These Tangled Threads

Seven years ago, a hidden betrayal scattered three young friends living in the shadow of Biltmore Estate. Now, when Biltmore Industries master weaver Lorna Blankenship is commissioned to create an original design for Cornelia Vanderbilt's 1924 wedding, she panics knowing she doesn't have the creativity needed. But there's an elusive artisan in the Blue Ridge Mountains who could save her--if only she can find her.

To track the mysterious weaver down, Lorna sees no other way but to seek out the relationships she abandoned in shame. As she pulls at each tangled thread from her old life, Lorna is forced to confront the wounds and regrets of long ago. She'll have to risk the job that shapes her identity as well as the hope of friendship--and love--restored.

In this seamlessly woven historical tale, award-winning Appalachian author Sarah Loudin Thomas delivers a poignant novel of friendship, artistry, restoration, and second chances.

This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with Baker Publishing Group.

Book club questions for These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

Lorna, Gentry, and Arthur all experience childhood trauma through the death of parents, abandonment, and/or neglect. How do you think that impacted their decisions in life? How do each of them process that trauma differently?

Lorna “borrows” weaving patterns to save her career as well as to benefit Biltmore Industries. Are there ever situations when shading the truth is okay?

Gentry found comfort in playing her dulcimer and eventually used her gift for music to comfort others. What gifts do you have that offer you an escape and/or the opportunity to help others?

Arthur dropped everything when he learned he had a brother who needed him. Who would you drop everything to help?

George Vanderbilt chose an out-of-the-way spot for his Gilded Age château. How do you think locals would have reacted to seeing a castle being built in the Blue Ridge Mountains? How would you react today if someone like Bill Gates built a massive home in your neighborhood?

The book ends with Cornelia Vanderbilt’s wedding. Unfortunately, her marriage didn’t last. After having two sons, she moved to England and never returned to Biltmore Estate. Do you think being wealthy and well-known makes life easier or harder? Why?

These Tangled Threads Book Club Questions PDF

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