©picture by scribbles (Marye McKenney)

Monday, June 11, 2012

"Fairer" Is More Than Fair

I just finished reading Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott, and let me tell you, this book captured me from the first page all the way through to the end. It was not hard to fall in love with Ann Miller trying to raise her little sisters and take care of her father. Knowing that Ann watched her mother die was heart-breaking, but knowing she lost her mother when she herself was so young nearly tore me in two.

After meeting Ann, Will shows up in the landscape of the book with a new apprentice master, Jacob Good, who wasn't good at all. He was a mean, vindictive, abusive, lying, cheating master who didn't mind tearing into his apprentices without provocation. Will endures his abuse until Jacob kills his next-door-neighbor's prize sow and then lies about it in court. After court, Jacob delivers a beating to Will that nearly kills him. As soon as Will can stand, he runs away and ends up living with the Millers in Ohio. Will eventually decides to go back to Pittsburg to face his master and Ann's father wants to buy out the remaining term of Will's apprentice contract which was a contract of indenture. Jacob refuses to be bought, but instead wants his day in court that proves his own undoing.

This book was hard to put down in so many ways. The writing was tremendous, the story-line completely believable, and some of the side stories touched my heart. After I read the book, I read the author's note that explains that this story is based in fact. I love historical novels that are based in fact and not just based in a specific historical era. Rosslyn rates two thumbs up, five stars, and a WOW!!!!

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