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Tangled Threads
Secrets. We all have them. For most people, they’re something small that we don’t want friends or neighbours to know about - a secret crush, a guilty pleasure, an embarrassing moment—little things that feel big in your mind but wouldn’t be more than a blink in someone else’s reality. Then there are the big secrets, the life-altering secrets that have the power to destroy a person, a family. It’s the skeletons in the proverbial closet. For the keepers of the big secrets, the guilt and shame of their knowledge becomes a heavy burden to carry and weighs them down, robbing them of joy.
Clara is just coming to grips with the impending death of her mother, Maria, when her world is turned upside down. Learning that her mother is not the person she thought she was, has Clara questioning their relationship and her life.
Driven by the guilt and shame that haunt her, Maria takes Clara on a journey through her past, from pre-WW2 Austria to the shores of Canada, revealing the family secrets that Clara must now inherit, whether she wants them or not. These secrets had been held by three generations of women, shaping their lives and fortunes, and Clara now sees just how they impacted her own life.
Will Clara be able to find it in herself to forgive her mother? And now that she knows the secrets, what will she do with them? Clara must decide whether to keep the secrets or let them go and create a new future for herself.
Clara is just coming to grips with the impending death of her mother, Maria, when her world is turned upside down. Learning that her mother is not the person she thought she was, has Clara questioning their relationship and her life.
Driven by the guilt and shame that haunt her, Maria takes Clara on a journey through her past, from pre-WW2 Austria to the shores of Canada, revealing the family secrets that Clara must now inherit, whether she wants them or not. These secrets had been held by three generations of women, shaping their lives and fortunes, and Clara now sees just how they impacted her own life.
Will Clara be able to find it in herself to forgive her mother? And now that she knows the secrets, what will she do with them? Clara must decide whether to keep the secrets or let them go and create a new future for herself.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2024
About the author
Tia Lionne
1bookTia Lionne dreamed of becoming a writer growing up and finally put pen to paper in 2017. She grew up hearing her mother’s family stories, imagining what it would be like to meet these courageous women who overcame the challenges life threw at them through a lifetime of wars, economic hardship, and loss. Taking inspiration from these stories, she has woven these memories into a narrative that is deeply personal.
Tangled Threads takes you on a journey from pre-WW2 Austria to the shores of Canada. Family secrets, which had been held by three generations of women, shaping their lives and fortunes, are finally revealed and lives and relationships will never be the same again.
The story of Tangled Threads will continue in 2026 as Lionne is currently writing the next book in the trilogy and plotting out the final book, which will bring the story full circle.
Lionne currently lives in Ontario, Canada and when not writing, she enjoys spending time outdoors and indulging her passion for history.
Tangled Threads takes you on a journey from pre-WW2 Austria to the shores of Canada. Family secrets, which had been held by three generations of women, shaping their lives and fortunes, are finally revealed and lives and relationships will never be the same again.
The story of Tangled Threads will continue in 2026 as Lionne is currently writing the next book in the trilogy and plotting out the final book, which will bring the story full circle.
Lionne currently lives in Ontario, Canada and when not writing, she enjoys spending time outdoors and indulging her passion for history.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 26, 2025
‘Katie had not trusted Maria with the secrets she carried, and before her, Anna had not shared her secrets with Katie. Three generations of secret keepers, each punishing themselves, both knowingly and unknowingly, for their sins.�
In Maria’s later years and on her deathbed, she finally confides in her daughter Clara the story of their family history. The reader is transported back in time to Pollau, Austria where the matriarchal character of Anna is worrying over the future of her daughter, Katie. She engineers a match with the handsome Johann whom Katie has already assumed she will not like. However, despite their early misgivings, the two fall in love just as Johann’s father rescinds the match. In a desperate attempt to force Johann’s father’s hand, the pair try to get pregnant. But is the child Johann’s?
Tia Lionne’s poignant novel, Tangled Threads, is a family saga following the lives of Anna, Katie and Maria against the dramatic backdrop of the Second World War and its aftermath. Tia has the ability to keep the reader guessing as to what exactly it is Maria has been ashamed of all these years. Is it the illegitimacy of Maria’s birth? Is it the memory of fleeing her home as a child? Is it the way Anna forced her will on Katie and Maria, dictating the way they ended up living their lives? Or is it the way Maria threw off her inhibitions when she finally tasted freedom on the death of both her mother and grandmother?
In today’s age, it is sometimes hard to empathize with the social norms of earlier years. In Tangled Threads, Tia has attempted to illustrate the difficulties women faced in the twentieth century. The story of Katie and the very young Maria fleeing their home in a hurry to escape the clutches of revengeful Czech soldiers is particularly harrowing. Especially since this happens after the Second World War finished and illustrates that there were refugees and abuses on all sides.
