Weaving Roots by Heather Wood Book Review

 Weaving Roots is a sweet, clean, historical romance set in Baltimore, Maryland in the late 1820s. Heather Wood did a great job describing life at that time, and I love the way she digs into the thoughts of the characters. 

She brings up a number of historical details that I didn’t previously know much about such as the issues between the Protestant and Catholic Irish communities at that time, and how spinning thread was such a big part of a woman’s life. 

The two main characters were Betha, a weaver, and Colm, a teacher. It was interesting to see how they interacted with Betha being from a working class family and Colm from an educated family. For me, the sweetest aspect of the main characters was the impact their faith had on how they learned and grew. It also helped them challenge each other about how they lived out their faith.

Each of the characters was tested multiple times to put the salvation and spiritual welfare of others above their own happiness. It made me evaluate my own faithfulness. I love when a book stretches my faith as I work through the issues that the characters work through. A story like this helps me to stand firm in my faith when I am tested. 

The romance aspect felt genuine to the time period and the characters who were both introspective. I highly recommend this book.

Book Synopsis:

Spinning. Turning flax to fine linen thread for her family’s weaving business keeps Betha’s hands occupied all day, but it’s the concerns spinning in her heart that never truly rest. How can she give her nephew Henry a secure, loving home when his father remains indifferent? How can she guide the boy who calls her “Ma” to know and follow the Lord for himself? And when past secrets and future changes collide, will she lose Henry altogether?

Colm Gallagher is passionate about teaching boys using innovative educational methods. But is his kind and thorough instruction enough if he is not allowed to give his students the ultimate truth of God’s Word? Confronted by his student Henry Young and the boy’s lovely but determined aunt, Colm considers if he has allowed practical considerations to outweigh his deepest-held beliefs.

Even as Betha and Colm are drawn to each other, family loyalties, financial pressures, and personal uncertainties push them further apart. Will the threads of their lives unravel or become knit together into something stronger?

Weaving linen is her family’s legacy. Weaving roots of truth and grace is her calling.