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Appalachian Blessings #3
A Tapestry of Secrets
Now in her eighties, Perla Phillips has carried a secret since she was eighteen years old. When she sees her granddaughter, Ella, struggling for perfection, she decides to share her secret to show that God can use even the biggest mistakes for good. But before she can reveal what happened during that summer sixty years ago, she has a debilitating stroke.
Carrying a secret of her own, Ella arrives back in Wise, West Virgina, to help her aunt Sadie care for Perla. Both know the woman wanted to tell them something, but she's now locked in silence. Together they begin looking into the past, but they may learn more than they expected.
Will they have the courage to share their hearts? Or will the truth remain buried forever?
Carrying a secret of her own, Ella arrives back in Wise, West Virgina, to help her aunt Sadie care for Perla. Both know the woman wanted to tell them something, but she's now locked in silence. Together they begin looking into the past, but they may learn more than they expected.
Will they have the courage to share their hearts? Or will the truth remain buried forever?
296 pages, Paperback
First published August 2, 2016
62 people are currently reading
959 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Loudin Thomas
16 books773 followersSarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her historical fiction is often set in West Virginia and celebrates the people, the land, and the heritage of Appalachia.
Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Coastal Carolina University and is the author of the acclaimed novels 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 has also been a finalist for the Christy Award, ACFW Carol Award, and the Christian Book of the Year Award.
Sarah’s career includes six years in the PR Department at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, and she served as the inaugural director of Jan Karon’s Mitford Museum in Hudson, NC. She currently divides her time between ministry work serving foster and adoptive families and writing. She and her husband live in western North Carolina.
Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Coastal Carolina University and is the author of the acclaimed novels 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 has also been a finalist for the Christy Award, ACFW Carol Award, and the Christian Book of the Year Award.
Sarah’s career includes six years in the PR Department at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, and she served as the inaugural director of Jan Karon’s Mitford Museum in Hudson, NC. She currently divides her time between ministry work serving foster and adoptive families and writing. She and her husband live in western North Carolina.
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July 6, 2016This is the third book of the West Virginia series by Sarah Loudin Thomas. She gives the reader a juicy slice of mountain life in West Virginia. The latest one follows Ella as she moves back home to help out with her grandmother, Perla, following Perla’s stroke. Ella has a history with a wrong-for-her man who continues to pursue her, to her chagrin. It doesn’t help that Ella’s mother seems unable to listen to her daughter about the need to be away and done with this selfish lawyer. Finally we learn the secret of Sadie’s birth to unwed mother Perla. What scandal! What redemption! Ella also finds new romance blossoming with Richard and also Seth. Which is the right guy for her? Wonderful story by a great storyteller.
Thanks to Bethany House for providing me an ARC for a review in my own words. I will be watching for more stories from Sarah Loudin Thomas. I find them engaging.
Thanks to Bethany House for providing me an ARC for a review in my own words. I will be watching for more stories from Sarah Loudin Thomas. I find them engaging.
February 4, 2023
A great ending to the story. This one followed on from the others with a backstory of Perlas past and secret she had kept all of the years. Ella decides to help her grandmother and family, doing her art at home too. Unexpected turns of events pull not only a family together but also a community with new changes. As the family grows it’s been wonderful hearing more about them and learning about the past too. The way the backstory is weaved throughout the story is amazing and added to the overall story too.
I loved Perla from the first book and was glad to hear more about her life and trials in life too. An amazing end to a beautiful story about faith, community, family, community spirit and friendships.
I loved Perla from the first book and was glad to hear more about her life and trials in life too. An amazing end to a beautiful story about faith, community, family, community spirit and friendships.
June 8, 2017
Good job in keeping me in suspense. Figured it out in the middle of the book. It was an interesting book. It was well written.
June 29, 2019
What a beautiful and poignant story of life, family, true love and romance, and embracing the journey! Well done, Sarah Thomas! Well done!
February 21, 2017
Reviewed by Eva
Sexual Content: Subtle
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content: Mild
Violent Content: Minimal
This is a book in a series of stories about Appalachia, but I do not believe it is necessary to have read the prior books to appreciate a good story. I did not read the earlier books and did not have problems grasping the characters or understanding the town and its history. At the center of this book is Perla, grandmother to Ella. Perla suffered a stroke, just as she was attempting to provide a story to Ella, which Perla hoped would being Ella happiness. While this may sound odd to some people, life lessons in some parts of the US are still transmitted through stories and so Perla was not simply going to tell Ella what she thought she should do, but frame this opinion as part of a story that at its center had an experience from Perla youth. But the stroke affected Perla’s ability to speak and unable to communicate, she must now hope that Ella and her aunt Sadie can uncover her secret on their own.
