Fairer than Morning...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?

Ann Miller has always thought she wanted to marry Eli Bowen a sentimental young man prone to waxing poetic.  With a father who occasionally travels as a circuit preacher and having raised her younger sisters after her mother died in childbirth, she doesn't know how she can leave her family.  Then, when Ann travels to Pittsburgh with her family on her father's business, she is introduced to Will and observes that life can be very harsh and unfair to people.  Yet, she is drawn to Will and wonders if their paths will ever cross again.

With themes that include slavery and the Underground Railroad, indenture, abuse and cruel masters, this should be a heavy story.  Fortunately, it's also tempered with good people who genuinely care for one another and who look out for those in need.  The result is a fascinating story about the indomitable spirit and resilience of men and women who are able to rise above their adversity and discover courage, fortitude and hope.

While I found the dialogue somewhat stilted and formal at times, I liked these characters, many of whom are based on real people and situations. 

Enthralling and suspenseful, Fairer than Morning is a terrific debut novel from a promising author.  I look forward to the rest of the trilogy.

Thanks to Amy at Litfuse Publicity for the opportunity to review this book.  You can learn more about Rosslyn Elliott here.  You can purchase your own copy here.  You can see other reviews and tour stops here.

Read 7/11

* * * *
4/5 Stars

Comments

  1. Holly, thanks so much for your kind words! I appreciate your thoughtful review. I'll be stopping back by today to see if anyone has any questions.

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