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Sweeter Than Birdsong (Saddler's Legacy #2)

by Rosslyn Elliott (Goodreads Author)

4.12 of 5 stars 4.12 · rating details · 183 ratings · 67 reviews

"Music offers Kate sweet refuge from her troubles . . . but real freedom is sweeter."

In Westerville, Ohio, 1855, ""Kate Winter s dreams are almost within reach. As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she ll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family. But with her mother determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, Kate...more

ebook, 400 pages

Published February 7th 2012 by Thomas Nelson Publishers

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Dec 30, 2012 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christianfiction, historicalfiction, forreview, blog-tour-book, big-book-2012

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Sweeter than Birdsong had it's enjoyable moments, and there were even a few times when I was downright enthralled and didn't want to do anything but read this book. On the flip side, there were a few spots where I found myself skimming, but overall I thought the book was well-written and inspiring. I even liked it enough to put the first book in the series on my "hope to read" list, which is something I don't do often. I loved Ben's character and the adventure his family ha...more More like 4.5 stars...

Sweeter than Birdsong had it's enjoyable moments, and there were even a few times when I was downright enthralled and didn't want to do anything but read this book. On the flip side, there were a few spots where I found myself skimming, but overall I thought the book was well-written and inspiring. I even liked it enough to put the first book in the series on my "hope to read" list, which is something I don't do often. I loved Ben's character and the adventure his family had as part of their ministry to the Underground Railroad and abolition movement.

What spoke to my heart most in this novel was the passion that the characters had for abolition and the desire to put their own welfare at risk to save someone else. A few times I was afraid right along with them as they tried to help slaves escape to freedom, and that scene with Frank when he cried over his wife broke my heart. The description was so well-done I could hear his grief. I had a hard time liking Kate's family at all, but they did find a place in my heart at the end. Ben's family was great all along and such an encouragement to him. They seemed to be the kind of family most people wished they had.

The romantic elements in the story were interesting. I liked how Kate was portrayed as extremely shy, which makes her overcoming the fear of speaking more powerful when it finally happens. At first I could not see the appeal of why Ben would continue to pursue Kate even though they bonded during that one risky mission. But she avoided him in obedience to her mother's wishes. I wanted to say, "scrap what your mother wants and do what you want, you're an adult" but then realized the constraints at the time made that difficult to do. I understood her mother's motivation to keep her from marrying what she perceived as the "wrong man" for her future.

The one thing that struck me about this story was how even the littlest of touches, like a quick brush of the hands, could be sensual if that was the only contact you had with the opposite sex that you happened to be very attracted to. Simple things took on a lot more meaning. That was well done. I thought the author did a great job trying to build the romantic tension. The letters really added to the story. All in all, a good read. I enjoyed this author's style and will probably read her books again. (less)

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Jul 07, 2012 Tammi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Sweeter Than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott is the second in The Saddler’s Legacy, and is set mainly in Westerville, Ohio 1855. I haven’t read the first book in the series Fairer than Morning (although I would like to), but that didn’t seem to matter, because the author fills the reader in where it is needed.

Kate Winter's dreams of being one of the first women to graduate from Otterbein College, but she thinks this dream is lost when her fear of public speaking causes her to flee the classroom when...more Sweeter Than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott is the second in The Saddler’s Legacy, and is set mainly in Westerville, Ohio 1855. I haven’t read the first book in the series Fairer than Morning (although I would like to), but that didn’t seem to matter, because the author fills the reader in where it is needed.

Kate Winter's dreams of being one of the first women to graduate from Otterbein College, but she thinks this dream is lost when her fear of public speaking causes her to flee the classroom when it is her turn for oration. Another of her dreams is to make a new home for her sister Leah, somewhere safe. A place where their father can’t hurt them, and her mother’s words won’t tear them down.

Kate and Ben are classmates and friends, and at Ben’s request Kate reluctantly joins the musicale that he is producing. When Kate’s friend, Cornelia Lawrence is scheduled to play at Neil House in Columbus, Mrs. Lawrence invites her to join them and the Hanby’s for their trip. Kate decides that this would be a good time to find a place for her and Leah to go. Little did she know that she would be so changed by the trip, as she helps the Hanby’s as they try to lead some slaves toward freedom.

