"A Tapestry of Secrets" by Sarah Loudin Thomas

A Tapestry of Secrets (Aug. 2, 2016) by Sarah Loudin Thomas.*

Three generations of women, so different and yet so interconnected, are weighed down by their own minds. Perla Phillips has carried the burden of a heavy secret for six decades, and just when she’s determined to share the story, the opportunity is taken from her, not once, but twice. By keeping a secret born of shame and pride, has she missed the chance to reveal the story to those who matter most to her? Sadie Phillips has, at best, a strained relationship with her mother. She wants to ask her the identity of her birthfather, but stubbornness and deep-seated anger have kept her in a seething silence. Can her relationship with her mother be saved? Ella Phillips’ life is not fitting the dream she had in mind. She had a failed engagement, but now has two potential suitors. She also feels drawn to where she grew up when she goes to see her grandmother. Does Ella feel like she’s truly returned home?

            “A Tapestry of Secrets” is a Christian, contemporary fiction novel. At the heart of the book, to me, is the legacy of a family and how it has created deep roots throughout the generations. Character Seth Markley recognizes those roots and is drawn to them, not having deep roots of his own. Ella takes her roots for granted, as it is so easy for any of us to do, and struggles through much of the story with trying to attach herself to a physical object (her home church) instead of our Creator God, though she says that she’s a Christian. Loudin Thomas writes with warmth and nostalgia, but doesn’t forget to include trials of the past affecting actions and/or thoughts of the present. She weaves the story as well as Ella creates a tapestry.

            My negative in reading the story was Ella, and it’s a big one, because, unfortunately, she’s one of the main characters. It is clear that Ella has a big heart, otherwise she wouldn’t bother to care for her grandmother, nor would she be such a stout supporter of her church. But it goes back to attaching herself to a physical object. Change is almost never easy, and Ella really handled things childishly. She would pout, plant her hands on her hips and use an accusatory tone in meeting someone for the first time. She would stomp around, fling doors open aggressively and aim to pick conversational fights with others. She acted like an angsty teenager, and I almost hoped she was one. Instead, she turns 29 during the story. She redeems herself by the story’s end, but her undignified behavior was a real turn-off of her character for me, and I did NOT find myself rooting for her.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”