Packed with twists and turns at every stage, Tia has created a strong and important novel for future generations. There is so much going on in the lives of Anna, Katie and Maria that sometimes there can be a frustration that certain aspects are not explored further (such as the scene where Andreas hears of the apparent death of his son and vows a diabolical plan involving Katie and Maria which abruptly comes to nothing). However, it is an enjoyable read and an insight into the minds of twentieth century women through the well-rounded characters of the three female protagonists.
In Maria’s later years and on her deathbed, she finally confides in her daughter Clara the story of their family history. The reader is transported back in time to Pollau, Austria where the matriarchal character of Anna is worrying over the future of her daughter, Katie. She engineers a match with the handsome Johann whom Katie has already assumed she will not like. However, despite their early misgivings, the two fall in love just as Johann’s father rescinds the match. In a desperate attempt to force Johann’s father’s hand, the pair try to get pregnant. But is the child Johann’s?
Tia Lionne’s poignant novel, Tangled Threads, is a family saga following the lives of Anna, Katie and Maria against the dramatic backdrop of the Second World War and its aftermath. Tia has the ability to keep the reader guessing as to what exactly it is Maria has been ashamed of all these years. Is it the illegitimacy of Maria’s birth? Is it the memory of fleeing her home as a child? Is it the way Anna forced her will on Katie and Maria, dictating the way they ended up living their lives? Or is it the way Maria threw off her inhibitions when she finally tasted freedom on the death of both her mother and grandmother?
In today’s age, it is sometimes hard to empathize with the social norms of earlier years. In Tangled Threads, Tia has attempted to illustrate the difficulties women faced in the twentieth century. The story of Katie and the very young Maria fleeing their home in a hurry to escape the clutches of revengeful Czech soldiers is particularly harrowing. Especially since this happens after the Second World War finished and illustrates that there were refugees and abuses on all sides.
Packed with twists and turns at every stage, Tia has created a strong and important novel for future generations. There is so much going on in the lives of Anna, Katie and Maria that sometimes there can be a frustration that certain aspects are not explored further (such as the scene where Andreas hears of the apparent death of his son and vows a diabolical plan involving Katie and Maria which abruptly comes to nothing). However, it is an enjoyable read and an insight into the minds of twentieth century women through the well-rounded characters of the three female protagonists.
January 25, 2025
Imagine finding a hidden photo album in your family’s attic, brimming with secrets from the past that challenge everything you thought you knew about your loved ones. This is the emotional and gripping premise of Tangled Threads by Tia Lionne, a novel that intertwines themes of love, guilt, and redemption with masterful storytelling. Lionne, an author celebrated for her evocative prose, dedicates this book to her mother and Anthony, acknowledging the personal roots of her creative journey. This touch of intimacy sets the tone for what is both a tender and intense literary experience.
Tangled Threads follows Clara, a devoted daughter navigating her mother Maria’s final days in a palliative care unit. Amid the emotional turmoil, Clara uncovers a mysterious photo album that holds pieces of Maria’s hidden past. As Maria’s health declines, Clara is thrust into unraveling a web of family secrets, generational struggles, and the burden of truth. This is not just a story about a mother and daughter; it’s a profound exploration of how the past shapes the present.
Lionne’s prose is a blend of rich descriptions and poignant simplicity. Her ability to evoke the sterility of hospital halls, juxtaposed with the warm chaos of Maria’s memories, is nothing short of cinematic. The narrative voice, alternating between Clara’s present-day journey and Maria’s past, feels organic and compelling, immersing readers in both timelines. Lionne's choice of tactile details—the creak of an elevator, the texture of brittle photo album pages—heightens the emotional gravity of the story.
Maria’s character is the soul of Tangled Threads. Her transformation from a robust, headstrong matriarch to a frail woman haunted by her past is heartbreakingly real. Clara’s resilience and vulnerability provide a relatable anchor for readers. The supporting characters, like Camille, the nurse with an empathetic streak, add warmth and realism to the narrative. It’s a book that makes you think, feel, and reflect on your own connections and history. I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of literary fiction and those looking for a story that stays with you.
Tangled Threads follows Clara, a devoted daughter navigating her mother Maria’s final days in a palliative care unit. Amid the emotional turmoil, Clara uncovers a mysterious photo album that holds pieces of Maria’s hidden past. As Maria’s health declines, Clara is thrust into unraveling a web of family secrets, generational struggles, and the burden of truth. This is not just a story about a mother and daughter; it’s a profound exploration of how the past shapes the present.
Lionne’s prose is a blend of rich descriptions and poignant simplicity. Her ability to evoke the sterility of hospital halls, juxtaposed with the warm chaos of Maria’s memories, is nothing short of cinematic. The narrative voice, alternating between Clara’s present-day journey and Maria’s past, feels organic and compelling, immersing readers in both timelines. Lionne's choice of tactile details—the creak of an elevator, the texture of brittle photo album pages—heightens the emotional gravity of the story.