Ella and Sadie realize that Perla is trying to communicate with them and they sense urgency and importance in Perla’s face. So Ella and Sadie start on a treasure hunt, going through Perla’s past to uncover her secrets and hoping to find in the process what Perla tried to tell them.
Living in North Carolina and having been to the mountains in the Western part of the state as well as traveled extensively through Kentucky and Tennessee, the people described in this book are familiar to me. They are proud and stubborn and some of these characteristics come through in the women described in the book. The author does a good job of describing life in a small West Virginia town and how modern progress is changing the society even in Appalachia, but also how some of the unique aspects of this rural life stay the same. The strong family bonds are central to the life here and that comes through in this book. What also is taught through this book is that the feelings that we as humans experience stay the same and that the solution to these problems may not be all that different despite decades having gone by.
Overall, I enjoyed the book because I love the storytelling aspect of the book. The storyline moves at a leisurely pace and the reader gets to enjoy the life and people in rural Appalachia.
-- EVA
Sexual Content: Subtle
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content: Mild
Violent Content: Minimal
This is a book in a series of stories about Appalachia, but I do not believe it is necessary to have read the prior books to appreciate a good story. I did not read the earlier books and did not have problems grasping the characters or understanding the town and its history. At the center of this book is Perla, grandmother to Ella. Perla suffered a stroke, just as she was attempting to provide a story to Ella, which Perla hoped would being Ella happiness. While this may sound odd to some people, life lessons in some parts of the US are still transmitted through stories and so Perla was not simply going to tell Ella what she thought she should do, but frame this opinion as part of a story that at its center had an experience from Perla youth. But the stroke affected Perla’s ability to speak and unable to communicate, she must now hope that Ella and her aunt Sadie can uncover her secret on their own.
Ella and Sadie realize that Perla is trying to communicate with them and they sense urgency and importance in Perla’s face. So Ella and Sadie start on a treasure hunt, going through Perla’s past to uncover her secrets and hoping to find in the process what Perla tried to tell them.
Living in North Carolina and having been to the mountains in the Western part of the state as well as traveled extensively through Kentucky and Tennessee, the people described in this book are familiar to me. They are proud and stubborn and some of these characteristics come through in the women described in the book. The author does a good job of describing life in a small West Virginia town and how modern progress is changing the society even in Appalachia, but also how some of the unique aspects of this rural life stay the same. The strong family bonds are central to the life here and that comes through in this book. What also is taught through this book is that the feelings that we as humans experience stay the same and that the solution to these problems may not be all that different despite decades having gone by.
Overall, I enjoyed the book because I love the storytelling aspect of the book. The storyline moves at a leisurely pace and the reader gets to enjoy the life and people in rural Appalachia.
-- EVA
August 21, 2018
A Tapestry of Secrets is my first introduction to Sarah Loudin Thomas's writing. I'm not a big fan of Southern fiction or contemporary fiction in general, but this book was on sale, so I picked it up. Thomas is a master at creating a story with empathic characters. I really enjoyed following the characters around and watching their past come to the front and center of the story. Everyone has made mistakes in their past, and how we deal with it in the future is the most important thing. I felt bad for Grandma as she wanted to tell her oldest daughter the truth about her birth father, but she had two strokes and couldn't come right out and tell her. I believe Thomas does a good job at allowing me to see and understand the struggles of a person who has had a stroke. It rang true to what I have seen and read. As for the plot, it kept me flipping through the story, wanting to learn more about Grandma's past. The past story begins in Grandma's perspective pretty early on, but then it flickers in and out between the present. I think Thomas gave us a rough idea of what happened, but I wish the Grandma's story was more flushed out. It didn't appear to be that important to the story, even though I think Thomas wanted it to be. Overall, if you enjoy southern contemporary stories like James Markert or Catherine West, then this story might be right up your alley.
September 28, 2018
A Tapestry of Secrets (Appalachian Blessings Book #3) by [Thomas, Sarah Loudin]I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Before I go into my review, I feel I need to say that I have not read the previous two books in this series. Having said that, I don't feel like I need to. The characters in this book are so rich, I began to understand them easily.
Perla and Ella have lives that are intertwined. Perla is Ella's grandmother and experiences two strokes. Each had her faces things within, such as pride, and fear. From the first I felt I understood her very well.
Ella returned to her home when faced with uncertainty in her own life. She also had a dream for her life and over time she had to learn that God also has dreams or goals for her and these are the most important things for her.
This is worth reading, even if you have not read the previous books but now that I have, I would like to start with book one and work my way through.
Before I go into my review, I feel I need to say that I have not read the previous two books in this series. Having said that, I don't feel like I need to. The characters in this book are so rich, I began to understand them easily.
Perla and Ella have lives that are intertwined. Perla is Ella's grandmother and experiences two strokes. Each had her faces things within, such as pride, and fear. From the first I felt I understood her very well.
