Welcome to the blog tour for Rosslyn Elliott's second book in the Saddler's Legacy series, Sweeter than Birdsong! 

To celebrate, Rosslyn and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have teamed up for a fun iPod Nano giveaway (2/9-2/28) and "sweet" facebook party on February 28th. (You could walk away with a Downtown Abbey Prize Package!) See below for all the details!

The first book in the series, Fairer than Morning, gained Rosslyn much acclaim and this release is shaping up to be even better!

Author Elliott (Fairer than Morning) creates a pleasing blend of fact and fiction in this second installment in the Saddler’s Legacy series. Hanby is best known for his song “Up on the Housetop,” and slave rescuer John Parker is a real figure large enough to seem legend. Readers will appreciate the well-told tale as well as its historical basis. Publishers Weekly

Elliott’s second Saddler’s Legacy book contains remarkable storytelling about the abolitionist movement. The author graces the pages with imaginative accounts of people living during these precarious times. She delves deeply and intimately into the lives of the brave people who risk all for the Underground Railroad. Romantic Times Book Reviews

{More about Rosslyn Elliott}

Rosslyn Elliott is the award-winning author of Fairer than Morning, the first in the Saddler's Legacy series. She holds a B.A. from Yale University and a Ph.D. in English from Emory University. Her study of American literature and history inspired her to pursue writing fiction. Elliott lives in Albuquerque, where she homeschools her daughter and works in children's ministry. Visit www.rosslynelliott.com for more information.

{More about Sweeter than Birdsong}

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.

{More about the Giveaway}

In this second in the award-winning Saddler's Legacy series, Rosslyn Elliott has written a stirring novel of hope and faith inspired by real historical people and events. With Ben Hanby, a genius composer, Kate Winter, one of the first female college graduates in America, and John Parker, an ex-slave who risked his life time and again to help fugitive slaves, Sweeter than Birdsong is full of real heroes to inspire us. "I hope readers will find a renewed sense of strength in their own lives," says Elliott, "knowing that change is possible, and our efforts matter. I want them to remember these unique, brave people in history who left us a shining example of what it means to live out one's beliefs with passion and commitment."

So to celebrate the music in all of us, Rosslyn and Thomas Nelson are hosting this "sweet giveaway".

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Brand new iPod Nano (Winner's choice of color!)
• Fairer than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott
• Sweeter than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on February 28th. Winner will be announced at Sweeter than Birdsong Author Chat Facebook Party on 2/28. Rosslyn will be chatting with guests, sharing a sneak peek of the next book in the series, hosting a trivia contest, and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, Seasons 1 and 2 of Downtown Abbey and a soundtrack DVD, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club AND a LIVE Author Chat for your group with Rosslyn.) 

So grab your copy of Sweeter than Birdsong and join Rosslyn and friends on the evening of the 28th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!

{Blog Tour Schedule}

2/10

Holly at 2 Kids and Tired Books Rosslyn Elliot has not only created engaging, likeable characters, she has also captured the essence of humanity, where good men and women are able to rise above their own adversity to help others in need.

Mary's Cup of Tea You will enjoy this book, especially if you are a history buff about that time period.

Tara at Ramblings of the Blonde Mother Bear Rosslyn Elliott’s writing is rich and full of beautiful details that set the stage for this historic novel set in 1855 at Otterbein College. Readers will be quickly drawn into the story and the plight of its characters. Elliot lyrical prose is a true delight.

2/11

Patricia at It's Time To Read Mamaw I loved this book! It will break your heart reading about pain and sorrow people went through fleeing and fighting for freedom.

Come Meet Aus jenny This would be my top read of the year so far.

Book Reviews By Jenny When I got this book I literally finished reading it by the second day of picking it up as I did not want to put it down! It was so entertaining, moving and has such great historical quality to it! I cannot wait until the third book releases!!! Rosslyn has obviously done her research and her writing gets better and better with each book. She is a definite story teller

Amanda at Run To The Finish Books like this are why I read each night before bed…it’s intriguing and exciting, but also allows me to escape from any worries of the day.

Kd Quilts I highly recommend Sweeter than Birdsong as both an entertaining and informative fiction, and I think you will love Rosslyn Elliott's writing as much as I do.

2/13

Jill at Book, Books Everywhere I love how Elliot took names and facts from history to weave into her story. It makes it come alive, breathing life into what could just be boring, dusty facts.

Abi at 4 the LOVE of BOOKS With each turn of the page there's a new twist in the plot in Rosslyn Elliott's newest book Sweeter than Birdsong.

Beckie at By The Book Rosslyn Elliott has again captured the Hanby's wonderful story in a way that keeps the reader turning the pages.

Valentina at Carabosse's Library 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.

Jessica at A New Leaf I love this series. The adventure. The hint of romance. When I read this series, each page plays out in my head like a movie. The writing is so vivid and so real.

