Review: Fairer Than Morning

You know how I’ve said that I’m not especially fond of Christian romance books because they tend to be kind of cheesy? I think I’ve been reading the wrong Christian romance books!

I couldn’t believe it when I learned that Fairer Than Morning is Rosslyn Elliott’s debut novel. She has knocked the ball out of the park with this historical romance! I loved it.

From the back cover:

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.

I was a little confused for the first few pages. I couldn’t figure out if Ann really wanted to marry Eli or not, but it didn’t take me long to figure things out and get into the story.

The story didn’t play out quite like I’d expected. Instead of a romance, for a large portion of the book it was Ann’s and Will’s individual stories – who they were and what their lives were like apart from each other.

I was not disappointed, however. The detail of their own personal stories made for very interesting reading. Fairer Than Morning was most definitely a page-turner that held my interest and I finished it very quickly. I’m so excited that it’s the first in a series. I fully intend to read the other books. (The next one is due for release in February 2012.)

I loved the book all the more when I read the author’s notes at the end – the story is based on the true stories of actual people! While some of the details are changed, the story has remained true to the major facts, which I found terribly interesting.

If you’re like me and you love learning about history through historical fiction, you’ll love this tale that gives you a glimpse into the industry of 19th century Pittsburg, travel on a steamboat, the obligations of an apprentice, the class differences of the 19th century, and one other really big aspect of history that I can’t tell you because it would be a total spoiler.

Sorry.

You can purchase Fairer Than Morning on Amazon for $10.76 in paperback or $8.99 for Kindle.

Visit Litfuse Publicity Group to learn more and read lots more reviews.

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!

**Please note: these contests are being administered by Litfuse Publicity Group. I am not affiliated with either of these giveaways; I’m just passing along the information.

I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it.  I received no other compensation for this review.  The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions.  Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.