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Threads of Us: A Novel

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Sometimes the answers we are looking for are hidden in our own stories.

The night before the dance performance that could determine Gracie Wilder's career, her father unexpectedly dies, leaving behind a curious gift with ties to a myth told to her as a child. Desperate to understand her father's unspoken words, she puts her greatest dream on the line for an opportunity to remember the childhood she tried so hard to forget.

A few chance encounters with Beau Griffin, a bighearted building contractor, pull Gracie closer to her past. Griffin is no stranger to grief. Most recently, he has been held responsible for the demise of a Chicago building that harbors the cornerstones of his own history. In a moment of faith or folly, the unlikely pair follow the origin of Gracie's childhood memories to Old Montreal. There, they discover family secrets that will challenge the narratives that have defined Gracie's life. Griffin, too, will have to confront his own personal myths if he is to build room for Gracie in his future. Together, they must heal their history backward in order to move forward.

Poignant and uplifting, Threads of Us explores the self-discovery that comes to us not despite our hardships but because of them and the mysterious connections that help us recreate ourselves.

302 pages, Hardcover

Published October 8, 2024

40 people are currently reading
588 people want to read

About the author

Christie Havey Smith

4 books19 followers
Christie Havey Smith, M.A. is an LA-based author specializing in fiction and narrative non-fiction literature. Her love of story was shaped in the film business, and for over a decade she has been helping people explore their own narratives. She has taught creative and contemplative writing at Loyola Marymount University and at The Greenhouse—a local retreat space she founded. Her debut novel, Threads of Us, was released on October 8, 2024.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Phoebe ❀ ✩.
114 reviews2 followers
December 23, 2024
My first thoughts when reflecting on Threads of Us is that it read more as a movie / screenplay than it did a book.

Our two main characters Griffin and Gracie connect instantly, meeting briefly for the first time right before her father's death and then again at her father's funeral, where he helps her make a quick escape. They then go on to embark on a car trip to Montreal to help Gracie unpack the mysterious of her childhood, and find their own relationship changing too.

Gracie suffers from main character syndrome. Someone would ask her a question and in a very Hallmark movie, early 2000s, manic pixie dream girl way, instead of answering directly, she'd launch into a melodramatic story of her past that would indirectly answer the question. For example:

Therapist: "Why do you think it became difficult for you to cry?"
Gracie: "My father's pockets always jingled when I was a kid..." insert rest of story. It was too flowery for me. There were several times in the book where Gracie said things like: "I'm not a regular person" and "I break things." Make of that what you will.

Her boyfriend for part of the book, Mark, was totally an awful person. But at one point, Gracie asked him to up and leave his very busy job at a law firm for a few days with no notice, and leaves and gets upset when he says no. The same thing happened again with Griffin where she just assumes he'll put his life & elderly parents on hold and go on tour with her for months, and she gets crazily upset when he says no too.

There's also lots of literal, on-page preaching of uplifting and cliche messages. (You're the creator of your own life, strive for your dreams, etc.). During Gracie's therapy appointments, I got way too much unwarranted life advice that was straight out of a self-help book. Gracie even gets this cliche upbeat spiel from a street performer. Many other characters also offer up the same type of speech. Too many. Even an 11 year old child.

In Montreal, Gracie meets Eloise, a shopowner connected to her father and her past. Then, a very sudden and random plot twist occurs out of nowhere. All the "secrets" of her childhood unfold very smoothly, just through sheer coincidence. There's just an unending series of coincidences. I get that the author was trying to play on this sense of magic in coincidence, but it felt way too easy. There needed to be more pain, more growth, more conflict, more working for it. Solutions simply get handed to her, Griffin, and every other character, especially at the end.

I know I just spent a lot of time on what I didn't like about the book, so I'll talk about what I did like. The relationship between Gracie and Griffin is wholesome and heartwarming. He's a very steadfast character and this makes him perfect for Gracie. Grief is also portrayed realistically throughout, and the author really nailed the complex pain of losing a parent that you had a strained relationship with--there were many touching moments. Also, the other two POVs, Eloise and Cooper, added context to the story and helped orient and weave together each aspect. This book wasn't my favorite, but certain parts of it hit home.

Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf for providing me with a copy of this ARC! 📚
Profile Image for Linda Zagon.
1,691 reviews210 followers
October 1, 2024
Christie Havey Smith, the Author of “Threads of Us” has written an emotional and touching novel. In this captivating fictional novel, the themes surrounding the story are finding oneself, forgiveness, second chances, and road to recovery and redemption. . The author discusses the importance of family, friends, loyalty, communication, self-worth, emotional growth, love and hope.

The author vividly describes the dramatic characters as complex, and complicated. Gracie Wilder has always been a dancer, and on the night of the biggest and most important performance of her life, her father tragically dies. Gracie often feels she is not seen or noticed, and the missing of this career opportunity, and the tragic loss of her father leaved her with so many questions. Gracie’s father had secrets that were going to be revealed. Gracie also seems to have gotten a symbolic message from him, and now has to find the answers. Gracie has always wanted her father’s approval.

Beau Griffin, is a building contractor that was supposed to have a meeting with Gracie’s father. Beau has had a traumatic life, and he has lost out on career opportunities, because of an accident that he was involved with a Chicago building. Beau also seeks the approval of his father and mother.

After Gracie delivers the Eulogy for her father, she leaves the funeral and needs some air . Beau sees her and expresses his sympathies. Before long, the two embark on an emotional rollercoaster ride of an adventure in seeking the answers to Gracie's questions, and also help Beau define his self-worth and growth. I highly recommend this memorable novel.
Profile Image for Tess.
29 reviews
September 30, 2024
"Threads of Us" by Christie Havey Smith is a deeply touching and beautifully crafted novel that took me by surprise. From the very first page, I found myself drawn into a world rich with emotion and intrigue, making it nearly impossible to put down.

The narrative masterfully intertwines themes of loss, love, and hope, showcasing the complexities of human relationships through various perspectives. Smith’s ability to capture these moments is not just impressive; it’s unforgettable. There were several quotes throughout the book that resonated with me long after I finished reading, serving as poignant reminders of the beauty and fragility of life.

What I particularly loved was the mystery aspect woven throughout the story. It kept me engaged, eagerly turning pages to uncover the truths hidden beneath the surface. Each revelation was skillfully layered, adding depth to the characters and their journeys.

Overall, "Threads of Us" is an incredible story that I feel privileged to have read before its release. Christie Havey Smith has a remarkable talent for storytelling, and I can’t wait to see how readers respond to this heartfelt gem.
Profile Image for Debbie Rozier.
1,344 reviews84 followers
October 31, 2024
This is the author’s debut fiction work with a powerful and intricate story.

I loved the Author’s note at the end of the book in which she gives insight about her motivation for writing this book.

The book centers around Gracie who is a 26 year old professional dancer. Her father unexpectedly dies and Gracie is devastated. She is given a gift with a key from him which she doesn’t understand. There is also an email supposedly sent by him that she has never received. Gracie goes to Montreal looking for answers and she is accompanied by Beau Griffin, a man she doesn’t really know.

Griffin has his own set of traumas with a mom that has dementia and an at fault accident which damages a local landmark near his Chicago home.

The book reveals the past mistakes and traumas from both characters which allows for a journey of self discovery.

I was inspired by this book because I loved how I felt both Gracie and Griffin’s grit even during times they didn’t think they had it.
Profile Image for Kate Vocke (bookapotamus).
643 reviews135 followers
November 1, 2024
“And the thread?”

