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.
My take: Sweeter Than Birdsong continues the story of the Hanby family which started in Fairer Than Morning. (I reviewed Fairer Than Morning last fall.) I enjoyed Kate and Ben's story, and I especially identified with Kate, who had an incredible fear of public speaking. Her journey—from a painfully quiet wallflower to a still quiet yet confident woman with powerful convictions—was especially inspiring.
The portrayal of the Underground Railroad is one history buffs will enjoy, and the fact that the story is based on real people makes it seem that much more lifelike. While this isn't a book that I loved, I liked it a lot, so I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
If you'd like to sample the first chapters, go here. You can also buy the book or see what other bloggers are saying.
About the giveaway: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".
- A Brand new iPod Nano (Winner's choice of color!)
- Fairer than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott
- Sweeter than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott
So grab your copy of Sweeter than Birdsong and join Rosslyn and friends on the evening of the 28th for an evening of fun.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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Thank you, Becky! I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I appreciate your posting of the review on Amazon.
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