Two sisters, Claudia and Maria, grow up as happy playmates and the best of friends. Claudia, the elder by three years, is protective of her sibling, whose fun-loving ways often lead her into trouble. When their mother dies, Maria feels secure in the knowledge that Claudia is there to help and guide her. Both sisters are confident that nothing can shatter their close relationship. Until, that is, the arrival of handsome Italian businessman Stefano Volpe. With his continental charm and dazzling smile, he enters their lives with disturbing consequences. In a few short weeks, an event of heart-breaking proportions breaks the trust between the two sisters, souring Claudia's outlook throughout her working life. She severs all ties with Maria for the next forty years. The sisters treads their own paths, neither able to share their burdens with the one person who knows them better than they know themselves. The bond between the sisters is stretched to breaking point until a chance encounter leads to a miracle. Claudia and Maria both find unexpected happiness and can finally share their joy together. Author Monica Carly has created a gripping tale with engaging characters and an intriguing plot that will absorb the reader right up until its feel-good ending. The Golden Thread is a work of romantic fiction with a twist and has been inspired by the author's love of Jane Austen. Her writing style is comparable to Michele Roberts and Joanna Trollope. "e;It's a lovely story... elegant writing. There's an intricate web of relationships and Carly handles them well. It's a light, feel-good read but with some twists in the plot which I certainly wasn't expecting... a very enjoyable read."e; The Book Bag