Fairer Than Morning - Rosslyn Elliott

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?

MY REVIEW:
 

Star Rating: *****

It’s always great coming across great reads, especially when said book is from a debut author. So much talent in their first work promises a lot for their future books! And so it is with Rosslyn Elliott’s debut, Fairer than Morning.

Ann Miller was a spunky, hardworking, and mature woman that put family before herself. Getting to know her and the sacrifices she went through for her father and sisters made Ann come alive for me. Even if she was an overzealous romantic—especially where Eli and poems were concerned—there’s so much strength in her character! And Will Hanby’s story was so amazing. Heart wrenching, really. After going alongside him as he endured so much by the hand of his master, my heart was singing as God opened his darkened heart to see the light of the world.

Rosslyn knows how to write believable, deep characters. And she knows how to spin a story! I kept trying to guess how everything would work out, but I was continually surprised by the twist the plot would take. After a while, I buckled down to read till the end, simply because I just had to find out how Ann and Will can ever get their 'happy ever after'. And the bits of suspense, action, and adventure that were thrown in added an awesome tone to the book.

Two people end up sleeping together, but it happens ‘off scene’ and consequences follow. The proposal scenes weren’t my favorite, personally. Twice, Ann was proposed to and then, when she was wavering in her decision, the man kissed her passionately before repeating his request. I felt it was a bit unfair of the guy to coerce her into a decision when she was so obvious befuddled by the kiss. 

But, again, that’s just my personal thoughts and didn’t take away from the delightful story that I enjoyed from cover to cover. Will was my favorite—I almost felt as if he rose up from the pages. The author paints his dark story so vividly through her words. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book in the Saddler’s Legacy. Historical romance readers everywhere would do well to pick up Fairer than Morning. Rosslyn has penned one sweeping romance! 

I reviewed this book for the author. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

~~