Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Call number
F THO
Publication
Bethany House Publishers (2024), 368 pages
Description
"When a betrayal tears apart three young friends living in the shadow of Biltmore Estate, their friendship may be fractured forever. Years later, one of them risks exposure as a fraud unless she can mend the relationships and solicit help to create an original woven design for Cornelia Vanderbilt's 1924 wedding"--
User reviews
LibraryThing member Robin.Willson
The people in this story all start with being painfully separated from their families, coming together in different ways to work for Biltmore House, dealing with their pain in differently, yet they're connected. Very good story. A special soft spot for me is the weaving and woodworking crafts they
I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#TheseTangledThreads #NetGalley #SarahLoudinThomas #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BethanyHouse #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarBooks
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did while working at the special Biltmore Estate. Great read. Very heartfelt.I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#TheseTangledThreads #NetGalley #SarahLoudinThomas #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BethanyHouse #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarBooks
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LibraryThing member ladyharris
These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas is an emotionally moving story. This Christian historical fiction novel is set between 1915 and 1924 in Asheville, North Carolina, told by three different points of view, with biblical themes of forgiveness, sacrifice, and redemption.
Thomas drew me in
Throughout the story I was reminded of a famous quote by Walter Scott,
“O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive!”
Thomas’s meticulous attention to detail and compelling characters, not only captivates her readers with fascinating history, but also emotionally and stimulatingly causing one’s senses to go into overdrive in a good way. The descriptions of the intricate weave of the fabrics that were woven in this book, and how it affected each person who saw it, helped make me envision it right along with them, drawing me deeper and deeper into this story. I highly recommend These Tangled Threads, this Christian Historical fiction work of art, written by Sarah Loudin Thomas.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. I was not obligated to write a favorable review, and all opinions are my own.
Thomas drew me in
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immediately with her detail and captivating descriptions, and due to her picturesque prose I became so immersed in the story that I felt like another character within the story. I could taste the snow on my tongue at the cabin with Vivian, Gentry, and Lorna in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and was so enraptured by the beauty and sumptuousness of the master weaver’s fabric I could feel it.Throughout the story I was reminded of a famous quote by Walter Scott,
“O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive!”
Thomas’s meticulous attention to detail and compelling characters, not only captivates her readers with fascinating history, but also emotionally and stimulatingly causing one’s senses to go into overdrive in a good way. The descriptions of the intricate weave of the fabrics that were woven in this book, and how it affected each person who saw it, helped make me envision it right along with them, drawing me deeper and deeper into this story. I highly recommend These Tangled Threads, this Christian Historical fiction work of art, written by Sarah Loudin Thomas.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. I was not obligated to write a favorable review, and all opinions are my own.
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LibraryThing member claudia.castenir
This dual timeline story follows the same characters in the mid-1910s and the early 1920s, with about a seven year span between. The story is largely set on and around the Biltmore Estate with the characters linked to the Biltmore Industries. The main character, Lorna, is an expert weaver charged
The story is well written with some memorable characters, a lovely setting, natural dialogue, and good pacing. The one thing I would have liked to see in this book is an Author's Note telling about her research regarding Biltmore Industries, Mrs. Vanderbilt's philanthropic endeavors, Cornelia Vanderbilt, and the Vanderbilt's relationships with and treatment of their employees. I do recommend These Tangled Threads to fans of historical fiction, especially to those who have an appreciation of Appalachian decorative arts. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
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with teaching novice weavers. She is a bright, poised, talented young woman, what she isn't is creative, a trait desperately needed by the floundering weaving business. Desperation can cause people to make unwise choices, choices that come back to haunt them later. Lorna is not a character readers will quickly warm to, but eventually that will happen as they will likely recall a time that they too have been in need of grace. The story is well written with some memorable characters, a lovely setting, natural dialogue, and good pacing. The one thing I would have liked to see in this book is an Author's Note telling about her research regarding Biltmore Industries, Mrs. Vanderbilt's philanthropic endeavors, Cornelia Vanderbilt, and the Vanderbilt's relationships with and treatment of their employees. I do recommend These Tangled Threads to fans of historical fiction, especially to those who have an appreciation of Appalachian decorative arts. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
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LibraryThing member EstherFilbrun
Having enjoyed some of Thomas’ other books, I was excited to get to read this book. The setting was especially intriguing—I’ve heard of Biltmore House before, but knew very little about it before I read this book. I still don’t feel like I have a firm grasp on the historical significance of
I LOVED the weaving aspect of the story! As an almost entirely lost art now, it was fun to get to read about characters who delighted in the handcraft, and I loved trying to imagine what the different kinds of cloth described in the story looked like.
As far as the story itself, I ended up feeling so-so about it. It was well done, I think, but the reading experience was quite confusing to me until I managed to get all the characters and timelines sorted out at around 60% of the way through the book. I don’t know why it took that long to figure it out; it just felt like we kept jumping timelines and characters, and I had a terrible time understanding why things weren’t lining up until late in the story.
There was much to enjoy in the story—the characters, the setting, and definitely the weaving side of things. I enjoyed reading the book, but because of my confusion through most of the story (not to mention confusion over some of the rabbit trails this book took—I’m still not sure how one character’s relative, who was there for part of the book, was pertinent to the plot), it didn’t end up being a favorite read. I’d like to see what else Thomas comes out with in the future, though, because I know she can write good books. If you enjoy stories that involve history, a dash of mystery, some romance, and a lot of creativity, this could be a good book for you.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
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the house and estate, but I’ve learned a lot, and I’m grateful for that.I LOVED the weaving aspect of the story! As an almost entirely lost art now, it was fun to get to read about characters who delighted in the handcraft, and I loved trying to imagine what the different kinds of cloth described in the story looked like.
