5 out of 5 stars
Synopsis
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.
Review
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 of 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.
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 of 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.
Don't miss Shelf Life's interview with Rosslyn Eliott tomorrow!
Sweeter Than Bridsong Giveaway and Facebook Party!
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.
So grab your copy of Sweeter than Birdsong and join Rosslyn and friends on the evening of the 28th for an evening of fun.
About the Author
Rosslyn Elliott grew up in a military family and relocated so often that she attended nine schools before her high school graduation. With the help of excellent teachers, she qualified to attend Yale University, where she earned a BA in English and Theater. She worked in business and as a schoolteacher before returning to study at Emory University, where she earned a Ph.D. in English in 2006. Her study of American literature and history inspired her to pursue her lifelong dream of writing fiction. She lives in the Southwest, where she homeschools her daughter and teaches in children’s ministry.
Purchase
Available from Thomas Nelson Publishing in eBook and print formats
Read the First Chapter
Holly, I can't thank you enough for this very gracious review. I'm always grateful for good reviews, but this one is an honor and brought a lump to my throat. I'm glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for your excellent interview questions--I look forward to seeing it post tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteIf you have a chance, I would be grateful if you posted your comments on Amazon. It's a tough book market right now, and every positive review helps encourage readers to take a risk with a new author.
Thanks for stopping by! And Thank for writing such a wonderful story!
DeleteI usually post the reviews on Amazon, but didn't get the chance to yet. It should be up tonight though!