“I’m just connecting the dots… how one thing leads to another.”⁣

Did you ever wonder if there are these invisible threads, connecting all of us to everything, leading one thing to another, keeping everything together? One length of thread at a time? These are the threads that weave together Threads of Us, an intricate story of mystery, grief, self-discovery, and connections. ⁣

When Gracie Wilder’s father unexpectedly dies, he leaves a curious and puzzling gift that leads to even more unexpected things. A journey back in time and place, a new, yet familiar friend, changes, discoveries, and healing. Its threads weave together sadness and grief, but seamlessly and delicately unravel to reveal hope and joy in the most unpredictable and wonderful ways.⁣

This book felt like watching one of those movies you can’t look away from. It pulls you in and entrances you with every turn, and feels like a bit of magic is being revealed before your very eyes - as each secret is brought to light, through every invisible thread.⁣
Profile Image for Kristi Arends.
151 reviews5 followers
October 7, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Threads of Us by Christie Havey Smith is a literary masterpiece.

This story is written so incredibly beautiful. I had to keep pausing my read in order to ruminate all the thoughts and emotions that were being brought to the surface of my own being.

Threads of Us touches on multiple subjects, such as love, loss, hope, and healing. All while one is on their own journey of introspection.

This story is so captivating. I absolutely did not want to put it down from the moment I opened the book and began reading.

It's very thought-provoking, and Christie shares so many amazing quotes that will forever live on in my heart, in my soul. For instance, when the two main characters are discussing the difference between individuals being either planners or adventurers, she writes, "We aren't a captive audience. We don't always notice what's right in front of us. Some of us plan three steps ahead and try to control what comes next. Some of us don't look before we leap. We miss the signs."
For the record, I am a planner.

The main characters are Gracie Wilder and Beau Griffin. Who each are on their individual paths of self-discovery and trying to come to terms with each of their pasts.

Gracie just lost her father in an unexpected and tragic way. Before he passed away, he left a mysterious and very meaningful artifact to Gracie, who must discover the meaning behind it. Being someone who is always stressed and riddled with anxiety, she feels lonely and contrite. Gracie decides to go on a trip to her hometown in order to reveal the secrets behind this mysterious item.

Beau or Griffin as he likes to be called. A man who struggles with letting go of his own past and moving on from old traumas crosses paths with Gracie when he finds out her father has passed away. Because Gracie hates flying, Griffin decides to drive her to Montreal.

What happens when these two individuals join together on their own journeys of self exploration and healing?

You'll have to read the story to find that answer.

I highly recommend Threads of Us to any fan of fiction and romance or any individual who may be on their own journey to healing and self-discovery.

I want to thank Christie Havey Smith and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Threads of Us. I truly loved this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Booksandcoffeemx.
2,465 reviews122 followers
October 6, 2024
This story captured my heart and moved me completely. I lost both my parents so this one felt so close to my own feelings. Time heals all, and this book is about that, about love, grief, second chances and new beginnings.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.

𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗢𝗳 𝗨𝘀 by Christie Havey Smith releases October 8, 2024.
12 reviews11 followers
September 5, 2024
I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of Threads of Us, and it's such a compelling read! Christie Havey Smith weaves a delicious tale of past secrets and family mystery. Exquisitely written, this novel truly grabs you and never lets go. You'll gobble up Gracie's quest to find her truth and happily strap yourself in to accompany her along her voyage. Chicago serves as the backdrop (along with a yummy road trip to Montreal) and the city is a beautiful character unto itself. Havey Smith explores universal themes of facing the past as a way to charge ahead; Threads of Us is universal, timeless and gorgeously conceived.
Profile Image for kjoytad.
143 reviews
November 12, 2024
5/5

Gracie Wilder has never been very close with her father. However, following the biggest performance of her ballet career, she learns he has unexpectedly died...and left clues of a mysterious letter he had written out for her prior to his demise. This missing letter, in which he cataloged things he always meant to tell her but never did, leads her on an unexpected journey of discovery, family, new beginnings, and love.