As far as the story itself, I ended up feeling so-so about it. It was well done, I think, but the reading experience was quite confusing to me until I managed to get all the characters and timelines sorted out at around 60% of the way through the book. I don’t know why it took that long to figure it out; it just felt like we kept jumping timelines and characters, and I had a terrible time understanding why things weren’t lining up until late in the story.
There was much to enjoy in the story—the characters, the setting, and definitely the weaving side of things. I enjoyed reading the book, but because of my confusion through most of the story (not to mention confusion over some of the rabbit trails this book took—I’m still not sure how one character’s relative, who was there for part of the book, was pertinent to the plot), it didn’t end up being a favorite read. I’d like to see what else Thomas comes out with in the future, though, because I know she can write good books. If you enjoy stories that involve history, a dash of mystery, some romance, and a lot of creativity, this could be a good book for you.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
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LibraryThing member fcplcataloger
Biltmore Industries and the Biltmore Estate are the backgrounds for this story which takes place in Asheville, North Carolina during a nine-year span in the early 1900s. Author Sarah Loudin Thomas weaves the themes of friendship, second chances, and forgiveness into a mesmerizing tale that hints at
I enjoyed the peek inside the lives of the Vanderbilts and their employees, and I loved learning about the anticipation of Cornelia Vanderbilt's wedding, but my heart was captured by the romance that blossomed between Lorna and Arthur. Fallible but endearing characters, a beautiful setting with both a mansion and the Blue Ridge Mountains, and a captivating story of love and redemption made this a book that I couldn't put down. I recommend These Tangled Threads to all who enjoy historical fiction.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
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the tangles that can be created by doubts, secrecy, and guilt.I enjoyed the peek inside the lives of the Vanderbilts and their employees, and I loved learning about the anticipation of Cornelia Vanderbilt's wedding, but my heart was captured by the romance that blossomed between Lorna and Arthur. Fallible but endearing characters, a beautiful setting with both a mansion and the Blue Ridge Mountains, and a captivating story of love and redemption made this a book that I couldn't put down. I recommend These Tangled Threads to all who enjoy historical fiction.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
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LibraryThing member BeautyintheBinding
Like a handwoven fabric, the story in These Tangled Threads took time to form and held complexity. I confess, Gentry’s attitudes and Lorna’s actions early on made it difficult for me to like them and be invested in their narratives. The time jumps and character switches also added to my
Since reading These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas, I’ve started examining cloth – skirts, blankets, scarves, etc – trying to determine the warp and the weft. Early on, the author introduced the process of handweaving cloth, an essential element of the story. With so many terms and steps, I found it necessary to watch a video to understand the procedure; however, learning about this subject fascinated me and it was my main takeaway from the novel. Although These Tangled Threads is not my favorite book by Sarah Loudin Thomas, I’ll continue reading her books.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
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disconnect. However, my admiration of Sarah Loudin Thomas’ prior novels compelled me to continue reading. Within the pages, I found well-crafted prose and pleasing depth as the story explored guilt, shame, alcohol addiction, and family dysfunction. These hard topics were offset by kindness, faith, forgiveness, and generosity which added a heartwarming feel.Since reading These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas, I’ve started examining cloth – skirts, blankets, scarves, etc – trying to determine the warp and the weft. Early on, the author introduced the process of handweaving cloth, an essential element of the story. With so many terms and steps, I found it necessary to watch a video to understand the procedure; however, learning about this subject fascinated me and it was my main takeaway from the novel. Although These Tangled Threads is not my favorite book by Sarah Loudin Thomas, I’ll continue reading her books.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
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LibraryThing member eccl
These Tangled Threads, by Sarah Loudin Thomas, is a very interesting Christian historical story that focuses on the craft of fabric weaving and the weavers that make the fabric. I enjoyed reading this story and tried to imagine how the thread could make up the designs within the fabrics. This is a
There are points in the story that touched on sensitive topics such as child neglect, family issues, prostitution, and alcoholism. I appreciate how the author has included these topic in the story to show the strength the characters have and why they do some of the things they do. I so appreciate the way Gentry thought of her music helping the women where she played. I appreciate how the story also focuses on how Gentry and her mother were separated and how Gentry parted with the one thing she had left of her mother’s to find her. This is just a really good story to read.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
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well written story with interesting characters. However, I did struggle in the beginning with how the story changed from one date to another, but quickly adjusted and enjoyed the story a lot. Not only do we read of the art of fabric weaving, the story touches on wood working.There are points in the story that touched on sensitive topics such as child neglect, family issues, prostitution, and alcoholism. I appreciate how the author has included these topic in the story to show the strength the characters have and why they do some of the things they do. I so appreciate the way Gentry thought of her music helping the women where she played. I appreciate how the story also focuses on how Gentry and her mother were separated and how Gentry parted with the one thing she had left of her mother’s to find her. This is just a really good story to read.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
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LibraryThing member VeraGodley
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
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.
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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.
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LibraryThing member BookDivasReads
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
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
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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
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LibraryThing member thedeffenbaughs6
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
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.
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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.
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Language
Physical description
368 p.
Pages
368
ISBN
0764242016 / 9780764242014