Book Review: Lovelier Than Daylight

In the third installment of the Saddler’s Legacy series, Susanna Hanby is a young woman with some heavy battles on her hands. Her sister Rachel has vanished leaving her children at an orphanage. Susanna is determined to find a way to take nieces and nephews home with her even if that means abandoning her college plans. In the midst of this personal anguish a new saloon has opened in town causing a violent uproar from the God-fearing residents of the little town of Westerville, Ohio and a young man by the name of Johann Giere-the son of a lager brewer-threatens Susanna’s convictions.

Though a little slow going at first, the Lovelier Than Daylight is a unique tale that soon picks up momentum and the reader’s interest. The topic of alcohol abuse is handled well with the historical elements leading up to the Temperance Movement in the United States. The character of Susanna is often easy to relate to and Johann is very likeable. Overall, Ms Elliott creates an interesting story with dynamic characters and a reasonably happy ending.