Hannah and the Nightingale: A Whimsical Regency Romance

Hannah & the Nightingale by Sienna Peake is an utterly delightful novella that swept me into a whimsical world of music, nature, and young love. Hannah’s violin playing carries a magic that draws both nightingales and Rupert, the duke’s son, into her orbit. Their romance blossoms in secret gardens, strengthened by simplicity and affection but threatened by duty and expectation.

Title: Hannah & the Nightingale

Author: Sienne Peake

Series: Once in a Wood

Genre: Historical Fiction

Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐

Disclaimer

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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

My Thoughts:

An absolutely delightful story about the daughter of a Vicar and the son of a Duke. Hannah finds her greatest happiness playing her violin in the gardens between her home and the Duke’s. The Duke’s son, Rupert, seeks out the beautiful music he hears coming from the gardens. That’s how it all begins.

A young love grows quickly between Hannah and Rupert. Each of them wanting a future that includes the other, but Rupert’s father has other plans for him. As he struggles with time away from Hannah and the happiness he feels with her, he realizes what he must do.

There are two elements of this story that I loved.

First, the whimsical feel of Hannah in the gardens playing her violin and the interaction she has with the nightingales. When she plays, they sing their bird tunes right along with her. It almost reminds me of Snow White in a way where she seems to attract the love of nature right to her. Hannah’s musical skill is also highly admired by anyone that hears her play.

Secondly, is the confidence and nature of Rupert. While he’s the son of a Duke, he has his own whimsical nature. He writes stories, similar to fairytales, that entertain and bewilder Hannah’s younger siblings. It’s also the way in which he shows his affections for Hannah.

This short novella was endearing and a lovely reminder that happiness is found in simplicity and when we find those small comforts, we should hold them dearly and never let go.

Publisher’s Blurb:

He’s the son of a duke. She’s the daughter of a vicar. Will the power of song bring them together?

Hannah Bell is overwhelmed. Her mother passed away two years ago and her father is constantly busy with his duties as a vicar, leaving her to manage the household and her five younger siblings. Playing the violin is one of her few sources of solace. When two unexpected visitors arrive in the forest, Hannah’s life begins to change. Will her music lead her to a brighter future? Will she have the strength to grasp it?

Rupert de Lacy is the only son of the Duke of Arlington and he knows he must never forget it. His father expects him to be the perfect model of stiff, stern propriety, but Rupert’s heart is set on fairy tales and long walks in the woods. When he stumbles upon a new friend at the edge of the forest, he feels safe to be himself for the very first time. But will he have the courage to move forward, even against his father’s wishes?

Hannah and the Nightingale is a sweet, clean Regency romance inspired by the fairy tale The Nightingale. It is the fourth book in the Regency fairy tale retellings series Once in a Wood. Each book in the series is a stand alone work, and the stories can be enjoyed in any order.

Once in a Wood series–Where fairy tale forests meet Regency romance

Pearl and the Baker – inspired by Hansel & Gretel

Rosalyn and the Wolf – inspired by Little Red Riding Hood

Guinevere and the Three Brothers – inspired by Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Hannah and the Nightingale – inspired by The Nightingale