A Silken Thread

GIVEAWAY

SAWYER, KIM VOGEL
A SILKEN THREAD

She had come along late in Mama's life. Her siblings always accused her of being the favorite. But must Laurel forfeit her own chance at love and a future?

Laurel Millard is eighteen years old when her siblings issue an ultimatum: she must waive the rifht to a husband and family of her own in order to care for their mother. Not wanting to leave her beloved mama alone, Laurel agrees, but she secretly harbors the hope that she will find someone who is willing to accept them both.

As the Atlanta Cotton Exposition of 1895 prepares for its grand opening, Laurel eagerly applies to be a silk weaver, believing the position will be her chance to capture the hear of a wealthy suitor who can afford care for Mama and allow Laurel the life she dreams of. She catches the eye of the dashing Langdon Rochester, the heir to his father's steam-powered-engine empire. But when disaster strikes the Silk Room, Laurel makes the acquaintance of Willie Sharp, the security guard posted to protect the exhibit.

Laurel gets to know Willie and his good friend Quincy Tate -- a black groundskeeper -- and witness first hand the destructive divisions based on race, education, and social class. Despite pervasive prejudices and further trouble at the exposition, will Laurel discover the courage to pursue the kind of love that will make her heart sing?

My Review:

An enthralling story featuring four protagonists who each get page time with their own personal point of view. Love the backdrop of the Atlanta Cotton Exposition -- the perfect place for lives and values to collide. Sawyer really brings this setting to life with vivid descriptions that stole my breath (and heart) away. Because....tumultuous doesn't begin to describe my state of mind during this read. I hate injustice of any kind and there's plenty of that here. Race, education, social class...even women's rights. My tummy was flip-flopping and my heart was hammering and it got to the point where I nearly ripped pages I was turning them so fast!(Metaphorically speaking, you understand.  I would never really rip pages from a book!)

Love Laurel's gentle strength and the way her faith grows as a result of her experiences working at the exposition. A Silken Thread is a coming-of-age story in that respect. And there's romance...two possible beaus (not really a love triangle because it's pretty clear who the 'good' guy is...well, at least, she ended up with who I wanted her to be with!) But there are so many layers to this story as Laurel, Langdon, Willie and Quincy become entangled in the division and strife of a city still trying to find its footing thirty years after the Civil War.

A moving story full of grit and heart that's sure to captivate the most discerning of historical fiction connoisseurs.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Silken Thread, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday June 22 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!