Sweeter than Birdsong (A Saddler's Legacy Novel) [Paperback]

Rosslyn Elliott (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 7, 2012 | Series: A Saddler's Legacy Novel (Book 2)

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.

A stirring novel of hope and faith inspired by real events—from the author of Fairer than Morning, winner of the 2011 Laurel Award.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rosslyn Elliott is the recipient of two Carol awards, which are selected by a panel of esteemed peers and denote excellence in Christian fiction. She attended Yale University and earned a Ph.D. in literature from Emory University. Rosslyn lives with her husband and daughter in the land of pecan pies and magnolia trees, where she teaches horseback riding lessons and works in children's ministry.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 7, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159554786X
• ISBN-13: 978-1595547866
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 1.2 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (110 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #753,776 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Rosslyn Elliott was born into a military family and lived in four states and two foreign countries before she graduated from high school. Her frequent relocation into new social scenes encouraged her to become a close observer of others, and a writer.

She attended Yale University, where she earned a BA in English and Theater Studies. She earned her Ph.D. in English at Emory University in 2006.

Rosslyn's graduate study of American literature spurred her to pursue her lifelong dream of writing fiction. She writes inspirational historical novels filled with romance and adventure.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Stunning Novel that Grips the Heart and Imagination February 24, 2012

By Holly Renee

Format:Kindle Edition

Sweeter Than Birdsong is a novel that not only contains a fascinating story, but a subject that will grip the hearts of those who read it.

This is the first novel I've ever read by Rosslyn Elliott, and I have to say, she's probably just become one of my favorite writers. Aside from excellent writing, she's taken a story that is based on real-life people, and woven it into a tale that will hold readers captive--which is not easy with true stories.

Rosslyn Elliott takes names found on the dusty pages of history books and breaths life back into them, forever inscribing their names into the hearts and minds her readers. I can now add a few more names to my People I admire list.

This story is so rich in historical detail that I felt like I had been transported back in time.

Not only is it rich in detail, but the subjects of slavery and women's rights are delt with in such a way that it's not overbearing, but enough to make a profound impact on the reader. I've been raised in the south, where people have always tried to justify slavery. Between the modern abolition movement taking place today and reading this book, I've come to realize there is never, ever any justification of any type of slavery. This book words it in such a way that it exposes the greed behind the slavery that took place.

It's amazing how every element in this story comes together to create a flawless experience for the reader.

Any review I write will probably do this book injustice. All I can say is that you need to read Sweeter Than Birdsong for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Education and entertainment! February 22, 2012

By Stephanie VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Rosslyn continues the story of the (true life) Hanby family in Sweeter Than Birdsong. Inspired by their music to their Underground activities, she embellished the fascinating story of a close-knit family fighting against slavery and a young woman, trapped in her own frightening home life, who gets accidentally involved in their secret activities. Sweeter Than Birdsong focuses mainly on the next generation -- Ben Hanby (son of Will and Ann from Fairer Than Morning), so the book is easily read as a standalone.

I love historical fiction. I especially love 'true' fiction, based on real historic events and characters. When an author can make me want to research a person or moment of time at the close of the book, they have succeeded in both education and entertainment! A very talented Rosslyn did just that!

*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine.*

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "Sweeter Than Birdsong" by Rosslyn Elliott February 1, 2012

By eshep623

Format:Paperback

I had picked up the first in the Saddler's Legacy, "Fairer than Morning" from my local library. The copy had been well read and justifiably so. What I had a stumbled upon was a new author with the ability to captivate you with her eloquent words and innocent stories. I loved "Fairer than Morning" and was delighted when I saw that part two in the series was already in the works.

"Sweeter than Birdsong" is a sweet story set in Westerville, Ohio focusing on Ben Hanby, a talented musician who is convicted by the atrocities of slavery, and Kate Winter, a shy, intelligent young woman who wishes to stand up to her verbally abusive mother. Throughout the novel, Ben and Kate grow together in trust, their relationship strengthened by their common faith in God.

One of Rosslyn Elliott's gifts is being able to write historical fiction based on real events, and she does it well! It did take at least a few chapters to get into the novel, so be patient if you experience the same thing! When you finish, be sure to read the Afterword, as it explains the true story of Ben and Kate. I really hope that Rosslyn Elliott is planning on a third installment of the Saddler's Legacy. However, I will be picking up anything she writes because I know that I am guaranteed a fantastic story and a history lesson, all bundled up with a beautiful cover.

I received "Sweeter than Birdsong" from BookSneeze, Thomas Nelson's book blogging program. My review is based solely on my honest opinion of the book.