Blog Tour: Fairer than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott

Hey everyone, welcome to the blog tour for Fairer than Morning, a new release from a new author, Rosslyn Elliott. 

Let's begin with the summary:

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?

And now, my review:

This debut novel is full of epic drama, character growth, and real people. Indeed, one of the characters is based on a real person. Indentured servant Will Hanby, the hero, and the one on whom the story was based, suffered terribly at the hands of his owner, Master Jacob Good. Only in real life would Jacob Good be the name of a villain. 

Honestly, I had to skip the most sadistic scene. But lest readers think there is only violence, there are many redeemable qualities in this excellently told love story. First, you'll sympathize with Will, then you'll respect him. 

The romance between the heroine and Will developed subtly, though this book was characterized as a romance. Still there were enough romantic elements to keep romance lovers reading. You'll want to see how things turn out for these great characters.

I love finding a fresh voice in Christian fiction. This is an historical, an author, to read. You won't regret it. One of the strongest novels of the year, in my opinion. Very well done.

Highly recommended.

Check out the contest in the right sidebar. You could win a Kindle and a custom-made reproductions dress!

More contest info below:

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!). Plus you could test your historical fiction trivia skills. She'll also be giving away that $200 gift certificate toward a FABULOUS custom-made period dress from Recollections!