3.5 out of 5, rounded UP to 4 out of 5.I have never read Brenda Jackson before, though I certainly have seen her books on the shelves, so this was a real treat for me.A small town in Ohio steep in tradition and bloodlines, and the people that populate it have been there generations, the roots run deep. Status is everything, especially for Karen Saunders.Her daughter Erica is going against her expressed wishes of marrying into the other prominent family in Hattersville, the Hayes'. Erica is in love with Brian Lawson, and is engaged to the successful lawyer. Not good enough for Karen. She wants her daughter to marry Griffin Hayes.Karen is a status seeking, well dressed Cruella Da Ville. Cold, unfeeling and manipulative, Karen makes for one hell of a villianess here. Her oppressive presence is felt by all and she never misses an opportunity to manipulate her family and others like puppets.There are a few romance couples showcased here and how wonderful to read of a late middle-aged romance. Karen plays the victim card to the hilt. The ripple effects of her lies and meddling fuel the plot, the characters held together by that 'silken thread'.Her daughter Erica is easily fooled, as are the other women in this story, that is only my real beef with this. The women bought the lies which to me made them seem weak. Lives are blown apart as that silken thread snaps.A little over the top in some places, some of Karen's antics are beyond the pale, but nonetheless entertaining. The romances of the various couples sizzled and was very real. This was a juicy, romantic soap opera read. Peyton Place for the 21st century. An Applause and A Standing ovation to Mrs. Jackson *********I have to start out by saying even though I love Brenda Jackson's book series, this book was a breath of fresh air. It's a book from start to finish that doesn't come with a series, so this makes it a little different and exciting ( please note I love her series and not hating on them). She changes this book up a bit, the way she combines everyone, the way she involves everyone and the way she brought them together, now with saying that: *********The book was about Erica and Brian but ladies, while I love love love their story so many other individuals stole my heart in this book as well as the different story lines. The best way to describe it it's like Young & The Restless to the tenth level a very good soap opera and you know a soap opera includes the big dramas, the big lies, the big secrets and and who likes who from who doesn't like whomever etc, etc. With saying that, I had favorites at first, of couples through out the book but by the end they all made me love them more, I don't want to give away who ends up with who (but i will say this for one of the couples April and Griffin O.M.G that build up to their relationship, i though it was wonderful) but all their stories made you fell in love with them so much more. PS: let's just say this, for Karen she makes the Joker who is a villain on batman seems more innocent like a saint. if you are a fan of Brenda Jackson then I think you would appreciate this book it's so different but yet familiar.********************Feel free to join my book group on Facebook (Romance Novel Junkies) and fan page ( Romance Novel Junkies Book Reviews). We have over 500 members, which includes well known and indie authors and avid readers as members who are apart of this group. We would love to hear about new books and thoughts. Also check out our kindle and ebook lending library. Twitter @romanceJUNKIES.
What do You think about A Silken Thread (2011)?
I couldn't get into this one. I skipped to the last few chapters
—Jenesis
DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM........ A-1 Brenda did it again.
—cheyenne