I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did; it is a piece of art! It is an absolutely beautifully written literary fiction piece that includes a subplot of romance and so so much more. It is told from a few different perspectives, and I think this choice was pivotal to the depth of understanding the reader gets of each character AND the connections they share. The title "Threads of Us" is so fitting and all-encompassing of this novel. Each character is interwoven with the next, and it is so cool to see the way their lives fit together. Gracie feels stuck, unsure of what comes next for her. In a strange way, the untimely death of her father awakens her to the people around her and the people she's missed out on. The relationships she develops with Eloise and Celina are so beautiful and healing for her. The chapters written from Eloise's perspective were some of my favorites and were so thoughtful. Beau Griffin has his own pains: his struggles with his family, past relationship, and with the Fidelis and the accident. The adventure they take together is one of epic proportions and provides healing to each of their respective struggles. The ending was so perfect for both of them, and I loved seeing how everything tied up. I would highly highly recommend this book and am so impressed by it being this author's debut novel!! Can't wait to see what else she comes out with!

Thank you NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for this eARC, all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Melissa Riggs.
1,162 reviews15 followers
November 5, 2024
Very sweet story about Gracie-who is lost in her life. She goes on a "quest" for answers about her father, finds some great people to support and love her, and gets a foothold on finding her space. I'd love to read a prequel about Eloise!

"Sometimes the answers we are looking for are hidden in our own stories. The night before the dance performance that could determine Gracie Wilder's career, her father unexpectedly dies, leaving behind a curious gift with ties to a myth told to her as a child. Desperate to understand her father's unspoken words, she puts her greatest dream on the line for an opportunity to remember the childhood she tried so hard to forget. A few chance encounters with Beau Griffin, a bighearted building contractor, pull Gracie closer to her past. Griffin is no stranger to grief. Most recently, he has been held responsible for the demise of a Chicago building that harbors the cornerstones of his own history. In a moment of faith or folly, the unlikely pair follow the origin of Gracie's childhood memories to Old Montreal. There, they discover family secrets that will challenge the narratives that have defined Gracie's life. Griffin, too, will have to confront his own personal myths if he is to build room for Gracie in his future. Together, they must heal their history backward in order to move forward. Poignant and uplifting, Threads of Us explores the self-discovery that comes to us not despite our hardships but because of them and the mysterious connections that help us recreate ourselves."
Profile Image for Megan.
146 reviews36 followers
April 12, 2025
Gracie Wilder is a professional dancer and the night before a career-defining performance, her father unexpectedly dies, leaving behind a curious gift with clues to a long-hidden family secret. She has a few chance encounters with Beau Griffin, a building contractor, which draws her closer to her past and lead to both them embarking on an adventure to Montreal together to follow the clues to discover something that will alter Gracie’s life forever. I really enjoyed this story of self-discovery and romance. It was mysterious, emotional, and uplifting to hear Gracie’s story. I also enjoyed that it was told from multiple POV of different characters, leading you to wonder how all the dots of each story would connect and how Gracie’s past would lead to future reveals. Seeing the character development of Gracie and Griffin was wonderful as I liked both of them so much and was rooting for them. I was drawn in and engaged throughout, continuously wondering what was to come. The major twist is one I did not see coming at all and it was very realistic and satisfying how Gracie handled the discovery. I did feel like there were a few loose ends at the finale of the book, which I will refrain from mentioning to avoid spoilers, but overall enjoyed the story and would recommend it to others! Thank you to NetGalley, Christie Havey Smith, and Green Leaf Book Group for the gifted ARC in an exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Chastity Watson.
31 reviews
January 6, 2025
Absolutely stunning work. Grateful to have this be the book that started my new year. The book is meaningful, insightful, and truly a work of art that uses words to convey so many feelings.
Profile Image for Page.
25 reviews
October 13, 2024
Christie Havey Smith’s “Threads of Us” is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring connections that bind us. Through the eyes of Gracie and Griffin, the novel paints a vivid picture of life’s complexities, showcasing beautiful imagery throughout, particularly through mediums of dance and music.