Rosslyn’s writing is powerful, and draws the reader into the story. I loved the way Kate and Ben’s story leapt off the page. The scenes, sounds and characters came alive and also becomes a part of the reader. I will choose to read other books by this author, but look forward to the next book in this series, if there is one, and I hope there is, because I closed the book wanting to read more about Kate and Ben.

This story is based on the true accounts of Kate Winter and Ben Hanby. If you choose to read this book please don’t skip the historical note at the end where you will be able to learn more about these true people from history.

If you like Rosslyn Elliott’s books, and/or historical fiction I am certain you will also like Sweeter Than Birdsong.

I give Sweeter than Birdsong 5 out of 5 stars.

** Sweeter Than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott was provided for me free by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review.(less)

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May 16, 2012 Virginia Campbell rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adventure, historical-romance, inspirational

"Sweeter Than Birdsong", the second book in author Rosslyn Elliott's "The Saddler's Legacy" series, continues the compelling saga of the Hanby family with a well-crafted blend of fact and fiction. Set in Ohio a few years before the beginning of the Civil War, book two in the trilogy features Ben Hanby, son of Will and Ann Hanby, whom we met when the series first began. Ben is the musical mastermind of Otterbein College, as passionate about music as he is about helping folks find freedom through...more

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Mar 12, 2012 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kate Winter has a dream of graduating college, however her inability to speak before people, may be her undoing. Being unable to give a speech will keep her from graduating. Then she becomes passionate about something, and maybe her inability to speak is overcome.

We re-join the Hanby family, (Fairer than Morning) this time centering around Will and Ann's son Ben. Ben is also a student of the same college Kate is, and highly talented in music. He is also feeling a strong call to the ministry. How...more

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Feb 27, 2012 My Book Addiction and More MBA rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: inspirational-fiction, inspirational-romance, underground-railroad

SWEETER THAN BIRDSONG by Rosslyn Elliott is an exciting inspirational historical roman set in 1855 Westerville, Ohio. This is the second in “The Saddler’s Legacy”,but can be read as a stand alone. See ” Fairner Than Morning”. The characters will not only capture your heart in this wonderful story but will leave you in awe as you read the story of Kate Winter and Ben Hanby. This author has brought a by-gone era into focus with her vivid descriptions of the Underground Railroad,the people involved...more

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Feb 27, 2012 April rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: inspirational-historical-fiction, underground-railroad

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Feb 25, 2012 Coranne (The Best Books Ever) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was a big fan of Rosslyn Elliott's first book in the Saddler's Legacy Series. What I am most taken with in the Saddler's Legacy series is that the author bases her books on real people. It makes the story so much fuller to know that these events actually happened in real life. I loved the main character, Kate. It was interesting to read about a young woman who is painfully shy and not some "headstrong abnormal for the time period girl." Although her personality is not the norm- it is also not...more

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Feb 19, 2012 Amber Willingham rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

rst and foremost this is my own opinion I received this book from booksneeze to read and review and my thoughts and opinions of this book are mine and mine alone !

I really wish that I had read the first book in this set first , But that being said ! Even reading this one first I was really pleased with the way the story was written , This is one of those books that when you start reading it you just dont want to put it down !! Kate Winters is a young 18 yr old woman living in the 1800's with a...more

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Feb 15, 2012 Ausjenny rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, favorites

I got this book as part of this tour to review. When I read book one in the series I couldn't wait for this book. I wasn't disappointed. This would be my top read of the year so far. I love the story and the fact its based on true people with a little license used to there story but important facts remain. If you haven't read book one you will still be able to follow this book without being confused. The story takes up with the oldest son Ben Hanby in college but still dwelling on an event that...more

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Feb 12, 2012 Valentina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is probably one of the better Christian fiction books I’ve read, mainly because the Christian aspect is subtly handled and doesn’t get in the middle of the plot.
What really caught my attention from the very beginning was Kate, the protagonist. She has an obvious anxiety disorder which is not a common ailment described in historical stories. The author does a good job in showing us her struggles, not just telling us she has one. It endears us to her from the first page. Ben, the love intere...more

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Feb 04, 2012 Krystal rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kate is not a woman who gives in to her family's demands for marriage. She has recently graduated from college and is very proud of her hard work and degree. In order to achieve her dreams, she must decide whether she should run from her family and try her own luck or stay and marry at a young age. The reader will be rooting for Kate throughout the book.