Brenda at WV Stitcher I didn't realize until I got to the afterward that the story was based on real people. It made me love the story even more, because I felt like I got a bit of a history lesson while reading fiction.

2/14

Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews I found "Sweeter Than Birdsong" to be a compellingly powerful novel. Rosslyn Elliott presents the story of the pre-Civil War sentiments and tensions between abolitionists and pro-slavery proponents in this fascinating, true-life story of two young people who find love in the midst of a political and personal maelstrom.

Heidi at Starts At Eight For starters, I couldn’t put this book down. If you love historical fiction this book should be on your reading list!

Amanda at Short and Sweet Reviews Rosslyn Elliot is an incredibly gifted writer and I look forward to reading anything she writes in the future. She has an incredible way of writing characters- they aren't perfect and you really "feel" for them. You will want to pick up this book- it is a great second book in an oustanding series!

2/15

Alena at Little Bit Of Wonderful Author Interview

Tammi at Our Homeschooling Pilgrimage Rosslyn’s writing is powerful, and draws the reader into the story.

April's Lifestyle Show I could not put this book down and read it in a day and a half.

2/16

Chelle at Chasing the Divine This is an excellent book that puts an emphasis on humanity and the importance of taking risks in order to do what is right and beneficial for others. Sit back and enjoy, this is a delightful read.

Trish at In So Many Words I devoured the first four chapters in a flash and can hardly wait until I have time to read more of the story.

Lori at Morning Glories and Moonflowers You will swoon! Sweeter than Birdsong, written by Rosslyn Elliott, is the second book in the Saddler's Legacy series. The first book is Fairer than Morning.) It combines history, romance, slavery, the Underground Railroad, secrets, and richly written real life characters. I was swept away to a time when a kiss on the hand was scandalous and handwritten letters were the epitome of romance.

Kris at Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers I really love the research that Ms. Elliott obviously puts into her novels.

2/17

Nicole at Wyoming Girl *turned* Coastie Wife I'm left satisfied but can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Diane at That's What I'm Here For The book was wonderful! It painted such a painful and realistic picture of slavery at this time in history. The cost of deciding which side of slavery one stood on, and the courage it took to follow through on that conviction. The ending of this book was extremely powerful, and brought me to tears of pride for what the once shy Kate did. She stood up for what was right when it counted the most. That one scene will stay with me in my mind and remind me of what truly taking a stand is all about.

Danielle at The Happy Wife If you enjoy historical fiction, romance novels, or learning about the inner workings of the Underground Railroad, you will love this book. However, I highly recommend this book foranyone that enjoys a good story.

Vic's Media Room 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.

Theresa at Faith and Family Reviews This book with all of its impossibilities gives hope for change and shows that when we use our God given talents for God’s glory we will find life more rewarding, no matter the monetary cost.

Mindy at Musings of single countrygal and her cat I would recommended Sweeter Than Birdsong if you love a story that is full of hope and faith and if you love novels that a based on real people then you also get a bonus!

2/18

Gina at Gypsy Mama Logs I immediately fell in love with Kate, and her sweet and determined personality kept me feverishly reading until they very last page.

Splashes of Joy Rosslyn Elliott has written another wonderful historical fiction that will take you soaring through the pre-civil war ear in a way you’ve never there before. With detailed descriptions of the way of life, amazingly created characters that will draw you to themselves and a strong faith and a love for abused slaves, you will be engulfed in this story until the very end.

Casey at Writing for Christ I think I felt the most connection with Kate. Though I have never been one to struggle with being shy or afraid to speak publically, I can understand that debilitating fear that can take over you. Her gentle growth through the story was absolutely perfect and I had to cheer when she stood up for something she believed in and was passionate about.

Lindsay at Live To Read The plot is fast-paced; the author has a very fluid and clean way of writing that contains no awkward transitions or bad sentence structure. The reader will find the plot and events easy to understand and follow, there should be no confusion.

Carlybird's Home You know how sometimes you just know you’re going to love a book? You just get a certain feel for it before you even read the first word. Sometimes it’s the cover, sometimes it’s the title, or it can just be a feeling. I had that feeling about this book.

Renee at Black 'n Gold Girl's Spot Hold on to your hat, it's a dramatic story with twists you won't see coming!

2/20

Laura at Harvest Lane Cottage Do I have to put the book down? Do I hafta? Huh? I felt that way all through the book. I found myself drawn into the pre-Civil War drama of pro-slavery and abolitionist tensions.

Whitney at Rambles of a SAHM I read Rosslyn’s debut novel, Fairer than Morning, last year and absolutely loved it. When I picked upSweeter Than Birdsong, I wondered if she could do it again…and she did! Quite frankly I think I actually liked this second book in the series even more than the first.

Edward at Summit Book Reviews She makes me want to know more. A well-written novel.

Mel's at World with Melissa Mashburn Rich with history this book sweeps you right off your feet and back in time where you feel more like one of the characters than someone sitting in 2012 reading the book.