The juxtaposition of parental loss over time (due to dementia) versus sudden loss highlights the different ways grief can manifest. The gradual decline of a loved one brings a unique kind of sorrow that is both painful and drawn out, while sudden loss strikes with a harsh finality, leaving little room for preparation. This exploration adds layers to the characters’ experiences.

Despite its heavy subject matter, Smith’s writing is light and easy to read, making the book accessible while still resonating deeply. The narrative captures the essence of grief while offering a message of hope. Smith skillfully illustrates that even amid loss and “unfinished business,” love remains a powerful force. The characters’ journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the idea that relationships can transcend even the most profound heartaches.

Threads of Us is a heartfelt reminder that love persists through life’s trials, making it a must-read for anyone seeking solace and inspiration in the face of adversity. Smith’s thoughtful storytelling will linger in your heart long after you turn the final page.

Note: this ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sarahpants.
202 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2024
“If I were glue, I’d stick to you and keep you here”

This book is almost lyrical, with how it’s written. Every description is beautiful, almost like a Tolkien novel.
There were unexpected twists, but also many parts that I wish were expanded on more. Gracie seems so incredibly fixated on seeing herself as “not a regular person” and not like everyone else, but there’s really not much of a reason as to why she thinks that way. Yes, she’s had a traumatic event in her past, but it’s like she’s enveloped herself in this cloak of wrongness. Instead of being traumatized in relation to what happened, it’s almost like she just turned it into an over-anxious worry about disappointing literally anyone.
I get that this ties into the title of the book, but every revelation was just by chance. This would fly in a fantasy novel, where there was magic behind these seemingly random events that lead to the next “clue” or discovery, but it’s not. It just felt….too easy. There wasn’t any real searching or digging into the past. There needed to be more work needed and less having things just handed to them.
I do love how beau is written. I think he’s a great character and the author really nailed his inner struggle.
I thought some of the other POVs were entirely unnecessary, but I did kind of like Cooper’s. I think Beau owes Cooper an apology, though. Cooper telling him what happened in the past, didn’t cause Beau’s divorce. It would have happened eventually anyway.



⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️Random notes from my read: CAN BE CONSIDERED SPOILERY⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️




* I’m getting confused by all the random POVs
* “It was an unbelievably good kiss. I mean, didn’t you think so?” Adorable
* I swear, if this book ends and cooper doesn’t tell her why her dad was in the street, I’m going to lose it
* Mark is absolute trash. I hope his socks forever fall down into his shoes
* I just want her to be able to talk to her dad 😭😭😭


Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC and allowing me to provide my honest review
Profile Image for bibliofienna.
60 reviews
November 14, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARCs to me💖

A beautifully heartbreaking story about finding yourself and true love by facing your greatest demons.

This story is not focusing on the romance. Romance does underlines throughout the story and united the two main characters at the end. But this is truly a story full of life lessons, of finding love and learning how to love anyone, even those ones you can't imagine in the first place. This is a story of learning how to love imperfections, failure, dispappointments... This story shows that you can embrace pain, anger, loss, and yet still have the power to survive. We learn that from the story of Gracie and Griffin, and people around them intertwined through some kind of "magical threads" that bind them.

There are four pov in this novel, two main characters and two supporting characters. The supporting characters' pov are not overwhelming to the point where they take over the story, but complementing each other perfectly and making the story more wholesome.

This story also use an Inuit folklore about the story of red-winged blackbird, "the fox runs from the amarok", as the base of which the story was developed. I can't comment more on the inuit folklore that is incorporated in this novel, as I'm not a native american. While I can't find this specific folklore online, so an input from native american people would be appreciated.

I love this story as a whole and as a reminder to myself that failure is a part of life. Though I recommend for the publisher and the author to include a list of content warning because it has a grief, sexual harassment, attempted rape and mental health struggle scenes.