Ella returned to her home when faced with uncertainty in her own life. She also had a dream for her life and over time she had to learn that God also has dreams or goals for her and these are the most important things for her.
This is worth reading, even if you have not read the previous books but now that I have, I would like to start with book one and work my way through.
October 8, 2017
A well written book about the secret Perla Phillips has kept hidden. Her
daughter and granddaughter try to find out about the past and fear it may
be too late since Perla’s stroke. The tale spans generations and weaves
the stories of two women together and examines the struggle of love,
faith. and choices that shape their lives. I recommend this story. It is a
tale of love and forgiveness as well as an easy enjoyable read.
daughter and granddaughter try to find out about the past and fear it may
be too late since Perla’s stroke. The tale spans generations and weaves
the stories of two women together and examines the struggle of love,
faith. and choices that shape their lives. I recommend this story. It is a
tale of love and forgiveness as well as an easy enjoyable read.
April 2, 2017
I didn't realize this was part of a series. It was a quick read, enjoyable characters and the story moved along nicely. I'd be tempted to go back and read the earlier books in the series.
July 3, 2016
A Tapestry Of Secrets by Sarah Loudin Thomas is a contemporary Christian romance. It is the third book in the Appalachian Blessings series but can be read as a stand-alone.
I really enjoyed A Tapestry Of Secrets. It had a real feel good factor to it with God and family at the very heart.
Perla has a secret. A secret she has kept since 1948 and now she wants to share it. The novel shows how secrets can be a real burden. They can drag us down with their weight. It is always better to deal with the truth. Being truthful can bring freedom from our burdens.
There is the theme of trust within the novel. There is trust in God. "You got to get to the place where you want whatever the Lord wants and you'll find you have more than you ever dreamed." God loves us with an everlasting love. He only wants the best for us. He longs for us to trust Him. There is also trust in others. Trust in the goodness of people. Sometimes people will let us down but give them a chance and trust them. Not everyone is untrustworthy.
There is also the theme of family. The family in the novel is both close knit and fractured. Family relationships are not always rosy but there is love in spite of tension. There is a wonderful bond between grandmother and granddaughter. It is as if they act as one at times. The parents in the novel only ever want what is best for their children but sometimes the children do not agree with them!
A mother's role is at the heart of the novel. The family revolves around the mother. She holds it all together. Sarah Loudin Thomas shows that you are never too old to want your mother's love. "How could it be that she, a woman of seventy nine could still long for her mother?" A beautiful tribute to the love of a mother.
The theme of roots links in to the family theme. We all long to know who we are and where we come from. Sometimes we focus more on the past than looking forward into the future. Our history matters but where we are going and how we are using our knowledge of the past to influence our future matters too.
Within A Tapestry Of Secrets there is a discussion about faith. "There was more to believing than going to church and praying before a meal." Having faith means having a relationship with God. Going to church is important but being the church is of utmost importance. It is our duty as Christians to take the church into our communities, to spread God's love and hope to a hurting world. The church is so much more than a building. The church is Jesus' body of people.
The novel also has the theme of forgiveness. God forgives us but we are often slower to forgive ourselves. Unforgiveness will trap us in the past, unable to move forward and may make us bitter. We need to give and receive forgiveness.
I really loved A Tapestry Of Secrets. It was my first novel by Sarah Loudin Thomas but I shall definitely be reading more by her. I can highly recommend A Tapestry Of Secrets. It's a perfect read.
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed A Tapestry Of Secrets. It had a real feel good factor to it with God and family at the very heart.
Perla has a secret. A secret she has kept since 1948 and now she wants to share it. The novel shows how secrets can be a real burden. They can drag us down with their weight. It is always better to deal with the truth. Being truthful can bring freedom from our burdens.
There is the theme of trust within the novel. There is trust in God. "You got to get to the place where you want whatever the Lord wants and you'll find you have more than you ever dreamed." God loves us with an everlasting love. He only wants the best for us. He longs for us to trust Him. There is also trust in others. Trust in the goodness of people. Sometimes people will let us down but give them a chance and trust them. Not everyone is untrustworthy.
There is also the theme of family. The family in the novel is both close knit and fractured. Family relationships are not always rosy but there is love in spite of tension. There is a wonderful bond between grandmother and granddaughter. It is as if they act as one at times. The parents in the novel only ever want what is best for their children but sometimes the children do not agree with them!
A mother's role is at the heart of the novel. The family revolves around the mother. She holds it all together. Sarah Loudin Thomas shows that you are never too old to want your mother's love. "How could it be that she, a woman of seventy nine could still long for her mother?" A beautiful tribute to the love of a mother.