Kate's character was likable and easy to connect to. The reader will enjoy her passion for learning and success, she isn't cut from the same clo...more

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Jan 30, 2012 Maureen Timerman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

What a great eye-opening read! When you read the Afterword in the back of this book, it will blow your mind that most of the book is based on fact!
The story opens with an extremely shy Kate Winter, the academic leader of her class at Otterbein College, but required to give an Oration to graduate. Kate is painfully shy, and becomes sick to a faint trying to do this.
Ben Hanby, is a gifted musician, and also a student at Otterbein. He becomes infatuated with this lovely Kate, and once he hears her...more

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Jan 25, 2012 Karie Hall rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Based on an authentic historical family from Westerville, Ohio, Sweeter Than Birdsong is a historical fiction book that brings in a number of elements from music to romance to historical events that shaped our nation. While I do wish I had read the first book in the Saddler's Legacy series prior to reading this one, the story line was pretty easy to pick up on. If you are a music lover or simply enjoy a historical romance, Ms. Elliott has written a thoughtful story about standing up for your bel...more

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Jan 17, 2012 Tammy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Sweeter Than Birdsong is one of those reads that captures the reader's attention from page one! The sweet notes of hope and love reach out with enthralling joy as the reader delves into the mysterious life of Kate Winter.
Kate is the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College. She had high hopes that being a college graduate would help her to escape into another world...far from her family but her mother has a deep seated, uncanny urge that Kate will and should marry. Marry the man of her cho...more

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Jan 31, 2012 Erica Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Librarians, Book Lovers, and History Buffs

Recommended to Erica by: Thomas Nelson Publishers

Shelves: addiction-to-fiction

This historical fiction was well-written as the journey takes us from Otterbein College where Kate Hanby attends and 50 Grove Street where Ben Hanby lives.

Kate Wintry is incredibly shy, too shy to give a speech during her orations, but Ben Hanby see more in her. She is intelligent and have fierce passions for justice. Ben is a musician and teacher and he is astounded and amazed when Kate let's her voice carry a tune so wonderful he wants to her more from this mysterious lady.

To be near Kate, Ben...more

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Feb 21, 2012 Courtney rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian, christian-historical-fiction, for-review

Sweeter than Birdsong swept me off my feet at times with the sweet romance and the enthralling adventure they were on. There were also times though, especially in the beginning, that I found myself skipping some of the unnecessary details. I would have probably given this book 5 stars if there was about 50-100 pages shorter but I do understand why some of the lengthier details were included.

I really enjoyed both main characters Ben and Kate. Kate reminds me a lot of myself, I am deathly afraid o...more

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Feb 17, 2012 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Rosslyn Elliott in her new book, “Sweeter than Birdsong” Book Two in The Saddler’s Legacy published by Thomas Nelson takes us to Ohio in 1855.

From the back cover: Music offers Kate sweet refuge from her troubles . . . but real freedom is sweeter.

In Westerville, Ohio, 1855, Kate Winter’s dreams are almost within reach. As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she’ll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family. But with her mother determined to mar...more Rosslyn Elliott in her new book, “Sweeter than Birdsong” Book Two in The Saddler’s Legacy published by Thomas Nelson takes us to Ohio in 1855.

From the back cover: Music offers Kate sweet refuge from her troubles . . . but real freedom is sweeter.

