What a treat to discover a new author that I love! Rosslyn Elliott's debut novel Fairer than Morning is absolutely fantastic! Much deeper than many books in the same genre, Elliott addresses serious topics and issues of morality and character. Best of all, she points readers to a relationship with Christ to help them through tough situations. I loved the characters of Ann and Will and appreciated the way Elliott portrayed a strong female role.
One of the unique parts of this story is how Rosslyn portrays Will and his spiritual transformation. Typically, in Christian fiction I feel like the female characters are thoroughly developed . . . but the male characters not as much. Will is a major part of the story, and his faith in Christ is real.
I highly recommend Fairer than Morning and look forward to reading the remaining books in The Saddler's Legacy series!!
I received a free copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson in exchange for my participation in this blog tour. I was not required to give a positive review.
About the Book
Ann dreams of a marriage proposal from her poetic suitor, Eli-until Will Hanby shows her that nobility is more than fine words.
On a small farm in 19th-century Ohio , young Ann Miller is pursued by the gallant Eli Bowen, son of a prominent family. Eli is the suitor of Ann's dreams. Like her, he enjoys poetry and beautiful things and soon, he will move to the city to become a doctor.
Ann travels to Pittsburgh , accompanying her father on business. There she meets Will Hanby, a saddle-maker's apprentice. Will has spent years eking out an existence under a cruel master and his spirit is nearly broken. But Ann's compassion lights a long-dark part of his soul. Through his encounters with Ann's father, a master saddler, Will discovers new hope and courage in the midst of tremendous adversity.
When the Millers must return to Ohio and their ministry there, Will resolves to find them, at any cost. If Will can make it back to Ann, will she be waiting?
Read an excerpt here.
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.
For more about Rosslyn, visit her website.
And . . . There's a CONTEST!!!
To celebrate the release of her debut novel, Fairer Than Morning
, Rosslyn Elliott is giving away two fabulous prize packages. The first is brand new KINDLE in her Fairer Than Morning Kindle Giveaway. Then on September 20th she's giving away a $200 gift certificate toward a Custom-Made Historical Reproduction Dress (from Recollections) during the Fairer Than Morning Book Club Chat Party on Facebook! Sigh...romantic.Fairer Than Morning is receiving wonderful reviews - Library Journal said, "A well-written historical series debut…". Read more reviews here.
Be sure to join the fun and enter the Kindle contest -
One winner will receive:
* Kindle with Wi-Fi
* Fairer Than Morning (for Kindle)
To enter just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, giveaway ends on 9/19. Winner will be announced on 9/20 at Rosslyn's Book Club Facebook Party. Details and official rules can be found when entering the contest.
Then be sure to RSVP for Rosslyn's Facebook Party! During the party Rosslyn will be chatting with guests, hosting a book chat about Fairer Than Morning (don't worry if you haven't read the book yet - you could win a copy!) & historical Fiction, testing your trivia skills. She'll also be giving away that $200 gift certificate toward a FABULOUS custom-made period dress from Recollections!
Brooke, thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed it, and I really appreciate your gracious review. It's especially nice to hear that you liked the way Will was developed...I very much wanted to do him justice, since I was telling the story of a real person who overcame so much.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you this week!
Rosslyn, thanks so much for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteAnd one more thing...if you have a chance to post this review on Amazon at some point, I'd really appreciate it! We debut authors need all the help we can get. :-)
ReplyDelete