book review: "fairer than morning" by rosslyn elliott

Ann Miller is only fifteen when the man she knows she's supposed to marry proposes. Eli Bowen asks Ann to be his wife and is shocked when she turns him down, telling him her father won't allow her to marry until eighteen. Eli shows no signs of wanting to wait that long and leaves, soon seen escorting another young woman on his arm.

Three years pass and Ann is finally eighteen. Her father is preparing a trip for himself, Ann and her two sisters when Eli makes another appearance into her life. Her mind elsewhere, Ann won't allow Eli's words to sway her heart. She leaves for her trip, being vague when he asks if they can talk some time.

When the family arrives at their destination, Ann's unprepared for what all will take place. She learns of what her father really does while riding the circuit and she meets the man who's letters she's been hiding for the last three years. The letters came to her accidentally and she was determined to give them back to their owner, Will Hanby. Ann feels a connection with Will - they've both experienced loss - but she also sees a deep pain in his eyes. When her family eventually leaves to return home, she can't shake the feeling that she should've tried harder to help Will somehow.

Shortly after Ann leaves, Will decides he has had enough. His master, Jacob Good, is a cruel man and Will has finally had enough. He runs away, the only place he can think to go is to Ann's father. When he shows up on the Miller's doorstep, Mr. Miller agrees to take him in, knowing the cost of such a decision. Ann was drawn to Will when they first met and she now has a choice: the man she once thought she was supposed to marry or the man who unexpectedly entered her life. Things become dangerous when Jacob Good sends men looking for Will. Will he ever be truly free again? And then his past catches up with him. Will Ann understand and be willing to forgive him?

I really enjoyed this book! It has action and romance. Elliott threw in a few twists to keep it interesting and I finished it feeling satisfied with how things turned out. I liked seeing Ann mature throughout the book. She thought for sure she was supposed to marry Eli but ultimately gave it to God, trusting who He might bring into her life. She suddenly realized she wanted more out of life - to help people - and that couldn't be done with Eli. I also liked Will. He had made some mistakes but was wanted to do the right thing. And after experiencing freedom for himself, he wanted to share that with others.

I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group for my honest review. You can read an excerpt of the book by clicking here, buy the book, and read other reviews in the blog tour.