Sweeter Than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott

Sweeter Than Birdsong takes place in a small Ohio town in 1855.  Slavery was still widely acceptable, the Civil War had not yet broken out and abolition efforts were kept very quiet.  

Kate Winter, although one of the only young ladies allowed into Otterbein College, has a major stumbling block.  She can not speak in public.  Her shyness is so extreem that it hinders her social appearance as well as her collegiate studies.  But even still, her beauty, soft demeanor and kindness has brought forth two suitors, Frederick Jones and Ben Hanby.  

Frederick Jones seems the likely choice.  He's well established with plans on becoming a lawyer.  His family is prominent within the town and he is extremely charming. 

On the other hand, Ben Hanby is kind, convicted and passion for music.  His plans are less for prosperity, as he intends to become a minister, just like his father.  He is convicted in the cause for freedom for slaves and he uses his love for music to help change the hearts of many.  

When Ben and his mother, working for the underground railroad, go on a mission to free a few Kentucky slaves, Kate somehow gets involved as well.  And her heart is moved... for the abolition movement and for Ben.  But with Kate's overbearing mother, a true courtship with Ben seems impossible.  

Will Ben and Kate ever find favor together?  Will Kate find her true voice and overcome her gripping fears?  Will all of their efforts be in vain?

This book is amazing...  The kind of book you can't wait to get back to.  It is beautifully written and the content is deep, thrilling and moving.  You go on a roller coaster ride along with the characters... adventure, dispair, hopelessness, exhaustion, fear, love, forgiveness.  It is a beautiful story.  I felt tense coming up to the end, thinking there was NO way it would be able to tie up... there weren't enough pages left!  But Elliott did a brilliant job of pulling it all together nicely.  There was only one loose end that I was left curious about... but really, it makes no difference.  I can not express to you how much I loved this book.  Definitely the best book I've read so far in 2012! 

And it's partially true!  In this historical fiction, it seems there is more history than fiction!  

5 Stars!!!

I received a complementary copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.  This is it. 

But wait... There's MORE!

Win an iPod Nano and Downtown Abbey from Rosslyn Elliott! Enter 2/9-2/28!

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!