Litfuse Publicity Tour: Sweeter Than Birdsong

Here's a description of 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."

You can read an excerpt HERE.

My Rating

Spring/Summer

My Review

Just like in the first book of the "Saddler's Legacy" series, Fairer Than Morning, Elliott has written a complex and compelling story centered on the theme of freedom with Sweeter Than Birdsong. While some characters are trapped by fear and others are in literal bondage, this book explores the preciousness of hard-won freedom in all its grandeur.

Ben Hanby is a fine, generally self-assured young man who faces challenges head-on, whether they come in the form of physical flight (and fights) or in the form of assisting and wooing a bright but insecure young woman. But while he hardly seems lacking, he discovers that he, too, has things to learn on his journeys with Kate - lessons in patience, as well as gaining confidence in being the person he is called to be in God regardless of the opinions of others.

Kate Winter is an especially wonderful character to observe. She grows so much throughout the story! When she is first introduced, a trip to the podium to give a speech in front of her classmates seems too much of an adventure for her. But her adventures are just beginning, as her interactions with Ben and his family land her in some unlikely and challenging situations.

While Kate Winter's blossoming is sometimes a slow process, the story is told well and culminates into a thing of beauty. Sweeter Than Birdsong is historical fiction with heart and an underlying passion that beats a steady rhythm of growth throughout the novel.

*With thanks to the publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book in exchange for my honest opinion, to be shared during the Litfuse Publicity Blogging tour.*

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"

To Buy the Book: click HERE

Blog Tour Schedule: Check out all of the other reviews scheduled by clicking HERE.

Contest

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".

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!