Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott

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?

My Thoughts
When I read Sweeter Than Birdsong in January I was surprised to discover that it was book two in The Saddler's Legacy series. And since I really enjoyed STB I knew that I wanted to read the first book Fairer Than Morning. So I bought it,  put it on my shelf, and got so busy with other books that I didn't pick it up. And then when Megan (Hardcover Feedback) suggested it for our buddy read I knew it was time to finally read it.

What a great book! I think I might have liked this one better than the second! There were so many different aspects to this book that gave it such a rich texture. Obviously some romance was involved but that wasn't the only or even the main focal point of the story. Since Will was an indentured servant we got to get a look into that kind of life, though not all masters were as evil and cruel as Master Good. And it was also cool to get another look at a portion of the journey escaped slaves made.

The plot was well done and the only problem I really had with it was the crazy time jumping at the beginning. But while it annoyed me I saw the need for it and it didn't last too long!

The character's were great as well. They had their flaws, but over all I really liked all of them. Except, of course, the ones that you aren't supposed to like! Will and Ann's love story was sweet but as I said before not the huge focus of the book (it took forever for them to realize it-almost the end!) which was an interesting change of pace from all of the other romance books out there! Though I still am a sucker for a good romance filled book!

About the Author
Rosslyn Elliott was born into a military family and lived in four states and two foreign countries before she graduated from high school. Her frequent relocation into new social scenes encouraged her to become a close observer of others, and a writer.
She attended Yale University, where she earned a BA in English and Theater Studies. She earned her Ph.D. in English at Emory University in 2006.
Rosslyn's graduate study of American literature spurred her to pursue her lifelong dream of writing fiction. She writes inspirational historical novels filled with romance and adventure.