We might not get everything that we want the way we want it, because the Universe has better plans for us. Despite the lessons that I've learned from this story being the bigger person, I can't let go of this one: i still need Gracie's ex to be punished for his misdeeds. I still need that satisfaction of watching him suffer😭✌🏻
Profile Image for Hailey Honea.
201 reviews3 followers
October 8, 2024
Christie Havey Smith, the Author of “Threads of Us” has written an emotional and touching novel. In this captivating fictional novel, the themes surrounding the story are finding oneself, forgiveness, second chances, and road to recovery and redemption. . The author discusses the importance of family, friends, loyalty, communication, self-worth, emotional growth, love and hope.

The author vividly describes the dramatic characters as complex, and complicated. Gracie Wilder has always been a dancer, and on the night of the biggest and most important performance of her life, her father tragically dies. Gracie often feels she is not seen or noticed, and the missing of this career opportunity, and the tragic loss of her father leaved her with so many questions. Gracie’s father had secrets that were going to be revealed. Gracie also seems to have gotten a symbolic message from him, and now has to find the answers. Gracie has always wanted her father’s approval.

Beau Griffin, is a building contractor that was supposed to have a meeting with Gracie’s father. Beau has had a traumatic life, and he has lost out on career opportunities, because of an accident that he was involved with a Chicago building. Beau also seeks the approval of his father and mother.

After Gracie delivers the Eulogy for her father, she leaves the funeral and needs some air . Beau sees her and expresses his sympathies. Before long, the two embark on an emotional rollercoaster ride of an adventure in seeking the answers to Gracies’s questions, and also help Beau define his self-worth and growth. I highly recommend this memorable novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Julie B. (readingonthebrink).
187 reviews10 followers
December 31, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🎵"...Blackbird singing in the dead of night,
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life,
you were only waiting for this moment to arise.
You were only waiting for this moment to arise..."🎵
~Blackbird by The Beatles

Truth be told, I may still have a slight emotional hangover from this devastatingly beautiful novel. A true testament to the talented author, I marvel at how Christy Havey Smith has threaded almost every emotion – love, heartache, tenderness, grief, anxiety, even self-discovery, and self-recovery into her characters. Threads of Us weaves past and present, family and ancestry, folklore and mystery into a fluid, moving, and compassionate narrative.

So much resonated with me, and I found myself highlighting many a passage and quote. My favorite:🔮“Change does not come from a single voice. It will come when all the storytellers gently pull children into their laps and share tales of loss and resilience, of sharing food and respecting others, of redemption, love, connection, luminosity.” I feel this quote embodies the novel itself, and hope that others will embrace the novel and enjoy as much as I have. Threads of Us releases tomorrow, October 8, 2024.

Many thanks to the author and suzyapprovedbooktours for my gifted physical copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Ann.
6,008 reviews83 followers
December 24, 2024
This book was an interesting read about how the death of her father has effected Grace's life. The night before the dance performance that could determine Gracie Wilder's career, her father unexpectedly dies, leaving behind a curious gift with ties to a myth told to her as a child. Desperate to understand her father's unspoken words, she puts her greatest dream on the line for an opportunity to remember the childhood she tried so hard to forget.
A few chance encounters with Beau Griffin, a bighearted building contractor, pull Gracie closer to her past. Griffin is no stranger to grief. Most recently, he has been held responsible for the demise of a Chicago building that harbors the cornerstones of his own history. In a moment of faith or folly, the unlikely pair follow the origin of Gracie's childhood memories to Old Montreal. There, they discover family secrets that will challenge the narratives that have defined Gracie's life. Griffin, too, will have to confront his own personal myths if he is to build room for Gracie in his future. Together, they must heal their history backward in order to move forward.
Profile Image for Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff).
2,550 reviews93 followers
November 6, 2024

This book is an intricate and emotional novel about family secrets and the connectedness of life.

Gracie is a dancer, and her father dies on the night of her career’s most significant performance. Her father leaves her an odd gift that she knows somehow ties back to her childhood, a childhood which she has tried to forget. But Gracie is determined to return to her past to put the secrets to rest and hopefully begin to heal.