The theme of roots links in to the family theme. We all long to know who we are and where we come from. Sometimes we focus more on the past than looking forward into the future. Our history matters but where we are going and how we are using our knowledge of the past to influence our future matters too.
Within A Tapestry Of Secrets there is a discussion about faith. "There was more to believing than going to church and praying before a meal." Having faith means having a relationship with God. Going to church is important but being the church is of utmost importance. It is our duty as Christians to take the church into our communities, to spread God's love and hope to a hurting world. The church is so much more than a building. The church is Jesus' body of people.
The novel also has the theme of forgiveness. God forgives us but we are often slower to forgive ourselves. Unforgiveness will trap us in the past, unable to move forward and may make us bitter. We need to give and receive forgiveness.
I really loved A Tapestry Of Secrets. It was my first novel by Sarah Loudin Thomas but I shall definitely be reading more by her. I can highly recommend A Tapestry Of Secrets. It's a perfect read.
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.
August 18, 2016
Although the book is entitled a Tapestry of Secrets, I found only one secret that served as the focus of the story line. Perla, a woman in her seventies, had tried at one time to reveal to her daughter Sadie the identify of her biological father. Sadie, however, had refused to hear what her mother wanted to tell her because the father she knew and loved was the man Perla had married when Sadie was five or six years old. Perla decides that she will try again to reveal the secret; but before she can do so, she suffers a stroke that affects her speech. A second stroke, not long after, erases her initial recovery so now Perla fears that she may never be able to tell Sadie the truth.
Meanwhile, Ella, Perla's granddaughter and Sadie's niece, focuses on caring for her Gram while continuing to create tapestries in quilts that portray life in West Virginia. Having called off marriage to a city lawyer, Ella struggles with the possibility of spinsterhood and hesitates to pursue relationships with two young men who seem interested in "courting" her.
When a land developer arrives in the area to build a hunting preserve, Ella, along with others, fears a detrimental effect that this development could have on this quiet town where families have lived for generations. Of prime concern is the potential sale of a small church that has declined in recent years and still fails to thrive even with a new, young preacher.
Suspense builds as the story progresses. Will Perla be able to tell Sadie about her father or will Sadie discover it on her own? Can Ella build a lasting relationship with a man she can trust? Will a hunting preserve destroy what the people love about their church?
In searching for other books by Sarah Loudin Thomas, I discovered that she had two earlier books in this series entitled "Appalachian Blessings." She clearly had this story in mind as she wrote those first two books, Miracle in a Dry Season and Until the Harvest. Reading A Tapestry of Secrets first did not spoil the others, which simply provided more background without revealing Perla’s secret that had occurred in the very first book in the series. I found the author's acknowledgments very interesting: A Tapestry of Secrets had been in work for ten years, which implied to me that she obviously had this final book in mind as she wrote the other two.
Note: Bethany House Publishers provided this book to me in exchange for an honest review.
Meanwhile, Ella, Perla's granddaughter and Sadie's niece, focuses on caring for her Gram while continuing to create tapestries in quilts that portray life in West Virginia. Having called off marriage to a city lawyer, Ella struggles with the possibility of spinsterhood and hesitates to pursue relationships with two young men who seem interested in "courting" her.
When a land developer arrives in the area to build a hunting preserve, Ella, along with others, fears a detrimental effect that this development could have on this quiet town where families have lived for generations. Of prime concern is the potential sale of a small church that has declined in recent years and still fails to thrive even with a new, young preacher.
Suspense builds as the story progresses. Will Perla be able to tell Sadie about her father or will Sadie discover it on her own? Can Ella build a lasting relationship with a man she can trust? Will a hunting preserve destroy what the people love about their church?
In searching for other books by Sarah Loudin Thomas, I discovered that she had two earlier books in this series entitled "Appalachian Blessings." She clearly had this story in mind as she wrote those first two books, Miracle in a Dry Season and Until the Harvest. Reading A Tapestry of Secrets first did not spoil the others, which simply provided more background without revealing Perla’s secret that had occurred in the very first book in the series. I found the author's acknowledgments very interesting: A Tapestry of Secrets had been in work for ten years, which implied to me that she obviously had this final book in mind as she wrote the other two.
Note: Bethany House Publishers provided this book to me in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2016
Once again, this author has transported me to the heart of Appalachia. A Tapestry of Secrets is primarily a contemporary novel, yet there are flashbacks to Perla’s youth. Perla is a character that readers met earlier in the series, yet if you have not read the other books, I believe that A Tapestry of Secrets does give enough information to act as a stand alone novel. I have read all of the books in the series and loved reconnecting with several characters from earlier novels.
There are really two main stories taking place in this book. Ella is Perla’s granddaughter and is really trying to find her place in this world. She struggles to understand about having a deep relationship with God, she questions her past judgement in a recent relationship and wonders if romance will ever be a part of her life, she values family and history and keeps both deep in her heart.
