About the book:
Publication Date: February 7, 2012 | Series: A Saddler's Legacy Novel
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.
My take on this book:
After reading "Fairer Than Morning" I became captivated with Ms. Elliott's storytelling because of her ability to pull me into her stories not only with realistic characters but also by weaving a bit of historical facts into her stories.
"Sweeter Than Birdsong" takes place in Westerville, Ohio in 1855. It's the story of Kate Winter's a sweet but shy young lady whose home life is less than ideal.Her mother's plans to marry her off to a wealthy man is not what Kate wants. When Ben Hanby offers Kate a part in a musical performance he is directing she sees it as her way out. Thing is Ben has a secret and Kate gets drawn into it. Will she find the courage to stand up to her mother and follow her heart?
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read, and this one really pulled me in. Thing is I didn't realize until I got to the afterward that the story was based on real people. It made me love the story even more, because I felt like I got a bit of a history lesson while reading fiction. The characters in this story were very easy to relate to. Kate was a sweetheart, and her issues with speaking in public and her shyness overall was so easy to understand. Ben was such a wonderful character so full of honor and willing to do the right thing. I enjoyed the relationship that developed between Kate and Ben.
While this book is the second in the Saddler Legacy series it can easily be read as a stand alone story. If your a fan of historical fiction based on fact then your going to enjoy this story. It also has a sweet romance, with a nice inspirational message, interesting characters and a fast moving plot making it a read that I couldn't put down. I am looking forward to reading more from this author!
About the author:
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
About the "Sweeter Than Birdsong" Facebook 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 slaIn this second in the award-winning Saddler's Legacy series, Rosslyn Elliott has written a ves, 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".
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 Birdsong Author 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, season 1 of DowntownAbbey, 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!
thanks for your review and news of this author FB party, I have signed up and plan to attend. I know I will read this book as the story sounds so interesting.
ReplyDeletePaula O
Thank you very much for the time you took to read my novel, and for your encouraging review! I'm very impressed by your blog and your dedication to books.
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