About the book:
Music offers Kate sweet refuge from her troubles . . . but real freedom is sweeter.
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.
Read an excerpt here: http://rosslynbooks2.blogspot.com/2011/11/chapters-one-and-two-preview.html
About Rosslyn:
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.
For more about Rosslyn, visit her website: http://rosslynelliott.com
Link to buy the book: http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=159554786X&title=A_Saddler's_Legacy_Novel:_Sweeter_than_Birdsong
4 STARS
Sweeter than Birdsong swept me off my feet at times with the sweet romance and the enthralling adventure they were on. There were also times though, especially in the beginning, that I found myself skipping some of the unnecessary details. I would have probably given this book 5 stars if there was about 50-100 pages shorter but I do understand why some of the lengthier details were included.
I really enjoyed both main characters Ben and Kate. Kate reminds me a lot of myself, I am deathly afraid of talking in front of people to the point of panic attacks when I know I have to be in front of a group. Her fear was displayed in a way that it reminded me of my own. I loved how she grows and develops though in to a character that takes her fears head on and is determined to fight for justice.
Ben was beyond a wonderful character!! His gift of music is amazing and the way he tries to help others realize their gifts from God were delightful. This novel was based off of real characters and real events that happened which is what makes this story even better! You walk away with so much admiration for the people that fought against slavery in our country.
I’ve read a few Civil War era books but this was the first book that I read about helping slaves escapes to freedom and I have to say that part of the story just came alive in this book. I felt my own heart just hurting for the women slave in the story. The fact that there is light at the end of this sorrow and romance to keep it all going made this novel even better!
I read the first book in this series and I think I preferred that one just a bit more than this one but I still am thankful that I read Sweeter than Birdsong and I will be continuing reading more from this great author.
I received this book free from the publishers through Litfuse in exchange for my personal and honest review. All opinions are my own.
About the giveaway and party:
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."
So to celebrate the music in all of us, Rosslyn and Thomas Nelson are hosting this "sweet giveaway".
- A Brand new iPod Nano (Winner's choice of color!)
- Fairer than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott
- Sweeter than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott
So grab your copy of Sweeter than Birdsong and join Rosslyn and friends on the evening of the 28th for an evening of fun.
Thank you so much, Courtney, for your time in reading the novel and your gracious review!
ReplyDelete