The Nightingale

by Agnes Sligh Turnbull

In small town America of the turn of the century, both thinking and making a living for oneself were for men only. But at 25, the beautiful and talented Violet Carpenter chose to wait for the love that would last a lifetime. Obliged to support herself, Violet opens her home to tourists and her heart to poetry, little dreaming that both will lead to romantic crossroads, and that her fabled golden nightingale will sing at last for love.

Genres: Romance, Fiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Novelist Agnes Sligh Turnbull was born in 1888 in New Alexandria, PA. After a dozen years as a short story writer, Turnbull wrote her first novel, The Rolling Years, published in 1936. In the 14 additional novels she wrote over the next 40-plus years, Turnbull built a thorough chronicle of the Scots who settled and farmed rural Westmoreland County. Turnbull died in 1982.

Reviews

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolute delight to read, the main character was so very twentysomething Anne’ish I had to stop myself thinking she was not a Montgomery creation.

[Diane Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. I will definitely be looking for more of her works. Country village living, but oh so much more!

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, a delight. Which is a huge relief as I bought it over from Tas to WA unread and it took up valuable space in our car 😂

Finished! A beautiful read 💕

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORE THIS BOOK. I first read it when I was a very young lady, in my 20's, and the romance of the time period as well as the genteel nature of the characters made me long to join them. The portrayal of the love and concern among the townfolk, and the various twists in the plot make this the PERFECT summer read. When you finish this novel you will feel certain that finding true love is an experience to be cherished and savored. Absolutely Delightful!

[Tricia McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely sweet, feminine, clean romance set in a rural PA town. The author has a good hand with drawing characters. I read and re-read this after stumbling across it ona "Staff's Picks" table at our library.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very gentle and sweet read. A young teacher, who has no family left, opens her home to boarders rather than rush into a marriage not based on true love.

[Tashina Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. Cute, but ultimately shallow. This book was a strange mix. It was mostly a "nice" and "good" book with nice people doing mostly nice things. I agree with some other commenters that it's reminiscent of Anne of Green Gables.

I'd say the mystery overshadowed the romance a bit, but it was only a mystery to the characters rather than the reader. She does not shy away from death. That's not a spoiler, only to say that death of is a part of life and is not left out of the book. I enjoyed it but wouldn't bother to read it again or seek out more of her books.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just about the time I figure I've out-grown romances, I go back to someone like Agnes Sligh Turnbull, and realize that I can still thoroughly enjoy a well-constructed story with appealing characters, and interesting situations. This, to me, was definitely such a book. Guess some of us never grow up!

[Judy Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent and well written sequel to Gown of Glory. I enjoyed hearing about some characters I already recognized, but to learn more deeply of others this time. Her prose is very refreshing, relaxing, yet thought-provoking. I highly recommend it!

[Lita Bouquard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this 2 and a half stars if I could. I enjoyed the story of a music box and its metaphor for love at first sight, but there were quite a few Scottish colloquialism's, as well as references to hymns and things of a day gone past that I was unfamiliar with.
I never read this before but had read and loved The Rolling Years when I was young. Thanks to goodreads I found this title and had to request it from the closed stacks at my library.
Just like in the Rolling Years Turnbull captures country life and the everyday occurrences with ease. Her vivid descriptions of Violet -a teacher who writes poetry and longs for love to come with a flood and the song of a nightingale and her town make one long and fear life in a small town. The gossip which can help or hinder and runs rampant as when the Nightingale music box is stolen from Violet's home. She has opened her home to travelers who with the new fangled autos now can journey and need a place to stay. She and Katie her housekeeper/mother figure are struggling with financial woes. Accusations and suspicions as well as the care and goodness of the town, along with the author's ability to ponder the mistakes people make keep this book from being boring. I unconventional ending also as Violet finds love. If you want a glimpse into life as it was when people were naive and trusting and life was simple ) then try The Nightegale. There is a lot of poetry and some wisdom in it.

[Gaynor Harffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. One of my favourites now. About two sisters during the 2nd world war. How they chose different directions, but both assisting others in their survival for life. One assisting the fallen British/American pilots get to Spain through a network of people. The other housing Jewish babies who have been left for hopefully a better life than their parents. Couldn’t put it down

[Hollie Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve ever read. Gripping story and characters. I enjoyed the point of view of the women in occupied France. Amazing story and great twist at the end. Expect tears. It’s a must read!

[Eileen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Need editing – way too much small town gossip, almost all incorrect conjecture. More action and less talk would have made a more interesting book.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all-time favorite romances.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read again in 1995. Still one of my favorites of all time!