In Westerville, Ohio, 1855, Kate Winter’s dreams are almost within reach. As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she’ll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family. But with her mother determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, Kate must face reality. She has to run. Now. And she has the perfect plan. Join the upcoming musical performance-and use it to mask her flight.

Ben Hanby, Otterbein College’s musical genius, sees Kate Winter as an enigmatic creature, notable for her beauty, yet painfully shy. Then he hears her sing-and the glory of her voice moves him as never before. He determines to cast her in his musical and uncover the mystery that is Kate. Still, he must keep his own secret to himself. Not even this intriguing woman can know that his passionate faith is driving him to aid fugitives on the Underground Railroad.

A terrifying accident brings Kate and Ben together, but threatens to shatter both their secrets and their dreams. Kate can no longer deny the need to find her courage-and her voice-if she is to sing a new song for their future.

In “Sweeter than Birdsong” Rosslyn Elliott not only gives us a great romance but a real piece of history. While her work is fiction this book is based on the lives of a real Ben and Kate who went through much of the events depicted in the story. This story has such great themes, slavery, how to do good when evil abounds, true love and how God works His plans even in the midst of great suffering. I like history and any story that has something to do with The Underground Railroad is a winner in my book. On top of all of that “Sweeter than Birdsong” has real life John Parker as one of the characters and you have to read this book to know more about him. I guarantee you will be delighted. This is a wonderful read and I recommend it highly. Looking forward to Book Three in this series from Rosslyn Elliott

If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station http://www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”(less)

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Feb 01, 2012 Sally rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: thomas-nelson-free-for-review, proverbial-reads-review

"Up on the housetop, click, click, click. Down thru the chimney with good Saint Nick." No, this isn't a novel about Christmas or Santa Claus. But it is about the author of this well-known Christmas tune, Benjamin Hanby, who is more known for his abolitionist and Underground Railroad activities in Ohio. He was also the son of Will Hanby, one of the main characters in Elliott's first novel, Fairer Than Morning.

I found this book slow to get going at first; the narrative about the musicale didn't in...more

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Feb 27, 2012 Patty rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the second book I've read by Ms. Elliot telling the tale of the Hanby family. This book turns the life of Ben Hanby into a very interesting novel. Ben Hanby wrote "Up on the Rooftop" as well as some other songs popular in his day and he was very involved with the underground railroad. He falls in love with young Kate Winter but her mother, haunted by her own mistakes, feels that Ben is not good enough for her daughter. Kate's father is an abusive alcoholic and the Winter's try to hide th...more

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Feb 20, 2012 Kav rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Gobsmackingly good! LOL, how's that for an endorsement? One of the things I appreciated the most is Elliott's attention to historical detail. The whole book is seeped in history, but it doesn't bog the reader down. I especially enjoyed the references to the social niceties of the day. Useful bits of information like a lady making sure she stands four feet away from a gentleman for propriety's sake. It felt like I had been swept back in time! Love that feeling of complete escape!

Kate's struggle t...more

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Feb 06, 2012 Holly (2 Kids and Tired) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Painfully shy, Kate Winter not only loves music but she is about to become the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College and wants nothing more than to escape her negative abusive family. Ben Hanby has a passion for music that matches his passion for helping people which is why he aids fugitives on the Underground Railroad. Kate's family wants her to marry well and a music teacher who yearns to be a minister, isn't high on their list of possible suitors. Having grown up helping his parents...more

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May 25, 2012 Karen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-amazon-vine

A love story set in Westerville Ohio, 1855 that includes real characters and a woman that is in college in that time period is right up my alley. Throw in some historical background on the Underground Railroad and the story had me hooked.

Kate Winter, an intelligent, shy young woman attending Otterbein College dreams of escaping her miserable family life with an absent father and cold, strict mother. Her family embarrasses her and she wants to graduate from college and move on with life. She cert...more

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Feb 25, 2012 Vera rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Check out more of my reviews at LuxuryReading.com.

