's character. I think I was drawn more to the people on the side and that is really what made this book worth reading to the end. For me it was a pretty slow read but the last few chapters were good and wrapped things up nicely. While this is a slower read it is still enjoyable, it just isn't my favorite by this author. If you enjoy historical fiction you might want to pick this one up! 

Three Stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

The Sound of Rain

 

 About the Book

In the Dark of the Mine, In the Face of Rising Water,
In the Shadows of the Hills, Faith Will See Them Through

Judd Markley knew he could never set foot underground again. The mine collapse that nearly killed him and claimed his brother's life meant leaving West Virginia forever. Although that hard Appalachian world was all he knew, he put it behind him and headed for the open sky of the thriving town of 1954 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Larkin Heyward's life in the beach town is uncomplicated, mostly volunteer work and dancing at the Pavilion. But she dreams of one day doing more and being more--maybe moving to the hills and hollers of Kentucky to help the poor children of Appalachia. But she's never even met someone who's lived there--until she encounters Judd, the newest employee at her father's timber company.

Drawn together in the wake of a hurricane that changes Myrtle Beach forever, Judd's and Larkin's dreams pull them in divergent directions. It will take a significant sacrifice to keep them together--or maybe, it will take a miracle. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I really liked the idea of this story line and I was wanting to try reading another book by this author. The first part of the book I enjoyed getting into the characters and the flow of the story, but a few chapters in things became very slow for me. I couldn't get into this book. I am sure many people will enjoy this book, as many like Sarah's writing. I simply think this isn't the book for me and I will leave it to others to enjoy. 

Three stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House for free. All opinions are my own."

Miracle in the Dry Season Book Review

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About the Book

In a Drought, It's the Darkest Cloud

That Brings Hope

It's 1954 and Perla Long's arrival in the sleepy town of Wise, West Virginia, was supposed to go unnoticed. She just wants a quiet, safe place for her and her daughter, Sadie, where the mistakes of her past can stay hidden. But then drought comes to Wise, and Perla is pulled into the turmoil of a town desperately in need of a miracle.

Casewell Phillips has resigned himself to life as a bachelor. . .until he meets Perla. She's everything he's sought in a woman, but he can't get past the sense that she's hiding something. As the drought worsens, Perla's unique gift divides the town in two, bringing both gratitude and condemnation, and placing the pair in the middle of a storm of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Miracle in a Dry Season, go HERE.

My Review

I really wanted to love this book but by the time I reached the end I couldn't say that I had. This book has a captivating cover and overall character development. I just thought the story went on for a long time and certain things were strung out way too much. I thought the romance was too fast, especially for what all the characters had been through and their current situation. The main story line is a good one. Perla's past follows her and her sweet little girl in this new town in 1954. Casewell is a nice guy and I really liked his relationship with the Lord, I think that was my favorite part of the book. I also liked that the characters, while slowly changing they were true to themselves and honest with God and each other.

This is a good story, just a bit slow for me. Others have loved it and I will be anxious to read the next novel written by Sarah, as this is her first!

"I received this book from CFBA for free in exchange for an honest review."

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Miracle in a Dry Season Bethany House Publishers (August 5, 2014) by Sarah Loudin Thomas

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her Christian fiction is set in West Virginia and celebrates the people, the land, and the heritage of Appalachia. Her first novel, Miracle in a Dry Season, releases August 2014 through Bethany House. Sarah is represented by Wendy Lawton of Books & Such Literary Agency.

A graduate of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC, Sarah once dreamed of being a marine scientist. But her love for words won out and she has spent much of her career in public relations and marketing. She currently oversees fundraising and communications for a Christian children’s home in Black Mountain, NC.

Sarah and her husband Jim live in the mountains of Western North Carolina with Thistle–the canine equivalent to a personal trainer pushing them to hike, run, and throw sticks. Sarah is active in her local church and enjoys cooking and–you guessed it–reading.