The Thread Collectors

A Novel

By: Shaunna J. Edwards, Alyson Richman

Narrated by: Robin Miles

“An unforgettable story of female strength, hope and friendship. This collaborative work is magnificent—a true revelation!” —Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Woman with the Blue Star

“A brilliant story brimming with unexpected friendships and family ties. Historically sound and beautifully stitched, The Thread Collectors will stay with you long after the last page is turned.” —Sadeqa Johnson, international bestselling author of Yellow Wife

1863: In a small Creole cottage in New Orleans, an ingenious young Black woman named Stella embroiders intricate maps on repurposed cloth to help enslaved men flee and join the Union Army. Bound to a man who would kill her if he knew of her clandestine activities, Stella has to hide not only her efforts but her love for William, a Black soldier and a brilliant musician.

Meanwhile, in New York City, a Jewish woman stitches a quilt for her husband, who is stationed in Louisiana with the Union Army. Between abolitionist meetings, Lily rolls bandages and crafts quilts with her sewing circle for other soldiers, too, hoping for their safe return home. But when months go by without word from her husband, Lily resolves to make the perilous journey South to search for him.

As these two women risk everything for love and freedom during the brutal Civil War, their paths converge in New Orleans, where an unexpected encounter leads them to discover that even the most delicate threads have the capacity to save us. Loosely inspired by the authors' family histories, this stunning novel will stay with readers for a long time.

©2022 Shaunna J. Edward and Alyson Richman (P)2022 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Thought provoking

Very enlightening. Historical scenarios not aware of. Loyalty, friendship, music, hand sewing, political struggles, prejudice. All made for a very engaging experience.

Page Turner

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book; it is such a beautiful story of love and loss and the historical context is so fascinating, it makes it difficult to put the book down or stop listening. I love how the two authors weaved their stories and backgrounds together. This is one I can see reading over and over.

Using thread to make a map

Started out slow with many characters but by the middle had everyone figured out. The climax to the end painted a great picture of north and south uniting.

Very enjoyable!

Yes, very enjoyable listening to each woman’s experience and their choices of how to create with needle and thread.

Beautiful, difficult story

Interesting story about civil war era complexities involving slavery and hardships of women as well as the Jewish experience during this time. Hard truths and hopeful lessons.

Beautifully written story of courage, pain, and love.

The characters are strong. The story is captivating. I didn't want the book to end.

Riveting and fresh

I couldn’t stop listening to this book! The characters are vivid and I was quickly engrossed in the story as it wove around them. It was refreshing to hear about the Civil War from new perspectives and experiences. The reader also did a wonderful job in using voices to make the book come alive. Highly recommend!

Exceptional story, held on until the end

This was a wonderful story, full of love and heartbreak; masterfully written and exceptionally narrated. I could not stop listening. The prose was so well written, I could see myself in the characters and the places - almost felt like I was another character in the book. I can see this book becoming a movie - the stories are interwoven in a coherent and clear manner, inviting the listener at all times to continue. Expect great things from these two authors!

Love & respect between a black slave & and Jewish immigrant

This is an incredibly touching & well written journey during the Civil War. The relationships between races, slaves & and northern family are so beautifully interwoven! Loved the narration too!!

Jacob and William’s bond if friendship

I enjoyed the whole book , as well as the reading of it. The reading bought the story alive!