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

A different view of an awful time

You don’t have to have foul language to have a good book. This story tells so much more than I thought it would. Human compassion in so many ways.

Interesting historical fiction

Good story line about untold aspects of the US Civil War. Excellent narration too. And interesting female and male characters with a little bit about the power of music.

I Felt Pulled Right In

I felt I was pulled right into this novel. It was most one of the most enjoyable historically based novels I’ve ever read!

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.

A wonderful read

Love historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. I’m a quilter and thread artist so was drawn in by the importance to these women of fabric and thread. Lovely story.

Remarkable

This book is a well-researched and creative look at the Civil War based on the two authors’ family histories. It was poignant and hard to put down. Well done!

Opened my eyes to another story of the Civil War

The book’s two authors bring their friendship as a Black woman and a Jewish woman to this eye-opening and tender story that incorporates their families’ experiences in the Civil War. Beautifully written and narrated. Bravo!

2 female strangers so different yet experiencing similar struggles

I loved the way the 2 female leads led parallel yet incredibly different lives. Both helping men with their sewing, both brave and strong, yet both scared to loose their men to war. I also enjoyed the weaving together in the story of the different faiths. Great read!