It is 1760. Anna Butterfield, a vicar's daughter, is living with her father and physically handicapped sister, in a rural English seaside town. When her mother dies, her father sends her to live in London with his sister, Sarah. He is hopeful his sister will introduce Anna to society and find a suitable match for her. One who could take care of her and her family when the vicar retires. Sarah Sadlers is married to Joseph, a successful merchant to the gentry, and has a son, William, and a daughter, Lizzie. The journey for Anna was long. Arriving at Spital Square, no one is there to welcome her. Overtired, anxious, and overheated, Anna faints. She is revived by a handsome Frenchman, named Henri Vendome. Their meeting produces an instant spark between them. Henri, is an immigrant, working as an apprentice in silk craft and dreams of becoming a master weaver and having his own business. When her cousin William arrives, he calls Henri "a cabbage head" and hits him, warning Anna never to speak to him again. Not in the same social class, there is no hope for any continued relationship. Will love find a way?

Settling in with her relatives, Anna soon discovers the rules she must live by as a single lady in London. She is not permitted to leave the house without a companion and Aunt Sarah is very watchful of her. Anna misses the country where she would enjoy sketching and painting the local countryside flowers and trees. There were none where she lived now except at the local market. Totally bored, one day, she slips away to the market. She finds a corner with a lovely floral arrangement and begins to sketch it. Time flies and she has to leave quickly and leaves a scrap of paper with her sketch behind. Unknown to her, Henri has been watching her and he takes the paper with her sketch. He is amazed by the sheer beauty of her creation. He uses it to make his sample to present to become a master. It is very well received.

Liz Trenow tells a breathtaking story of a forbidden love in THE HIDDEN THREAD. She shares so many interesting facts about the intricate craft of silk. How clearly she depicts how it was to live in London in the 18th Century including the social classes and their rules, family, dreams, secrets, and the silk trade. It's a time of labor conflicts dealing with silk production, conflicts, arrests, smuggling and even hangings are common. Fashion is blended in her descriptions of creations by Miss Charlotte, a single woman working in her own fashion business. She is a charming character that added to this tale that is weaved beautifully to a sweet finale. I adored the story of Henri and Anna and in the end they have their forever after. 5 Stars. Merci, Ms. Trenow.