Review: The Weaver's Daughter by Sarah E. Ladd

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Kate's loyalties bind her to the past. Henry's loyalties compel him to strive for a better future. In a landscape torn between tradition and vision, can two souls find the strength to overcome their preconceptions?

Loyalty has been at the heart of the Dearborne family for as long as Kate can remember, but a war is brewing in their small village, one that has the power to rip families asunder --including her own. As misguided actions are brought to light, she learns how deep her father's pride and bitterness run, and she begins to wonder if her loyalty is well-placed.

Henry Stockton, heir to the Stockton fortune, returns home from three years at war seeking refuge from his haunting memories. Determined to bury the past, he embraces his grandfather's goals to modernize his family's wool mill, regardless of the grumblings from the local weavers. When tragedy strikes shortly after his arrival, Henry must sort truth from suspicion if he is to protect his family's livelihood and legacy.

Henry has been warned about the Dearborne family. Kate, too, has been advised to stay far away from the Stocktons, but chance meetings continue to bring her to Henry's side, blurring the jagged lines between loyalty, justice, and truth. Kate ultimately finds herself with the powerful decision that will forever affect her village's future. As unlikely adversaries, Henry and Kate must come together to find a way to create peace for their families, and their village, and their souls - even if it means risking their hearts in the process.

My Review

I loved the feeling of being immersed in the setting as I read this book! The author wove in details of the weavers, mills, and the politics of both sides without becoming boring, rather it enhanced the plot and showed insights into the characters and the hard work they tackled. It reminded me very much of the BBC miniseries of North and South, with industry being at the forefront of everyone's lives. Kate is a strong woman who has been raised participating in the work of the weavers, but as she is ready to take on more responsibility, she finds that her father and others only see her value in marrying to strengthen the weavers' position. She struggles with the conflict between her stubborn father and her brother Charles who has chosen to work as an accountant for the mill owners. I loved her relationship with her brother and felt bad that they were being made to choose between the life they grew up with and a brighter future. Her unlikely friendship with Henry was so sweet and as he continually shows his compassion and kindness, her eyes are opened to new possibilities for the community. The story has a steady pace as tensions mount and conflicts arise, and I was surprised by how far the weavers' protests went. I appreciated the history and learning more about this difficult time of change and transition and how it affected families and communities.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)