The Mitford Museum hosts book talk & signing with local author

Apr. 12—HUDSON — Award-winning Appalachian author Sarah Loudin Thomas will share the inspiration and history behind her latest novel, "These Tangled Threads," at the HUB Station in Hudson, on Thursday, April 18, at 6 p.m., according to a press release from the museum.

The free event will include refreshments and an opportunity to purchase books for signing.

Thomas' eighth full-length novel is set in Asheville with a focus on Biltmore Estate Industries' weaving and woodworking programs for Appalachian youth in the early 1900s. The story pulls from Thomas' six years in the public relations department at Biltmore Estate with behind-the-scenes details about the Vanderbilt family including Cornelia Vanderbilt's 21st birthday and her wedding to John Francis Amherst Cecil in April 1924, according to the press release.

"In her latest novel, Sarah Loudin Thomas once again cements herself as a pillar of literary loveliness. These Tangled Threads is an uplifting story that explores themes of creativity and control and the complexity of forgiveness," Kate Campos, a reviewer with Booklist wrote.

In addition to being an author, Thomas is the director of Jan Karon's Mitford Museum in Hudson. A resident of Caldwell County, she writes about little known facets of Appalachian history, highlighting the unique beauty and the people of the region, according to the press release.

"As a seventh generation West Virginian, I love to write stories about the people and the places that shaped me. My novels are love letters to Appalachia," said Thomas.

The event is being hosted by The Mitford Museum. Founded by #1 New York Times bestselling author, Jan Karon, the museum's mission is to advance the common good through literacy, creativity, and community. Often called Jan's "book without covers," the museum is a place of common ground, where people from varied backgrounds can come together to feel welcomed, cared for, and at home, according to the press release.

To learn more about the museum, visit www.themitfordmuseum.org. For information about Thomas' books, visit www.sarahloudinthomas.com.