I know that whenever I pick up a book by Sarah Loudin Thomas I'm going to be pulled into a story crafted with unique characters, engaging storylines, and amazing settings. THESE TANGLED THREADS weaves an incredible story of regret, redemption, forgiveness, and love. We meet all three main characters, Lorna - a master weaver, Gentry - an apprentice weaver, and Arthur - a master woodworker. The story begins in 1897, but most of the action seems to take place between 1915 and 1924 with the Biltmore Estate as a backdrop. All three seem to be dealing with a sense of imposter syndrome to some extent. Arthur worries about ever finding long-lasting love due to a physical disability. Lorna no longer seems to have the capacity to come up with novel designs that appeal to the powers that be (or did she ever have that capacity?!). Gentry struggles with everything, her sense of identity, place, and what she wants to do with her life (not so amazing when we consider that she's only fourteen when we meet her). THESE TANGLED THREADS was simply a story that kept me turning the pages to find out what might happen next for these three.

Thank you, Ms. Thomas and Bethany House Publishers for my complimentary print copy of THESE TANGLED THREADS. I'll be grabbing a digital copy of this one for my digital library as well as an additional print copy for my 89-y.o. book diva mother. #recommendedread #historicalfiction #inspirationalfiction ( )

If you enjoy stories that are set in the Biltmore Estate then you don't want to miss out on this one. The author has delved into the history of those who lived and worked there. It truly captivates you with all the details she provides not only about the workforce but also regarding the Vanderbilts, especially the favored daughter Cornelia.

This is a slower paced story and the timeline does move back and forth without much notice so its a bit hard to decipher but stick with it and I promise you will enjoy it. It did take me a while to get into it but once I did I was a bit hooked. The characters are full of depth and are also very flawed. Some will take some time to truly love but once you do, you will enthralled with them.

Lorna goes through some hard lessons but she does learn throughout the story and with that we see her grow in faith and in turn we see God's forgiveness, restoration and hope. God's timing is truly perfect.

Overall I enjoyed the story and if you enjoy historical fiction you will enjoy this one as well!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. ( )

Set amidst the beauty of the North Carolina Smoky Mountains, the story is based primarily on the little village at the foot of the estate of the Vanderbilt's "Biltmore Mansion." The story, though primarily in the village, touches on the relationship of workers in the village with the mansion properly. It meanders through the mountains of North Carolina and even touches West Virginia a bit.

The period of 1916 through mid-1920s was presented as a hard life in the Appalachian mountains, the pre-depression era, and after a major flood hit the area sweeping away much of life. The author creates characters appropriate for the time period who have been rescued from being orphans whose parents simply threw them away to kind clergy and gracious lady-of-the-manor persons.

The creativity of reclusive Appalachian ladies whose artistic weaving is at the heart of the story as is their hard-scrabble life. The author's descriptions of the designs woven into the fabric by these artists and the source of their design makes one wish to actually see and touch the cloth.

The story employs split timelines which does confuse the reader at times. I would prefer a more straightforward read as far as the time element goes. I felt this a deterrent to my personal enjoyment and the reason for my slow reading of the book.

Though all the characters were well fleshed out and knowable, I frankly only liked one character, Arthur, the now grown man who was an abandoned orphan raised by the local clergyman. He was kind, generous, smart, and a gifted artisan.

I have visited Biltmore and it is a beautiful place. The surrounding mountains envelope one with their majesty. The mansion is stunning. The gardens lovely. It has been said that the mansion was built in the style of English manors where there was a village that provided workers for the manor.

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. ( )

3.5 Stars

In These Tangled Threads, Sarah Loudin Thomas weaves three storylines together to create a beautiful tapestry of loss, hardship, disappointment, hope, forgiveness, and grace.

Arthur, Lorna, and Gentry have ties to Cornelia Vanderbilt and the Biltmore estate in Asheville, North Carolina. I immediately liked Arthur and his kindness and perseverance in pursuing Lorna. Gentry was a bit annoying at first but as I grew to understand her, I gave her more grace. Lorna was the hardest to connect with as she closed herself off to those around her.

The author’s descriptions of the patterns and fabric that Lorna creates or the Blue Ridge Mountains where the characters live and travel were vivid and inspiring.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own. ( )

A Sticky Situation

Lorna, a master weaver, must find a new pattern, or she will lose her job at the Vanderbilt's Biltmore Industries. She was expected to create another beautiful pattern like the ones she had done in the past. But she couldn't do that again because those designs had been done by someone else, although Lorna had taken credit for them.

Now, she must find the person who really made them. Without the help of Arthur, the man whose love Lorna has spurned for years, she doesn't have a chance. Ultimately, she will also need help from Gentry, the person Lorna got the designs from that she claimed as her own.

This story had a lot of facets. An unfair boss, double-crossing, deceit, forgiveness, faith, change of heart, surprising friendships, rejection of parents, along with backwoods people that shoot first, and ask questions later. All this excitement will keep the pages turning to find out how it is resolved.

This clean, five-star story is recommended to fans of history, The Biltmore Estate, and convoluted tales that can't possibly work out, but do!

Thank you, Bethany House Books, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own. ( )