Sweeter than Birdsong

Title: SWEETER THAN BIRDSONG
Author: Rosslyn Elliot
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
February 2012
ISBN: 978-1-59554-786-6
Genre: Inspirational/historical

Kate Winter is on track to be the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College in 1855. She is making As in all her classes, but she is so painfully shy that she cannot give the speech required to graduate. In desperation, her mother tells her that she must audition for a play, and Kate reluctantly agrees, but only if she can sing. She feels that if she sings, she’ll be part of a group, not a soloist, and all would be well.

Ben Hamby is the son of a preacher, and a musical genius at the college. He sees Kate as an enigmatic creature, beautiful, smart, yet shy. But when he hears her sing that first time, he is wowed. He’s determined to cast her in his musical.

When a terrifying accident brings Kate and Ben together, it also threatens to shatter both of their secrets. Kate will need to find her courage if they are going to find their future.

SWEETER THAN BIRDSONG is the second book in Ms. Elliot’s The Saddler’s Legacy series, which is inspired by a real family in American history—who are to this day one of the most celebrated citizens of Westerville, Ohio. To me, these are the most interesting sorts of historicals, since the author has to be so careful with historical accuracy.

Kate is a realistic character, which anyone ever suffering from shyness can identify with. Ben is a real charmer, kind and caring and passionate for his beliefs, which at times get him into a lot of trouble. Readers will be able to identify with these two people, and get lost in their story—which at times is heart wrenching. If you are looking for a good historical to read, then SWEETER THAN BIRDSONG would be a book to consider. Discussion questions, and an excerpt from Fairer than Morning are included at the end of the book. $15.99. 391 pages.