What do you think?
Rate this book
HANGING BY A THREAD
In 19th‑century Paterson, a girl born out of wedlock isn’t just unwanted—she’s marked from the start.
Abandoned after a single night of passion, Eliza Canty must raise her daughter under the weight of poverty and public shame. Her child, Loretta, grows up in a crowded tenement, surrounded by hardship, gossip, and the quiet certainty that society has already decided her worth.
By eleven, Loretta is working the looms at the Dexter Lambert silk mill, where the air is thick with lint, the hours are punishing, and even the smallest mistake can carry devastating consequences. Each day brings fresh slights and humiliations—reminders of the place the world expects her to stay.
But Loretta refuses to accept the life laid out for her.
When tragedy strikes the factory floor, she is forced to confront the injustice woven into every thread of her world—and choose whether to remain silent or risk everything to be heard.
Hanging by a Thread is a powerful story of resilience, betrayal, and a young woman’s fight to claim her place in a world determined to deny it.
Abandoned after a single night of passion, Eliza Canty must raise her daughter under the weight of poverty and public shame. Her child, Loretta, grows up in a crowded tenement, surrounded by hardship, gossip, and the quiet certainty that society has already decided her worth.
By eleven, Loretta is working the looms at the Dexter Lambert silk mill, where the air is thick with lint, the hours are punishing, and even the smallest mistake can carry devastating consequences. Each day brings fresh slights and humiliations—reminders of the place the world expects her to stay.
But Loretta refuses to accept the life laid out for her.
When tragedy strikes the factory floor, she is forced to confront the injustice woven into every thread of her world—and choose whether to remain silent or risk everything to be heard.
Hanging by a Thread is a powerful story of resilience, betrayal, and a young woman’s fight to claim her place in a world determined to deny it.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2026
About the author
James Coyle
1 bookJim’s debut novel grew out of three converging threads: a decades-long exploration of family history, a post-retirement love of historical fiction, and the unexpected quiet of the Covid years. His research uncovered fragments of lives—resilient, complex, and often overlooked—that rarely appeared in the historical record. Inspired by authors who bring forgotten stories to the forefront, he began shaping those discoveries into narrative form, blending personal history with broader historical truth.
Drawn especially to the untold experiences of working-class women and immigrant families, his work reflects a deep respect for the ordinary people whose courage and endurance helped shape their communities, even when their stories went unrecorded.
Jim lives in Connecticut, where he continues to explore the intersections of memory, history, and the forgotten lives that deserve to be remembered.
Drawn especially to the untold experiences of working-class women and immigrant families, his work reflects a deep respect for the ordinary people whose courage and endurance helped shape their communities, even when their stories went unrecorded.
Jim lives in Connecticut, where he continues to explore the intersections of memory, history, and the forgotten lives that deserve to be remembered.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 4, 2026
Exquisite storytelling
I loved the expansive history offered in pockets of time. My grandfather, parents and uncle worked at the Grove Silk Mill in the 40's and early 50's. In the 70's my brother I worked at Saquoit/Rohm and Haas nylon mill,,which had been a silk mill. Both were in Scranton PA. Although conditions were vastly improved it was delicate yet hard work. So I can understand the ties of work and love and many difficulties. Thank you, Mr. Coyle.
I loved the expansive history offered in pockets of time. My grandfather, parents and uncle worked at the Grove Silk Mill in the 40's and early 50's. In the 70's my brother I worked at Saquoit/Rohm and Haas nylon mill,,which had been a silk mill. Both were in Scranton PA. Although conditions were vastly improved it was delicate yet hard work. So I can understand the ties of work and love and many difficulties. Thank you, Mr. Coyle.
June 7, 2026
Great read
I love this book. It was so informative and pleasant to read. I have never reread a book but I think I may reread this one just to see if there was anything I may have missed.
I love this book. It was so informative and pleasant to read. I have never reread a book but I think I may reread this one just to see if there was anything I may have missed.
March 28, 2026
An epic story of lobe, loss, bravery, and sacrifice
Just like traveling by the great steam engines of the time period, Mr. Coyle's story starts off slow and steady. Then, picking up steam, with highs and lows, peaks and valleys. All mixed with the history of a courageous woman. It was an honor to go along for the ride.
Just like traveling by the great steam engines of the time period, Mr. Coyle's story starts off slow and steady. Then, picking up steam, with highs and lows, peaks and valleys. All mixed with the history of a courageous woman. It was an honor to go along for the ride.
April 8, 2026
A remarkable story of families in good and tough times!
This book talked about times that I really did not know about, children working in factories so young.
Thank you for sharing your families with me! I felt the love and determination though out.
This book talked about times that I really did not know about, children working in factories so young.
Thank you for sharing your families with me! I felt the love and determination though out.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews