Lovelier Than Daylight by Rosslyn Elliott

Lovelier Than Daylight 

by Rosslyn Elliott

 

Book Description

Susanna is a lady of principles who values family above all. Johann seems to represent all she despises . . . but appearances can be deceiving.

In 1875, Susanna Hanby is headed off to college in Westerville, Ohio, when she discovers her sister Rachel and Rachel’s children have disappeared. Susanna suspects that Rachel’s alcoholic husband knows more than he’s saying and she vows to uncover the truth.

Johann Giere is heir to a successful German-American brewery in Columbus, but longs for a career in journalism in New York City. When Johann signs on as the supplier for a new saloon in Westerville, his and Susanna’s paths cross and sparks fly. A fiery temperance crusader, Susanna despises Johann’s profession, but she cannot deny the attraction.

When Susanna learns that Rachel’s children have been indentured to orphanages in the city, she despairs that her family will be fractured forever. But Johann makes Susanna an offer she can’t refuse—pitting her passion and her principles against one another.

If she can find a way for her head and her heart to be in harmony, a future lovelier than daylight awaits her.

Lovelier than Daylight is a story of love and faith based on the Westerville Whiskey War of 1875, a dramatic real historical event featured in the 2011 documentary Prohibition by Ken Burns.

My Review

I had never heard of the Westerville Whiskey Wars of 1875 in Westerville, Ohio until I read this book. It sounds unheard of for someone to open up a saloon, only to have the townspeople blow it up with gunpowder. I am really glad to read this book, and the interesting historical information in this Ohio town in 1875. And Suzanna Hanby is sure not someone to stand by and let this happen without speaking her peace about it.

I was happy to read the first two books in this series, so I jumped at reading Lovelier Than Daylight as well. And I thoroughly enjoyed this interesting and entertaining story, as well as being able to visit the characters from the other books. I love Susanna, she is feisty, and will not let anyone run over her that is for sure. He devastating news that her nieces and nephews are now in orphanages sends her on a mission to rescue them from this life they are now living. But having to deal with Johann, an heir to a German/American Brewery, was not really what she expected or wanted. But as the story unfolds, and these two spend time together, an unexpected attraction builds between them, causing just too much tension.

Rosslyn Elliott has created unique and believable characters that well develop throughout the story. A lot happens in this story, with twists and turns that kept my eyes glued to the pages, although some parts of the story is heartbreaking and difficult to read, especially in the orphanages and the situations the kids had to endure.

This is an awesome read, one I highly recommend. One that will sure not disappoint. Why not pick up your copy today to read and enjoy.

A copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelsom through their blogging program Booksneeze. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

 

About the Author

 

I write inspirational historical novels full of romance and suspense. My second novel, Sweeter than Birdsong, was just released by Thomas Nelson Publishers and is based on a real family who aided fugitives to escape from slavery before the Civil War. The first novel in the series, Fairer than Morning, won the 2011 Laurel Award and 2011 Lime Award and was named as one of Lifeway Fiction's Ten Favorite Reads of 2011. My work is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books and Such Literary. (photo by Amy Parish Photography)