Maria’s character is the soul of Tangled Threads. Her transformation from a robust, headstrong matriarch to a frail woman haunted by her past is heartbreakingly real. Clara’s resilience and vulnerability provide a relatable anchor for readers. The supporting characters, like Camille, the nurse with an empathetic streak, add warmth and realism to the narrative. It’s a book that makes you think, feel, and reflect on your own connections and history. I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of literary fiction and those looking for a story that stays with you.
February 2, 2025
Tangled Threads is a beautifully woven tale of family, secrets, and forgiveness that takes readers on an emotional journey across generations. Tia Lionne masterfully explores how buried truths can shape lives and relationships, presenting a poignant story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. Clara’s journey to uncover her mother Maria’s hidden past is as gripping as it is heart-wrenching, pulling readers into a world of guilt, shame, and the enduring power of love. 💔📖
Set against the evocative backdrop of pre-WW2 Austria and Canada, the story paints a vivid picture of how family secrets ripple across generations. The flashbacks into Maria’s life are written with such depth that they bring the struggles of three resilient women to life. It’s impossible not to feel the weight of the choices they made, and yet, there’s an inspiring thread of hope woven throughout. 🌍🕊�
Lionne’s ability to craft complex, authentic characters makes this book shine. Clara’s inner conflict and emotional growth are raw and relatable, as she wrestles with the betrayal she feels and the legacy she’s now burdened with. Maria’s quest for redemption adds a heartbreaking yet redemptive layer to the narrative. Their bond, though fraught with tension, speaks to the resilience of familial love. 💡💞
Tangled Threads is a touching reminder that while the past shapes us, we are not its prisoners. Clara’s decision to either carry these secrets or release them is one that will resonate with anyone who has grappled with their family history. This is a must-read for fans of generational drama, historical fiction, and emotional storytelling. Highly recommended🌺�
March 9, 2025
This story is about four generations of women, Anna, Katie, Maria and Clara. The story starts with Maria and Clara having a conversation where Maria is trying to offer an explanation as to why she has kept a lot of her life a secret from her children as she lies dying in hospital. This takes us into the back story of Anna, the grandmother and Katie, Maria's mother, who themselves lived lives filled with secrets. The backdrop is Austria and the second world war and the terrible fear and upheaval that bought into their lives. As a child, Maria hated having to live as a refugee in Germany and suffer the prejudice that came with that. Choices about her future were made for her in the interests of securing her a good future. This is a recurring theme for all these women - choices that were made on their behalf, whether by family members, circumstances or consequences.
As the reader is taken through their life journeys, it's no surprise really that history repeats itself. The women do exactly to each other the very things they hated the previous generation doing to them. Each woman has their reasons and justifications, but in the end there's always regret and apologies. Despite these flaws, the love they have for each other remains strong and their bond endures through the years.
I enjoyed the story and felt compelled to finish so I could find out what happened. I didn't connect with any of the characters very much as I felt they were a little shallow. But those who enjoy a historical family drama will find this a satisfying read.
As the reader is taken through their life journeys, it's no surprise really that history repeats itself. The women do exactly to each other the very things they hated the previous generation doing to them. Each woman has their reasons and justifications, but in the end there's always regret and apologies. Despite these flaws, the love they have for each other remains strong and their bond endures through the years.
I enjoyed the story and felt compelled to finish so I could find out what happened. I didn't connect with any of the characters very much as I felt they were a little shallow. But those who enjoy a historical family drama will find this a satisfying read.
February 25, 2025
Tangled Threads is a book that will hit hard for many. We meet Clara as she tenderly deals with her mother Maria’s final days in palliative care when she comes across a photo album brimming with secrets and mystery. As the book unfolds, we uncover more about her past and the struggles she faced, which brings real consequences that last far into the future and the life of Clara.
Clara was an interesting character to follow. She is caring, complicated, and inquisitive, and her nature means she is well suited to unlocking her mother’s secrets and her family’s past. Maria, serving as a secondary protagonist, has her own well curated story with unique characters and traits, some of which are clearly lent to her daughter. I liked this dynamic, and the emotional thread it weaves when we return to their current situation. It is a story that makes you think of how everyone has a story to tell, even if they no longer can tell it.
The author places a lot of emotion in her text and uses it to great effect. I got a strong sense from the characters and their plight, and by the end I was fully invested in who they were as individuals and how they cared for one as mother and daughter. This book is hard hitting, wonderfully written, and left its mark long after I had finished.
Clara was an interesting character to follow. She is caring, complicated, and inquisitive, and her nature means she is well suited to unlocking her mother’s secrets and her family’s past. Maria, serving as a secondary protagonist, has her own well curated story with unique characters and traits, some of which are clearly lent to her daughter. I liked this dynamic, and the emotional thread it weaves when we return to their current situation. It is a story that makes you think of how everyone has a story to tell, even if they no longer can tell it.
The author places a lot of emotion in her text and uses it to great effect. I got a strong sense from the characters and their plight, and by the end I was fully invested in who they were as individuals and how they cared for one as mother and daughter. This book is hard hitting, wonderfully written, and left its mark long after I had finished.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
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