Threads of Freedom and Home

by Helen Price

228 pages, Paperback

Published January 28, 2026

Reviews

[Katja Labonté]

It's always so exciting to pick up a book by a fellow Canadian author! This one touched on so many important topics, from the Underground Railway and the safe houses, to the anti-religion, anti-diversity gang, to the constant racism Ohanzee faced, and even to the different horrors that the villain perpetuated, especially against Thomas' mother. I struggled with the writing style and Felix's storyline, but I could see the author's heart shining through and the message was encouraging.

Content: violence (on-screen murder, physical attacks, & suicide); off-screen sexual assault & imprisonment.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

[Amber (Her Home and Hearts) Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The threads of three young lives intertwine when they arrive in a town governed by a mayor suspected in the growing number of mysterious disappearances targeting people of color and faith. Told through the alternating perspectives of Anna, Felix, and Ohanzee, this story weaves faith, courage, and quiet resistance into a compelling read.
I loved the bravery and moral conviction of these three characters - especially their willingness to stand for what’s right, no matter the cost!! (I did have some trouble following which character's POV I was reading as it constantly alternates between the three. It would have been less confusing if the character's name had been at the beginning of each chapter as I have seen other authors do who alternate POVs throughout.)

⚠️Content Notes:
•Violence: racial/religious prejudice and slurs, physical/sexual assault, murder, imprisonment.
•Illegitimate child.
•Childbirth.
•One use of the D word.
•Mild romantic content.
(All mild in description.)

[Sydney Schmied · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exceptional YA read! I have a soft spot for any historical fiction YA books, and this one is perfect for any Little House on the Prairie lovers!
Its a very sweet and suspenseful tale, and the author put a lot of heart into the meaning of what it is to be a Christian and make tough choices. This story follows three point-of-views, rather than the usual one or two, but the author does a great job keeping them all clear with their own voices. The headings were so fun and I loved the meanings behind them. The author wove a lot of the heart of the gospel into this story, and I really loved seeing that!

Content:
Language: a few uses of d+mn and hell
Violence: suspenseful but nongraphic, likely suitable for older teens. racial and religious persecution, bloodshed, a character who commits su+cide, death.
Age Rating: 16+

[M.E. Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Threads of Freedom and Home is where Little House on the Prairie meets Little Women with a bit of suspense.

It follows the perspective of three characters and tells the tale of how three of their lives are interwoven and each one brings light to situations that seem utterly hopeless.

I can tell that Helen took the time to really immerse herself into the time period, native culture, and just being completely enveloped in the hope that is the gospel.

This story gripped my heart from beginning to end and I love how it was written without fear of grit.

[Caitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really sweet book filled with endearing characters, suspense, and a satisfying ending to the story. The romance side of the story was kept very clean and tasteful, which is super important to me and appreciated. I would recommend it for any teens, young ladies, and women looking for clean, encouraging Christian fiction, especially those who are interested in midwifery, as that is a part of the story, and those who enjoy stories with Little House on the Prairie vibes.

Content warning: character who commits suicide. Racial and religious persecution, death, violence, but not graphic.

[Bethany Thembelihle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tender work of historical fiction weaves together the individual and intersecting lives of three people, with a sweet thread of romance.

Even with slightly older characters than most YA fiction, I would still recommend this novel to girls in mid/upper high school. Threads of Freedom and Home has the flavours of Little Women crossed with one of the Trailblazer biographies, with some suspense, action, rural life, a love triangle, friendly banter, and themes of forgiveness and redemption.

Helen Price leads us through the eyes of Anna, Felix, and Ohanzee into 1800s Canada and the underground railway. Told with spirit and heart, I found myself fuming over the injustices described, and aching for the characters.

Content: I wasn't expecting the realism in this book- the wounds, childbirth, gunfights, suicide - but they added a necessary layer to the story, and I wouldn't change that. I appreciated that even though gory things sometimes happened, the author did not dwell on or overly describe them. Threads of Freedom and Home goes to some necessarily dark places, but always with compassion and hope.

I really enjoyed this book and will probably read again. Solid 4 stars.

~ I received an advance reader copy (ARC) of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review ~

[Naomi McCullough · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I have to say how much I loved the sweet, wholesome threads of the Christian walk that were woven into this. It was refreshing to read and you can feel the truth and convictions behind it! Felix, Anna, and Ohanzee all feel real to me and I loved their separate stories. (that love triangle wrecked me, though).

So many times I laughed and cheered, and even grew misty eyed.
It's set in Canada, during the time when they had Safe houses for escaping slaves and I loved getting to read something with a Canadian side to the story of the underground and I typically haven't up till that point! Made me want to know more.

I didn't find the violence any worse than a Louis Lamour and the love story was as sweet as a Jeanette Oak. While I don't agree with some opinions/convictions regarding protection with weapons in this novel, I can respect the difference of opinion and still found it entirely enjoyable to read!
And didn't I just root for that certain character...sigh. He was just the best!

[Lexi T. Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥺 This story is so sweet. I fell in love with the characters from the start, but I refuse for once to say who my favorite was. 😂

There’s a love triangle you won’t hate (might hurt depending on which you root for, though). It’s tender, faith-filled, and atmospheric; immersing you in the historical setting and hearts of the characters.

I truly hope there are sequels to come. 🥹

Content warnings: racism, religious and racial persecution, death, grief, violence (injury including mention of blood; not graphic).
No spice romantic historical adventure; I would feel comfortable handing this to a teen.

[Daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was an ARC reader for this book, so I received a free copy of this book about a month before it was published in exchange for an honest review. Although it took me a long time to get through this book due to unexpected trials and increases in workload, I found this to be a very enjoyable read! I especially loved the integration of the Nakoda language and the different quilt patterns used on the Underground Railroad for this story. Helen Price also has a beautiful writing style and diction, and you can see her dedication to both her craft and to the Lord through her writing. Definitely would recommend!