Sweeter than Birdsong

November 21, 2011
Kate Winter’s dream of being one of the first women to graduate from Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio, in 1855, is shattered when her fear of public speaking wreaks havoc. But even more than graduating, she dreams of fleeing the hidden brokenness of her family and starting anew. As she makes plans, Kate is drawn to fellow student and songwriter Ben Hanby, whose musicale offers her a chance to escape, but also opens her heart to a future she couldn’t foresee. The pair becomes embroiled in a daring slave rescue which not only brings them together but reveals to Kate the evils of slavery and the work of the Underground Railroad. Author Elliot (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. Agent: Rachelle Gardner.

February 15, 2012

In 1855 Westerville, OH, Kate Winters is close to fulfilling her dream of becoming the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College. She is also determined to escape the marriage her mother has planned for her by using her performance in the college's forthcoming musical as a cover for her flight. But working closely with Ben Hanby, the show's director, soon has Kate helping Ben free slaves via the Underground Railroad. VERDICT Drawing on the life of 19th-century American composer Benjamin Hanby ("Darling Nelly Gray"; "Up on the House Top"), Elliott follows up her acclaimed debut, Fairer Than Morning, with another enchanting, inspirational tale that will connect with readers of Lauraine Snelling and Lori Wick.

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