Review: Fairer Than Morning
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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 saddlemaker’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.
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.
Kris Bales is a newly-retired homeschool mom and the quirky, Christ-following, painfully honest founder (and former owner) of Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers. She has a pretty serious addiction to sweet tea and Words with Friends. Kris and her husband of over 30 years are parents to three amazing homeschool grads. They share their home with three dogs, two cats, a ball python, a bearded dragon, and seven birds.
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing my novel, Kris! I am so glad you liked it. And as a homeschooler myself, I LOVE your blog's title. LOL!
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review, Kris! And thank you for not wanting to give any spoilers. 🙂 I really appreciate it and I'm so glad you enjoyed the novel.
Also, as a homeschooler myself, I LOVE your blog's title. LOL!
Thanks, Rosslyn! I really enjoyed the book and I can't wait to read the next one. I didn't know you homeschooled. That gives me hope that I might actually manage to write my own novel someday in the midst of schooling. Maybe. Possibly. 😉
You might very well be able to manage a novel. A friend of mine, Jody Hedlund, homeschools her *five* children between the ages of about 6 and 14. And she's writing novels every year and publishing them with Bethany House! I can only watch in awe. 🙂 My life as a homeschooler of one is much less complicated.
And one more thing…if you have a chance to post this review on Amazon at some point, I'd really appreciate it! We debut authors need all the help we can get. 🙂
Wow, that is impressive! I need carve out some time for writing and just do it. I'll be glad to post a review on Amazon. I actually meant to and just forgot to do it.