Beau Griffin, a colleague of Gracie’s father, becomes her welcome companion in grief, as he is hurting too. They travel together, searching for the truth in the past and looking for what the future might hold.

While this is a journey of self-discovery infused with romance, the mystery of Gracie’s past and what happened to her father never takes a backseat. What captured my heart the most was how thoughtfully the author explores grief, the grieving process, and healing.

𝐵𝑒𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑢𝑙, 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @christiehaveysmithofficial for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
Profile Image for Cassie’s Reviews.
1,574 reviews29 followers
October 4, 2024
This book was such an emotional read for me, it touched on forgiving yourself and believing in second chances and most of all hope.
Grace is preparing for a dance performance that could determine her future when her father unexpectedly dies. Her father leaves her a curious gift with ties to a myth told to her as a child. When she decides to put her dream on on the line for an opportunity to remember the childhood she tried so hard to forget.
Beau Griffin is a contractor that has a big heart and is no stranger to grief. A few chance meetings with Grace have both of them following the origin of Gracie's childhood memories to Old Montreal. This is where they discover a connection to Graces past, now she’s questioning parts of her past. Beau also has to confront his own past and it leaves him wondering if he has room for Grace. They both have to heal their past before they can can have their future.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1 review5 followers
October 18, 2024
Threads of Us is such a beautiful story and exceptionally crafted! From the very first page, I was drawn into this captivating story with characters that truly engage. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Christie Havey Smith’s lyrical writing brings her characters to life with exquisite detail. As a reader you are transported by her vivid description of place as the story moves between the cities of Chicago and Old Montreal. I loved how she incorporates architecture and explores the power of place on our lived experience.

The narrative unfolds through four distinct characters, each developed with care as their individual stories intertwine in unexpected ways. Havey Smith skillfully weaves in themes of love, loss, family secrets, personal growth, and connection, ultimately leading to healing and hope. This was a beautiful read that has stayed with me long after the last page. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
240 reviews17 followers
November 9, 2024
Reading this book felt like a warm weighted blanket settling over me. I loved every word and every perspective. Gracie feels lost and is looking for some autonomy in her life, when her father unexpectedly passes away. With a lot of grief and so many unanswered questions, she embarks on a journey to find out more about her father's life, and in turn find out who she really is. Beau has his own struggles, but meeting Gracie starts to get him out of a rut and together they can grow as individuals.

I cannot say enough good things about this book. The writing was excellent. I loved the multiple perspectives. All the characters, including the secondary ones, were thoughtfully developed. I loved Cooper, iykyk....

I feel like each of us has a bit of Gracie within. She overcame a lot, found some answers, and can truly begin to live her life!

Definitely one of my favorites this year! A must read!
1,197 reviews39 followers
November 10, 2024
Threads of Us is author Christie Harvey Smiths debut novel and I think she hit it out of the park. The story and the characters will grab you right from the beginning and take you on their journey of self discovery. Have you ever heard the term six degrees of separation? It's basically saying that any person on earth can be connected to any other person through a chain of acquaintances up to six people. This story had me thinking about this concept. Through family or friendship we are connected to someone or something more than we know.
For Grace Wilder her discovery of the threads begins when her father passes and leaves her a gift that sends her on a journey of self discovery. She must journey back into a time of her life she hoped to never revisit but she begins to realize maybe things aren't as they seemed and maybe it's necessary for Grace to heal. Is it possible to suffer a loss but also gain so much? Grace will put everything she knows and loves on hold to find out.
Profile Image for Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader.
2,781 reviews31.9k followers
October 4, 2024
I love this cover. It reminds me of the silhouette my mom had made me of me when I was a young child. Gracie is a dancer with an important performance on the horizon; however, her father passes away the night before. He leaves her an unusual gift Gracie can’t quite understand. Now she’s trying hard to remember her childhood so you can make the connection.

In Gracie’s orbit is Griffin, a contractor who also knows grief and a lost history. Together they confront their paths in order to heal.

