Publication Date: April 2, 2024
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.
Sometimes, a book is so powerful that its cover calls out to readers. A perfect example is These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas.
The front cover features a woman shown from just below her shoulders dressed in humble attire common to the early 20th century. Within the pages is a rich tale of second chances centered around the famous Biltmore House and its creative industries.
The story focuses on Lorna Blankenship, who was commissioned to create an original design for a Vanderbilt wedding. The problem is that her creative reputation is built on a lie. To keep her job and deliver an exquisite woven piece, Lorna has to acknowledge her past mistakes and rebuild friendships.
During this time period, youth were brought to Biltmore to learn crafts. Getting a sneak peek inside the weaving process reveals a valuable part of history while also showcasing relationships.
These Tangled Threads delivers a powerhouse novel full of historical relevancy focusing on the power of second chances.
Sarah Loudin Thomas is the author of numerous acclaimed novels, including The Finder of Forgotten Things, The Right Kind of Fool, winner of the 2021 Selah Book of the Year, and Miracle in a Dry Season, winner of the 2015 INSPY Award. She worked in public relations for Biltmore Estate for six years and is now the director of Jan Karon’s Mitford Museum. A native of West Virginia, she and her husband now live in western North Carolina.
