Thursday, April 11, 2019

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of A SILKEN THREAD by Kim Vogel Sawyer


Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that in publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of A SILKEN THREAD by Kim Vogel Sawyer, published April 2, 2019.


Blurb for A SILKEN THREAD:

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?

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Connie’s Review:

Atlanta, Georgia - 1895

Laurel Millard, age 18, lives with her widowed mother, age 59. Laurel’s older siblings are all married and on their own. The siblings have decided that it is up to Laurel to live with and take care of her mother until the time comes when her mother passes away.

Langdon Rochester, age 23, lives with his parents. He is a university graduate, but his father is frustrated with him because he is idle. Now, his father insists that he begin working at the factory that the family owns. He will work as his father’s apprentice learning to run the factory and handle his father’s rental properties as well. In addition, he must look for a wife and his father demands that he be married within a year. Otherwise, his nephew will become his father’s heir. Langdon prefers his life of leisure but knows he must comply with his father’s request.

Willie Sharp lives with and cares for his widowed father who has had a stroke. They rent a small place from Mr. Rochester. Willie loves his father and does all he can for him. He is trying to save money so he can place his father in a special hospital that will help the man heal from his stroke.

Quincy Tate has been best friends with Willie all his life. They are very close and God-fearing people and don’t care that the color of their skin differs.

There is an upcoming Cotton States and International Exposition. They are hiring workers and the pay is higher than what most people make at the factory.

Laurel learns there will be a silk weaving demonstration room and as she has experience weaving on a loom, she applies for the job. Willie applies for a job hoping to make more money to help his father. His friend, Quincy, does the same. As Langdon’s father will have his own demonstration place at the Exposition, Langdon will work as a part of that.

These characters interact in ways that brings out the good and the bad in them.

I found this to be a good, well-flowing story that I know readers will enjoy. I must admit that I was a bit disappointed that, judging from the title of the book, there would be more about the making of silk products. However, I’m sure that readers will enjoy all of the story. Lots of lessons to be learned here as well.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A SILKEN THREAD by Kim Vogel Sawyer, Waterbrook Press, available now in ebook, print, and audiobook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

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