Threads of Us is a beautiful story of love and loss and healing from one’s past. It’s a story of finding your own way and moving forward with a lovely mystery woven in.

I received a gifted copy.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Profile Image for Sarah Bowe.
2,037 reviews
October 25, 2024
This is a beautiful journey that delves into how people can process grief of all kinds.

Gracie lost her dad before the dance performance of her life and had to be left wondering what he wanted to tell her. She buries her grief inside her and has a hard time letting people in.

Griffin is living in his grief of his wife divorcing him and his mom with dementia not knowing him anymore though he visits every day. He also has this one mistake hanging over his head by the town and a beloved structure and an accident.

Gracie and Griffin journey to Canada to find out what her dad wanted her to know. It comes as a shock what she finds, but it's also beautiful and healing. These two will help each other in ways they learn about while on this journey together and they in turn will help strangers that become friends/found family.
1 review
November 22, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. One of those books that keeps you up and keeps calling you back till you finish. I love character development and characters that I can relate too. I liked the characters in the story and thought I could really get to know them since Harvey Smith is an excellent detailed writer. She also is so good at description and the use of metaphor. The plot and story line could stand on its own, but the beautiful, artistic writing style made it so enjoyable to read. Many life themes were explored in this book which led to introspection of my own life: grief, forgiveness, determination, and hope. Tears streamed down my face as I finished the book, but they were tears of hope. I loved the way it all wrapped up. Christie Havey Smith is a talented writer and I hope to see more from her soon.
Profile Image for Lisa Albright.
1,761 reviews64 followers
November 2, 2024
I am a huge fan of a fantastic storyline, but what most often really gets me is the writing style. This novel is written in such beautiful lyrical prose that I was immediately captivated by the flow of words and imagery they created. I could feel Gracie's pain and see her past and present as if I were there and that's such a magical feeling. It's why I read. The story itself is incredibly touching and relatable in the way that grief changes us and challenges us to find ourselves in a new way using our past self as a touchstone. Gracie and Beau embark on this journey together and find the intriguing life connections that in the big picture bind us all and in the smaller picture work only for those two.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kim Wilch.
Author 6 books74 followers
November 7, 2024
This fictional debut book puts the author in a category of powerhouse writing. A young dancer is ready to make her breakthrough until her father dies unexpectedly. An undelivered email and a key is Gracie's inheritance.

Griffin comes loaded with his own past. A pending divorce, a mom with dementia, and the responsibility for accidental damage, is the baggage he carries.

Together, these virtual strangers face mistakes and past trauma and go boldly into the world of self discovery. When things are at their worst, they summon the gumption needed to come out on the other end. Such an inspirational story that is very well written. Look for the author's motivation for writing this book, included at the end.
Profile Image for Miss W Book Reviews.
1,769 reviews153 followers
October 14, 2024
Threads of Us by Christie Havey Smith is a wonderful, emotional, captivating book I really enjoyed.

Gracie is a dancer and on the biggest night of her life with a huge performance, her father passes away.

Gracie discovers some of her father's secrets leaving her confused as she has always wanted her father's approval more than anything else.

Gracie is a well written, complex character that is very relatable.
Gracie meets Beau after her father's funeral at a random encounter.

Beau and Gracie have a connection, and Beau helps Gracie find the answers to some of the questions she has about her late father's life.

I really enjoyed this thought-provoking novel.
Profile Image for Reeca Elliott.
2,016 reviews25 followers
October 26, 2024
Gracie is a dancer. She has a huge performance coming soon. Her dad passes away the night before this big performance and he leaves her a gift. She is having a hard time understanding what this gift means. She is trying to remember her childhood so she can fit the pieces together.

I enjoyed the mystery that slowly unfolded. This kept the story moving for me…along with all the emotions.

Not only are emotions and grief a big part of this tale, but the characters are so diverse. Their interactions will keep you locked in!

Need a story of love, loss and overcoming…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.
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