Perla’s story is both of the past and the present as she struggles to heal and share the truth about what happened in her life so long ago. I really enjoyed finding out more and more in small snippets throughout the book. I thought that both Ella and Perla’s stories were equally intriguing. I enjoyed this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
There are really two main stories taking place in this book. Ella is Perla’s granddaughter and is really trying to find her place in this world. She struggles to understand about having a deep relationship with God, she questions her past judgement in a recent relationship and wonders if romance will ever be a part of her life, she values family and history and keeps both deep in her heart.
Perla’s story is both of the past and the present as she struggles to heal and share the truth about what happened in her life so long ago. I really enjoyed finding out more and more in small snippets throughout the book. I thought that both Ella and Perla’s stories were equally intriguing. I enjoyed this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
August 15, 2016
I fell in love with the "family" in this book a year ago when I read the first book in the "Appalachian Blessing" series. Each character has their own uniqueness, yet they are rooted...no grounded in the same place. "A Tapestry of Secrets" brings together answers to questions left lingering. However, it is not necessary to read the two previous books to fully enjoy this one, but why wouldn't you want to?
Seeing Perla much older and suffering through not just one but two strokes was difficult (having my own grandmother suffer three). Watching her stubbornness was a picture into her very soul, as she struggled with pride, fear, and knowing what was the right thing to do. The truth she knew, that she was forgiven, but still had a responsibility to her daughter, was made very clear and the reader can feel her angst.
Being introduced to Ella was a great pleasure. I liked her from the start and found myself rooting for one of her suitors over the other. I watched with great expectation as she grew and learned in those months she returned home. Ella had a dream, she wanted something, something noble and good. But she learned that what God wanted for her was the most important thing she could want. And she learned to be content.
Yes this was a fiction, but there are some wonderful lessons that I have learned from this terrific book. It is worth reading for the pleasure of it, but also for the truth that it holds. I can highly recommend this book.
Seeing Perla much older and suffering through not just one but two strokes was difficult (having my own grandmother suffer three). Watching her stubbornness was a picture into her very soul, as she struggled with pride, fear, and knowing what was the right thing to do. The truth she knew, that she was forgiven, but still had a responsibility to her daughter, was made very clear and the reader can feel her angst.
Being introduced to Ella was a great pleasure. I liked her from the start and found myself rooting for one of her suitors over the other. I watched with great expectation as she grew and learned in those months she returned home. Ella had a dream, she wanted something, something noble and good. But she learned that what God wanted for her was the most important thing she could want. And she learned to be content.
Yes this was a fiction, but there are some wonderful lessons that I have learned from this terrific book. It is worth reading for the pleasure of it, but also for the truth that it holds. I can highly recommend this book.
December 31, 2016
"A Tapestry of Secrets" is one of best books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I'm sad to see this series end. I've come to love each character in these books. Sarah, has such a wonderful way of making each character she writes about special in their own way. You feel like you're on this journey called life with them. This book explores real issues we've all faced at sometime in our own life.
Perla had an illness that prevented her from being able to verbally express what was in her heart after years of keeping it bottled up inside, but all of us have our own secrets and reasons for keeping them inside often to our own hurt.
We all have a secret or weakness that we don't want to share with others because we fear how they will react and feel about us afterward. We all have had times when we searched after things we thought were important at the time only to realize later that they weren't. We've all made mistakes and needed to forgive and be forgiven.
I'm realizing more in my own life that God uses broken vessels to let His light shine through, and everything I've been through, good and bad, have happened for a reason. I must learn to live for today and be content and happy where I am. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow isn't promised.
Perla had an illness that prevented her from being able to verbally express what was in her heart after years of keeping it bottled up inside, but all of us have our own secrets and reasons for keeping them inside often to our own hurt.
We all have a secret or weakness that we don't want to share with others because we fear how they will react and feel about us afterward. We all have had times when we searched after things we thought were important at the time only to realize later that they weren't. We've all made mistakes and needed to forgive and be forgiven.
I'm realizing more in my own life that God uses broken vessels to let His light shine through, and everything I've been through, good and bad, have happened for a reason. I must learn to live for today and be content and happy where I am. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow isn't promised.
September 26, 2016
Sarah is my go to author when I am looking for a novel that has me thinking very deep thoughts of my own life. And this book lived up to her reputation. I have done a bit of basic quilting, but nothing as elaborate as what Ella tackles. And yet, in my mind's eye I was able to visualize exactly what she was trying to accomplish. I am one of these people who knows my heritage, mostly because both my parents were interested, but also because we were a close family. To be in the situation that Sadie was in, is rather unfathomable to me, and yet through Sarah's imagery I felt empathy for her. I understood Ella better than I wished I did as her mother tried steering her toward an uncomfortable friendship. A very good book, and cements Sarah Loudin Thomas as a favorite author on my author list.
Thank you to Stephanie Gibson and Ellen of Graf-Martin Publicity Group, and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read this novel. I was given a free book through Nuts About Books program for the purpose of a review. A positive critique was not required. The opinions are my own.
Thank you to Stephanie Gibson and Ellen of Graf-Martin Publicity Group, and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read this novel. I was given a free book through Nuts About Books program for the purpose of a review. A positive critique was not required. The opinions are my own.
September 5, 2016
Sarah Loudin Thomas once again takes us back to Appalachia to visit with the Phillips family. This time it's Perla and Casewell's granddaughter Ella, whose story this mostly is.
I loved everything about this book. I've loved this family since the very first book, A Miracle in a Dry Season.
Thomas weaves the story seamlessly throughout the time periods of 1054-2009, giving the reader a treat at knowing such a wonderful family and the inhabitants of the area as well. A very well written novel from someone who lives near the area, too! As a southerner myself, I could relate to many of the customs and speech patterns.
Wonderful series. Don't miss it.
*I was provided with a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I loved everything about this book. I've loved this family since the very first book, A Miracle in a Dry Season.
Thomas weaves the story seamlessly throughout the time periods of 1054-2009, giving the reader a treat at knowing such a wonderful family and the inhabitants of the area as well. A very well written novel from someone who lives near the area, too! As a southerner myself, I could relate to many of the customs and speech patterns.
Wonderful series. Don't miss it.
*I was provided with a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
August 22, 2016
This is a first for me of this author but it will not be the last. This is book 3 in the Appalachian Blessings series. I missed on the first two but I plan to go back and read those. Wonderful strong well written characters. The book was a page flipper I read it in one setting. Right must be really good that is 296 pages of awesomeness. The author kept the story going and you didn't want to put it down. Long pass hidden secrets in the family have finally taken a toll on Perla. She must tell her granddaughter the truth of the past that has been kept hidden. Can their faith in thee family keep them together? Can the wounds of the pass be healed? Wonderful book and a wonderful author very well written. 5 Star
I was given this book by Bethany House to review for my own honest opinion!
I was given this book by Bethany House to review for my own honest opinion!
October 24, 2016
One of those stories which is like a warm mug of hot chocolate-sweet and satisfying.
It's a fairly slow paced read, but interesting enough to keep you turning the pages.
Ella, an artist, has returned to her home town to look after her nan, who is recovering from a stroke. Perla, her nan is desperate to share a secret that has plagued her for years, but now finds herself unable to do so.
This book is worth the read, although not as enjoyable as earlier books in the series, it good conclusion to the saga.
I recommend this book to people who don't mind their stories set at a slower pace, or a love triangle/square.
Many thanks to net galley for a review copy of this book.
It's a fairly slow paced read, but interesting enough to keep you turning the pages.
Ella, an artist, has returned to her home town to look after her nan, who is recovering from a stroke. Perla, her nan is desperate to share a secret that has plagued her for years, but now finds herself unable to do so.
This book is worth the read, although not as enjoyable as earlier books in the series, it good conclusion to the saga.
I recommend this book to people who don't mind their stories set at a slower pace, or a love triangle/square.
Many thanks to net galley for a review copy of this book.
January 20, 2018
A sweet & enjoyable book about Perla Phillips, an elderly woman with a secret she wants to share but is prevented from doing so by an unexpected occurrence. The other main character is Perla's granddaughter, Ella, who is trying to recover from a broken relationship. When the two are reunited, the both learn how to help each other in the way God wants them to do.
This is book #3 in this series but since it had been over 2 years since I read #2, it took me a bit to recall the back story. You don't need to read the prior books as the author does a good job of explaining the history but it would probably be more enjoyable if you did.
A book on the importance of family, love, truth and hope. A nice Christian novel without profanity or sex as well as a gentle message of God.
This is book #3 in this series but since it had been over 2 years since I read #2, it took me a bit to recall the back story. You don't need to read the prior books as the author does a good job of explaining the history but it would probably be more enjoyable if you did.
A book on the importance of family, love, truth and hope. A nice Christian novel without profanity or sex as well as a gentle message of God.
February 21, 2025
Wholesome, a Perfect Ending
A great wrap up to the Appalachian Blessings series! I have loved following the generations throughout these books.
In A Tapestry of Secrets, there were some slow parts, but there were plenty of spins, twists, and surprises to make up for the slow.
The love between Perla and Ella is beautiful. It made me think of my own grandma, now with Jesus. There is something so special between grandmothers and granddaughters!
I missed hearing much about Mayfair and would love a side series about her life!
Definitely worth the read, a sweet story to get lost in!
A great wrap up to the Appalachian Blessings series! I have loved following the generations throughout these books.
In A Tapestry of Secrets, there were some slow parts, but there were plenty of spins, twists, and surprises to make up for the slow.
The love between Perla and Ella is beautiful. It made me think of my own grandma, now with Jesus. There is something so special between grandmothers and granddaughters!
I missed hearing much about Mayfair and would love a side series about her life!
Definitely worth the read, a sweet story to get lost in!
October 19, 2016
I love the synopsis of this book that's what 1st pulled me in, as well as the cover of the book & you have gotta know that the font on this book is raised, I love that when that happens!!! So So cool!!! It is the small details in a real hand held book. I miss those affects when I read so many books on my kindle. This cover makes me think of so many family quilts I do own & also the ones my hubby owns from his family as well. There are 2 names in the book that I just love & it is an added reason as to why I had to read this book ... Seth, 'cause duh!! That is my name just with an "S", right??! & Delilah. Love that name & song.
One of my favorite quotes: "Ella felt her lips twitch. "Although Mason jars with handles might be just the ticket in the bar."
One of my favorite quotes: "Ella felt her lips twitch. "Although Mason jars with handles might be just the ticket in the bar."
April 2, 2017
Very moving 3rd book in the series. I was very interested to read the author's note at the end and learn that this was her first book. I got my request after #2, which was to learn more about Sadie. I like the themes of home and finding yourself as well as love and faith. Oh, and I want to see the quilts!
July 10, 2017
This book was excellent, there were several story lines going around several characters, and I loved them all, it kept me reading!
July 26, 2017
Loved it!!!
May 3, 2019
I enjoyed this series so much. The characters were likeable but what I loved the most was their faith ... talks about God/Jesus is always wonderful to hear!
July 2, 2018
I love this, simple plot but full of inspirational messages. Truly, God works in wondrous ways.
June 20, 2020
Really liked this book. It is set in WV and many familiar places are mentioned. Good read.
October 22, 2018
Excellent
Third time is truly a charm in this series. Issues from the first book are still present but will all be worked out to the glory of the Lord without being religious. This series tells the story of a family in a often forget part of the country. Ms. Thomas does a great job of dispelling myths about people from the Appalachian mountains, shows us pastors are people to, sometimes we have to look deep inside yourself to find out true calling in life and that the Lord will save lawyers also.😀 the entire series is outstanding and a must read.each book is excellent on there own. You can't go wrong with these.
Third time is truly a charm in this series. Issues from the first book are still present but will all be worked out to the glory of the Lord without being religious. This series tells the story of a family in a often forget part of the country. Ms. Thomas does a great job of dispelling myths about people from the Appalachian mountains, shows us pastors are people to, sometimes we have to look deep inside yourself to find out true calling in life and that the Lord will save lawyers also.😀 the entire series is outstanding and a must read.each book is excellent on there own. You can't go wrong with these.
February 7, 2017
Appalachian stories have long held an appeal for me, and on finally reading one of Sarah Loudin Thomas' Appalachian Blessings novels I was delighted to find a well crafted multi-generational story that incorporates themes of family, faith, and coming to terms with the past.
Though the main female character is Ella, who comes home partly to get away from an ex-boyfriend only to find two new romantic possibilities, I was particularly delighted with her Grandmother Perla. Perla comes to the conclusion that it is time to tell the story of her past to help her daughter Sadie to deal with her anger and hopefully keep her granddaughter from making a relationship mistake, only to be prevented by a health crisis. Following her journey through this book, and her changing attitudes, were a highlight.
As the romantic possibilities began to present themselves to Ella, I was apprehensive about there being a love triangle. The way in which everything develops, however, both feels realistic and works with the plot. I don't usually get invested in love triangles, but by midway through this novel I couldn't help picking a side when I was charmed by one of the sweetest romantic dates I have read.
I often disliked Ella's petulant nature, brought out by her need to keep change from happening, but I did enjoy watching as her perceptions changed and she was helped to realize that her faith too needed to change and grow.
While the contemporary portions of this novel take place after the first two novels chronologically, the events of Perla's past occur prior to the first novel. I have the first two novels on my bookshelf, and I may eventually decide it would be better to read them in order, but I chose to read this first and it can stand on its own. Knowing what I do now of this family, I am looking forward even more to reading the rest of the series including the prequel novella, Appalachian Serenade.
Recommended for those who enjoy contemporary, historical, or a mixture of the two. While this is a romance, it is also the story of generations of women and the choices they make.