Lydia at The Overweight Bookshelf Her writing engages the mind whilst wooing the heart as her words shoot true like arrows of truth. Readers can effortlessly immerse themselves completely owing to the diligent attention to detail and Rossylyn's talent for presenting it so articulately.

Lena at A Christian Writer's World Author interview and book giveaway.

2/21

Courtney's Chitter Chatter I’ve read a few Civil War era books but this was the first book that I read about helping slaves escapes to freedom and I have to say that part of the story just came alive in this book. I felt my own heart just hurting for the women slave in the story. The fact that there is light at the end of this sorrow and romance to keep it all going made this novel even better!

Dani at Elle in Organic Shoes Elliott knows how to pull you into a story and keep you there and invested in each and every character. She has entwined fiction with history of the Hanby family that will keep you wanting to know the rest of the story.

2/22

Paula at Grace Reign Sweeter Than Birdsong is one of those feel good reads. Curl up with it and a cup of tea on a rainy afternoon and indulge in the romance, history, and integrity of this delightful novel.

Pamela at Daysong Reflections The characters were so very real that it was easy to immerse myself into the story.

Kendra at Happily Managing a Household of Boys In one word: RIVETING!!!

Stephanie at A Cooking Bookworm When an author can make me want to research a person or moment of time at the close of the book, they have succeeded in both education and entertainment! A very talented Rosslyn did just that!

Vera at Luxury Reading With Sweeter than Birdsong, Elliott once again does an excellent job of marrying facts with very readable fiction. A highly enjoyable read!

Brooke at I blog 4 books The story absolutely gripped me.

Lauri at Knits Reads and Reviews Based on a true story, makes you slip into the reality of the story quite easily, and the suspense makes it a little juicy!

2/23

Kemi at Homemaking Organized Blog Man! This book was excellent!

Tammy Is Blessed The writing style is elegant and almost poetic, helping to set the book into the time period in which it was written. But far from being stilted by this writing style, Elliott immediately draws you into, not just the story, but the character's lives.

Becky at Christian Chick's Thoughts The portrayal of the Underground Railroad is one history buffs will enjoy, and the fact that the story is based on real people makes it seem that much more lifelike.

Angela at All Grown Up?

Tammy at Bluerose's Heart I can't remember ever reading a book where I connected SO MUCH with the main character!

2/24

Kathy at Bags, Books & Bon Jovi

Holly at Shelf Life It's amazing how every element in this story comes together to create a flawless experience for the reader.

Amber at Seasons of Humility Sweeter Than Birdsong is historical fiction with heart and an underlying passion that beats a steady rhythm of growth throughout the novel.

Tina at Giving N Sharing Rosslyn Elliott is a wonderful author to add to your family library.

2/24

Kathy at Bags, Books & Bon Jovi

Holly at Shelf Life It's amazing how every element in this story comes together to create a flawless
experience for the reader.

Amber at Seasons of Humility Sweeter Than Birdsong is historical fiction with heart and an underlying passion that beats a steady rhythm of growth throughout the novel.

Tina at Giving N Sharing Rosslyn Elliott is a wonderful author to add to your family library.

2/25

Michelle at Healing Hearts book review blog Sweeter than Birdsong is full of real heroes to inspire us.

Lori at Frog's Lilypad Rosslyn has a way with writing that some do not have. She truly has a gift!

Michelle at Life in Review I VERY highly recommend this book! The writing is superb, with characters that leap off the page and a story that will hook you from the very first page.

Lauren at 5 Minutes for Books From the realities surrounding slavery to the details involved with the first young women to attend college, Sweeter than Birdsong is a fascinating tale, and I recommend it to you.

2/27

Pam at Just Like June This is a wonderful example of historical fiction with richly developed characters who fight for their beliefs. The attention to detail and accurate depictions of antebellum customs and mannerisms bring the novel to life.

Jennifer at Just Wedeminute 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.

Preslaysa at The Literary Mama Sweeter Than Birdsong is a beautiful story. I was completely engrossed in the story world and the characters kept me turning the pages. I highly recommend it!

Patty at Broken Teepee It is fascinating to learn about seemingly ordinary people in our history that risked their lives to help slaves escape through the Underground Railroad. I will look forward to the next chapter in Ms. Elliot's series.

Nicole at Book Nook Club This book is amazing ... The kind that you can't wait to get back to.

Reviews by Jane Elliott's incredible talent at evoking sensation from her readers really shone through this novel for me.

Creative Madness Mama The descriptions really allow your imagination to fly back in time.

Celena at The Traveling Sisterhood This book made me want to delve further into the true stories of Kate Winter and Ben Hamby, and it gave me a better understanding of the Underground Railroad. Sweeter than Birdsong was a fast, easy read, but it was by no means purely entertainment. It is something very much worth reading and I highly recommend it!

Katie at Legacy of a Writer Rosslyn Elliott kept all the characters within Sweeter than Birdsong so real and vivid, that I, as the reader, found that I could relate to them on a few different levels.