You will swoon! Sweeter than Birdsong, written by Rosslyn Elliott, is the second book in the Saddler's Legacy series. (The first book is Fairer than Morning.) It combines history, romance, slavery, the Underground Railroad, secrets, and richly written real life characters. I was swept away to a time when a kiss on the hand was scandalous and handwritten letters were the epitome of romance. Rosslyn Elliott describes Kate Winter, the main character, so beautifully that I almost felt her come to life! In reality, Kate Winter was a real person as well as most of the other characters in this amazing story. I have never been a big fan of historical fiction but Sweeter then Birdsong has changed my tune. I can't wait to read the first book in the series, Fairer than Morning. Rosslyn Elliott is now on my list of favorites!
In Westerville, Ohio, 1855, Kate Winter’s dreams are almost within reach. As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she’ll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family. But with her mother determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, Kate must face reality. She has to run. Now. And she has the perfect plan. Join the upcoming musical performance—and use it to mask her flight. |
Ben Hanby, Otterbein College’s musical genius, sees Kate Winter as an enigmatic creature, notable for her beauty, yet painfully shy. Then he hears her sing—and the glory of her voice moves him as never before. He determines to cast her in his musical and uncover the mystery that is Kate. Still, he must keep his own secret to himself. Not even this intriguing woman can know that his passionate faith is driving him to aid fugitives on the Underground Railroad.
A terrifying accident brings Kate and Ben together, but threatens to shatter both their secrets and their dreams. Kate can no longer deny the need to find her courage—and her voice—if she is to sing a new song for their future.
In this second in the award-winning Saddler's Legacy series, Rosslyn Elliott has written a stirring novel of hope and faith inspired by real historical people and events. With Ben Hanby, a genius composer, Kate Winter, one of the first female college graduates in America, and John Parker, an ex-slave who risked his life time and again to help fugitive slaves, Sweeter than Birdsong is full of real heroes to inspire us. "I hope readers will find a renewed sense of strength in their own lives," says Elliott, "knowing that change is possible, and our efforts matter. I want them to remember these unique, brave people in history who left us a shining example of what it means to live out one's beliefs with passion and commitment."
{More about Rosslyn Elliott}
Rosslyn Elliott is the award-winning author of Fairer than Morning, the first in the Saddler's Legacy series. She holds a B.A. from Yale University and a Ph.D. in English from Emory University. Her study of American literature and history inspired her to pursue writing fiction. Elliott lives in Albuquerque, where she homeschools her daughter and works in children's ministry.
Visit www.rosslynelliott.com for more information.
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So to celebrate the music in all of us, Rosslyn and Thomas Nelson are hosting this "sweet giveaway".
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A Brand new iPod Nano (Winner's choice of color!)
- Fairer than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott
- Sweeter than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on February 28th. Winner will be announced at Sweeter than BirdsongAuthor Chat Facebook Party on 2/28. Rosslyn will be chatting with guests, sharing a sneak peek of the next book in the series, hosting a trivia contest, and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, Seasons 1 and 2 of Downtown Abbey and a soundtrack DVD, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club AND a LIVE Author Chat for your group with Rosslyn.)
So grab your copy of Sweeter than Birdsong and join Rosslyn and friends on the evening of the 28th for an evening of fun.
Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!
*I was given a copy of Sweeter than Birdsong from Litfuse Publications in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*
Sounds like a wonderful book and author.
ReplyDeleteHA! I don't think I've ever read a more satisfying, smile-inducing headline than "You will swoon!" Thank you for making me laugh and for your very kind review. If you have a chance to post it on Amazon, I would be grateful as this is a time when it is especially hard for new authors to find their readers. Every positive review helps readers feel better about taking the risk on a new voice! And I LOVE this review. :-)
ReplyDeleteI loved this book!
ReplyDeleteI'm following you now from the CREW.
Laura Lane
I am very interested in reading both of these! I am hoping to get a laptop where I can skype too:) If I do, I would love to know all about how you do these book club things.(Im telling you..I am very techno-challenged:) Thanks for sharing this..
ReplyDeleteI saw one of the prizes was Downton Abbey...I LOVE that show!!
Love and blessings!