This review refers to a review copy received for free from the publisher through the Bethany House Blogger Review program. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own. Originally posted on bookworlder.wordpress.com
Though the main female character is Ella, who comes home partly to get away from an ex-boyfriend only to find two new romantic possibilities, I was particularly delighted with her Grandmother Perla. Perla comes to the conclusion that it is time to tell the story of her past to help her daughter Sadie to deal with her anger and hopefully keep her granddaughter from making a relationship mistake, only to be prevented by a health crisis. Following her journey through this book, and her changing attitudes, were a highlight.
As the romantic possibilities began to present themselves to Ella, I was apprehensive about there being a love triangle. The way in which everything develops, however, both feels realistic and works with the plot. I don't usually get invested in love triangles, but by midway through this novel I couldn't help picking a side when I was charmed by one of the sweetest romantic dates I have read.
I often disliked Ella's petulant nature, brought out by her need to keep change from happening, but I did enjoy watching as her perceptions changed and she was helped to realize that her faith too needed to change and grow.
While the contemporary portions of this novel take place after the first two novels chronologically, the events of Perla's past occur prior to the first novel. I have the first two novels on my bookshelf, and I may eventually decide it would be better to read them in order, but I chose to read this first and it can stand on its own. Knowing what I do now of this family, I am looking forward even more to reading the rest of the series including the prequel novella, Appalachian Serenade.
Recommended for those who enjoy contemporary, historical, or a mixture of the two. While this is a romance, it is also the story of generations of women and the choices they make.
This review refers to a review copy received for free from the publisher through the Bethany House Blogger Review program. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own. Originally posted on bookworlder.wordpress.com
July 2, 2016
I had not realized that I read a book in this series of three books, until I looked it up on my blog. Book two is reviewed here, but I must say that book three is every bit as compelling and engaging as book two. Sarah Loudin Thomas does not write fluffy books without a serious thought to them. Her writing is deep, thoughtful, and completely fascinating. Again, while this is part of a series, this book can stand alone. I did not feel lost in figuring out what the past plots were.
Perla has had a stroke and Ella's parents call her to come home to help with her grandmother. Since Ella's career is making art-quilts, she can do that anywhere, and right now she needs a way out of Craggy Mount and to get away from Mark Arrington. This is the perfect solution. The only fly in the ointment is her Aunt Sadie, a rather domineering person who thinks Perla should go to a rehab center/nursing home. Ella wants her grandmother at home where things are familiar and comfortable.
When Ella comes home, she comes also to her home church where a developer is wanting to build a hunting lodge and wants to buy the ground the church sits on. Ella can't let go of the history that church represents to her and truly doesn't want to see the church pushed out by the developer.
Perla's issues go much farther back in that Sadie was born outside of wedlock and Perla wants to tell Ella and Sadie the story and make a full disclosure about that time in her life, what that meant to her, and how she rose above it. Perla was ready to tell Sadie some time ago, but Sadie was not in a position to hear her mother. Now she wants to know, but she also wants to meet the other relatives involved.
Except for Sadie wanting to put Perla away (so to speak), Ella and Sadie are almost two peas in the same pod for wanting to know more of the family history.
Sarah has also worked into this story a bit of romance, but it is not apparent at the beginning which boy will get the girl! I LOVE that. I love the way she has worked all the plot details together so that it comes together in a savory whole. This is a five star book, two thumbs up, and an art quilt to hang on your wall.
My thanks to Bethany House for allowing me to read and review this book.
Perla has had a stroke and Ella's parents call her to come home to help with her grandmother. Since Ella's career is making art-quilts, she can do that anywhere, and right now she needs a way out of Craggy Mount and to get away from Mark Arrington. This is the perfect solution. The only fly in the ointment is her Aunt Sadie, a rather domineering person who thinks Perla should go to a rehab center/nursing home. Ella wants her grandmother at home where things are familiar and comfortable.
When Ella comes home, she comes also to her home church where a developer is wanting to build a hunting lodge and wants to buy the ground the church sits on. Ella can't let go of the history that church represents to her and truly doesn't want to see the church pushed out by the developer.
Perla's issues go much farther back in that Sadie was born outside of wedlock and Perla wants to tell Ella and Sadie the story and make a full disclosure about that time in her life, what that meant to her, and how she rose above it. Perla was ready to tell Sadie some time ago, but Sadie was not in a position to hear her mother. Now she wants to know, but she also wants to meet the other relatives involved.
Except for Sadie wanting to put Perla away (so to speak), Ella and Sadie are almost two peas in the same pod for wanting to know more of the family history.
Sarah has also worked into this story a bit of romance, but it is not apparent at the beginning which boy will get the girl! I LOVE that. I love the way she has worked all the plot details together so that it comes together in a savory whole. This is a five star book, two thumbs up, and an art quilt to hang on your wall.
My thanks to Bethany House for allowing me to read and review this book.
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