Sweeter Than Birdsong does have a somewhat slow start, but gains momentum quickly with Kate’s first mission to rescue a family of slaves. What I enjoyed most about Sweeter than Birdsong was the history behind the story. Kate Winter was actually one of the first two graduates of Ottorbein College (read more here) and she was described to be as shy in real life as she was in the book. The Hanby family (see the family bios here) was well known in O...more

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Feb 17, 2012 Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-fiction, for-blog-review, historical-fictioin

This book is amazing... The kind of book you can't wait to get back to. It is beautifully written and the content is deep, thrilling and moving. You go on a roller coaster ride along with the characters... adventure, dispair, hopelessness, exhaustion, fear, love, forgiveness. It is a beautiful story. I felt tense coming up to the end, thinking there was NO way it would be able to tie up... there weren't enough pages left! But Elliott did a brilliant job of pulling it all together nicely. There w...more

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Feb 11, 2012 Dawn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2012, historical-fiction

Kate Winter has her heart set on graduating from Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio. The problem - she is terrified of speaking in front of others. She knows she can be free of her family and her mother's determination to marry her off to a wealthy man. Despite her fear, she agrees to sing in the musicale production that fellow student Ben Hanby, a musical genius, is directing. Ben's also got a secret - he works for the Underground Railroad. When an accident force Ben and Kate to work togeth...more

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Feb 19, 2012 Alice Law rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: booksneeze-review, christian-fiction, romance

Review Blog:http://readinggrace.blogspot.com...

Book description:
This historical story started before civil war. Kate Winter was a petite, extremely shy and soft spoken young lady. In order to complete her degree in Otterbein College of Westerville, she required to pass her oration, and she screwed it! Anyway, she was given a second chance, so in order to overcome her fear to speak in public setting, she went for the audition in Ben Hanby(Otterbein's musical genius) musicale(as per forced by her...more

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Mar 02, 2012 Jennifer Wedemeyer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-m-reviewing

This is the 2nd book in A Saddler's Legacy series the first one is Fairer Than Morning and I give both books 4 out of 5 stars. I love that this book is loosely based on the Hanby family, and was delighted to find this out at the end of the book. While reading the book I didn't realize that it was based on this famous historical family. I didn't know very much about the underground railroad but enjoyed learning about it and this has sparked an interest in me to study and learn more about what hap...more

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Feb 22, 2012 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.

I really enjoyed this next installment to the Saddler Legacy series. And since it wasn’t long ago that I read the first in the series, Fairer than Morning, all the characters were fresh in my mind, and I loved watching their offspring’s grow and mature. While I have to say that, out of the two, I liked the first one better, Sweeter Than Birdsong was a lovely addition to the story and a very ‘sweet’ read.

Kate Winter intrigued me immediately because of h...more

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Apr 24, 2012 Catherine Richmond rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What a delight to return to Westerville, Ohio and the Hanby family! I enjoyed revisiting Will and Ann, and meeting their children. The Hanbys' passion for helping escaped slaves has continued to the next generation, especially Ben. As a student at Otterbein College, Ben met Kate Winter. Kate was so shy, conversation was limited to one-word answers and giving a speech was impossible. Sweeter Than Birdsong is the story of Kate's struggle to overcome her fear. Along the way, she grows in understand...more

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Feb 19, 2013 Nicole Elliott rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Rosslyn Elliott has really come into her own in this book! Although I loved the depth and intrigue of the first book in the series, I wasn't overly thrilled with other parts as I mentioned in my review. In this book I found nothing to quibble about! She kept the deep and complex characters, wove an intricate and unique storyline, and kept just the right amount of realism and detail. I enjoyed the complexities in the relationships shown, especially those between Kate and her mother. It was also f...more

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About Rosslyn Elliott

Rosslyn Elliott writes inspirational historical fiction about ordinary people of faith who find extraordinary strength in hard times.

She earned a Ph.D. in English (American Literature) from Emory University. She lives in the sunny southwest with her husband, her daughter, and two dogs.

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Books by Rosslyn Elliott

Fairer Than Morning (Saddler's Legacy #1)

Lovelier Than Daylight (Saddler's Legacy #3)

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Sweeter Than Birdsong (Saddler's Legacy #2)

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