Nightingale
Susan May Warren
Summerside, Nov 1 2010, $12.99
www.summerside.com
ISBN: 9781609360252

Just prior to both of them going overseas as part of the war effort, Esther Lange and her fianc Linus Hahn had a one night stand in the back of a borrowed car. Esther works for the Red Cross while Linus is a solider. When Esther became pregnant with their child, the Red Cross sent her home. Linus learns he sired a daughter so he sends the pair to live with his prim and proper parents.

While mother and daughter live in the attic for the past two years, Esther works as a nurse. Severely wounded, Linus has medic Peter Hess send a letter to Esther; who knows now Linus is dead. Esther and Peter begin exchanging correspondence. However, when she learns of Peter's secret and deception, she wants nothing more to do with him although she fell in love with her pen pal.

This WW II drama is a fabulous historical romance with a wonderful spin re Peter; I recommend readers avoid the back cover as that gives away part of the early charm. Wisconsin during WW II provides a wonderful prime backdrop. Character driven by Esther, Peter and their respective memories (as well as those of the Hahn parents) of Linus, Susan May Warren provides a powerful war of the hearts.

Harriet Klausner